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 23th September to 29th September 2017.

1) Indian Railways is going to introduce 100 additional local train services on its Mumbai suburban network of Western Railway and Central Railway zones. Out of these 100 services, 32 new services will be introduced on Western Railway while 68 services will be introduced on Central Railway, giving major boost to suburban rail services in Mumbai area. With these additional services, total suburban services in Mumbai will increase from existing 2983 services to 3083 suburban services. It will benefit around 77 lakh commuters travelling daily over Mumbai suburban network by providing faster commute and reducing congestion. Key Facts: Western Railway: In all, 32 new services will be introduced in Western Railway. 17 services will be introduced in ‘up’ direction and 15 services will be introduced in ‘down’ direction from 1 October, 2017. Western Railway presently runs 1323 sub-urban services. After addition of these services, total sub-urban services on Western Railway will reach upto 1355. Central Railway: In all, 68 services will be introduced in Central Railway. 14 suburban services will be introduced on ‘harbour line’, 14 suburban services on ‘trans-harbour line’ from 2 October, 2017. 16 suburban services will be introduced on ‘main line’ from 1 November, 2017. 24 suburban services will be introduced on ‘harbour’ and ‘trans-harbour lines’ from 31 January, 2018. Presently, Central Railway runs 1660 sub-urban services. With addition of these new services, total sub-urban services on Central Railway will reach upto 1728.2) The Diamond Jubilee of Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA) was observed on 28 September 2017 as it completed 60 years of its existence. To commemorate the occasion, Minister of State (MoS) for Defence, Dr Subhash Bhamare released the ‘First Day Cover’ of DGQA. He also launched portal for e-registration of vendors. Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA): DGQA functions under Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. It was established in 1957, but its origin dates back to 1869, when first Inspectorate was set up at Ammunition Factory, Kirkee (now Khadki) in Pune, Maharashtra. Its headquarters are located in New Delhi. DGQA’s mandate is to provide Quality Assurance (QA) cover for entire range of Arms, Ammunitions, Equipments and Stores supplied to Armed Forces. It is also responsible for import substitution and associates with Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in the development projects. It also ensures documentation, codification and standardisation action for minimizing variety of components/ equipments. It also renders services such as promotion of small scale industries, post procurement services, defect investigations and technical consultancy to users, production agencies and Defence Ministry.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 23th September to 29th September 2017

3) The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) launched monthly Jan Sampark program to enable public to interact with its officials to obtain information related to child adoption. The first of its kind programme under it was held recently in New Delhi. Nearly 150 Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs), adoptive parents and representatives of agencies participated in session. Key Facts: The Jan Sampark program will now be held regularly every month apart from the quarterly Facebook live chat by CEO CARA. During the event, details pertaining to Immediate Placement and Special Needs Adoption Module of Child Adoption Resource Information & Guidance System (CARINGS) will be shared with all the stakeholders. The will serve as platform for counselling and motivating PAPs to go for adopting older children. Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA): CARA is statutory body of Ministry of Women & Child Development established under Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. It is a nodal body for adoption of Indian children. It is mandated to monitor and regulate in-country and inter-country adoptions. It deals in orphan, abandoned or surrendered children. It deals with inter-country adoptions according to Hague Convention on Inter-country Adoption, 1993 ratified by India in 2003.

4) Scientists have successfully detected gravitational waves for fourth time coming from merger of two massive black holes. It was for first time, these waves were simultaneously detected by US-based Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) and Italy-based Virgo detectors. The first two detection were made in September and December 2015 in quick succession and for third time it was detected in January 2017. Key Facts: The recently detected gravitational waves were emitted during final moments of merger of two black holes located about 1.8 billion light-years away with masses about 31 and 25 times mass of Sun. The newly produced spinning black hole has about 53 times mass of our sun i.e. about 3 solar masses were converted into gravitational-wave energy during merger. Gravitational Waves: Gravitational waves are ripples curvature of spacetime which propagate as waves, travelling outward from source at the speed of light. They transport energy as gravitational radiation and pass through matter without interacting with it. Gravitational waves were first predicted in 1916 by Albert Einstein on the basis of his Theory of General Relativity. Strongest sources of gravitational waves are among enigmatic objects in our universe like black holes, supernova, neutron stars and Big Bang. Information extracted by these transmitted waves may help to address unsolved questions and mysteries of physics and astronomy. Note: Russel Hulse and Joseph Taylor had discovered indirect evidence for existence of gravitational waves emitted from decaying orbital period of objects called binary pulsars in 1974,. Both of them for their discovery were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1993.

5) A new species of non-venomous aquatic snake named Aquatic Rhabdops, which was misidentified since 1863, was identified and described as new species from northern Western Ghats in Maharashtra, Goa and North Karnataka. Earlier the new species, Rhabdops aquaticus, was considered as variant of Olive Forest Snake, first described in 1863. But new study has confirmed that Aquatic Rhabdops has different colours and patterns and also vary in other features of size, shape and structure, and also genetic make-up. Key Facts: Aquatic Rhabdops snakes belong to genus Rhabdops which are endemic to India. It is named after its aquatic nature since adults of these species are mostly associated with freshwater forest streams and juveniles are seen in water-logged areas, mostly on rocky plateaus. They are three-foot-long nocturnal snake and mostly prey underwater like other water snakes. Adult Aquatic Rhabdops have off-white bellies and black spots on their olive brown skin, juveniles are olive green, with yellow undersides. This colour difference in life stages may be due to different local habitats. Aquatic Rhabdops is found only in the laterite plateaus of the northern Western Ghats in Goa, southern Maharashtra and northern Karnataka which are mostly areas facing high human pressure.

