• Home /Current Affairs / Weekly Current Affairs / WBCS Current Affairs 16 June 2018 To 22 June 2018
  • WBCS Current Affairs 16 June 2018 To 22 June 2018
    Posted on June 24th, 2018 in Weekly Current Affairs
    Tags:

    WBCS Current Affairs 16 June 2018 To 22 June 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 16 June 2018 To 22 June 2018.

    1) The inaugural India, United States 2+2 Dialogue will be held on July 6, 2018 in Washington. DC, capital city of US. The dialogue will focus on strengthening strategic, security, and defence cooperation as both countries jointly confront global challenges. It is seen as a vehicle to elevate the strategic relationship between two countries. Key Facts: In inaugural 2+2 Dialogue, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis will host External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Under it, both countries are expected to share perspectives on strengthening their strategic and security ties and exchange views on range of bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. 2+2 Dialogue: The new dialogue format was agreed to between two countries during visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to US in June, 2017. It will replace earlier India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue. It is similar to India-Japan 2+2 dialogue format between foreign and defence secretaries of the two countries. The 2+2 Dialogue between US and India aims enhance strategic coordination between both countries and maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. It will put strategic, defence and security relationship between the two countries at the forefront and centre stage. It will enhance strategic coordination between the two nations and also elevate strategic consultations between both countries. It will insulate India-US strategic relationship from feuds over trade issues and deep divide on economic integration policies as trade and commercial issues were discussed in Strategic and Commercial Dialogue earlier.

    2) The United States under President Donald Trump administration has announced its withdrawal from United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) terming it hypocritical and self-serving. It has blamed UNHRC for bias against Israel and refusing to eject members who are violators of human rights. US had opted to stay out of UNHRC before also: The George W. Bush administration had opted against seeking membership when the council was created in 2006. US joined the council only in 2009 under President Barack Obama. Comment: US withdrawal from UNHRC citing for its chronic bias against Israel could reinforce perception that Trump administration is seeking to advance Israel’s agenda on world stage. Israel has been only country in the world whose human rights record comes up for discussion at every UNHRC session, under “Item 7” on the agenda. Item 7 on “Israel and Occupied Palestinian Territories” has been part of UNHRC’s regular business almost as long as it has existed. Moreover, with US withdraw, the council will be left without one of its traditional defenders of human rights. In recent months, US has participated in attempts to pinpoint human rights violations in places like South Sudan, Congo and Cambodia. Background: Since President Donald Trump took office in January 2017, US has announced its withdrawal from UN-backed 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, left UN educational and cultural organization and pulled out of Iran nuclear deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action). Other contentious moves taken by Trumph administration are slapping tariffs on steel and aluminum against its key trading partners, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and moving US Embassy there from Tel Aviv. United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC): UNHRC is an inter-governmental body within United Nations system. It is responsible for strengthening promotion and protection of human rights around globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them. It was created by UNGA on 15 March 2006 by adopting resolution 60/251 to promote human rights globally. It had replaced former UN Commission on Human Rights. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Members: UNHRC is made up of 47 UN member states which are elected by UN General Assembly (UNGA) with specific number of seats allocated for each region of the globe. Members serve for three-year terms and can serve only two terms in a row. Functions: Members of the council work to engage countries on improving human rights. They make decisions ranging from exposing violations to recommending that UN Security Council make referral to International Criminal Court (ICC). UNJRC does not have authority to take action but can exert significant pressure on violating country. It can also set up special rapporteurs with mandate to investigate and report human-rights violations and abuses.

    3) The world’s first International Centre for Humanitarian Forensics was launched in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The centre is joint venture of Regional delegation of International Committee of Red Cross (ICCR) in India, Bhutan, Nepal and Maldives and also Gujarat Forensic Science University. The humanitarian forensics plays significant and essential role during natural and manmade calamities which takes place at regular intervals across world over and large number of people become victims of such calamities. Key Facts: The centre will use forensics for humanitarian services to aid humanitarian efforts during emergencies and natural disasters. It will assist in dignified and proper management of dead bodies during disasters or emergencies and also help in their identification. The centre will also conduct various academic and professional programmes, training and research and als provide technical expertise to support operations in field of humanitarian forensics to authorities and agencies concerned. Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GSFU) will run different courses both post graduate and post graduate diploma courses in humanitarian forensics. The centre will also help to combine local and international expertise to build capacities before tragedies hit people. Gujarat Forensic Sciences University (GFSU): GFSU is the world’s first and only University dedicated to Forensic and allied Sciences. It was established by the Gujarat Government through act passed by state legislative assembly in September, 2008. It is located Gandhinagar, capital city of Gujarat state. It became functional from July 2009 with various courses, scientific programs and training modules. The university is recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC) as State University under section 22 of UGC Act, 1956. Its objective is to fulfil acute shortage against increasing demand of forensic experts in the country and around the world. It runs in parallel association with Directorate of Forensic Science (DFS) Gujarat to provide hands-on training pertaining to various areas of forensic science, forensic psychology and research and development.

    4) Surat smart city from Gujarat was selected for ‘City Award’ for showing great momentum in implementation of projects under India Smart Cities Awards 2018 especially in categories of urban environment, transport and mobility and sustainable integrated development. Total nine awards in three categories including Innovative Idea Award, Project Award, and City Award were announced by Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under India Smart Cities Awards 2018. Other category winners: Innovative Idea award: Bhopal and Ahmedabad were jointly honoured for Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) and Safe and Secure Ahmedabad (SASA) Project, respectively. The award was given to project and idea particularly remarkable for its innovative, bottom-up and transformative approach towards achievement of sustainable integrated development. Project awards: They were given to most innovative and successful projects in seven categories that have been completed by April 1, 2018. Projects selected under it are Governance category: PMC Care from Pune. Built Environment category: Smart Place Making from Pune. Social Aspects category: Smart Class rooms from NDMC and Jabalpur, Smart Campus from Visakhapatnam, Lighthouse from Pune. Culture and Economy category: B Nest Incubation Centre from Bhopal and Conservation of Rajasthan School of Arts from Jaipur. Urban environment category: Public Bike Sharing from Pune, Bhopal, Coimbatore and Waste to Energy Plant in Jabalpur. Transport and Mobility category: Integrated Transit Management System (TMS) from Ahmedabad and Surat. Water and Sanitation category: Smart Water Management through SCADA from Ahmedabad. India Smart Cities Award: The award was launched in June 2017 with an objective to reward cities, projects and innovative ideas, promoting sustainable development in cities. The award is given in 3 categories of viz. Innovative Idea Award, City Award and Project Award. Only selected Smart Cities are eligible participants for the award. Respective ULBs or Smart City SPVs need to submit proposals for this award. Evaluation: The proposals submitted by ULBs/ Smart City SPVs are evaluated by technical committee of international, multilateral experts from UN Habitat, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) based on Innovation, Impact, and Replicability or Scalability. The City Award was decided based on cities’ performance on their awards score and on weekly Ranking score. Equal weighting is given to both.

