1) India’s Saikhom Mirabai Chanu won gold medal at World Weightlifting Championships held in Anaheim, United States. She achieved this feat by lifting new world record of 194kg – 85kg snatch and 109kg clean-and-jerk in the 48 kg weight category. Thailand’s Sukcharoen Thunya won silver medal with total lift of 193, while Segura Ana Iris won bronze medal with 182kg lift. With this victory, Mirabai Chanu became first Indian in over two decades to win the medal at the Championships. She is only second Indian weightlifter after Karnam Malleswari to achieve this feat. Olympic bronze medallist Karnam Malleshwari had won the top prize in worlds twice in 1994 and 1995. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu: She is Indian female weightlifter born on 8 August 1994. She hails from Manipur and currently is employed with the Indian Railways. She had won medals in Commonwealth games and silver medal in women’s 48 kg weight class at 2014 Commonwealth Games at Glasgow. She had qualified for 2016 Rio Olympics in women’s 48 kg category. However, she failed to finish the event as she failed to lift the weight in any of her three attempts in clean & jerk section.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 25 November 2017 to 01 December 2017

2) India and Singapore have signed Bilateral Agreement for Navy Cooperation that will allow Indian Navy ships logistical support, including refuelling at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base located near disputed South China Sea (SCS). The agreement was announced during second Defence Ministers’ Dialogue between India and Singapore held in New Delhi. Key Facts: The Bilateral Agreement for Navy Cooperation will allow Indian Navy ships sailing through disputed SCS or in eastern waters of Andaman Sea to refuel, restock and if needed rearm at Singapore’s Changi naval base. It will allow Indian Navy to directly engage with Singaporean authorities to use their facilities unlike present structure that take weeks if political clearances need to be obtained in Singapore. Significance: The naval logistics agreement is first for India with country located east of strategically important Strait of Malacca. Singapore is strategically situated on major international sea routes – Straits of Singapore and Malacca – and connects Pacific and Indian Oceans making it economically important. It acts as centre for international communications, transportations and trade to southeast Asia. The nearest Indian base is in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The agreement looks at increased cooperation in maritime security, joint exercises, temporary deployment between India and Singapore. The Changi base will enhance Indian Navy’s operational reach. It will also play prominent role in protection of naval vessels, supplies, repair facilities, administration and logistics support. It will give boost to India’s Act East Policy and strengthen India’s role for safety, stability, regional peace and navigational freedom.

3) The Higher Education Funding Agency (HEFA) has approved projects worth over Rs. 2,066 crore for six higher educational institutions to improve the research infrastructure and further their standing at global level. These six institutes are IITs Bombay, Delhi, Madras, Kharagpur, Kanpur and NIT Suratkal. Decision in this regard was taken at 2nd HEFA Board meeting chaired by Chairmanship of Secretary Higher Education. The approved funds will be in addition to grants being given to these institutions by the government. Higher Education Funding Agency (HEFA): HEFA was set in September 2016 after it received Cabinet approval to provide financial assistance to institutes of higher education in addition to grants given by Union Ministry of Human Resources Development. It has authorised capital of Rs. 2000 crore. Government equity in it is Rs.1000 crore. It is not-for-profit organisation that will leverage funds from market and supplement them with donations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. These funds will be used to finance improvement in infrastructure in top institutions and will be serviced through internal accruals. Modalities of operation of HEFA: HEFA is novel method for funding premier institutions by using instrument of securitising future flows. Under it, each institution agrees to escrow specific amount from their internally earned resources and not through government grants. This forms basis for credit line which can be used by institution for creating required capital and research assets. The Principal portion is repaid from escrowed amount and interest is met by Government. For institution, this is interest-free amount and gives facility to institution to build the required research infrastructure of world class. Operationalisation of HEFA: HEFA was registered as Section – 8 Company under Companies Act in May 2017. Canara Bank was identified as partner for setting up Company. RBI also has granted license under RBI Act for HEFA to operate as Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in November 2017 and to leverage equity to mobilise money from market as per requirements of the institutions.

4) North Korea successfully launched Hwasong-15, a new type of nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It is North Korea’s most powerful ICBM that can reach entire eastern US seaboard and Washington. The ICBM was launched from near Pyongyang and had reached height of 4,475 km and traveled 950 km before it accurately hitting a sea target. It landed inside of Japan’s economic exclusion zone (EEZ) in Sea of Japan, about 250 km west of Aomori, which is on northern part of Japan’s main island of Honshu. Hwasong-15: North Korea claims that Hwasong-15 ICBM is ‘significantly more’ powerful than previous missiles. It is upgraded version of Hwasong-14 ICBM. It is North Korea’s ‘greatest ICBM’ that could be armed with ‘super-large heavy nuclear warhead’. It is the first ballistic missile developed by North Korea that is theoretically capable of reaching United States mainland (including Washington DC). Based on its trajectory and distance during the test, the missile has range of more than 13,000 km which covers all of Earth’s continents, except South America and Antarctica. Comment: According to experts, the latest test suggests that progress has been made by North Korea in developing a weapon of mass destruction (WMDs) that could likely strike the US mainland. Hwasong-15 missile is upgraded version of its old ICBM with an enhanced second-stage. Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM): ICBM is missile launched by land-based system that is intended to carry nuclear payloads. To qualify as an ICBM, the missile must have minimum range of 5,500km. The most significant difference between ICBM and other ballistic missiles is its greater range and speed. It enables countries to strike exceptionally distant targets with minimum warning.

5) The Union Defence Ministry has approved procurement of 260 Software Defined Radios (SDR), a naval communication sets for Indian Navy at cost of Rs. 490 crore to ramp up surveillance on the high seas. The decision was taken at meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The DAC is defence ministry’s highest decision making body on procurement. Key Facts: These 260 SDRs will be procured under category of buy (India Designed Developed & Manufactured). It will be first batch of indigenously designed and developed software defined radio sets to be procured by any of three services. These will replace existing systems on-board warships. The development of SDRs was carried out by Defence Electronics & Applications Laboratory (DEAL) of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will be production Agency. The SDR technology will improve information sharing and situational awareness through secure voice communications and data transfer capabilities. Software-defined radio (SDR) Technology: SDR is radio communication system where components that have been traditionally implemented in hardware are instead implemented by means of software on personal computer or embedded system.

6) India and Italy have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for enhanced cooperation in health sector. The objective of MoU is to establish comprehensive inter-ministerial and inter-institutional cooperation between two countries in the field of health by pooling scientific, technical, financial and human resources. Its ultimate goal is to upgrade quality and reach of human, material and infrastructural resources involved in health care, medical education and training and research in both countries. The main areas of cooperation are: Exchange and training of medical doctors, officials, other health professionals and experts. Providing assistance in development of human resources and setting up of health care facilities. Regulation of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics and exchange of information. Short term training of human resources in health. Procurement of generic and essential drugs and assistance in sourcing of drug supplies. Procurement of equipments and pharmaceutical products. Promotion of business development opportunities in pharmaceuticals. Collaboration in prevention of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as neurocardiovascular diseases, COPDs, mental health, cancer and dementia with an emphasis on Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3) and related factors. Collaboration in field of climate change impact on communicable diseases and vector borne diseases. Nutritional aspects of food intake, including malnutrition (over-nutrition and under-nutrition) in the light of the SDG2 and organization of nutritional services. Safety of production, transformation, distribution and food delivery• Research and training of food industry operators. Information and communication to citizens on hygiene and food safety and healthy eating habits.

7) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI ) has upheld the basic principles of an open and free internet in its recommendations on net neutrality. Net neutrality means that telecom service providers must treat all internet traffic equally, without any regard to the type, origin or destination of the content or the means of its transmission. Proponents of net neutrality hold that all traffic on internet should be treated equally i.e. service providers should allow access to all content without favouring any particular product or website. TRAI Recommendations: Prohibits Discrimination: It upholds basic principle of net neutrality by keeping Internet open and prohibits any Internet service providers (ISPs) from discrimination on basis of content by either blocking, throttling or fast-laning any websites, apps or web services. Protection of rights of citizens: The internet use should be facilitated in such manner that it advances free speech rights of citizens, by ensuring plurality and diversity of views, opinions and ideas. It also restrains ISPs from entering into pacts with any person which discriminates on content, protocol or user equipment. Exemptions: It excludes specialised services and content delivery networks (CDNs) from scope of any rules on net neutrality. It does not define specialised services and leaves it to DoT to identify these services. It also calls for keeping Internet of Things (IoT) within purview of non-discriminatory restriction with the exception of critical services. It exempt CDNs from the scope of net neutrality rules arguing that CDNs add efficiency to network by reducing latency, mitigating congestion and freeing up network capacity for other purposes. CDNs are layer in Internet networks which are outside public Internet and are used by content generators to store their data at suitable geographical locations. Setting up Multi-stakeholder body: Telecom and ISPs should deploy “reasonable” traffic management practices from time to time. It calls for setting up multi-stakeholder body to monitor and investigate whether ISPs are adhering to rules. The body will be led by industry and comprise members representing different telecom and ISPs, large and small content providers, representatives from research, academia, civil society organisations and consumer bodies. Significance: TRAI’s recommendations follow consultation process that lasted for 1 year, after Department of Telecommunications (DoT) sought TRAI’s views on issue in March 2016 to finalise a viewpoint on net neutrality. These recommendations will now be vetted by DoT and after its approval, changes with effect to licence agreements of telecom firms will be made to accommodate net neutrality. TRAI’s proposal to adhere net neutrality comes days after US Federal Communication Commission (FCC) had announced repealing of 2015 laws that aimed at upholding this broad principle of net neutrality.

8) The High Level Inter-Governmental Mid-Point review meeting of Asia and Pacific Decade for Persons with Disabilities, 2013-2022 was held in Beijing, China. A number of countries in the Asia-Pacific region had participated in it. Indian delegation was led by Union Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot. Key Highlights of meeting: The meeting was organised by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) in cooperation with China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF). Its main objective was to review progress made by member States during Decade at mid-point in 2017 with regard to Incheon Strategy to make right real for persons with disabilities in Asia and Pacific. It also discussed future policy action for building disabilities-inclusive societies in region, bearing in mind synergies between 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Incheon Strategy. It also finalised declaration to address gaps and challenges in empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Incheon strategy: The Incheon Strategy provides Asian and Pacific region and world with first set of regionally agreed disability-inclusive development goals. It has been developed over more than two years of consultations with governments and civil society stakeholders. The Incheon Strategy builds on UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Biwako Millennium Framework for Action (BMF) and Biwako Plus Five towards an Inclusive, Barrier-free and Rights-based Society for Persons with Disabilities in Asia and Pacific. It comprises 10 goals, 27 targets and 62 indicators. The Incheon Strategy enables Asian and Pacific region to track progress towards improving quality of life, and fulfilment of rights of region’s 650 million persons with disabilities, most of whom live in poverty. The UNESCAP secretariat is mandated to report progress in implementation of Incheon Strategy every three years until end of Decade in 2022.

9) The Union Ministry of Power launched Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA) in Manipur. Total of approximately 1.75 lakh households (1.62 lakh rural households and 0.13 lakh urban households) of Manipur are proposed to be included under scheme. Union Government will provide the required financial assistance for strengthening and improvement of infrastructure in the power sector in Manipur. Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (SAUBHAGYA): The Union Ministry of Power launched had Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana –“Saubhagya” in September 2017 with an aim to achieve universal household electrification in all parts of country by 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. The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) is 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). 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. 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 total outlay of scheme is Rs. 16, 320 crore while Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) is Rs. 12,320 crore. The Central Government will provide funds for Scheme to all States/UTs. The States and Union Territories are required to complete works of household electrification by 31st of December 2018. Expected outcome of Scheme will be 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 and environmental upgradation by substitution of Kerosene for lighting purposes.

10) The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed senior bureaucrat Badri Narain Sharma as Chairman of National Anti-Profiteering Authority (NAA) under Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. Sharma is 1985 batch IAS officer of Rajasthan cadre. Prior to this appointment, he was additional secretary in Department of Revenue, Finance Ministry. Background: The Union Cabinet in November 2017 had approved setting up of five-member NAA, mandated to ensure that the benefits of GST rate reduction is passed on to consumers. The anti-profiteering framework under new indirect tax regime consists of NAA at top level, standing committee, screening committees in every state and Directorate General of Safeguards (DGS) in Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC). How anti-profiteering mechanism works? As per structure of anti-profiteering mechanism in GST regime, complaints of local nature will be first sent to state-level screening committee, while those of national level will be marked for standing committee. If complaints have merit, respective committees will refer cases for further investigation to Directorate General of Safeguards. The DG Safeguards will generally take about three months to complete investigation and send the report to NAA. If NAA finds that company has not passed on GST benefits, it will either direct entity to pass on benefits to consumers or if beneficiary cannot be identified, it will ask company to transfer amount to ‘consumer welfare fund’ within specified timeline. NAA has power to cancel registration of any entity or business if it fails to pass on to consumers benefit of lower taxes under GST regime, but it will probably be last step against any violator. NAA will suggest return of undue profit earned from not passing on reduction in incidence of tax to consumers along with an 18% interest, and also impose penalty.

11) A tripartite MoU was signed between Tourism and Hospitality Sector Skill Council (THSC) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) with Airbnb, the world’s leading community-driven hospitality company. The MoU was signed in line with Government’s endeavor to promote entreprenuership under Government’s Skill India Programme. It will also provide hospitality skills training to hospitality micro-entrepreneurs in India. Features of MoU: The MoU aims to empower more citizens, including those in underserved areas and rural to join alternate accommodation sector and pursue new livelihood opportunities by sharing their homes. It will establish occupation standards and competency matrices for job roles and develop courses for hospitality entrepreneurs offering homestay and facilities and local experiences for travellers. It will create standards for certification and accreditation as per requirements and global benchmarks of Tourism and Hospitality industry for hospitality entrepreneurs offering homestay facilities. It will set framework for long-term Council-Industry partnership and strengthen Skilled Labour Pool required by Tourism and Hospitality industry. Significance: Through this partnership, Airbnb, NSDC and THSC will work together to create an accredited skill development module for hospitality entrepreneurs offering homestay facilities, unique accommodations and local experiences. Airbnb will support Skill India Mission by creating 50,000 hospitality entrepreneurs in India.

12) The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had launched India Hypertension Management Initiative (IHMI). The IHMI aims to reduce disability and death related to cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in India. It also aims to strengthen CVD component of Health Ministry’s National Program for Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). India Hypertension Management Initiative (IHMI): The IHMI is collaborative project of ICMR, MoHFW, World Health Organization (WHO), State Governments and Resolve to Save Lives initiative of Vital Strategies. Its primary goal is to reduce morbidity and mortality due to CVDs, by improving control of high blood pressure, which is leading risk factor for CVDs among adults in India. The IHMI focuses on five essential components of scalable treatment of hypertension. It will also focus on strengthening hypertension management and monitoring at primary health care level, within existing healthcare system. It is aligned with WHO’s Global HEARTS Initiative and National Guidelines. It will support adoption of standardized simplified treatment plans for managing high blood pressure, ensure regular and uninterrupted supply of quality-assured medications, and patient-centred services that reduce barriers to treatment adherence. It will also focus on data on hypertension to improve it through streamlined monitoring systems and lessons learned and practice-based evidence that will inform further interventions to improve cardiovascular care. IHMI will be progressively rolled out in 25 districts in first two years across districts selected by MoHFW for expansion of active screening and intensification of treatment activities for hypertension.

13) India and United Kingdom (UK) will soon sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in urban transport sector for cooperation in policy planning, technology transfer and institutional organisation. The draft of MoU was finalised by Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari and Chris Grayling, Secretary of State for Transport of UK in London. Key Facts: The draft MoU seeks to facilitate cooperation in transport sector between both countries and enable sharing of expertize and latest technology to promote efficient mobility solutions. It seeks to usher in policy reforms that can transform transport sector through improved customer service and data analysis and better use of Information Technology (IT) systems. The MoU will also help in promoting digital transactions and induction of high capacity diesel and electric vehicles (EVs) in India. It will also establish the terms on which such assistance can be provided. Background: Both countries had finalized bilateral cooperation arrangements between Transport for London (TFL) and Indian Ministry of Road Transport & Highways in May 2017 to cover a wide range of transport mobility solutions and associated activities in urban environment.

