• Home /Current Affairs / WBCS Current Affairs 27 January 2018 to 02 February 2018
  • WBCS Current Affairs 27 January 2018 to 02 February 2018
    Posted on March 10th, 2018 in Current Affairs, Weekly Current Affairs
    Tags:

    WBCS Current Affairs 27 January 2018 to 02 February 2018

    West Bengal Civil Service (Executive), popularly known as W.B.C.S.(Exe), is the civil service of the Indian state of West Bengal. For the W.B.C.S.(Exe) and other comparative posts, Public Service Commission of West Bengal arranges competitive examinations in three phases every year.Knowing the syllabus of W.B.C.S. Examination thoroughly is the first step towards this exam.The mains syllabus of W.B.C.S. is very descriptive.Following the previous years question papers are very important while preparing for this examination.1) India world’s largest democracy was ranked 42nd among 165 independent states on annual 2017 Global Democracy Index (GDI) released by UK-based company, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). India’s rank has slipped from 32nd in 2016 GDI and its overall score dropped 0.58 points from 7.81 to 7.23. Moreover, India was classified India as a flawed democracy in 2017 GDI. Global Democracy Index (GDI): The index ranks 165 independent states and 2 territories on basis of 60 indicators grouped in five different categories viz. electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, the functioning of government, political participation and political culture. It categories countries into four broad categories viz. full democracy, flawed democracy, hybrid regime and authoritarian regime based on their score on a scale from 0 to 10. It is released by EIU, a research and analysis division of UK- based media behemoth The Economist Group. Key Highlights of 2017 GDI: Top 10 countries in 2017 GDI: Norway, Iceland, Sweden, New Zealand, Denmark, Ireland, Canada, Australia, Finland and Switzerland. Top three positions on the list were occupied by Nordic countries. Top-ranked Norway was given overall score of 9.87 with perfect-ten scores for electoral process and pluralism; political participation; and political culture. Only top 19 countries have been classified as ‘full democracies’ Global Scenario: US (ranked 21), Japan, Italy, France, Israel, Singapore, and Hong Kong were named among ‘flawed democracies’. The hybrid regimes classified by it includes India’s neighbours Pakistan (110th), Bangladesh (92nd), Nepal (94th) and Bhutan (99th). Those named as ‘authoritarian regimes’ include China (139th), Myanmar (120th), Russia (135th) and Vietnam (140th). North Korea was ranked lowest at 167th and Syria second last at 166th place. India related Highlights: India’s overall score has fallen to 7.23 points, even as it scored well on electoral process and pluralism (9.17). It scored low on other four parameters—political culture, functioning of government, political participation and civil liberties. India was ranked 49th with regard to media freedom (measured this year by EIU), with its media being classified as ‘partly free’. The rise of conservative religious ideologies in India is another factor that has affected the country’s ranking. The strengthening of right-wing Hindu forces has led to rise of vigilantism and violence against minority communities, particularly Muslims, as well as other dissenting voices.Continue reading WBCS Current Affairs 27 January 2018 to 02 February 2018.

    2) Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the inaugural of first edition Khelo India School Games (KISG) open at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. Key Facts: The first KISG were held under the Khelo India Programme to highlight India’s young sporting talent and showcase India’s sports potential. It was held across 16 disciplines in Under-17 age category. 5,000 school children from 29 states and seven union territories participated in mega sporting event held from January 31 to February 8, 2018. Total of 199 gold medals, 199 silver medals and 275 bronze medals were awarded at first KISG. Khelo India Programme: The Khelo India programme was introduced by Ministry of Sports and Youth affairs to revive sports culture in India at grass-root level. Its objective is to build strong framework for all sports played in our country and establish India as great sporting nation. It is expected to help scout young talent from schools in various disciplines and groom them as future sports champions. Talented players will be identified under it in priority sports disciplines at various levels by High-Powered Committed and each will be provided annual financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh for 8 years.

    3) State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for first time has successfully flown home-made 5.8-tonne Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) with its own automatic flight control system. The 20 minute maiden flight of the multirole copter was flawless with the engagement of the flight control system throughout. Key Facts: The helicopter is powered by two Shakti engines and has many features of indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv. It also has day and night targeting systems for crew, including helmet-pointed sight and electro-optical pod. It is twin-seat chopper is equipped for day-and-night combat operations with digital camouflage system for stealth actions and is known for its agility. The indigenous flight control system of LCH developed by HAL will replace the imported one. The company has also indigenised attack helicopter’s display system or integrated architecture display system with involvement of private industry. So far HAL has built four technology demonstrators of LCH for flight testing. One of them also landed in forward bases at Siachen, located 5,400 metres above sea level in eastern Karakoram range of Himalayas. Background: HAL had received a request for proposal (RFP) on December 22 for the supply of 15 LCH from Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army. The deal was cleared by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in 2016 for purchase of 10 LCH for IAF and five for Indian Army. The LCH also participated in IAF’s Iron Fist exercise in March 2016 and had displayed its rocket-firing capabilities in weaponised configuration. The then Defence Minister Arun Jaitely had launched LCH production when it received the initial operational clearance.

    4) The Ministry of Railways has decided to set up of a massive rail coach factory in Latur district i.e. in Marathwada region of Maharashtra. It will help to generate employment opportunities and bring economic development in Marathwada region which is one of the most Backward Parts of Maharashtra. Key Facts: This plant will manufacture Electric Multiple Units for suburban trains and coaches for metros. Work on this plant will be done on high priority with fast track processing of all approvals. Maharashtra Government has offered several concessions for this project including in land, taxes and etc. This project will massively benefit ‘Make in India’ initiative and bring employment to large number of people. In addition, it will create industrial ecosystem in drought prone region of Marathawada, boosting shift from agriculture to industry. Background: Marathwada region where Latur lies is amongst most backward areas of Maharashtra. It may be noted that the region suffers from heavy migration to other parts of the country. There have been few central government projects in this region.

