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  • WBCS Current Affairs 20th January 2018 to 26th January 2018
    Posted on March 10th, 2018 in Current Affairs, Weekly Current Affairs
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    WBCS Current Affairs 20th January 2018 to 26th January 2018

    West Bengal Civil Service (Executive), popularly known as W.B.C.S.(Exe), is the civil service of the Indian state of West Bengal. For the W.B.C.S.(Exe) and other comparative posts, Public Service Commission of West Bengal arranges competitive examinations in three phases every year.Knowing the syllabus of W.B.C.S. Examination thoroughly is the first step towards this exam.The mains syllabus of W.B.C.S. is very descriptive.Following the previous years question papers are very important while preparing for this examination.1) SARAS PT1N, the new upgraded version of indigenous transport aircraft SARAS developed by National Aeronautics Laboratory (NAL) successfully made its maiden flight in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The aircraft took off from HAL airport, Bengaluru and flew for about 40 minutes at the maximum height of 8500 feet at the speed of 145 knots. The primary objective of the test was to evaluate system performance that will be collected in about 20 flights. The data collected from this shall be used to freeze the design of production version aircraft. SARAS PT1N: SARAS PT1N is a 14-seater passenger aircraft designed and developed by CSIR-NAL, a frontline aerospace research laboratory. The production version aircraft will have 19-seat capacity. The indigenous aircraft development is seen as culmination of efforts of team CSIR-NAL, IAF-ASTE, Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC), HAL and Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance (DGAQA). Background: The aircraft programme is named after Indian crane Saras. It was first conceptualised in the 1990s to establish short-haul civil aviation market. The original design of the plane included maximum take-off weight of 6,100kg and a maximum payload of 1,232kg. The first prototype of the plane had made its first flight in May 2004. SARAS PT1N is upgraded version of plane, after second prototype of SARAS that had crashed during test flight killing all three crew members on board in March 2009. Continue reading WBCS Current Affairs 20th January 2018 to 26th January 2018

    2) The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has awarded 325 air routes under the second phase of government’s flagship UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam naagrik) regional connectivity scheme. Around 40% or 129 of 325 air routes were awarded to newly created category of ‘priority areas’ that include Jammu and Kashmir, Northeastern and hill states, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands. Key Facts: The routes under phase-II were awarded to 15 airlines and helicopter operators after bidding process. These include major domestic airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo, Jet Airways and Air India subsidiary Alliance Air and four helicopter operators — Heligo Charters, Heritage Aviation, Pawan Hans, and Skyone Airways. Airports to be connected under phase-II: Total 78 airports i.e. 36 served airports, 13 underserved airports and 29 unserved airports will be connected. In addition, 31 helipads/ heliports will be connected through Helicopters in priority areas. Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Outflow: These proposed routes will get VGF estimated at Rs. 487 crores per annum for fixed wing operations and Rs. 130 crores for Helicopter operations per annum in the Priority areas. The government provides VGF or subsidy for 50% of seats set aside for being offered at discounted rates by airlines and all seats up to 13 passenger seats for helicopters. UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam naagrik) Scheme: The UDAN RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) was launched in October 2016 to develop the regional aviation market. It is vital component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016. It also aims to make flying affordable by providing connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of the country through revival of existing airstrips and airports so that persons in regional towns are able to take affordable flights. It is applicable on flights covering distance between 200 km and 800 km with no lower limit set for hilly, remote, island and security sensitive regions. It seeks to reserve a minimum number of UDAN seats i.e. seats at subsidized rates and also cap fare for short distance flights. It has unique market-based model to develop regional connectivity. It has Viability Gap Funding (VDF) mechanism to meet the VGF requirements under the scheme. Airports Authority of India (AAI) is implementing agency of the scheme.

    3) The Ministry of Science & Technology has announced four new schemes to promote young scientists and researchers in the country. They are Teacher Associateship for Research Excellence (TARE) Scheme, Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship, Distinguished Investigator Award (DIA) and AWSAR (Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research). The schemes primarily aim at early recognition and reward to young talent in the field of science. They focus on youth to empower, recognize and motivate them. TARE Scheme: It aims to tap latent potential of faculty working in state universities, colleges and private academic institutions who are well trained but having difficulty in pursuing their research due to varied reasons including lack of facilities, funding and guidance. Up to 500 TAs (Teacher Associateships) will be supported under this scheme. This scheme facilitates mobility of such faculty members to carryout research in well-established public funded institution such as IITs, IISc, IISERS and other National Institutions (NITs, CSIR, ICAR, ICMR labs, etc) and Central Universities located preferably nearer to institution where faculty member is working. Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship: The scheme was instituted to enhance international mobility of Indian research students having potential to create talented pool of globally trained manpower. It will provide opportunity for research students to gain exposure and access to top class research facilities in academia and labs across the world. It will offer opportunities for up to 100 PhD students admitted in Indian institutions for gaining exposure and training in overseas universities /institutions of repute and areas of importance to country for 1 year period during their doctoral research. The selected fellows will be paid a monthly fellowship amount, one-time contingency/preparatory allowances to cover visa fee, airport transfer charges, medical insurance etc. Distinguished Investigator Award (DIA): The scheme was initiated to recognize and reward Principal Investigators (PIs) of Department of Science and Technology (DST) projects that have performed remarkably well. It aims to reward best PIs of completed projects and also motivate ongoing PIs to perform exceedingly well. It seeks to effectively improve productivity of research undertaken and overall efficiency of research ecosystem. It will be one-time career award devised to specifically cater to younger scientists who have not received any other prestigious awards or fellowships. The award carries a fellowship and optional research grant for 3 years, based on peer review of project proposal submitted. AWSAR (Augmenting Writing Skills for Articulating Research) Scheme: The scheme aims to encourage, empower and endow popular science writing through newspapers, magazines, blogs, social media, etc. by young PhD Scholars and Post-Doctoral Fellows during course of their studies and research pursuits. It also seeks to tap tremendous potential of young scientists to popularize & communicate science and also to inculcate scientific temperament in the masses. The scheme also carries monetary incentive to each of 100 best entries from PhD scholars in year along with Certificate of Appreciation besides getting the story published/projected in mass media. In addition, three leading stories from selected hundred will be also awarded cash prize. Further, twenty entries will be selected from articles submitted exclusively by Post-Doctoral Fellows relating to their line of Research for monetary incentive and most outstanding story to be given a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/-.

    4) The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced to increase number of AMRIT pharmacy stores by four times by end of 2018 from the existing 111 outlets in bid to make low-cost medicines more accessible. So far, 52 lakh patients have been benefited by buying discounted drugs (60 to 90% less than market price) from AMRIT (Affordable medicine and reliable implants for treatment) stores and have saved over Rs. 267 crore. The total maximum retail price of medicines sold off these 111 AMRIT stores was Rs. 486 crore but their sale price was Rs 219 crore. AMRIT scheme: The AMRIT (Affordable medicine and reliable implants for treatment) scheme aims to reduce expenditure incurred by patients on treatment of cancer and cardio vascular (heart) diseases to make health care affordable for poor. Its intended beneficiaries are patients suffering from cancer and heart diseases (non-communicable diseases). Under it, retail outlets in the name of AMRIT pharmacy are opened to sell drugs for cancer and heart diseases at highly discounted rates on market rates. The project is implemented by government-owned HLL Lifecare Ltd (HLL) which is deputed to establish and run AMRIT chain of pharmacies across the country. These drugs and implants under the scheme will be sold based upon authentic prescriptions from doctors. At the AMRIT outlets, 202 cancer and 186 cardio-vascular drugs will be available at reduced rate of 60 to 90% compared to market rates.