6) The 13th Formation Day of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was celebrated across the country. The theme of this year’s Formation Day was School Safety. On this occasion, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh released National Disaster Management Guidelines on School Safety Policy with an aim to strengthen the risk resilience of schools across the country. Moreover, National Disaster Management Guidelines on Boat Safety and Cultural Heritage Sites & Precincts, and a study report on Chennai Floods of 2015 were also released. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): The NDMA is apex statutory body for disaster management in India under aegis of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Its provisions are envisaged in Disaster Management Act, 2005 and was established in 2009. It is headed by the Prime Minister of India. Mandate: Its primary purpose is to coordinate response to natural or man-made disasters and for capacity-building in disaster resiliency and crisis response. It is also apex body to lay down policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster Management to ensure timely and effective response to disasters.. Functions and Responsibilities of NDMA: Approve the National Disaster Plan. Lay down policies on disaster management. Approve plans prepared by Ministries or Departments of Central Government in accordance with National Plan. Lay down guidelines to be followed by State Authorities in drawing up State Plan. Lay down guidelines to be followed by different Ministries or Departments of Central Government for purpose of integrating measures for disaster prevention or mitigation of its effects in their development plans and projects. Coordinate enforcement and implementation of disaster management policy and plan. Recommend provision of funds for the purpose of mitigation. Provide such support to other countries affected by major disasters as determined by Central Government; Take such other measures for prevention of disaster or mitigation or preparedness and capacity building for dealing with threatening disaster situation or disaster as it may consider necessary. Lay down broad policies and guidelines for the functioning of National Institute of Disaster Management.

7) The Union Cabinet has approved proposal for revision of policy of Ministry of Defence for providing Defence land to Communication Operators for construction of Shared Communication Towers and allied Infrastructure. Decision in this regard was taken based on experience in implementing policy and guidelines issued by Department of Telecommunications (DoT) for issue of clearance for installation of Mobile Towers. Key Facts: The revised policy will cover allotment of Defence land on lease and grant of permission in Defence areas and Cantonments to Access Service Licensees and Companies registered with DoT as IP-I (Infrastructure Providers – Category-I) for setting up shared communication towers and allied infrastructure. This move will help to improve the quality of communication services in the Cantonments and Military Stations and help address mobile call drop issues in these localities.

8) The Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) has approved implementation of umbrella scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF) for years 2017 to 2020 to strengthen country’s law and order mechanism, modernise police forces and effectively fight against terrorism. It is biggest ever internal security scheme in country. It has financial outlay of Rs.25,060 crore out of which Central Government share will be Rs.18,636 crore and states’ share will be Rs.6,424 crore. Salient Features of Scheme: Special provision of scheme: It convers internal security, law and order, women security, availability of modern weapons, mobility of police forces, upgradation of police wireless, logistics support, National Satellite Network, CCTNS project, hiring of helicopters, E-prison project etc. J&K, North Eastern and LWE States: Central budget outlay of Rs.10,132 crore has been earmarked specially for internal security related expenditure for Jammu & Kashmir, North Eastern States and left wing extremism (LWE) affected States. It introduces Scheme of Special Central Assistance (SCA) for 35 worst LWE affected districts to tackle issue of underdevelopment in these districts. It has outlay of Rs.100 crore earmarked for North Eastern States for upgradation of police infrastructure, training institutes, investigation facilities etc. Upgradation of Infrastructure: It introduces new initiatives to provide assistance to States for upgradation of police infrastructure, forensic science laboratories, institutions and equipment available with them to plug critical gaps in the criminal justice system. Integration of Police Stations: It will aid in integrating police stations to set up national data base of crime and criminals’ records. It will be linked with other pillars of criminal justice system such as ‘prisons, forensic science laboratories and prosecution offices. Forensic science laboratories: It provides for setting up of state-of art forensic science laboratory in Amravati (Andhra Pradesh) and upgradation of Sardar Patel Global Centre for Security, Counter Terrorism and Anti Insurgency in Jaipur (Rajathan) and Gujarat Forensic Science University in Gandhi Nagar. Comment: Implementation of this scheme will help to bolster Government’s ability to address challenges faced in different theatres such as areas affected by LWE, Jammu and Kashmir and North East effectively. It will also aid to undertake development interventions which will catalyze in improving quality of life in these areas and help combat these challenges effectively at same time. It is expected that, the scheme will go a long way to boost capability and efficiency of Central and State Police Forces by modernizing them.

9) The Cabinet has approved signing of Interbank Local Currency Credit Line Agreement and Cooperation Memorandum relating to Credit Ratings by Exim Bank with member banks under BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism. These agreements were highlighted in BRICS Leaders Xiamen Declaration adopted in Xiamen, China in September 2017. Cabinet has authorized Board of Directors of Exim Bank to negotiate and conclude any individual contracts and commitments within their framework as both agreements are non-binding in nature. Significance of Agreements: They will promote multilateral interaction within area of mutual interest which will deepen political and economic relations with BRICS nations. It will position Exim Bank in international platform along with large development finance institutions of BRICS member countries. They will enable Exim Bank to leverage these agreements and can enter into bilateral agreement with any of these member institutions to raise resources for its business. It will enable lending in single currency by any two member institutions. Exim Bank: Exim Bank finances, facilitates and promotes India’s international trade. It provides competitive finance at various stages of business cycle covering import of technology, export production, export product development and export credit at pre-shipment and post-shipment stages and investments overseas. It raises resources in off-shore market in diverse currencies and swaps to mitigate the risk. Cooperation Memorandum Relating to Credit Ratings: It enables sharing of credit ratings amongst BRICS member banks, based on request received from another bank. It serves as ideal mechanism to mitigate credit risks associated with cross-border financing. It can also serve as pre-cursor to proposal of having an alternate rating agency by BRICS nations. Interbank Local Currency Credit Line Agreement: It is a framework mechanism to extend credit lines in local currencies to the BRICS’ Interbank Cooperation Mechanism (ICM) members. The initial Master Agreement on Extending Credit Facility in Local Currency under BRICS ICM had validity of five years and expired in March 2017. Under it some member banks of BRICS had entered into bilateral agreements for local currency financing under Master Agreement signed in 2012.