    5) Distinguished scientist Dinesh Srivastava took over as Chief Executive of Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC). He has succeeded G Kalyanakrishnan who retired on superannuation. Srivastava will also be Chairman of NFC board. Prior to this assignment, he was holding the position of Deputy Chief Executive at NFR. Dinesh Srivastava: He is a Metallurgical Engineer from University of Roorkee. He had joined 28th batch of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Training School in 1984. In his long career, Srivastava has worked for three decades at BARC, Mumbai and was senior Professor at Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI), Mumbai. He had obtained Doctorate degree from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. Srivastava has contributed for development of advanced structural materials of extreme strategic value for India’s nuclear energy programme. The focus of his work was on self-reliant development of critical nuclear components with target on Titanium, Zirconium, and low alloy steels. At NFC, Srivastava has played key role in achievement of record production of fuel assemblies, in addition to meeting production requirement of reactor components for forthcoming 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR), being constructed at Kalpakkam. He has won several awards and is life member of major nuclear science related national bodies. Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC): NFC is a major industrial unit of Department of Atomic Energy under Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). It was established in 1971 and is headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana. It is responsible for supply of nuclear fuel bundles and reactor core components for all nuclear power reactors operating in India. It is unique facility where natural and enriched uranium fuel, zirconium alloy cladding and reactor core components are manufactured under one roof starting from raw materials. Its products are supplied to DAE, Indian Navy, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and other defence organisations, as well as chemical, fertiliser industries.

    6) The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed senior bureaucrat Neelam Kapoor as Director General (DG) of the Sports Authority of India (SAI). ACC was headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, She is 1982 batch officer of Indian Information Service (IIS). At present, she is Principal Director General of the Directorate of Field Publicity. She was Principal Director General of Press Information Bureau (PIB) in UPA Government headed by then PM Manmohan Singh. As PIB chief, she was in-charge of information officers attached to every central government ministry. Sports Authority of India (SAI): SAI is an apex National Sports body set up in 1984 by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the development of sport in India. It conducts various activities and schemes to promote sports in India. It is headquartered at, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Delhi). SAI has 2 Sports Academic institutions, 10 SAI Regional Centres (SRC), 14 Centre of Excellence (COE/COX), 56 Sports Training Centres (STC) and 20 Special Area Games (SAG).

    7) According to New World Wealth Report, India was ranked sixth in list of wealthiest countries with total wealth of US $8,230 billion in 2017. The total wealth, refers to private wealth held by all individuals living in each country/city. It includes all their assets (property, cash, equities, business interests) less any liabilities. However it excludes government funds. Key Facts: Top 10 Wealthiest Countries are United States (1st, total wealth held US $ 64,584 billion), China (2nd, $24,803 billion), Japan (3rd, $19,522 billion), United Kingdom (4th, $9,919 billion), Germany (5th, $9,660 billion), France (7th, $6,649 billion), Canada (8th, $6,393 billion), Australia (9th, $6,142 billion) and Italy (10th, $4,276 billion). Meanwhile, during period under consideration global wealth rose by 12% (from US $192 trillion at the end of 2016 to US %215 trillion at the end of 2017) and China’s wealth saw an increase of 22% . India was best performing wealth market globally in 2017 as its total wealth swelled from US $6,584 billion in 2016 to US $8,230 billion in 2017, registering a 25% growth. Over the past decade (2007-2017) India’s total wealth increased from US $3,165 billion in 2007 to US $8,230 billion in 2017, a jump of 160%. India is home to 3,30,400 HNWIs (individuals with US $1 million or more in net assets). Globally, India was ranked 9th in this aspect while US topped the list with 50,47,400 HNWIs (high-net-worth individuals). India is also home to 20,730 multi-millionaires, 7th largest in world and in terms of resident billionaires (individuals with US $1 billion or more in net assets), India with 119 such individuals was named among the top three countries globally, after US and China.

    8) India and Pakistan have extended agreement of Thar Link Express, second solitary rail service between both countries for three more years i.e. till 2021. The Thar Express links Jodhpur (India) and Karachi (Pakistan) via Munabao (Rajasthan)-Khokhrapar (Sindh province) border crossing and carries only passengers. Thar Link Express is Indian portion of international passenger train operated weekly by Indian Railway using its own coaches and locomotives, between Jodhpur and Munabao. Passengers from Munabao clear customs and are transported to across border to Zero Point station where Thar Express takes passengers to Karachi, Pakistan. Background: The agreement to link the two countries by rail service through Munabao-Khokhrapar link was signed in 2006 to facilitate people-to-people contact. It was set to expire in March 2018, but has now been extended to January 31, 2021. The Munabao-Khokhrapar link was destroyed during 1965 war between two countries but the service was again revived after 41 years in February 2006. India and Pakistan Rail service: India and Pakistan currently have only two trans-border trains. They are: Samjhauta Express: Operates on Delhi-Lahore route via Attari-Wagah border crossing. It carries both passengers and freight. Thar Express: It links Jodhpur (India) and Karachi (Pakistan) via Munabao-Khokhrapar border crossing. It carries only passengers.

    9) Indian Navy has launched Scorpene submarine INS Karanj at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai, Maharashtra. It the third Scorpene class submarine built by MDL under ambitious Project 75 of the Indian Navy. INS Karanj has been named after older submarine as per Indian naval tradition that was in operation from 1969 to 2003. It served country for 34 years and was also part of operations in 1971. Key Facts: INS Karanj has an overall length of 67.5 metres and height of about 12.3 metres. Its hull form, fin and hydroplanes are specifically designed to produce minimum underwater resistance. In all, six scorpion submarines being indigenously built at MDL under Project 75 with help of French naval defence and energy company DCNS. The first of these, INS Kalvari was commissioned in December 2017 and second, INS Khanderi is undergoing sea trials. Remaining 4 submarines will be inducted gradually by 2020. These are diesel-electric attack submarines equipped with anti-ship missile. The first four submarines will be conventional, while last two will be equipped with the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, which will enable them to stay underwater for longer duration. The state-of-the-art Scorpene submarines have superior stealth and ability to launch crippling attacks with precision-guided weapons. The attacks can be carried out with torpedoes both while submerged or on urface — in all war theatres, including the tropics.

    10) The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has launched third version of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM 3.0) . The earlier version GeM 2.0 was launched as pilot project in August 2016. GeM 3.0 will offer standardised and enriched catalogue management, powerful search engine, real time price comparison, template-based Bid and RA creation, demand aggregation, e-EMD, e-PBG, user rating, advanced MIS and analytics and more. Government e-Marketplace (GeM): GeM is an Online Market platform to facilitate procurement of goods and services by various Ministries and agencies of the Government. It has been envisaged as National Procurement Portal of India. It aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement of goods and services and eliminate corruption. It functions under Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D), Ministry of Commerce and Industries. It is completely paperless, cashless and system driven e-market place that enables procurement of common use goods and services with minimal human interface. GeM 3.0: It has powerful search engine and price comparison using third party sites – multisource and real time. It has performance based User Rating and online vendor assessment (optional). It has market based-bundling and bunching of products and services. It also has multi-Cart Functionality and offers more Services with bid and RA Facility. Benefits of GeM 3.0: Completely transparent transactions across all ranges. Market Based generic requirements across all government agencies. Open and dynamic market place with rating based on performance of user on website. Generic standards established through universal service levels and cost comparison enabled. Standardisation of specifications of both products and services enabling empirical price comparability.