    5) Senior scientist Dr V Narayanan has assumed charge as Director of ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). He succeeded S Somanath who was appointed as Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). Prior to this appointment, he was Associate Director of LPSC and was guiding liquid propulsion activities of ISRO and was instrumental in finalising the Liquid Propulsion Roadmap of ISRO for the next 20 years. Dr V Narayanan: Narayananhad joined ISRO in 1984 and since then has functioned in various capacities. He is rocket propulsion expert and outstanding scientist, guiding ISRO team that designed 200 tonne thrust Lox-Kerosene Semi Cryogenic Rocket Engine. He had played crucial role in successful development of Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) and made it operational for GSLV Mk II vehicle when India was denied complex Cryogenic Propulsion Technology. He also had played vital role in successful launch of GSLV Mk III vehicle in its maiden attempt in 2017 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR), Sriharikota. As Project Director for C25 Cryogenic Project, he had led team that successfully developed indigenous C25 Cryogenic Stage powered by 20 tonne thrust Cryogenic Engine using Liquid Oxygen and Liquid Hydrogen propellant combination. He is Fellow of Indian National Academy of Engineering (FINAE) and Member of Space Propulsion Committee of International Astronautical Federation (IAF) and member in various national and international professional bodies. He has published large number of technical papers in national and international journals. Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC): LPSC is research and development centre functioning under ISRO. It is engaged in development of liquid and cryogenic propulsion stages for launch vehicles and auxiliary propulsion systems for both launch vehicles and satellites. It is headquartered Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and functions under Department of Space. It has developed liquid propellant stages for PSLV, control systems for SLV-3, PSLV, ASLV and GSLV, satellite propulsion systems including those for INSAT and IRS. It also has developed indigenous cryogenic upper stage for Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) which was successfully test fired by ISRO in August 2007. It has two units located at Valiamala, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, and Bengaluru, Karnataka. It is augmented by ISRO’s Propulsion Complex at Mahendragiri of Tamil Nadu.

    6) The Election Commission of India (ECI) celebrated 8th National Voters’ Day across nation for enhanced participation of citizens in electoral process. The objective of the Day is to increase enrollment of voters, especially of newly eligible ones. It also spreads awareness among voters regarding effective participation in electoral process. Key Facts: Various events and national level function were held in New Delhi. President Ram Nath Kovind presented away awards for best electoral practices to District Collectors, Superintendents of Police and other functionaries involved in election management. Media Award 2017 was also given in function. To mark the day, Election Commission and Facebook also launched new feature on the social media Facebook to send reminder to users aged 18 years and above to take the pledge to vote. Background: National Voters’ Day was initiated in 2011 to commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI) which came into existence on 25th January 1950. This day is also utilized to spread awareness among voters regarding effective participation in the electoral process. ECI is permanent and independent constitutional body established directly by Constitution of India to ensure fair and fair elections in the country. It is multi-member body and currently has three members including Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

    7) India has been ranked 177 among 180 countries in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) – 2018. This index has been developed by Yale University and Columbia University in collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission. This report has been released on 23 January, 2018 on the sidelines of World Economic Forum meet in Davos. Top and Bottom Five Countries in 2018 EPI: Top 5 countries are Switzerland, France, Denmark, Malta and Sweden. To bottom countries are Nepal, India, Congo, Bangladesh, Burundi About the Index: Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is calculated on the basis of data gathered from 24 individual metrics of environmental performance. These 24 individual metrics are then aggregated into a hierarchy that begins with 10 major environmental issues categories. Air Quality (household solid fuels and PM2.5 exposure), Water & Sanitation, Heavy Metals (lead exposure), Biodiversity & Habitat, Forests (tree cover loss), Fisheries, Climate & Energy (CO2, Methane and Black Carbon Emissions), Air Pollution (SO2 and NOx emission), Water resources (wastewater treatment), Agriculture (sustainable practice). The above 10 environmental issue categories are then divided into two policy objectives viz. Environment health and Ecosystem Vitality. The overall EPI is based on a country’s performance in these 10 issue categories and two policy objectives. High rank in the EPI shows long-standing commitments to protecting public health, preserving natural resources and decoupling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from economic activity. The 2018 Report Key Notes About India: The report has ranked India as fourth worst country worldwide in curbing environmental pollution. India has slipped from 141st position in 2016 report. The low rank of emerging economies including China (120) and India (177) indicates strain population pressures and rapid economic growth impose on the environment. As per the report, substantial populations still suffer from poor air quality, most notably in India, China, and Pakistan (169). Report also notes that the low scores on the EPI are indicative of the need for national sustainability efforts on a number of fronts, especially cleaning up air quality, protecting biodiversity and reducing GHG (green house gas) emissions.

    8) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanichamy received UNESCO Award of Merit awarded to the iconic Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple in Tiruchirapalli. The award of merit was awarded by UNESCO Asia Pacific region for the reconstruction activities undertaken in temple without in least affecting its traditional splendour and Vedic rituals. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: It is considered as one of the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples (Divyadesams). It is Vaishnava temple built in Tamil or Dravidian style of architecture. It is located on an islet formed by twin rivers: Coleroon and Cauvery. The temple complex is situated in sprawling ground of more than 156 acres. The temple and 1000 pillared hall were constructed in the Vijayanagar period (1336–1565) on the site of an older temple. It has seven prakaras or enclosures. Its Gopuram also called as “Raja Gopuram is the biggest gopuram in Asia. It annually hosts 21-day festival during the Tamil month of Margazhi (between December and January) which attracts over 1 million visitors. UNESCO Asia-Pacific awards for cultural heritage conservation programme: The UNESCO Asia-Pacific awards for cultural heritage conservation programme is aimed at acknowledging efforts taken to restore and conserve historical structures without affecting their heritage value. The awards are classified under four categories – Awards of Distinction, Awards of Merit, Award of Excellence and Award for New Design in Heritage Context.

    9) Cultural extravaganza Bharat Parv will be held at the Red Fort in Delhi as part of the Republic Day celebrations. The prime objective of the event is to promote rich cultural diversity of country, generate a patriotic mood and to ensure wider participation of general public. Key Facts: The Bharat Parv event includes display of Republic Day Parade Tableaux, Performances by Armed Forces Bands, Cultural Performances from different regions of country, Multi-Cuisine Food Court, Craft Mela and Photo Exhibition by Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP). It will also include cultural performances choreographed in Folk and Tribal Dances and Music arranged through North Zonal Cultural Centre as well as performances by cultural troupes from different States and Union Territories. The Food Court will have stalls set up by States/UTs. Moreover, National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) will showcase street food from different regions as well as by Institutes of Hotel Management and ITDC. The Craft Mela will showcase the diverse handicrafts of the country with 50 stalls. There will also be Theme State Pavilions where each State will showcase their strengths along with tourism products.

    10) According to latest survey released by the international rights group Oxfam, richest 1% in India cornered 73% of the wealth generated in country in 2017. The survey shows worrying picture of rising income inequality. It was released as part of report titled ‘Reward Work, Not Wealth’, revealing how global economy enables wealthy elite to accumulate vast wealth even as hundreds of millions of people struggle to survive on poverty pay. Highlights of Report: Globally 82% of wealth generated in 2017 worldwide went to 1%, while 3.7 billion people that account for poorest half of population saw no increase in their wealth. Year 2017 saw unprecedented increase in number of billionaires, at rate of one every two days. Billionaire wealth has risen by average of 13% year since 2010. It was six times faster than the wages of ordinary workers, which have risen by a yearly average of just 2%. Women workers often find themselves at bottom of the heap and nine out of 10 billionaires are men. In India, 67 crore population comprising the population’s poorest half saw their wealth rise by just 1%. Wealth of India’s richest 1% increased by over Rs 20.9 lakh crore, an amount equivalent to total budget of central government in 2017-18. India’s top 10% of population holds 73% of the wealth and 37% of India’s billionaires have inherited family wealth. They control 51% of the total wealth of billionaires in the country. There are only four women billionaires in India and three of them inherited family wealth. It will take 941 years for minimum wage worker in rural India to earn what top paid executive at a leading Indian garment firm earns in year. The report has urged Indian government to ensure that country’s economy works for everyone and not just the fortunate few. It asked government to promote inclusive growth by encouraging labour-intensive sectors that will create more jobs; effectively implementing the social protection schemes and investing in agriculture.

