1) India and Cuba have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhanced cooperation in the health sector. The MoU is important for exchanges in the health sector and to develop institutional framework for cooperation in the health sector between the two countries. The objective of MoU is to establish comprehensive inter-ministerial and inter-institutional cooperation between two countries in the field of health. The main areas of cooperation under MoU include: It aims at exchange and training of medical doctors, officials, other health professionals and experts. It also aims at providing assistance in development of human resources, health services and setting up of health care facilities. It also aims at regulation of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and exchange of information. It seeks promotion of business development opportunities in pharmaceuticals and others identified by parties. It also seeks cooperation in procurement of generic and essential drugs and assistance in sourcing of drug supplies. It calls for collaboration in prevention of Non Communicable Diseases of mutual interest, such as neurocardiovascular diseases, cancer, mental health and dementia, COPDs with emphasis on SDG3 and related factors. It also seeks for collaboration in field of climate change impact on communicable diseases and vector borne diseases. It also seeks collaboration in safety of production, transformation, distribution and food delivery. Information and communication to citizens on hygiene and food safety and healthy eating habits.2) The six member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to maintain status quo in policy rates by keeping repo rate unchanged at 6.0% under liquidity adjustment facility (LAF). It was RBI’s fifth bimonthly policy review for financial year 2017-18. The decision was in line with market expectations and consistent with neutral stance of monetary policy in consonance with objective of achieving medium-term inflation target of 4% within a band of +/- 2%, while supporting growth. Policy Rates: Repo rate: It is rate at which RBI lends to its clients generally against government securities. It was unchanged at 6%. Reverse Repo Rate: It is rate at which banks lend funds to RBI. It was unchanged at 5.75%. Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate: It is rate at which scheduled banks can borrow funds overnight from RBI against government securities. It is very short term borrowing scheme for scheduled banks. It was unchanged at 6.25%. Bank Rate: It is rate charged by central bank for lending funds to commercial banks. It was unchanged 6.25%. It influences lending rates of commercial banks. Higher bank rate will translate to higher lending rates by banks. Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): It is amount of funds that banks have to keep with RBI. It was unchanged at 4%. The RBI uses CRR to drain out excessive money from system. Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): It was changed to 19.5% from 20%. It is amount that banks have to maintain a stipulated proportion of their net demand and time liabilities (NDTL) in form of liquid assets like cash, gold and unencumbered securities, treasury bills, dated securities etc.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 02 December 2017 to 08 December 2017.

3) The International Solar Alliance (ISA) became treaty-based international intergovernmental organization on 6th December 2017 one month after Guinea became 15th country to ratify it. ISA is first treaty-based international government organisation to be based in India. So far, 46 countries have signed and 19 ratified Framework Agreement of ISA. International Solar Alliance (ISA): The ISA is brainchild of India, jointly launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande in November 2015 in Paris on sidelines of COP-21 of UN Climate Conference. Its secretariat is located in campus of National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gwalpahari, Gurgaon, Haryana. It aims at addressing obstacles to deployment at scale of solar energy through better harmonization and aggregation of demand from solar rich countries by bringing standardization in solar technologies and fostering research and development. Under this alliance, 121 countries that fall within tropics i.e. between Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn have been invited to make collaborative efforts to harness solar energy to generate the electricity. Most of these countries fall within Asia, Africa and South America. The institutional structure of ISA consists of an Assembly, a Council and a Secretariat. Its members will take coordinated actions through programmes and activities that will aggregate demands for solar finance, solar technologies, innovation, R&D and capacity building.

4) Godrej Aerospace has won order from BrahMos Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. (BAPL) for supply of additional 100 units airframe fuel management systems for BrahMos Air-Launched Cruise Missile. Godrej Aerospace is unit of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd. It has been associated with BrahMos since 2000 and most recently it had completed supply of its 100th airframe for the missile. Key Facts: Godrej Aerospace supplies airframes for land and sea versions of the BrahMos missile to BrahMos Aerospace. Both versions have been inducted by army and navy. The air version currently has 65% of sub-systems indigenously manufactured, while a little more than 50% of entire missile is indigenously produced. BrahMos missile: Brahmos is supersonic cruise missile developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint-venture between Russia’s Mashinostroyenia and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It operates on ‘fire and forget principal’ and is capable of being launched from land, sea, sub-sea and air against sea and land targets. It is hailed as world’s fastest anti-ship cruise missile in operation. It is two-stage missile, the first one being solid and the second one ramjet liquid propellant. It is capable of carrying warhead of 300 kilogram (both conventional as well as nuclear). It has top supersonic speed of Mach 2.8 to 3 (roughly three times speed of sound). Its range was extended 600-km plus and capability to strike the targets with pinpoint accuracy after India became member of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016. The Indian Navy and Army already operate different variants of Brahmos missile. In November 2017, air version of BrahMos missile was successfully fired from Sukhoi. BrahMos Aerospace is currently working on miniature version of missile, called BrahMos NG. It is still in the design stage and development is a few years away. The mini version will enable Sukhois to carry multiple missiles. Currently, the Sukhoi can carry only one BrahMos at a time.

5) The 22nd conference of Asian Harmonization Working Party (AHWP) was recently held New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Minister of State (MoS) Health & Family Welfare Anupriya Patel. The five day conference was organised by Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and National Drug Regulatory Authority (NDRA) of India in collaboration with Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Key Facts: The key objective of the conference was to develop and recommend approaches for convergence and harmonization of medical device regulations in Asia and beyond. It also aimed at facilitating exchange of knowledge and expertise amongst regulators and industry. Asian Harmonization Working Party (AHWP): AHWP is voluntary non-profit organization that aims to promote regulatory harmonization on medical device regulations in Asia and other regions in accordance with the guidance issued by International Medical Device Regulators Forums (IMDRF). It was established in 1999 by of 30 national regulators of member countries and industry members. It works in collaboration with related international organizations such as IMDRF, International Organization for Standardization (ISO), World Health Organisation (WHO) etc.