10) The Union Cabinet has approved signing and ratification of Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between India and Belarus on Investments. The Cabinet also approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Belarus in oil and gas sector. Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT): The BIT will increase investment flows between two countries. It is also expected to improve the confidence of investors resulting in increase in FDI and Overseas Director Investment (ODI) opportunities. It will also have positive impact on employment generation. The signing and ratification of BIT will work as strategic initiative for India as Belarus is member of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). India has already initiated BIT text with Kyrgyz Republic and is in talks with Russia for new BIT which are members of EAEU based on Model BIT text released in December 2015. MoU in oil and gas sector: Under it, both sides will work towards establishing cooperation in areas of upstream and downstream activities, capacity building, enhanced oil recovery, technology transfer and development of mature fields in India. It is envisaged to enhance the economic and commercial cooperation between two countries in oil and natural gas sector. It will also promote bilateral relationship between India and Belarus. India-Belarus Bilateral Relations: India’s relations with Belarus are traditionally warm and cordial. India was one of first countries to officially recognize Belarus as independent country in 1991. Bilateral relation between both countries is marked by broad understanding on issues of mutual interest. Cooperation in science and technology and defence is important aspect of India-Belarus bilateral relations. Two-way bilateral trade amounted to US$ 402 million in 2016. The trade balance remains in favour of Belarus primarily on account of imports of Potash. Belarus has been supportive of India’s candidature for permanent seat at UNSC. Belarus also supported India at NSG meeting in Seoul in April 2016.

11) The Union Cabinet has approved signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and Afghanistan on Technical Cooperation on Police Training and Development. The MoU has been approved for period of five years from date of signing. It can be extended for further period of 5 years on condition that are not further changes and or revision. It will help in capacity building of Afghanistan National Police and improving security apparatus in region. Background: India and Afghanistan have friendly relations and already have signed “Agreement on strategic partnership” in October, 2011. Police personnel of Afghanistan National Police have been regularly coming for training purposes in different training institutes of India. In October 2016, Afghanistan had expressed its desire for assistance from India in field of Police training, police development, law enforcement, strengthening rule of law in Afghanistan and building sustainable long term cooperation during meeting held between delegates of Ministry of Interior Affairs, Afghanistan, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and officials of Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D), India at New Delhi.

12) India was placed at 40th spot among 137 countries in World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) 2017-18. India has slipped by one position compared to 39th spot in 2016 GCI. Global Competitiveness Index: WEF’s GCI assesses competitiveness of countries to provide insight into drivers of their productivity and prosperity. GCI scores are calculated on basis of 12 categories called ‘pillars of competitiveness which covers both business and social indicators. It includes pillars such as institutions, infrastructure, health and primary education, labour market efficiency, financial market development, technological readiness and market size. Key Highlights of 2017 GCI: Top 5 Countries: Switzerland (1st), United States (2nd), Singapore (3rd), Netherlands (4th) and Germany (5th). BRICS Countries: China (27th), Russia (38th), India (40th), South Africa (61st) and Brazil (80th). India related facts: India remains most competitive country in South Asia. It has improved across most pillars of competitiveness, particularly infrastructure (66th, up by 2), higher education and training (75th, up by 6), and technological readiness (107th, up by 3) reflecting recent public investments in these areas. The report has lauded India’s efforts in information and communications technology (ICT) sector as it can boost internet economy. Global Challenges: According to 2017 GCI, there are risks from uncertain global economic conditions. Since 2008 global financial crisis, prospects for sustained economic recovery remain at risk due to widespread failure on part of leaders and policymakers to put in place reforms necessary to underpin competitiveness.

13) The Union Ministry of Shipping has renamed Kandla Port Trust as Deendayal Port Trust, by exercising powers conferred on it under Indian Ports Act, 1908. The name was changed as part of yearlong centenary celebrations of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay, who had stood for uplift of poor and weaker sections of society. Background: Earlier in 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi while laying foundation stone for Rs.933 crore projects at Kandla Port had suggested that it should be named after Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay, who stood for uplift of all sections of the society. Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay was an Indian politician and was one ofmost important leaders of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the forerunner of present day Bharatiya Janata Party. Kandla Port: Kandla Port is one of twelve major ports in country. It is situated on Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat. It is the largest port of India in terms of volume of cargo handled (around 100 million tons freight). It was constructed in 1950s as main seaport to serve in western India, alternative to Karachi port which came under Pakistan’s control after partition. In March 2016, Kandla Port had created history by becoming first Major Port in the country to cross 100 million tons freight handling capacity.

14) The World Tourism Day (WTD) is being observed every year on 27th September to raise awareness about importance of tourism. Observance of day aims to foster awareness among international community of importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value. The theme of this year’s World Tourism Day is ‘sustainable tourism – a tool for development’. It is dedicated for exploring contribution of tourism to Sustainable Development Goals. Sustainable tourism takes full account of tourism sector’s current and future economic, social and environmental impacts along with addressing needs of visitors, industry, environment and host communities. It aims to make optimal use of environmental resources, respect host communities and ensure viable, long-term economic operations so that benefits are equitably distributed among all stakeholders. In India, to mark this day, President Ram Nath Kovind gave away National Tourism Awards and also launched Incredible India 2.0 Campaign in New Delhi. Background: The World Tourism Day marks adaptation of Statutes of UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) on September 27, 1970. The adoption of these Statutes is considered a milestone in global tourism. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness on role of tourism within international community. It also seeks to demonstrate the impact of tourism sector on social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide.

15) The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment launched Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour (PENCIL) Portal at National Conference on Child Labour. The PENCIL portal is an electronic platform that aims at involving Centre, State, District, Governments, civil society and general public in achieving the target of child labour free society. PENCIL portal: It encompasses various components- Child Tracking System, Complaint Corner, State Government, National Child Labour Project and Convergence. Each district will nominate District Nodal Officers (DNOs) who will receive the complaints. Within 48 hours of receiving complaints, DNOs will check genuineness of complaint and take rescue measures in coordination with police, if complaint is genuine. So far, 7 states have appointed DNOs. National Child Labour Project (NCLP) NCLP is central sector scheme launched in in 1988 for rehabilitation of child labour. Under it, special schools/rehabilitation centres for rehabilitation of child labourers are opened so that they can be mainstreamed into formal schooling system. These centres also provide nonformal education, vocational training, supplementary nutrition and stipend to children withdrawn from employment. SOPs for enforcement of legal framework against child labour: Government also launched Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) for enforcement of legal framework against child labour. The SOPs aims at creating a ready reckoner for trainers, practitioners and monitoring agencies to ensure complete prohibition of child labour and protection of adolescents from hazardous labour ultimately leading to Child Labour Free India. They will be useful to the enforcement agencies.