    5) The Parliament of Canada has passed Cannabis Act (or Bill C-45), a landmark law that legalizes recreational use of marijuana (a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant intended for medical or recreational use) nationwide. It makes Canada the first G7 country to legalise the drug’s recreational use and the second to have a nationwide, legal marijuana market, after Uruguay (permitted in December 2013). Key Facts: The law controls and regulates how the drug can be grown, distributed and sold. It allows adults to possess up to 30 grams of dried cannabis in public, but minimum legal age to buy and consume the drug has been set federally at 18. It makes illegal to possess more than 30 grams of cannabis in public, grow more than four plants per household and to buy from unlicensed dealer. It provides stringent penalty of jail up to 14 years if someone caught selling drug to minor. With the passage of the bill, Canadians will be able to buy and consume marijuana legally as early as September 2018. Marijuana: Marijuana is greenish-gray mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds and flowers of Cannabis sativa – the hemp plant. Most people smoke marijuana, though it can also be used in other forms such as edibles, powders and oils. It used for controlling pain for medical issues, like cancer, nervous system diseases, glaucoma, migraines, etc and also used to treat nausea and improve appetites for people with HIV or other chronic illnesses. Cannabis is banned in most countries but number countries have started decriminalising its use in recent years. It is legal for medicinal purposes in 14 European countries, Argentina, Israel, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Panama, Turkey, Zambia and Zimbabwe. In the US, its medicinal use is allowed in 29 states and nine states have legalised both medical and personal use. Spain, Netherlands, Slovenia, Portugal, Jamaica, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Luxembourg are among countries that have relaxed legislation regarding personal use of Cannabis.

    6) The World Refugee Day is observed every year June 20 to raise awareness of the situation of refugees throughout the world. Observance of this day seeks to draw attention to the plight of refugees and also to celebrate their courage and resilience and renew commitment to solve refugee problems. The theme for World Refugee Day 2018 is “Now More Than Ever, We Need to Stand with Refugees.” Refugees: United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention, defines refugees as those who have fled their country owing to well-founded fear of persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, membership in particular social group or political opinion. UN has revealed that record high of 68.5 million individuals have now been displaced worldwide due to war, poverty, persecution and other events. Key Facts: On this day, United Nations Refugee Agency (UNRA) also known as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) hosts various events and announces theme for its campaign. With this, UNRA seeks to draw public’s attention to the millions of refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide who have fled their homes forcefully due to war, conflict and persecution. Background: The World Refugee Day was proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) h by passing Resolution 55/76 on 4 December 2000. The resolution was passed to mark 50th anniversary of UN Refugee Convention, 1951. Since then it is observed annually with different themes. Prior to passing of this resolution in 2000, African Refugee Day was formally celebrated on 20 June in several countries especially by Organization of African Unity (OAU) member states. The theme for year 2017 was “Embracing Refugees to Celebrate our Common Humanity”.

    7) The pilot Training of Trainers (ToT) Course on Civilian Protection and the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) was held at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi from June 18 to 22, 2018. It was jointly held by Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK), India and Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect. Key Facts: The training course was attended by 30 officers including eight from friendly foreign countries. It is designed for mid-level military officials from countries that are active troop contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations. It is targeted towards experienced trainers currently facilitating pre-deployment training at respective peacekeeping training centres or officers with recent experience in United Nations Peacekeeping Missions. Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK): CUNPK was set up in New Delhi, drawing on India’s vast experience in the field of UN Peacekeeping. It is also repository of information on India’s involvement in UN Peacekeeping and is continuing to build and update its research on peacekeeping related issues. It conducts International Training Capsules for military contingent officers, military observers and staff and logistics officers. It regularly organizes seminars, joint working groups (JWGs) and command post exercises at national and international level.

    8) Punjab government has launched ‘i-Hariyali’ mobile application under ‘Mission Tandarust Punjab’ aimed at increasing the state’s green cover. It will enable app users to order free plant saplings and help to save the environment from pollution. Key Facts: The app aims to inspire more and more people to plant maximum saplings during current monsoon season so as to save environment from pollution hazards. Using it, users can book sapling of their choice, a maximum of 25 per person, from nearby government nursery. It will ensure clean, green, healthy and robust Punjab with active participation of people.

    9) Sikkim Government has appointed renowned music composer AR Rahman as Brand Ambassador of the State for a year. In his new role, he will promote and project Himalayan state’s achievements nationally and globally. Earlier Rahman was made state’s Brand Ambassador of tourism and business. Sikkim, with its natural and pristine beauty, has over last two decades emerged as world famous eco-tourism destination. It also has attained distinct identity of being first fully organic farming state of India. AR Rahman: AR Rahman (full name Allah-Rakha Rahman) is one of the most globally popular Indian music icons. His work is well known and renowned for inter mixing eastern classical music with electronic music and traditional orchestral arrangements. He has won multiple international awards including 2 Academy Awards (famously known as Oscars), 2 Grammy Awards, BAFTA Award and Golden Globe Award. In 2010, he was conferred country’s third highest civilian honour Padma Bhushan.

    10) President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to imposition of Governor’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir. This is the eighth time in the last four decades J&K was put under Governor’s rule and third time under J&K Governor N N Vohra tenure. Key Facts: President’s approval comes after J&K Governor N N Vohra sent his report to President recommending imposition of Governor’s rule in the state day after Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP-BJP government collapsed with BJP ending the three-year-old alliance with PDP, prior to completion of six-year term of the current Assembly which was going to end in March, 2021. No major political party showed interest in forming or continuing any coalition for government in the state. With Governor’s rule, J&K Legislative Assembly has been put under suspended animation. Governor’s Rule in Jammu & Kashmir: In case of failure of constitutional machinery in any other state of India, President’s Rule is imposed under Article 356 of the Constitution. But in case of J&K, as per Section 92 of state Constitution, Governor’s Rule s imposed in the state only after the consent of the President of India in case of failure of constitutional machinery for period of six months. During the Governors rule, State Assembly is either suspended or dissolved. If the Constitutional machinery is not restored before the expiry of this six month period, the provision of Article 356 of the Constitution of India are extended to J&K and the President’s rule is imposed in the State.

    11) President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to imposition of Governor’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir. This is the eighth time in the last four decades J&K was put under Governor’s rule and third time under J&K Governor N N Vohra tenure. Key Facts: President’s approval comes after J&K Governor N N Vohra sent his report to President recommending imposition of Governor’s rule in the state day after Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP-BJP government collapsed with BJP ending the three-year-old alliance with PDP, prior to completion of six-year term of the current Assembly which was going to end in March, 2021. No major political party showed interest in forming or continuing any coalition for government in the state. With Governor’s rule, J&K Legislative Assembly has been put under suspended animation. Governor’s Rule in Jammu & Kashmir: In case of failure of constitutional machinery in any other state of India, President’s Rule is imposed under Article 356 of the Constitution. But in case of J&K, as per Section 92 of state Constitution, Governor’s Rule s imposed in the state only after the consent of the President of India in case of failure of constitutional machinery for period of six months. During the Governors rule, State Assembly is either suspended or dissolved. If the Constitutional machinery is not restored before the expiry of this six month period, the provision of Article 356 of the Constitution of India are extended to J&K and the President’s rule is imposed in the State.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 16 June 2018 To 22 June 2018.

    12) According to updated count by Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the number of nuclear warheads with nine nuclear countries has reduced from 14,935 at start of 2017 to 14,465 at start of 2018. These nine countries are United States, Russia, Britain, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea. SIPRI is an independent think tank that uses open sources to compile such data since 1966. SIPRI’s report Highilgihts: Out of 14,465 nuclear warheads at the beginning of 2018, 3750 are actually deployed. This compared with 14,935 warheads at the start of 2017. Russia (with 6850 nuclear warheads) and US (with 6450 warheads) hold 92% of world’s total nuclear warheads. However, they have long-term programmes under way to replace and modernise their nuclear warheads and nuclear weapons production facilities. World’s nuclear powers are reducing their nuclear arsenals but they are also modernising, putting fresh and worrying focus on strategic deterrence. The reduction is due to arms control commitments by US and Russia in 2010 Treaty on Measures for Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms (New START Treaty). Britain has 215 nuclear warheads, France has 300, China has 280, India 130-140, Pakistan 140-150, Israel 80 and North Korea 10-20. These countries are either deploying or planning to deploy new nuclear weapons system. North Korea also demonstrated unexpected rapid progress in testing of two new types of long-range ballistic missile delivery systems for delivery of its nuclear weapons.