6) The Surface to Air Missile (SAM) AKASH was successfully tested with indigenous radio frequency seeker against target UAV Banshee. It was successfully launched from Launch Complex-III at ITR Chandipur. During the test, radars, telemetry and electro-optical systems along coast had tracked and monitored all the health parameters of the missile. Significance: This was the first supersonic surface-to-air missile (SAM) with indigenous seeker that has been test fired. With this success, India has achieved the capability of making any type of SAMs. AKASH Missile: Akash (means sky in English) is a mid-range surface-to-air missile (SAM). It is medium range nuclear capable supersonic missile. It has been indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under Integrated Guided-Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). It is multi target, multi directional, all weather air-defence missile system consisting of surveillance and tracking radars for defending vulnerable areas against medium range air targets penetrating from low, medium and high altitudes. It has supersonic speeds ranging from Mach 2.8 to 3.5. It has capability to carry 55- kg fragmentation warhead that is triggered by proximity fuse. It can engage aerial targets up to range of approximately 25 kms. It can reach high altitude of 18 kms and as low as 30 meters. It is powered by Ramjet-rocket propulsion system (RRPS) which renders thrust for the missile to intercept the target at supersonic speed without any retardation. It is capable of neutralising aerial targets like cruise missiles, fighter jets, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and air-to-surface missiles. It has been inducted into Indian Army as short range surface to air missile. It was also formally inducted into IAF in July 2015.

7) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia have formed new economic and partnership group named Joint Cooperation Committee, separate from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This move that could undermine six-member GCC amid Saudi led Arab countries diplomatic crisis with Qatar as half of countries members are boycotting Qatar, accusing it for supporting and funding terrorism. The new committee is assigned to cooperate and coordinate between UAE and Saudi Arabia in all military, political, economic, trade and cultural fields, as well as others in the interest of the two countries. It will be headed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s deputy prime minister and minister of presidential affairs, will serve as the Deputy Chairman of the committee. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): GCC is a political and economic alliance of six countries in Arabian Peninsula: Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE. It promotes economic, security, cultural and social cooperation between the six states and holds annual summit to discuss cooperation and regional affairs. The Charter of GCC was signed in 1981, formally establishing the institution. Its headquarter is in Riyadh, capital city of Saudi Arabia. All current member states of GCC are monarchies, including three constitutional monarchies (Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain), two absolute monarchies (Oman and Saudi Arabia) and one federal monarchy (UAE which is composed of seven member states, each of which is absolute monarchy with its own emir).

8) The Union Environment Ministry has allowed NGT Chairperson to “constitute a single-member bench” in “exceptional circumstances”. It has amended National Green Tribunal (Practices and Procedure) Rules, 2011 and issued notification. However, it has not defined “exceptional circumstances”. This move will address festering problem of vacancies in NGT. According to earlier rules, NGT bench consisted of “two or more members” with at least one judicial member and another expert. The balance of judicial and independent experts was necessary to ensure that technical aspects of disputes were adequately addressed. National Green Tribunal (NGT): The NGT was established in 2010 under National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. It specialises in adjudicating on matters relating to environment, forests and harm to people or property due to neglect of environmental obligations of infrastructure projects. It is a specialized body equipped with the necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues. It also includes enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters connected therewith. It adjudicates matters relating to Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991; Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The NGT is guided by principles of natural justice and not bound by procedure laid down under Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. It is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing. New Delhi is Principal Place of Sitting NGT. Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are other regional sitting of Tribunal.

9) The Madhya Pradesh Assembly has unanimously passed Dand Vidhi (Madhya Pradesh Sanshodhan) Vidheyak, 2017 that will see rapists of girls 12 years or below being hanged till death. With this, Madhya Pradesh becomes first state where those convicted of such rapes will face the gallows. The Bill will now be sent to the President for his assent, after which it will become a law. Key Features of Bill: The bill proposes death penalty or a minimum term of 14-year rigorous imprisonment or life imprisonment till death for raping girls aged 12 or less. It also increases minimum punishment for gang rape of girls aged 12 or less to 20 years rigorous imprisonment. The bill also proposes punishment for disrobing, stalking or sex on pretext of marriage. Repeated stalking would be a non-bailable offence and offenders would be punished. Besides, it increases jail term for second or subsequent offences. The bill proposes punishment terms ranging between 3 and 7 years for harassment (first offence). For second and subsequent offences, minimum jail term will be seven to 10 years and fine of Rs 1 lakh. Stalking will invite jail term of 3 years for first offence. Second and subsequent offences will be punished with minimum 3 years and maximum 7 years in jail and fine of Rs 1 lakh.

10) The International conference on climate change was held in Nepal. It was inaugurated by Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari. It was titled ‘Resilient Hindu Kush Himalaya: Developing Solutions towards a Sustainable Future for Asia’. Its purpose was to draw attention towards adverse effects of global warming in Hindu Kush mountain range. It was organized by Nepal’s Ministry for Environment in collaboration with International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). Key Facts: The 4-day conference aimed at developing solutions for a sustainable future for Asia that could withstand the impacts of climate change. The main objective was to develop solutions for resilience building, promoting regional cooperation and reducing the data gaps for sustainable mountain development. It was attended by more than 300 experts from different countries of Asia including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Myanmar. Indian delegation was led by V K Saraswat, member of India’s Neeti foundation. Hindu Kush Himalaya: Hindu Kush Himalaya is a mountain range that spans from Afghanistan to Myanmar. It is source to 10 major river systems in Asia that provide water, ecosystem services and livelihoods to more than 210 million people. The region holds and distributes water for more than 1.3 billion people living in downstream river basins.

