W.B.C.S Current Affairs 29 September 2018 to 05 October 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.1) 21 countries in Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) adopted Delhi Declaration on Renewable Energy in Indian Ocean Region. It was adopted at 2nd IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting held at 2nd Global Re-Invest India-ISA Partnership Renewable Energy Investor’s Meet & Expo in Greater Noida. Delhi Declaration on Renewable Energy: It calls for collaboration among IORA member states in meeting growing demand for renewable energy in Indian Ocean littorals, development of common renewable energy agenda for Indian Ocean region (IOR) and promote regional capacity building. It also calls for promotion of technology development and transfer, strengthening of public private partnerships (PPP) in renewable energy and collaboration among IORA member states and member nations of International Solar Alliance (ISA). IORA member countries also resolved to collaborate with International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). They will also collaborate with ISA member nations to exchange knowledge and share views and potential interests in renewable energy sector paved by MoU signed between IORA and ISA with focus on joint capacity-building programs, R&D activities in solar energy and exchange of best practices. IORA member nations and IRENA also agreed to undertake expansion of Global Renewable Energy Atlas, world’s largest-ever joint renewable resource data project, coordinated by IRENA. This will help in creating Indian Ocean region’s first and most comprehensive map and database which can be used to tap sizable renewable energy potential of region and collaborate on opportunities available under International Renewable Energy Learning Platform (IRELP). Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA): IORA is international organisation consisting of coastal states bordering Indian Ocean, established in 1997 to promote cooperation in IOR. It is regional forum, tripartite in nature, bringing together representatives of Government, Academia and Business for promoting co-operation and closer interaction among them. It is based on the principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation particularly on Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the region. IORA comprises 21 member states (including India) and 7 dialogue partners. Besides, Indian Ocean Research Group and Indian Ocean Tourism Organisation have observer status.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 29 September 2018 to 05 October 2018.

2) The maiden joint exercise of Coast Guards of India and Vietnam “Sahyog HOP TAC -2018” was held in the Bay of Bengal off the Chennai coast, Tamil Nadu. It was aimed at strengthening the working level relationship between coast guards of both navies. Sahyog HOP TAC-2018: The exercise was aimed at acquainting coast guards of both countries with each other’s’ capabilities and strengthening working level relationship to rescue lives at sea. It encompassed scenario of hijacking of oil tanker and subsequent rescue of its crew in coordinated anti-piracy joint operation as well as preventive efforts for marine environment protection. Moreover, it also included interdiction of pirated vessels, coordinated joint boarding operation and external fire-fighting to salvage burning ships. From Indian side, Coast Guard ships Shaurya, Arnvesh and inreceptor boat C-431 along with Dornier aircraft and Chetak helicopter participated in the joint exercise. It also saw participation of Sagar Manjusa vessel of National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).

3) The second Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo (REINVEST- 2018) was organised by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in Noida from October 3 to 5, 2018. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the presence of Secretary General of United Nations Antonio Guterres. 2nd Global RE-INVEST also hosted First Assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Meeting of the Energy Ministers of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) countries. 2nd RE-INVEST: The 2nd RE-INVEST was aimed at accelerating worldwide effort to scale up renewable energy and connect global investment community with Indian energy stakeholders. It included three-day Conference on renewables, cleantech and future energy choices and expo of renewables-related manufacturers, developers, investors and innovators. The 2nd RE-INVEST provided great opportunity to various organisations to showcase their business strategies, achievements and expectations. It also facilitated collaboration and cooperation with key stakeholders in India, which have emerged as one of the world’s largest renewable energy markets. It was attended by Ministerial Delegations from across the world, including ISA and IORA Member Countries, over 600 global industry leaders, and 10,000 delegates. RE-Invest: It is global platform to explore strategies for development and deployment of renewables. It was built upon success of RE-Invest 2015 and was organized by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). It provides international forum to established players as well as new segments of investors and entrepreneurs to engage, ideate and innovate.

4) The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has selected US scientists Frances Arnold and George Smith and British researcher Gregory Winter for the 2018 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. They were selected for harnessing power of evolution to develop enzymes and antibodies that have led to new pharmaceuticals and biofuels. Chemistry was third of this year’s Nobel Prizes. Frances Arnold shared the half price and George Smith and Gregory Winter share other half of the prize. Frances Arnold: She was awarded for conducting the first directed evolution of enzymes, leading to more environmentally friendly manufacturing of chemicals, including drugs, and in production of renewable fuels. Note: She is the fifth woman to win a chemistry Nobel in the prize’s 117-year history. Earlier recipients are Skłodowska-Curie, Irène Joliot-Curie (1935), Dorothy Hodgkin (1964) and Ada Yonath (2009). George Smith and Gregory Winter: Smith had developed new way to evolve proteins and Winter had used method for evolving antibodies with aim of producing new drugs. These antibodies can neutralize toxins, counteract autoimmune diseases and cure metastatic cancer.

5) India has launched massive humanitarian operation Samudra Maitri to provide assistance to earthquake and tsunami victims in Indonesia. The operation was launched after telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo and following Indonesia’s acceptance of international aid. Operation Samudra Maitri: Under this operation, India has dispatched two aircraft C-130J and C-17 and three naval ships carrying relief material and personnel to the country. C-130J aircraft had carried medical team along with tents and equipments to set up field hospital. C-17 aircraft is carried medicines, generators, tents and water to provide immediate assistance. Three Indian Navy ships were deployed INS Tir, INS Sujatha and INS Shardul to carry out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). Background: A shallow earthquake of magnitude 7.5 (richter scale) had struck in neck of Minahasa Peninsula, Indonesia on 28 September 2018 with its epicentre located in mountainous Donggala Regency, Central Sulawesi. The earthquake was located 77 km away from provincial capital Palu. This event was preceded by sequence of foreshocks, largest of which was a magnitude 6.1 tremor and followed by localised tsunami which had struck Palu, sweeping shore-lying houses and buildings on its way. The combined effects of earthquake and tsunami had led to deaths of at least 1,424 people and injured further 2,549. It was deadliest earthquake to strike Indonesia since 2006 Yogyakarta earthquake, as well as deadliest earthquake worldwide so far in 2018.

6) Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has launched Udyam Abhilasha, a national level entrepreneurship awareness campaign. It was launched in 115 Aspirational Districts identified by NITI Aayog in 28 States. Udyam Abhilasha: The campaign will run from 3 October to 8 October, 2018 across India and reach out to around 15,000 youth. It will create and strengthen cadre of more than 800 trainers to provide entrepreneurship training to aspiring youths across these districts to enter admired segment of entrepreneurs. For implementing this campaign, SIDBI has partnered with CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle, (CSC SPV) under Ministry of Electronics & IT through their CSCs. It will also tie-up with Banks, NABARD, NBFCs, SFBs, District Industries Centres, State Government etc. CSC Village Level entrepreneurs (VLEs) will play role of catalyst under this campaign for these aspiring entrepreneurs. VLEs will provide training, support aspirants to establish new units, assisting them in availing loans and make them aware about various Government initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, SUI etc. and educate them in business literacy. Objectives of Udyam Abhilasha: Inspire rural youth in aspirational districts to be entrepreneurs by assisting them to set up their own enterprise. Impart trainings through digital medium across the country, Create business opportunities for CSC-VLEs. Focus on women aspirants in aspirational districts to encourage women entrepreneurship. Assist participants to become bankable and avail credit facility from banks to set up their own enterprise. Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI): SIDBI is principal development financial institution for promotion, financing and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in India. It was established on April 2, 1990 through an Act of Parliament (thus, it is statutory body). It is headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It facilitates and strengthens credit flow to MSMEs and address both financial and developmental gaps in MSME eco-system across the country.

7) Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully undertaken series of flight trials of Astra Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVR-AAM) from September 26 to October 3, 2018. The tests were conducted at Integrated Test Range (ITR), Balasore, Odisha as part of final development trials of the missile. About test: The missile was tested in combination of complex tests for engagement of pilotless target in different modes of manoeuvring, off-boresight, medium and long ranges. These trials were combination of complex tests for engagement of pilotless target in different modes of manoeuvring, off-boresight, medium and long ranges. These tests make missile ready for induction in service in 2019. Astra Missile: Astra is air to air beyond visual range air-to-air indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). More than 50 private and public sector industries are involved in development and production of different sub-systems of the missile. It is one of the smallest weapon system developed by DRDO, having length of 3.8-metre and weighing 154kg. It is single stage solid fuelled missile and has payload capacity of 15 kg conventional explosives. It can be launched from different altitudes and is capable of engaging targets at varying range and altitudes at both short-range targets (up to 20 km) in tail-chase mode and long-range targets (up to 80 km) in head-on mode. It is radar homing supersonic missile having maximum speed of Mach 4 (four times speed of sound). It possesses high Single Shot Kill Probability (SSKP) making it highly reliable. It is all-weather missile with active radar terminal guidance, excellent electronic counter-counter measure (ECCM) features, smokeless propulsion and process improved effectiveness in multi-target scenario.It has advance on-board electronic counter-measures that jam radar signals from enemy radar, making tracking of the missile difficult. It is fitted with terminal active radar-seeker and an updated mid-course internal guidance system that helps missile to locate and track targets. The missile can be integrated with all fighter aircraft of IAF including Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar and the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

8) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with United Nation’s Champions of the Earth Award 2018 by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres at ceremony in Delhi. He is among the six winners who received this award. PM Modi was jointly awarded this award along with French President Emmanuel Macron under the ‘Political Leadership’ category for their work in championing International Solar Alliance (ISA) and promoting new areas of cooperation on environmental action. PM Modi is third Indian to receive this award after Tulsi Tanti, Chairman of the Suzlon Group, and Afroz Alam, a lawyer who led clean-up at Mumbai’s Versova beach. Cochin International Airport also received Champions of Earth Award 2018 for ‘Entrepreneurial Vision and for its leadership in the use of sustainable energy. It is world’s first fully solar-powered airport. Champions of Earth Award: It is UN’s highest environmental recognition celebrating exceptional figures from public and private sectors and from civil society, whose actions have had transformative positive impact on the environment. It was established in 2005 by United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment). This award programme is successor to UNEP’s Global 500 Roll of Honour. The award is presented in five categories – Lifetime Achievement, Policy Leadership, Entrepreneurial Vision, Action and Inspiration and Science & Innovation. Since its inception thirteen years ago, the awards have recognized 84 laureates. Past laureates include: Afroz Shah, who led world’s largest beach cleanup (2016), Rwandan President Paul Kagame (2016), Ocean Cleanup CEO Boyan Slat (2014), scientist-explorer Bertrand Piccard, developer of Google Earth Brian McClendon (2013), and former US Vice-President Al Gore (2007).

9) Justice Ranjan Gogoi was sworn-in as 46th Chief Justice of India. He was administered oath of the office by President Ram Nath Kovind. With this, Justice Ranjan Gogoi is the first Chief Justice of India from the north-east. He succeeded CJI Dipak Misra who retired from the office. He will have tenure of about 13 months, from October 3, 2018 till his retirement on November 17, 2019. Justice Ranjan Gogoi: Justice Gogoi was born on November 18, 1954. He is a native of Assam and is son of former Assam Chief Minister Keshab Chandra Gogoi. He had joined Bar in 1978 and practiced mainly in Gauhati High Court. He was appointed as permanent judge of High Court in February 2001. He was transferred to Punjab and Haryana High Court in September 2010 and was appointed its Chief Justice in February 2011. He was elevated to the Supreme Court in April 2012. In Supreme Court, Justice Gogoi had led important benches that have dealt largely with issue of corruption in politics and public life. He has led apex court bench which ordered Centre to set up special courts to exclusively try MPs and MLAs as means to de-criminalise politics. His Bench is also monitoring progress made by government in appointment of anti-corruption ombudsman Lokpal. Justice Gogoi was one of the four most senior Supreme Court judges (along with Justices J Chelameswar, M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph) who held January 12, 2018 press conference bringing up issue of selective assignment of sensitive cases by recent CJIs to certain judges in the Supreme Court.

10) India was ranked 28th among 73 countries in 2018 Government e-Payments Adoption Ranking (GEAR). India has jumped by eight positions in this ranking from 36th in 2011 which reinforces country’s progress towards digital transformation. Norway has topped 2018 GEAR list scoring 89.7 points in seven categories. 2018 GEAR: It is an Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) global Index and benchmarking study commissioned by financial services corporation Visa. It ranks governments by quantifying their e-payment capabilities based on various indicators. It evaluates extent to which major countries around world have adopted e-payment systems, based on digital platform. The ranking is based on seven parameters viz. Government-to-Citizen (G2C), Citizen-to-Government (C2G), Business-to-Government (B2G), Government-to-Business (G2B) transactions, infrastructure, socio-economic and policy environment. India’s performance in 2018 GEAR: India leads B2G category, along with other countries like Australia, Singapore and South Korea. It also leads in G2B category as well, along with four other countries. It was ranked third C2G category, along with four other countries, while France and UAE has topped the list in this category. In G2C category, India still lags behind at 25th place. It was also ranked very low at 58th position in infrastructure and socio-economic categories. In the socio-economic category, India was ranked 60th out of 73 countries. In policy environment, it was ranked low at 40th.