    11) Ministry of Earth Science (MoES) has inaugurated high performance computer system (HPC) or supercomputer Mihir (meaning sun) at National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Noida. The HCP will provide facility for improving weather/climate forecasts. It is country’s largest HPC facility in terms of peak capacity and performance. It also propelled India’s ranking to Top 30 in the list of HPC facilities in world. Key Facts: With this, MoES has acquired HPC facility total of 6.8 Peta Flops (PF) which has been installed at two of its constituent units: 4.0 PF HPC facility named ‘Pratyush’ at Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune and 2.8 Peta Flops facility at NCMRWF, Noida. It also improved India rank to 4th position after Japan, UK and US interms of dedicated HPC resources for weather/climate forecasts. Mihir HPC facility will improve following services: Weather forecasts at block level over India which can predict extreme weather events. High resolution seasonal and extended range forecasts of active and break spells of Monsoon. Very high resolution coupled models for prediction of cyclones with more accuracy and lead time. Ocean state forecasts including marine water quality forecasts at very high resolution. Tsunami forecasts with greater lead time. Air quality forecasts for various cities. Climate projections at very high resolution. Significance of new HPC facility: Help in meeting operational requirements of MoES and also support research and development activities on various problems related to Earth Science. Help MoES in developing several services for societal benefits catering by building state-of-the-art systems for multi-hazard risk reduction from floods/droughts, cyclones, heat/cold waves, earthquakes and tsunamis.

    12) The Union Government has inked $250 Million Loan Agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to Improve Rural Connectivity in 5 States viz. Assam, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The loan proceeds will be used to finance the construction of 6,254 kilometres all-weather rural roads in these 5 States under the PMGS). Key Facts: It is first tranche Loan of the $500 million Second Rural Connectivity Investment Program for India approved by the ADB Board in December 2017. The program is aimed to improve rural connectivity, facilitate safer and more efficient access to livelihood and socio-economic opportunities for rural communities through improvements to about 12,000 kms Rural Roads across 5 States. Significance of ADB-funded investment program: Provide continued assistance to PMGSY and support the Government’s long-term goal for rural development. It will have transformative impact in terms of rural economy and will bring greater efficiency in terms of access and connectivity for rural people in 5 States. Under it about 2,000 technical personnel will be imparted training on road safety and maintenance. It will also support Government’s drive for innovative approaches to reduce costs, conserve non-renewable natural resources and promote use of waste materials in rural road construction. It builds upon $800 million ADB-financed first Rural Connectivity Investment Program in 2012 that added about 9,000 kms of all-weather rural roads in the same States. The road designs under it take into account climate risks (such as increased rainfall and storm surges) with measures such as greater elevation of road embankments, slope protection, and better drainage. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): PMGSY was launched in year 2000 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with an objective to provide single all-weather road connectivity to all eligible unconnected rural villages (habitations). The Union Ministry of Rural Development is nodal implementing authority. It was fully funded scheme by the central government.

    13) NITI Aayog member Dr Vinod Paul became first Indian to be awarded prestigious IhsanDoğramacı Family Health Foundation Prize by World Health Organisation (WHO). It will be formally presented at World Health Assembly to be held in Geneva, Switzerland in May 2018. Background: He was selected unanimously for the prestigious award by WHO Board from six other shortlisted candidates from Algeria, China, Malaysia, Mexico, Russian Federation, Uzbekistan for distinguished contributions towards improving the health and well-being of families, especially in developing countries. Dr Vinod Paul: Dr Paul is internationally renowned researcher, clinician, educator and public health advocate in the area of family health, with special focus on newborn health. His efforts have brought long-neglected issue of newborn health to centre-stage of strategies for Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He is instrumental in establishing the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health in 2005-06. He is recognized world over as leading expert in universal health coverage and human resources for health. He has played key role in formulating national child health guidelines and programmes in India. Prior to joining as Member, NITI Aayog, he was head of the Department of Pediatrics at AIIMS, New Delhi. He has published numerous articles on various issues, including on children’s, women’s and adolescents’ health, in international peer-reviewed journals and several books and monographs. His book on paediatrics is standard textbook for medical students in India and several other countries. IhsanDoğramacı Family Health Foundation Prize: WHO’s IhsanDoğramacı Family Health Foundation Prize is global honour conferred in recognition to services in field of family health. It was established in 1980 to promote and raise standard of family health by acknowledging individuals who have given distinguished service in this field. It is named after Professor Ihsan Doğramacı, a paediatrician and child health specialist.

    14) The Union Government has inked $100 million Loan Agreement with World Bank for Project to Boost Rural Economy of Tamil Nadu. The loan is from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and has a 5-year grace period and maturity of 19 years. Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project: The project aims to promote rural enterprises, facilitate their access to finance and create employment opportunities for youth, particularly women in selected blocks of Tamil Nadu across 26 districts. It will create enabling environment for producer organizations and enterprises to promote businesses across select value chains. The project will be operational in 120 blocks across 3,994 villages in 26 Districts of Tamil Nadu with 411,620 direct beneficiaries. It will be rolled out in phased manner and in first phase 26 blocks will covered in all project districts, followed by 52 blocks in second phase and remaining 42 blocks in third phase. Under this project, communities will identify commodities and subsectors in the value chain for preparing business plans based on the analysis. 30% of the financing for these s plans will be through matching grant program from project and remaining 70% will be leveraged from other financial institutions. The project will work with targeted households that are already part of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). It will also specifically support eligible households from socially and culturally disadvantaged groups to harness their existing assets, skills, and resources. It will also test selected innovations and start-up ideas or scaled up them under newly created platform known as Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Marketplace. This platform will identify, showcase and celebrate innovative solutions related to themes that have potential to impact rural economic growth in state. Moreover, it will have e-governance architecture with use of ICT along with a robust Management Information System (MIS) to monitor and track results real time.

