W.B.C.S Current Affairs 28 July 2018 to 03 August 2018

The Importance of Current Affairs in W.B.C.S examinations is immense.Success inW.B.C.S  Prelims and W.B.C.S Mains Exam is mainly subjected to how well an aspirant is aware of the important current affairs. Preparation of current affairs for W.B.C.S is the key to unlock the exam.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 28 July 2018 to 3 August 2018.

1) 141st birth anniversary of freedom fighter and designer (architect) of Indian National Flag Pingali Venkayya was observed on August 2, 2018. Pingali Venkayya: He was born on August 2, 1876 in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh and died in 1963. He was firm believer in Gandhian principles and ardent nationalist. He was also linguist, geolist and writer. At young age, he had served as soldier in British India Army in South Africa during Anglo Boer war in Africa. During his stint with British Army he had met Mahatama Gandhi in Africa. He was 19 when meeting took place and formed association Gandhiji which would last for more than 50 years. After his return from Africa, he had most of his time researching about farming and cultivating cotton. He even went on to study Sanskrit, Urdu and Japanese Anglo Vedic School in Lahore. Such credentials also had given him interesting titles like ‘Japan Venkayya’, ‘Patti (cotton) Venkayya’ and ‘Jhanda Venkayya’. Flag Designing: Venkayya had published book in 1916 offering thirty designs of what could make Indian flag. Throughout all Congress sessions between 1918 and 1921, he relentlessly put forward idea of having flag of our own in every session of the Congress. Back then, he was working as lecturer in Andhra National College in Machilipatnam. He met Gandhiji once again in Vijayawada and showed him his publication with various designs of flag. Acknowledging need for national flag, Gandhiji then asked Venkayya to design fresh one at national congress meeting in 1921. Initially, he came up with saffron and green colours, but it later evolved with spinning wheel at centre (representation wheel of dharma and law) and third colour-white. This modified flag design was approved Gandhiji and later officially adopted by Indian National Congress in 1931. Present Flag: India’s National Flag (tricolor or तिरंगा) is based on Swaraj flag of Indian National Congress designed by Pingali Venkayya. It was adopted during by Constituent Assembly on the 22 July 1947, a few days before India’s independence from the British. The national flag is horizontal rectangular tricolour of India saffron, white and India green, with Ashoka Chakra (24-spoke wheel) in navy blue at its centre. Usage of national flag is governed by Flag Code of India and other laws relating to the national emblems. The flag code also governs protocol of flying flag and its use in conjunction with other national and non-national flags.

2) Kadaknath chicken meat from Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh has received Geographical Indication (GI) tag from Chennai based Geographical Indication Registry and Intellectual Property India. GI tag denotes that product comes from particular geographical. Kadaknath chicken was awarded GI tag in “Meat Product, Poultry & Poultry Meat” category. The application for GI was made by Gramin Vikas Trust of Krishak Bharati Cooperative (KRIBHCO) on behalf of tribals of Jhabua district who breed the variety. Significance: GI tag will ensure that no one else can use name Kadaknath Chicken while selling any other black chicken. It will also enhances its commercial value that will translate into higher prices for producers mainly tribal districts of Jhabua. Kadaknath Chicken: Kadaknath or Kali Masi (flowl with black flash) is unique breed of chicken that is complete black colour. It is completely black with black plumage having greenish iridescence, black legs, beak, tongue, comb and wattles. Apart from its meat, its bones and most organs are also black. Its black colour stems from deposition of melanin pigment. This breed of chicken is popular for its adaptability and flavourful good-tasting black meat, which is believed to have medicinal properties. It is native tribal districts of Jhabua, Alirajpur and parts of Dhar in Madhya Pradesh. It is produced mainly in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh states of India. Kadaknath chicken contains 25-27% of protein in comparison with other breeds of chickens that contain 18% protein. It is also known for its high iron content. It has fat and cholesterol content lower compared with other chicken breeds. Due to this special characteristics, Kadaknath chicken’s chicks and eggs are sold at much higher rate than other varieties of chicken. This chicken breed is very popular among local tribal people mainly due to its adaptability to the local environment, disease resistance, meat quality, texture and flavour.

3) Andhra Pradesh Government has approved Mukhyamantri Yuva Nestam, an unemployment allowance scheme to provide Rs 1000 per month unemployed youth in state. It was announced by Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh who is also son of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu. Mukhyamantri Yuva Nestam Scheme: The scheme aims to provide Rs 1000 per month unemployed youth in the state. The allowance will directly credited in bank accounts of selected beneficiary through biometric authentication in transparent manner. It will not be applicable to those paying provident fund. The scheme will benefit 12 lakh youth in the 22-35 years age group from state. Registration for enrolling into scheme will start from either third or fourth week of August 2018. The website for the same will be launched in which the unemployed youth would register their details. Simultaneously, State Government impart skill development and train youth in fields of their interests. It is also planning to roll out apprenticeship programme by integrating state and central schemes through which the youth can get on-job training and upgrade their skills.

4) Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) under Ministry of Commerce and Industry has unveiled tricolour logo for geographical indication (GI) certified products. The logo has tagline “Invaluable Treasures of Incredible India” printed below it. Key Facts: In the open contest, winning logo was designed by Adri Chatterjee and winning tagline was coined by Akancha Tripathi. The purpose of logo and tagline for GI selected is to increase awareness about intellectual property rights (IPRs) and also and importance of GI products in the country. From now on, GI-registered goods will sport logo and tagline to make them more attractive. Geographical Indication (GI): GI tag is name or sign used on certain products which correspond to specific geographical location or origin. It is used for agricultural, natural and manufactured goods having special quality and established reputation. The goods and products having tag are recognised for their origin, quality and reputation and gives it required edge in global market. It also ensures that none can use their name, giving them exclusivity. The registration of GI is valid for 10 years after which it needs to be renewed. Violation of GI tags is punishable offence under law. The purpose of GI tag enables stakeholders to authenticate their production while earning a premium and derive an improved livelihood. GI is covered as element of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property. At international level, GI is governed by WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). In India, GI tag Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection Act), 1999 governs it. This Act is administered by Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, who is also Registrar of Geographical Indications and is based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. So far, total of 320 products have been conferred GI status in India. Darjeeling Tea, Tirupathi Laddu, Kangra Paintings, Nagpur Orange and Kashmir Pashmina are among registered GIs in India. Karnataka tops with 38 GI products, followed by Maharashtra which has 32 GI products. Tamil Nadu comes third with 25 GI products.