11) The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers will constitute multi-disciplinary committee of experts for consultation on matters pertaining to implementation of drug price control order (DPCO) including technicalities involved in pricing and new launches. It will have member secretary of National Pharmaceutical Pricing authority (NPPA) as its convener. It will also have representatives from Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Department of Health Research/Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and NIPER as members. Background: The committee will be constituted taking in view of the experience gained from implementation of Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO), 2013 for consultation on all technical issues related to pricing, launch of new drugs with ancillary provisions where more clarity is required. Key Facts: The committee is also mandated to recommend its opinion on claims of pharma companies about any additional therapeutic features associated with any formulation. It will also recommend separate ceiling price of scheduled formulations or retail price of any new drug with specified therapeutic rationale. It will also give its opinion on claims of pharma firms about additional pharmacoeconomics features associated with any formulation/Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API). Besides, it will also give opinion on technical related issues such as whether a drug is scheduled or non-scheduled on basis of ingredients used in formulation. It will give opinion on technical issues and claims by pharma companies about novelty associated with indigenous research and development of their products, for granting exemption from price control order for period of 5 years. The recommendations of committee will considered by NPPA which will pass reasoned order on it. The committee will be empowered to invite or co-opt any other specialist depending on exigencies of circumstances requiring resolution of any specific matter arising out of implementation of various provisions of DPCO 2013.

12) The World Soil Day is celebrated every year on 5th of December by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. It aims to communicate messages on the importance of soil quality for food security, healthy ecosystems and human well-being. The Theme for year 2017 is ‘Caring for the Planet starts from the Ground’. The theme seeks to highlight importance of soil in human livelihoods and increase in degradation of soil resources worldwide due to inappropriate management practices, population pressure driving unsustainable intensification and inadequate governance over this essential resource. Importance of soil: Soil is the upper layer of earth. It is mixture of organic and inorganic matter, in which plants grow. It is a finite natural resource. On a human time-scale it is non-renewable. According to FAO, soil holds three times as much carbon as atmosphere and can help to meet challenges of a changing climate. 95% of our food comes from soil and 33% of global soils are already degraded. Background: The International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) had adopted resolution proposing 5th of December as World Soil Day in 2002 to celebrate importance of soil as critical component of natural system and as vital contributor to human wellbeing. Later in June 2013, the FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day and requested official adoption at 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, 68th UNGA declared 5th of December as the World Soil Day.

13) The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed former CMD of ONGC Dinesh K Sarraf (60) as new Chairman of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB). He replaces S Krishnan, who had demitted office in August 2015. Besides, ACC also appointed S Rath, former director (exploration) of Oil India Ltd (OIL) as member of PNGRB. S S Chahar, former member of Cyber Appellate Tribunal was also appointed Member (Legal), PNGRB. They will have 5-year term or till the age of 65, whichever is earlier. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB): PNGRB was established in 2006 under Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006. Its mandate is to regulate refining, transport and marketing of petroleum products. It also ensures enough supply across country, foster fair trade, protect consumer interest and authorise companies that will build and operate fuel pipelines. The PNGRB consists of Chairperson, a Member (Legal) and three other members. It also has power of civil court and bench comprising member (legal) and one or more members nominated by chairperson which decides on disputes arising among downstream companies or with outsiders.

14) The first International Exhibition and Conference on AYUSH and Wellness sector- AROGYA 2017 was held in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik. It was organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in collaboration with Union Ministry of AYUSH and Ministry of Commerce & Industry and Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil). Its theme was ‘Enhancing the global potential of AYUSH’. Objectives of AROGYA 2017: Showcase strengths and scientific validation of Indian System of Medicine in global context. Promote and strengthen awareness and interest about AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa and Homoeopathy). Facilitate international promotion, development and recognition of AYUSH. Foster interaction of stakeholders and market development of AYUSH at international level. Give boost to AYUSH Products in International Market. Exhibit research and latest developments in AYUSH sector and harness its potential. Key Facts: AROGYA 2017 witnessed participation of thousands of delegates from India as well as abroad including delegates from over 60 countries across the world. More than 250 manufacturers of alternative medicine also showcased their products and services at the exhibition. AYUSH: India has long history and culture running over 5000 years of using traditional medicines for health care and developing them with modern scientific outlook. AYUSH is acronym of tradition medical systems that are being practiced in India such as Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.

15) The 6th International Tourism Mart (ITM) 2017 was held in Guwahati, Assam. It was inaugurated by Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi, Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal and Union Tourism minister K L Alphons. The three day program was organized by Union Ministry of Tourism in association with all North Eastern states. Key Facts: The focus areas of 6th ITM was to spotlight on India’s “Act East Policy”, blossoming ties with ASEAN and larger East Asia region, home to world’s rapidly growing economies and India’s emerging tourism markets. It also held oanel discussions, workshops, business to business (B2B) meetings, cultural programs. Senior officials from Railways, Civil Aviation, DoNER, Road Transport ministry also shared their views for betterment of tourism sector of North East including Assam. International Tourism Mart: The International Tourism Mart is an annual event organised in North Eastern States on rotation basis. Its objective is to highlight tourism potential of region in domestic and international markets. It also brings together tourism business fraternity and entrepreneurs from the eight North Eastern States. The earlier editions of this mart were held in Guwahati, Shillong, Tawang, Gangtok and Imphal.