    11) The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) has made its first investment by partnering with DP World to create $3-billion investment platform for ports, terminals, transportation and logistics businesses in India. The platform will invest in opportunities in ports sector and beyond sea ports into areas such as river ports and transportation, port-led special economic zones, freight corridors, inland container terminals, and logistics infrastructure including cold storage. Significance: Efficient logistics and cargo movement are critical components for continued growth and development of Indian economy and particularly the manufacturing sector. The platform will reduce the cost of moving cargo between port and origin and destination. Background: In October 2017, Government had secured investment commitment of up to $1 billion from Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). It was first institutional investor in NIIF Master Fund and shareholder in Fund’s investment management company — the National Investment and Infrastructure Limited. Apart from ADIA, four domestic institutional investors also be joined the NIIF Master Fund including ICICI Bank, HDFC Group, , Kotak Mahindra Life and Axis Bank. National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIFF): NIIF was set up in December 2015 to catalyse funding into the country’s infrastructure sector. It has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India as a Category II Alternate Investment Fund. It has a targeted corpus of Rs 40,000 crore to be raised over the years — 49% of it will be funded by government at any given point of time. The remaining 51% will be raised from domestic and global investors, including international pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, multilateral/bilateral investors. It has been set up as a fund of funds structure with aim to generate risk adjusted returns for its investors alongside promoting infrastructure development. Its Governing Council us chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has already been set up to act as an advisory council to the NIIF.

    12) India has signed $120 million loan agreement with multilateral lending agency World Bank to help increase access to improved water supply services in peri-urban areas in Uttarakhand. The agreement was signed between Government of India, Government of Uttarakhand and World Bank Board. Key Facts: The loan amount will be used for Uttarakhand Water Supply Program for Peri-Urban Areas to help state to increase water supply coverage as well as ensure sustainable water supply service delivery in peri-urban areas. The program will develop and implement service-oriented and efficient water supply policy for peri-urban areas, strengthen current monitoring and evaluation systems. It will also provide dedicated incentives for preparation and adoption of water supply ‘master-plans’ in peri-urban areas. Background: Population growth and urbanization has led to rise of significant peri-urban areas mostly in the plain regions of Uttarakhand. They are still classified as rural but are effectively urban in nature in terms of density of population, structure of economy and aspirations of the people. It has resulted in actual disconnect between formal classification of these populated areas and their actual nature, including provision of water supply, along with unique governance, infrastructure, and service delivery challenges. From 2001 to 2011, the state’s urban population has grown by nearly 42%, which is substantially higher than national average of 32%. State has made significant strides in piloting and implementing various innovative approaches in water supply and sanitation services but in peri-urban areas have not been prime focus.

    13) In its latest World Economic Outlook (January 2018 update) released by International Monetary Fund (IMF), India is projected to grow at 7.4% of its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018 as against China’s 6.8%. The projection makes India fastest growing major economy following slowdown in 2017 due to demonetisation and implementation of goods and services tax (GST). Key Facts: IMF has projected that global economy is expected to grow 3.9% this year, faster than 3.7% forecast earlier in October 2017. Some 120 economies, accounting for three quarters of world GDP, have seen pickup in growth in year-on-year terms in 2017. It is the broadest synchronised global growth upsurge since 2010. IMF projected India’s GDP growth rate at 7.4% in 2018 and 7.8% in 2019. China, during the same period, is expected to grow at 6.8% and 6.4% respectively. The aggregate growth forecast for emerging markets and developing economies for 2018 and 2019 remain unchanged, with marked differences in outlook across regions. Emerging and developing Asia will grow at around 6.5% over 2018-19, broadly the same pace as in 2017. The US will grow 2.7% and 2.5% in 2018 and 2019, respectively, higher by 0.4 and 0.6% point than earlier estimate. World Economic Outlook (WEO): The report contains analysis and projections of integral elements of IMF’s surveillance of economic developments and policies in its member countries and of developments in global financial markets and economic system. It is usually prepared twice a year and is used in meetings of the International Monetary and Financial Committee.

    14) India was ranked 81st among 118 countries in 2017 Global index of talent competitiveness (GTI) list. India has improved its position from 92nd last year. The index measures ability of countries to compete for talent i.e. how countries grow, attract and retain talent. It is produced by global business school INSEAD in partnership with Adecco Group and Human Capital Leadership Institute (HCLI) of Singapore. Key Facts: Top Countries: Switzerland is followed by Singapore and US. European countries dominate top ranks, with 15 out of the top 25 places. Developed, high-income countries are still the global talent champions while Zurich, Stockholm and Oslo take the top spots in the GTI cities’ ranking. BRICS countries: India’s ranking was last among the five BRICS countries in 2017. China has moved up to 43rd now, Russia to 53rd, South Africa to 63rd and Brazil to 73rd position. India faces serious risk of worsening brain drain. In terms of formal Education, India ranks 67th and in Lifelong Learning it ranks 37th. In terms of pool of Global Knowledge Skills (63rd) is solid compared with other emerging markets. India also has plenty of room for improvement is in minimising brain drain while achieving brain gain by luring back some of its talented diaspora members as iit ranks 98th in the Attract pillar and in retaining its own talent it ranks 99th.

    15) India was ranked at 62nd place among emerging economies on Inclusive Development Index (IDI-2018) released by World Economic Forum (WEF). Norway was again remained world’s most inclusive advanced economy, while Lithuania again topped list of emerging economies. India’s position is much below China (26th) and Pakistan (47th). Inclusive Development Index (IDI): Inclusive Development Index (IDI) measures progress of 103 economies on three individual pillars – growth and development; inclusion; and inter-generational equity. It has been divided into two parts. The first part covers 29 advanced economies and second 74 emerging economies. The index takes into account the living standards, environmental sustainability and protection of future generations from further indebtedness. The index also has classified countries into five sub-categories in terms of five-year trend of their overall Inclusive Development Growth score — receding, slowly receding, stable, slowly advancing and advancing. Highlights of IDI-2018: Top 5 advanced economies: Norway followed by Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland and Denmark. Only two advanced economies have shown ‘advancing’ trend. Small European economies dominate top of index, with Australia (9) the only non-European economy in the top 10. Of the G7 economies, Germany (12) ranks highest followed by Canada (17), France (18), UK (21), US (23), Japan (24) and Italy (27). Top-five most inclusive emerging economies: Lithuania, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Latvia and Poland. BRICS economies: Russia was ranked at 19th, followed by China (26), Brazil (37), India (62) and South Africa (69). Rich and poor countries alike are struggling to protect future generations, as it cautioned political and business leaders against expecting higher growth to be panacea for social frustrations, including those of younger generations who have shaken politics of many countries in recent years. India related facts: It was ranked 60th among 79 developing economies in IDI-2017. India was among ten emerging economies with ‘advancing’ trend, despites its low overall score. Of three pillars that make up index, India was ranked 72nd for inclusion, 66th for growth and development and 44th for inter-generational equity. India’s neighbours: China (26th), Nepal (22), Bangladesh (34), Sri Lanka (40) and Pakistan (47th).

    16) The first International Dam Safety Conference-2018 was held in Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) from January 23-24, 2018. It was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and was presided over by Union Minister of State for Water Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal. Key Facts: This Conference is fourth in series organized under aegis of ongoing Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP). It was organized jointly by Central Water Commission (CWC), Kerala Water Resources Department (KWRD), National Institute of Technology, Calicut (NITC), and College of Engineering, Trivandrum (CET). As many as 550 delegates from over 20 countries, including US, Switzerland, Spain and Australia took part in the conference. Moreover, seven dam safety manuals developed under DRIP were also released for implementation during the conference. Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application (DHARMA): A software programme known as Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application (DHARMA) was also launched to document authentic asset and health information pertaining to the large dams in the country. DHARMA is a web tool to help dam owners to digitise all dam-related data effectively, store, monitor and take appropriate actions to ensure need-based rehabilitation. Background: CWC is managing Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) with the financial assistance from World Bank to rehabilitate about 225 dams in India. The earlier conferences organized in years 2015, 2016 and 2017 and had received overwhelming response in terms of professional participation, technical papers contributed and participation by Indian and overseas organizations in the exhibition. These conferences had brought together dam professionals and experts in various inter-related disciplines from within India and around world to discuss, reflect and share technology and experience in addressing dam safety issues and strategies to address them.