14) Russia has agreed to assist India to set up National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) in the country to handle disaster and other emergency situations. This was agreed during a meeting between Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Russian Minister for Emergency Situations Vladimir Puchkov in Moscow. Key Highlights of meeting: Both sides agreed that EMERCOM of Russia would cooperate with India in the establishment of the National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) in India. Besides, they also held detailed discussions on cooperation in disaster management. They reviewed progress made on agreement on disaster management signed in 2010. Both countries also agreed on programme of training of specialists and sharing of each other’s experiences as well as best practices in the field of Disaster Management. They also signed a joint implementation plan for 2018-19 for cooperation in disaster management.Both sides also reinforced their determination to further strengthen their cooperation in sectors of security and counter-terrorism. They also reviewed the implementation of agreement on information security signed in October 2016. They also welcomed ongoing cooperation and regular exchange of visits between two National Security Councils.

15) The 48th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) was held in Panaji in Goa. The closing ceremony was held at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium in Bambolim. Legendary Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan was honoured with the Indian film personality of 2017 award. Acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan was honoured with the lifetime achievement award. Other Category Awards: Best film award: 120 Beats Per Minute (French movie) directed by Robin Campullo. Best director award: Vivian Qu for Angels Wear White (China). Special Jury Award: Take-off (Malayalam film-India). Best Actor (Female) award: Parvathy. Best Actor (Male) award: Nahuel Perez Biscayart for his performance in 120 Beats Per Minute. Best Debut Feature Film Director award: Kiro Russo for film Dark Skull (Spanish). ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal: Kshitij-A Horizon (Marathi movie) directed by Manouj Kadamh. Film Beyond the Clouds directed by Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi was opening film this year, while Pablo Cesar-directed Indo-Argentine film Thinking of Him was the closing film. Around 200 films from 82 countries were screened during nine-day event. International Film Festival of India (IFFI): IFFI is biggest state-backed film festival and conducted jointly by Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Directorate of Film Festivals and Government of Goa. It was founded in 1952 and since then held annually in Goa. IFFI aims at providing common platform for cinemas of world to project the excellence of the film art. It also seeks to contribute to create awareness for understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations in context of their social and cultural ethos and promote friendship and cooperation among people of the world.

16) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump’s advisor and daughter Ivanka Trump jointly inaugurated 8th annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES 2017) in Hyderabad, Telangana. The mega event was co-hosted by National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and US Government n partnership with Telangana Government. Key Highlights GES 2017: GES is preeminent annual entrepreneurship gathering that convenes over one thousand emerging entrepreneurs, investors, and supporters from around the world. It is organized annually since 2010. This is the first time GES is being held in South Asia. The theme for 2017 GES is “Women First, Prosperity for All” to celebrate entrepreneurship in all its strength, diversity and entirety. Around 1,500 delegates from over 160 countries will participate in 2017 GES. GES 2017 aims to empower Indian entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas, build partnerships, secure funding, and create innovative products and services that will transform societies for better future. It will not only bring global best practices to India, but also create irreplaceable place for India in global entrepreneurial ecosystem. The four primary focus areas of GES 2017 are Digital Economy and Financial Technology, Health Care and Life Sciences, Energy and Infrastructure, and Media and Entertainment. The summit will deliberate on four key sectors, focus on critical aspects of entrepreneurship and host interactive sessions between panelists and audience.

17) The Union Government with the approval President of India has constituted 15th Finance Commission which will make recommendations for the five years commencing 1 April 2020 till 31 March 2025. The commission will recommend devolution of shareable central taxes to States. It will also review several important aspects of federal fiscal finance. It will make its report available by 30th October 2019. Composition of Commission: NK Singh, former bureaucrat and ex-Member of Parliament will be Chairman of 15th Finance Commission. Its other members are Shaktikanta Das, Former Secretary Economic Affairs; Dr Anoop Singh, Adjunct Professor of Georgetown University. Besides, Dr Ashok Lahiri, Chairman of Bandhan Bank and Dr Ramesh Chand, NITI Aayog Member will be the Part-time its members. Arvind Mehta will be Secretary to the Commission. Terms of Reference of Commission: The Commission will make recommendations on distribution of net proceeds of taxes between Centre and States, the principles which should govern grants-in-aid of revenues of States out of Consolidated Fund of India. It will also suggest measures needed to augment Consolidated Fund of State to supplement resources of Panchayats and Municipalities in State on basis of recommendations made by Finance Commission of State. It will also review current status of finance, debt levels, cash balances, deficit and fiscal discipline efforts of Centre and States and recommend fiscal consolidation roadmap for sound fiscal management. While making its recommendations, it will look at resources of Central Government and State Governments for five years commencing on 1st April 2020 on basis of levels of tax and non-tax revenues likely to be reached by 2024-25. It is imperative for commission to examine implications of GST on finance of the Centre and states. It will look at impact of GST, including payment of compensation for possible loss of revenues for 5 years. It may also consider proposing measurable performance-based incentives for States, at appropriate level of government.

18) Multi-lateral funding agency Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced that it increase annual funding to India to up to $4 billion from existing $2.7 billion from next year to accelerate inclusive economic transformation. As part of ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy 2018-22, the multi-lateral funding agency will provide loans up to $4 billion on annual basis including non-sovereign or private debt during 2018-22. Cumulatively, India which is the largest recipient of ADB will get about $20 billion over a period of 5 years. Key Facts: Under this strategy, ADB’s annual sovereign funding to India will increase from $2 billion to $3 billion while private sector funding will be doubled to $1 billion. The other priority pillars of strategy also include increasing annual funding to low income states and climate change. ADB’s India specific programme will focus on boosting economic competitiveness to create more and well-paid jobs, improve access to infrastructure and services and addressing climate change and improving climate resilience over these 5 years. Asian Development Bank (ADB): ADB is regional development bank which aims to promote social and economic development in Asia. It was established in 1966. It is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. Now it has 67 members, of which 48 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside. The ADB has been modelled closely on World Bank. It has similar weighted voting system where votes are distributed in proportion with members’ capital subscriptions. As of 2014, Japan was largest shareholder (capital subscription) of ADB having 15.7% shares followed by US (15.6%), China (6.5%), India (6.4%), and Australia (5.8%).

19) The third Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Distinguished Indologist Award for the year 2017 was awarded to Professor Hiroshi Marui of Japan. He was presented with this award by President Ram Nath Kovind at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Indology is academic study of history, cultures, languages and literature of India and is a subset of Asian studies. Professor Hiroshi Marui: Professor Marui has spent over 40 years working on Indian philosophy and Buddhist Studies. His has many acclaimed publications and research papers to his credit which are considered as final authority on several subjects world. He is President of Japanese Association of Indian and Buddhist Studies and has made significant contribution to Indology in Japan. About Distinguished ICCR Indologist Award: ICCR Distinguished Indologist Award is an annual award instituted by ICCR. It carries prize amount of US$ 20000. It is bestowed upon eminent Indologists working abroad who have made outstanding contribution to study, research, teaching of India’s history, philosophy, thought, art, culture, literature, languages, civilization, society etc. The first award was given to Prof. Heinrich Freiherr Von Stietencron of Germany in 2015. Prof. Yu Long Yu of China was awarded in 2016.

20) The Union Ministry of Finance has appointed Shaktikanta Das, Former Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) as India’s G 20 Sherpa till December 31, 2018 for Development Track of G20. Sherpa is personal representative of leaders participating at G-20 summit and are responsible for thrashing out details before meeting of the leaders. There are two tracks in G 20-Development Track and Finance Track. Finance Track is managed by Secretary (Economic Affairs) as India’s Deputy to G-20 and Development Track is coordinated by Sherpa. The DEA, Ministry of Finance provides necessary support to the Sherpa. Background: Former NITI Aayog vice-chairman had recommended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to appoint full-time Sherpa for G20 talks as India’s role is expanding in global arena. Panagariya was India’s Sherpa for G20 talks in September 2015. As per earlier norms, deputy chairman of erstwhile Planning Commission used to be Sherpa for G20 talks. Sherpa: Sherpa is personal representative of leader of member country at international Summit meeting such as G8, G20 or Nuclear Security Summit. They are mostly career diplomats or senior government officials appointed by leaders of their countries. The term has been derived from Nepalese Sherpa people, who serve as guides for mountaineers in Himalayas. The Sherpa is mainly engaged in planning, implementation and negotiation tasks through Summit. They coordinate agenda, seek consensus at highest political levels and participate in series of pre-Summit consultations to help negotiate their leaders’ positions.