11) The Union Cabinet has remodified its earlier decision to establish of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) in Sehore District (Bhopal-Sehore highway) instead of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. NIMHR will be the first of its kind in the country in the area of mental health rehabilitation. NIMHR: It will be established as society under Societies Registration Act, 1860. It will function under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Its objective is to provide rehabilitation services to persons with mental illness, capacity development in field of mental health rehabilitation, policy framing and advanced research in mental health rehabilitation. It will have nine departments and centres and will conduct 12 courses to offer diploma, certificate, graduate, post graduate, M.Phil degrees in field of mental health rehabilitation. Benefits: It will serve as institution of excellence for capacity building in human resource and research in area of mental health rehabilitation. It will be also recommending body suggesting models and protocols for effective rehabilitation of persons with mental illness.

12) Government has inked US $150 million loan agreement with multilateral lender Asian Development Bank (ADB) for establishing India’s first Global Skills Park park in Bhopal, capital of Madhya Pradesh. It will have training facilities focusing on skills for manufacturing, service and advanced agricultural jobs, benefitting about 20,000 trainees and trainers. Global Skills Park (GSP): It will be equipped with international training facilities to enhance the quality of Madhya Pradesh’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system. It will engage international TVET partners to support advanced training by bringing global best practices in TVET management, training infrastructure, industry cooperation and quality assurance. The campus will consist of core Advanced Training Institutes including Center for Advanced Agricultural Training and Center for Occupational Skills Acquisition as well as other support services focusing on entrepreneurship, training of trainers and skill-related research. It will also help in modernizing 10 industrial training institutes across state by renovating training infrastructure and upgrading skills courses to align with industry and market needs. It will improve quality and relevance of state’s TVET programs and will help impart advanced job-ready skills training of international standards.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 29 September 2018 to 05 October 2018.

13) India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed $240 million loan agreement for West Bengal Drinking Water Sector Improvement Project to provide safe drinking water to people in three districts of West Bengal. The project aims at providing safe and sustainable drinking water to people in Bankura, North 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur affected by arsenic, fluoride and salinity. West Bengal Drinking Water Sector Improvement Project: The project will help mitigate health risks from using groundwater with elevated levels of arsenic and fluoride that can lead to health problems including cancer and bone diseases. It will help to reduce burden of diseases from contaminated groundwater. It will also help to mitigate these risks through provision of continuous potable water through metered connections to about 390,000 individual households in three districts. The project is also supported by grant of $3 million from Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction and $2 million grant from ADB’s Urban Climate Change Resilience Trust Fund. It will support state in strengthening its smart water management system, improve flood-related early warning and response and provide training on operation and maintenance as well as climate change and disaster resilience.

14) The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has selected three scientists Arthur Ashkin (USA), Gerard Mourou (France) and Donna Strickland (Canada) for the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physics. They were selected for groundbreaking inventions in the field of laser physics. Arthur Ashkin (91) received the half prize and remaining half was shared equally by Gérard Mourou and Donna Strickland. Arthur Ashkin: He is 96 years old which makes him oldest scientist ever to be awarded a Nobel Prize. He received prize for optical tweezers and their application to biological systems. His optical tweezers are able to grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells with their laser beam fingers, allowing use of radiation pressure of light to move physical objects. Gerard Mourou and Donna Strickland: They were jointly awarded for their method of generating high-intensity, ultra-short optical pulses. They have created ultrashort high-intensity laser pulses without destroying amplifying material, thus paving way towards shortest and most intense laser pulses ever created by mankind. Their innovative technique is known as ‘chirped pulse amplification’ (CPA), has now become standard for high-intensity lasers, including ultra-sharp beams used in corrective eye surgeries. Note: With this, Strickland (59) became third woman to have received Nobel Prize in Physics, after Marie Curie in 1903 and Maria Goeppert Mayer in 1963.

15) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated first Assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA) in New Delhi. The same event also marked inauguration of second Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting and second Global RE-Invest (Renewable Energy Investors’ Meet and Expo). United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres was present on the occasion. International Solar Alliance (ISA): ISA is an alliance dedicated to the promotion of solar energy among its member countries. The ISA Framework Agreement had entered into force in December 2017 and formally became de-jure treaty based International Intergovernmental Organization. It is headquartered at Gurugram, India. The main objective of ISA is to include global deployment of over 1,000GW of solar generation capacity and mobilisation of investment of over US$ 1000 billion into solar energy by 2030. ISA also aims to serve as an action-oriented organization by bringing together countries with rich solar potential to aggregate global demand, thereby reducing prices through bulk purchase. It also seeks to facilitate deployment of existing solar technologies at scale, and promoting collaborative solar R&D and capacity building. Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA): IORA was set up with objective of strengthening regional cooperation and sustainable development within Indian Ocean Region with 21 member states and 7 Dialogue Partners. In, 2nd IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial meet, ministers from 9 member countries and delegates from all 21 member countries participated. IORA is international organisation consisting of coastal states bordering Indian Ocean. It serves as a regional forum, tripartite in nature, bringing together representatives of Government, Business and Academia, for promoting co-operation and closer interaction among them. RE-Invest: It is global platform to explore strategies for development and deployment of renewables. The 2nd Global RE-Invest was built upon success of RE-Invest 2015. It provided international forum to established players as well as new segments of investors and entrepreneurs to engage, ideate and innovate. It also showcased India’s green energy market and Government’s efforts to scale up capacity to meet national energy demand in socially, economically and ecologically sustainable ways. Globally, India stands fifth in renewable power, fourth in wind power and fifth in solar power installed capacity. India is one of world’s largest green energy markets with exponential increase in demand and supply.