16) The Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment has launched Divyang Sarathi—The accessible and comprehensive mobile application for easy dissemination of information to ‘Divyangjans’. The mobile app aims to empower Divyangjans by providing them easier and convenient access to information pertaining to schemes, scholarships, statutes, institutional support systems, jobs and other crucial information. Key Facts: The app is integral part of ICT component of Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) launched in December 2015. It also compliant with principles of UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for Universal Access and provisions of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 which mandates that all information to be made available in accessible form. The app has inbuilt unique feature of audio notes (text-to-voice conversion software) which converts written information into audio file as well as the adjustable font size which can be altered as per user’s requirement. It has been developed bilingually i.e. information is available in Hindi as well as English.

17) The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution launched web portal of Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) & Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt (e-NWR) System under Digital India mission. These initiatives aims at simplifying Warehouse Registration Rules, digitizing entire process of registration, monitoring and surveillance as well as creation and management of NWRs in electronic form through two repositories. Negotiable warehouse receipts: NWRs are documents issued by warehouses to depositors against commodities deposited in warehouses for which warehouse is bailee. They are transferred by endorsement and delivery i.e. either original depositor or holder in due course (transferee) can claim commodities from warehouse. NWRs can be traded, sold, swapped and used as collateral to support borrowing or loans from banks. These receipts were made negotiable under Warehouse (Development and Regulation) Act, 2007 and are regulated by Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA). Key Facts: e-NWR will have no chances of any tempering, mutilation, fudging, loss or damage and also no possibility of any multiple financing. Hence, it will not only facilitate an easy pledge financing by banks and other financial institutions but also smooth trading on various trading centres like commodity exchanges, electronic National Agriculture Markets (e-NAM) and other electronic platforms. e-NWR will also help to save expenditure in logistics as stocks could be traded through multiple buyers without physical movement and can be even split for partial transfer or withdrawal. Comment: These initiatives will revolutionise marketing of agricultural commodities and help farmers realize better price for their produce which will be step towards doubling farmers’ income by 2022. The whole purpose of simplifying processes and moving towards online system will enhance WDRA’s regulatory functions and bring greater fiduciary trust among banks, depositors and trade on e-NWR system.

18) INS Tarasa (T94), the fourth and last ship in series of Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (WJFAC) was commissioned into Indian Navy at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. It is an improved variant of Car Nicobar-class high-speed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) built indegenously by Kolkata (West Bengal) based Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE), for the Indian Navy. INS Tarasa: INS Tarasa has been named after the picturesque island in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago in Bay of Bengal. It is powered by the latest 4,000-series MTU engines and has displacement capacity of 315 tonnes. It is fitted with advanced machinery control system. It has been designed to attain maximum speed of 35 knots and for an endurance of nearly 2,000 nautical miles at 12-14 knots. The ship will be fitted with CRN-91 indigenous 30mm gun with optronic pedestal. The ship will also have the latest communication equipment and radars to enable effective surveillance. INS Tarasa will be based at Mumbai under operational control of Western Naval Command. It will be used for missions like coastal and off-shore surveillance, EEZ Patrol, law enforcement. It will also conduct non-military missions such as Search and Rescue, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Background: WJFACs are ideally suited and used for interception of fast-moving surface craft. INS Tarasa is fourth and last of follow-on WJFAC’s indegenously built GRSE, Kolkata. The first two ships of class INS Tarmugli and INS Tihayu were commissioned in 2016 and are based at Visakhapatnam. The third ship INS Tillanchang was commissioned earlier in March 2017 at Karwar, Gujarat.

19) The second edition of DRUZBA 2017 (Friendship-2017), a joint military exercise between special forces of Pakistan and Russia was held in Minralney Vody, Russia. The exercise set the stage for translating political goodwill between both countries into a substantial partnership especially in the field of defence. Key Facts: The joint exercise DRUZBA 2017 focused on counter-terrorism operations, hostage and rescue, cordon and search operation. It aimed to enhance and further strengthen military ties between two countries and share Pakistan Army’s experience in war against terrorism. It also involved experience sharing and develop coordination in carrying out practice combat tasks in a mountainous environment, including operations against illegal armed groups. Comment: In recent years, Pakistan’s ties with Russia have moved past bitter Cold War hostilities and chill in the relations between Pakistan and US. This comes especially at time when President Donald Trump warned Pakistan for providing safe havens to terrorists which has further pushed it towards Russia and China. The first edition of the exercise was held in at the Army High Altitude School in Rattu, northern Pakistan. Russia also started selling weapons to Islamabad.

20) According to World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2017, India with six installed nuclear reactors ranks third in world, while China is leading at 20 installed nuclear reactors. Key Highlights of Report: Decline in Nuclear Reactors: The number of nuclear reactor units under construction is declining globally for fourth year in a row, from 68 reactors at end of 2013 to 53 by mid-2017. Most nuclear reactor constructions are behind schedule, with delays resulting in increase in project costs and delay in power generation. Delay in Projects: Globally, there are 37 reactor constructions behind schedule, of which 19 reported further delays over past year. In India itself, five out of six reactors under construction are behind schedule. Eight nuclear power projects have been under construction globally for a decade or more, of which three have been so for over 30 years. Nuclear power vs Renewable energy: Debate regarding value of nuclear energy “is over” especially nuclear power vs renewable energy development. It reveals that since 1997, worldwide, renewable energy has produced four times as many new kilowatt-hours of electricity than nuclear power. Power generation: Globally it has increased by 1.4% in 2016 due to a 23% increase in China, but it is stagnated at 10.5%. By comparison, globally, wind power output grew by 16% and solar power by 30%. Wind power increased 3.8 times, and solar power by 2.2 times more than nuclear power respectively. Renewables represented 62% of global power generating capacity additions. Shutting down of nuclear plants: Russia and US have shut down reactors in 2016. Sweden and South Korea also have closed their oldest units in first half of 2017. Financial crisis in nuclear Industry: In recent years, financial crisis plaguing nuclear industry. Toshiba has filed for bankruptcy of its US subsidiary Westinghouse, largest nuclear power builder in history. France’s AREVA also has accumulated $12.3 billion in losses over past six years. French government has provided it $5.3 billion bailout and continues its break-up strategy.

