WBCS Current Affairs 14 April 2018 To 20 April 2018

The Importance of Current Affairs in W.B.C.S examinations is immense.Success inW.B.C.S  Prelims and W.B.C.S Mains Exam is mainly subjected to how well an aspirant is aware of the important current affairs. Preparation of current affairs for W.B.C.S is the key to unlock the exam.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 14 April 2018 To 20 April 2018.

1) 34 leading global technology firms including Facebook, Microsoft, HP, ARM, Cisco, and Oracle have signed Cybersecurity Tech Accord to work together on cybersecurity issues. Under it, signatory companies have agreed to collaborate on stronger defence systems, no offensive cyberattacks, and protect against tampering of their products, capacity building and collective action. The participant companies view Tech Accord as Digital Geneva Convention. Four Principles of Cybersecurity Tech Accord. Protect users and customers everywhere. Oppose cyberattacks on innocent citizens and enterprises. Empower users, customers and developers to strengthen cybersecurity. Partner with each other and like-minded groups to enhance cybersecurity. Features of Accord: The four principles of Cybersecurity Tech Accord aimed at advancing online security and resiliency across globe. Signatory companies agreed to mount stronger defence against cyberattacks, regardless of motivation underlying them. They pledged not to help governments launch cyberattacks against innocent citizens or enterprises. They will protect their products and services from any tampering or exploitation that could enable their use in cyberattacks. They will empower developers, as well as people who use technology products to improve their capacity to defend against cyberattacks. It includes joint work on developing stronger security practices. Under this accord, signatory companies aim to take collective action to establish formal and informal partnerships with industry, civil society and security researchers, to improve collaboration for disclosure of vulnerabilities and other threats. The goal is to minimize potential for introduction of malicious code.

2) The Union Government has formed Defence Planning Committee (DPC), a new integrated institutional mechanism that will drive country’s military and security strategy and guide defence equipment acquisitions. It will be under the chairmanship of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Key Facts: The committee will be a permanent body and it will prepare draft national security strategy besides undertaking strategic defence review and formulating international defence engagement strategy. Composition: It will consist of Chairman Chiefs of the Staff Committee (COSC), service chiefs, Defence Secretary, Foreign Secretary and Secretary (expenditure) in the Finance Ministry. Structure: The committee will operate through four sub-committees: on Policy and Strategy, Defence Diplomacy, Plans and Capability Development and Defence Manufacturing Ecosystem. The membership and the terms of reference of the sub-committees will be finalized separately. Foreign Secretary and Expenditure Secretary being member of DPC will help to overcome problems of coordination between various ministries on matters of national security. Functions: DPC has been tasked to undertake external security risk assessment and define national defence and security priorities. It will formulate national military strategy, draft national security strategy and strategic defence review. It will identify means and ways across ministries, obtain Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval for capability development plan and provide guidance for budgetary support. The DPC will also prepare roadmap to build defence manufacturing ecosystem, strategy to boost defence exports and prioritized capability plans for armed forces in consonance with overall priorities, strategies and likely resource flows. It will submit all its reports to defence minister. Background: Considering the complex security environment and volume of expenditure on national defence, it was imperative to have strong defence planning mechanism. The present system was found insufficient to provide rigour necessary for planning process. So it was mandated to create an institutional mechanism which can undertake comprehensive and integrated planning of higher defence matters.

3) The Ministry of Human Resources Development (HRD) in collaboration with Ministry of External Affairs has approved ‘Study in India’ programme to attract foreign students to pursue higher education in India. The programme is similar to initiative launched by Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Canada. It aims at boosting country’s share of international students and subsequently, improve global reputation and rankings of Indian educational institutions. Study in India programme: Objectives- Encourage more foreign students to choose India as destination for higher education. Double India’s market share of global education exports from less than 1% to 2%. Improve global ranking of Indian educational institutes. Features: The programme will provide meritorious foreign students fee waiver and scholarship. It will target students from 30 countries, primarily in Asia and Africa, including Nepal, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Malaysia, Thailand, Egypt, Iran, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Rwanda, among others. Government will offer complete fee waiver to top 25% meritorious applicants, 50% fee waiver to the next 25% applicants and 25% waiver to the next 25% foreign students. The proposed fee waiver and scholarship will be decided by institute concerned based on predefined structure. The institutes concerned will bear expenditure on fee waiver based on cross-subsidisation or through its existing funding. The seats for foreign students will not affect number of seats which are meant for Indian students in any educational institute. Background: The government, at present, permits provision of 10% to 15% supernumerary seats for foreign students in higher education. This provision remains largely underutilised across universities and colleges. Currently, India is home to about 45,000 international students, which accounts for just 1% of global student mobility. It was one the reason for Indian institutes lower global rankings. By launching Study in India programme, government hopes to attract 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh international students by 2022.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 14 April 2018 To 20 April 2018.

4) The Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed launch of India’s second lunar mission ‘Chandrayaan-2’ from April 2018 to October-November 2018. The launch was postponed for additional tests suggested by national level committee to review Chandrayaan-2. Chandrayaan 2: Chandrayaan 2 is India’s second mission to Moon and is advanced version of previous Chandrayaan-1 mission (launched in 2008). It has been developed indigenously by ISRO. It consists of Orbiter, Lander and Rover configuration. In this mission, ISRO will for first time attempt to land a rover on moon’s south-pole. It will be launched on board of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III (GSLV-F10). It is ISRO’s first inter-planetary mission to land rover on any celestial body. The spacecraft (orbiter) weighs around 3,290 kg and it will orbit around moon and perform objectives of remote sensing moon. Once GSLV-F10 put spacecraft in 170 km x 20,000 km elliptical orbit, orbiter will be manoeuvred towards 100-km lunar orbit by firing thrusters and then lander housing the rover will separate from orbiter. The six wheeled rover will move on lunar surface and collect soil or rock samples for on-site chemical analysis to gather scientific information on lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, lunar exosphere and signatures of hydroxyl and water-ice. The data will be relayed to Earth through orbiter. The rover will move around landing site in semi-autonomous mode as decided by the ground commands. Note: The soft-landing on the lunar surface of the moon will be most complex part of Chandrayaan 2 mission. Only US, Russia and China have been able to soft-land spacecraft on lunar surface.

5) The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced updated ‘QR code’ for offline Aadhaar verification to strengthen its privacy measures during usage. The updated ‘QR code’ is aimed at adding an extra layer of privacy to Aadhaar after UIDAI introduced the concept of virtual identification. Key Facts: The updated ‘QR code’ will only reveal non-sensitive details such as name, address, photo, and date of birth. It can be used for offline user verification without disclosing 12-digit aadhar identification number. The new QR code comes with photo and can be used in offline mode to safeguard against any tampering of documents. aadhaar card holders can download and print their biometric ID with QR code from UIDAI website or its mobile app. Users also can manually blacken aadhaar number and use printout with new QR code for establishing their identity, offline too. The printed QR code when scanned will only read non-sensitive information without revealing 12-digit aadhar identification number. QR code: QR code (Quick Response code) is two-dimensional (matrix) machine-readable bar code made up of black and white square. This code can be read by the camera of a smartphone. It is used for storing URLs or other information that link directly to text, emails websites phone numbers. It is capable of 360 degrees (omni-directional), high speed reading. QR Code can store up to 7089 digits as compared to conventional bar codes which can store max 20 digits. It encodes same amount of data in one-tenth the space of a traditional bar code. It carries information both horizontally and vertically. It has error correction capability and data stored in it can be restored even if it is partially damaged or dirty.