21) South Africa’s Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (22) was crowned Miss Universe at pageant held at The AXIS at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. With this she becomes, second South African to win this crown after Margaret Gardiner who had won Miss Universe 1978. The runner-up of Miss Universe 2017 was Miss Colombia Laura Gonzalez, while second runner-up was Miss Jamaica Davina Bennett. Contestants from 92 countries had participated in the Miss Universe 2017. This year’s edition had the most contestants ever, including the first ever representatives of Cambodia, Laos and Nepal. Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters: She was born on 28 June 1995 in Sedgefield, Western Cape. She received a degree in business management from North-West University. She is fluent in both English and Afrikaans. She has been crowned Miss South Africa 2017. Miss Universe: It is an annual international beauty pageant that is run by the Miss Universe Organization. It was founded in 1952 by the California clothing company Pacific Mills. Along with the Miss World and Miss Earth contests, Miss Universe is one of the three largest beauty pageants in the world and one of the most anticipated beauty pageants worldwide.

22) Eminent exponent of Gwalior gharana of Hindustani classical music, Pandit Narayanrao Bodas, passed away in Pune, Maharashtra after a brief illness. He was 84. He was revered for his deep voice and expressive face among actor vocalists. Pandit Narayanrao Bodas: He was born into family connected with gayaki of Pandit Vishnu Digambar Paluskar. He learned music from his father Laxmanrao and subsequently from Pralhadpant Ganu. He had started his career as an actor-vocalist from play Saubhagyarama written by B N Purandare. He has acted in several plays including Sangeet Saubhadra, Buddha Tithe Harala, Pati Gele Ga Kathewadi, Sangeet Mrichhakatik, Sangeet Manapman, Sangeet Mahashweta, Sangeet Saubhadra and Sangeet Sanshaykallol. He was awarded prestigious Balgandharva award by Maharashtra government for his outstanding contributions to music. He had retired from theatre in 1993 and later worked in Mumbai University for 12 years teaching graduate and post graduate students. After retiring from university he taught music at Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in Mumbai for free from 2006.

23) India and Russia have signed comprehensive anti-terror pact agreement for enhancing bilateral cooperation in tackling all forms of terrorism and countering threat posed by narcotics. The agreement was signed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Russia’s Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev in Moscow after they held wide-ranging talks. Key Takeaways of visit: Both countries emphasized need to strength of relationship between them which has been consolidated in past 70 years in all areas. They underlined that cooperation in field of security is important aspect of bilateral relationship between them to further strengthen cooperation to combat terrorism, extremism and radicalism. They also agreed that terrorism must be fought unitedly and there were no good or bad terrorists. They also agreed to cooperate in combating new challenges, cooperate in building a data base, and in training of police and investigative agencies and enhance exchange of information. They also agreed to hold next Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting to counter terrorism in 2018. Both countries signed: Joint Action Plan for countering threat posed by narcotics: It aims at countering threat posed by narcotics and agreement will provide legal framework for bilateral cooperation in this field. It will be for period 2018-20. Updated and more comprehensive agreement on Cooperation on Security: The agreement provides a comprehensive approach for cooperation in security related issues, including Information Technology (IT) Crimes, Counterfeiting currency, Illicit Trafficking in Human Beings, Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, Economic Crimes, Crimes related to Intellectual Property (IPs), Cultural Property amongst others. The agreement will replace earlier agreement signed in October 1993 in order to consolidate benefits accrued in the field of security and jointly fight new and evolving risks and threats.

24) The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) launched intensive training program for Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Master Trainers in New Delhi. It is capacity building program organized by National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) of WCD Ministry. It aims to train approximately twenty thousand EWRs covering nearly 50 EWRs from each district by March 2018. Key Facts: It is for first time ever initiative of this scale has been taken up to train EWRs who will go out and administer villages professionally. The training two lakh women sarpanches across country under this program will help to bring important changes such as to create model villages. It also will help prepare women as political leaders of future. The training will also include simple engineering skills to give them insight into women’s issues as well as focus on education and financial matters. Significance: The Capacity building of EWRs is critical to empower women to participate effectively in governance processes. This program will help them assume leadership roles expected of them and guide their villages towards a more prosperous future.

25) The first edition of International Symposium to Promote Innovation & Research in Energy Efficiency (INSPIRE 2017) was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The five-day symposium was organized by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) in partnership with World Bank and Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE). Key Facts: INSPIRE 2017 is international conference that aimed to bring together various stakeholders such as policy makers, innovators, financiers, influencers to showcase best practices in sector. Its objective was to provide common platform for energy efficiency community to discuss energy efficiency policies, emerging technologies, market transformation strategies, delivery and business-model driven transformations. It also intended to create platform for deliberations and sharing of best practices around energy efficiency policy solutions, high-impact research, innovative financing and implementation that are driving large scale market transformations in India and across the globe. Several global organizations like Asian Development Bank (ADB), African Development Bank (AfDB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), International Energy Agency (IEA), International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), Clean Energy Ministerial, Copenhagen Centre on Energy Efficiency participated in it.

26) India and Greece have signed Air Services Agreement (ASA) and MoU on Cooperation (MoC) in field of New and Renewable Energy. The agreements were signed after bilateral talks between External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj and her visiting counterpart Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece Nikos Kotzias in New Delhi. The two ministers held detailed discussion on all aspects of bilateral relationship. They also re-affirmed commitment to further expand cooperation in mutually beneficial spheres. Air Services Agreement (ASA): ASA is signed between countries to decide on number of flights that airlines can fly into each other’s countries. Under it, there is no restriction on flights or seats. The ASA between India and Greece will allow airlines from Greece to operate unlimited flights to six Indian metropolitan airports and Indian carriers can fly to Greece without any such restriction. It makes Greece first country with which India has open sky arrangement under our new civil aviation policy 2016.

27) The 2017 International Multilateral Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise (IMMSAREX) was held in Bangladesh from November 26 to 28 2017. The exercise is taking place under the aegis of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). It was inaugurated by Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina. Key Facts: From India, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba participated in the exercise to consolidate bilateral naval relations between India and Bangladesh and to explore new avenues for naval cooperation. Indian Naval Ships (INS) Ranvir, Sahyadri, Gharial and Sukanya along with one Maritime Patrol Aircraft P-8I participatied in the exercise. Extraordinary Conclave of Chiefs (ECoC)’ meeting of IONS was also held. It focussed upon activities being undertaken by IONS in-addition to review progress made by three IONS Working Group (IWG)- Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster relief (HADR), Maritime Security and Information Exchange and Interoperability. The ships and aircraft of IONS members and observers including China (has observer status) and Pakistan also participated in exercise. Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS): The IONS is regional forum of Indian Ocean littoral states launched by India Navy in February 2008. It is voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime co-operation among navies of littoral states of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) by providing an open and inclusive forum for discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues. It endeavours to generate flow of information between naval professionals that would lead to common understanding and possibly cooperative solutions on way ahead. There are 35 members – navies of IONS represented by heads of their navies. Under IONS charter of business adopted in 2014, the forum has working groups on HADR, IS&I and maritime security (anti-piracy).