16) These guidelines summarize evidence on effectiveness of range of sanitation interventions. They also articulate role of health sector in maximizing health impact of sanitation interventions. Key Features of WHO Guidelines: WHO’s Sanitation and Health Guidelines are aimed at securing health and wellbeing for everyone, everywhere by considering sanitation as fundamental foundation of human health and development. These guidelines provide comprehensive framework for health-protecting sanitation, covering policy and governance measures, implementation of sanitation technologies, systems and behavioural interventions, risk-based management, and monitoring approaches. They also identify gaps in evidence-base to guide future research efforts to improve the effectiveness of sanitation interventions. By adopting these new guidelines, countries can significantly reduce diarrhoeal deaths due to unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene. For every US $1 invested in sanitation, it is estimated nearly six-fold return as measured by lower health costs, increased productivity and fewer premature deaths. Background: According to WHO, 2.3 billion people worldwide lack basic sanitation and almost half of the world population is forced to defecate in the open. They are among 4.5 billion people without access to safely managed sanitation services i.e. do not have toilet connected to sewer or pit or septic tank that treats human waste. Without proper access to sanitation, millions of people across the world over are deprived of dignity, safety and convenience of decent toilet. Poor sanitation is also major factor responsible for transmission of neglected tropical diseases. World Health Organization (WHO): WHO is specialized agency of United Nations that acts as coordinating authority on international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, it succeeded the Health Organization, which was an agency of the League of Nations. It is a member of UN Development Group (UNDP). It is headquartered at Geneva. WHO flag features the Rod of Asclepius as a symbol for healing.

17) The sixth edition of IBSAMAR, a joint multi–national maritime exercise between Indian, Brazilian and South African Navies was held at Simons Town, South Africa. The aim of this maritime exercise is to undertake collective training for participating navies, building interoperability and mutual understanding as well as sharing of best practices. Exercise IBSAMAR: It was initiated in 2006. It is considered as most visible manifestation of convergence of democratic values, economic interests and maritime cooperation. The last edition of IBSAMAR V was conducted off Goa, India in February 2016 and all previous exercises were held in South Africa. IBSAMAR 2018: This edition exercise included both harbour and sea phases with various navigation and seamanship evolutions, force protection exercises, surface weapons firing, antipiracy exercise, anti-air and anti-submarine exercise and flying operations were also conducted. Apart from professional activities, sports and social engagements were also conducted. For this exercise, Indian Navy was represented by Guided Missile Destroyer Kolkata, Guided Missile Frigate Tarkash, Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I, Seaking and Chetak helicopters as well as MARCOS contingent. South African Navy was represented by SAS Amatola, SAS Protea and SAS Manthatisi along with elements of its maritime reaction squadron. Brazilian Navy was represented by frigate BNS Barroso, platoon of Special Forces and air asset of AS350 Ecureuil. IBSA: It is international tripartite grouping for promoting international cooperation among India, Brazil, South Africa. It aims at galvanizing South-South cooperation and greater understanding between three important continents of developing world form Africa, Asia and South America. The forum provides three countries with platform to engage in discussions for cooperation in field of agriculture, trade, culture, and defence among others. It also plays important role in foreign policies of India, Brazil and South Africa. IBSA has become instrumental for promoting ever closer coordination on global issues between three large multicultural and multiracial democracies of Asia, South America and Africa. It has contributed to enhancing trilateral India-Brazil-South Africa cooperation in sectoral areas.

18) The world’s largest dome was inaugurated at Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT)’s World Peace University (MIT-WPU) campus at Loni Kalbhor, Pune (Maharashtra). It was inaugurated by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu along with Peace Center on the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. World Peace Monument dome: The dome has been built atop MIT World Peace Library and World Peace Prayer Hall, which are named after 13th century poet-saint and philosopher Dnyaneshwar who was pivotal figure of Bhakti movement in Maharashtra. The dome has diameter of 160 feet, overtaking earlier record holding Vatican Dome having diameter of 139.6 feet . It stands 263 feet tall with bell hanging from centre and has prayer hall with area of around 30,000 sq ft. It is supported by 24 massive columns, each 63 feet tall. The periphery of the dome and underneath — inside and outside has bronze statues of 54 of biggest names in world history stand, irrespective of nationality or religion.

19) Odisha Government has launched State Food Security Scheme (SFSS) to benefit the 25 lakh poor people who were left out of the National Food Security Act (NFSA). It was launched by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October) in four districts – Bolangir, Balasore, Sundergarh and Mayurbhanj. In the rest of the parts of state, the scheme was launched bystate’s MPs and MLAs. State Food Security Scheme (SFSS): The main beneficiary of this scheme will be vulnerable populace of state who were excluded from coverage under NFSA. Under it, beneficiaries will get 5 kg of rice per person per month at rate of Rs. 1 per kg. This will be same as availed by people covered under the National Food Security Act, 2013. The distribution of rice will be carried out through e-Point of sale (e-PoS) device at designated fair price shops. In Odisha, about 78% of population (3,26,41,800 people of state’s total 4, 19, 74,218 population) are availing benefits of NFSA. National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013: NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two thirds of the population (75% in rural areas and 50% in urban areas). It converts into legal entitlements for existing food security programmes of Central Government such as Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services scheme and Public Distribution System. Under it, grains like wheat, rice and coarse grain will be distributed at the subsidized price of 3 Rs. 3, Rs. 2 and Rs. 1. Pregnant women and lactating mothers and children are entitled to get meals under prescribed nutrition by MDM and ICDS. Under it, high nutrition food is provided to children from age group of 6 months to 14 years. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are be entitled to get maternity benefit of not less than Rs. 6,000.

20) President Ramnath Kovind has appointed senior judge of Supreme Court Madan Bhimarao Lokur (64) as Executive Chairman of National Legal Services Authority of India (NALSA). He was appointed by President in exercise of power conferred under Clause (b) of sub-section (2) of Section 3 of the Legal Authorities Act, 1987. Madan Bhimarao Lokur: He is alumnus of Delhi’s Moden School and St. Stephen’s College. He had enrolled as Advocate in 1977. He has vast experience in Civil, Criminal, Constitutional, Revenue and Service laws. He got enrolled as an Advocate-on-Record in the Supreme Court in 1981. He had served as Additional Solicitor General of India from July 1998 to February 1999. He was appointed as additional Judge of Delhi High Court in February 1999. He also functioned as Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court from June 2010 to November 2011 and then as Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court. He was appointed as Judge of the Supreme Court in June 2012. National Legal Services Authority of India (NALSA): NALSA provides for free legal aid inter-alia to all persons in custody. It has been constituted under Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987. It provides services of free legal aid in civil and criminal matters for poor and marginalised people who cannot afford services of lawyer in any court or tribunal. NALSA aims to ensure that opportunities for securing justice are not denied to any citizen by reasons of economic or other disabilities. It also identifies specific categories of marginalised and excluded groups and formulates various schemes for implementation of legal service programmes. It also organises Lok Adalats for amicable and speedy resolution or settlement of disputes.