6) The NASSCOM (National Association of Software & Services Companies) and TechUK launched new UK-India Tech Alliance.The leading technology trade bodies of India and UK inked memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK. The UK-India Tech Alliance: The alliance is aimed at increasing collaboration on skills and new technologies, assisting policy development and encouraging innovation and lay groundwork for roadmap which will be jointly presented in June 2018. It will promote growth of skills needed for world where artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, big data analytics and cybersecurity have become major technology growth areas. It will be key partner for government – providing sounding board and expert advice for policy development to ensure that both governments nurture growth in this sector and beyond. The MoU commits two organisations to exchange knowledge and learn lessons from FutureSkills initiative launched by NASSCOM, explore expansion of FutureSkills platform, work together to strengthen people-to-people (P2P) and business-to-business (B2B) links between India and UK. It calls for exploring wider partnership to develop digital skills in both countries and encourage Indian companies active in UK to deliver digital skills training opportunities as part of cross-sector Digital Skills Partnership convened by UK government.

7) India has won six elections to United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) bodies, five of them unanimously. In these polls, India won places on executive boards of four UN bodies, three commissions and committee. NGO Committee: India faced an election within the Asia-Pacific group only for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Committee. India polled highest number of votes, receiving 46 votes, followed by Pakistan with 43, China received 39. The NGO committee of UN is considered influential because it scrutinises NGOs applying for consultative status with UNECOSOC and can recommend or block them. India will serve four-year term on panel starting January 2019. Executive Boards: India won elections to Executive Boards of UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS). India will serve three-year terms from January 2019 on those executive boards. Executive Board of UN-Women: India was also elected separately on this executive board for three-year term starting January 2019. UN-Women work for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. Commissions: India was elected on UN Commission on Population and Development and it will have term till September 2021. India was also elected on the UN Commission for Social Development and shall have four-year term starting immediately. It was also elected UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and will serve three-year term starting January 2019. UN Commission on Population and Development: It assist UNECOSOC by arranging for studies and advising it on population issues and trends, integrating population and development strategies and population and related development policies and programmes. Commission for Social Development: Its purpose is advice UNECOSOC on social policies of general character and in particular on all matters in social field not covered by specialised inter-governmental agencies. Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice: It acts as principal policymaking body of UN in field of crime prevention and criminal justice. Its mandate includes improving international action to combat national and transnational crime and efficiency and fairness of criminal justice administration systems. UNECOSOC: The Economic and Social Council is UN’s central platform for reflection, debate, and innovative thinking on sustainable development.’ It is one of six main UN organs which were established by UN Charter. EcoSoc is principal body for coordination, policy review, policy dialogue and recommendations on economic, social and environmental issues as well as for implementation of internationally agreed development goals. It supervises subsidiary and expert bodies in the economic, social and environmental fields.

8) The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released draft of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) proposing multiple strategies to reduce air pollution. It aims to tackle increasing air pollution problem across country in comprehensive manner. The goal of NCAP is to meet prescribed annual average ambient air quality standards at all locations in country in a stipulated time frame. However it does not mention of any specific target and time frame. Under NCAP, the MoEFCC plans to take host of measures to bring down air pollution. Objectives of the NCAP: Augment and evolve effective and proficient ambient air quality monitoring network across country to ensure comprehensive and reliable database. To have efficient data dissemination and public outreach mechanism for timely measures for prevention and mitigation of air pollution. To have feasible management plan for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution. Measures to be taken by MoEFCC under NCAP: Under proposed NCAP, the MoEFCC will augment air quality monitoring network, identification of alternative technology for real-time monitoring, set up of 10 city super network, indoor air pollution monitoring and management and air pollution health impact studies. Other measures under it also includes air quality forecasting system, issuance of notification on dust management, three-tier mechanism for review, assessment and inspection for implementation and national emission inventory. Comment: Earlier Union Minister Harsh Vardhan had said that MoEFCC hopes to bring down air pollution in around 100 non-attainment cities by 35% in three years and 50% in five years. Non-attainment cities are those considered to have air quality worse than National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). However, NCAP released by MoECC has no reference to the target it internally conceived and publicly announced.

9) The first meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan was held in New Delhi. It saw participation of NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar, CEO Amitabh Kant and representatives of various ministries of Central and State Governments. National Council on India’s Nutritional Challenges: Its mandate is to provide policy directions to address countries nutritional challenges through coordinated inter-sectoral action. It is also mandated to coordinate and review convergence between Ministries and review programmes for nutrition on a quarterly basis. It will submit its report to the Prime Minister every 6 months. POSHAN Abhiyaan: POSHAN Abhiyaan was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan in March 2018. POSHAN stands for Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition. It aims to ensure holistic development and adequate nutrition for pregnant women, mothers and children. It targets to reduce level of under-nutrition and other related problems by ensuring convergence of various nutrition related schemes. It also targets stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls) and low birth rate. It will monitor and review implementation of all such schemes and utilize existing structural arrangements of line ministries wherever available.

10) Law Commission of India, the government’s highest law advisory body has released draft White Paper recommending holding of simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The commission, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice B.S. Chauhan has decided to seek opinion of all stakeholders, including political parties, on the issue. Law Commission’s recommendations: Law Commission noted that simultaneous elections were held in country during first two decades after Independence up to 1967. Dissolution of certain Assemblies in 1968 and 1969 followed by dissolution of Lok Sabha led to disruption of conduct of simultaneous elections. Simultaneous elections can be held now in the nation by amending Constitution, Representation of the People (RPI) Act, 1951 and Rules of Procedure of Lok Sabha/State Legislative Assemblies. Moreover, definition of simultaneous elections should be added to Section 2 of RPI Act, 1951. Issuance of Notification: The statutory limit of six months for issuance of notification of general elections be appropriately extended by way of amendments to section 14 and 15 of RPI Act, 1951. No-confidence motion: The parties which introduce no-confidence motion should simultaneously give a suggestion for an alternative government as no-confidence motion and premature dissolution of House is major roadblocks to simultaneous elections. Anti-defection law: The rigour of ‘Anti-defection Law’ laid down under paragraph 2(1) (b) of Tenth Schedule be removed as exception in order to prevent stalemate in the Lok Sabha/Assembly in case of Hung Parliament/Assembly. Mid-term elections: In case of mid-term elections, new Lok Sabha or Assembly will only serve the remainder of term of previous Lok Sabha/Assembly and not a fresh term of five years. For this Article 83 and 172 of the Constitution along with sections 14 and 15 of the 1951 Act should be amended to incorporate provision regarding remainder of the term. Selection of Prime Minister/CMs: The prime minister/chief ministers should be elected to lead Lok Sabha/Assembly, by full house like electing speaker of Lok Sabha. This will potentially provide stability to government and in turn to Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly Constitutional amendments: Centre should get the Constitutional amendments, if agreed upon, to be ratified by all the States so as to avoid any challenge to them. Background: The idea of ‘one nation one election’ has been proposed for many years starting with Law Commission suggestion in 1999. Most recently, Parliament’s standing committee 2015 report suggested holding simultaneous election to save public money and end policy paralysis because of impact of the model code of conduct. It had pegged the cost of holding elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies at Rs. 4500 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had pitched for this idea.