    17) Noted scientist S Somanath took charge as Director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. He succeeded K Sivan, who was recently appointed as Chairman of ISRO. Prior to his elevation, he was Director of Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), the lead centre responsible for liquid engines and stages for all launch vehicles and satellite programs of ISRO,. S Somanath: S Somanath had joined ISRO in 1985 and was team leader for Integration of PSLV during its early development phase and during first flight of PSLV and successful second flight PSLV-D2. He also was Associate Director (Projects) of VSSC and also Project Director of GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle. He has received ‘Merit Award” and ‘Performance Excellence award’ from ISRO and ‘Team excellence award’ for GSLV Mk-III development. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC): VSSC is major space research centre of ISRO, under the Department of Space (DOS). It is mandated to focus on rocket and space vehicles for India’s satellite programme. It is located in Thiruvananthapuram, in the Indian state of Kerala. VSSC has emerged as one of the main research and development establishments within ISRO. It was established in 1963 and it has its beginnings as Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in 1962. It was later renamed in honour of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, father of the Indian space program. VSSC is an entirely indigenous facility working on development of sounding rockets, Rohini and Menaka launchers, and ASLV, PSLV, GSLV and GSLV Mk III families of launch vehicles.

    18) The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched the ‘Protocol for Star Rating of Garbage-Free Cities’ in Goa. It has been developed under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban for rating cities on 7-star rating system based on multiple cleanliness indicators for solid waste management. Key Facts: Indicators: These include Door to Door garbage Collection, source segregation, sweeping, scientific processing of waste, bulk generator compliance, scientific land filling, construction and demolition management, plastic waste management, dump remediation & citizen grievance redressal system etc. Rating: Cities will be rated as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 star based on their compliance with protocol conditions specified for each of rating. City will be given rating of 3 star or above only after it is declared ODF (Open Defecation Free). Cities can self-declare themselves as 1-star, 2-star or 4-star provided that MoHUA carry out additional verification through independent third party to certify cities as 3-star, 5-star or 7-star. Cities need to get themselves recertified every year to retain their star-status. Significance: It provides stakeholders with single metric to rate a city’s cleanliness, rather than separately evaluating multiple factors which contribute to city’s overall cleanliness and garbage free status. It will assess many cities for having higher stars as compared to only one city being “Cleanest city” under Swachh Survekshan.

    19) Manipur Government has launched the Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT), a health assurance scheme for the poor and disabled people. It was launched by Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The CMHT scheme will provide cashless treatment to poor at government hospitals, health centres and other empanelled selected private hospitals. Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang (CMHT) Scheme: The scheme will provide insurance cover up to Rs 2 lakh per eligible family in treatment of seven critical identified critical ailments – cardiovascular diseases, neurological conditions, kidney ailments, liver ailments, cancer, neo-natal diseases and burns per year. The beneficiaries will be identified from Socio Economic Caste Census (SECC). They may get themselves enrolled for scheme with help of ASHA workers at kiosks opened in nearby PHCs, CHCs and District Hospitals. Significance: The CMHT Scheme will have convergence with Government of India programme like PMs Jana Aushadhi Programme and Free Diagnostic Programme. It will be truly IT platform driven scheme. Along with Chief Minister-gi Sotharabashing gi Tengbang (CMST) scheme, state government is able to provide two most noble social security schemes to its people.

    20) The Union Government and state-run oil explorer ONGC clinched deal for acquisition of government’s 51.11% stake in Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) for a consideration of Rs. 36,915 crore. The deal will be closed by end of January 2018. Earlier empowered panel headed by finance minister Arun Jaitley had approved price bid for acquisition. The all-cash deal will help government boost its non-debt capital receipts and meet disinvestment target (Rs 72,500 crore). Significance: Through this acquisition, ONGC is gaining midstream and downstream presence and access to marketing network. This acquisition will make ONGC India’s first vertically integrated oil major, having presence across value chain in sector. The integrated entity will have advantage of having enhanced capacity to bear higher risks, take higher investment decisions and neutralising impact of volatility of global crude prices. As for HPCL, deal will help it in further leveraging synergy at various levels of vertical value chains as part of integrated oil and gas group. It also will enable ONGC to mitigate risk of crude price volatility. Background: In 2017-18 Union Budget, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced that state-run oil companies will be merged to create ‘oil major’. Following this Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCAE) in July 2017 had granted ‘in-principle’ approval to the strategic sale of HPCL to ONGC. This also included change in management control, but allowed HPCL to retain its brand as subsidiary of the national oil explorer. Market Share: During 2016-17, HPCL had turnover of Rs 2,13,489 crore and profit after tax of Rs 6,502 crore. It markets around 35.2 million tonne of petroleum products accounting for market share of about 21%and has around 15,000 fuel retail outlets. ONGC contributes around 70% of Indian domestic production of crude oil and natural gas.

    21) The second indigenously built offshore patrol vessel (OPV) named Vijaya built by Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Shipyard for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was launched at Kattupalli Shipyard, Tamil Nadu. It is expected to be inducted into service by September 2018 after trials on the equipment. OPV Vijaya: The OPV is 98 metre long and 14.8 metres wide with gross tonnage of 2,100 tonnes. It has endurance of 5,000 nautical miles with cruising speed of 12-14 knots which can be increased to 26 knots. The ship is fitted with two units of diesel driven engines of 9,000 kw each with low fuel consumption. It is equipped with state-of art radar, navigational and communication system. It will be utilised for day and night patrol and surveillance, anti-terrorist, anti-smuggling operations and coastal security. It is fitted with 30 mm automatic gun with Fire Control System (FCS) and two units of 12.7 mm gun with FCS. Its navigation and communication system are capable of operating in tropical conditions. It also has capacity to carry one integral twin engine helicopter which will further enhance operational, surveillance, search and rescue capability. It will be manned by 102 crew, including 14 officers. Background: The Defence Ministry as part of rapid expansion of Indian Coast Guard to strengthen maritime security mechanism had signed Rs 1,432 crore contract with L&T Shipyard at Kattupalli to indigenously design and build seven OPVs. The first OPV named Vikarm as part of the deal was launched in October 2017. It was country’s first-ever such defence craft to be built in private shipyard. It will be inducted into service by March 2018 after completing necessary trials on fitted equipment and machineries.

    22) President Ram Nath Kovind has felicitated 112 exceptional women achievers at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. These women achievers ‘FIRST LADIES’ are those who are first to set milestone of achievement in their respective fields. This ‘First Ladies’ is second leg of the ‘100 Women Achievers’ campaign of the Ministry. Key Facts: These 112 women were selected after extensive research process by Ministry of Women & Child Development (WCD). They are those who have been first in any field like first woman judge, first woman porter, first woman to head missile project, first para-trooper, first Olympian among others. Their felicitation aims to inspire other women to break the glass ceiling and do women of India proud. Among those who were honoured by President include: Bachendri Pal: first Indian woman to reach the Mount Everest summit; Deepa Malik: first woman to win a medal at the Paralympics; Priya Jhingan: First Lady Cadet to join the Indian Army; P V Sindhu: Olympic silver medallist Nicole Faria: winner of the Miss earth title; Karnam Malleswari: Olympic medal winning weightlifter Karnam Malleswari; Anshu Jamsenpa: First Indian woman to scale Mt Everest for fifth time. Chhavi Rajawat: India’s first woman Sarpanch; Diana Edulji: First ODI captain of the first ever Indian Women’s Cricket Team. Background: Every year on March 8 (Women’s Day), WCD Ministry honours Nari Shakti Puruskars to those women who have contributed to society but have remained unsung. These awards are conferred by President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The WCD Ministry in 2015 had collaborated with Facebook to recognise ‘100 Women Achievers’ who have excelled in diverse sectors of public work. It started to recognise different ways those women who have broken the glass ceiling and ventured into unusual fields.