21) Realtors body National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to provide skill training and jobs in construction sector for 2.5 lakh poor people. The partnership will strengthen skill trainings and employment opportunities in construction sector for urban poor under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission. Key Facts: The two objectives of this MoU are provide employment to urban poor waiting to enter construction sector and up-skill the semi-skilled construction workers working on construction sites to skilled category. NAREDCO will ensure implementation of this initiative through training providers. It will deliver majority of fresh and upskilling training programme at construction sites. The training curriculum under this initiative will range from minimum 10 days (80 hours) to maximum of 6 months. Through this collaboration around 2,50,000 urban poor will be trained. National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO): It is autonomous self-regulatory body under Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. It was established in 1998 and is headquartered in New Delhi. It serves as apex national body for real estate industry and provides single platform for Government, industry and public to discuss various problems and opportunities face to face for speedy resolution of issues. Its mandate also includes to induce transparency and ethics in real estate business and transform unorganized Indian real estate sector into matured and globally competitive business sector.

22) The International Day of Non-violence is celebrated every year on 2 October throughout world on birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of Indian independence movement and also pioneer of philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa). Observance of this day seeks to promote principles of non-violence through education and public awareness and is observed by all countries of the UN. In India, this day is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti. This year it was 149th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. International day of Non-Violence: The day was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting resolution A/RES/61/271 in June 2007 to disseminate message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness. The resolution reaffirmed universal relevance of principle of non-violence and the desire to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence. Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi: He is famously called as Mahatma Gandhi is known for playing main role in freeing India from clutches of British. He was born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar, in Bombay Presidency of British India. He was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse. Gandhiji is fondly known as ‘Bapu’ for his selfless contribution towards India’s Independence struggle. He is unofficially called Father of the Nation. He had studied law at University College London. He later returned to India and worked with Indian Firm in South Africa. Gandhiji returned to India in 1915 and joined Indian National Congress (INC). He led nationwide campaigns for various social causes and for achieving Swaraj or self-rule. He led peaceful protests and started creating awareness about oppress rule of British in India. His non-violent methods including Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience is known worldwide. Some of the famous protests led by Gandhiji against British rule include Dandi March and non-cooperation movement that gave severe blows to the British government. Eventually, his fame spread all over India and in year 1921 he became leader of INC. He lived modestly in self-sufficient residential community and wore traditional Indian dhoti and shawl, woven with yarn hand-spun on charkha. He also undertook long fasts as a means of both self-purification and political protest. At multiple times he was jailed however he continued his efforts.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 29 September 2018 to 05 October 2018.

23) According to Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), manufacturing activity improved in September 2018 on the back of stronger gains in new orders, output, and employment. The monthly PMI grew to 52.1 in September 2018 from 51.7 in August 2018. A reading over 50 on this survey-based index indicates expansion, anything below it reflects contraction. Key Facts: The significant driver of growth in activity in September 2018 was growth in new orders. This strong growth was linked to gains in both domestic and foreign demand. The export sales has strengthened with net gain and best recorded since the start of the year. Moreover, high product quality was noted as factor supporting total new order book growth. However, the main concern is stronger US dollar compared to rupee as it continued to raise relative price of goods such as steel and fuel, thereby raising input costs for manufacturers. Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI): PMI is an indicator of business activity-both in the manufacturing and services sectors. It is a survey-based measure that asks respondents about changes in their perception of some key business variables from month before. It is calculated separately for manufacturing and services sectors and then composite index is constructed. The index figure above 50 denotes expansion in business activity and anything below 50 denotes contraction. PMI is usually released at start of month, much before most of official data on industrial output, manufacturing and GDP growth is made available. It is, therefore, considered a good leading indicator of economic activity. Manufacturing growth measured by PMI is considered good indicator of industrial output.

24) India’s leading bourse Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) became first stock exchange in the country to launch commodity derivative contracts. It has launched contracts in popular commodities like gold (1kg) and silver (30kg). This launch comes after unified exchange regime kicked off from 1 October 2018. The launch of commodity derivatives platform on BSE will help efficient price discovery, reduce timelines and make it cost effective. BSE also has applied for launching of crude oil and copper commodity contracts with capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Subsequently, it is also planning to launch more agri commodities. Background: So far, commodity contracts were only available on commodity exchanges like MCX and NCDEX, the two specialised commodity derivatives exchanges in the country. Recently SEBI had allowed India’s top two stock exchanges BSE and NSE to launch commodity derivatives trading under unified exchange regime wherein stock exchanges will be allowed to offer trading in commodities derivatives. About Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE): BSE is the oldest stock exchange in Asia formed by eight native stock brokers association in 1875 located at Dala street, Mumbai. It had received temporary approval from Bombay government in 1927 and permanent approval by Indian Government on 31 Aug 1957. Today it is 10th largest stock market in the world by market capitalization at $1.7 trillion and has more than 5,000 companies listed in it. Its iconic building named Phiroze Jeejeebhoy Towers Dalal Street in Mumbai, Maharashtra has received image trademark under Trade Marks Act, 1999.

25) The 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was jointly awarded to two immunologists James P. Allison (US) and Tasuku Honjo (Japan) for their discovery of Immune checkpoint therapy i.e. cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation. It was announced by Nobel Assembly at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute. Significance of their discovery: Both immunologists had figured out entirely new principle for cancer therapy by stimulating the ability of immune system to attack tumour or cance cells more quickly, unlike traditional forms of cancer treatment that directly target cancer cells. Their discovery has led to treatments targeting proteins made by some immune system cells that act as brake on body’s natural defences killing cancer cells. This therapy is landmark in fight against cancer and has revolutionised cancer treatment. It also has fundamentally changed way to manage cancer. About Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine: The Nobel award for physiology or medicine is given to persons whose discoveries have significantly enhanced understanding of life or practice of medicine. The winners are chosen by Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute. The prestigious award carries prize money of 8 million Swedish kroner (US $1.1 million). Medicine is first of the Nobel Prizes awarded each year. It is one of five Nobel Prizes established by Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite in 1895 in his will. German physiologist Emil von Behring was first recipient of this award in 1901 for his work on serum therapy and development of vaccine against diphtheria. Gerty Cori was first woman to receive Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1947 for her role in elucidating metabolism of glucose.

26) Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has launched Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) aimed at providing sustainable alternative towards affordable transportation. The initiative was launched with PSU Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs i.e. IOC, BPCL and HPCL). SATAT Initiative: The SATAT initiative has potential to boost availability of more affordable transport fuels, better use of agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste, as well as provide additional revenue source to farmers. It will also benefit vehicle-users as well as farmers and entrepreneurs. Under it, Expression of Interest (EoI) have been invited from potential entrepreneurs to set up Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) production plants and make available biogas in market for use in automotive fuels. Benefits: It will boost availability of more affordable transport fuels and enable better use of agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste. It will pave way for efficient municipal solid waste management and help in tackling problem of polluted urban air due to farm stubble-burning and carbon emissions. It will boost entrepreneurship, rural economy and employment and provide additional source of revenue to farmers. It will also help achieve nation’s climate change goals and bring down dependency on natural gas and crude oil imports and act as a buffer against crude oil and gas price fluctuations. It will also help to integrated CBS networks with city gas distribution (CGD) networks to boost supplies to domestic and retail users in existing and upcoming markets. Besides retailing from OMC fuel stations, CBS can at later date be injected into CGD pipelines too for efficient distribution and optimised access of cleaner and more affordable fuel. Background: Bio-gas is produced naturally through process of anaerobic decomposition from waste and bio-mass sources like agriculture residue, cattle dung, municipal solid waste, sugarcane press mud, sewage treatment plant (STP) waste, etc. It is called CBG after biogas is purified and compressed, which has pure methane content of over 95%. CBG is exactly similar to commercially available natural gas in its composition and energy potential. It has calorific value (~52,000 KJ/kg) and other properties are similar to CNG. CBG can be used as alternative, renewable automotive fuel. It has potential to replace CNG in automotive, industrial and commercial uses in the coming years, given the abundance of biomass in the country. Advantages of converting agricultural residue, cattle dung and municipal solid waste into CBG on commercial scale are- It results in responsible waste management, reduction in carbon emissions and pollution. It generates additional revenue source for farmers. It boosts entrepreneurship, rural economy and employment. It supports national commitments in achieving climate change goals. It also helps in reduction in import of natural gas and crude oil. It also serves as buffer against crude oil and gas price fluctuations.

27) India was ranked 5th among 206 countries in Cigarette Package Health Warnings: International Status Report 2018 released by Canadian Cancer Society. The ranking of the countries was in terms of largest pictorial warning on cigarette packs. In India, 85% of both sides of cigarette packets are covered with warnings. Key Facts: In 2018 report, Timor-Leste has the largest warnings on cigarette packages in the world with 92.5% on front and back, followed by Nepal and Vanuatu with 90% and New Zealand at fourth with 87.5%. India secured the fifth rank jointly with Hong Kong and Thailand for 85% warnings. The report documented global progress on plain packaging and ranked 206 countries and territories based on size of their health warnings on cigarette packages, and lists countries and territories that require graphic picture warnings. It was the sixth Canadian Cancer Society international report on cigarette package health warnings. Previous reports were published in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016. It was released in Geneva at 8th session of Conference of Parties to WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Key Findings of report: The report has found that 118 countries worldwide have made pictorial warnings mandatory, representing global public health achievement and 58% of the world’s population is covered by this regulation. Canada was first country to make picture health warnings mandatory in 2001. It also found that there is tremendous international momentum for plain packaging of tobacco. There are now 25 countries and territories moving forward with plain packaging, with nine having adopted measure and 16 working on it. Total of 107 countries pictorial warnings cover at least 50% of the package, both front and back (on average), up from 94 in 2016 and 24 in 2008. 55 countries/jurisdictions have made mandatory for at least 65% (on average) of the package, front and back, be covered with warning. India’s progress- The current regulation of pictorial warnings in India on both sides of packages of cigarettes, bidis and all forms of chewing tobacco products came into effect in April 2016 upon direction of Rajasthan High Court and subsequently Supreme Court. India has demonstrated global leadership by implementing quit-line number on all tobacco packages.

28) As per data released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the growth of core eight infrastructure sectors slowed down to 4.2% in August 2018 against 4.4% in the year-ago in same month. Key Facts: The decline in growth was on account of decline in production of crude oil and fertilizer which has dipped by 3.7% and 5.3%, respectively. On the other hand, other sectors like coal, natural gas and electricity production grew by 2.4%, 1.1% and 5.4%, respectively as compared with 15.4%, 4.2% and 8.3%, respectively in August 2017. Refinery products, steel and cement also recorded positive growth. During the April-August period of current fiscal, these sectors have grown 5.5% as against 3% in April-August 2017 period. 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%).

29) The World Habitat Day was observed every year on first Monday in October all over the world. This year it was observed on 1 October 2018 with theme ‘Municipal Solid Waste Management’. The purpose of day is to reflect on state of cities and towns and basic human right to adequate shelter. It also aims to remind world of its collective responsibility for habitat of future generations. This year’s theme aims to highlight issue of solid waste management as global issue that affects everyone. It seeks to bring change in public attitudes to minimize waste and stop littering, regularization of informal waste pickers, increase recycling and reusing, solid waste planning including adequate landfill sites to improve current state of solid waste management in cities across the world and save money to become ‘Waste-Wise Cities’. Background: The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day. The day was established by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) through Resolution 40/202 in 1985 and was first celebrated in 1986. Since then it is observed each year with new theme to promote sustainable development policies that ensure adequate shelter for all

30) India-born economist Gita Gopinath was appointed Chief Economist of International Monetary Fund (IMF). She will take over as IMF chief economist after Maurice Obstfeld retires in December 2018. It makes her second Indian after former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan to hold the position. Gita Gopinath: Gita Gopinath was born and brought up in India. She is US citizen and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI). She had received her Ph.D in economics from Princeton University in 2001 after earning BA from Delhi University and MA degrees from both Delhi School of Economics and University of Washington. She joined the University of Chicago in 2001 as Assistant Professor before moving to Harvard in 2005. She became tenured Professor there in 2010. She is John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and of Economics at Harvard University. Her research focuses on International Finance and Macroeconomics. She is co-director of International Finance and Macroeconomics program at National Bureau of Economic Research, visiting scholar at Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, member of economic advisory panel of Federal Reserve Bank of New York, co-editor of American Economic Review, co-editor of current Handbook of International Economics. She was managing editor of Review of Economic Studies. She is currently Economic Adviser to Chief Minister of Kerala and also had served on advisory panel for G-20 issues for India’s Ministry of Finance. In 2014, she had made into IMF’s list of 25 economists under 45. She was also chosen as Young Global Leader by World Economic Forum (WEF) in 2011.