11) The Union Finance Ministry may come out with Rs. 10,000 crore follow-on fund offer of Bharat-22 exchange traded fund (ETF) as it looks to dilute stake in Coal India Limited (CIL) to meet the minimum public holding norm. Besides, it is also keen to takeETF route to sell off government shares held through Specified Undertaking of the Unit Trust of India in private companies (SUUTI)—ITC, Axis Bank and L&T. Background: The Union Government is planning to raise Rs. 80,000 crore in current fiscal from disinvestment, lower than over Rs. 1 trillion raised in 2017. The Bharat-22 ETF was launched in November 2017 to meet some part of this disinterment target. It comprises shares of 22 companies, including public sector undertakings (PSUs), public sector banks (PSBs), ITC, Axis Bank and L&T. The fund so far has garnered bids to tune of Rs.32,000 crore, although government retained only Rs. 14,500 crore. Prior to the launch of Bharat-22 ETF, which has diversified portfolio, Union Government had floated CPSE ETF comprising stocks of 10 bluechip PSUs—ONGC, Coal India, IOC, GAIL (India), Oil India, PFC, Bharat Electronics, REC, Engineers India and Container Corporation of India. Through the CPSE ETF, the government had raised Rs. 11,500 crore in three tranches. Exchange Traded Fund (ETF): ETF is index funds that offer security of fund and liquidity of stock listed and traded on exchanges. Much like index funds they mirror index, commodity, bonds or basket of assets. They are similar to mutual funds in certain manner but are more liquid as they can be sold quickly on stock exchanges like shares. The ETFs trading value is based on the net asset value of the underlying stocks that it represents. Their price changes daily as they are traded throughout the day. ETF route is considered as safer mode of disinvestment as it shields investors against stock market volatility.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 14 April 2018 To 20 April 2018.

12) The Union Ministry of Communications has launched DARPAN-PLI application for seamless collection of premium for Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) policies. The app launched under DARPAN Project will help in collection of premium of these two policies at branch post offices anywhere in India, with online updation of the policies. Key Facts: With launch of this app, indexing of maturity claims of PLI and RPLI polices can be done at Branch Post Office itself, upon which insurant will immediately be provided with request number for further references. This will help in providing better after-sales service to customers of PLI and RPLI, particularly those living in rural areas of country. DARPAN Project: The Ministry of Communications had launched DARPAN (Digital Advancement of Rural Post Office for a New India) Project to achieve total digitisation of postal operations in the country, under IT Modernisation Plan, Department of Posts (DoP). The project aims at connecting all 1.29 lakh Rural Branch Post Offices in country to enable them to do online postal and financial Transactions. Under it, hand held devices with SIM connectivity and solar power backup are installed in all Branch Post Offices across the country to ensure improvement in quality of Postal services being offered in remote rural areas. Significance: DARPAN project seeks to increase rural reach of Department of Posts (DoP) and enable BOs to increase traffic of all financial remittances, savings accounts, RPLI policy and cash certificates. It also will improve mail operations processes by allowing for automated booking and delivery of account. Overall, this project will help to improve quality of service, add value to services and achieve financial inclusion of un-banked rural population.

13) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) has projected India to grow at 7.4% in 2018 and 7.8% in 2019. It also held that India will again emerge as world’s fastest-growing major economy at least for the next two years (2019 and 2020). Key Facts: India’s growth: Over the medium term, India’s growth will gradually rise with continued implementation of structural reforms that will raise productivity and incentivise private investment. It will be driven by recovery from transitory effects of currency exchange initiative and implementation of national GST tax and supported by strong private consumption growth. India’s progress on structural reforms in recent past, including through implementation of GST will help reduce internal barriers to trade, increase efficiency and improve tax compliance. China’s Growth: Its expansion will slow to 6.6% and 6.4% for 2018 and 2019, respectively, against 6.9% in 2017. China, with 6.9% growth, jumped marginally ahead of India in 2017. Global Growth: It is seen stable at 3.9% over current and next calendar years, almost unchanged from 3.6% in 2018, despite a looming trade war between the US and China. The risks from inward-looking policies of some countries to trade prospects and trade war may not spiral out of control, plunging world into broader crisis. Challenges to India’s growth: Though India’s medium-term growth outlook for India is strong, important challenge to it is to enhance inclusiveness. Moreover, India’s high public debt and recent failure to achieve budget’s deficit target, calls for continued fiscal consolidation into medium term to further strengthen fiscal policy credibility. Moreover, it should also ease labour market rigidities, reduce infrastructure bottlenecks, and improve educational outcomes for lifting constraints on job creation and ensuring that demographic dividend is not wasted.

14) The World Heritage Day is observed every year across world on April 18. Observance of day aims to spread awareness importance of protecting and preserving various sites around world that have achieved world heritage status and having outstanding universal values. This year theme of the day is “Heritage for Generations”, emphasizing on inter-generational transfer of knowledge. Background: The World Heritage Day was announced by International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982. It was approved by General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983, with an aim of enhancing awareness about importance of cultural heritage, monuments and to conserve them. ICOMOS was established on principles set in Venice Charter, also known as 1964 International Charter on Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites. There are total 36 (1 mixed, 7 Natural and 28 Cultural) UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India having special cultural or physical significance.

15) The 2018 Pulitzer Prizes were awarded by Pulitzer Prize Board for work during 2017 calendar year. In Journalism, New York Times won most awards of any newspaper, with three, bringing its total to 125 Pulitzer Prizes. The New York Times and The New Yorker have jointly won the Pulitzer Prize, in the Public Service category for long-running Harvey Weinstein saga of sexual harassment and abuse in Hollywood. In Letters, Drama & Music, Andrew Sean Greer’s comic novel Less won best Fiction award. List of 2018 Pulitzer Prize Winners: Journalism- Public Service: New York Times. Breaking News Reporting: Staff of The Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, Calif. Investigative Reporting: The Washington Post. Explanatory Reporting: The Arizona Republic and USA Today Network. Local Reporting: The Cincinnati Enquirer Staff. National Reporting: New York Times and Washington Post. International Reporting: Clare Baldwin, Andrew R.C. Marshall and Manuel Mogato of Reuters. Feature Writing: Rachel Kaadzi Ghansah, freelance reporter, GQ. Commentary: John Archibald of Alabama Media Group, Birmingham, Ala. Criticism: Jerry Saltz of New York magazine. Editorial Writing: Andie Dominick of The Des Moines Register. Editorial Cartooning: Jake Halpern, freelance writer and Michael Sloan, freelance cartoonist, New York Times. Breaking News Photography: Ryan Kelly of The Daily Progress. Feature Photography: Photography Staff of Reuters. Letters, Drama & Music. Fiction: Less, by Andrew Sean Greer. Drama: Cost of Living, by Martyna Majok. History: The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea, by Jack E. Davis (Liveright/W.W. Norton). Biography or Autobiography: Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder, by Caroline Fraser. Poetry: Half-light: Collected Poems 1965-2016, by Frank Bidart. General Nonfiction: Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America by James Forman Jr. Music:, by Kendrick Lamar. Pulitzer Prize: The Pulitzer Prize is an annual award for achievements in newspaper, magazine and online journalism, literature, and musical composition in United States. It was established in 1917 by provisions in will of American-Hungarian newspaper publisher and master of yellow journalism Joseph Pulitzer. The award is administered by Columbia University in New York City. Prizes are awarded yearly in 21 categories. In 20 of the categories, each winner receives certificate and US$15,000 cash award. The winner in the public service category of the journalism is awarded a gold medal.