16) Veteran Bollywood actor Shashi Kapoor passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra reportedly due to kidney failure. He was 79. Iconic star of Indian cinema was worn in the first family of Hindi film industry. He had starred in more than hundred movies, out of which he was the lead actor in at least 61. Shashi Kapoor: Shashi Kapoor was born on March 18, 1938 in Calcutta (Kolkata) as Balbir Raj Kapoor. He was the third and the youngest son of legendary film actor Prithviraj Kapoor and Ramsarni Kapoor. He was married English actress Jennifer Kendal in 1956 and the duo established Prithvi Theatre in 1978. He had started acting in films as child actor in late 1940s. Since then he has appeared in 160 movies altogether, 12 being in English and the rest in Hindi. His Bollywood debut as lead actor was in film Dharmputra (1961). His best known performances as child artist were in Aag (1948), Awaara (1951) and Sangram (1950). He is also best-known for his performances in Hindi films like ‘Jab Jab Phool Khile’, ‘Deewar’, ‘Waqt’, ‘Trishul’, ‘Utsav’and ‘Kabhi Kabhie’. He also acted in American and British films. They are The Householder (1963), Shakespeare Wallah (1965), Bombay Talkie (1970) etc. His last and most recent film appearances were in Jinnah in 1998, a biographical film of Mohammed Ali Jinnah, father of Pakistan. His biography, Shashi Kapoor: The Householder, The Star was released in 2016 and is authored by Aseem Chhabra. For his contribution to cinema, he has been conferred many awards including National Film Award for Best actor for film New Delhi Times (1986), National Film Award Special Jury Award/Special Mention (Feature Film) for Muhafiz (1993), National Film Award Best Feature Film in Hindi (as Producer) for Junoon (1979), Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award (2010), Padma Bhushan (2011) and Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2015).

17) The United States has pulled out of UN Global Compact on Migration. It has argued that Obama-era negotiated UN compact process deal contains numerous provisions that inconsistent with country’s immigration and refugee policies and Trump Administration’s immigration principles. Key Facts: US under Trump administration has pulled out of several global commitments including UNESCO, UN cultural and educational body and 2015 Paris climate change agreement. US participation in Global Compact on Migration process was started in 2016 following Obama Administration’s decision to join UN’s New York Declaration on Migration. US under Trump administration has held that New York Declaration contains numerous provisions that are inconsistent with US immigration and refugee policies and Trump Administration’s immigration principles. Moreover, the global approach in New York Declaration is simply not compatible with US sovereignty. UN Global Compact on Migration: UN Global Compact on Migration will be the first intergovernmentally negotiated agreement under auspices of UN to cover all dimensions of international migration in holistic and comprehensive manner. Its genesis can be found in New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants adopted in September 2016 by UN General Assembly. Under this declaration, signatory UN member countries had decided to develop global compact for safe, orderly and regular migration. The process to develop this global compact for migration was started in April 2017. It was to reach international consensus at the UN in 2018. The purpose of Global compact of migration is to provide significant opportunity to improve governance on migration, address challenges associated with today’s migration, and strengthen contribution of migrants and migration to sustainable development.

18) Venezuela has launched its own cryptocurrency called Petro to circumvent US-led financial sanctions. It will be backed by the country’s vast natural resource reserves. In this regard, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has approved the creation of BlockchainBase observatory to oversee development and rollout of new cryptocurrency. Key Facts: The Petro aims to help Venezuela to advance in issues of monetary sovereignty, to make financial transactions and overcome financial blockade. Its value will be pegged to country’s vast reserves of oil and gas as well as its mineral wealth, including gold. In recent time, OPEC member Venezuela which boasts world’s largest proven reserves of crude oil is struggling against plunge in oil prices which began in 2014. With new official cryptocurrency, Venezuela hopes to overcome economic blockade imposed by US which has caused the country’s national currency Bolivar to lose around 57% of its value in the last four weeks. Crypto Currencies: Crypto Currencies or Virtual Currencies are type of unregulated digital money that is neither issued by central bank/public authority, nor is necessarily attached to fiat currency, but is used and accepted among the members of specific virtual community. They are capable of being transferred, stored or traded electronically. Cryptocurrencies are founded as peer-to-peer (P2P) electronic payment system. They enable transfer of money between parties, without going through banking system. They can be transferred directly between peers and the transactions are confirmed in a public ledger, accessible to all the users. The process of maintaining this ledger and validating the transactions is known as mining and is carried out in a decentralised manner.

19) South Korea and United States have launched Vigilant Ace, their largest-ever joint aerial drills. The exercise comes after North Korea tested Hwasong-15, its most advanced and powerful Inter Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) as part of its weapons programme. Vigilant Ace: Vigilant Ace is annual US-South Korean drill designed to enhance their readiness and operational capability and to ensure peace and security on Korean peninsula. More than 12,000 service members from US will join airmen from South Korea in air combat exercise. Troops from US Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy will train with 230 South Korean and US aircraft, including six F-22 Raptors and 18 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets. Of 18 F-35s, six are F-35A models from Air Force and 12 are F-35B models from Marine Corps. The fighters will fly to Korean Peninsula from Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Japan. Background: The isolated and impoverished North Korea has staged six increasingly powerful atomic tests since 2006 – most recently in September 2017. It nuclear and missile programmes have made significant progress under leader Kim Jong-Un, who has overseen four nuclear tests and dozens of missile launches since taking power in 2011. Recently in November 2017, North Korea had claimed that Hwasong 15 ICBM is capable of delivering a “super-large” nuclear warhead anywhere in US mainland. Even experts supported the claim and held that latest test showed a big improvement in potential range. They are also sceptical that North Korea has mastered sophisticated technology required to protect such warhead from extreme temperatures and stresses encountered during re-entry of missile to Earth.

20) The Indian Navy Day is observed every year on 4 December to celebrate achievements and role of the naval force to the country. This year is 46th Navy Day. Celebrations of Navy Day not only display India’s technological progress but also the maritime achievements of India. Indian Navy is one of most potent maritime forces in the world and the most lethal in Indian Ocean. It plays great role in securing marine borders of country as well as enhancing international relations of country through foreign port callings, joint exercises, humanitarian missions and calamity relief. Background: The observance of the day commemorates the launch of Operation Trident by the Indian Navy against Pakistan on 4th December, 1971. During 1971 India-Pakistan war, the Indian Navy had played a significant role in the bombing of Karachi harbour, the stronghold of the Pakistani Navy. In this attack, Indian Navy sank four Pakistani vessels including PNS Ghazi and ravaged the Karachi harbour fuel fields. In this operation, three missile boats of the Indian Navy, INS Nirghat, INS Nipat and INS Veer had played a pivotal role. Operation Trident had also resulted in first use of anti-ship missiles in the Arabian Sea region.