28) The World Health Organisation (WHO) for first time has formulated clinical guidelines on responding to children and adolescents who have been sexually abused. The guidelines are grounded in human rights standards and ethical principles. They will assist frontline health care providers — general practitioners, gynaecologists, nurses and others — who may directly receive victim of sexual abuse or may identify sexual abuse during course of diagnosis and treatment. Key Features: WHO’s first of kind gender sensitive guidelines provide first line support to child or adolescent in response to the disclosure of sexual abuse. It offers HIV post-exposure prophylaxis and adherence support to those who have been raped and who present within 72 hours. It offers emergency contraception to girl child who has been raped and who present within 120 hours (5 days). It takes into consideration STI (sexually transmitted infections) presumptive treatment or prophylaxis in settings where laboratory testing is not feasible. It also takes in considerations cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with trauma focus for those have PTSD symptoms and diagnosis. It also offers Hepatitis B and HPV vaccination. It also calls upon health care providers about informing obligation on victims and their non-offending caregivers to report abuse and limits of confidentiality before interviewing them. Significance: The guidelines put best interests of children first by ensuring confidentiality and privacy, respecting their autonomy and wishes and addressing needs with vulnerabilities such as LGBT adolescents. They will assist WHO member states to ensure health and well-being of children and adolescents. It will also strengthen implementation of Global Plan of Action on strengthening health systems in response to violence against women and girls and against children that was endorsed by World Health Assembly in 2016. World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO is specialized agency of United Nations that acts as coordinating authority on international public health. It was established in April 1948 and succeeded Health Organization, which was an agency of the League of Nations. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group and its headquarters is located at Geneva.

29) According to recently published study, boost in levels of oxygen may have caused three-fold increase in biodiversity (or biodiversification) during between 445 and 485 million years ago. The study was conducted using geochemical proxies, high-resolution data and chemical signatures preserved in carbonate rocks formed from seawater. Using it, researchers were able to identify oxygen increase during Middle (or Darriwilian Stage- 460-465 million years ago) and Late Ordovician periods (mid-Katian stage- 450-455 million years ago). Key Facts: According to study, this oxygenation is supported by two approaches that are mostly independent from each other. Other changes — such as ocean cooling, increased nutrient supply to oceans and predation pressures – also worked together to allow animal life to diversify for millions of years. It was found that nearly 80% increase in oxygen levels where oxygen constituted about 14% of atmosphere during Darriwilian Stage and increased to as high as 24% of atmosphere by mid-Katian stage. The explosion of diversity, recognised as Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event brought about rise of various marine life, tremendous change across species families and types, as well as changes to Earth, starting at bottom of ocean floors. It also brought on geological changes to the Earth. Significance: This study suggests that atmospheric oxygen levels did not reach and maintain modern levels for millions of years after Cambrian explosion, which is traditionally viewed as time when ocean-atmosphere was oxygenated. Oxygenation of atmosphere and shallow-ocean took millions of years, and only when shallow seas became progressively oxygenated, major pulses of diversification able to take place.

30) Scientists from New Zealand have developed world’s first artificial intelligence politician named SAM. It was created by Nick Gerritsen, entrepreneur in New Zealand. Key Facts: The virtual politician SAM can answer person’s queries regarding local issues such as policies around housing, education and immigration. It constantly learns to respond to people through Facebook Messenger as well as a survey on its homepage. It may help to bridge the growing political and cultural divide in many countries. Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence is branch of computer science concerned with making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs in order to make them behave like computers. AI enables a machine to perceive and respond to its changing environment. It is related to similar task of using computers to understand human intelligence.

31) Researchers from Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have found that frequency of heatwaves accompanied by drought has increased in magnitude and in area over past three decades in India. The increases in cocktail of drought and heatwaves were seen particularly in Maharashtra and Southern Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Central India. Key Facts: Heatwaves (a prolonged period when temperatures approach record extremes) and droughts are destructive even when occurring in separate events, but their concurrence is far more serious. Both phenomena have a serious bearing on water resources, affecting agriculture and human settlements. The conclusion was based on analysis of rainfall and temperature data of 50 years. Researchers had compared Heatwave Magnitude Index daily (HWMId) — which combines duration and magnitude of heatwaves — and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), which defines meteorological drought from 1951 to 1981. In all combinations of heatwaves (3.5 and 10-day events) and drought (moderate or severe) were analysed during this period. It was found that, percentage increase in frequency was most significant in parts of Maharashtra and Southern Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The increase may be due to intricate relationship of land surface processes, soil moisture, evapo-transpiration and local climate. The area affected b extreme of extreme incident has gone from almost nothing in 1951, to nearly 4% by 2010. Nearly 18% of country’s area on average has been facing at least three days of temperatures above 85th percentile.

32) The India Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch first solar mission Aditya-L1 in 2019. It will be India’s first dedicated scientific mission to study sun. The mission aims to put 1,500-kg heavy class Aditya-L1 satellite into halo orbit around Lagrangian point L1, a point between Sun and Earth. This point is at a distance of about 1.5 million km from earth. Key Facts: The mission is a joint venture between ISRO and physicists from various institutes including Indian Institute of Astrophysics (Bengaluru), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (Mumbai) and Inter University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (Pune). Aditya L1 satellite will be launched by using PSLV XL. The launch will take in early part of next solar cycle. The satellite will be programmed to orbit L1 point and image sun’s magnetic field from space for very first time in world. Scientists hope to capture close-ups of sun from here, uninterrupted by eclipses for years. Objectives of mission: Study dynamic nature of sun’s outer most layers, the corona and the chromosphere, and collect data about Coronal Mass Ejections (CME). Study on origin of solar storms and their path through the interplanetary space from the Sun to the Earth. The studies will also focus on collection of information for space weather prediction. Payloads of mission: The Aditya-L1 mission will carry seven payloads. Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC): It is largest payload or instrument aboard Aditya-L1 satellite. It will study diagnostic parameters of solar corona and dynamics and origin of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs). It can also measure magnetic field of solar corona down to tens of Gauss. Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS): It will be used for monitoring X-ray flares (1–30 keV) for studying the heating mechanism of the solar corona. High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS): It will be used to study hard X-ray emission from 10 keV to 150 keV during the impulsive phase of solar flares. Solar Ultraviolet Image Telescope (SUIT): It will take images of spatially resolved Solar Photosphere and Chromosphere in near UV region and measure solar irradiance variations. Plasma Analyser Package for Aditya (PAPA): It will study composition of solar wind and its energy distribution throughout the lifetime of mission. Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX): It will study the variation of solar wind properties, its distribution and spectral characteristics. Magnetometer: It will be used to measure magnitude and nature of interplanetary magnetic field. Lagrange point: Lagrange point is position in space where combined gravitational forces of two large bodies, such as Earth and sun or Earth and moon, equal centrifugal force felt by a much smaller third body. The interaction of these forces creates point of equilibrium where spacecraft may be “parked” to make observation. These points are named after Joseph-Louis Lagrange, an 18th-century mathematician. There are 5 such points between earth and sun namely – L1, L2, L3, L4 and L5. In these orbits, the satellite requires very little energy to maintain its orbit and it will not be eclipsed from the sun. Few space agencies that have successfully placed their satellites at this location are Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO), a NASA-ESA collaboration involving America and Europe and NASA’s Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) to exclusively study the sun and space weather, respectively.

33) Gopi Thonakal created history by becoming first Indian man to win Asian Marathon Championship. He achieved the feat in the 16th edition of the prestigious event held at Dongguan in China. He clocked 2 hours 15 minutes and 48 seconds to clinch gold medal. Uzbekistan’s Andrey Petrov won silver mdeal while Byambalev Tseveenravdan of Mongolia won bronze medal. Asian Marathon Championships: It is a biennial international competition in marathon road running for Asian athletes. It is organised by the Asian Athletics Association. It was established in 1988 after 42.195-kilometre race was dropped from programme of events at Asian Athletics Championships. Asha Agarwal in 1985 had won women’s title (gold medal) when the marathon was part of biennial Asian Track and Field Championships. Later in 1992, India’s Sunita Godara also had gold medal.

34) China has successfully launched remote sensing satellites designed to conduct electromagnetic probes and other experiments. The satellites whose numbers were not specified yet were launched on board of Long March-2C rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan province. Key Facts: The satellites were carried by Long March-6 rocket, a new generation of liquid-fuelled carrier rocket developed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The launch was the 256th mission of the Long March rocket family. These satellites have successfully entered their preset orbit and they will conduct electromagnetic probes and other experiments. China earlier had launched three remote sensing satellites designed to improve observation capability to promote commercial use for the remote sensing industry.