16) The India-Wiesbaden Conference 2018 was held from April 16-17, 2018, in New Delhi. The title of conference was ‘Securing Global Supply Chains through Government-Industry Partnerships towards Effective Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540’ Key Facts: The Wiesbaden Process was initiated by Government of Germany in 2012 to strengthen implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540 through Government-Industry partnerships. India-Wiesbaden Conference 2018 was hosted by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in cooperation with Government of Germany and UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA). Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) was industry partner. Representatives from Government and Industry of 39 countries, as well as experts from UNSC 1540 Committee and UN Office for Disarmament Affairs had participated in tconference. The Conference provided opportunity to participants to share experiences on their export control systems and identify legal and technical assistance, action plans & challenges in national implementation of UNSC 1540. UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004). It establishes legally binding obligations on all states to adopt and enforce appropriate and effective measures to prevent to proliferation to non-state actors of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and their delivery systems. It requires states to implement appropriate laws and effective measures to prevent non-state actors such as terrorists, from obtaining access to weapons of mass destruction (WMD). India has established legally backed robust export control system to implement UNSC 1540 as part of its long standing commitment to international non-proliferation.
17) The Union Government (Finance Ministry) in consultation withReserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched first tranche of sovereign gold bonds (SGBs) for current fiscal (FY 2018-19). It will be sold through banks, designated post offices and recognised stock exchanges namely NSE and BSE and Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL). Background: Households in India hold large amount of their savings as physical assets such as gold, silver and other precious metals and real estate. Gold especially has for long held tremendous attraction both as investment avenue as well as store of value. Indian households and temple trusts are estimated to be holding as much as 22,000 tonnes of gold. The ever increasing demand for gold has been putting serious pressure on import bill of India, impacting growth and investment. The Union Government had launched sovereign gold bond, gold monetisation scheme and Indian gold coin in 2015. These schemes were aimed at reducing physical demand for gold, bring into circulation idle gold lying with households, discourage its import and curb its damaging impact on trade balance. Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme: SGB Scheme is aimed at providing alternative to buying physical gold. Under it, bonds are denominated in units of one gram of gold and multiples thereof. These gold denominated bonds are restricted for sale to resident Indian entities, including individuals, Hindu undivided families (HUF), trusts, universities and charitable institutions. The minimum subscription for individual and HUF is 1 gram and maximum is 4 kg. For trusts and similar entities, maximum subscription is 20 kg per fiscal. Price of bond is fixed in rupees on basis of simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity published by India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited for last 3 working days of week preceding the subscription period. The tenor of SGB bonds is 8 years with provision of premature cancellation after 5 years on interest payment dates. Investors in SGB bonds have been provided with option of holding them in physical or dematerialised form. RBI has notified rate of interest of 2.50% per annum on SGB bonds is payable on half yearly basis. The bonds can be used as collateral for loans and loan-to-value ratio is set equal to ordinary gold loan mandated by RBI from time to time. Individual investing in it are exempted from capital gains tax arising on redemption of SGB. The indexation benefits are also provided to long-term capital gains arising to any person on transfer of bond.

18) Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched FIEO GlobalLinker, a digital platform for MSME exporters to digitise their businesses and join global community of growing businesses. It has been developed by Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). Key Facts: FIEO GlobalLinker aims to make the business growth of SMEs simpler, more profitable and enjoyable. It is growing global network currently comprising over 140,000 SME firms, seeking business collaboration and growth opportunities through use of their electronic business card and digital profiles created on platform. It is available free of cost and it offers exporters range of features. Benefits: Business Opportunities: It will enable exporters to find clients, suppliers and advisors using search and review facilities. It will help to create free e-commerce store for direct sales and improved chain management. It will provide up-to-date business knowledge through business articles, industry news and common interest groups. Improved Efficiencies: Its platform will provide services like company intranet, integrating email, business calendar. FIEO’s Services: It will provide application for new RCMC, endorsement, renewal, participation in FIEO’s promotional programme and alerts. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO): It is apex trade promotion organisation in India. It was jointly established in 1965 by Ministry of Commerce and private trade and industry. It is responsible for representing and assisting Indian entrepreneurs and exporters in foreign markets. It is headquartered in New Delhi.

19) The World Bank in its twice-a-year South Asia Economic Focus report has projected growth rate of 7.3% for India in 2018 and 7.5% for 2019 and 2020. The growth is expected to accelerate from 6.7% in 2017 to 7.3% in 2018 and to subsequently stabilise supported by sustained recovery in private investment and private consumption. Key Facts: India’s recovering growth will drive South Asia to the fastest growing region. Indian economy has recovered from effects of demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). India should strive to accelerate investments and exports to take advantage of recovery in global growth. Disruptions from demonetisation and events surrounding implementation of GST led to setback in economic activity and potentially larger negative effect on poor and vulnerable. Private consumption will remain primary driver of growth while services sector and increasingly, industrial sector will lead production growth. Every month, the working age increases by 1.3 million people and India will need to create 8.1 million jobs a year to maintain its employment rate. The employment rate is declining based on employment data analyzed from 2005 to 2015, largely due to women leaving the job market.

20) The Union Government (Finance Ministry) has signed Loan Agreement with World Bank for IBRD loan of US $48 million for Meghalaya Community – Led Landscapes Management Project (MCLLMP) The project aims to strengthen community-led landscapes management in selected landscapes in Meghalaya by 2023. Key Facts: Meghalaya’s natural resource such as land, water sources and forests is source of livelihood for majority of state population. The project consists of three components: Strengthening knowledge and capacity for natural resource management. Community-led landscape planning and implementation. Project management and governance. Significance of Project: It will help manage these depleting resources, by strengthening communities and traditional institutions. The Restoration of degraded and highly degraded landscapes under the project will increase water for local communities and improve soil productivity which will in turn increase incomes and reduce poverty.

21) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled beta version of portal (www.tariff.trai.gov.in) to enable consumers see tariffs of different TSPs (telecom service providers) and different Licensed Service Areas (LSAs) at single place. The first of its kind platform to be backed by the government aims to bring on one platform telecom tariffs offered by different operators and in different service areas. Key Facts: The portal is expected to provide more transparency and information on multiple tariff offerings by telcos and help consumers at large. The portal’s beta version (now available only for Delhi circle) shows regular tariffs, special tariff vouchers, promotional tariffs and value-added service packs among others. The portal will not only benefit consumers but also help other stakeholders do a comparative analysis. It also provides various tariff plans and other tariff instruments in a downloadable format. Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI): TRAI is an independent regulator of telecommunications business in India. It was established in 1997 through Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997. TRAI also fixes or revises the tariffs for telecom services in India. TRAI also fixes or revises the tariffs for telecom services in India.

22) India is coordinating with China and other Asian countries to raise voice against Asian premium charged by Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Indian Oil Corporation Chairman Sanjiv Singh will coordinate with head of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to chalk out strategy that will result in getting better price from OPEC countries. Asian Premium: Asian Premium is extra charge being collected by OPEC countries from Asian countries when selling oil in comparison to western countries. For example, production cost of one barrel of crude oil is Rs. 100 in OPEC countries. These countries want to make profit of Rs. 100 so they ideally should sell one barrel for Rs. 200. But under Asian Premium pricing mechanism, OPEC countries gives discriminatory treatment to Asian countries (though being largest importer of OPEC produced oil) by charging them Rs. 220 per barrel and on other side giving discount to western countries by selling them at Rs.180 or below one 180 per barrel. The discriminatory Asian Premium is mainly used by OPEC countries to subsidised western buyers at cost of Asian buyers. India’s concern: India sources about 86% of crude oil, 75% of natural gas and 95% of LPG from OPEC member nations. It has been voicing its dissent against this discriminatory practice and has called for replacing Asian Premium with Asian Discount (dividend). India has emphasized implementation of ‘Responsible and Reasonable Pricing’ by oil producing countries, given importance of Asian markets for OPEC, particularly fast growing energy markets in the region as they are reliable and continued customer. The removal of discriminatory Asian Premium will allow poor Asian countries including India to provide energy to people who have been deprived of energy so far. Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC): The OPEC is an intergovernmental organization (or cartel) of 14 oil-exporting developing nations that coordinates and unifies the petroleum policies of its member countries. It was established in 1960 in Baghdad, Iraq by the first five members. Its headquarters are in Vienna, Austria. OPEC Members are Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia (de facto leader of OPEC), Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates (from Asia and Middle East); Algeria, Angola, Libya, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon (from Africa); Ecuador and Venezuela (from South/Latin America). As of 2015, these 14 OPEC member countries accounted for an estimated 43% of global oil production and 73% of the “proven” world’s oil reserves. Two-thirds of OPEC’s oil production and reserves are in its six Middle Eastern (west Asian) countries that surround the oil-rich Persian Gulf.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 14 April 2018 To 20 April 2018.

23) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved use of Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology, world’s first contact lens that automatically darkens when exposed to bright light. It is first of its kind contact lens to incorporate same technology that is used in eyeglasses that automatically darken in the sun. Key Facts: These contact lens are soft contact lenses indicated for daily use to correct vision of people with non-diseased eyes who are nearsighted (myopic) or farsighted (hyperopic). They can be used by people with certain degrees of astigmatism, an abnormal curvature of the eye. These contact lenses contain photochromic additive that adapts amount of visible light filtered to eye based on amount of ultra-violet (UV) light to which they are exposed. This additive slightly darkens lenses in bright sunlight that automatically return to regular tint when exposed to normal or dark lighting conditions.

24) Recent National Institute of Virology (NIV) study has found that Indian Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits dengue and chikungunya viruses is easily susceptible to zika virus. During the study it was found that Indian Aedes aegypti mosquito infected with African strain MR-766 of zika virus (ZIKV) can easily transmit infection. Key Facts: This study shows that Indian mosquitoes pick up ZIKV in natural way. They were experimentally infected with zika virus through oral-feeding route, which is natural mode by which mosquitoes get virus. These infected mosquitoes, harbour the virus in their salivary glands were allowed to bite on infant and suckling mice. The organs of sick mice were subjected to three detection tests histopathology, real-time RT-PCR, and Immunohistochemistry [IHC] to check for presence of virus. The results of tests showed clinical symptoms of ZIKV such as trembling, solitary behaviour, nervous signs, no movement, and lethargy in mice after 4-5 days after being bitten by the infected mosquitoes. Significance: Zika virus is emerging threat unless contained especially in areas where vector Aedes aegypti mosquito is in large numbers, including India. So there is need to explore possibilities for containing virus. This study will help to explore suitable model for understanding Zika virus’s natural transmission and disease progression. Zika virus: Zika virus is vector borne disease transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the same mosquito that transmits dengue. It can also spread through blood transfusion and sexual contact. It is capable of causing serious birth defects i.e. neurological disorders and foetal deformation known as Microcephaly in which infants are born with abnormally smaller heads. Besides a possible link between virus and Guillain-Barré syndrome (a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system) is also suspected. There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available to treat Zika. The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites and clearing stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. In 2013, the first zika virus outbreak was reported in the Marquesas Islands in the southern Pacific Ocean. It subsequently spread to Brazil in May 2015. In India, three cases were identified in Gujarat and one Tamil Nadu, suggesting that the virus is not new in the country.

25) Pakistan successfully test fired Babur Weapon System-1 (B), an enhanced version of indigenously-built Babur cruise missile. The cruise missile is important part of Pakistan’s strategic deterrence. Cruise Missile: It is an unmanned self-propelled (till the time of impact) guided missile. It flies within the earth’s atmosphere and use jet engine technology to propel itself and fly during its major portion of its flight path at approximately constant speed. It is designed to deliver a large warhead over long distances with high precision. Modern cruise missiles are self-navigating and are capable of travelling at supersonic or high subsonic speeds and are able to fly on non-ballistic, extremely low-altitude trajectory. Babur Weapon System-1 (B): The missile has been named after the first Mughal emperor Babur. It can deliver conventional and non-conventional weapons with range of 700 kilometres (brings many important Indian cities within its range.). It is low-flying, terrain-hugging missile, which carries certain stealth features, making it important force multiplier for Pakistan’s strategic deterrence. It incorporates advanced aerodynamics and avionics that can strike targets both at land and sea with high accuracy. It is equipped with Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and all time Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation (DSMAC) technologies, which enable it to engage in various types of targets with pinpoint accuracy even in the absence of GPS navigation.

26) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Health and Wellness Centre in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh to mark the launch of Ayushman Bharat Yojana- National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM). The insurance scheme dubbed as Modicare was announced in Union Budget 2018 and was approved by Union Cabinet in March 2018 with budgetary support of Rs 10,500 crore. It is world’s largest government-funded healthcare programme. Ayushman Bharat Yojana: It aims to target over 10 crore families belonging to poor and vulnerable population based on Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC) database. It will cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year, taking care of almost all secondary care and tertiary care procedures. There will be no cap on family size and age in the scheme. Under it, the government aims to set up 1.5 lakh wellness centres by 2022 that will leverage on comprehensive primary health care for preventive, promotive and curative care. Benefits covered under it include pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. It will also cover all pre-existing conditions from beginning of policy. It will also pay defined transport allowance per hospitalization to beneficiary. For giving policy directions and fostering coordination between Centre and States for implementation of scheme, Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC) will be set up at apex level. It will be chaired by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister. State governments are allowed to expand scheme both horizontally and vertically. They are also free to choose modalities of its implementation. They can implement through insurance company or directly through Trust/ Society or a mixed model.