21) Government has launched Noxeno, a nasal foreign body removal device developed by start-up InnAccel Technologies Private Limited, Bangalore. It was developed by fellow trained under Biodesign program. Noxeno is It is first dedicated tool for anterior nasal foreign body (NFB) removal that allows doctors in any setting to quickly and safely remove objects that people (mostly children aged 2 to 10 years) put into their noses. Key Facts: Noxeno has been 100% invented, designed, engineered and manufactured in India. It has ergonomic handle along with built-in light source and hinge. This allows user to slip behind NFB and remove it in matter of seconds by simply squeezing the trigger and pulling the device. The modular nature of the system allows for sterilization of hinge through autoclaving it. It is reusable device and is also both easy to use and cost-effective. InnAccel Technologies is hoping to deploy this device across primary health care centres (PHCs), community health care centres (CHCs), clinics and smaller hospitals nationwide by 2020.

22) The XIth Annual MedTech Summit of Biodesign Programme was held in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Minister of Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forests & Climate Change Dr. Harsh Vardhan. The summit was organised by Department of Biotechnology (DBT) under the Bio Design Programme. It was attended by leaders of government organisations, academia, medical device industry, start-ups, hospitals, design, business and engineering institutes from Australia, Finland, Canada, India, Germany, Japan, Singapore, UK and USA. Bio Design Programme: Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology is implementing Bio Design Programme to develop innovative and affordable medical devices to cater to clinical needs of country. It aims to train next generation of medical technology innovators in country. It is implemented by DBT at All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) and IIT Delhi in collaboration with international partners. DBT has authorised Biotech Consortium India Limited for management of its intellectual property and other techno- legal activities.

23) The first phase of Iran’s Chabahar port (Shahid Beheshti Port) which holds significant strategic and economic importance for India was inaugurated was Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani. It is Iran’s only oceanic port located on the Gulf of Oman, southeast of Iran near Pakistani border. It has been jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan. The first phase is expected to increase its cargo handling capacity to 8.5 million tons annually i.e. by over three times from the previous 2.5 million tons. It also includes five new piers, two of them for containers allowing cargo vessels with up to 100,000-ton captaincy to dock. Background: The move to develop Shahid Beheshti Port was started in 2007. India’s intention to become major partner in project was made clear as long ago as in 2003. The overall development of port is planned in four phases and is expected to bring its total annual cargo capacity to 82 million tonnes. India, Iran and Afghanistan had signed Trilateral Transit and Trade Agreement to grant preferential treatment and tariff reductions at Chabahar to Indian goods headed toward Central Asia and Afghanistan. The port’s inauguration comes after the first consignment of 1.1 lakh tonnes wheat from India to Afghanistan was sent via Chabahar in November 2017. Significance: The Chabahar port allows India to strategically bypass Pakistan and reach land-locked Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, contributing to bilateral and regional trade and economic development. India views Chabahar port as strategic response to China’s development of Gwadar port in Pakistan (some 78 kilometers away) and its aggressive pursuit of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Chabahar port will be also key for Indian goods to get access Central Asian markets and also provide alternate access to landlocked Afghanistan to regional and global markets. It can accommodate 100,000-tonne ships, which India feels has strategic and economic potential as rival to Gwadar port. The project is important as connects trade corridors that pass through Iran to sea route. It is also politically significant as it connects Iran with its eastern and northern neighbours and at a later stage to European states. Future Prospects: Chabahar provides India with easier land-sea route to Afghanistan. India committed $500 million for development of Chabahar, with an aim to join increasingly important transport corridor to resource-rich regional countries. Once the project is completed, Chabahar port will be linked with International North-South Transportation Corridor (INSTC), a multi-modal transportation route which links Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf to Caspian Sea via Iran, and onward to Eurasia and Europe. India and Iran also have prepared massive investment plans to link port to Iran’s railroad network to facilitate transit of goods to neighbouring landlocked Central Asian countries, as well as open a route to eastern and northern Europe through Russia.

24) The Telangana Government is going to set up the world’s first Information and Technology (IT) Campus for differently-abled persons (divyangs) in state capital Hyderabad. On the occasion of World Disability Day (WDD), state Government has signed agreement with Vindhya E-Infomedia Private Limited to set up IT campus to focus on creating employment opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Key Facts: The proposed first of its kind differently-abled friendly campus will be set up in area of 10 acres near IT park developed by state Government near the Hyderabad international airport. The campus will have all amenities like Training, Delivery centres and Residential facility that will cater to various clients both domestic and International. The campus is expected to create 2000 jobs in next 5 years by providing required training and skills. Telangana Government and Vindhya E-Infomedia Private Limited are looking at various corporates to participate in this one of its kind initiative and make world more inclusive. Vindhya E-Infomedia Private Limited is pioneer in creating inclusive workspace with PWDs as its major workforce comprising physicalled challenged, visually impaired and hearing impaired. It provides back office operations (BPO) support to various Telecom and e-commerce companies since 2006.

25) The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed every year on December 3 to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development. It also seeks to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. The 2017 theme is “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all”. United Nations estimates that around one billion people are living with disabilities across the world and they are facing barriers of inclusion in many key aspects of society. Background: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) after it had passed a resolution 47/3 in 1992. Since then it is observed annually and originally was called as International Day of Disabled Persons.

26) Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed Kapu Reservation Bill, 2017 to provide 5% quota in education and employment. The reservation to Kapu community will be given by including them in Backward Classes list. The reservation to existing Backward Castes will not be affected by this decision. With the quota for Kapus, the total reservation in state goes up to 55%, beyond 50% cap set by Supreme Court for reservations. Andhra Pradesh already has 29% reservation for Backward Castes. Apart from this, 15% and 6% reservations exist for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). The bill will be sent to Centre for its consent and State government is also going to request Centre to include this reservation in the 9th Schedule, to insulate it from judicial review. Background: The Kapu community has 27% population in Andhra Pradesh. It has been demanding reservations for decades. Before the 2014 elections, present Chief Minister had promised to give quota to community on being elected to power. Even the Justice Manjunath commission constituted by present government had recommended reservation to Kapu community.

27) India was re-elected to Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) at an assembly of body at its headquarters in London. India was elected under category B that represents nations with largest interests in international sea borne trade. It secured second-highest 144 number of votes from member-countries, just after Germany’s 146. IMO Council: The IMO Council plays crucial role in deciding various important matters within mandate of IMO especially in relation to global shipping industry and its work strategy and budget. India has been one of earliest members of IMO, having ratified its convention and joined it as a member-state in 1959. India has been elected to the Council of the IMO ever since it started functioning, except for a two-year hiatus during 1983-1984. International Maritime Organisation (IMO): IMO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping. It was established in 1948 in Geneva and came into force in 1959. Its headquarters are in London, United Kingdom. IMO has 171 member states and 3 associate members. India was one of earliest members of the IMO. IMO’s functions are to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping and its remit. This framework should address various areas like safety, legal matters, environmental concerns, technical co-operation, maritime security and efficiency of shipping. IMO is governed by an assembly of members and is financially administered by a council of members elected from the assembly. IMO Council consists of 40 member countries who are elected by IMO Assembly. It plays a crucial role in deciding various matters related to global shipping industry.

28) President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated 18th edition of the Hornbill Festival at the Naga Heritage Village in Kisama, Nagaland. The festival coincided with 54th statehood day of Nagaland. Hornbill Festival also called as the ‘Festival of Festivals’ in Nagaland is tourism promotional extravaganza to revive, protect and preserve the richness and uniqueness of Naga heritage. Key Facts: Hornbill Festival is celebrated in Nagaland every year in first week of December. It is one of biggest indigenous festivals of country. The festival pays tribute to Hornbill, the most admired and revered bird for the Nagas for its qualities of alertness and grandeur. The majestic bird is closely identified with social and cultural life of Nagas as reflected in tribal folklore, dances and songs. It is organized by State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments and also supported by Union Government. The Hornbill Festival provides a colourful mixture of dances, performances, crafts, parades, games, sports, food fairs and religious ceremonies. It exposes both the culture and tradition of tribal peoples, and reinforces Nagaland’s identity as a unique state in India’s federal union. Background: Hornbill Festival was established on 1st December 1963 and was inaugurated by the then President Dr. S Radhakrishnan. Over the years festival has become a unique platform for tourists to witness cultural diversity not only of Nagas and other seven sister states of northeastern region.

29) In the first meeting of Working Group BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) member countries discussed draft text of BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement. The agreement has been drafted by the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India detailing modalities for promoting coastal shipping in region. BIMSTEC Coastal Shipping Agreement: The objective of agreement is to facilitate coastal shipping in region to give boost to trade between member countries. It will apply to coastal shipping that is shipping within 20 nautical miles of coastline. Once agreement is ratified by member countries and becomes operational, it will facilitate lot of cargo movement between member countries can be done through cost effective, environment friendly and faster coastal shipping route. Need for Agreement: The requirements for movement of vessels within 20 nautical miles of coastline are different from standard requirements of deep sea shipping. Coastal ship movements require smaller vessels and lesser draft, and therefore, involve lower costs. Background: The meeting of Working Group is follow up of BIMSTEC leaders’ call at Retreat hosted by India in Goa in October 2016 to enhance connectivity in region on sidelines of BRICS Summit. India is lead country in BIMSTEC for cooperation in transport and communication. BIMSTEC: The BIMSTEC is sub-regional grouping comprising of seven countries of South Asia- India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and South East Asia- Myanmar, Thailand. It was established on 6 June 1997 through Bangkok Declaration. It is headquartered at Dhaka, Bangladesh. Its objectives are technological and economical cooperation among south Asian and south East Asian countries along coast of Bay of Bengal. It also covers cooperation in commerce, technology, investment, agriculture, tourism, human resource development, fisheries, transport and communication, textiles etc. BIMSTEC region is home to around 1.5 billion people, constituting around 22% of global population with a combined GDP of $2.7 trillion economy.

30) India was awarded certificate of commendation for its effort to combat illegal wildlife trade by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The award was given to Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) for its efforts in conducting and coordinating species-specific wildlife enforcement operation, codenamed ‘Operation Save Kurma’. It recognises exemplary enforcement action of WCCB’s regional and global effort to combat illegal wildlife trade. Operation Save Kurma: The operation was conducted to combat the proliferating illegal trade of live turtles and its parts from the country to destinations abroad. The operation was also aimed to invite attention of the enforcement agencies towards such illegal trade. During the operation conducted from December 15, 2016 to January 30, 2017, approximately 16,000 live turtles and tortoises were seized and released back into the wild. WCCB had worked in close collaboration with regional law enforcement agencies of different states. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): CITES is international agreement to regulate worldwide commercial trade in wild animal and plant species. Its aim is to ensure that international trade does not threaten the survival of the species in the wild. It was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It entered into force in July 1975. It is administered through United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It’s secretariat is located in Geneva (Switzerland). CITES is legally binding on state parties to the convention, which are obliged to adopt their own domestic legislation to implement its goals. Currently, 183 countries are signatory to the CITES. It classifies plants and animals according to three categories, or appendices, based on how threatened. They are Appendix I: Appendix II and Appendix III species for banning and regulating their cross border trade. In addition CITES also restricts trade in items made from such plants and animals, such as food, clothing, medicine, and souvenirs.