35) President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the International Gita Mahotsav 2017 in Kurukshetra, Haryana. The objective behind Mahotsav is to spread the message of Gita to world. The second edition of the event was organised by Haryana Government. Mauritius was partner country and Uttar Pradesh was partner state of the event. Key Facts: President also participated in Gita Yajna and Gita Poojan ceremonies at Brahma Sarovar and Jyotisar, the birthplace of Bhagvad. He also inaugurated international seminar on Gita at the Kurukshetra University campus. Around 25-30 lakh people are likely to participate in Gita Mahotsav 2017 as against 20 lakh last year. People from 35 countries had participated in Gita Mahotsav-2016. The exhibitions by different cultural, spiritual, educational and social organisations, painting, rangoli, and photography competitions, Gita Pustak Mela etc were also held. Bhagavad Gita: Bhagavad Gita is a 700 verse Hindu scripture in Sanskrit that is part of Hindu epic Mahabharata. It is set in narrative framework of dialogue between Pandava prince Arjuna and his guide and charioteer Lord Krishna. The Bhagavad Gita presents a synthesis of the concept of Dharma, theistic bhakti, yogic ideals of moksha through jnana, bhakti, karma, and Raja Yoga and Samkhya philosophy.

36) The 12th meeting of Standing Committee of Inter-State Council was held in New Delhi. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the recommendations of the Punchhi Commission on Centre-state relations. The meeting was chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The members of the 12th standing committee include Sushma Swaraj (Minister of External Affairs), Arun Jaitley (Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs), Nitin Gadkari (Minister of Road, Transport and Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation), and Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot. The Chief Ministers of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tripura and Uttar Pradesh, who are the members of the Standing Committee, also attend the meeting. The Standing Committee in 12th meeting discussed 118 recommendations contained in Volumes-III, IV and V and finalised its recommendations. This includes Subjects related to centre-state relations like GST, financial transfers from the centre to the states, Police reforms, migration etc.
Volumes-I & II were discussed during the eleventh meeting of the Standing Committee which was held in the month of April 2017, and Volumes-VI and VII will be discussed during the next meeting of the Standing Committee. Finally, all the recommendations of the standing committee on Punchhi Commission’s report will then be placed before the Inter-State Council, headed by the Prime Minister. About Interstate council: Inter State council is a constitutional body under Article 263 of the constitution. It was established by Presidential Order dated 28th May, 1990 on recommendation of Sarkaria Commission. The purpose of the Interstate council is to facilitate coordination between states and the centre. Composition of Inter State Council: The Council is headed by Prime Minister (Chairman). Besides, Chief Ministers of all states and UTs (having legislative Assembly) are its members. Six Union ministers of cabinet rank nominated by the Prime Minister are also members. About standing committee of Interstate council: The standing committee of Interstate council is constituted under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister. Apart from Home minister the committee consists of 5 union cabinet ministers and 9 chief Ministers. The key functions of standing committee include: To monitor the implementation of decisions taken on the recommendations of the Interstate Council an To process all matters relating to Centre State Relations before they are taken up for consideration in the inter-State Council. To consider any other matter referred to it by the Chairman/Interstate Council. About Punchhi commission: Punchhi commission was constituted by the Central government on April 27, 2007 under the chairmanship of former Chief Justice Madan Mohan Punchhi to look into the new issues of Centre-state relations keeping in view the changes that have taken place in the polity and economy. The Punchhi Commission had submitted its report in 7 volumes with 273 recommendations in 2010.

37) The Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has announced that 30.76 lakh houses for the urban poor have been sanctioned so far since the launch of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) Scheme in June 2015. Currently, 15.65 lakh houses are at various stages of construction and about 4.13 lakh houses have been constructed since launch of PMAY (Urban). Key Facts: Under the PMAY (Urban) Scheme, demand for housing was pegged at about 12 million and government has taken number of initiatives to support segments from infrastructure status to affordable housing. Government is giving more emphasis on reforms, like stamp duty exemption and single window clearance to meet targets. Government is also removing bottlenecks and roadblocks in progress of scheme, particularly implementation of “In-situ Slum Rehabilitation (ISSR)’ and ‘Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP)’ verticals. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban): PMAY(U) provide houses to all poor in urban areas by 2022. It is new version of Prime Minister’s Housing For All by 2022 vision. Its objective is to construct two crore houses across nation. It covers entire urban area consisting of 4041 statutory towns with initial focus on 500 Class I cities. Intended beneficiaries of scheme are Poor people (BPL) and People living under Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and LIG (Low income Group) categories in urban establishments of country. It also targets people living under MIG (middle income Group). Government will provide subsidy ranging between 1 lakh to 2.30 lakh to people from above categories in order to make them secure.

38) India’s Ritu Phogat has won Silver medal in Under-23 Senior World Wrestling held in Poland. She won silver medal in 48 kg category. She entered into final by defeating Bulgarian Wrestler Selishka in Quarter finals and Chinese Wrestler Jiang Zhu in the semi-final. In the gold medal bout (in the final match), she lost against Turkish Wrestler Evin Demirhan and stand in second with a silver medal. Another young Indian wrestler, Divya Kakran, came close to a medal but lost in the bronze medal bout. About Ritu Phogat: Ritu Phogat is an Indian female wrestler from the state of Haryana. She is one the three Phogat sisters from Haryana. Her sisters Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari, as well as cousin Vinesh Phogat, have established themselves as world-class wrestlers. Previously, Ritu Phogat won gold medal at the Commonwealth Wrestling in Singapore in the 48 kg category, bronze medal at the Asian Championships. She also won National championship, which was held Indore. She became the most expensive female wrestler at the Pro Wrestling League auction in 2016 and played for Jaipur Ninjas franchise. About Under-23 Senior World Wrestling: Under-23 Senior World Wrestling is the one events in Wrestling organised by United World Wrestling. In 2017, it was held in Poland.

39) The Union Government has selected 115 backward districts for rapid transformation by 2022 in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to create a “New India” over the next five years. These 115 backward districts include 35 districts affected by Left Wing Extremists (LWE) violence, 55 districts just affected by LWE and another 15 including districts in Jammu and Kashmir and northeast affected by terrorism. Prabhari Officers: For each of these backward districts, government has nominated senior official in rank of Additional secretary and Joint secretary as Prabhari officer. The First meeting of the Prabhari Officers was recently held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary. It was attended by Secretaries of the important central Ministries. Role of Prabhari officers: Prabhari officers will form team with state representatives and bring convergence in their effort. They will take it up as challenge and succeed in their mission by making difference in the lives of millions of citizens in these backward districts. Prabhari officers will assist District administration in sharing GOI’s vision for 2022 by ensuring convergence of efforts of central and state government and set up robust mechanism to monitor improvements in key outcomes in these backward districts. Significance: If these districts are successfully transformed, it will bring tremendous improvement in internal security environment of country. It will also help to bring convergence in development efforts of different Ministries and state Governments and schemes specially launched by Home Ministry in these districts. It serve as great opportunity to ensure rapid development all regions of the country. Third party validation: The third party validation of key performance indicators in field of health and nutrition, education, basic infrastructure including roads, household toilets, electricity, agriculture and irrigation will be undertaken to make this program successful.

40) The Communal Harmony Campaign Week was observed from November 19-25, 2017 by National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH). The observance aimed at fostering and reinforcing the spirit of communal harmony, national integration and pride in vibrant, composite culture and nationhood. Communal Harmony Campaign Week: The observation highlighted inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand actual and potential threats to eclectic and secular fabric of the country and nurture a spirit of communal harmony in its widest sense. It also provided opportunity to reaffirm age old traditions and faith in values of tolerance, brotherhood and co-existence in multi-cultural and multi-religious society. Various programmes were organized by different stakeholders including educational institutions, public sector enterprises (PSUs), Government Departments/agencies, NGOs and voluntary organizations, etc. during the week to promote the ethos of Communal Harmony and National Integration. National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH): NFCH is an autonomous organisation under Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It organises Communal Harmony Campaign coinciding with Qaumi Ekta Week and also observes the Communal Harmony Flag Day. It promotes communal harmony and strengthens nationa; integration. NFCH under its Project ‘Assist’ provides financial assistance for relief and rehabilitation of children rendered orphan or destitute in communal, ethnic or caste, terrorist violence.