27) The Union Government launched “Gram Swaraj Abhiyan- Special Interventions”, an high-intensity outreach programme to deliver welfare schemes to select villages which need particular attention. It was lunched on the occasion of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti (14th April). Gram Swaraj Abhiyan: The abhiyan was launched on the lines of rural development schemes like Antyodaya based on principle of convergence and saturation. The initiative aims for 100% coverage of seven schemes launched by Central Government for eligible beneficiaries in three-week window from April 14 to May 5, 2018. The objective of abhiyan is to promote social harmony, reach out to poor rural households, obtain feedback on ongoing programmes, enrol in new initiatives, focus on doubling farmers’ income, enhance livelihood opportunities and re-emphasise national priorities such as cleanliness and strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions,. The seven schemes covered under it are Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Ujala scheme, Saubhagya, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Mission Indradhanush. Government has appointed dozens of directors and deputy secretaries to push its flagship programmes to “100% saturation” in rural areas. It will benefit 17,000 poor villages by providing them free LPG connections, electricity supply, Jan Dhan accounts, two PM Insurance schemes and immunisation of children will be available in 21 days.

28) The E-Way Bill system for Intra-State movement of goods was rolled out in five more states Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. The E-Way Bill system for all inter-State movement of goods valued over Rs 50,000 was rolled-out from 1st April 2018. At that time, Karnataka was only state which had rolled out e-way bill system for intra-state movement of goods. The roll-out of e-Way Bill system in these States will facilitate trade and industry so far as the transport of goods is concerned. This will also help in paving way for nation-wide single e-Way Bill system. Background: The e-way bill provision of the goods and services tax (GST) was first introduced on February 2018. It is touted as an anti-evasion measure and will help boost tax collections by clamping down on trade that currently happens on cash basis. However, its implementation was put on hold after system developed technical glitches in generating permits. With several states also starting to generate intra-state e-way bills on portal, the system developed snag. Since then, the platform was made more robust so that it can handle load of as many as 75 lakh inter-state e-way bills daily without any glitch. E-way bill: E-way bill is an electric document generated on the GST Portal, which is a common and shared information technology (IT) infrastructure between the Centre and States; and acts as evidence for movement of goods. A company or an entity can upload relevant information prior to movement of a goods consignment from one state to another. Subsequently, the E-way bill for that consignment is generated via the GST portal. It may be noted that such a mechanism helps reduce the burden of tax collection under the GST regime and it is only applicable to transport of goods amounting to more than Rs 50,000 in value.

29) The US Department of Treasury has included India in the monitoring list of its major trading partners that merit close attention to their currency practices and macroeconomic policies. The list was part of semi-annual report on Macroeconomic and Foreign Exchange Policies of Major Trading Partners of the United States. Key Facts: The US Treasury Department report is required by Congress to identify countries that are trying to artificially manage value of their currency to gain trade advantage, for example by keeping exchange rate low to promote cheaper exports. It uses three parameters to determine currency manipulator: Bilateral trade surplus with US to be $20 billion, current account surplus at 3% of country’s GDP, and net purchases of foreign currency to 2% of country’s GDP over a year. Once country is listed, it remains on it for at least two consecutive report cycles which is submitted to US Congress to help ensure that any improvement in performance versus criteria is durable and is not due to temporary factors. India is sixth addition to the watch list which comprises China, Japan, South Korea, Germany and Switzerland. US Treasury Department has asked these countries to implement economic reforms to manage their respective surpluses. Reasons for India’s inclusion: According to USDTR, India increased its purchase of forex over first three quarters of 2017. Despite sharp drop-off in purchase in fourth quarter, net annual purchase of forex reached US $56 billion in 2017, equivalent to 2.2% of the GDP. The pick-up in purchases came amidst relatively strong foreign inflows, both of foreign direct investment (FDI) and portfolio investment (FPI). Notwithstanding increase in intervention, the rupee appreciated by more than 6% against the dollar and by more than 3% on a real effective basis in 2017.

30) The first regional conference of eastern states on Water Resources was held in Kolkata, West Bengal in bid to address outstanding water resources issues. It was conveyed by Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation. Key Facts: The conference was aimed at addressing outstanding water resources issues, inter-state issues, intra and inter-basin issues among five eastern states of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. It was attended by Water Resources ministers and secretaries of the five states and chairman of Central Water Commission. It also deliberated on finding solution to mitigate intra and intra-basin issues relating to water resources in these five state. It also discussed on the issue of interlinking of rivers. Issues pertaining to unified and scientific control of all reservoirs, erosion on banks of river Bhagirathi and non-availability of 100% central grant for 19 anti-erosion work executed near international border with Bangladesh during 12th Plan period were also discussed.

31) Indian Army has signed Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) with Axis Bank on Defence Salary Package. The first MoU between Axis Bank and Indian Army was signed in 2011 and was renewed in March 2015. The current MoU is tailor-made to suit e requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families. Recently, Indian Army had also signed similar MoU with HDFC bank. Key Facts: Under the current MoU, Indian Army personnel will get free personal accident death cover and free permanent total disability cover of Rs 30 lakh apart from benefits. Moreover their children will get free educational cover of up to Rs 2 Lakh for children between the age of 12 and 20 years. Indian Army is hoping that this MoU will benefit large number of serving and retired Army personnel who are having their accounts with Axis bank and also provide them opportunity to access modern banking facilities.

32) The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has formally announced that it is reviewing eligibility of India, Indonesia and Kazakhstan in Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) based on concerns about countries’ compliance with program. The reviews are based on Trump administration’s new GSP country eligibility assessment process as well as GSP country eligibility petitions. Key Facts: For India, GSP country eligibility review is based on concerns related to its compliance with GSP market access criterion and two petitions related to same criterion. The petitions were filed by US dairy industry and US medical device industry requested review of India’s GSP benefits, given Indian trade barriers affecting US exports in those sectors. For Indonesia, GSP country eligibility review is based on concerns related to its compliance with GSP market access criterion and GSP services and investment criterion. Kazakhstan’s eligibility review is based on concerns related to its compliance with the GSP worker rights criterion. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP): GSP is largest and oldest US trade preference programme introduced in 1976. It is designed to promote economic development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries both developing and developed countries. Under it, a wide range of industrial and agricultural products originating from certain developing countries are given preferential access to US markets. India’s case, GSP enables duty-free entry of 3,500 product lines in US markets, which benefits exporters of textiles, engineering, gems and jewellery and chemical products. The total US imports under GSP in 2017 was $21.2 billion, of which India was biggest beneficiary with $5.6 billion, followed by Thailand ($4.2 billion) and Brazil ($2.5 billion). The US Congress in March 2018 had voted to renew GSP through 2020.

33) Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched web-based application e-FRRO (e-Foreigners Regional Registration Office) to allow foreign tourists and travellers to avail of paperless and cashless visa-related services. e-FRRO eliminates need for any human interface and using it foreigners touring India will be no longer need to physically visit office of Foreigners Registration Office or Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRO/FRRO) for visa-related services including registration and visa extension. e-FRRO scheme: Objectives- Build centralized, transparent online platform for foreigners to avail visa related services. Provide faceless, cashless and paperless services to foreigners with user friendly experience. Salient features: Online FRRO Service delivery mechanism without requirement of visiting FRRO/FRO office barring exceptional cases. In this online system, foreigners can get as many as 27 visa and immigration-related services in India from comfort of their place of stay. Using e-FRRO application, foreigners can apply online on portal and obtain services through email and post without appearing in person at FRO/FRRO office. Using this application, foreigners are required to create their own User ID by registering themselves. Afterwards, they can apply online through registered user ID for various visa and immigration related services in India viz. registration, visa extension, visa conversion, exit permit etc. The e-FRRO scheme is being implemented on Immigration, Visa, Foreigners Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) with negligible extra expenditure, taking cue from already successfully running e-visa scheme that has earned revenue of more than Rs. 1400 crore since its launch in November 2014. Background: In present system, foreigners staying in India on Visa duration of more than 180 days have to get themselves registered with their respective FROs/FRROs. Similarly, foreigners requiring different kind of visa related services such as Visa extension, Change of address, Visa Conversion, Change of Educational institutions, Exit permits etc. are currently required to visit the FROs/FRROs office. e-FRRO has been running successfully as pilot project in four FRROs (Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai) since February 2018. Now it has been rolled out in remaining eight FRROs across the country – namely Kolkata, Amritsar, Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, Hyderabad, Calicut, Lucknow and Ahmedabad.

34) United Nations has launched UN Road Safety Trust Fund to improve road safety worldwide to save lives and prevent the loss of opportunity associated with road accidents. UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is secretariat for the trust fund. The fund has potential to galvanise global efforts to address road safety situation, building on progress made and experience gained over Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. United Nations Road Safety Trust Fund: The fund aims to accelerate progress in improving global road safety by bridging gaps in mobilization of resources for effective action at all levels. It will mobilize resources from governments, intergovernmental or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private sector, philanthropic organizations and individuals. It will support efforts along five pillars of Global Plan for Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-20), which include improved safety of road infrastructure and broader transport networks; strengthened road safety management capacities; enhanced safety of vehicles; improved behaviour of road users and improved post-crash care. The fund will serve as catalyst for much-needed progress towards road safety targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG targets 3.6 and 11.2 aim to halve number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents and provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems as well as improve road safety for all. Resolution on road safety: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) also adopted resolution on road safety, sponsored by Russia. It calls for host of measures to prevent road accidents and to minimising resulting damage. It has urged adoption of policies and measures to implement vehicle safety regulations to ensure that all new motor vehicles meet applicable minimum regulations for protection of occupants and other road users, with seat belts, airbags and active safety systems fitted as standard equipment.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 14 April 2018 To 20 April 2018.

35) Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises has extended Phase-1 of FAME India Scheme to provide financial support to electric and hybrid vehicles by another six months till 30 September 2018 or till launch of phase-II. FAME India Scheme stands for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles. The subsidy amount is yet to be decided but it will be sufficient for next six months. Earlier phase-I of FAME India Scheme was initially for two years viz. FY2015-16 and FY2016-17. But it was further extended for period of six month (till 31 March 2018) or till launching of Phase-II. FAME-India scheme: The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) India was launched in 2015 under National Electric Mobility Mission (NEMM). It aims at promoting eco-friendly vehicles in the country. The scheme is being administered by the Heavy Industries Ministry. Objectives: Provide fiscal and monetary incentives for adoption and market creation of both hybrid and electric technologies vehicles in the country. Incentivise all vehicle segments, including two-wheelers, three wheeler auto, passenger four-wheeler vehicle, light commercial vehicles and buses. Mandate: Support hybrid or electric vehicles market development and its manufacturing eco-system in country in order to achieve self-sustenance in stipulated period. It covers hybrid and electric technologies like a strong hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. Four focused areas: Technology development, demand creation, pilot projects, and charging infrastructure.

36) The second edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC-2018) will be held in New Delhi on October 25-27, 2018. It will be organised by Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). IMC was launched in 2017 to provide platform for policy makers, industry and regulators to engage in meaningful deliberations to drive the future direction of telecom sector. The first IMC held in September 2017 was attended by around 2,000 delegates, 32,000 visitors, 152 speakers, 100 exhibitors and 100 start-ups. Key Facts: The theme of second edition of IMC is NEW DIGITAL HORIZONS Connect, Create, innovate. It expects participation of more than 200,000 professionals from telecom industry, encompassing 5G, start-up ecosystem, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Cities and allied industry sectors. The exhibition would feature more than 1,300 exhibitors. IMC 2018 we will also see participation of countries from ASEAN (Association for Southeast Asian Countries) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) besides US, Canada and European Union (EU).

37) Late veteran actor and politician Vinod Khanna was posthumously honoured with prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2017. He is the 49th recipient of the award, considered as the highest honour in Indian cinema given by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Vinod Khanna: Born on 6 October 1946, Khanna has featured in as many as 146 films in his film career spanning over four decades. He made his debut in 1968 with Mann Ka Meet. He was known for his suave style and composed demeanour. Some of his famous films are Mere Apne, Insaaf and Amar, Akbar, Anthony. He was last seen in 2015 in Shah Rukh Khan’s Dilwale. Khanna has also won numerous awards, including the Filmfare award for best supporting actor and the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999. In 1982 Khanna decided to quit film industry at peak time of his career to follow his spiritual guru Osho Rajneesh. Politics: Khanna forayed into politics in 1997. In 1998, he got elected to the Lok Sabha from the Gurdaspur constituency in Punjab on a BJP ticket. He served as Union minister for culture and tourism in 2002 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee government. Later, he also became minister of state in Ministry of External Affairs. At the time of his death in 2017, he was sitting BJP member of Lok Sabha from the Gurdaspur constituency (Punjab). Dadasaheb Phalke Award: The award is conferred by Union Government for outstanding contribution to growth and development of Indian Cinema. It was established in 1969 to commemorate the birth centenary year of father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke. It is highest official recognition (award) in Indian cinema. It is given on basis of recommendations of a committee of eminent personalities set up by the government. The award consists of a Swarn Kamal (Golden Lotus), a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakhs and a shawl.