21) Ministry of Power launched Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –“Saubhagya” with an aim at providing last mile electricity connectivity to all rural and urban households. Under the scheme, government will provide free electricity to all households identified under Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) data 2011. Key Features of Scheme: Electricity connections will be given to APL families for Rs 500, which will be payable in 10 equal monthly instalments. The BPL cardholders will get free electricity connections. The total outlay of scheme is Rs. 16, 320 crore while Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) is Rs. 12,320 crore. The Central Government will provide largely funds for the Scheme to all States/UTs. The States and Union Territories are required to complete works of household electrification by 31st of December 2018. For covering un-electrified households located in remote and inaccessible areas, solar power packs of 200 to 300 Wp with battery bank, comprising of 5 LED lights, 1 DC fan, 1 DC power plug. It also includes the Repair and Maintenance (R&M) for 5 years. The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) will be nodal agency for operationalisation of scheme throughout country. For easy & accelerated implementation of Scheme, modern technology will be used for household survey by using Mobile App. Gram Panchayat/Public institutions in rural areas will be authorised to collect application forms along with complete documentation, distribute bills and collect revenue in consultation with Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Expected outcome of Scheme: Better health services. Improvement education services. Increased economic activities and jobs. Improved quality of life especially for women. Enhanced connectivity through radio, television, mobiles, etc. Environmental upgradation by substitution of Kerosene for lighting purposes.

22) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has constituted Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM). The five member of council will be headed by Niti Aayog member Dr Bibek Debroy. Other members are Dr Surjit Bhalla, Dr Rathin Roy, Dr Ashima Goyal and Ratan Watal. The committee will analyse any issue economic or otherwise referred to it by the Prime minister. Economic Advisory Council: The EAC-PM is an independent body which provides advice on economic issues to the government, specifically to the Prime Minister. It consists of economists of high repute and eminence. Terms of reference of EAC: EAC will analyse any issue, economic or otherwise, referred to it by prime minister and advising him thereon. It will also address issues of macroeconomic importance and present its views to the prime minister. It advise can be either suo-motu or on reference from prime minister or anyone else. It can also attend any other task as may be desired by prime minister from time to time. Background: Formation of EAC by PM Narendra Modi comes over three years after he assumed power. It will play a critical role in reviving the economy’s growth momentum that has has slipped to 5.7% in April-June quarter, the lowest since May 2014. Earlier PM Manmohan Singh had EAC headed by former RBI Governor C Rangarajan, who resigned in May 2014 after UPA government lost power.

23) Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Limited (TRIFED) has inked MoU with e-commerce giant Amazon for selling tribal products. The aim of initiative is to promote tribal handicrafts like handloom products, cane and bamboo products, tribal jewellery, Dhokra craft, tribal weaves and embroidery, tribal paintings etc. TRIFED already has tied-up with Snapdeal. Key Facts: As a part of MoU, exquisite authentic tribal art and craft items crafted and sculpted by tribal artisans from all over the country will be showcased on Amazon’s online portal for sale. All customers of Amazon will get easy and convenient access to over 65 million products across hundreds of categories. Through this initiative government plans to expand reach of ‘Tribe India’ brand through scaling of operations and house-to-house retail marketing. TRIFED: TRIFED is a national-level apex organization functioning under administrative control of Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It was established in August 1987 by then Ministry of Welfare under Multi State Cooperative Societies Act 1984 (which has now been replaced by Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2002). Its core objective is to institutionalize trade of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) and Surplus Agriculture Produce (SAP) collected or cultivated by tribals as they are heavily dependent on these natural products for their livelihood. TRIFED also works as an agency to the FCI for procurement of Wheat and Rice.

24) NASA’s asteroid-chasing spacecraft Osiris-Rex successfully swung by Earth to put it on desired trajectory towards near earth asteroid Bennu using Earth’s gravity. It passed within 17,237 kilometres from Earth above Antarctica. During closest flyby, Osiris-Rex’s science instruments were tested by scanning Earth and moon as a practice for its operations at Bennu. OSIRIS-Rex: The OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) mission was launched in September 2016 for studying 101955 Bennu, a carbonaceous asteroid. It is NASA’s first asteroid sampling mission. Japan already has visited an asteroid and returned some specks. The spacecraft will reach small, roundish asteroid in 2018 and return to Earth after collecting some of its gravels by 2023. It will capture 2 ounces of dust on asteroid using its robotic arm without landing i.e. by hovering like a hummingbird stirred up by nitrogen gas thruster and then begun its return trip to earth. 101955 Bennu is near-Earth carbonaceous asteroid about the size of a small mountain in the Apollo group. It was discovered in September 1999 by the LINEAR Project. Significance of mission: NASA scientists believe that Bennu asteroid holds clues to origin of solar system and life and source of water and organic molecules found on Earth. Material returned from asteroid is expected to enable scientists to learn more about the formation and evolution of the Solar System. It will also give insights of initial stages of planet formation and the source of organic compounds which led to the formation of life on Earth.

25) Indian Coast Guard’s (ICG) new interceptor boat V-409 was launched in Mangaluru, Karnataka by Bharathi Defence and Infrastructure Limited (BDIL). The vessel will be inducted into service by mid-October 2017 to give boost to coastal security and national security. V-409 interceptor boat: The V-409 interceptor boat has length of 28 meters, beam of 6 meters and draught of 1.2 meters. It has aluminium hull. It has Articulate Surface Piercing Propulsion, also called as Arneson Surface Drives (ASD) which is powered by twin MTU Caterpillar marine diesel engines having a capacity of 1630 kW each. These engines enable boat to attain a maximum speed of more than 35 knots. The vessel has the capability of attaining a very high speed in a very short duration and can operate in shallow waters. The vessels can perform high-speed interception, close-coast patrol, low-intensity maritime operations, search-and-rescue (SAR) and surveillance. The boat has complement of one officer and 12 sailors. Background: BDIL is constructing 20 vessels for ICG of which six had already been handed over and the remaining vessels would be handed over on the projected time. The boats are being constructed as per Rs. 2.81 billion contract signed between Ministry of Defence and BDIL in March 2009. The remaining vessels will be handed over on the projected time.