    15) Legendary Bengali actor Soumitra Chatterjee (83) was awarded France’s highest civilian award, Legion d’Honneur. He was presented the medal by French Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler at a function in Kolkata, West Bengal. Chatterjee was awarded in recognition of his remarkable career and his outstanding contribution in promoting Indian cinema in France and his long-standing attraction for our country. Soumitra Chatterjee: He was born on 19 January 1935 in Mirjapur Street, Calcutta in West Bengal. In his acting career spanning almost six decades, he has acted in more than 200 films. He had debuted in his mentor Satyajit Ray’s film Apur Sansar (1959) and went on to work with director in 14 films. Besides acting, he has also dabbled in painting, written and directed plays, composed poems, edited Bengali magazine and is also a much-acclaimed elocutionist. He has been awarded Padma Bhushan (2004), India’s highest award in cinema Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2012). In 1999, he became first Indian to be awarded with Commandeur de l’ Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, France’s highest award for artistes. Legion d’Honneur: Officier de la Légion d’Honneur (Officer of the Legion of Honour) was created in 1802 by first emperor of France Napoleon Bonaparte. It is the highest civilian award given by the French government to person for his outstanding service to France, regardless of the nationality. Actors Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan were also awarded in 2007 and 2014. Other Indians who were also awarded are Amartya Sen, Ravi Shankar, Zubin Mehta, Lata Mangeshkar, JRD Tata and Ratan Tata among others.

    16) According to recent report published by World Steel Association (WSA), India has overtaken US to become the world’s third largest steel producer in 2017. India’s crude steel production has grown by 6.2% to 101.4 million tonnes (MT) in 2017 compared to 95.5 MT in the previous year. Key Facts: China has remained world leader by producing 831.7 MT in 2017, up 5.7% from 786.9 MT in the year-ago period. Japan is second largest global steel producer and had witnessed negative growth in steel output declined by 0.1% to 104.7 MT in 2017 from 104.8 MT in 2016. The Global steel production had reached 1,691.2 MT in 2017, up by 5.3% compared to 2016 when output was 1,606.3 MT. Crude steel production increased in all regions in 2017 except in CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), which has remained stable. World Steel Association (WSA): WSA is a non-profit organisation and is one of the largest industry associations in world. Its members represent approximately 85% of the world’s steel production. It includes over 160 steel producers with 9 of the 10 largest steel companies, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. It was founded in July 1967 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

    17) President Ram Nath Kovind has called for simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies. He made this state while addressing the joint sitting of Parliament on the commencement of the Budget Session. He made this statement arguing that frequent elections impede speed of development as officials have to assist in conducting polls. He called for sustained debate on subject of simultaneous elections and urged all political parties to arrive at consensus on this issue. Need for simultaneous elections: Frequent elections affect the governance as imposition of model code of conduct in poll bound areas puts on hold all developmental activities on that area and also affects the bureaucracy’s functioning. Elections in India are big-budget exercise. Expenditure can be reduced by conducting simultaneous elections. Law Commission in its 170th report titled Reform of Electoral Laws (1999) had suggested holding simultaneous elections at all levels for stability in governance. Frequent elections disrupt normal public life and affect functioning of essential services. Moreover, frequent elections lead to frequent disruption of road traffic by political rallies and also lead to noise pollution. Crucial manpower especially teachers is often deployed on election duties for prolonged period of time. If simultaneous elections are held, then this manpower will be made available for other important tasks. Difficulties: Not all voters are highly educated to know who to vote for. They may get confused and may not know whether they are voting for candidates contesting assembly or parliament elections. Frequent elections bring politicians back to the voters, create jobs (though temporary) and prevent the mixing of local and national issues in the minds of the voters. The issue of logistics and requirement of security personnel, election and administrative officials needs to be considered. There is dearth of enough security and administrative officials to conduct simultaneous free and fair elections throughout the country in one go. Mostly elections in big states are held various phases mainly due to security concerns. If this is situation, holding simultaneous elections for all the states, it may need to be held in many phases stretching over many months. Background: The idea of ‘one nation one election’ has been proposed for many years starting with Law Commission suggestion in 1999. Most recently, Parliament’s standing committee 2015 report suggested holding simultaneous election to save public money and end policy paralysis because of impact of the model code of conduct. It had pegged the cost of holding elections for Lok Sabha and state assemblies at Rs. 4500 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had pitched for this idea.

    18) Journalists and social activists celebrated 238th anniversary of India’s first newspaper the Hicky’s Bengal Gazette. 29 January is also celebrated Hicky’s Day to pay tributes to the fighter-journalist James Augustus Hicky who is considered as founder of journalism in India. Hicky’s Bengal Gazette: Hicky’s Bengal Gazette (Original Calcutta General Advertiser) was an English language weekly newspaper published in Kolkata (then Calcutta), the then capital of British India. It was founded by James Augustus Hicky. It began publication on January 29, 1780 and was published for two years. It was the first newspaper printed in Asia. The newspaper in its time was strong critic of administration of Governor General Warren Hastings. It was important for its provocative journalism well before its time and its fight for free expression in India.

    19) Himachal Pradesh Government has launched Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) project to promote organic farming. It was launched by Chief Minister, Jai Ram Thakur. The project aims to increase agriculture produce and the income of farmers by the year 2022. Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF): ZBNF is set of natural farming methods where cost of growing and harvesting plants is zero. It is a farming practice that believes in natural growth of crops without adding any fertilizers and pesticides or any other foriegn elements. It is different from organic farming. The word Zero Budget refers to zero net cost of production of all crops. This means that farmers need not purchase fertilizers and pesticides in order to ensure the healthy growth of crops. The inputs used for seed treatments and other inocluations are locally available in form of cowdung and cow urine. It requires almost no monetary investment and envisages use of ‘Jeevamrutha’ and ‘Beejamrutha’. The main aim of ZBNF is eliminate use of chemical pesticides and uses biological pesticides and promote of good agronomic practices. Farmers use earthworms, cow dung, urine, plants, human excreta and such biological fertilizers for crop protection. It lowers cost of inputs of farmers and gives better capacity to increase the incomes. It also protects soil from degradation and helps in retaining soil fertility and is climate change resilient.

    20) The India-Vietnam Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX-2018) was conducted at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. It is the first military exercise between the two countries. The six day-long military exercise (from January 29 to February 3, 2018) was conducted as part of joint training undertaken with friendly foreign countries by Indian Army. Key Facts: VINBAX-2018 was Table Top Exercise to carry out training for Peace Keeping Operations under United Nations (UN) mandate. It was jointly undertaken between 15 officers each from Indian Army and Vietnam People’s Army. The joint exercise was especially designed to enable and train officers from Vietnam in United Nations Peace Keeping Operations. The joint exercise was of mutual interaction and shared experiences amongst both armies. It also further strengthened cultural and historical ties between both nations and took bilateral relations forward to greater heights. Background: Defence ties between India and Vietnam have been on an upswing with the primary focus being cooperation in the maritime domain. Both countries had signed a protocol on defence cooperation in 1994. The partnership was thereafter elevated to strategic level in 2007 and pact on boosting bilateral defence cooperation was signed in 2009. The strategic partnership was elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership in September 2016.