5) Lok Sabha has passed Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2018. It replaces the ordinance promulgated by President in May 2018 and amends Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts Act, 2015. The Act enables creation of commercial divisions in High Courts and commercial courts at district level to adjudicate commercial disputes such as disputes related to contracts for provision of goods and services and construction contracts. The amendment is aimed at improving ease of doing business in India. Key Features of Bill : Reduction in pecuniary limits: Under the parent Act, commercial courts and commercial divisions in High courts can decide commercial disputes with value of at least Rs. 1 crore. The Bill reduces this limit to Rs. 3 lakh. Establishment of certain commercial courts: The parent Act, empowers state governments to constitute commercial courts at district judge level, after consulting concerned High Court. It had barred such commercial courts to be constituted in cases where High Court has original jurisdiction to hear commercial cases. The Bill removes this bar and allows states to constitute commercial courts where High Courts have original jurisdiction. Commercial Appellate Courts: The Bills allows state governments to notify commercial appellate courts at the district judge level in areas where High Courts do not have ordinary original civil jurisdiction. These Appellate Courts will hear appeals against order of commercial court below level of district judge. Mediation: It introduces pre-institution mediation process in cases where no urgent, interim relief is contemplated. This aims to provide for opportunity to parties to resolve commercial disputes outside ambit of courts through authorities. This will also help in reinforcing investor’s confidence in the resolution of commercial disputes. Counterclaims not to be transferred: The Bill removes provision of counterclaim in relation to transfer of suits in a commercial dispute of at least Rs. 1 crore in civil court.

6) Union Ministry of Culture launched Seva Bhoj Yojna, a new scheme to provide financial assistance on purchase of specific food items by Charitable Religious Institutions (CRIs) for free distribution among people. Under this scheme, Centre’s share of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Interstate GST charged on raw food materials purchased by the religious institutions will be refunded. Seva Bhoj Yojna: The scheme aims to reimburse Central Government share of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) and Integrated Goods and Service Tax (IGST) to lessen financial burden of religious and charitable institutions providing food, prasad, langar (Community Kitchen), Bhandara free of cost without any discrimination to public and devotee. Beneficiaries: Religious and charitable institutions such as temples, gurudwara, mosque, church, dharmik ashram, dargah, matth, monasteries etc. having existence for at least five years and serve free food to at least 5000 people in month. Grant will be given to such institutions if they are covered under Section 10 (23BBA) of Income Tax (IT) Act or are institutions registered as Society under Societies Registration Act (XXI of 1860) or as Public Trust under any law for time being in force of statuary religious bodies or institutions registered under Section 12AA of IT Act. Selection: All eligible religious and charitable institutions first must registered with Darpan portal of NITI Aayog and get Unique ID generated by it. Thereafter, they shall enroll themselves in CSMS Portal on the Ministry of Culture’s website in prescribed format. The applications will be examined by committee constituted for purpose. On basis of recommendation of committee, competent authority in Ministry of Culture will register these institutions for reimbursing claim of CGST and Central Government share of IGST paid on mentioned specific items.

7) Union Cabinet has approved policy framework to permit exploration and exploitation of unconventional hydrocarbons such as Shale oil/gas, Coal Bed Methane (CBM) etc. It will be carried out under existing Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs), CBM contracts and Nomination fields to encourage existing contractors in licensed or leased area to unlock full potential of unconventional hydrocarbons in existing acreages. Significance: With this policy, there will be complete shift from One hydrocarbon Resource Type to Uniform Licensing Policy which is presently applicable in Discovered Small Field (DSF) Policy and Hydrocarbon Exploration & Licensing Policy (HELP). Benefits of this Policy Framework: It will enable the realization of prospective hydrocarbon reserves in existing contract areas which otherwise would have remain unexplored and unexploited. It will give impetus to new investment in exploration and production (E&P) activities and chances of finding new hydrocarbon discoveries and increasing domestic production. It will also spur exploration and exploitation of additional hydrocarbon resources giving impetus to new investment, economic activities, additional employment generation and thus benefitting various sections of society. This will also lead to induction of new, innovative and cutting-edge technology and forging new technological collaboration to exploit unconventional hydrocarbons. Background: Under existing contractual regime of PSCs, existing contractors are not allowed to explore and exploit CBM or other unconventional hydrocarbons in already allotted licensed or leased area. Similarly, CBM contractors are not allowed to exploit any other hydrocarbon except CBM. Acreages held at present by various contractors in PSCs and CBM blocks and National Oil Companies (NOCs) in nomination regime constitute a significant part of India’s sedimentary basin.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 28 July 2018 to 3 August 2018.

8) President Ram Nath Kovind has conferred Outstanding Parliamentarian Awards on five Members of Parliament. Recipients are- Dr Najma Heptulla: She is former Rajya Sabha MP. She was selected for this award for the year 2013. Hukumdev Narayan Yadav: He is Lok Sabha MP. He was selected for this award for the year for 2014. Ghulam Nabi Azad: He is Rajya Sabha and was selected for this award for the year for 2015. He is leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha representing Congress party. Dinesh Trivedi: He is Lok Sabha MP and was selected for 2016. Bhartruhari Mahatab: He is Lok Sabha MP and was selected for 2017. He is Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader. Outstanding Parliamentarian Award: The award was established in 1992 by Shivraj Patil who was then Speaker of Lok Sabha. Indian Parliamentary Group selects outstanding sitting Member of Parliament after considering his/her overall contribution in Parliament. The award is aimed to motivate elected representatives to work better.

9) Union Cabinet has approved first extension of Concessional Financing Scheme (CFS) for another five years from 2018 to 2023 to support Indian Entities bidding for strategically important infrastructure projects abroad. The scheme also has been liberalized, allowing any Indian company, irrespective of ownership eligible to benefits of it. Implementation: Under CFS, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) selects specific projects keeping in view strategic interest of India and sends same to Department of Economic Affairs (DEA). The strategic importance of project to deserve financing is decided on case to case basis, by Committee chaired by Secretary, DEA and with members from Department of Expenditure and Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance; MEA; Department of Industrial Promotion and Policy (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Home Affairs. Deputy National Security Adviser (Dy NSA) is also a member of this Committee. Once project is approved by Committee, DEA issues formal letter to Export-Import (EXIM) Bank conveying approval for financing of project. The Scheme is presently being operated through EXIM Bank, which raises resources from market to provide concessional finance. Union Government provides counter guarantee and interest equalization support of 2% to EXIM Bank to offer concessional finance to any foreign Government or its owned or controlled entity, if any Indian entity, succeeds in getting contract for execution of project. EXIM Bank can extend credit at rate not exceeding LIBOR (avg. of six months) + 100 bps. The repayment of loan is guaranteed by foreign government. Background: Prior to introduction of CFS, Indian entities were not able to bid for large projects abroad since cost of financing was very high for them and bidders from other countries such as China, Japan, Europe and US were able to provide credit at superior terms (i.e. lower interest rate and longer tenures giving advantage to bidders from those countries). Union Government is executing CFS since 2015-16 to support Indian entities bidding for strategically important infrastructure projects abroad. CFS has enabled India to generate substantial backward linkage induced jobs, demand for material and machinery in India and also created lot of goodwill for India.