31) The International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) is observed every year on October 1 to raise awareness about issues affecting elderly and to appreciate contributions that older people make to society. It also seeks to raise awareness about issues affecting elderly, such as senescence and elder abuse. The theme for this year is “Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions”. The theme reaffirms commitment to promoting full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by older persons to celebrated 70th anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Background: The International Day of Older Persons was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting resolution 45/106 in December 1990 for raising awareness about issues affecting elderly, such as senescence and elder abuse. It is also day to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society. The observance of the day is also focus of ageing organizations and the United Nations Programme on Ageing

32) President Ram Nath Kovind has given assent Karnataka Good Samaritan and Medical Professional (Protection and Regulation during Emergency Situations) Bill, 2016 under Article 200 of Constitution. With this, Karnataka became first state give legal protection to good Samaritans who help accidents victims with emergency medical care within golden hour. This law will ensure that good samaritans are not harassed in any manner and face any criminal or civil liability. Key Features of Bill: The legislation aims to give protection to good samaritans and ensure immediate medical assistance for road accident victims within golden hour. It also seeks encourage people to offer first aid to victims without fear of harassment in hands of police and investigations. Golden hour in medical term is the first hour after traumatic injury when emergency treatment is very crucial. This law makes mandatory for all government as well as private hospitals are bound to give first aid to the accident victims. It also provides protection to medical professionals during their examination as a witness. It also mentions that after admitting accident victim to hospital, good samaritan can leave immediately. Under this law, Karnataka government will provide financial help to good samaritans who help victims in timely manner. They will be also exempted from repeated attendance in courts and police stations, in case attendance is mandatory. Good Samaritan Fund will be used for meeting expenses of good samaritans such running around to courts and police stations. Background: There were 4,80,652 road accidents across the country in 2016 in which 1,50,785 people were killed. Karnataka is one of top five states which saw large number of people getting killed in road accidents in 2016 and 2015. It has been proved that number of road accident victims can be saved if medical treatment is immediately administered during golden hours after accident. There is no central law to protect good samaritans. However, Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways had issued set of guidelines in 2015 following Supreme Court order for framing guidelines to protect the good Samaritans or bystanders who reach out to aid of victims of road accidents.

33) Union Finance Ministry has constituted nine-member Competition Law Review Committee to ensure that legislation is in tune with changing business environment. It will be chaired by chaired by Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti Srinivas and includes Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) Chairperson M S Sahoo and Competition Commission of India (CCI) Chairperson as members. The committee was constituted in pursuance of Government’s objective of ensuring that legislation is in sync with needs of strong economic fundamentals. Committee’s Terms of references: The committee will review competition regulations in view of changing business environment and suggest the necessary changes to strengthen and re-calibrate existing law to promote best practices. It will also look into international best practices in competition field with thrust on anti-trust laws, merger guidelines and handling cross-border competition issues. It will also study other regulatory regimes, institutional mechanisms and government policies which overlap with Competition Act. It will submit its report within three months of the date of its first meeting. Background: The Competition Act was passed in 2002 and Competition Commission of India (CCI) was set up in 2009. However, since inception of the commission, the size of the economy has grown immensely making it one of the fifth largest economies in the world. In this context, it was seen necessary to that Competition Law is strengthened and re-calibrated to promote best practices which result in the citizens of this country achieving their aspirations and value for money.

34) All India Council for Technical Education will establish country’s first AICTE Training and Learning (ATAL) Academy in Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan. Moreover, tree more ATAL academies will come at Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Guwahati (Assam) and Baroda (Gujarat) by next year. ATAL Academy: These academies will provide upgraded teaching methods and modules to make technical education more effective and accountable. Faculties will be trained on the eight-module course in these academies in five months. The training will be mandatory for new teachers from 2019 and it will be necessary for existing teachers and assistant teachers while applying for promotions. For building these academies states had provided infrastructure and land for free of cost. AICTE: AICTE is statutory body established in November 1945. It comes under aegis of Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resources Development. It is national-level council for technical education responsible for planning and coordination of technical education and management of education system in the country. It accredits graduate and post graduate programs at Indian institutions. It is headquartered in New Delhi.

35) The second International Translation Day was observed by United Nations on 30 September 2018. Observance of this day seeks to recognize contribution of unsung heroes behind international diplomacy who work as language professionals to facilitate dialogue and contribute to development and strengthens world peace and security. It also recognises transposition of literary or scientific work from one language into another language as indispensable to preserve clarity, climate and productiveness in international public communication. Background: The International Translation Day was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in May 2017 by adopting resolution 71/288 after considering importance of role played by language professionals role in bringing nations together, facilitating dialogue, understanding and cooperation, contributing to development and strengthening world peace and security. The date 30 September was chosen to celebrate feast of Bible translator St Jerome, who is considered as patron saint of translators.

36) International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and World Trade Organization have collectively launched report “Reinvigorating Trade and Inclusive Growth”. In this report all three international organisations have sought liberalisation of global service sector, asserting that barriers to these services trade currently is roughly as high as those to trade in goods about a half century ago. Key Highlights of Report: Services comprise some two-thirds of global GDP and employment. The limited opening of service sectors to foreign competition impedes trade and productivity growth throughout sector and broader economy. Countries should open up to international competition in services provided in other ways, including through foreign direct investment (FDI) and operation of foreign affiliates and temporary movement of workers across borders for the purpose of supplying services. The full services trade liberalisation can raise manufacturing productivity by average of 22% across sample of 57 countries with larger benefits for countries with stronger institutional environments. Moreover, service sector has enormous contributor to growth and to trade including manufacturing trade. Improved access to services from trade reform promotes economy-wide productivity and income growth, and given sector’s size, role of services productivity in overall economic performance is evident. There is interplay between services reform and manufacturing performance. Services comprise significant shares of value added of all sectors in economy and this is reflected in trade figures also. Only quarter of global trade is traded as services, on value-added basis half of the value of global trade originates in service sectors. The trade in services sector has potential of contributing particularly strongly to productivity growth and economic growth overall. Prolonged slowdown in pace of trade reform is leading to widespread trade distortions and putting at risk strength and durability of global economic recovery, despite recent rebound in trade. Digital economy revolution is opening new opportunities for cross-border trade and investment and this is changing nature of trade, elevating roles of policies relating to electronic commerce, investment and services trade.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 29 September 2018 to 05 October 2018.