    23) The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched official anthem for “Bharat Ke Veer” sung and composed by singer Kailash Kher. Bharat Ke Veer is an initiative with corpus fund to help the families of paramilitary troopers killed in the line of duty. So far, it has raised Rs. 12.93 crore for kin of paramilitary personnel killed in the line of duty. Bharat ke Veer: Bharat ke Veer is web portal and mobile application launched by MHA. It is IT based platform to enable willing donors to contribute towards family of braveheart who sacrificed his life in line of duty. The portal is supported by National Informatics Centre (NIC) and powered by State Bank of India (SBI). The amount so donated through it will be credited to the account of ‘Next of Kin’ of those Central Armed Police Force or Central Para Military Force soldiers. To ensure maximum coverage, a cap of Rs. 15 lakh is imposed on donation and donors will be alerted if amount exceeds, so they can choose to divert part of the donation to another account or the corpus. Bharat Ke Veer corpus will be managed by committee made up of eminent persons of repute and senior Government officials. The committee will decide to disbursement of fund equitably to braveheart’s family on need basis.

    24) President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Election commissioner Om Prakash Rawat (64) as new Chief Election Commissioner. He will succeed Achal Kumar Joti who has retired from post. Moreover, President also appointed former finance secretary Ashok Lavasa as Election commissioner. Both will have tenure of six years in office or till he or she attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. Om Prakash Rawat: Om Prakash Rawat is 1977-batch IAS officer from Madhya Pradesh cadre. He was appointed to Election Commission in August 2015. He has held several important portfolios at Centre and state level during his long bureaucratic career. Prior to his appointment as Election Commissioner, he had had retired as Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries and public enterprises. He had earlier also served as director in defence ministry in 1993. During this tenure, he was deputed to South Africa in May, 1994, as UN election observer to oversee first post-apartheid elections. He has also served as principal secretary to Babu Lal Gaur, the then Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh from 2004 to 2006. He received Prime Minister’s award for excellence in Public Administration for his initiative “recognition of forest rights in 2010. Background: ECI is permanent and independent constitutional body established directly by Constitution of India to ensure fair and fair elections in the country. It is multi member body and currently has three members including Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). They all are appointed by the President. They hold office for term of six years or until they attain age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The service conditions and tenure of office of Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners are determined by an act of parliament titled The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service) Act, 1991. The CEC and election commissioners have equal power and receive equal salary, allowances and other perquisites, which are similar to judge of Supreme Court. In case of difference of opinion amongst CEC and Election Commissioner, matter is decided by Commission by majority.

    25) President Ram Nath Kovind on the recommendation of Election Commission of India (ECI) has disqualified 20 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs from Delhi, citing that they held offices of profit. In 2016, the ECI had issued show cause notices to 27 AAP MLAs from Delhi who held offices as parliamentary secretaries, after petition was filed seeking their disqualification. What is ‘office of profit’? Office of profit is a position in government which cannot be held by Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) or Member of Parliament (MP). The post can yield salaries, perquisites and other benefits. It has not been defined in Constitution or Representation of the People Act, 1951. But different courts have interpreted it as position with certain duties that are more or less of public character. However, legislator cannot be disqualified from either Parliament or state assembly for holding any office. It can be done only incase of holding: an office; office of profit; office under union or state government; office exempt by law from purview of disqualificatory provisions. All four conditions have to be satisfied before MP and MLA can be disqualified. Basic criteria to disqualify an MP or MLA: According to Articles 102(1)(a) and 191(1)(a) of Constitution, legislators (MP or MLA) can be barred from holding office of profit under Central Government or state government as it can put them in position to gain financial benefit. They can be disqualified incase they are being of unsound mind, undischarged insolvent and not being Indian citizen or for acquires citizenship of another country. Under the RPI, 1951 too, holding an office of profit is grounds for disqualification. Purpose of including ‘office of profit’ for disqualification: Makers of Constitution wanted that legislators (MP or MLA) should not feel obligated to Executive in any way, which can influence them while discharging legislative functions. In other words, they should be free to carry out her duties without any kind of governmental pressure. How do EC/ courts decide office of profit cases? In March 2006, President APJ Abdul Kalam had disqualified Jaya Bachchan of form Rajya Sabha with retrospective effect from July 2004 for holding an office of profit as chairperson of UP Film Development Council. The Supreme Court (SC), in Jaya Bachchan case (2006) disqualifying her from Rajya Sabha had held that office of profit is relevant if office is capable of yielding profit or pecuniary gain and not whether person actually obtained a monetary gain. It had held that if office carries with it or entitles holder to any pecuniary gain other than reimbursement of out of pocket or actual expenses, then office will be office of profit for purpose of Article 102 (1)(a). However, if person acquires contract or licence from government to perform functions, which government would have itself discharged, will not be held guilty of holding an office of profit. Issue of parliamentary secretaries : Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers usually appoint parliamentary secretaries from their own parties who are MPs or MLAs assisting Minister in their performing their duties. West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Punjab and Manipur have had similar incidents of parliamentary secretaries as office of profit. In West Bengal, Telangana and Punjab, the respective High Courts had called appointments of parliamentary secretaries “unconstitutional” and struck down the appointments. The Supreme Court also had struck down Assam Parliamentary Secretaries (Appointment, Salaries, Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004 in July 2017.

    26) The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched Website Accessibility Project to make 100 websites various State Governments/UTs accessible to persons with disabilities (Divyangjans) under Accessible India Campaign. It was launched by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot on the occasion of ‘National Conference on Improving Accessibility’. Website Accessibility Project: The Department of Divyangjan had initiated ‘Website Accessibility Project’ for State Governments/UTs under Accessible India Campaign through ERNET India, an autonomous scientific society under Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) to make total 917 websites accessible. The accessible websites are those into which Persons with Disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate and interact with web and also contribute to web. Accessible India Campaign: Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) is nationwide campaign that aims to make barrier free environment for persons with disabilities all over the country for safe, dignified life of Persons with Disabilities. It aims to enable persons with disabilities to gain universal access, equal opportunity for development, independent living and participation in an inclusive society in all aspects of life. The campaign is implemented by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment and is in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to which India is a signatory.

    27) German auto major Mercedes-Benz has unveiled India’s first BS-VI-compliant S Class car produced at its Pune facility. The BS-VI-compliant S Class car was unveiled more than two years ahead of Government’s deadline of April 2020 for switching to new BS-VI emission norms. Key Facts: BS-VI-compliant S Class can run on BS-IV fuel, which will bring down NOx emissions by 68% and PM by 82%. This will lower the CO2 burden by 13% and fuel demand by 10%. This will pave way for other car manufacturers to introduce their vehicles which are compliant with new emission regulation Bharat Stage Norms: Bharat stage (BS) emission standards are emission standards instituted by Central Government to regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine equipment, including motor vehicles. The standards and the timeline for implementation are set by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under Ministry of Environment & Forests and climate change. These standards are based on European regulations were first introduced in 2000. BS-VI: The Union Government in October 2016 had decided to skip one stage and migrate to BS-VI directly from BS-IV from April 2020 to fight the growing pollution. At present, all new vehicles being registered are BS- IV-emission compliant. By switching to BS-VI, India will join league of US, Japan and European Union, which follow Euro Stage VI emission norms. Implications of BS-VI standard on environment: BS-IV fuels contain 50 parts per million (ppm) sulphur, while BS-V and BS-VI grade fuel will have 10 ppm sulphur. It will also bring down NOx emissions from diesel cars by 68% and 25% from petrol engine cars. Cancer causing particulate matter emissions from diesel engine cars will also come down by a phenomenal 80%.