10) China successfully launched Gaofen-11, an optical remote sensing satellite, as part of the country’s high-resolution Earth observation project. It was launched on board of Long March 4B rocket from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern Shanxi Province. It was overall 282nd flight mission by Long March carrier rocket. Key Facts: Gaofen-11 is sub-meter resolution optical satellite. It was developed by China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). It is the sixth in Gaofen series launched this year, following triplet of Gaofen-1 satellites and larger Gaofen-5 and Gaofen-6, all placed in Sun-synchronous orbits. It will become part of China High-resolution Earth Observation System (CHEOS) initiated in 2010 to provide all-weather, all-day coverage by 2020 with optical and synthetic aperture radar satellites, and could also include airborne and near-space systems such as stratospheric balloons. Gaofen-11 satellite will be used for land survey, urban planning, road network design, agriculture, and disaster relief. Its data will also be used for Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). China had unveiled BRI in 2013 with aim to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Gulf region, Africa and Europe with network of land and sea routes. Gaofen project: Gaofen means “high resolution” in Chinese. It is ambitious space project of China that aims to launch seven high-definition observation satellites before 2020. Gaofen-1 was the first satellite of the project series which was launched in April 2013. Presently, Gaofen-1 and Gaofen-2 satellites part of Gaofen project series are orbiting around the earth at low orbits around 600-700km. Since launch of Gaofen project, China has gained increasingly clearer view of planet.

11) NASA’s new planet hunting Spacecraft Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has become operational and has started collecting data after its successful launch in April 2018. Now, the TESS spacecraft will firstly scan patch of sky in southern hemisphere covering 2,300 degrees from south ecliptic pole to near ecliptic plane. Basically, it’s looking for potential exoplanets in a strip of the sky running from the far south to near the equator. Eventually, Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS): TESS mission is led by Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Kavli Institute for Astrophysics and Space Research. It is designed to find potential planets orbiting stars close to Earth. It will identify such planets by spotting decreased brightness of stars after planet passes in front of it. It is successor to Kepler, the space observatory which is responsible for detecting most of the currently known exoplanets. Primary mission objective of TESS: Survey brightest stars near Earth for transiting exoplanets over two-year period. It will use array of wide-field cameras to perform all-sky survey. Create catalog of thousands of exoplanet candidates using transit photometry method. Features: TESS observatory weighs just 362 kilograms. It has four wide-view cameras surrounded by sun shade to monitor any dips in brightness from target stars. TESS has no instruments capable of detecting life. Its main job is to find and characterize planets that will become main targets of future telescopes. Methodology: Like its predecessor Kepler, TESS will use transit method to detect exoplanets. It watches distant stars for small dips in brightness, which can indicate that planet has passed in front of them. Repeated dips will indicate planet passing in front of its star. This data has to be validated by repeated observations and verified by scientists. TESS will be able to observe about 85% of sky over its expected two-year mission. The first year will cover southern hemisphere and then it will move on to northern half of the sky. Significance of TESS: Data collected by it will help to study mass, size, density and orbit of large cohort of small planets, including sample of rocky worlds in habitable zones (goldilocks zone) of their host stars. This will reveal whether planets are rocky (like Earth), gas or jovian giants (like Jupiter) or something even more unusual. TESS will be able to scan more of sky than its predecessor Kepler did, but it won’t look at objects as far away. Kepler had maximum range of around 3,000 light years, but TESS’s maximum range is of 300 light years. TESS will be able to track down more super-Earth planets with its powerful array of cameras as compared to Kepler.

12) Scientists from National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) have successfully identified molecular and cellular mechanisms by which Zika virus causes microcephaly. Babies born with microcephaly have significantly smaller head size compared with normal babies. Key Findings: The researchers found envelop protein (E protein) of Zika virus, which is responsible for entry of virus into brain stem cells, was responsible for arresting proliferation of human foetal neural stem cells and also killing cells that were becoming neuron-like. The combined effect reduces pool of foetal brain cells leading to smaller size of the brain. Significance: The study shows that neutralising E protein of Zika virus can help prevent or reduce its harmful effects in developing foetus. The E protein can be seen as likely therapeutic target. The E protein in Zika virus is mutated and very different from envelop protein of other flaviviruses such as dengue, yellow fever, west nilevirus, and Japanese encephalitis. It was found to be more potent in arresting the proliferation of brain stem cells. The other three envelop proteins were acting in less significant manner. Zika virus: Zika virus is vector borne disease transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which also transmits dengue. It can also spread through blood transfusion and sexual contact. It is capable of causing serious birth defects i.e. neurological disorders and foetal deformation known as Microcephaly in which infants are born with abnormally smaller heads. Besides possible link between virus and Guillain-Barré syndrome (a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system) is also suspected. There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available to treat Zika. The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites and clearing stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

13) Common Service Center (CSC) and National Health Accounts (NHA) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement the Ayushman Bharat scheme through 3 lakh Common Service Centers (CSCs) across the country. Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) aims cover over 10 crore poor vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) providing coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakh (per family per year) for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. Benefits: Beneficiaries of Ayushman Bharat can visit nearby CSCs across India to get the benefit of this scheme. CSCs will help beneficiary to identify his name in Health Ministry database and his entitlement for the scheme. It will also help beneficiary to scan and upload his KYC documents for verification of his identity and claim his entitlement. It will also provide beneficiary facility to print his Ayushman Scheme card which will be his base source claim. This card can be used at hospitals to claim the benefits under Ayushman Bharat Abhiyan. CSCs will also provide requisite information about scheme and promote it among citizens so that maximum number of beneficiaries can avail the benefit. Common Service Centres (CSC): CSC is an initiative of Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY). It is strategic cornerstone of Digital India programme. It is pan-India network catering to regional, geographic, linguistic and cultural diversity of country, thus enabling Government’s mandate of a socially, financially and digitally inclusive society. There are as many as 2.91 lakh CSCs operate in the country today. They are mostly ICT enabled front end service delivery points at village level for delivery of government and private services. These CSCs serve as access points for delivery of essential public utility services, social welfare schemes, financial, healthcare, education and agriculture services, apart from host of B2C services to citizens in rural and remote areas of the country. They also serve as change agents by promoting rural entrepreneurship and building rural capacities and livelihoods.