    13) Indian IT industry’s apex body NASSCOM (National Association of Software & Services Companies) has launched ‘Women Wizards Rule Tech’ programme to increase number of women in senior levels in Information Technology (IT) industry. The programme was announced in March 2018 at Nasscom Diversity and Inclusion Summit in Chennai as joint initiative by Nasscom Sector Skills Council and Data Security Council of India. Key Facts: The programme is designed to support women who are moving up in the career ladder and also pave the way for potential leaders of the future. It will aid women techies in core technologies like IT-Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES), product and research and development (R&D), Business Process Management (BPM) sectors by equipping them with the skills required for an edge in their career. National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM): NASSCOM is global non-profit trade association (organisation) of Indian Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. It facilitates business and trade in software and services and encourages the advancement of research in software technology. It is registered under the Indian Societies Act, 1860. Its headquarters are in New Delhi. It has regional offices in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune and Thiruvananthapuram. The global IT trade body has over 2000 members, of which over 250 are companies from the China, EU, Japan, US and UK. NASSCOM’s member companies are in the business of software development, software services, software products, IT-enabled/BPO services and e-commerce.

    14) Harayana Government has launched 7-Star Gram Panchayat Rainbow scheme to give star rankings to its panchayats on the basis of seven social parameters. Under this scheme, as many as 1,120 villages of the state have achieved rankings since its launch in January 2018. Ambala has topped star ranking followed by Gurugram and Karnal. Key Facts: Under this scheme, seven social parameters under which panchayats will be judged are sex ratio, education, hygiene, environment preservation, governance and social participation. Stars of different colours (mentioned below) are awarded to panchayats depending upon their performance in each parameter. Gram panchayats scoring maximum in all parameters will be recognized as Indradhanush Gram Panchayats. They will get special grants for development works from Development and Panchayats Department of the State Government depending upon their performance. Villages winning six stars will be entitled to get additional developmental works worth Rs 20 lakh. Villages with 5 stars rating will get additional developmental works worth Rs. 15 lakh. Villages with 4 stars will get additional developmental works worth Rs 10 lakh. Various Colour Stars: Pink star: It will be awarded to those panchayats that make outstanding performance in improving sex ratio. Green star: It is for protection of environment, white star for cleanliness, Saffron star: It is for crime-free villages. Sky colour star: It will be awarded to village that will have no drop out. Golden star: It is for good governance. Silver star: It will be awarded for participation in development of villages. Rewards: Villages for achieving each parameter will be rewarded Rs 1 lakh. Villages having equal or more girl population will be given Rs 50,000 as bonus with their reward money. Similarly, villages which adopt Swachhta Mission will be given additional Rs 50,000 as reward.

    15) The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched National Health Resource Repository (NHRR) Project. It is country’s first ever healthcare establishment census to collect data of all public and private healthcare establishments. NHRR Project: NHRR Project aims to strengthen evidence-based decision making and develop platform for citizen and provider-centric services by creating robust, standardized and secured IT-enabled repository of India’s healthcare resources. The census will be conducted under Collection of Statistics Act 2008. It will comprehensively collect information of both, private and public healthcare establishments including Indian Railways, ESIC, Defence and Petroleum healthcare establishments. It will capturing data on over 1,400 variables of over 20 lakh healthcare establishments like hospitals, clinics, doctors, diagnostic labs, pharmacies and nursing homes. The exercise will involve approximately 4,000 trained professionals who will approach every healthcare establishment for information collection. For this census, Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI) has been actively engaging with key stakeholders including leading associations, allied ministries and several private healthcare service providers. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is technology partner for this project mainly for data security. Expected outcomes of NHRR project: It will provide comprehensive data on all health resources including private doctors, health facilities, chemists and diagnostics labs. It will establish NHRR for evidence based decision making – aligned with Digital India mission. It will enhance coordination between central and state government for optimization of health resources, making live and realistic state Project Implementation Plans (PIPs). It will also improve accessibility of data at all levels, including State Head of Departments, thus, decentralize decision making in healthcare sector at district and state level for effective implementation government policies. It will enable advanced research towards ongoing and forthcoming healthcare challenges arising from other determinants of health like – disease, environment etc.

    16) The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) launched National Digital Library of India (NDLI) on the occasion of National Reading Day (observed on June 17) in New Delhi. NDLI’s objective is to make digital educational resources available to all citizens of the country to empower, inspire and encourage learning. National Digital Library of India (NDLI): NDLI is project of Ministry of HRD under the aegis of National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology (NMEICT) to develop a framework of virtual repository of learning resources with a single-window search facility. NDLI has been developed by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur. It is single window platform that collects and collates metadata from premier learning institutions in India and abroad, as well as other relevant sources. It is open to all at free of cost. It is digital repository 17 million-plus items containing textbooks, articles, videos, audio books, lectures, simulations, fiction and all other kinds of learning media) in 200-plus languages from more than 170 institutions. It has been designed to hold content of any language and provides learning and research interface support for leading Indian languages. It is arranged to provide support for all academic levels including researchers and life-long learners from all disciplines and in all popular form of access devices and also to differently-abled learners.

    17) The Union Government has constituted Chief Ministers Subgroup to coordinate policy approaches for agriculture sector and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). It will submit its report within three months from its date of constitution. Composition: Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be its convener and CMs of Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Sikkim along with Member NITI Aayog, Ramesh Chand as its members. Background: CMs Subgroup formation comes in backdrop of vision of Central Government towards Doubling Farmers’ Income by 2022 which requires multi-dimensional and inclusive approach. It comes close on heels of unanimous decision taken at 4th meeting of Governing Council of NITI Aayog chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. During the deliberations, it was suggested to come out with approaches with special emphasis on pre-sowing and post-harvest interventions using MGNREGS, for creating durable assets that will double incomes of farmers and reduce agrarian distress. Terms of Reference of the Sub-Group: It will suggest wider choice of State specific interventions both for pre-sowing and post-harvest to improve thrust on incomes, waste to wealth and water conservation. It will align works under MGNREGS to requirements of achieving goal of Doubling Farmers’ Income by 2022. It will help to improve thrust on individual beneficiary schemes, water conservation, construction of rural haats, vermi-composting etc. It will make recommendations on interventions of MGNREGS that can facilitate reduction of agrarian distress including work availability, wage rates, seasonality etc. It will also explore possibilities of MGNREGS as livelihood resource for development and diversification of livelihoods of small and marginal farmers specially belonging to SC/ST households. It will suggest ways of aligning MGNREGS and its livelihood thrust with women Self Help Groups (SHGs), producer companies and producer groups to enable better use of resources for livelihood. It will explore successful convergence of program resources across departments to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, optimal fund utilization and sustainability.