31) The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered into 2 Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) in November 2017. These two agreements are first ever Bilateral APAs with Netherlands. These two APAs pertain to Electronics and Technology sectors of economy. It also covers international transactions that include Distribution, Provision of Business Support Services, Provision of Marketing Support Services etc. With this, the total number of APAs entered into by CBDT has gone up to 186. This includes 171 Unilateral APAs and 15 Bilateral APAs. Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs): The APA Scheme was introduced by Government in 2012 to give tax certainty to MNCs that agree on certain principles in valuation of their cross-border transactions. They also provide assessees with alternate dispute resolution mechanism with respect to transfer pricing. It also helps in determining arm’s length price of international transactions in advance for maximum period of five future years. The rollback provision to pull out of it was introduced in 2014. The progress of APA scheme strengthens the government’s resolve of fostering a non-adversarial tax regime.

32) The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the National Strategic Plan 2017-24 aimed at eradicating HIV/AIDS by 2030. It was launched on the occasion of World AIDS Day (1st December). Mission SAMPARK was also launched to trace those who are Left to Follow Up and are to be brought under Antiretroviral therapy (ART) services. Key Facts: The National Strategic Plan 2017-24 will pave a roadmap not only for achieving the target of 90:90:90 Strategy but also strive along with partners towards fast track strategy of ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Mission SAMPARK will further aid to will help in fast-tracking the identification of all who were HIV positive and subsequently linking to ART programme. Presently, about 11.5 lakh People Living with HIV (PLHIVs) are taking free ART through 536 ART centres in the country. It is big challenge to trace those who are Left to Follow Up and needed to be brought under ART services. 90:90:90 Strategy: It is a new HIV treatment narrative of UNAIDS programme which has set targets of 90% of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status (90% diagnosed), 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (90% on HIV treatment) and 90% of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression (90% suppressed).

33) The Union Cabinet approves setting up of National Nutrition Mission (NNM) with three year budget of 9046.17 crore rupees commencing from 2017-18. The NNM, as an apex body under Ministry of Women and Child Development will monitor, supervise, fix targets and guide nutrition related interventions across the Ministries. It will monitor various schemes contributing towards addressing malnutrition. Need: There are number of schemes directly and indirectly affecting nutritional status of children (0-6 years age) and pregnant women and lactating mothers. Inspite of these, level of malnutrition and related problems in country is high. There are number of schemes but there is lack in creating synergy and linking between schemes to achieve common goal. NNM through robust convergence mechanism and other components will strive to create synergy. Function of NNM: Introducing a very robust convergence mechanism including ICT based Real Time Monitoring system. It will incentivize states/UTs for meeting the targets. It will also incentivize Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) for using IT based tools. It will eliminate registers used by AWWs. It will introduce measurement of height of children at the Anganwadi Centres (AWCs). It will aid to conduct Social Audits. It will set-up Nutrition Resource Centres, involving masses through Jan Andolan for their participation on nutrition through various activities, among others. Implementation strategy and targets: It will be rolled out in three phases from 2017-18 to 2019-20. It will set targets to reduce stunting, under-nutrition, anemia among young children, women and adolescent girls and reduce low birth weight by 2%, 2%, 3% and 2% per annum respectively. Its implementation strategy will be based on intense monitoring and Convergence Action Plan right upto grass root level. Though NMM has set target to reduce stunting is atleast 2% per annum, but it will strive to achieve reduction in stunting to 25% by 2022 (Mission 25 by 2022) from 38.4% (NFHS-4). Major impact: NMM through set targets will strive to reduce level of anemi, stunting, under-nutrition and low birth weight babies. It will also create synergy, issue alerts for timely action, ensure better monitoring, and encourage States/UTs to perform, supervise Ministries and States/UTs to achieve targeted goals. Coverage and Beneficiaries: All States and districts will be covered in phased manner i.e. 315 districts in 2017-18, 235 districts in 2018-19 and remaining districts in 2019-20. More than 10 crore people will be benefitted by this programme. Financial Outlay: NNM has been set with total amount of Rs. 9046.17 crore that will be expended for three years commencing from 2017-18. It will be funded by Government Budgetary Support (50%) and 50% by International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD aka World Bank) or other MDB. Government budgetary support would be 60:40 between Centre and States/UTs, 90:10 for Northeast region and Himalayan States and 100% for UTs without legislature. Total Union Government share over period of three years would be Rs. 2849.54 crore.

34) 7th edition Kathakar: International Storytellers Festival was held at Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju. The partners for this edition of three day festival are IGNCA of Union Ministry of Culture in Delhi, Heritage Transport Museum, Gurugram and National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai. Kathakar: Kathakar is special initiative, to promote the oral storytelling tradition which has existed across the world. It is only oral storytelling festival in India. It is part of bigger initiative Ghummakkad Narain- the Travelling Literature Festival which was started under aegis of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2010. It aims to preserve art form and also create new audiences for same.

35) The 22nd meeting of Board of Mangement (BOM) of Small Farmers’ Agri-Business Consortium (SFAC) was held in New Delhi. It was chaired by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh. Various activities of SFAC were reviewed during meeting. Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium: SFAC is an autonomous society promoted by Union Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare. It was established in 1994 and is registered under Societies Registration Act 1860. It is also registered as Non-Banking Financial Institution (NBFC) by Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Its fundamental objective is to link small farmers to agricultural value chain, which includes investments, technology and markets in association with private, corporate or cooperative sector. It also provides capital support in form of Venture Capital Assistance (VCA) and Project Development Facility (PDF) for economic inclusion of small and marginal farmers in agribusiness activities. It also promotes farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and their integration in agriculture value chain. Recently it was entrusted with task of implementation of critically important Delhi KisanMandi and National Agriculture Market Scheme (NAM) on e-platform to progressively free agricultural trade and offer price discovery to farmers.