14) Lok Sabha has passed Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2018 to bring relief to the home buyers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The Bill replaces ordinance promulgated in this regard and amends the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. Background: Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 provides time-bound process to resolution of insolvency among companies and individuals. Insolvency is situation where individual or company is unable to repay their outstanding debt. Government in November 2017 had set up Insolvency Law Committee to review IBC and identify issues in its implementation and suggest changes. The Committee had made several recommendations such as exempting MSMEs from certain provisions of IBC, treating allottees under real estate project as financial creditors, reducing voting thresholds of committee of creditors (CoC), among others. Subsequently, President had promulgated Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018 in June 2018 after approval of Central Government. Key Features of Bill: Status of allottees: The Bill clarifies that allottee under real estate project i.e. buyer of under-construction residential or commercial property will be considered as financial creditor, as amount raised from allottees for financing real estate project has commercial effect of a borrowing. Representative of financial creditors: It specifies that in certain cases, such as when debt is owed to a class of creditors, the financial creditors will be represented on committee of creditors by authorised representative. These representatives will vote on behalf of financial creditors as per prior instructions received from them. Voting threshold of committee of creditors: The voting threshold for decisions of committee of creditors has been lowered from 75% to 51%. For certain key decisions of committee like appointment of resolution professional, approval of the resolution plan and increasing time limit for insolvency resolution process threshold has been reduced from 75% to 66%. Ineligibility to be resolution applicant: Bill amends criteria which prohibits certain persons from submitting resolution plan. It provides that this criterion will not apply if such applicant is financial entity and not related party to debtor with certain exceptions. It specifies that such bar will apply if such guarantee has been invoked by creditor and remains unpaid. Applicability of Code to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): The Bill specifies that ineligibility criteria for resolution applicants regarding Non Performing Assets (NPAs) and guarantors will not be applicable to persons applying for resolution of MSMEs. It empowers Central government in public interest to modify or remove other provisions of IBC while applying them to MSMEs. Withdrawal of submitted applications: The Bill increases vote required for withdrawal resolution application from National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) after such process has been initiated by 90% vote of committee of creditors.

15) Union Government has imposed safeguard duty of 25% on import of solar cells (whether or not assembled in modules or panels) from China and Malaysia. The move is aimed at helping domestic solar cell manufacturing sector. But it could affect existing projects dependent on cheap imports and hike solar power tariffs in India since around 90% of panels sector uses solar cells made in China and Malaysia. Safeguard Duty is tariff barrier imposed by government on the commodities to ensure that imports in excessive quantities do not harm the domestic industry. It is mainly temporary measure undertaken by government in defence of the domestic industry which is harmed or has potential threat getting hared due to sudden cheap surge in imports. Key Facts: The decision by Union Government follows long deliberation by Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR), which recommended safeguard duty structure after considering application by Indian solar cell manufacturers. They had sought protection from rising cheap imports. The 20% safeguard duty will be effective for one year between July 30, 2018, and July 29, 2019. It will be reduced to 20% for six months from July 30, 2019, and further to 15% in the subsequent half year. It will not be imposed on imports from developing countries other than China and Malaysia. Challenges for domestic industry: India’s domestic industry has around half-a-dozen makers of solar cells and modules, with total capacity of around 3,000 MW. This is hardly enough to meet country’s burgeoning demand. The safeguard duty now puts locally-made panels on par with imported ones in terms of cost. Solar Power projects now will have to revive their supply chain and make input components locally instead of importing them and put modules together here. Domestic sector is not being fully exploited because of obsolete technology. Moreover price of solar equipment produced in the country is not competitive as compared to that of foreign manufacturers, especially Chinese manufacturers. Domestic sector needs to do lot more to be effective meet required standards as compared to imported solar cells. They also need to improve technology.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 28 July 2018 to 3 August 2018.

16) As per data released by Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, index of eight core industries expanded to 7-month high of 6.7% in June 2018. This was due to better performance by cement, refinery and coal sectors of the index. The previous high was witnessed in November 2017 at 6.9%. The growth rate in May 2018 was 4.3%. Breakaway of June 2018: Key Facts- The combined index of eight core industries stands at 129.8 in June 2018 and was 6.7% higher as compared to the index of June 2017. Its cumulative growth during April to June 2018-19 was 5.2%. This growth in the core industry is considered by two factors.One is that government investment in infrastructure projects is going up, driving industries such as steel. The other is petroleum products are mainly exported and drive to increase exports will be pushing this up. Core industries: Core industries are main or key industries of the economy. In most countries, these particular industry are backbone of all other industries. In India, there are eight core sectors comprising of coal, crude oil, natural gas, petroleum refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity. The eight infrastructure sectors, constitute 40.27% of the total index of industrial production (IIP). Revised weightage in core sectors: Petroleum Refinery production (weight: 28.04%), Electricity generation (19.85%), Steel production (17.92%), Coal production (10.33%), Crude Oil production (8.98%), Natural Gas production (6.88%), Cement production (5.37%), Fertilizers production (2.63%).

17) Rajasthan became first state in the country to implement National Policy on Biofuels unveiled by Union Government in May 2018. Its implementation was approved by high-power Biofuel Authority. It was also decided that dtate Government will release Biofuel Rules, 2018. Key Facts: Under this policy, State Government will lay emphasis on increasing production of oilseeds and establish Centre for Excellence in Udaipur to promote research in fields of alternative fuels and energy resources. Biodiesel plant of capacity of eight tonnes per day already has been installed in State with financial assistance of Indian Railways. State government will give emphasis to promote marketing of biofuels and generate awareness about them. State Rural Livelihood Development Council will also encourage women’s self help groups (SHGs) to explore the scope for additional income through supply of biodiesel. National Policy on Biofuels – 2018: The policy categorises of biofuels into first generation (1G), second generation (2G) and third generation (3G) to enable extension of appropriate financial and fiscal incentives under each category. It seeks to help farmers dispose of their surplus stock in economic manner and reduce country’s oil import dependence. It has expanded scope of raw material for ethanol production by allowing use of sugarcane juice, sugar containing materials like sweet sorghum, sugar beet, starch containing materials like corn, cassava, damaged food grains like broken rice, wheat, rotten potatoes, unfit for human consumption for ethanol production. It also encourages setting up of supply chain mechanisms for biodiesel production from non-edible oilseeds, used cooking oil, short gestation crops.

18) United States has designated India as Strategic Trade Authorization-1 (STA-1) country that will allow country to buy highly advanced and cutting-edge sensitive technologies from America. This coveted status brings India in par with US’s closest allies and partners such as NATO. STA-1 designation authorizes export, re-export and transfer (in-country) of specified items on Commerce Control List to destinations posing a low risk of unauthorised or impermissible uses. Currently there are 36 countries on STA-1 list. India is only South Asian country to be on the list. Other Asian countries designated as STA-1 are Japan and South Korea. Key Facts: Under STA-1, India and US have reached understanding under which India will receive license-free access to wide range of dual-use technologies in conjunction with steps that India has committed to take to advance its export control objectives. STA-1 treatment will expand scope of technology exports subject to Export Administration Regulations (EAR) that can be made to India without individual licenses. It will further enhance bilateral defence trade relationship and result in a greater volume of US exports to India. Significance: This new designation reflects India’s membership in three of four multilateral export control regimes, as well development of its national export control system. It will allow US companies to more efficiently export much wider range of products to Indian high technology and military customers. It will benefit US manufacturers while continuing to protect its national security. It will provide India greater supply chain efficiency, both for defence and for other high-tech products that will increase activity with US systems, interoperability of systems and will reduce time and resources needed to get licensing approved. It will improve India’s partnership with United States to improve its own export control regimes and has met most of the export control rules which the US thinks is useful. It will be also competitive advantage for US, in terms of supplying those kinds of products to India.