    18) The tri-service joint military exercise Indra-2018 between India and Russia will take place at Indian military base in second half 2018. In this regard, Russian military delegation visited India to discuss logistics of the exercise. In this edition of exercise, combined military units of Russian Eastern Military District will participate in military drills. Members of Indian defence forces were also involved in planning of the exercise which included practical operations of units besides consumer services, catering and medical support for Russian units. In addition, they also agreed on procedure for receiving and servicing of military transport aircraft in India. Background: INDRA military exercise was launched in 2003 as bilateral exercise between India and Russia to boost cooperation and interoperability between navies of two countries. The name of the exercise INDRA has been derived from INDia and RussiA. Till 2016, the bilateral exercises under INDRA were undertaken between respective Armies, Navies and Air Forces of India and Russia by separately engaging with each other without concurrent participation from other services. This exercise was transformed into tri-services military exercise in 2017 and was for first time held successfully in October 2017 at Vladivostok, Russia. It was India’s first joint tri-services exercise and also first between Russia and India. It was also first time Russia has hosted tri-services military exercise on its soil.

    19) The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has declared medium (5 GW by 2022) and long-term (30 GW by 2030) targets for offshore wind power capacity addition. The offshore wind power will add new element to already existing basket of renewable energy of the country. Key Facts: The target set for offshore wind power is moderate in comparison to on-shore wind target of 60 GW and its achievement of 34 GW and solar target of 100 GW by 2022. This is mainly because of challenges considering difficulties in installing large wind power turbines in open seas. Moreover, offshore wind turbines are of much larger dimensions and capacities than onshore turbines. Globally the installation capacity of off-shore wind power is about 17 to 18 GW. It led by countries such as UK, Germany, Denmark, Netherlands & China. Recent years have witnessed fall in off-shore wind tariff in some of these markets. Background: MNRE had notified National Offshore Wind Energy Policy in October 2015 for this sector. Under it, Chennai based National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) was designated nodal agency to carry out necessary studies and surveys before final bidding of offshore wind project sites. It also serves as single window for facilitating necessary clearances required for development of offshore wind projects. NIWE had identified southern tip of Indian peninsula and west coast with good potential for off-shore wind power. Moreover, preliminary studies were conducted are off coast of Gujarat and that of Tamil Nadu for development of offshore wind power projects. It had had installed India’s first offshore LiDAR in Gulf of Khambhat for measurement of wind resource and is collecting wind speed data from November 2017.

    20) Indian Army is observing year 2018 as “Year of Disabled Soldiers in Line of Duty” to honour soldiers who have been disabled in line of duty. The primary focus of this initiative is to alleviate sufferings of these soldiers, who have done their duty with utmost dedication to nation and have been disabled for the life. Key Facts: The major endeavour of this initiative is to provide one-time financial assistance to disabled soldiers who have been boarded out from service on medical grounds and are rendered non-employable due to their medical or physical conditions. Initiatives to be undertaken: Indian Army this year is planning create awareness on organizational support available to soldiers and their dependents with respect to medical, rehabilitation, various beneficiary schemes of Central and State Governments, vocational opportunities and along with assistance for their placement. It is also planning to showcase talent of disabled soldiers by organizing sports and physical activities, cultural events and their art exhibitions. It is also planning to felicitate disabled soldiers along with selected organisations that are dedicated in their rehabilitation. It is also planning to gather due support for unemployable disabled soldier and his family with initial financial support to ensure life of dignity through partially-funded entrepreneurship venture.

    21) According to 11th report of Common Review Mission of National Health Mission (NHM), women bear uneven burden in family planning as they account for more than 93% of sterilisations in the country. The report was based on latest data from Health Management Information System (HMIS) where states upload data on various parameters of NHM including sterilisations. CRM is an external evaluation of the flagship NHM. Key Highlights of Report: Women continue to bear uneven burden of terminal methods of family planning and sterilisation. In 2017-18 (till October) of the total 14,73,418 sterilisation procedures 93.1 % were female sterilisation (tubectomies) and only 6.8 % were male sterilisation (vasectomy). This is marginal improvement from earlier years when women accounted for 98% of all sterilisation in the country. In 2015-16, of the total 41,41,502 sterilisations across India under government programmes, 40,61,462 were tubectomies. In 2014-15, out of 40,30,409 sterilisations, 39,52,043 were tubectomies. The vasectomy or male sterilisation services still remain inadequately available across the country. Despite efforts to make male sterilisation more acceptable, it was found that non-scalpel vasectomy services are available in very few facilities and uptake is negligible in all states. Vasectomy: Vasectomy or male sterilisation is process of cutting or tying vas deferens which is duct that carries sperm from testes to urethra so that it cannot be released for fertilisation. It is easier process than tubectomy (female sterilisation) which involves blocking or clamping of fallopian tubes so eggs do not reach uterus. Reasons for low male sterilization: Reluctance of Indian men to undergo vasectomy or sterilisation stems from history, social taboo and logistical limitations. Forced sterilisations during emergency have given this procedure of family planning bad name. Moreover, misinformation about it robbing men of their strength has made it social taboo and fact that there are no male health workers means these impressions cannot be corrected. Due to male dominate nature of India society, it is also difficult for ASHA worker in village to talk to men about sterilisation.

    22) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has narrowed the definition of relatives under the ‘maintenance of close relative’ category of Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) to check outflow of funds and prevent misuse of facility. Henceforth, funds under this category can be sent only to immediate relatives such as parents, spouses, children and their spouses. Key Facts: The definition of relatives under LRS has been now aligned with definition of relative with definition given in Companies Act, 2013 instead of Companies Act, 1956. Outward remittances under maintenance of close relatives had shot up to almost $3 billion in 2017-18 from mere $174 million in 2013-14. The funds sent under this category have more than doubled since 2015-16. Overall outward remittances under LRS went up to $11 billion from $1 billion in the same period. Earlier in June 2018, RBI had made PAN mandatory for anyone using LRS for remitting money outside the country. Earlier PAN was not insisted upon for putting current account transactions of up to $25,000. 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.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 16 June 2018 To 22 June 2018.

    23) Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has announced that National Testing Agency (NTA) will train paper setters to set better question papers and provide better model answers. NTA was set up to relieve Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and other educational regulator bodies from burden of conducting multiple examinations. Key Facts: NTA is expected to conduct some of the examinations that CBSE has been conducting till now. It will take over all examinations from the CBSE (except the 10th and 12th board examinations) from 2019 in phased manner. It will be also conducting prestigious Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for admission to engineering colleges like IITs and NITs and National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) for admission to all medical and dental colleges in the country (except AIIMS and JIPMER, Puducherry). National Testing Agency (NTA): NTA was approved by Union cabinet in November 2017 as an autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organization to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational institutions in India. It is registered as society under Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860. It mandates is to conduct entrance tests entrusted to it by any department or ministry and put in place a robust system for conducting of examinations. It is also mandated to bring high reliability and standardised difficulty level for assessing aptitude, intelligence and problem-solving abilities of students. It will relieve CBSE, AICTE and other bodies of responsibility of conducting entrance examinations. It is chaired by eminent educationist appointed by Ministry of HRD. Its CEO will be Director General (DG) appointed by Government. Besides, it has Board of Governors comprising members from user institutions.