37) Madhya Pradesh Government has announced creation of new district Niwari. It will be 52nd district of the state and came into effect from October 1, 2018. The proposal to this effect was cleared by state Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Key Facts: Niwari district has been carved out of the Tikamgarh district. It will include three tehsils of present Tikamgarh district viz. Niwari, Orchha and Prithvipur. IAS officer Akshay Kumar Singh (2010-batch) will hold interim charge as first District Collector of new district. The decision of forming new district comes ahead of Madhya Pradesh assembly elections, which is scheduled to be held by year end.

38) The International Coffee Day is observed every year on October 1 to promote and celebrate coffee as beverage. Observance of this day marks global celebration of coffee’s journey from farm to your local shop and opportunity to honour men and women who grow and harvest coffee. This year International Coffee Organization had chosen special theme: ‘Women in Coffee’. It was aimed at highlighting important role played by women in whole coffee chain as men, from planting seeds to processing to trading to brewing and drinking it. It also highlights need for equity and equality in coffee sector from bean to cup and that can only be achieved by empowering women to benefit of whole coffee sector. Background: The exact origin of International Coffee Day is unknown. An event was first promoted in Japan in 1983 by The All Japan Coffee Association. The official date was agreed by International Coffee Organization and was launched in Milan, Italy in 2015 to promote fair trade coffee and to raise awareness for the plight of the coffee growers. Coffee production in India: India is 6th largest coffee producer in the world with 4% share after Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Indonesia and Ethiopia. In India, coffee is cultivated in India in about 4.54 lakh hectares by 3.66 lakh coffee farmers and 98% of them are small farmers. Karnataka (54%), Kerala (19%) and Tamil Nadu (8%) are largest coffee producing states. India accounts for only 4-5% of world’s coffee output, but exports 70-80% of its produce. Italy, Russia and Germany are the top three buyers of Indian coffee. In India, two coffee varieties robusta (or Coffea canephora) and Coffea arabica are grown on large scale.

39) United States and Morocco have launched GCTF Terrorist Travel Initiative under auspices of Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF). The initiative brings together stakeholders to share expertise on developing and implementing effective counterterrorism watchlisting and screening tools. It was launched on sidelines of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York. GCTF Terrorist Travel Initiative: The new initiative will strengthen UNSC Resolution 2396 aiming to stop terrorist travel altogether. It will improve capabilities for detecting and interdicting terrorist travel through enhanced terrorist screening and information sharing. It will bring together national and local governments, law enforcement and border screening practitioners and international organizations to share expertise to develop and implement effective counterterrorism watchlisting and screening tools. Under this initiative, series of four regional workshops in 2018 and 2019 will be convened to develop set of good practices that will be endorsed at 2019 GCTF Ministerial. The resulting document will reinforce countries and organizations to use border security tools prescribed in UNSC Resolution 2396 to stop terrorist travel. Background: UN Security Council (UNSC) had unanimously adopted resolution 2396 (UNSCR 2396) in December 2017 requiring all member states to use various tools, including by implementing systems to collect traveler data and develop watchlists of known and suspected terrorists. One of the most effective tools to counter terrorist travel was through traveler data such as Advanced Passenger Information (API), Passenger Name Record (PNR), and biometrics. Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF): GCTF’s is international apolitical, multilateral counter-terrorism (CT) platform of 29 countries and European Union (EU) with overarching mission of reducing vulnerability of people worldwide to terrorism by preventing, combating, and prosecuting terrorist acts and countering incitement and recruitment to terrorism. It was launched officially in New York on 22 September 2011. GCTF’s goal is to strengthen capabilities to develop strategic, long-term approach to counter terrorism and prevent violent extremist ideologies that underpin it. Its mission is to diminish terrorist recruitment and increase countries’ civilian capabilities for dealing with terrorist threats within their borders and regions.

40) Second Anniversary of Surgical Strike was celebrated as Parakram Parv or Surgical Strike Day on September 29 – 30, 2018 by Indian Army to showcase gallant action of brave Army in the conduct of Surgical Strikes on September 29, 2016. This day was also marked to remember sacrifice of soldiers during ‘Uri incident’. Celebrations: The Parakram Parv celebrations were inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at ‘Combined Commanders’ Conference in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Exhibition to highlight the valour and accomplishments of the Indian Army was also organised by Konark Corps at Jodhpur Military station. Background: Indian Army had carried out Surgical strike on the night of September 28-29, 2016 in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), 11 days after the Uri attack that claimed 18 soldiers. It was carried out by Para (Special Forces), commonly known as Para SF, is the special force unit of the Indian Army’s Parachute Regiments. The four hour surgical strike had inflicted heavy casualties on terrorists along with those protecting them, sending across message of change of stand on rules of engagement on the disputed Line of Control (LoC). The strike was conducted to prevent terrorists who were prepping to infiltrate and attack the Kashmir region and metros. It was claimed to be first-of-its-kind strike across the Pakistani border was based on specific intelligence reports. Surgical Strike: It is essentially swift and targeted attack on specific target that aims to neutralise them while ensuring minimum collateral damage to surrounding areas, general public infrastructure, vehicles, buildings, utilities and most importantly civilians. Neutralisation of targets with surgical strikes also prevents escalation to full blown war between two countries. Surgical strikes are part of India’s Cold Start doctrine and have proved effective in foiling new infiltration bid by terrorists groups across LoC from Pakistani side who mainly attack several locations in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and other metro cities in India.

41) Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has partnered with Google to launch Loo Review campaign on Google Map. The joint campaign has been launched under aegis of Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM–U). It will run throughout October and November 2018 in an effort to increase awareness and ease of locating public toilets across India. Loo Review campaign: This campaign aims to encourage all local guides in India to rate and review public toilets on Google Maps. It is part of feature which allows all citizens to locate public toilets in their cities on Google Maps, Search and t Assistant and also provide feedback on same. 500 plus cities in India with more than 30,000 toilets with name of “SBM Toilet” are currently live on Google Maps. The campaign will involve and engage Local Guides in India to rate and review public toilets on Google Maps. Besides, use hashtag #LooReview will chance give chance to users to be featured on Google Local Guides’ social channels. Local Guides are people who will share reviews, photos, and knowledge on Google Maps to help people explore the world. Background: One of the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM – U) is to provide sanitation coverage through public toilet facilities across cities in India for achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. With around 3400 cities across the country already have achieved ODF status and other cities gearing up towards same. This campaign will address need for ensuring ODF status is sustained through continuous usage and proper maintenance of public toilets.

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