41) Researchers from Columbia University Medical Centre (CUMC) in US have converted natural bacterial immune system into the world’s smallest data recorder. The researchers modified an ordinary laboratory strain of ubiquitous human gut microbe (bacteria) Escherichia coli (E Coli) which enabled it to record their interactions with environment and also time-stamp events. Key Facts: The microscopic data recorder was created by taking advantage of CRISPR-Cas, an immune system in many species of bacteria. CRISPR-Cas copies snippets of DNA from invading viruses so that subsequent generations of bacteria can repel these pathogens more effectively. To build this microscopic recorder, researchers had modified piece of DNA called plasmid, giving it ability to create more copies of itself in the bacterial cell in response to an external signal. Potential Applications: This research lays groundwork for new class of technologies that use bacterial cells for everything from disease diagnosis to environmental monitoring. It may help to record biological changes taking placing in digestive tract which can yield an unprecedented view of previously inaccessible phenomena. It can be also used in environmental sensing and basic studies in ecology and microbiology, where bacteria could monitor otherwise invisible changes without disrupting their surroundings.

42) India is going to host 36th International Geological Congress (IGC) in 2020 in NCR New Delhi. India had won the bid in 2012 at 34th IGC Brisbane, Australia to host the Congress in 2020. Recently, delegation of International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) had visited India to discuss preparatory aspects of 36th IGC. Key Facts: The 36th IGC to be held in New Delhi is jointly funded by Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Earth Sciences with active support of Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and science academies of India’s neighbouring co-host countries, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. International Geological Congress (IGC): The IGC is prestigious conclave of geoscientists from around world. It is considered as an Olympic of the International Geosciences fraternity. It aims to bring together the geo-scientific community across the continents and oceans. It is held once every four years (quadrennially) under aegis of IUGS through process of global bidding. The first session of IGC was held in 1878 in France with an aim to provide global geological community with opportunity to create an organizational frame work for meeting at regular intervals. Since then, IGC have been hosted by 24 countries throughout the world at 3-to 5-year intervals. The 35th International Geological Congress was held at Cape Town, South Africa in 2016. International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS): The IUGS is an international non-governmental organization devoted to international cooperation in the field of geology. It was founded in 1961. Currently geologists from 121 countries (and regions) are represented in IUGS through 121 adhering organizations. It is joint partner with UNESCO for International Geoscience Programme (IGCP).

43) The drug price regulator National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has capped prices of 51 essential medicines, including those used for treatment of cancer, heart conditions, pain and skin problems. NPPA through separate notifications notified ceiling prices of 36 medicines and revised ceiling prices of 15 medicines. The prices were slashed in range of 6 to 53%. Key Facts: All manufacturers of scheduled formulations, selling branded or generic or both versions of scheduled formulations (drugs) at price higher than ceiling price as fixed and notified by Government, have to revise prices downward not exceeding the ceiling price. Moreover, manufacturers of these 51 formulations have to furnish quarterly returns to NPPA through IPDMS (Integrated Pharmaceutical DataBase Management System). Besides, any manufacturer intending to discontinue production of any of 51 drugs has to furnish information to NPPA, with respect to discontinuation of production of drug or its import, at least six months prior to intended date of discontinuation. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA): NPPA is an independent body under Department of Pharmaceuticals under Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Its mandate is to fix/revise controlled bulk drugs prices and formulations, enforce prices and availability of medicines under Drugs (Prices Control) Order (DPCO), 1995/2013, recover amounts overcharged by manufacturers for controlled drugs from consumers and monitor prices of decontrolled drugs in order to keep them at reasonable levels. NPPA fixes ceiling price of essential medicines that are listed in Schedule I of DPCO, 2013. The calculation of prices cap for essential drugs is based on simple average of all medicines in particular therapeutic segment with sales of more than 1%. Medicines that are not under price control, manufacturers are allowed to increase the maximum retail price by 10% annually.

44) Scientists have discovered new species of gecko in the Eastern Ghats in northern Andhra Pradesh. It was identified from few areas in northern Mahendragiri range and scattered coastal hills in northern Andhra Pradesh. The new species has been named Hemidactylus sushilduttai or Dutta’s Mahendragiri gecko, after eminent herpetologist Sushil Kumar Dutta from Odisha. Key Facts: Dutta’s Mahendragiri gecko is second gecko endemic to this hilly range and third vertebrate as other endemics in region are — Gegeneophis orientalis — caecilian amphibian and Jeypore Indian gecko (Cyrtodactylus jeyporensis. It grows up to 225mm in length with its tail half its size. It is nocturnal and lives on rocks, large trees and coffee plantations at altitudes between 250-1,100 metres above sea level. The reptile was earlier identified as different species and was misidentified as spotted rock gecko (Hemidactylus maculatus), a large-bodied lizard endemic to northern Western Ghats in Maharashtra. However, after studying its DNA, it was found that morphological characters of new species has many unique, diagnostic characters and these two species have geographically separated populations that deeply divergent from each other. Significance: Dutta’s Mahendragiri gecko is the 32nd species of house geckos (Hemidactylus) from India and among the largest in its genus. The genus has around 90 species across the world. This discovery highlights the importance of conserving this mountainous forest region of Easter Ghats as a biodiversity hotspot as most of conservation efforts are concentrated on the Western Ghats.

45) The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (IDEVAW) is observed every year across the world on 25 November. Observance of this day seeks to raise awareness about violence against women and girls, end violence against women. It also seeks to show that prevention is possible against violence of women. The theme for the year 2017 is ‘Leave no one behind: end violence against women and girls.’ It aims to reinforce UNiTE Campaign’s commitment to create world free from violence for all women and girls and reaching out to most marginalized people including refugees, migrants, indigenous peoples, minorities and populations affected by natural disasters and conflicts. Background: The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting resolution 54/134 passed in December 1999. This day is commemorated in memory of Mirabal sisters who were three political activists from Dominican Republic. They were brutally assassinated during the Rafael Trujillo dictatorship (1930-1961) in 1960. Violence against women: Violence against women is a human rights violation. It is a consequence of discrimination against women, in law. It is also in general practice and persisting inequalities between men and women. It impedes, progress in many areas, including poverty eradication, peace and security and combating HIV/AIDS. Violence against women continues to be a global pandemic, but is not inevitable but prevention is possible and essential.

46) Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry has doubled rates for incentives under Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS) from 2% to 4% of value of exports. The rates for incentives under this scheme have been enhanced for two subsectors of textiles industry — readymade garments and made-ups. This measure will incentivise the exports of labour intensive sectors of readymade garments and made-ups and contribute to employment generation. Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS): MEIS was launched under Foreign Trade Policy of India (FTP) 2015-20. It is one of the two schemes introduced in FP 2015-20, as part of Exports from India Scheme. The other scheme is Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS). Objective of MEIS is to offset infrastructural inefficiencies and associated costs involved in export of goods and products, which are produced and manufactured in India. It also seeks to enhance India’s export competitiveness of these goods and products having high export intensity, employment potential. Under this scheme, Ministry of Commerce gives duty benefits to several products. It provides duty benefits at 2%, 3% and 5% depending upon the product and country.

47) The Defence of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Exercise (DANX-2017) was conducted under aegis of Andaman & Nicobar Command from 20 to 24 November 2017. The main objective of the five day exercise was to practice and validate procedures and drills of all Command forces aimed at defending strategic Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Key Facts: Accretional forces from mainland including fighters, Special Forces, Naval ships and heavy lift transport aircraft participated in exercise. They collectively conducted fighter operations, night-para jumps at sea, slithering of troops from helicopters and amphibious landings of troops by ships. The purpose of the exercise was for adopting planning and precise execution of Command plans by forces in synergistic manner. It also aimed for being fully prepared for any eventuality in future.