26) Eminent Scientist and Bharat Ratna Prof C.N.R. Rao was awarded 2017 Von Hippel Award, the highest international prize in materials research. He is first Indian and first Asian to win this honour. The award will be presented to Prof Rao for his interdisciplinary contributions to development of novel functional materials, including nanomaterials, graphene, superconductivity, 2D materials and colossal magnetoresistance at Boston in November 2017, C.N.R. Rao: Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao is eminent scientist and world’s foremost solid state and materials chemists. He has worked mainly in solid-state and structural chemistry. He was first Indian scientist to reach the h-index of 100. He is also the Honorary President of Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advance Scientific Research, Bengaluru and a former Chair of the Japan-India Science Council. He has authored of around 1600 research papers. He also has authored and edited 45 books. He is also an elected member of almost all scientific academies across the globe and had served as Chair of the Scientific Advisory Council to Prime Ministers of India. He was awarded with India’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna along with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar in 2014. He has been bestowed with about 70 honorary doctorates and also has received the highest civilian award from several nations. Von Hippel Award: Von Hippel Award has been instituted by Materials Research Society (MRS), an organisation with members spanning over 90 countries. It is named after Arthur von Hippel (1898-2003), a pioneer scientist known for study of dielectrics, semiconductors, ferromagnetics and ferroelectrics. He was an early advocate of interdisciplinary approach to materials research and his example substantially furthered science of materials. The award recognises those qualities most prized by materials scientists and engineers – brilliance and originality of intellect, combined with vision that transcends the boundaries of conventional scientific disciplines. The award includes a $10,000 cash prize, honorary membership in MRS, and a unique trophy — a mounted ruby laser crystal symbolizing the many-faceted nature of materials research.

27) Multi-Agency humanitarian assistance and disaster relief exercise Pralay Sahayam was recently held in Hyderabad to create public awareness about man-made and natural climate change and urban disasters including flooding. The two-day exercise was jointly organised by Telangana state government in association with all central and state agencies National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) and Armed Forces. Key Facts: The multi-agency exercise was based on urban flooding scenario in twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad. It aimed at synergising efforts of all agencies involved and build confidence in populace about capabilities of disaster management agencies to render support in case of such disasters. Under it, joint operations for tackling urban flooding scenario was carried out by State Government agencies, Police, State Fire & Emergency Services, NDRF, CISF and Armed Forces. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Army Aviation had employed Mi-17 helicopters, Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Chetak Helicopter for aerial evacuation, demonstrating special skills in hovering and winching. Special Forces such as Army Commandos and Marine Commandos from Indian Navy also carried out highly synchronized Search and Rescue operation in flooded colonies. Dog Squad of NDRF and Telangana State police also carried out search operations for trapped personnel. The exercise brought out role and function of State Emergency Operations in coordinating conduct of joint operations. Under it, relief activities such as evacuation of rescued people, provisioning of medical care and distribution of essential supplies were also carried out by multiple agencies in coordinated and efficient manner. The exercise also emphasized significance of early warning systems of agencies like Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS).

28) The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched country-wide Pradhan Mantri LPG Panchayat scheme to distribute LPG connections among rural areas where conventional fuel is used for domestic purposes. The scheme was launched by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan at Mota Ishanpur village in Gandhinagar district in Gujarat. It is backup scheme to existing Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. LPG Panchayat scheme: The LPG Panchayat scheme aims at spreading awareness among LPG users about how to properly use clean fuel and its useful benefits. It will provide platform to trigger discussion through sharing of personal experiences on benefits of use of clean fuel compared to traditional fuels like cowdung, charcoal or wood. It also aims to connect with beneficiaries of Ujjwala Yojana to resolve issues and wrong traditional beliefs among people through officials of oil PSUs, NGOs, Asha workers and social workers. Under it, one lakh LPG Panchayats will be activated across country to deal with issue of safe use of LPG as well as discuss its various benefits on environment, health and how it empowers women. LPG Panchayat will serve as an interactive platform between those who received LPG cylinders under PMUY. One panchayat will have around 100 LPG customers of nearby areas. The panchayats discuss issues such as safe practices, quality of service provided by distributors and availability of refill cylinders.

29) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has floated a five-point peace proposal at United Nations to find a permanent solution to Rohingya crisis. She called for immediate steps to end ethnic cleansing of Rohingya minority as it has deepened crisis along Bangladesh’s border with Myanmar where over 430,000 refugees fleeing violence in Rakhine State since August 2017. Five-point proposal: Myanmar must stop violence and practice of ethnic cleansing in Rakhine State unconditionally, immediately and forever. UN Secretary General should immediately send fact-finding mission to Myanmar. All civilians, irrespective of religion and ethnicity, must be protected in Myanmar. For this, safe zones can be created inside Myanmar under UN supervision. Sustainable return of all forcibly displaced Rohingyas in Bangladesh to their homes in Myanmar. Recommendations of Kofi Annan Commission Report must be implemented immediately, unconditionally and entirely. Background: According to UN estimates, over 450000 Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar’s Rakhine state into Bangladesh since August 2017 when a fresh wave of violence had erupted Myanmar’s Rakhine province. The violence had started after Rohingya militants belonging to Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (also known as Harakat al-Yaqeen or Faith Movement) had attacked police posts in Myanmar’s northern Rakhine state. Following this attack, Myanmar’s military had launched violent crackdown on insurgents from Muslim Rohingya population which led to mass exodus of Rohingya Muslims into neighboring Bangladesh. Rohingya: Rohingya is ethnic Muslim minority group, largely comprising Muslims living primarily in Myanmar’s western Rakhine state. They practice a Sufi-inflected variation of Sunni Islam. They differ from Myanmar’s dominant Buddhist groups religiously, ethnically and linguistically. They speak Bengali dialect, as opposed to commonly spoken Burmese language in Myanmar. Myanmar considers Rohingya’s as illegal Bengali immigrants, despite fact that many they have resided in Rakhine province of Myanmar for centuries. Myanmar government refuses to grant them citizenship status, and as a result they do not have any legal documentation, effectively making them stateless. They are also restricted from freedom of movement, state education and civil service jobs. UN has often described Rohingyas as one of the most persecuted minorities in the world.