    24) Central Water Commission (CWC) has signed collaboration agreement with search engine giant Google for flood forecasting and dissemination of flood related information to masses. This initiative will help crisis management agencies to deal extreme hydrological events in better manner for effective flood management in India under National Hydrology Project (NHP). Key Facts: Under this collaboration, CWC will use state-of-the-art technological advances made by Google in field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning and geo-spatial mapping for effective management of water resources particularly in the field of flood forecasting and dissemination of flood related information to masses widely using dissemination platforms developed by Google. Under this Agreement, CWC and Google will share technical expertise to collaborate on- Improving flood prediction systems, which will help provide location-targeted, actionable flood warnings, High priority research project utilizing Google Earth to help visualize and improve flood management. Cultural project to build online exhibitions on Rivers of India. Under this collaborative arrangement, Google will use high resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and vast computational resources and its technological expertise to generate flood inundation maps utilising level forecast input provided by CWC. This information will be disseminated with lead time of up to 3 days. The inundation forecasting will be done trial basis for flood season of 2018 and it will be scaled up in near future. Significance: The collaborative arrangement will save of crore of rupees which would have been spent by government on acquiring high resolution DEM, high end computational resources and developing dissemination platforms widely used by masses. This would enable Government as well as disaster management organisations to identify well in advance locations and population, which are at risk from floods and require warnings and information. This initiative is expected to be milestone in flood management and in mitigating the flood losses. Central Water Commission (CWC): CWC is India’s apex technical organization in field of water resources functioning under Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. It is mandated for initiating, coordinating in consultation of State Governments, schemes for control, utilization and conservation of water resources throughout the country. These schemes are meant for purpose of flood control, irrigation, navigation, drinking water supply and water power development. It is- National Hydrology Project (NHP): NHP was launched by Ministry of Water Resources in 2016-17. It is World Bank assisted central sector scheme with pan India coverage. Its objective is to improve extent, quality and accessibility of water resources information, decision support system for floods and basin level resource assessment and planning and to strengthen capacity of targeted water resources professionals and management institutions in India.

    25) Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) is planning to expand its India BPO Promotion Scheme to 1 lakh seats from current 48,000 seats. It will also set up 5th and India’s largest National data centre (NDC) in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh with capacity of 5 lakh virtual servers. NDCs host government websites, services and apps, are currently operational at four locations Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi and Bhubaneswar. These initiatives will help to create new job opportunities and also ensure that people in smaller towns find employment closer home. India BPO Promotion Scheme (IBPS): The scheme was approved under Digital India Programme to incentivize BPO/IT- ITES operations sector in the country. It was launched in 2014. The scheme aims to incentivize establishment of BPO firms and their extension to Tier II and Tier III cities (as per census 2011) to provide employment, distributed across various states in proportion to population of state with financial support in form of Viability Gap Funding (VGF). The Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), an autonomous society of MeitY is nodal implementing agency of the scheme. It will be implemented to incentivize setting up of BPO/ITES operations across the country (excluding certain cities and north eastern states which are covered separately under North-East BPO Promotion Scheme). Objectives of IBPS: Create employment opportunities for the youth, by promoting IT/ITES industry particularly by setting up BPO/ITES operations. Promotion of investment in IT/ITES sector in order to expand base of IT Industry and secure balanced regional growth. Incentives: Under this scheme, financial support up to 50% of expenditure towards Capital Expenditure (Capex) and/or Operational Expenditure (Opex) is provided subject to upper limit of Rs. 1 Lakh/seat. Moreover, special incentives is given for employing women and persons with disability (PwDs), employment generation beyond target and wider dispersal within state. It also gives special consideration for hilly areas and rural areas and also to local entrepreneurs.

    26) The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified gaming addiction as mental health disorder in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 11. This is as per draft of new document that was released in December 2017. This classification will be used by health professionals across the globe to uniformly diagnose and classify risks for addictive gaming behaviour. WHO definition of gaming addiction: WHO defines gaming disorder as pattern of gaming behaviour (video-gaming or digital-gaming) characterized by impaired control over gaming, increased priority given to gaming over other activities to such extent that gaming takes precedence over other interests and daily activities. It also includes continuation or escalation of gaming despite occurrence of negative consequences. For its diagnosis, behaviour pattern must be of sufficient severity to result in significant impairment in personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other important areas of functioning and normally have been evident for at least 12 months. Need: Mental health experts and psychiatrists believe that internet and gaming addiction though affecting small population now, has become emerging psychological malady and it is likely to be major mental health problem in the coming years. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders-V, a diagnostic bible for mental health professionals published by American Psychiatric Association already has classified gaming disorder as mental health condition. Nearly 7% of population studied for gaming and internet addiction have exhibited depressive symptoms, somatisation and anxiety, including behavioural changes and sleep disturbances. International Classification of Diseases (ICD): ICD is the international standard diagnostic tool for epidemiology, health management and clinical purposes. Its full official name is International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. It is maintained by WHO and is revised periodically. ICD serves as foundation for identifying health trends and statistics worldwide. It is designed as health care classification system to provide system of diagnostic codes for classifying diseases, including nuanced classifications of wide variety of signs, symptoms, abnormal findings, complaints, social circumstances and external causes of injury or disease. It provides common language that allows health professionals to share health information across the globe. It contains around 55,000 unique codes for injuries, diseases and causes of death. It maps health conditions to corresponding generic categories together with specific variations, assigning for these designated code, up to six characters long. It also promotes international comparability in collection, processing, classification, and presentation of these statistics. ICD-11: It will be presented at World Health Assembly in May 2019 for adoption by WHO member states, and it will come into effect on January 1, 2022. It also has for first time added chapter on traditional systems of medicine. This will pave way for such treatments to be covered by insurance as insurance reimbursements based on ICD coding.

    27) Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has commissioned fast patrol vessel (FPV) ICGS Rani Rashmoni, in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is fifth and last ship to be commissioned in the series of fast patrol vessel (FPV) project of ICG. The ship will be based at Visakhapatnam under the administrative and operational control of Commander, No.6 Coast Guard District Headquarters (Andhra Pradesh). ICGS Rani Rashmoni: ICGS Rani Rashmoni has been designed and built by Hindustan Ship Yard Ltd. It is 51 metre long, 8.36 metre wide and weights 346-tonne. It is named after legendary Rani Rashmoni of Kolkata. It is equipped with most advanced and sophisticated communication and navigational sensors and equipment. The ship is propelled by three MTU 40000 series diesel engines of 2,720 KW capacity each coupled with three Rolls Royce Kamewa jets. It can achieve a maximum speed of 34 knots (63kmph). It can perform multifarious tasks such as surveillance, search and rescue, interdiction, anti-smuggling and anti-poaching operations.

    28) The World Sustainable Gastronomy Day is observed every year on June 18 across the world. The day acknowledges gastronomy as cultural expression related to natural and cultural diversity of the world. It also reaffirms that all cultures and civilizations are contributors and crucial enablers of sustainable development. Gastronomy: It is study of relationship between food and culture. It is art of preparing and serving rich or delicate and appetizing food, cooking styles of particular regions, and science of good eating. Background: The World Sustainable Gastronomy Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting resolution A/RES/71/246 in December 2016. Observance of this day, emphasizes need to focus world’s attention on role that sustainable gastronomy can play, owing to its inter-linkages with three dimensions of sustainable development in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting agricultural development, food security, nutrition, sustainable food production and conservation of biodiversity.

    29) Telangana Police has launched COP CONNECT’ mobile application to support the professional communication and collaboration needs of entire police department of the state. It has been developed based on Telangana State Police internal Communication strategy on lines of popular internet messaging application WhatsApp. COP CONNECT app: COP CONNECT app has all features of regular mobile messaging apps and is enabled for chatting, group chats, file sharing (image, audio, video and documents) and location sharing. Using it different types of groups can be created at state level, district and commissionerate levels, zonal level, sub-divisional level, circle level and police station level. It will help in connecting over 60,000 police forces across 31 districts in the state. It will enable the entire police workforce of the state to pro-actively engage and pass real time information in seconds and also consult each other so that they are able to play an active role in delivery of uniform policing services across the state. It has end-to-end encryption with server being with Police Department to ensure absolute security and confidentiality of internal Police communication. It also has iMeeting feature which will help in creating and scheduling department meeting and setting reminders.