19) Scientists have identified new shape called scutoid while studying epithelial cells. Epithelial tissue is one of four kinds of tissue that forms human bodym which acts as safety shield of body that make up cell walls lining our blood vessels and organs. Scutoid shape has five sides on one end and six on the other and a triangular surface on one of its longer edges. and It is completely new to geometry and resembles beetle’s scutellum (shield-like structure) from top-down view. Key Facts: Scientists had used computer modeling and imaging to identify this shape. It had produced strange, prism-like shape, one with six sides on one end, five on other, and strange triangular protrusion coming out of one of sides. Scientists had used microcopy and computer imaging to supplement findings of computer modeling by taking up-close look at epithelial tissues of fruit flies and zebrafish. As predicted, they discovered scutoid shape. Significance: As tissues and organs develop, epithelial cells squish together, twisting and turning into highly efficient and complex 3-D structures of scutoid shape that help block microbes from entering our skin or organs. It also makes the packing stable and “energetically efficient.” The discovery of scutoid shape will help to explain how cells arrange themselves in tightly packed three-dimensional (3D) structures that serve as protective barriers in body. It will contribute to the field of tissue engineering specifically development of artificial organs. It will be useful in other fields beyond biology, such as mathematics and engineering.

20) Lok Sabha has passed Homoeopathy Central Council (Amendment) Bill, 2018 by voice vote to replace Ordinance promulgated by President in May 2018. It amends Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973 which sets up Central Council of Homoeopathy and regulates homoeopathic education and practice. Key Features of Bill: Supersession of Central Council: The Bill amends 1973 Act to provide for supersession of Central Council with effect from May 18, 2018. The Council will be reconstituted within 1 year from date of its supersession. In the interim period, Board of Governors constituted by central government will exercise powers of Central Council. Board of Governors: It will consist of up to seven members including persons of eminence in field of homoeopathy education, eminent administrators, appointed by Union Government. The Central Government will select one of these members as Chairperson of Board. With regard to policy decisions, directions of the central government will be final. Permission for existing homoeopathy colleges: The Bill states that if any homoeopathy medical college has been established or if any established homoeopathy medical college has opened new courses or increased its admission capacity before ordinance was promulgated, then it will have to seek permission from Union Government within 1 year. If homoeopathy medical college fails to seek such permission, then medical qualification granted by it to student will not be recognised under this law.

21) India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) is expected to go live with 650 branches in addition to 3,250 access points co-located at post offices in August, 2018 following final clearance from Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to start. RBI has given approval to IPPB after testing its entire system. Key Facts: IPPB was incorporated on August 17, 2016 under Companies Act, 2013 as a public limited company with 100% Government of India equity under Department of Posts (Ministry of Communication & Technology). It was the third entity to receive payments bank permit after Airtel and Paytm. Around 11,000 gramin dak sevaks (in rural area) and postmen (in urban area) will provide doorstep banking services. IPPB also has been given permission to link around 170 million postal savings bank (PSB) account with its account. It will also carry out RTGS, NEFT, IMPS transaction that will enable IPPB customers to transfer and receive money from any bank account. Payments bank: Payments bank is new model of banking allows mobile firms, supermarket chains and others to cater to banking requirements of individuals and small businesses to further enhance financial inclusion. It will be set up as differentiated bank and will confine its activities to acceptance of demand deposits, remittance services, internet banking and other specified services but cannot undertake lending services. Payments bank can accept deposits maximum up to Rs 100,000 per account from individuals and small businesses. They can issue ATM/debit cards but not credit cards and can also issue other prepaid payment instruments. They also can distribute non-risk sharing simple financial products like mutual funds and insurance products.

22) Lok Sabha has passed Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2018 to provide death penalty to those convicted of raping girls below the age of 12 years. The Bill replaces ordinance promulgated by President in April 2018 and amends Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Indian Evidence Act. Key Provisions of the Bill: It provides for stringent punishment of jail term of minimum 20 years or life imprisonment or death for rape of girl less than 12 years. It provides punishment with imprisonment for rest of life or death sentence in case of gang rape of girl below 12 years. It increases minimum punishment from 10 years to 20 years for crime of rape of girl under 16 years, which can be extended to imprisonment for rest of life. It increases minimum punishment for rape of women from rigorous imprisonment of 7 years to 10 years, which can be extended to life imprisonment. It provides for speedy investigation and trial, which must be completed in two months. It proposes 6 months’ time limit for disposal of appeals in rape cases. It provides dedicated manpower for investigation of rape cases in time bound manner. It provides no provision for anticipatory bail for person accused of rape or gang rape of girl under 16 years. It has also been provided that court has to give notice of 15 days to Public Prosecutor and representative of victim before deciding bail applications in case of rape of a girl under 16 years of age. It has provision for maintaining national database and profile of sexual offenders by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). This data will be regularly shared with States/UTs for monitoring, tracking and investigation including verification of antecedents by police.

23) Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approved implementation of Strategic Partnership guidelines. It is considered as major step towards boosting private sector participation in domestic defence manufacturing. The policy had come into effect in May 2017 but progress was delayed due to lack of specific guidelines. Strategic Partnership Guidelines: SP model aims to revitalise defence industrial ecosystem and progressively build indigenous capabilities in private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex weapon system for future needs of armed forces. It lay emphasis on incentivisation of transfer of niche technology and higher indigenous content. The SP model has four segments — submarines, single engine fighter aircraft, helicopters and armoured carriers/main battle tanks which will be specifically opened up for the private sector. Under this model, one Indian private company will be selected in each segment which will tie-up with shortlisted global equipment manufacturers to manufacture platforms in India through technology transfer under Make in India. All procurements under the SP model would be executed by specially constituted Empowered Project Committees to “provide focussed attention and ensure timely execution.” Significance: These guidelines lay emphasis on incentivisation of transfer of niche technology and higher indigenous content from global majors, who in collaboration with Indian partners are ready to make India regional and global defence manufacturing hub. It will give major fillip towards encouraging self-reliance and aligning defence sector with the ‘Make in India ‘ initiative.

24) World Day against Trafficking in Persons is observed every year on July 30 to raise awareness of the plight of human trafficking victims, and promote and protect their rights. This year, theme chosen by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is ‘responding to the trafficking of children and young people’. It highlights fact that almost third of trafficking victims are children. It draws attention to issues faced by trafficked children and to possible action initiatives linked to safeguarding and ensuring justice for child victims. Background: Human trafficking is trade of humans, most commonly for purpose of forced labour, commercial sexual exploitation or sexual slavery for the trafficker or others. International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 21 million people are victims of forced labour globally. This estimate also includes victims of human trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation. Every country in the world is affected by human trafficking, whether as country of origin, transit or destination for victims. According to UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, children make up almost third of all human trafficking victims worldwide. Additionally, women and girls comprise 71% of human trafficking victims. World Day against Trafficking in Persons: United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had designated July 30 as the World Day against Trafficking in Persons by adopting resolution A/RES/68/192 in 2013. The resolution had declared that observance of day is necessary to raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for promotion and protection of their rights.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 28 July 2018 to 3 August 2018.

25) Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approval proposal for acquisition of 8 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) for Indian Coast Guard at an approximate cost of Rs 800 crore. It also approved platform specific guidelines for procurement of Naval Utility helicopters. Similar guidelines for the other categories will be issued soon. DAC is Defence Ministry’s highest decision-making body on capital procurement of Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force). 8 Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs): These vessels will be procured under ‘Buy (lndian-lDDM)’ category. They will be indigenously designed and manufactured. Their induction will strengthen maritime security by undertaking day and night patrolling and policing of Maritime Zones of India. They will play important role ininterception of vessels and personnel engaged in anti-sabotage anti-terrorist, anti-smuggling operations as well as provide assistance for Search and Rescue medical evacuation, disaster relief operations and assistance during pollution response operations, etc.

26) Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has unveiled blueprint of Deep Ocean Mission (DOM). The mission proposes to explore deep-ocean by emulating success of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in designing and launching satellites. For this mission, Centre has drawn up a five-year, Rs. 8,000 crore plan to explore deep recesses of the ocean. Features of Mission: The focus of DOM is on deep-sea mining, ocean climate change advisory services, underwater vehicles and underwater robotics related technologies. Two key projects planned under it include desalination plant powered by tidal energy and submersible vehicle that can explore depths of at least 6,000 metres. Background: India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) spreads over 2.2 million sq. km and in the deep sea, lies unexplored and unutilised. Besides, India has been allotted site of 1,50,000 sq. km in Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) by United Nations International Sea Bed Authority (UN-ISBA) for exploitation of polymetallic nodules (PMN). These are rocks scattered on seabed containing iron, nickel, manganese and cobalt. It is envisaged that 10% of recovery of that large reserve can meet energy requirement of India for next 100 years. It has been estimated that 380 million metric tonnes of polymetallic nodules are available at the bottom of the seas in CIOB.

27) India is in talks with United States to procure National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System-II (NASAMS-II), an advanced air defence system at $1 billion to defend National Capital Region (NCR) from aerial attacks. The proposal is in Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) stage now which was approved by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. NASAMS-II: NASAMS-II is an upgraded version of the NASAMS developed by Raytheon in partnership with KONGSBERG Defence and Aerospace of Norway. It has been operational since 2007. It features new 3D mobile surveillance radars and 12 missile launchers for quicker reaction. NASAMS-II is highly adaptable mid-range solution for any operational air defence requirement. It provides tailorable, state-of-the-art defence system that can maximise the ability to quickly identify, engage and destroy current and evolving enemy aircraft, UAV or emerging cruise missile threats. NASAMS-II is armed with 3D Sentinel radars, short and medium-range missiles, launchers, fire-distribution centers and command-and-control units to quickly detect, track and shoot down multiple airborne threats. It is part of the air defence network guarding US capital city Washington DC. It is also deployed in several NATO countries. Significance for India: India’s purchase of NASAMS-II will help in preventing 9/11-type on NCT Delhi. It will also complement India’s other systems such as the medium and long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems under procurement. With this, India will join league of nations including US, Russia and Israel etc. who have their own missile defence systems to protect their national capital regions. Background: India is deploying multi-tiered air defence network to fully secure its airspace from incoming fighter aircraft, missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). It is also in advanced stage of talks with Russia for procurement of very long range S-400 air defence systems. Apart from these imports, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is in the final stages of developing its two-tier Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system which is designed to track and destroy nuclear missiles both inside (endo) and outside (exo) earth’s atmosphere. Phase-I of indigenous BMD is expected to be deployed soon.

28) Union Government has constituted High Level Empowered Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary to address issues of Stressed Thermal Power Projects. The committee has representatives from Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Power, Ministry of Coal and lenders having major exposure to the power sector. Key Facts: The Committee will look into various issues with view to stressed assets or non-performing assets in thermal power and maximise efficiency of investment including changes required to be made in fuel allocation policy, regulatory framework, mechanisms to facilitate sale of power, ensure timely payments, payment security mechanism. It will also consider if changes are required in provisioning norms, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), asset restructuring company (ARC) regulations and any other measures proposed for revival of stressed assets to avoid investments from turning bad. Background: Department of Financial Services under Ministry of Finance in its report had suggested setting up empowered panel, besides giving operating thermal power plants not facing insolvency action 6 months more months to resolve issues. The report came after Allahabad High Court in June 2018 had ordered that no action will be taken against power producers till they are heard. The power generation companies had challenged Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) February 2018 circular that laid down stricter timelines for initiating insolvency proceedings. It also mandated that banks classify even one-day delay in debt servicing as default. Private power producers feared that t RBI’s new regulations will push projects with capacity of about 60,000-70,000 megawatts (MW) towards bankruptcy and had sought more time. RBI is not in favour of giving more time these power plants.

29) According to recent study, arsenic contamination in paddy is rising from ground water in West Bengal. It reveals that rise in arsenic contamination of paddy plants due to concentration of arsenic accumulation depends on variety of paddy and its stage in crop cycle. Its concentration varies with rice variety and stage in crop cycle. Study highlights: The study was carried out on two commonly consumed rice varieties — Minikit and Jaya — and it was found that latter to be more resistant to arsenic. It shows processes and dependencies of arsenic trans-location in rice from contaminated irrigation water. It has found that arsenic contamination in paddy was higher than in previous studies. It shows that arsenic uptake in paddy plant reduces from root to grain and that its concentration is related to variety of rice cultivated. It was observed that highest concentration of arsenic was observed in initial or vegetative state in first 28 days. It reduced during reproductive stage (29-56 days) and again increased in ripening stage. The uptake of arsenic is faster in young roots in vegetative state than in older tissues with higher concentrations of iron in root soil in reproductive phase. It also raised concerns over disposal of contaminated rice straw which is used as animal fodder or burnt or sometimes left in field itself to serve as fertiliser. Arsenic Poisoning: Arsenic is a natural component in Earth’s crust. It is widely distributed throughout environment in air, water and land. It is highly toxic in its inorganic form. Intake of soluble inorganic arsenic over long period can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning (arsenicosis), diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. In India, Arsenic pollution big problem in West Bengal and neighbouring states. In West Bengal, there are 83 blocks in eight districts where groundwater is arsenic contaminated. Malda, Murshidabad and Nadia districts have higher levels of arsenic concentration.

30) Two types of indigenously built high-power multi-fuel engines V-46-6 and V92S2 were handed over to Indian Army for first time under Make in India. These engines were manufactured by Engine Factory Avadi (EFA), a unit of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). Key Facts: These engines are based on Russian design. V92S2 is high power diesel engine with 1000 HP capacity and it is fitted in T-90 Battle Tank (Bhisma Tank). V46-6 is also high power diesel engines with 780 HP and it is fitted in T-72 Main Battle Tank (Ajeya Tank). They are manufactured with 100% Made in India parts. Significance: The indigenisation of two of three types of tanks used by Indian Army has made it battle-ready. It has resulted in savings for exchequer for each engine cost to tune of Rs. 33 lakh for T-90 engine and Rs. 9.75 lakh for T-72 engine. It also exhibits self-reliance of OFB in manufacturing these engines in India without any import support.