    28) Union Minister of Housing and Urban affairs Hardeep Singh Puri has announced a new batch of 9 smart cities under Smart City Mission. With the addition of these 9 smart cities in the fourth round, the total cities picked up under Smart City Mission have reached 99. Key Facts: The nine cities include three from Uttar Pradesh –Moradabad, Bareilly and Saharanpur, Bihar Sharif (Bihar), Silvassa (Dadra and Nagar Havelli), Erode (Tamil Nadu), Daman and Diu, Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) and Kavaratti (Lakshadweep). The selected nine cities have proposed an investment of Rs 12,824 crore. This will impact 35.3 lakh persons living in these areas. The total proposed investment in 99 cities will be to the tune of Rs 2.03 lakh crore. As on January 2018, 189 projects worth Rs. 2237 crore were completed and another 2,948 projects worth Rs. 1.38 lakh crore are in various stages of implementation. Background: The Smart City Mission is flagship scheme of Union Government that will cover 100 cities and its duration is five years (2015-16 to 2019-20). The focus of mission is on sustainable and inclusive development and set examples which can be replicated in other parts of the city and other cities of the country. Under the scheme, each city will get Rs.500 crore (Rs. 100 crore per year) from the Centre for implementing various projects. Centre is going to spent Rs. 48,000 crore over five years. States will contribute matching fund of Rs. 48,000 crore from their internal resources or through market borrowing and through private sector. The selection of the cities was based on scores of cities for carrying out urban reforms in areas including sanitation and governance. Cities that score highest were picked for the project, to be implemented over a 10-year period. There are 10 core infrastructure elements to be undertaken under Smart City Mission viz. adequate water supply; assured electricity supply; efficient urban mobility and public transport; sanitation, including solid waste management; affordable housing, especially for the poor; robust IT connectivity and digitalization; good governance, especially e-Governance and citizen participation; sustainable environment; safety and security of citizens, particularly women, children and the elderly; and health and education.

    29) The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative to strengthen cybersecurity ecosystem in India in line Government’s vision for a ‘Digital India’. It was launched in association with National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and industry partners. Cyber Surakshit Bharat: Cyber Surakshit Bharat is first public-private partnership of its kind. It will leverage the expertise of the IT industry in cybersecurity. The founding partners include leading IT companies such as Microsoft, Intel, WIPRO, Redhat and Dimension Data. Its knowledge partners include Cert-In, NIC, NASSCOM and FIDO Alliance and premier consultancy firms Deloitte and EY. Objective: Spread awareness about cybercrime and building capacity for safety measures for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT staff across all government departments. Operations: It will be operated on three principles of awareness, education and enablement. It will include an awareness program on importance of cybersecurity. It will also include a series of workshops on the best practices and enablement of the officials with cybersecurity health tool kits to manage and mitigate cyber threats. Training programmes: It will conduct series of training programmes across country in the next six months. It will be attended by CISOs and technical officials from central government, state governments and UTs, PSBs, PSUs and defence forces, defence PSUs and technical arms of Air Force, Army and Navy.

    30) The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban affairs (MoHUA) launched the Liveability index to rate 116 Indian cities. Liveability index is tool that aims to measure quality of life in 99 smart cities, capital cities and those with a population of over one million. It will be funded by the World Bank and ranking of these cities is expected to be ready by June 2018. Key Facts: The index is set of indicators to assess the liveability standards in cities. It will measure the quality of life in 116 major cities including capital cities and those with population over one million. It will assess cities on comprehensive set of 79 parameters. Marks scored will decide the quantum of incentive. These 79 parameters (57 core indicators and 22 supporting indicators) are based on four broad pillars: physical (weightage 45%), institutional (25%), social (25%) and economic (5%). These parameters includes local governance, education, employment, social infrastructure, health, safety, physical infrastructure such as housing, availability of open spaces, security, land use, energy, availability of water, solid waste management, pollution, etc. IPSOS Research Private Limited in alliance with Athena Infonomics India Private Limited and Economist Group Limited were selected for assessing the liveability indices in 116 cities. They were selected through an international bidding process under World Bank-funded Capacity Building for Urban Development (CBUD) program. This assessment will be conducted along with Economic Intelligence Unit of The Economist, a London-based weekly that has already developed a liveability ranking for 140 cities globally. Significance: The rating will help cities attain a liveable city status, get them more investments and improve tourism. It will also serve as a knowledge base for taking policy decisions and for planning. The index marks shift to data driven approach to urbanisation and promote competitive spirit among cities. These indicators are organised in 15 distinct categories, designed for measuring various institutional, social, economic and physical aspects that affect quality of life of citizens and determine the liveability of city.

    31) The Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has launched National CSR Data Portal & Corporate Data Portal for bringing accountability and transparency for corporate India. The portals aim to provide easy accessibility to general public and also ensure high level of compliance. It will also help in institutionalising and consolidating the CSR activities. National CSR Data Portal: The portal will capture information on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities carried out by eligible companies, filed on MCA21 registry in their financial statements. It will contain all filed information that can help to generate pre-defined reports with respect to expenditure across states, districts and development sectors. It will also provide feedback on projects to be given by registered users. Moreover, the open access to data will help researchers and also improve quality of data filed by companies, as well as involve intended beneficiaries in giving valuable feedback to companies. Corporate Data Portal: The portal aims at making all financial and non-financial information of companies available in user-friendly format to general public. It will also have facility to generate pre-defined reports and also customised reports. The portal will enable greater transparency and creation of tools for stronger Corporate Governance. Significance: These portals are expected to bring 100% transparency in corporate governance by making public over 4-crore filings of nearly 1.2 million companies. They will also promote corporate transparency and accountability to public at large. They are also expected to become platforms for learning and sharing of ideas and information. They will also facilitate social audit of CSR projects and bring together CSR contributors, implementers and beneficiaries and align CSR activities with national development goals.

    32) According to Census on Foreign Liabilities and Assets of Indian Direct Investment Companies 2016-17 released by Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Mauritius was largest source of foreign investment (FDI) in India. The census yields carry comprehensive information on market value of foreign liabilities and assets of Indian companies arising on account of FDI, ODI and other investments. Key Facts: Mauritius was largest source of FDI in India (21.8% share at market value) followed by USA, UK, Singapore and Japan. Singapore (19.7%) was major ODI destination, followed by Netherlands, Mauritius, and US. 18,667 companies had participated in census, of them 17,020 had FDI/overseas direct investment (ODI) in their balance sheets in March 2017. 96% of responding companies were unlisted in March 2017 and most of them had received only inward FDI. Unlisted companies had higher share of FDI equity capital vis-a-vis listed companies. Further, over 80% of 15,169 companies that reported inward FDI were subsidiaries of foreign companies (single foreign investor holding over 50% of total equity). The manufacturing sector accounted for nearly half of total FDI at market prices, information and communication services (ICTS) and financial and insurance activities were other major sectors that attracted FDI. Total sales, including exports, of foreign subsidiaries in India increased by 18.7% during 2016-17 whereas their purchases, including imports, increased by 20.1%.

    33) Government has approved 2018 as National Year of Millets to boost production of the nutrient-rich millets and the sunrise agri industry involved in it. Earlier in November 2017, India had forwarded proposal to United Nations (UN) for declaring year 2018 as ‘International Year of Millets’. Significance: Observation of Year of Millets will help in promotion of production and consumption of millets will substantially contribute in fight against targeted hunger and mitigate effect of climate change in long run. Popularizing millets will also benefit future generations of farmers as well as consumers. Millets are smart food and good for consumers, farmers and planet multiple and has untapped uses such as food, feed, biofuels and brewing. Millets: Millet is a common term to categorize small-seeded grasses that are often termed nutri-cereals or dryland-cereals. It mainly includes sorghum, ragi, pearl millet, small millet, proso millet, foxtail millet, barnyard millet, kodo millet etc. They are adapted to harsh environment of semi-arid tropics. They require low or no purchased inputs, thus they are backbone for dry land agriculture. Benefits of Millets: Nutritional Superiority: Millets are nutritionally superior to wheat and rice owing to their higher levels of protein with more balanced amino acid profile, crude fibre and minerals such as Iron, Zinc, and Phosphorous. It provides nutritional security and act as shield against nutritional deficiency, especially among children and women. Health Benefits: Pellagra (niacin deficiency), Anaemia (iron deficiency), B-complex vitamin deficiency can be effectively tackled with intake of less expensive but nutritionally rich food grains like millets. It can also help tackle health challenges such as obesity, diabetes and lifestyle problems as they are gluten free and also have low glycemic index and are high in dietary fibre and antioxidants. Income and livelihood Source: Millets are important staple cereal crop for millions of small holder dryland farmers. They offer nutrition, resilience, income and livelihood for farmers even in difficult times. They have multiple untapped uses such as food, feed, fodder, biofuels and brewing. Thus, millets are Smart Food as they are Good for the Farmer and Good for Planet. Resilient of Climate Change: Millets are photo-insensitive and resilient to climate change. They are hardy, resilient crops that have low carbon and water footprint. They can withstand high temperatures and grow on poor soils with little or no external inputs. In times of climate change they are often last crop standing and thus are good risk management strategy for resource-poor marginal farmers.