    21) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is interested in new India-made thermal spray coating technology used for gas turbine engine in spacecraft. It has been developed by Dr. Satish Tailor, Rajasthan-based researcher working with Jodhpur-based Metallizing Equipment Company (MEC). Key Facts: The technology is called controlled segmented Yttria-Stabilised Zirconia (YSZ)-Plasma sprayed coating technology. It has potential to reduce thermal spray coating cost by almost 50%. It develops vertical cracks (segmentation) in coating, beneficial for gas turbine engine application used in spacecraft. The new technology has advantage over current, costly techniques such as SPS or EB-PVD deposited coatings. These present technologies develop such cracks through very expensive processes (in several crore) and are not controllable. Significance: The YSZ thermal barrier coatings produced by atmospheric plasma sprayed (APS) technique has potential of wider industrial and strategic acceptability. It can be industrially adopted to make a strain-tolerant coating more economical. Thermal Spray Coating Technology: Thermal spray coating refers to number of processes in which substrate is coated to improve functional performance. It involves the deposition of coatings from stream of high velocity finely divided particles in molten or semi-molten state impinging onto the substrate. Many types of coating materials can be applied by thermal spray processes. These coatings can range in thickness from thousandth of inch up to eighth of inch. Thermal spray coatings are used to protect parts from wear, abrasion, corrosion, high temperatures, etc. and also to build dimensions on undersized parts.

    22) Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman gave away Republic Day Parade 2018 best tableau award to Maharashtra and best marching contingent award to Punjab Regiment Contingent. The ceremonial Republic Day Parade 2018 was held on 26 January 2018 at Rajpath to celebrate 69th Republic Day. It was presided over by President Ram Nath Kovind and 10 leaders of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) were guests of honour. India’s military might was fully displayed during the annual celebrations. Total of 23 tableaux (14 from States & Union Territories, 2 from Ministry of External Affairs and rest of the tableaux from other Ministries/Departments) participated in this year’s Republic Day Parade. Ministry of External Affairs 2 tableaux depicted long socio-cultural, religious, educational & trade relations between India and 10 ASEAN countries. Republic Day Parade 2018 Awards: Best marching contingent. Among Three Services: Punjab Regiment (1st). Among para-military and other auxiliary forces: Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Best Tableau State wise- First: Tableau from Maharashtra depicting coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was awarded first prize. Second: Tableau from Assam depicting traditional masks and sastras begged second prize. Third: Tableau of Chhattisgarh depicting Ramgarh’s ancient amphitheatre along with artistes performing dance, based on Kalidasa’s Meghadootam was awarded third prize. Union Ministries/Departments Category: Tableaux of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports depicting ‘Khelo India’ was given first prize. School children items category: First prize: South Central Zone Cultural Centre, Nagpur (Maharashtra) performing ‘Baredi Dance’ from Madhya Pradesh. Consolation prizes: It was awarded to North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur (Nagaland) for performing Sangrai Mog Dance of Tripura and Oxford Foundation School, Najafgarh, Delhi for performing Shikshit Bharat, Shashakt Bharat dance.

    23) Swiss tennis player Roger Federer (World No. 2) has retained his Men’s Singles title by winning 2018 Australian Open. In the summit clash played at Melbourne, he defeated Croatia’s Marin Cilic (World no. 6) in five sets 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. It was Federer’s sixth Australian Open Crown (earlier won in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2017) and overall 20th Grand Slam singles titles. With this, he joins elite group of Margaret Court, Serena Williams and Steffi Graf who have won 20 or more Grand Slam singles titles. Other Category Winners: Women’s Singles: Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) won women’s Singles title in 2018 Australian Open by defeating Simona Halep (Romania) by 7–6(7–2), 3–6, 6–4 score. Men’s Doubles: Oliver Marach (Austria) and Mate Pavić (Croatia) pair won the title by defeating Juan Colombian pair of Sebastián Cabal and Robert Farah by 6–4, 6–4 score. Women’s Doubles: Tímea Babos (Hungary) and Kristina Mladenovic (France) pair won the title by defeating Russian pair of Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina by 6–4, 6–3 score. Mixed Doubles: Gabriela Dabrowski (Canada) and Mate Pavić (Croatia) pair won the title by defeating Tímea Babos (Hungary) and Rohan Bopanna (India) by 2–6, 6–4, [11–9] score.

    24) The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued notification to provide quota to people with autism, mental illnesses, intellectual disability and victims of acid attacks in Central government jobs. In case of direct recruitment, 4% of the total number of vacancies, up from existing 3%, in groups A, B and C will be reserved for people with Benchmark disability i.e. person with not less than 40% of a specified disability. The additional 1 % reservation to existing 3% reservation is as per the provision Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. Key Facts: As per the notification, 1% of each posts will be reserved for people with blindness and low vision, deaf and hard of hearing, locomotor disability including cerebral palsy, leprosy cured, dwarfism, acid attack victims and muscular dystrophy. Besides, 1% posts each shall be also reserved for people suffering from autism, intellectual disability, specific learning disability and mental illness. Moreover, all government organisations will have to appoint ‘grievance redressal officers’ to look into complaints. Intellectual disability: It is a condition characterised by significant limitations both in intellectual functioning such as reasoning, learning and problem solving. It is in adaptive behaviour that covers a range of everyday skills.

    25) Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) has launched Stree Swabhiman Initiative. Its aim is to create sustainable model for providing adolescent girls and women an access to affordable sanitary products by leveraging Common Service Centres (CSCs). Stree Swabhiman Initiative: Under this initiative, Common Service Centres (CSC) will provide access to affordable, reliable and modern (eco-friendly) sanitary napkins (menstrual pads) to adolescent girls and women in rural areas. Its purpose is to improve awareness on menstrual health and hygiene of women, thus help to protect dignity and rights of women. Under this initiative, semi-automatic and manual sanitary napkin manufacturing units will be set up at CSC for producing affordable and eco-friendly sanitary napkins. These micro manufacturing units will be operated by women entrepreneurs and generate employment for 8-10 women. Common Service Centres: CSCs are ICT enabled front end service delivery points at the village level for delivery of government and private services. They are a strategic cornerstone of the Digital India programme. They are the access points for delivery of various electronic services to villages in India.