31) Indian Army has awarded Rs. 100-crore contract for 81 high mobility 10×10 vehicles to India’s leading vehicle manufacturer Ashok Leyland. This is for first time Indian vehicle manufacturer will deliver heavy duty, high mobility vehicles for the launchers. This will reduce dependency on imports. Key Facts: The heavy duty, high mobility vehicles manufactured by Ashok Leyland are fully designed, developed and built in India. They will replace Indian Army’s ageing Russian-built Smerch Multi-Barrel Rocket launchers (MBRL). They will also carry strategic missiles developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The indigenous 10×10 vehicle will be powered by Ashok Leyland’s 360HP Neptune engine. It can carry maximum load of 27 tonnes at maximum speed of 60 kmph. Some of these vehicles will be fitted with rocket handling cranes. Ther delivery will start in this financial year and will be completed in next financial year. Background: India initially procured two regiments of the 12-tube, 300 mm Smerch systems from Russia under Rs. 2,600 crore signed in end 2015, and later procured additional systems under a second deal in 2007. Each regiment has two batteries of six launchers each. The Smerch has a maximum range of 90 km. The indigenising vehicles is key step in improving t maintenance and efficiency of Indian Army’s logistics chain. In recent years, Indian vehicle manufacturers have managed to develop variety of heavy and specialist vehicles required by Armed Forces, thereby reducing import dependency. Ashok Leyland also has won tender from DRDO to develop even heavier 12×12 vehicle to mount country’s long range strategic missiles. These vehicles can carry a maximum load of 34 tonnes.

32) Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of country’s first Mobile Open Exchange (MOX) zone in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. UP government had signed MoU with World Trade Centre, Noida at UP Investors Summit to develop Tech Zone which will act as catalyst for growth of mobile and allied sectors in the state. Mobile Open Exchange (MOX) zone: MOX will be dedicated ecosystem for mobile industry, providing integrated platform to mobile manufacturers, research and development (R&D) and allied industries. It brings service providers, handset manufacturers, mobile content, application and service providers, retailers and distributors at one place which promotes indigenous R&D in hardware and start-ups in app development and other domains of the industry. This unique zone will play pivotal role in attracting investment and area will reap huge benefits from it. The ecosystem will channelize foreign direct investment (FDI) and generate revenues from consumption-based and destination-based taxes. Moreover, its proximity to universities will strengthen industry-academia relations and provide them opportunity to work together in R&D. Chinese company already has set up its manufacturing facility in WTC Noida complex and directly and indirectly employs over 15,000 people.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 28 July 2018 to 3 August 2018.

33) The International Tiger Day (also known as Global Tiger Day) is celebrated every year on 29 July to raise awareness about tiger conservation, promote the protection of natural habitat of tigers and support tiger conservation issues. The annual day is celebrated with the slogan “Their survival is in our hands”. International Tiger Day: It is an annual celebration to raise awareness regarding tiger conservation. It was instituted in 2010 at Saint Petersberg Tiger Summit in Russia in view of alarming fall in the number of wild tigers. The summit had issued St. Petersburg Declaration on Tiger Conservation where Governments of tiger populated countries had vowed to double tiger population by the year 2020. Background: It is has been founded that in the last century, 97% of all wild tigers had disappeared due to many factors including habitat loss, hunting and poaching, climate change. According to WWF, only 3,890 tigers are left in the world, of them, India with more than 2500 tigers has the highest number. Causes of decline in their numbers: Poaching and illegal trade: Tigers face poaching for demand of every part of their body from whiskers to tail for traditional Chinese medicines. They fetch high prices in the illegal wildlife trades. Habitat loss: Clearing of forests for various purposes for agriculture, timber, development activity etchas lead to loss of 93% of natural habitat of tigers. Its habitat has been fragmented, lowering chances of survival. It is also leading to conflict with humans, where both are competing for their own space. Climate change: Rising sea level as result of climate change is wiping out Sundarbans, one of the last remaining habitats of majestic Royal Bengal tigers.

34) Meghalaya Milk Mission was launched in Shillong. It is Rs. 215 crores project sanctioned by Union Ministry of Agriculture and Family Welfare through National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC). The amount will be utilised for various training under dairy farm, chilling centre and purchase of milch animal. Meghalaya Milk Mission: Milk Mission has been conceptualised to plug demand-supply gap in per capita milk availability. The per capita milk availability in Meghalaya is much lower than Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR’s) recommendation of milk consumption per person. It will help in achieving Centre’s goal of doubling farmer’s income by 2022 through promotion of milk business in the state. It will generate alternate livelihoods for rural people of Meghalaya through diary sector. 2000 farmers will be directly benefitted by it over next four years. It will also check absence of organised marketing channels in dairy sector in Meghalaya. It will enable state to substitute import of milk with state’s own production. The project consists of 2000 dairy farm units, in one unit there is provision for purchase of 5 cows, shed constructions, storage room construction, animal insurance, 13 milk tankers of 3000 litre capacity, 79 bulk milk coolers of 500 litre capacity etc. There is also provision of Rs 1 crore for training of farmers in project.

35) Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme to control viral hepatitis C on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day (July 28). The programme aims to combat viral hepatitis and reduce mortality and morbidity associated with it. National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme: The programme aims at both prevention and treatment of hepatitis which is among leading causes of liver cancer, cirrhosis of liver and acute liver failure. It aims to treat minimum of 3 lakh hepatitis C cases over a period of three years for eliminating deadly condition by 2030. The programme is part of National Health Mission. Under it, expensive antiviral for hepatitis B and C infections will be made available free of cost at all government hospitals. It will set up and upgrade facilities for diagnosis and treatment primarily of hepatitis B and C. These designated treatment centres will provide free anti-viral to hepatitis C patients. They will also provide hepatitis B vaccine to babies born to mothers carrying the virus within 24 hours of birth. Key strategies under the Program: Preventive and promotive interventions with focus on awareness generation. Safe injection practices and socio-cultural practices, sanitation and hygiene, safe drinking water supply, infection control and immunization. Increasing access to testing and management of viral hepatitis. Promoting diagnosis and providing treatment support for patients of hepatitis B and C through standardized testing and management protocols with focus on treatment of hepatitis B and C. Co-ordination and collaboration with different Ministries and departments. Building capacities at national, state, district levels and sub-district level up to Primary Health Centres (PHC) and health and wellness centres to scale program till lowest level of the healthcare facility in a phased manner.