48) State Bank of India (SBI), the largest commercial bank in India will soon launch country’s first integrated lifestyle and banking digital service platform named YONO (acronym for ‘You Only Need One’). YONO is first digital banking platform that will allow customers to meet their lifestyle needs across 14 categories including booking and renting cabs, entertainment, dining experience, travel and stay etc. Key Facts: YONO is path-breaking comprehensive digital product of SBI, developed using world’s latest digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning. The integrated omni-channel digital platform will offer an array of banking and financial services which can be accessed through mobile phones, both android and iOS and web portal through a browser. It will allow customers with smart phones to conduct basic banking like opening an instant account (with limited facilities) with as well as make investments. It will also enable it users to shop at various online stores. SBI will also use platform to sell its cards, life and general insurance and mutual funds etc. In future, it also plans to approve retail loans through this platform as well. SBI has tied up with over 60 merchants across 14 categories like healthcare, lifestyle, hospitality and auto among others for YONO.

49) The Sub-Committee of Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) reviewed major global and domestic developments that could impinge country’s financial stability. The sub-committee meeting was headed by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel. Key Facts: Sub-Committee of the FSDC also discussed setting up of National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE), operationalisation of information utilities registered by the IBBI, sharing of data among regulators and implementation status of Legal Entity Identifier (LEI). Besides, it also reviewed activities of its various technical groups as well as functioning of State Level Coordination Committees. Its recommendations on FinTech and digital innovations, shadow banking implementation group and Stewardship Code were also discussed. Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC): FSDC is super regulatory body for regulating financial sector which is vital for bringing healthy and efficient financial system in the economy. Its mandate is to strengthen and institutionalise mechanism of maintaining financial stability, financial sector development, inter-regulatory coordination along with monitoring macro-prudential regulation of economy. The Union Finance Minister is chairman of FSDC. Its members are heads of the financial sector regulatory authorities (i.e, RBI, SEBI, IRDA, PFRDA), Finance Secretary and/or Secretary, Department of Economic Affair; Secretary, Department of Financial Services, and Chief Economic Adviser.

50) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) conducted Multi State Mega Mock Tsunami Exercise 2017 along the entire East Coast in 31 coastal districts across four States. It was conducted through National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). The exercise was one of various activities conducted as part of observation of 2nd World Tsunami Awareness Day (observed on November 5). Key Facts: The exercise was simultaneously conducted in 31 coastal districts across four States – West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (UT) along entire East Coast. It aimed to assess and help improve preparedness, response mechanism and coordination among concerned agencies. It was for first time entire eastern coast will participate simultaneously in mock exercise. During it, disaster scenario simulating tsunami waves originating due to high-intensity earthquake near Andaman and Nicobar Islands causing massive tsunami along east coast of India was created. Officials from all important departments such as Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, health, education, firefighting, Civil Defense, electricity, transport, public relations, etc. participated in the exercise. The exercise helped participants to get familiarise with their responsibilities, actions required and also helped them to evaluate their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for tsunami warnings. Participants from 11 Pacific Island countries also observed exercise to take away key lessons and best practices for responding to disaster situation due to Tsunami. Background: Tsunami is a highly devastating natural hazard, and requires rapid response. India’s eastern coast is susceptible to both floods and tsunamis. The eastern coast of India had faced the devastating tsunami in December 2004 that claimed around 230000 lives. The devastating tsunami in Indian Ocean was formed due to high-intensity earthquake with its epicenter off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. It had affected lives and the natural environment in six countries in the region including India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Somalia and Thailand.

51) The Sub-Committee of Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) reviewed major global and domestic developments that could impinge country’s financial stability. The sub-committee meeting was headed by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel. Key Facts: Sub-Committee of the FSDC also discussed setting up of National Centre for Financial Education (NCFE), operationalisation of information utilities registered by the IBBI, sharing of data among regulators and implementation status of Legal Entity Identifier (LEI). Besides, it also reviewed activities of its various technical groups as well as functioning of State Level Coordination Committees. Its recommendations on FinTech and digital innovations, shadow banking implementation group and Stewardship Code were also discussed. Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC): FSDC is super regulatory body for regulating financial sector which is vital for bringing healthy and efficient financial system in the economy. Its mandate is to strengthen and institutionalise mechanism of maintaining financial stability, financial sector development, inter-regulatory coordination along with monitoring macro-prudential regulation of economy. The Union Finance Minister is chairman of FSDC. Its members are heads of the financial sector regulatory authorities (i.e, RBI, SEBI, IRDA, PFRDA), Finance Secretary and/or Secretary, Department of Economic Affair; Secretary, Department of Financial Services, and Chief Economic Adviser.

52) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) conducted Multi State Mega Mock Tsunami Exercise 2017 along the entire East Coast in 31 coastal districts across four States. It was conducted through National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). The exercise was one of various activities conducted as part of observation of 2nd World Tsunami Awareness Day (observed on November 5). Key Facts: The exercise was simultaneously conducted in 31 coastal districts across four States – West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (UT) along entire East Coast. It aimed to assess and help improve preparedness, response mechanism and coordination among concerned agencies. It was for first time entire eastern coast will participate simultaneously in mock exercise. During it, disaster scenario simulating tsunami waves originating due to high-intensity earthquake near Andaman and Nicobar Islands causing massive tsunami along east coast of India was created. Officials from all important departments such as Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), police, health, education, firefighting, Civil Defense, electricity, transport, public relations, etc. participated in the exercise. The exercise helped participants to get familiarise with their responsibilities, actions required and also helped them to evaluate their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for tsunami warnings. Participants from 11 Pacific Island countries also observed exercise to take away key lessons and best practices for responding to disaster situation due to Tsunami. Background: Tsunami is a highly devastating natural hazard, and requires rapid response. India’s eastern coast is susceptible to both floods and tsunamis. The eastern coast of India had faced the devastating tsunami in December 2004 that claimed around 230000 lives. The devastating tsunami in Indian Ocean was formed due to high-intensity earthquake with its epicenter off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. It had affected lives and the natural environment in six countries in the region including India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Somalia and Thailand.

53) India has sent proposal to the United Nations (UN) for declaring the year 2018 as ‘International Year of Millets’. If the proposal is agreed, it will raise awareness about millets among consumers, policy makers, industry and Research and Development (R&D) sector. Significance: Promotion of production and consumption of millets at global level will contribute substantially in fight against targeted hunger and mitigate effect of climate change in long run. Popularizing millets will benefit future generations of farmers as well as consumers. It has multiple untapped uses such as food, feed, biofuels and brewing. Therefore, millets are smart food and good for consumers, farmers and planet. Millets: Millet is a common term to categorize small-seeded grasses that are often termed nutri-cereals or dryland-cereals. It includes sorghum, ragi, pearl millet, small millet, proso millet, foxtail millet, barnyard millet, kodo millet and other millets. They are adapted to harsh environment of the semi-arid tropics and require low or no purchased inputs, thus they are backbone for dry land agriculture. 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: Anaemia (iron deficiency), pellagra (niacin 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 across Asia and sub-saharan Africa and. 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 the 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.

54) Lakhs of migratory birds have made their way to Chilika Lake (Odisha) after a long flight of thousands of miles. Major bird congregations were spotted in wetlands of Nalabana Bird Sanctuary inside Chilika and Mangalajodi, a major village on banks of lake. During winter season, migratory birds fly across continents from Caspian Sea, Baikal Lake and remote parts of Russia, Mongolia and Siberia and flock to the marshy lands of Nalabana Bird Sanctuary inside Chilika Lake, which is spread across over 1000 sq. km. Chilika Lake: Chilika Lake or lagoon is the largest coastal lagoon or brackish water lake in India and Asia and second largest lagoon in the world after New Caledonian barrier reef in New Caledonia, US. It spread over Puri, Khurda and Ganjam districts of Odisha state on east coast of India, covering an area of over 1,100 km2 at mouth of Daya River, flowing into Bay of Bengal. It is largest wintering ground for migratory waterfowl found anywhere on Indian sub-continent. It is one of the hotspot of biodiversity in country and some rare, vulnerable and endangered species listed in IUCN Red List of threatened Animals inhabit in lagoon for atleast part of their life cycle. It was designated as the first “Ramsar Site” of India on account of its rich bio-diversity and ecological significance. Nalaban Island within the lagoon is notified as Bird Sanctuary under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It also has been identified as a priority site for conservation and management.

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