38) The 65th National Film Awards for year 2017 were announced by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 13 April 2018. Assamese film Village Rockstars won the award in the Best Feature Film category. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion directed by S. S. Rajamouli was selected as the Best Popular film providing wholesome entertainment. Shekhar Kapur was the head of the Jury this edition of awards feature films. Awards in various categories are as follows: Dada Saheb Phalke Award: Vinod Khanna. Best Feature Film: Village Rockstars (Assamese). Best Director: Jayaraj for Bhayanakam (Malayalam). Best Actress: Sridevi for ‘Mom’. Best Actor: Riddhi Sen for ‘Nagar Kirtan’. Best Director: Jayaraj for ‘Bhayanakam’ (Malayalam). Best Action Direction: ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’. Best Choreography: Ganesh Acharya for ‘Toilet Ek Prem Katha’. Best Special Effects: ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’. Special Jury Award: Nagar Kirtan (Bengali). Best Lyrics: Muthurathinam. Best Music Direction: AR Rahman for ‘Katru Veliyidayi’. Best Make-up Artist: Ram Rajak for ‘Nagar Kirtan’. Best Costume: Gobinda Mandal for ‘Nagar Kirtan’. Best Production Design: Santosh Rajan ‘Take Off’. Best Editing: Rima Das for ‘Village Rockstar’. Best Sound Design: ‘Walking With The Wind’. Best Audiography (Location Sound): Mallika Das, Village Rockstar. Best Location Sound Recording: Mallika Das for ‘Village Rockstar’. Best Screenplay Original: Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum. Best Screenplay Adapted: Bhayanakam. Best Cinematography: Bhayanakam. Best Female Playback Singer: Sashaa Tirupati for ‘Kaatru Veliyidayi’. Best Male Playback Singer: K.J Yesudas for song ‘Poy Maranja Kalam’ from ‘Viswasapoorvam Mansoor’. Best Child Artist: Anita Das for ‘Village Rockstar’. Best Children’s Film: ‘Mhorkya’. Best Film on Environmental Conservation: ‘Irada’. Best Direction: Jayaraj for ‘Bhayanakam’. Best Feature Film on National Integration: Dhappa (Marathi). Best Debut Film of Director: ‘Sinjar’. Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’. Best Regional Films Special Mention: Marathi: Mhorkya. Malayalam: Take Off. Best Regional Films: Hindi: Newton. Ladakh: Walking With The Wind. Lakshadweep: Sinjar. Tulu: Paddayi. Marathi: Kachcha Limboo. Malayalam: Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum. Kannada: Hebbettu Ramakka. Bengali: Mayurakshi. Assamese: Ishu. Telugu: Ghazi. Gujarati: Dhh. Odiya: Hello Arsi. National Film Awards: The National Film Awards are most prominent film award ceremonies in India. It was established in 1954. Since then awarded annually. Winners in different categories of these awards are selected by national panel of Juries appointed by Union Government. These awards are presented by the President of India in the official ceremony.

39) According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s forex (foreign exchange) reserves have touched record high of $424.864 billion in April 2018. The surge was due to massive spike in foreign currency assets (FCAs), a key component of the reserves. The forex reserve had crossed $400-billion mark for the first time in September 2017, but has since been fluctuating. Forex Reserves: The forex are reserve assets held by a central bank in foreign currencies. It acts as buffer to be used in challenging times and used to back liabilities on their own issued currency as well as to influence monetary policy. Almost all countries in world, regardless of size of their economy, hold significant foreign exchange reserves. The components of India’s FOREX Reserves include Foreign currency assets (FCAs), Gold Reserves, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and RBI’s Reserve position with International Monetary Fund (IMF). FCAs constitute largest component of Indian Forex Reserves and are expressed in US dollar terms. FOREX Reserves in April 2018: Foreign currency assets (FCAs): $399.776 billion. Gold reserves: $21.484 billion. SDRs with IMF: $1.534 billion. Reserve position with the IMF: $2.070 billion.

40) Weather scientists have predicted normal monsoon in June-September 2018 monsoon season as prevailing conditions as well as neutral ENSO were favourable for good monsoon rainfall. India receives 89 cm of rainfall during four-month monsoon season, which is almost 75% of its annual rainfall. In 2017 monsoon season, country as whole had received rainfall that was 95% of its long-period average. Key Facts: The most important favourable condition for good monsoon is near-neutral to neutral ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation) in equatorial Pacific Ocean, off coast of South America. Global climate models are showing near-neutral conditions prevailing in Pacific Ocean and it will remain this way through most of the year. Moreover, La Niña conditions are present and equatorial sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are below average across central and eastern Pacific Ocean. The transition from La Niña to ENSO-neutral is most likely during March-May season, with neutral conditions likely to continue into second half of year. SST anomalies in eastern tropical pacific are ENSO-neutral during coming summer and hence normal monsoon is expected this year. ENSO (El Nino Southern Oscillation): ENSO refers to anomalies in SSTs in Pacific Ocean off coast of South America which has sometimes been observed to have near-decisive impact on monsoon rainfall. In El Nino, a warmer than usual SST is observed in Pacific Ocean off coast of South America . This condition is associated with suppressed monsoon rainfall in India. La Nina is opposite ENSO and is more favourable for monsoon. It is known to help monsoon rainfall in India. When anomalies (deviations from usual SST in the Pacific Ocean) are too small or absent, monsoon rainfall over India is normal.

41) The Union Government has constituted 13-member task force to prepare road map and fast-track implementation of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology or drones in the country. It will be headed by Minister of State (MoS) for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha and will have representatives from government, PSUs, industry and sectoral experts. Terms of Reference of Task Force: The task force will prepare roadmap, including outcomes, timelines, implementation and review mechanism and measurable metrics for implementation of UAV technology. Its road map will focus on Research & Development (R&D), acquisition and commercialisation, application and adoption in specific sectors, regulatory framework as well as preference for Make in India. It will lay down implementable recommendations for central and state governments, industry and research institutions. It will clearly delineate the role of industry. It will submit its report in six months. It will study global practices and interact with relevant stakeholders, as required, for preparation of its report. It will also have necessary consultations and interactions with Government organizations, industry and research institutions.

42) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened reporting norms for the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) under which individual can transfer up to US $2,50,000 abroad in a year. The purpose of tightening of norms is to improve monitoring and also to ensure compliance with LRS limits. Key Facts: Currently, the LRS transactions are permitted by banks based on declaration made by remitter. The monitoring of adherence to limit is confined to obtaining such declaration without independent verification, in absence of reliable source of information. Now under tightened reporting norms, daily reporting system by Authorised Dealer (AD) banks of transactions undertaken by individuals under LRS has been placed, which will be accessible to all the other ADs. It will be mandatory for banks to upload daily transaction-wise information undertaken by them under LRS. Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS): LRS is facility provided by RBI for all resident individuals including minors to freely remit upto certain amount in terms of US Dollar for current and capital account purposes or combination of both. The scheme was introduced in February 2004 and its regulations are provided under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. After it was launched, the LRS limit was US $25,000, but it has been revised in stages consistent with prevailing macro and micro economic conditions. At present, LRS limit for all resident individuals, including minors, is US $2,50,000 (Rs. 1.5 crore) per financial year. Under LRS, individuals can make remittances for overseas education, travel, medical treatment, maintenance to relatives living abroad, gifting and donations. The remitted money can be used for purchase of shares and property as well. Individuals can also open, maintain and hold foreign currency accounts with overseas banks for carrying out transactions under it. Restrictions: Under LRS, remittances cannot be used for trading on foreign exchange markets, purchase of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds issued abroad by Indian companies and margin or margin calls to overseas exchanges and counterparties. Similarly, individuals are not allowed to send money to countries identified as ‘non cooperative jurisdictions’ by Financial Action Task Force (FAFT). It also prohibits remittances to entities identified as posing terrorist risks.

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