36) World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has designated India as nodal centre for developing customized model to issue advance warning of floods to Asian countries, including Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand. The model will be called as Flash Flood Guidance System. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) under Ministry of Earth Sciences will work to customize this weather model. Flash Flood Guidance System: The model will provide forecasts by computing likelihood of rainfall and soil moisture levels to warn of possible floods. It will carry out forecasts by using combination of satellite mapping and ground-based observation. It will be customized weather model, originally developed by US and donated to WMO to warn about flash floods at least six hours in advance. It already has carried out test version of this model. Pakistan was among list of beneficiary countries of this forecast model, but it has refused to participate in it. Background: Like India, several southeast Asian countries depend on monsoon and are prone to its vagaries. WMO estimates that flash floods account for 85% of flooding incidents across the world, leading to around 5,000 deaths every year. While science to warn of floods can be developed, India was yet to work out how exactly it will warn countries of potential inundation. India currently has its own warning system for tsunamis that also doubles up warning system for several Asian countries. At present in India, Central Water Commission (CWC), which monitors dams, warns of rising water levels in water reservoirs, which are usually taken to be signs of imminent floods. Recently CWC has recently tied up with internet giant Google to develop software application to visualise rising water levels during heavy rains. World Meteorological Organization (WMO): WMO is an intergovernmental organization whose mandate covers weather, climate and water resources. It is UN specialized agency for meteorology, operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences It is dedicated to international cooperation and coordination on state and behaviour of Earth’s atmosphere, its interaction with land and oceans, the weather and climate and distribution of water resources. It has 191 Member States and Territories. It originated from International Meteorological Organization (IMO), which was founded in 1873. It has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

37) Indian Railways had organised a programme on Ethics in Public Governance and launched Mission Satyanishtha at a day-long event held at National Rail Museum, New Delhi. It was first of its kind event organised by any government organization in the country. Mission Satyanishtha: The issue of ethics, integrity and probity in public life has been matter of concern all over government sector across the country. In this context, it is also extremely important that all railway servants adhere to impeccable conduct and integrity at all times. Mission Satyanishtha aims at sensitizing all railway employees about need to adhere to good ethics and to maintain high standards of integrity at work. Under it, talks and lectures on subject were organised all over Indian Railways for this purpose. Objectives of Mission Satyanishtha: To train every employee to understand need and value of ethics in personal and public life. To deal with ethical dilemmas in life and public governance. To help understand policies of Indian Railways on ethics and integrity and employee’s role in upholding same. To develop inner governance through tapping inner resources.

38) Union Food Ministry has notified decision to allow sugar mills to manufacture ethanol directly from sugarcane juice or an intermediate product called B-molasses. In this regard, Sugarcane Control Order, 1966 has been amended. The move would help mills divert cane juice for ethanol manufacturing during surplus years. Key Facts: Now in case of production of ethanol directly from sugarcane juice or B-molasses, the recovery rate of sugarcane factory will be determined by considering every 600 liters so produced as equivalent to one tonne of production of sugar. Earlier, sugar mills were allowed to manufacture ethanol from by-product called C-molasses, after sugar was taken out while processing raw sugarcane juice. Molasses is also used for manufacturing spirit and alcohol among other products. Background: Sugar mills are incurring losses as prices of sugar have fallen below production cost on account of record output of 32 million tonnes (mt) in 2017-18 season as against annual domestic demand of 25 mt. The production of ethanol directly from sugarcane juice or B-molasses will help to divert this overproduction. Sugar mills are expecting revenue realisation of over Rs 5,000 crore from sale of ethanol to OMCs during the 2017-18 sugar season (October-September). OMCs procure ethanol from sugar mills for blending with petrol. It has mandated blending of up to 10% ethanol in petrol but inadequate availability has restricted this to under 4%. Higher price for ethanol will incentivise higher ethanol production.

39) The World Hepatitis Day is being observed every year on July 28 around the globe to spread awareness about viral hepatitis. Observance of the day seeks to encourage diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Hepatitis. It also seeks to provide single global platform to raise awareness about hepatitis and influence real change in disease prevention, testing and treatment. The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2018 is “Test. Treat. Hepatitis“. The theme focuses on- Support scale-up of hepatitis prevention, testing, treatment and care services, with specific focus on promoting WHO treatment and testing recommendations. Showcase best practices and promote universal health coverage of hepatitis services. Improve partnerships and funding in fight against viral hepatitis. World Hepatitis Day: The day is being observed since 2010. It is one of the 8 official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO had passed a resolution for observance of this day on viral hepatitis in May 2010 had passed, providing official endorsement to it. The date 28 July was chosen to mark the birth anniversary of Professor Baruch Blumberg who had discovered hepatitis B virus. He was awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1976) for this discovery. Hepatitis: Hepatitis name has derived from Greek word ‘Hepar’ meaning liver and ‘itis’ meaning inflammation. Thus, it is medical condition in which inflammation occurs in liver cells and its complications vary with type of infection. It is mostly caused by group of viruses called hepatitis viruses. There are 5 types of hepatitis viz. A, B, C, D and E. Each type is caused by a different hepatitis virus. Viral hepatitis can either be hepatitis A/ E that spreads mainly through contaminated food and water or hepatitis B/C that spreads by body fluids, blood transfusions or even from mother to baby. Hepatitis B and C usually cause chronic hepatitis and can progress to liver cirrhosis (permanent liver damage). Hepatitis A and E usually cause acute self-limiting illness, which resolves over few weeks. It has no specific treatment, but to rely on good nutritious diet and rest. Hepatitis E can sometimes be dangerous, especially in pregnant women and may cause liver failure.

40) Blood Moon 2018 or century’s (2001 AD to 2100 AD) longest total lunar eclipse of 1 hour 43 minutes occurred on July 27-28, 2018. The rare celestial event was visible from all parts of India. It was majorly seen in Eastern Hemisphere including Central Asia, Eastern Africa and South East Asia. The partial eclipse of Moon began on July 27, 2018. Moon was gradually covered by Earth’s shadow and totality phase was seen on July 28 and total eclipse lasted up to 2h 43m. The Moon came out of Earth’s shadow and partial eclipse ended on July 28, 2018. Longest Total Lunar Eclipse: In this particular eclipse, Moon passed through central part of Earth’s umbral shadow. During this time, Moon was located at apogee (i.e. at farthest from Earth) in its orbit and moved at slower speed in its orbit. During this transition phase, it took longer time for Moon and greater distance of Earth’s umbral shadow to travel, making it longest duration of total eclipse of this century. Such long duration of total lunar eclipses earlier had occurred on July 16, 2000 for totality duration of 1 hour 46 minutes and on June 15, 2011 for totality duration of 1 hour 40 minutes.

Our own publications are available at our webstore (click here).

For Guidance of WBCS (Exe.) Etc. Preliminary , Main Exam and Interview, Study Mat, Mock Test, Guided by WBCS Gr A Officers , Online and Classroom, Call 9674493673, or mail us at – mailus@wbcsmadeeasy.in
Visit our you tube channel WBCSMadeEasy™ You tube Channel
Please subscribe here to get all future updates on this post/page/category/website