30) The Ministry of Science & Technology has launched Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhayay Vigyan Gram Sankul Pariyojana to formulate and implement appropriate S&T interventions for sustainable development through cluster approach in Uttarakhand. Key Facts: Under the scheme, Department of Science and Technology (DST) will adopt few clusters of villages in Uttarakhand and transform them to become self-sustainable in time bound manner through tools of S&T. Local resources and locally available skill sets will be utilised using S&T under the scheme for substantial value addition for local produce and services which can sustain rural population. The areas selected under these clusters will process and add value to milk, honey, horticulture and local crops, herbal tea, mushroom, forest produce, medicinal & aromatic plants and traditional craft and handloom. This project will also ensure, stringent product and process control interventions for energy and water conservation. The project will also give emphasis to practice of agriculture, agro-based cottage industries and animal husbandry in an eco-friendly manner. It will mainly undertake post-harvest processing of Kiwi, Cherry, Strawberry, Tulsi, Adrak, Badi Elaichi through solar drying technology, extraction of apricot oil using cold press technology. Benefits: It will directly or indirectly about a lakh of people in four identified clusters of 60 villages in Uttarakhand. It will help in creating models that are appropriate for different altitudes and could be replicated in other hill states. It will promote sustainable employment and livelihood options within the clusters such as eco-tourism, naturopathy and yoga, are also planned to be promoted. Further, it will ensure that local communities are not compelled to migrate from their native places in search of jobs and livelihoods.

31) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Deendayal Hastkala Sankul, a trade facilitation centre and Crafts Museum for handicrafts at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The centre and Crafts Museum was proposed by Union Finance Minister in his 2014-15 Budget speech to develop and promote handlooms, handicrafts and silk products. Deendayal Hastkala Sankul: The centre will facilitate weavers/artisans/exporters in promotion of handlooms and handicrafts in both domestic and international markets. Moreover, Crafts Museum at the centre will preserve traditional handloom/handicrafts products of Varanasi and showcase handloom & handicraft products. The centre will help to promote rich traditional craft of ancient Varanasi. It will provide enabling platform and environment to showcase Indian handloom and handicrafts. It will provide supply chain linkages to domestic and foreign buyers. Moreover, it will give thrust to domestic and international tourism. It will also give boost to trade and economic development of Varanasi as well as eastern parts of country.

32) National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog’s SATH (Sustainable Action for Transforming Human capital) Program was launched in in Guwahati, Assam. The SATH program aims to provide structured support to Assam in identifying key health priorities and implement the solutions towards transforming the health and improving the well-being of people of state. SATH program: The vision of SATH program is to initiate transformation in education and health sectors. It embodies the philosophy of co-operative federalism to addresses the need expressed by many states for technical support from NITI Aayog. The program will be implemented by NITI along with McKinsey & Company and IPE Global consortium, who were selected through a competitive bidding process. SATH Program aims to build three selected states viz. Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka as future ‘role model’ states for health systems. Under it, NITI Aayog will work in close collaboration with state machinery in these three selected states to design a robust roadmap of intervention, develop program governance structure, set up monitoring and tracking mechanisms, handhold state institutions through the execution stage and provide support on a range of institutional measures to achieve the end objectives.

33) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has increased corporate bond investment limit for foreign investors by taking out Masala bonds (rupee-denominated bonds) from ambit of total debt investment limit. They will be considered as part of External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) and will be monitored accordingly. Key Facts: Currently, masala bonds are reckoned both under combined corporate debt limit (CCDL) for FPI (Foreign Portfolio Investments) and external commercial borrowings (ECBs). At present, limit for investment by FPIs in corporate bonds is Rs. 2,44,323 crore. It includes issuance of rupee-denominated bonds (RDBs) overseas by resident entities of Rs 44,001 crore (including pipeline). The amount of Rs 44,001 crore arising from shifting of Masala bonds will be released for FPI investment in corporate bonds over the next two quarters. Background: With surge in inflows in Indian debt markets in current year, cumulative utilisation of FPI limit in corporate bonds stood at 99.07% as on September 2017, reflecting limited scope of further FPI investments. The revised limit is expected to allow FPIs to make additional investments of a similar amount in corporate bonds. Masala bonds: The Masala bonds refer to rupee-denominated bonds through which Indian entities can raise money from foreign markets in rupee, and not in foreign currency. Basically, they are debt instruments used by corporates to raise money from investors. The issuance of rupee denominated bonds, protects Indian entity against risk of currency fluctuation, typically associated with borrowing in foreign currency. It also helps in internationalization of the rupee and in expansion of t Indian bond markets. These bonds are usually traded on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and not in India.

34) State Bank of India (SBI) along with FTSE Russell, global index and data provider launched FTSE SBI Bond Index series at London Stock Exchange (LSE). It is India’s first bond index series for overseas investors. It launch follows November 2015 visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in UK when letter of intent was signed between SBI and FTSE to jointly develop new index tracking Indian fixed income securities. FTSE SBI Bond Index Series: FTSE SBI Bond Index is positioned as first-of-its-kind transparent and reliable benchmark for investors in international markets to analyse India’s government bond market. It will significantly contribute to development and broadening of Indian bond market. It demonstrates SBI’s commitment to play befitting leadership role in development of India’s bond market. Background: Indian government bond market is worth around $1.7 trillion. Prior to launch of FTSE SBI Bond Index, the bond market was not having any reliable international indices on which international investors can invest in the country. Investors are eager to invest in India, but lacked enough depth in terms of the various types of bond products.