    30) The fourth meeting of Governing Council of National Institute of Transforming India (NITI) Aayog was held under the chairmanship Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. It was attended by 23 Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, apart from Union Ministers, who are ex-officio members and special invitees. Governing Council of NITI Aayog: The Governing Council is apex body of NITI Aayog tasked with evolving shared vision of national development priorities, sectors and strategies with the active involvement of States in shaping development narrative of the country. It is chaired by Prime Minister and comprises of Chief Ministers of all States and Union Territories with Legislatures and Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and four Union Ministers as ex-officio members and three Union Ministers as Special Invitees. Governing Council embodies NITI Aayog’s objectives of cooperative federalism, presents platform to discuss inter-sectoral, inter-departmental and federal issues in order to accelerate implementation of national development agenda. Previous meetings: The first Meeting was held in February 2015 at which Prime Minister laid down key mandates of NITI Aayog such as fostering cooperative federalism and addressing national issues through active participation of States. The second Meeting was held July 2015 and third meeting in April 2017, which laid down milestones in shaping country’s development agenda through strategy and vision documents.

    31) The indigenously upgraded artillery gun Dhanush has successfully completed final user trials and is ready for induction into Indian Army. During third and final phase of user exploitation firings conducted from May 31 to June 7, 2018 at Pokhran field firing range, six Dhanush guns were fired in battery formation with 301 rounds each. With this test, Dhanush artillery gun has been tested in all terrains. Dhanush: Dhanush is upgraded version of Swedish 155-mm Bofors howitzers, which India procured in the mid-1980s, based on its original designs. It is also called desi Bofors. It is 155mm x 45mm calibre artillery gun. It has been developed by Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), Kolkata based on requirements of Indian Army and manufactured by Jabalpur-based Gun Carriage Factory (GCF). Its armament system comprises a barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism and recoil mechanism to fire 155 mm calibre ammunitions. It has strike range of 38 kilometres (11 km more than imported Bofors guns) with accuracy and precision. It provides greater fire power, depending on type of ammunition used. It also has night firing capability in direct fire mode. It has several significant advance features, including an all-electric drive, high mobility, quick deployability, auxiliary power mode, advanced communication system and automated command and control system. It has six round magazine, instead of standard three round. It weighs slightly more than normal due to the larger chamber. Its 81% components are indigenously sourced and it will be scaled up to 90% by 2019. Its imported systems include power pack, parts of the electronic suite, and some seals and bearings. Each of this gun costs about Rs 14.50 crore while each shell costs Rs. 1 lakh. Indian Army has ordered 114 guns that will be delivered within four years. Previous test: The first phase of trials was conducted between July and September 2016 at Pokhran and Babina ranges. The second phase was conducted between October and December 2016 at Siachen base camp with three guns. Total of 1,520 rounds have been fired in all the three phases. During these trials, guns travelled extensively in towed and self-propelled mode in desert and high-altitude terrains and each gun clocked over 1,000 km, demonstrating their mobility.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 16 June 2018 To 22 June 2018.

    32) SAARC Development Fund (SDF) is going to launch social enterprise development programme (SEDP) as part of its social window. The programme will be implemented in all SAARC member states with objective of identifying and building social enterprises by using mix of grants and concessional returnable capital. It intends to fund around 80 enterprises across the 8 SAARC member states (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) annually. SAARC Development Fund (SDF): SDF was established by heads of all eight SAARC member states during 16th SAARC summit at Thimphu, Bhutan in April 2010. Its Governing Council comprises finance ministers of these eight countries. It is successor of South Asian Development Fund (SADF), which was launched in 1996 by merging two existing facilities called SAARC Fund for Regional Projects (SFRP) and SAARC Regional Fund. SDF’s Secretariat is located at Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. SDF was created as umbrella financial mechanism for all SAARC developmental projects and programmes. Its core objectives are to promote welfare of the people of SAARC region, improve their quality of life and accelerate economic growth, social progress and poverty alleviation in the region. It funds projects in South Asia region via three windows viz. Social Window, Economic Window and Infrastructure Window. At present, only Social Window is in operation, the other two windows are yet to open.

    33) The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (WDCDD) is observed every year on June 17 across to world to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification. The day aims to remind everyone that land degradation neutrality is achievable through problem-solving, strong community involvement and co-operation at all levels. The 2018 Theme of WDCDD is “Land has true value – invest in it.” It urges to move away from unsustainable land use and make a difference by investing in the future of land. The global observance of WDCD2018 was hosted by Government of Ecuador. Desertification: Desertification is degradation of land in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas. It is caused primarily by human activities and climatic variations. It does not refer to the expansion of existing deserts. It occurs because dryland ecosystems, which cover over one third of world‘s land area, are extremely vulnerable to overexploitation and inappropriate land use. Poverty, political instability, deforestation, overgrazing and bad irrigation practices can all undermine the productivity of the land. Background: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had designated June 17 as World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought in 1994 through resolution A/RES/49/115. It was observed for the first time in 1995. The date marks adaptation of United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) by UNGA in 1994. The day is observed globally to promote public awareness on the issue, and implementation of UNCCD in those countries experiencing serious desertification or drought, particularly in Africa. United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD): UNCCD was adopted in June 17, 1994 and entered into force 1996. It is only legally binding international agreement to address problem of desertification and other land issues. It seeks to address desertification and land issues specifically arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas, known as drylands. The convention promotes good land stewardship and its end goal is to protect land from over-use and drought, so it can continue to provide food, water and energy. Its 195 parties work together to improve living conditions for people in drylands, to maintain and restore land and soil productivity, and to mitigate the effects of drought. UNCCD is particularly committed to bottom-up approach, encouraging participation of local people in combating desertification and land degradation. Its secretariat facilitates cooperation between developed and developing countries, particularly around technology and knowledge transfer for sustainable land management. UNCCD collaborates closely with other two Rio Conventions, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and United UN Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as dynamics of land, climate and biodiversity are intimately connected to meet these complex challenges with integrated approach.

    34) Banks Board Bureau (BBB) has recommended 22 general managers to be elevated as executive directors at the various public sector banks (PSBs). This is the first major exercise undertaken by reconstituted BBB, headed by newly appointed Chairman BP Sharma, former Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training. These recommendations were based on interactions held by BBB with eligible candidates from PSBs towards appointment against vacancies in PSBs for the period 2018-19. Now, Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister will take the final decision in this regard. Banks Board Bureau (BBB): BBB is super authority (autonomous and self-governing body) of Central Government comprising eminent professionals and officials to improve governance of PSBs. It was announced by Union Government in August 2015 as part of seven point Indradhanush Mission to revamp PSBs. It was set up in February 2016 under chairmanship of former CAG Vinod Rai based on recommendations of RBI-appointed Nayak Committee. It is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Mandate: Its broad agenda is to improve governance at state-owned lenders. Its mandate also involves advising government on top-level appointments in PSBs and assisting banks with capital-raising plans through innovative financial methods and instruments as well as strategies to deal with issues of stressed assets or bad loans. Composition: BBB comprises of three ex-officio members (from government) and three expert members, two of which are from private sector in addition to Chairman.