    26) India and Cambodia have signed four agreements to boost bilateral cooperation between both countries. The agreements were signed after comprehensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Hun Sen in New Delhi. Key Takeaways from comprehensive talks: Defence, security and counter-terrorism: Both leaders held talks to boost ties in key areas of defence, security and counter-terrorism and called for concerted global efforts to eliminate terrorism, including blocking terror financing and dismantling terrorist bases. Enhance bilateral defence ties: They agreed to further enhance bilateral defence ties, including through exchanges of senior-level defence personnel and capacity building projects. They also discussed exploring ways to intensify development partnership and boost ties in key sectors, including trade and investment, energy conservation, agriculture, and tourism and culture. Maritime Security: They also expressed keen interest in enhancing cooperation in maritime domain, including preservation of coastal and marine environment, anti-piracy cooperation, security of sea lanes of communication to maintain peace and ensure safety and security of navigation in Indo-Pacific Region. They also supported complete freedom of navigation and overflight and pacific resolution of maritime issues based on international law. Agreements signed are: Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP): It seeks to promote cultural exchange and strengthen the friendly relations between both countries. Credit Line Agreement: It was signed between India’s EXIM Bank Government of Cambodia for Line of Credit (LoC) to finance Stung Sva Hab Water Resource Development Project for US$ 36.92 million. Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters: It seeks to improve effectiveness of both countries in prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes through cooperation and legal assistance in criminal matters. MoU on Cooperation for Prevention of Human Trafficking: It seeks to increase bilateral cooperation on issues of prevention, rescue and repatriation related to human trafficking. Background: India-Cambodia bilateral relations are warm and cordial. The relations go back to 1st century AD when Hindu and Buddhist religious and cultural influences emanated out of India to various parts of Southeast Asia. Cambodians are predominantly Buddhist but retain strong influence of Hindu mythology, rituals and idolatry.

    27) President Ram Nath Kovind has launched Pulse Polio Immunization (PPI) Programme for year 2018 by administering polio drops to children at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The event was organised on the eve of the National Immunisation Day (NID), observed on 28 January. More than 17 crore children of less than 5 years across the country will be given polio drops as part of Government’s drive to eradicate polio from the country. Pulse Polio Immunization (PPI): PPI Programme is massive immunization programme of Government to sustain polio eradication from the country. It was launched by Central Government in co-operation with international agencies, state governments and non-government/voluntary organizations in 1995 as result of World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Polio Eradication Initiative. PPI Programme was initiated with objective of achieving 100% coverage under OPV. It aims to reach unreached children through improved social mobilization, plan mop-up operations in areas where poliovirus has almost disappeared and maintain high level of morale among the public. Under this programme, all children under 5 years are given 2 doses of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in month of December and January every year until polio is eradicated. Polio: Polio (Poliomyelitis) is a highly infectious viral disease, which mainly affects young children below age of 5. It is transmitted from person-to-person. It mainly spreads through faecal-oral route (e.g. contaminated water or food). After entering body, it multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and can cause paralysis. Its initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in limbs. In some cases, it causes permanent paralysis. There is no cure for polio, it can only be prevented by immunization.

    28) India and Lao PDR have signed civil aviation cooperation agreement for providing SkyRev360, a comprehensive e-data gathering, invoicing and collection system. The agreement was signed between Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Lao Air Traffic Management, Department of Civil Aviation. SkyRev360: SkyRev360 is fully automated and comprehensive data gathering invoicing and collection service system. It has been developed by AAI in collaboration with International Air Transport Association (IATA) under the Government’s Make in India initiative. It helps to eliminate inaccuracies errors and delays for better revenue management with less manual processing. It was launched in February 2017 by AAI. It helps airport operators world-wide in avoiding revenue leakages, reducing redundancies, disputes and easy integration with all external systems. It also helps in curtailing the debt collection period to the minimum. Features: Data gathering and processing module: It can ensure essential data of invoices latest and most complete. Invoicing module: It maintains all account attributes and allows for extensive view of associated data, including aircraft specifications, flight movements, billing ledger records, etc. Collection: Its all data collections are managed with IATA Enhancement & Financing Services (E&F) process, which offers efficiencies and automation to air navigation service providers (ANSPs) and airlines by settling through IATA Settlement Systems. Airline queries: All queries and disputes related to billing and collection from your air operators are handled by IATA team. Dashboard and reports: It continuously reports incidents, airspace usage, traffic volumes, economic values etc.

    29) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on four-day official state visit to Palestine, Oman and UAE in February 2018. This will be the first ever visit by Indian Prime Minister to Palestine and PM Modi’s second visit to UAE and first to Oman. During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with the leadership in the countries on “matters of mutual interest with their leaders, apart from participating in other events. Key Facts: Palestine visit: PM Modi will hold meeting with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, who had visited India last May 2017 when India had reassured unwavering support towards Palestinian cause. PM Modi’s visit to Palestine comes less than month after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s India trip in January 2018. UAE visit: PM Modi will hold talks with the leadership on key issues of defence, security and trade. He will also address Sixth World Government Summit to be held in Dubai at which India is ‘Guest of Honour’. He will also meet the Indian community. Oman visit: During the visit, PM Modi’s focus will be on intensifying cooperation in key sectors such as trade and defence. He will also meet the Indian community. Bilateral trade and investment between India and Oman remain robust and buoyant. It saw decline during 2014-15 and 2015-16, has resumed its upward trend with an increase of 3.6% from $3.8 billion in 2015-16 to $4 billion in 2016-17.

    30) Noted agricultural scientist and pioneer of India’s Green Revolution, Gurcharan Singh Kalkat (92), passed away in Chandigarh after a brief illness. He was known for his role in bringing Green Revolution and several exemplary agricultural reforms in Punjab. His contribution had ensured overall development and a phenomenal growth in the agriculture sector. Gurcharan Singh Kalkat: He was born in Hoshiarpur’s Sahora village on June 17, 1926. He had obtained his BSc Agriculture degree from Punjab Agriculture College, Lyallpur (now Pakistan) in 1947. He had joined Ohio State University in January 1957 as a Rockfeller Fellow and had completed his PhD in agricultural zoology-entomology in December 1958. He was later honoured with Distinguished International Student Award of the university. Kalkat also had worked as a senior agriculturist with the World Bank and was stationed at Washington DC from 1978-1989. During this period, he worked on agriculture and rural development programmes of Nigeria and Ghana where he was pioneer in introducing shallow tubewells for irrigation and hand pumps for drinking water. He also supervised implementation of World Bank assisted programmes in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Indonesia. During his tenure as director agriculture, Punjab and agriculture commissioner (additional secretary), India had witnessed Green Revolution. He also had held reins of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana as its vice chancellor from 1998 to 2001. He was awarded Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for his work.