36) According to index of eight core industries released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Core sector growth has grown 4.7% in October 2017, matching September 2017 growth, which has been revised down from 5.2%. This is the highest core sector growth since March 2017. April-October 2017 growth stood at 3.5%, down from 5.6% in the corresponding period last year. Key Facts: The eight core sectors — coal, natural gas, crude oil, refinery products, cement, fertilisers, steel and electricity — had clocked a growth of 7.1% in October 2016. However, in October 2016, right core sectors grew at slower pace, chiefly due to subdued performance of cement, steel and refinery segments. Steel production rose 8.4% and was followed closely by refinery products that reported 7.5% growth. Coal output grew 3.9% in October 2017 against 10.4% in September 2017. Cement production fell 2.7% against 0.1% rise in September 2017. Crude oil production also fell 0.4% in October 2017. Core Industry sector: Core industry can be defined as the main industry of the economy. In most countries, there is particular industry that seems to be backbone of all other industries and it qualifies to be the core industry. In India, there are eight core sectors comprising of coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity. The electricity has the maximum weight of 10.32% followed by Steel (6.68%), Petroleum Refinery (5.94%), Crude Oil production (5.22 %), Coal production (4.38 %), Cement (2.41%), Natural Gas production (1.71 %) and Fertilizer production (1.25%). These eight Core Industries comprise nearly 40% of weight of items included in Index of Industrial Production (IIP), which measures factory output.

37) The Combined Military exercise ‘Ajeya Warrior- 2017’ between India and the UK was held at Mahajan Field Firing Range near Bikaner of Rajasthan. It was third joint military exercise between India and UK. The first exercise was conducted in 2013 at Belgaum, Karnataka and second exercise was held in 2015 in UK. Key Facts: The objective of this exercise is to increase mutual cooperation and coordination between two countries. Both armies will learn and share from each other’s experiences. About 120 Army personnel from both armies participated in exercise. 20 Rajputana Rifles unit of Indian Army and first battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment of UK Army had participated in the exercise. 20 Rajputana Rifles has special experience in field of counter terrorism in Operation Pawan and operations in Jammu and Kashmir. First Battalion of Royal Anglian Regiment has experience of showing war skills in Afghanistan and Iraq. The 14-day exercise was conducted in multiple modes nodules in order to achieve complete integration between two contingents at every stage. The exercise provided field commanders and troops and opportunity to interact with each other in matters professional, social and cultural.

38) The World AIDS Day is celebrated every year all over the world on December 1 to raise the public awareness about Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It also seeks to remember those who have died of the disease by mourning. The theme selected by World Health Organization (WHO) for year 2017 is ‘Right to health‘. Under it, WHO will highlight need for 36.7 million people living with HIV and those who are vulnerable and affected by the epidemic, to reach the goal of universal health coverage. Besides, WHO under slogan “Everybody counts” will advocate for access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines, including diagnostics and other health commodities. It will also ensure health care services for all people in need and that they are protected against financial risks. Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) had designated 1st December as World AIDS Day in 1987. Since then it is observed annually. It is one of the eight official global public health campaigns marked by the WHO. HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS is a pandemic disease caused due to the infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. If untreated, person’s immune system will eventually be completely destroyed. AIDS refers to set of symptoms and illnesses that occur at very final stage of HIV infection. Common reasons for getting infected with AIDS: Unprotected sex with an infected person. During pregnancy from mother to child or even breastfeeding. Through transfusion of blood. Using of hypodermic needles of infected person to other person.

39) The Border Security Force (BSF), the biggest border guarding force in the world celebrated its 52nd Anniversary of Raising Day. Various cultural programmes were organised for BSF veterans and personnel during the Raising Day celebrations. Border Security Force (BSF): BSF is the sentinels of Indian borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. It came into existence on 1st December, 1965. It was created by merging various State Armed Police Battalions for achieving better coordinated synergy between border guarding functions in peace time and fighting war during eventuality on both Western and Eastern fronts. BSF is deployed on Indo-Pakistan International Border, Indo-Bangladesh International Border, Line of Control (LoC) along with Indian Army and in Anti-Naxal Operations. Since its inception, BSF has proven its credentials during various counter insurgency and anti-militancy operations, internal security duties, natural calamities etc.

40) India and Spain have signed Techno-commercial agreement to provide institutional mechanism for mutual cooperation in field of urban transport and for construction of the three Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). Three RRTS corridors Delhi-Meerut Smart Line, Delhi – Panipat Smart Line and Delhi – Alwar Smart Line have been prioritised for implementation in the first phase. RRTS: RRTS is first of its kind project in India, with design speed of 180 kmph. It will use state-of-the-art technologies for track structure, rolling stock and signalling system. The three RRTS corridors will significantly reduce travel time between important NCR towns. On completion, RRTS will emerge as fastest, comfortable and safe mode of transport in NCR. Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor will be first corridor to be implemented for which pre-construction activities including geo-technical investigations, detailed design, utility shifting planning and traffic diversion planning are in progress. Techno-commercial agreement: The agreement will enable availability of technical advice on specific issues, besides providing training and collaboration in technical areas of track, signalling, rolling stock, multi-modal integration, safety, station design etc. It will also provide institutional mechanism for mutual cooperation in field of urban transport and especially in implementation of RRTS project. National Capital Region Transport Corporation, a joint venture between Union Government and state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi is mandated to design, construct, operate and maintain rail based RRTS in National Capital Region (NCR).

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