    35) Russia has successfully launched Glonass-M positioning satellite on board of Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket from the Plesetsk space centre in Mirny, Arkhangelsk Oblast. The satellite is part of GLONASS network GLONASS (Russian acronym for Global Navigation Satellite System) which provides real-time positioning data for surface, sea and airborne objects around globe, at accuracy reportedly at par with US Global Positioning System (GPS). With this launch, there are now total 26 Glonass satellites in orbit. Glonass-M satellite: It was built by Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems (formerly NPO-PM). It has design life of 7 years which is significantly higher than that of previous generation of Glonass satellites. It is about 2.4* 3.7 meters in size with solar array span of 7.2 meters. It has two deployable solar arrays which provide 1600 watts of electrical power. The heart of the satellite is Caesium atomic clock that provides accurate timing reference needed to generate navigation data. Glonass: Glonass is Russian Satellite Navigation System considered as counterpart to GPS of US, Galileo of European Union (EU) and Beidou of China. It is being used by military as well as commercial customers. It provides real time position and velocity determination at accuracy that can be compared to that of GPS. It has accuracy of 100 meters as part of public segment and 10 to 20 meters for military users. Its time accuracy is under 1000 nanoseconds. Glonass Program started back in 1976 when development was initiated. The first Glonass launch took place in 1982 and the constellation became fully operational in 1995. Currently, second generation Glonass-M satellites as well as Glonass-K1 satellites are in service. Glonass-K2 and KM satellites are under development.

    36) India has notified World Trade Organisation (WTO) of its decision to impose higher import tariffs (ranging from 20 to 50%) on 30 goods from United States. It includes motorcycles (engine capacity of more than 800 cc), heavy machinery, certain iron and steel goods, boric acid as well as large number of agro products such as almonds, shrimps and chocolates. It is expected to rake in additional $240 million to India. Key Facts: This will reportedly be the first time that India has imposed retaliatory import duties against US’s unilateral protectionist policies that range from tighter visa regime to higher import duties. The proposed increase in import duties is aimed at countering the impact of higher US tariffs on certain Indian steel and aluminium products, which is going to put burden on $241 million on India. India imposed retaliatory import duties after it received cold shoulder from US on its request for exempting India from the higher tariffs announced by the US on steel and aluminium imports. India also had dragged US to WTO dispute settlement mechanism over the imposition of import duties on steel and aluminium. India’s exports of steel and aluminium products to US stood at about US $1.5 billion every year. Its exports to US in 2016-17 stood at US $42.21 billion, while imports were US $22.3 billion.

    37) Seychelles President Danny Faure ahead of his state visit to India has said that India-Seychelles joint project to develop naval base at Assumption Island in his country will not move forward. He also mentioned that Seychelles will develop military facilities at the island on its own. This statement comes after growing political opposition in Seychelles to agreement that was signed with India in 2015 to develop a naval facility at Assumption Island which would have given India strategic advantage in Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Background: India was keen on developing the Assumption Island as naval base due to key strategic location in the western periphery of Indian Ocean and to expand its footprint in the region where China has been trying to enhance its military presence. For this, India had signed 20 years agreement in 2015 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to that Seychelles. It was meant to India’s first Naval Base project overseas and had acquired significance after China had acquired its first African naval base in Djibouti (near Horn of Africa) in November 2014. However, after opposition leaders in Seychelles came out openly against agreement with India, Seychelles President refused to place in Seychelles National Assembly (its parliament) since he didn’t have majority. Later in January 2018, India and Seychelles finalised an updated version of the original pact to accommodate lot of concerns of Seychelles side. Assumption Island: Assumption Island is a small island situated southwest of Seychelles main and largest island of Mahe. It is situated very close to Mozambique Channel from where much Indian Ocean maritime routes pass. Its location lends it strategic importance for monitoring shipping in the Mozambique Channel.

    38) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has eased investment norms for foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) in debt, especially into individual large corporates. This move is aimed at attracting more overseas flows and thereby help to arrest recent fall in rupee and also lift recent fall in demand for corporate bonds. Key Facts: Corporate bond segment: FPIs are permitted to invest in corporate bonds with minimum residual maturity of above 1 year. The short-term investments in corporate bonds by an FPI shall not exceed 20% of total investment of that FPI in corporate bonds. Government securities (G-secs): The FPIs cap on investment in Government securities (G-secs) has been increased to 30% of outstanding stock of that security, from 20% earlier. FPIs were allowed to invest in government bonds with minimum residual maturity of three years. Removal of minimum residual maturity requirement: FPIs are permitted to invest in G-secs, including treasury bills (T-bills), and SDLs without any minimum residual maturity requirement. However, it will be subject to condition that short-term investments by FPI under either category shall not exceed 20% of total investment of that FPI in that category. In this case, short-term investments are defined as investments with residual maturity up to 1 year. The short-term investments by an FPI may exceed 20% of total investments, only if the investments are entirely made on or before April 2018, and not made after it. Foreign portfolio investment (FPI): FPI consists of securities and other financial assets passively held by foreign investors. It does not provide investor with direct ownership of financial assets. It is relatively liquid depending on volatility of the market. In India, FPIs are allowed to invest in various debt market instruments such as government bonds, treasury bills, state development loans (SDLs) and corporate bonds, but with certain restrictions and limits. FPI is part of country’s capital account and shown on its balance of payments (BOP). Differences between FPI and FDI: FPI lets investor purchase stocks, bonds or other financial assets in foreign country. In this case, investor does not actively manage investments or companies that issue investment. It also does not have control over securities or business. In contrast, FDI lets investor purchase direct business interest in foreign country. The investor also controls his monetary investments and actively manages company into which he puts money. FPI is more liquid and less risky than FDI.

    39) The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) plenary meeting took place on in Jurmala, Latvia after Latvia assumed chairmanship of NSG for 2018-19. With this, Latvia became first Baltic state to chair the NSG. There was no headway in India’s application for NSG entry in this plenary meeting. India had applied for NSG membership at 2016 Seoul plenary session, but it was objected by few member countries of NSG including China. Key Highlights of meeting: Participation Non-NPT States: NSG member states continued discussions on issue of technical, legal and political aspects of participation Non-NPT States of in NSG initiated at its 2016 Seoul plenary. There was no headway this time for considering India’s membership despite thaw in relationship with China. There was no specific reference to Pakistan’s application to the NSG. Waiver to India: NSG continues to consider all aspects of implementation of the 2008 Statement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation with India (or NSG waiver for India) and discussed NSG relationship with India. On North Korea: Participating Governments of NSG reconfirmed their commitment to UN Security Council resolutions 2371 (2017), 2375 (2017), 2397 (2017) and previous relevant UNSC resolutions, which reaffirm that North Korea will immediately abandon all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programmes in complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. They noted that supply of all controlled items to North Korea is prohibited according to above resolutions. They noted with encouragement the recent Inter-Korean summits and North Korea-US summit. On Iran: They acknowledged continued implementation of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and Iran by E3/EU+2 (United Kingdom, France, Germany + Russia, China) and Iran. JCPOA is nuclear deal between P-5 (US, UK, Russia. China, France) + 1 (Germany) and Iran. Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG): NSG is a multinational body concerned with reducing nuclear proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that may be used for development of nuclear weapons. It was set up in 1974 as a reaction to India’s first successful nuclear tests (code name Smiling Buddha conducted on 18 May 1974) to stop so called misuse of nuclear material meant for peaceful purposes. Currently, NSG has 48 members.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 16 June 2018 To 22 June 2018.