    34) Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended allowing mobile telephony and Internet services for passengers during air travel in country through both satellite and terrestrial network. TRAI’s recommendation comes on request of Department of Telecom over proposal to introduce voice, data and video services over Indian airspace for domestic, international and overflying flights in Indian air space. TRAI recommendations: Both Internet and Mobile Communication on Aircraft (MCA) service should be permitted as In-Flight Connectivity (IFC) in the Indian airspace. The MCA services should be permitted with minimum 3000 meters height restriction in Indian airspace for its compatibility with terrestrial mobile networks. Flexibility to IFC service providers: There should be flexibility to IFC service providers for mobile services in terms of use of technology and frequencies inside aircraft cabin consistent with international standards, provided no harmful interference is caused. Onboard Wi-Fi: Internet services through Wi-Fi onboard should be made available when electronic devices are permitted to be used only in-flight or airplane mode and announcement regarding this should be made after boarding is completed and the aircraft is about to taxi. IFC Service Provider: It should be created for IFC services at annual licence fee of Rs. 1 only initially, after entering into an arrangement with telecom licence holder having appropriate authorisation. IFC service provider should be permitted to use either INSAT systems (Indian Satellite System or foreign satellite capacity leased through Department of Space) or foreign satellites outside INSAT systems in the Indian airspace. Gateway Deployment: It should be in India for an effective mechanism to lawfully intercept and monitor in- cabin Internet traffic while aircraft is in Indian airspace. The onboard Internet traffic must be routed to Satellite Gateway on Indian soil. Routing of traffic through satellite gateway in India should be imposed regardless of whether the satellite in question is an Indian satellite system or not. 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. Its mandate is to regulate telecom services and deliver fair and transparent environment for fair competition in telecom market. TRAI also fixes or revises the tariffs for telecom services in India.

    35) India was admitted as the 43rd member of the Australia Group, an informal bloc (group) of countries that keeps a tight control over exports of substances used in making of chemical weapons. Significance: The inclusion will help to raise India’s stature in the field of non-proliferation, though it is not signatory to Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and help in acquiring critical technologies. India is first South Asian nation to become its full-time member of Australia Group. It is also expected to strengthen India’s bid to enter 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Comment: With its admission into Australia Group, India is now part of three of the four key export control groups in world dealing with non-proliferation. This includes Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), an informal and voluntary partnership among 35 countries that regulates trade in sensitive equipment and technologies to ensure there is no proliferation of missile and unmanned aerial vehicle technology capable of carrying payloads above 500kg for more than 300km. India had joined it in June 2016. India had joined Wassenaar Arrangement, which is also an informal grouping of 42 countries, exercising control over the export of dual-use goods and technologies in December 2017. Now, NSG, which controls the export of sensitive nuclear technologies and equipment, with the aim of preventing nuclear weapons’ proliferation is only export control group that India is not part of. China has repeatedly blocking India’s entry in NSG. Significantly, China is not member of Wassenaar Arrangement, MTCR and Australia Group. India’s entry into three of four export control regimes burnishes its credentials i.e. a reference to country’s position that it has scrupulously adhered to rules governing non-proliferation of sensitive technologies and equipment. Australia Group: It is multilateral export control regime (MECR) and informal group that works to counter spread of materials, equipment and technologies that could contribute to development or acquisition of chemical and biological weapons (CBW) by states or terrorist groups through harmonisation of export controls. It was established in 1985. Coordination among participant countries of Australia Group helps them to fulfil their obligations under Chemical Weapons Convention and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention to the fullest extent possible. It has now has 43 members. China, Pakistan, Iran, North Korea are not its members.

    36) President Ramnath Kovind has appointed former Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel as Governor of Madhya Pradesh. She will replace Gujarat governor Om Prakash Kohli who is holding additional charge of office of Governor of Madhya Pradesh. Anandiben Patel: Born: November 21, 194. Career Profile: She is former school teacher, a gold-medalist in MSc and also winner of President’s Medal. She was elected to Rajya Sabha in 1994. She was the cabinet minister for education in the BJP-led government in Gujarat from 2002 to 2007. She also had held important portfolios of urban development, revenue and disaster management and was earlier in charge of education ministry, steering successfully some of key projects of then CM Narendra Modi, including one for boosting female literacy. She had succeeded Narendra Modi as first woman chief minister of Gujarat, when he was elected as Prime Minister of India following BJP’s victory in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. She had resigned from post of CM in 2016. Constitutional provisions of Governor: Governor is constitutional head of state. Article 153: It says that there shall be Governor for each state. 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 facilitated the appointment of the same person as a governor for two or more states. Article 156: Governor is appointed by President and hold office during the pleasure of President. It should be also noted that this article also mentions tenure of Governor. In this regard it says that Governor shall hold office for the term of 5 years from date he enters upon his office.

    37) Senior IPS officer Sudeep Lakhtakia was appointed as new Director General of National Security Guard (NSG). He will succeeded SP Singh, who retired from the post. Lakhtakia is a 1984-batch IPS officer of Telangana cadre. He is currently serving as special DG of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). National Security Guard (NSG): NSG is a Federal Contingency Deployment Force under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It was raised in 1984, with a view to protect states against internal disturbances and terrorism. It is not categorised under uniform nomenclature of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). It has special forces mandate and its core operational capability is provided by Special Action Group (SAG) drawn from Indian Army. NSG personnel are often referred as Black Cats because of black dress and black cat insignia worn on their uniform. The NSG is trained to conduct counter terrorist task to including counter hijacking tasks on land, sea, and air, Bomb disposal and Post Blast Investigation (PBI) and Hostage Rescue missions. It is intended for use only in exceptional situations and not meant to take over functions of State Police Forces or other Para Military Forces.

    38) The Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) has crossed one crore mark in antenatal check-ups. It was launched in 2016 to ensure comprehensive and quality antenatal checkups to pregnant women across country. It has provided quality antenatal checkups to pregnant women on the 9th of every month. Key Facts: The scheme is helping in making safe pregnancy to become social movement in country. It also is successful in reaching out to difficult and remote areas. Since its launch, more than 25 lakh check-ups were conducted in high priority districts identified by Health Ministry for focussed attention. Maharashtra has reported largest number of check-ups among non-empowered action group states and Rajasthan has reported largest number of check-ups among the empowered action group states. More than 4,800 private sector doctors have pledged to provide voluntary service under PMSMA. Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan: It is scheme implemented by Health Ministry to provide free health check-ups to pregnant women at government health centres and hospitals in both rural and urban areas. The national programme aims to provide pregnant ladies free ante-natal services (ANC) and required treatment for free on 9th of every month. Objectives : Provide healthy life to the pregnant women. Lowering the maternity mortality rate. Making pregnant women aware of their health issues and diseases. Making sure safe delivery and healthy life of the baby. Beneficiary: The scheme is applicable only for pregnant women in their pregnancy period of 3 to 6 months. Facilities: The scheme provides all kinds of medical checkups completely free to pregnant women. These checkups take place at medical centres, government and private hospitals and private clinics across the country. These free of cost tests includes blood pressure, sugar level, weight, haemoglobin test, blood test and screening. Colour Coding: Women will be marked differently using different colour stickers based on their health problems so that doctors can easily detect the problem.Different colour stickers will be Red Sticker for Serious patients, Blue Sticker for High blood pressure and Yellow Sticker for Other diseases.