    31) Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle (84) was chosen for fifth edition of Yash Chopra Memorial Award for her outstanding contribution to the Hindi film industry. She will be presented with award in February 2018 by Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao. She was selected by jury members comprising Chopra’s wife Pamela Chopra, filmmakers Boney Kapoor, Madhur Bhandarkar, singer Alka Yagnik, actor Padmini Kohlapure, scriptwriter Honey Irani, Anu and Shashi Ranjan. Asha Bhosle: Born as Asha Mangeshkar on 8 September 1933 in Sangli, Maharashtra. She is best known as a playback singer in Hindi cinema. In her illustrious music career spanning nearly seven decades she has recorded over 11,000 songs in 20 different languages. Her work includes film music, pop, ghazals, bhajans, traditional Indian classical music, folk songs, qawwalis, and Rabindra Sangeets. She is sister of playback singer Lata Mangeshkar. Yash Chopra Memorial Award: The award has been instituted by MP T Subbarami Reddy in the memory of renowned filmmaker Yash Chopra, who died in 2012, in association with Anu Ranjan and Shashi Ranjan. The award also carries a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh. The list of previous recipients of award include melody queen Lata Mangeshkar and actors Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, and Shah Rukh Khan.

    32) The World Leprosy Day is observed internationally every year on last Sunday of January month to raise global awareness of Leprosy. This year it was observed on 28 January. Observance of the day focuses on target of zero cases of leprosy-related disabilities in children. The day was initiated by French philanthropist and writer, Raoul Follereau in 1954 as way to raise global awareness of this deadly ancient disease and call attention to the fact that it can be prevented, treated and cured. Leprosy: Leprosy (also known as Hansen’s disease) is one of the oldest diseases known to humankind. It is caused by by a slow-growing type of bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae), which multiplies very slowly in the human body. The bacterium has a long incubation period (on average 5 years or longer). The disease affects nerve endings and destroys the body’s ability to feel pain and injury. It is chronic granulomatous disease that mainly affects skin and peripheral nervous system. It can also affect the eyes and respiratory system. It is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT). Treatment provided in the early stages averts disability. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), despite being eliminated globally as public health problem in 2000, leprosy continues to mar lives of individuals, and impacts families and communities. In 2015, Leprosy affected 212 000 more people globally of them 60% were in India.

    33) Kolkata, capital of West Bengal became first metro city in India to get floating market. It was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The floating market is located on lake at Patuli in South Kolkata which is 400 metres long and 60 metres wide. The lake has been transformed into the floating market similar to the one in Thailand. Key Facts: The aim of floating market is to rehabilitate over 200 shopkeepers from nearby market that was demolished for the widening of Eastern Metropolitan Bypass (EMB) — an important road that connects the northern parts of Kolkata o the eastern and southern tips. The market will host at least 114 boats, each one accommodating two shops. These shops will sell regular or daily-use items that include vegetables, fruits, flowers, fish and meat and poultry. Shoppers can approach these boats through wooden walkways. Special provisions have been made to ensure that water in lake does not stink and the aquatic life survives. Nets will be routinely used to fish out vegetable peel, fish scales and other waste from the water. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA) is executing agency of floating market.

    34) Punjab Government has launched Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Vikas Yojna (MGSVY) for the welfare of the downtrodden citizen across the state. This scheme is aimed at the inclusive growth of the distressed sections of the society. It will be on the line of Antyodaya principles (Antyodaya’ means rise of the last person) and will be implemented in the state’s rural areas. Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Vikas Yojna (MGSVY): The objective of scheme is to identify poor and distressed households which have been deprived of the benefits of the various welfare schemes launched by state government. It will give distressed sections much need socially or economically or psychologically help. Its purpose is to benefit 18 marginalized sections living in rural areas of state. It will provide benefit of welfare schemes for debt stressed farmers, poor families that have woman as sole bread earner, out-of-school children, martyred soldiers, families of AIDS patients, differently-abled, abandoned old persons, drug addicts etc. It aims to will give more focus on encouraging voluntary organizations, various civil society organizations, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and other socially committed persons to contribute to the welfare of the downtrodden. Moreover, under the scheme will be no financial implication.

    35) India has announced to host informal Ministerial meeting of World Trade Organisation (WTO) in March 2018 in New Delhi to muster support for issues and also help to multi-lateral process. It was announced by Deepak Jagdish Saksena, India’s ambassador and permanent representative to WTO during informal WTO ministerial gathering at Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual summit. Key Facts: About 40 WTO members from both rich and developing nations are being called by India for this informal meeting to “revitalise” the multi-lateral trade body. The objective of meeting is to discuss ways to revitalise WTO to ensure predictable and transparent system of rule-making in the area of international trade. The meeting will be taking place after collapse of the WTO 11th Ministerial Conference (MC 11) held in Buenos Aires in December 2017. It will be held in backdrop of rich nations forming groupings to prepare ground for pushing new issues such as investment facilitation, preparing rules for e-commerce, promoting gender equality, reducing subsidy on fisheries, unreported and unregulated fishing. Background: India has been keenly pushing agriculture issues including permanent solution on public stockholding issue for food security at WTO Ministerial Conferences. It has also been raising its voice against bringing new issues proposed by developed countries, especially those which are not directly linked to trade. India had expressed its disappointment over US’s refusal to agree on public stockholding issue at recently concluded WTO’s MC 11 in Buenos Aires, Argentina in December 2017. The MC 11 had concluded in deadlock without any substantial outcome as consensus eluded the 164-member body. The deadlock came after US and other developed countries blocked permanent solution on government stockholding for food security purposes and toughened stand on new issues by India and other developing countries. US also had refused to re-affirm the multilateralism and the Doha development mandate in MC11.

    36) The Union Finance Ministry has relaxed norms of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) to allow small finance banks and payment banks to offer APY distribution. The move is expected to help expand coverage of the scheme and strengthen existing channels of APY distribution. Key Facts: The APY scheme follows same investment pattern as applicable to National Pension Scheme (NPS) contribution of Central government employees. During financial year 2016-17, the scheme has earned return of 13.91%. There are more than 84 lakh subscribers registered under APY scheme with an asset base of more than Rs. 3,194 crore. At present 233 Banks and Department of Post are involved with the implementation of the scheme. With relaxation of the norms, now 11 Payment Banks and 10 Small Finance Banks (SFBs) can also offer APY distribution. Atal Pension Yojana: APY became operational from June 1, 2015 with an aim to provide affordable universal access to essential social security protection to unorganized work force of country, which makes major chunk of labour force (88%). It had replaced earlier Swavalamban scheme. It is available to all citizens of India in the age group of 18-40 years (thus minimum period of contribution by subscriber is 20 years). Under scheme, subscriber will receive a minimum guaranteed pension of Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000 per month, depending on his contribution, from age of 60 years. There is no exit to the scheme before the age of 60. In case of death of subscriber, the spouse of the subscriber shall be entitled for the same amount of pension till his or her death. Uttar Pradesh with 11.41 APY accounts is highest contributing state of the scheme followed by Bihar (8.87 lakh subscribers) and Tamil Nadu (6.60 lakh).