    40) NASA’s record-breaking spacewoman, Peggy Whitson (58) has announced her retirement as astronaut less than year after returning from her last and longest spaceflight. During her career, she had racked up total of 665 days in space — more than any other NASA astronaut, and record for women worldwide. Her last spaceflight lasted close to 10 months, spanning 2016 and 2017. Peggy Whitson: She was born on February 9, 1960 in Mount Ayr, Iowa, US. She is biochemist and had joined NASA as researcher in 1986 and became an astronaut in 1996. She had flown three missions aboard International Space Station (ISS): Expedition 5 in 2002; Expedition 16 in 2008 (In it she became first female commander of the orbiting lab) and extended and her longest stint in space from November 2016 through September 2017, which spanned Expeditions 50, 51 and 52. She had commanded Expedition 51, becoming the first woman to lead an ISS mission twice. Records: She is world’s most experienced female spacewalker, with 10 under her spacesuit belt with record-setting total time of 60 hours and 21 minutes. She was first woman to command International Space Station (ISS), holding the position twice. She was oldest woman ever to fly in space. She was first and only woman (and first non-military person) to serve as chief of NASA’s male-dominated astronaut corps from 2009 to 2012.

    41) China in tit-for-tat action has imposed additional tariffs and duties on $50-billion worth of American products. It comes after US President Donald Trump slapped stiff 25% tariff on Chinese goods worth similar amount. This has triggered full-fledged trade war between world’s two largest economies. Key Facts: The decision was taken in line with relevant stipulations of Foreign Trade Law of China and Regulations of China on Import and Export Duties, as well as fundamental principles of international laws. China imposed additional duties of 25% on 659 items of American products. Out of the 659 items, tariffs on 545 items worth about $34 billion including agricultural products aquatic products and vehicles will be effective from July 2018. The tariffs on remaining 114 items, which include chemical products, medical equipment and energy products, will be declared later. With this, trade conditions of these goods will affect relevant producers and trade companies as well as production and operation of upstream and downstream industries. Background: US had announced additional tariffs of 25% on Chinese imports worth approximately $50 billion, accusing it of intellectual property theft and unfair trade practices. US also had notified that it will continue to impose additional tariffs if China takes retaliatory measures. The move to impose import tariffs came as two countries held several rounds of talks following US President Donald Trump’s demand to slash bilateral trade deficit by $100 billion in month followed by $200 billion to address $375-billion deficit. In mid-May 2018, both countries had announced cease-fire in trade war after two rounds of trade negotiations. In the first round, China had agreed to significantly increase purchases of US agricultural and energy products to reduce trade imbalance. But the second round of trade talks in Beijing failed to yield any breakthroughs. Moreover, US President’s decision to impose fresh tariffs on China follows his recent imposition of steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Canada, European Union (EU) and Mexico on national security grounds.

    42) The International Day of Family Remittances (IDFR) is observed every year on 16 June across the world. It is aimed at recognizing significant financial contribution migrant workers make to wellbeing of their families back home and to sustainable development of their countries of origin. It is also aimed at encouraging public and private sectors, as well as civil society, to do more together and collaborate to maximize impact of remittances in developing world. Remittance: Remittance is a transfer of money by foreign worker to individual or family in their home country. It competes with international aid as one of the largest financial inflows to developing countries. Background: The IDFR was unanimously proclaimed by all 176 member states of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)’s Governing Council at its 38th session in February 2015. Later it was adopted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in June 2018 through resolution A/72/L.56. The first IDFR was celebrated on 16 June 2015. Observance of this day recognizes efforts of migrant workers globally, but also to strengthen current partnerships and create new synergies among sectors to promote development impact of remittances worldwide. International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD): IFAD is international financial institution and specialised agency of UN dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries. It was established in 1977 as one of the major outcomes of 1974 World Food Conference. Its headquarters is in Rome, Italy. It is member of UN Development Group.

    43) India is going to host 23rd European Union Film Festival (EUFF) on 18th to 24th June, 2018 at Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi. It is organized by Directorate of Film Festivals, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting partnering with the Delegation of European Union (EU) and embassies of EU Member States in various city film club. Key Facts: The European Union Film Festival will showcase 24 latest European films from 23 EU member states. It will screen movies from 23 EU states, thus celebrating diversity and will bring some unusual stories for the world cinema enthusiasts. The selected films as part of the festival will be showcased in 11 cities across India including New Delhi, Port Blair, Chennai, Pune, Kolkata, Jaipur, Visakhapatnam, Puducherry, Thrissur, Hyderabad and Goa from 18 June to 31 August 2018. European Union (EU): EU is an economic and political partnership consisting of 28 member countries. Law made in European Parliament is applicable and binding on all member states directly. Its member states are committed to same basic values: peace, democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights. It is single market allowing the free movement of people, goods, services and capital within internal market. The union has its own currency, Euro established as monetary union in 1999 and being used by 19 member countries. Moreover, within Schengen Area of EU, passport controls have been abolished. The capital of EU is located in Brussels, Belgium.

    44) The Union Government has approved financial assistance amounting to Rs. 5.5 lakh per family to West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs). It will benefit 5,764 families of WPRs settled in Jammu and Kashmir. Key Facts: The scheme comes into effect from June 2018. The amount of Rs. 5.5 lakh per family will be deposited in bank accounts of eligible beneficiaries based on authentication by State Government. For smooth implementation of the scheme, the State Government will also appoint Nodal Officer for this scheme. Full expenditure for this scheme will be borne by Central Government. Background: In the aftermath of partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, thousands of families from Pakistan occupied areas of Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) had migrated to India from then West Pakistan. Central Government and J&K state Government have been extending series of relief and rehabilitation packages to WPRs from time to time to mitigate the hardship of displaced persons and to rehabilitate them.

    45) India’s IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) became first listed company in India to close day’s trade with market capitalisation (m cap) of over Rs. 7 lakh crore (over $103 billion). M cap is value of company that is traded on stock market, calculated by multiplying total number of shares by present share price. Key Facts: TCS achieved this feat after its board approved share buyback of 76,190,476 equity shares of Rs. 1 face value at Rs. 2,100 per share for about Rs. 16,000 crore (over $2 billion). The buyback size was 1.99% of the total paid-up equity share capital. This is second time the global software major resorted to buy back its shares after it bought 5.61 crore shares in April 2017 for Rs. 16,000 crore at Rs. 2,850 per share. The buyback was made from shareholders of Company on proportionate basis under tender offer route using stock exchange mechanism in accordance with provisions contained in SEBI (Buy Back of Securities) Regulations and Companies Act, 2013 and rules made thereunder.

    46) United States has slapped stiff 25% tariff on US $50 billion worth of Chinese goods. It has accused China of intellectual property (IP) theft and unfair trade practices. This decision has triggered full-fledged trade war between world’s two largest economies. Key Facts: The tariffs will be applied in two waves. The first will apply to 818 Chinese goods worth $34 billion and in second wave it will apply to 284 goods worth another $16 billion. The focus of the tariffs is on industrial goods, particularly in areas identified under China’s Made in China 2025 plan designed to encourage growth in particular industries. It generally focuses on products from industrial sectors that contribute to or benefit from “Made in China 2025” industrial policy. It includes industries such as information and communications technology (ICT), aerospace, robotics, industrial machinery, new materials, and automobiles. Background: US’s decision to impose fresh tariffs on China follows his recent imposition of steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from Canada, European Union and Mexico on national security grounds. The EU and Canada are planning to enact retaliatory tariffs starting in July 2018. Mexico has already retaliated with its own tariffs on US goods.

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

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

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

     WBCS Foundation Course Classroom Online 2024 2025 WBCS Preliminary Exam Mock Test WBCS Main Exam Mock Test WBCS Main Language Bengali English Nepali Hindi Descriptive Paper