35) The Film Federation of India (FFI) has selected Hindi film Newton, a black comedy on foibles of democracy to represent India in Best Foreign Language category at 90th Academy Awards (Oscars) to be held in February 2018. It was unanimously chosen by FFI’s selection committee, headed by Telugu producer C V Reddy from 26 entries received this year. Newton: The movie has been directed by Amit Masurkar. It stars Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi and Raghubir Yadav. The film is political satire revolving around an honest election officer’s (Newton Kumar) attempt to conduct a free and fair poll in naxal-controlled town in the conflict-ridden jungles of Chhattisgarh. It showcases rookie government clerk’s best efforts to conduct free and fair voting despite odds stacked against him mainly with apathy of security forces and the looming fear of guerrilla attacks by communist rebels.

36) The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and International Road Federation (IRF), Geneva have signed Statement of Intent (SoI) to cooperate in field of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). The objective of SoI is to create National Platform, involving all relevant Union Government stakeholders, Indian and foreign companies active in sector. It will also create platform for relevant technical experts for developing National ITS Policy. The national platform will provide coherent and consistent National ITS Policy. National ITS Policy: ITS Policy will be covering Traffic Management, Parking Management, Electronic Enforcement of Traffic Rules and Regulations, Fleet Management and Monitoring, Innovation in the field of ITS and Education in field of ITS. Its objective will be to contribute to reduce urban traffic congestion, improving situation around parking of vehicles in cities, improving road safety, and improving security of passenger and goods traffic. It will be also covering domains such as traffic and parking management, enforcement, and security. International Road federation (IRF): The IRF is global non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation with mission to encourage and promote development and maintenance of better, safer and more sustainable roads and road networks. It was founded in 1948. Its motto is Better Roads. Better World. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, United States. IRF seeks to promote social and economic benefits of sustainable and environmentally sound road transport infrastructure at all levels of society. It helps to put in place technological solutions and management practices that provide maximum economic and social returns from national road investments. It provides a wide base of expertise for planning road development strategy and policy for governments and financial institutions in all aspects of road policy and development.

37) India’s first ingenuously built INS Kalavari submarine was handed over to Indian Navy by state-owned Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This is Indian Navy’s first new conventional submarine in two decades. Its induction will be landmark milestone in India’s bid to build its underwater warfare capabilities with an eye on China and Pakistan. Key Facts: INS Kalavari is first of six Scorpion class submarines built in India under Project-75 by Mazagon Docks Limited with technology transfer from France’s DCNS (Direction des Constructions Navales Services), a naval shipbuilder. It is diesel electric attack submarine named after tiger shark. It is stealth submarine difficult to be detected by the enemy and is designed to operate in all theatres including the tropics. It weighs 1,550 tonnes and is equipped with six 533-millimeter torpedo tubes for launching anti-ship torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and sea mines. It can undertake various operations including multifarious warfare, Anti-submarine warfare, Intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance etc. It can launch attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons and attack can be launched from underwater or on surface. It can launch attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons and attack can be launched from underwater or on surface. Background: France’s DCNS was awarded $4.16 billion contract to build six next generation Scorpion class submarines in cooperation with Mazagon Docks Limited in 2005 under the strategic Project-75. All six submarines will be fitted with indigenous Air Independent Propulsion System (AIP) technology developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to extend their endurance. AIP module enables conventional submarines to remain underwater for longer duration, greatly increasing their stealth characteristics. The second Scorpene submarine in the series, INS Khanderi was launched in January 2017 after the ghost of data leak which threatened to derail project in August 2016. Scorpene data leak: The Scorpene data leak saw 22,400 documents expose secret stealth capabilities of submarines, diving depths, and specifications of torpedo launch systems among other details. A preliminary investigation later revealed the leak took place at the French office of DCNS and not in India.

38) India’s first electric bus service was launched at Rohtang Pass area in Himachal Pradesh. It is first of its kind electric bus service for tourist spot in India and first in world at an altitude of 13,000 feet. The electric bus service will ply between Manali and Rohtang and there will be 10 electric buses in fleet. It was launched amid concern over environment degradation in Rohtang Pass area due to plying of diesel taxis. The initiative aims to curb carbon emission which is resulting in melting of glaciers in Himalayas. Background: Himachal Pradesh Government was forced to introduce zero-emission transportation facility in ecologically fragile areas after National Green Tribunal (NGT) had taken stringent step of imposing restriction on entry of vehicles to Rohtang Pass. The NGT had shown concern over melting of glaciers in Rohtang Pass area as they were receding at an alarming rate of 19-20 meters per year. The entry of vehicles were restricted to 1,000 vehicles per day, including both diesel and petrol vehicles, however, electric and CNG vehicles are exempted. Rohtang Pass: Rohtang Pass (elevation 3,978 m) is high mountain pass on eastern Pir Panjal Range of Himalayas around 51 km from Manali. It connects the Kullu Valley with Lahaul and Spiti Valleys of Himachal Pradesh.

39) The 6th edition of VASTRA– An International Textile and Apparel Fair 2017 (VASTRA 2017) was recently held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. It was jointly organised by Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation Ltd. (RIICO) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). More than 50 countries and 13 Indian States participated in VASTRA 2017. VASTRA Fair: VASTRA since its inception in 2012 has created space for itself in calendar of international exhibitions on textiles and apparel. The expo was all-encompassing trade fair and conference on Textiles and Apparel that presented fusion of finest and latest in textile products – from fiber to fashion, services and technology. It aimed at revitalizing existing business ties and forging of new business relations for business opportunities. It served as an ideal platform to enter JVs, strategic alliances and partnerships worldwide, launch new products, as well as, harness new locations for setting up businesses in India. It also served as a platform for disseminating technology and interacting with R&D Labs and experts for solution in technology and latest trends. India’s textiles sector: India’s textiles sector is one of the oldest industries in Indian economy dating back several centuries. Even today, it is one of the largest contributors to India’s exports with approximately 11% of total exports (exports during FY 2015-16 stood at US$ 40 billion). It contributes approximately 5% to India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and 14% to overall Index of Industrial Production (IIP). It is also labour intensive and is the second largest employer after agriculture. Government has allowed 100% FDI in the Indian textiles sector under the automatic route.

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