    39) Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust in Odisha has won prestigious United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Award for Innovation in Tourism Enterprise at 14th UNWTO Awards ceremony held in Madrid, Spain. The award was given in recognition of Mangalajodi’s business model that is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable based on principles of community ownership and Eco Tourism. Key Facts: Mangalajodi Ecotourism Trust is community owned and managed venture promoted by RBS Foundation India and Indian Grameen Services on banks of Chilika Lake in Odisha. The villagers of Mangalajodi were once associated with poaching of birds near Chilika Lake but now they stand as true defenders of wildlife in the region. The change was mainly due to a coordinated effort in implementing an awareness campaign on importance of preserving natural species and benefits associated with wildlife tourism. The change has soared numbers of birds from 2000 (during peak unsustainable hunting) to over three lakh in the region. Moreover other visible impacts this change has resulted in increasing revenue through ecotourism, sharp fall in poaching incidents and increasing support of villagers. Chilika Lake: Chilika Lake is largest coastal lagoon or brackish water lake in India and Asia and second largest lagoon in the world. It is located at mouth of Daya River, flowing into Bay of Bengal. It spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha state on east coast of India, covering an area of over 1,100 km2. It is largest wintering ground for migratory waterfowl found anywhere on Indian sub-continent. It is one of hotspot of biodiversity in country and some rare, vulnerable and endangered species listed in IUCN Red List of threatened Animals. It was designated as the first “Ramsar Site” of India on account of its rich bio-diversity and ecological significance. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO): UNWTO is United Nations agency responsible for promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It is leading international organization in field of tourism. It promotes tourism as driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability. It offers leadership and support to sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. It is headquartered in Madrid, Spain. Its membership includes 156 countries, 6 territories and over 500 affiliate members.

    40) India’s first automatic Early Warning Dissemination System (EWDS) will be commissioned by March 2018 in Odisha. The project aims to establish fool-proof communication system to address existing gaps in disseminating disaster warning up to community level. Key Facts: The EWDS is a first-of-its-kind automatic public address system in the country. The project is being implemented under National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project with World Bank’s help. It will provide Odhisa’s entire population residing on 480 km length coastline a pre-warning siren in event of occurrence of natural disasters like tsunami or cyclone. It will help to warn vast population of state residing along its coast from State headquarters through loud sirens from towers installed at 122 locations in six coastal districts in event of occurrence of natural disasters like a tsunami or cyclone. The districts are Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri and Ganjam. How EWDS Works? The EWDS comprises certain devices inbuilt into it like as Satellite-Based Mobile Data Voice Terminals (SBMDVT), Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), Mass Messaging System (MMS) and Universal Communication Interface (UCI) which help in inter-operability among different communication technologies. Whenever, there is slightest hint of disasters like tsunami or cyclone or any other natural calamity, it will broadcast warning to entire state just by press of button from control room in state capital Bhubeneswar. With press of button, loud sirens will go off at same time and warning sound will heard in localities to radius of 1.5 km. With this pre-warning, EWDS will help people to move to safer places before government agencies start evacuation.

    41) Maharashtra Government has approved Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjivani Yojna, a Rs.4,000-crore project aimed at promoting climate-resilient agriculture. It will be roll out in 2018-19 and continue till 2023-24. The Scheme has been named after social activist Nanaji Deshmukh who has worked in fields of education, health, and rural self-reliance, and has been honoured with Padma Vibhushan. Nanaji Deshmukh Krishi Sanjivani Yojna: The scheme will be implemented in 5,142 villages across 15 districts. Its objectives are to improve soil quality, develop foodgrain varieties which can sustain climate variations and effect necessary changes in the crop pattern as per the availability of water in a particular region. Main objectives of scheme: Promote very idea of sustainable development in agricultural sector. Eliminate the problems of ground water salinity problems. Improve conditions of the agricultural yields to overcome the climatic changes. Promoting the quality of the soil such that quality of food grains produced can be improved. Cultivate new variety of grains that will more sustainable and adaptable to climatic changes. The scheme will cover small- and medium- scale farmers, who are more vulnerable to the impact of climate change. The total cost of project is Rs 4,000 crore, 70% of which will be borne by World Bank while state will contribute 30% over six years. The entire project will focus on promoting climate resilient method of agriculture and cultivation that will be monitored within various districts and villages in the state. It also strives at doubling income of state farmers by next few years till 2022 for farmers belonging to medium and small grades to help overcome loses. Under it, state government will also try and take new measures to help change the pattern of cultivation of the crop depending on the availability of the water. This will help in making the state drought free.

    42) India announced setting up of $350 million Solar Development Fund for financing solar projects under the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The fund was announced by Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy R K Singh at first ever ISA outreach programmes ‘International Solar Alliance Forum’ held in Abu Dhabi’s World Future Energy Summit (WFES) 2018. World Future Energy Summit (WFES): WFES is an annual event dedicated to advancing future energy, energy efficiency and clean technologies. It is hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company and staged at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. WFES includes summit, an exhibition, Project Village, Round Table Discussions, Young Future Energy Leaders program, corporate meetings and social events. It attracts world leaders, international policy makers, industry leaders, investors, experts, academia, intellectuals and journalists to discuss practical and sustainable solutions to future energy challenges. It also provides opportunity for those having interest in addressing climate change to come together to share solutions, reach agreements and continue to make progress. Major announcements made during WFES 2018. India signed LoIs / MoUs of 9 solar related projects which various company and bankers. It will sign over 100 projects by April 2018 under ISA umbrella. YES Bank committed financing solar projects of over $5 Billion. CLP and NTPC Limited announced forging partnership deal with ISA and committed to make voluntary contribution of $1 million each to ISA fund corpus. International Energy Agency (IEA) and Green Climate Fund (GCF) also announced entering into partnership with ISA. International Solar Alliance (ISA): ISA was established by the Paris Declaration as an alliance dedicated to promotion of solar energy among its member countries. The ISA Framework Agreement entered into force in December 2017 making ISA formally treaty based International Intergovernmental Organization with headquarters at Gurugram, India. As of now the ISA Framework Agreement has been signed by 48 countries, Its major objectives include global deployment of over 1,000GW of solar generation capacity and mobilisation of investment of over US $1000 billion into solar energy by 2030. It also aims to bring together countries with rich solar potential to aggregate global demand, thereby reducing prices through bulk purchase, facilitating deployment of existing solar technologies at scale and promoting collaborative solar R&D and capacity building.

    43) Indigenously developed long-range surface-to-surface Agni-5 ballistic missile was successfully test fired successfully from Abdul Kalam Wheeler Island, Odisha. It was overall fifth developmental trial test of the long-range missile carried out by Strategic Forces Command of Indian Army to check its operational readiness. The last test of missile was conducted in December 2016 from same test range. Agni-5 ballistic missile: The Agni-5 is three-stage solid propellant nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is about 17 metres long, 2 metres wide and has a launch weight of around 50 tonnes. It has strike range of over 5,000 kilometres and can carry nuclear warhead of more than one tonne. Thus, it can hit most northern parts of China and other parts of Asia, Europe and Africa. It has not yet inducted into the Services. Unlike other missiles of Agni series, Agni-5 is most advanced missile having new technologies incorporated with it in terms of navigation and guidance, warhead and engine. It is also a fire and forget missile, which once fired cannot be stopped, except by interceptor missile which only US, Russia and Israel have. It carries Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles (MIRV) payloads. A single MIRV equipped missile that can deliver multiple warheads at different targets. It is also incorporates advanced technologies involving ring laser gyroscope and accelerometer for navigation and guidance. Comment: After some few more trials, it will be inducted into arsenal of tri-Service Strategic Forces Command which manages India’s nuclear arsenal. Once this missile is inducted into Services, India will join super exclusive club of countries with ICMBs (range of over 5,000-5,500 km) alongside US, Russia, China, France and United Kingdom. India at present in its armoury of Agni series has Agni-1 (700 km range), Agni-2 (2000 km range,) Agni-3 and Agni-4 (2500 km to more than 3500km range).

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