    37) India-Japan Smart Grid Pilot Project was inaugurated Panipat, Haryana to solve the various complications faced by the power distribution sector. It was inaugurated by State Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in the presence of Japanese Minister Keniko Sen. Key Facts: India-Japan Smart Grid Pilot Project was initiated under intensive relations between Japan and India and Central Government’s flagship Make in India Programme. The project aims to make electricity distribution network smarter and disseminate Japanese technologies in India. It also seeks to improve capacity of power companies to provide operational know-how concerning power distribution to effectively use smart grid-related technologies to reduce distribution losses and failure rate of distribution transformers. It also seeks to improve the frequency of power failures, by providing Japanese operational know-how concerning power distribution systems including mastering those technologies. Under this project, smart meters were installed at homes of customers in Panipat to perform data collection as well as monitoring and control through supervisory control system called SCADA. Its purpose is to demonstrate peak load reduction technology, distribution grid monitoring and control technology and power distribution loss reduction technology aimed at power meter tampering, power theft, and omission of bill collection. Background: The Union Ministry of Power has launched fourteen smart grid pilot projects to modernize power distribution networks in India for building next generation power distribution networks with less electrical waste. The project in Panipat, Haryana is one of the fourteen smart grid pilot projects. Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) had inked Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Haryana Government in December 2015 for demonstration of Smart Grid Pilot Project in Panipat.

    38) Alpha Design Technologies Ltd. has signed Rs. 45-crore deal with Ministry of Defence to supply indigenous simulators for gunnery and missile firing from BMP II vehicles to Indian Army. Under this deal, as many as 57 simulators will be manufactured at company’s Bengaluru facility and will be supplied to Indian Army over two years period. Key Facts: The BMP II is a Soviet-origin amphibious infantry fighting vehicle. The simulators will be used to train missile firing personnel. Currently, Indian Army firing personnel train fully on actual BMP vehicles. The use of simulators will save vehicle wear and tear to large extent. Background: Alpha Design Technologies Ltd is mid-size company focussing on defence electronics products. The simulators bid for BMP II vehicles was floated about five ye`ars back for Indian public and private enterprises and involved trials over two years.

    39) Indian-origin boy Mehul Garg (10) in United Kingdom became youngest applicant in decade to achieve highest score in Mensa IQ test, beating geniuses like Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking. He scored maximum score of 162 to become a member of Mensa. His score is two points higher than Einstein and Hawking. Mehul Garg is from Reading Boys Grammar School in Reading, southern England. He can solve Rubik’s Cube in 100 seconds. He has been shortlisted for ‘Child Genius 2018’ show on Channel 4. Mensa IQ test: Mensa is the largest and oldest high IQ society in the world. It is non-profit organization open to people who score at 98th percentile or higher on standardized, supervised IQ or other approved intelligence test. Its mission is to identify and foster human intelligence for benefit of humanity, encourage research into nature, characteristics, and uses of intelligence and provide stimulating intellectual and social environment for its members. It was established in October 1946 and is headquartered in Lincolnshire, England. So far it has 134000 members.

    40) Rotavac became first Indigenously developed vaccine from India to be pre-qualified by World Health Organisation (WHO). It means that vaccine can be sold internationally to several countries in South America and Africa. So far, several vaccines from India have been pre-qualified by WHO, but Rotavac is first vaccine entirely developed locally to get this status in safety and efficacy. Rotavac: Rotavac conceived and developed by the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech Limited. It protects against childhood diarrhoea caused by the rotavirus. It was developed under the joint collaboration between India and United States in area of medical research. It was developed under public-private partnership (PPP) model that involved Ministry of Science and Technology, institutions of the US Government and NGOs in India supported by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The vaccine was built on strain of the virus isolated at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi over 30 years ago. It has been included in India’s national immunisation programme. The vaccine was tested in field for over a year, have not shown any negative effect. Significance: This recognition signifies credible industrial, scientific and regulatory process in place to develop vaccines in India. It paves the way for health and humanitarian organizations such as UNICEF, GAVI and Pan-American Health Organization to procure Rotavac for public health vaccination programmes across the world. Rotavirus: It is a most common causative agent of moderate-to-severe diarrhoea (MSD) among infants below 11 months age group in India. It spreads from person to person due to bacterial and parasiting agents that are primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water. It is responsible for estimated 36% of hospitalisations for childhood diarrhoea around world and for estimated 200,000 deaths in low- and middle-income countries. In India, diarrhoea caused by rotavirus, kills nearly 80 thousand children under age of 5 years and up to 10 lakh hospitalizations each year.

    41) The World Economic Forum (WEF) has launched new Global Centre for Cybersecurity in a bid to safeguard world from hackers and growing data breaches — especially from nation-states. The centre will be headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and will become operational from March 2018. Global Centre for Cybersecurity: The Global Centre for Cybersecurity will function as an autonomous organization under WEF. It will help to build a safe and secure global cyberspace. Its aim is to establish first global platform for governments, businesses, experts and law enforcement agencies to collaborate on cybersecurity challenges. It will draw on WEF’s government and industry support to work towards more secure cyberspace through its established multistakeholder approach. Mandate of Global Centre for Cybersecurity: Consolidate existing cybersecurity initiatives of WEF. Establish independent library of cyber best practices. Help partners to enhance knowledge on cybersecurity. Work towards an appropriate and agile regulatory framework on cybersecurity. Serve as laboratory and early-warning think tank for future cybersecurity scenarios. World Economic Forum (WEF): WEF is Swiss nonprofit foundation, based in Geneva. It is recognized as international institution for public-private cooperation. It is committed to improve state of world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. WEF is best known for its annual winter meeting for five days in Davos, a mountain resort in Graubünden, in eastern Alps region of Switzerland. The meeting brings together some international political leaders, 2,500 top business leaders, selected intellectuals, and journalists to discuss the most pressing issues facing the world.

    42) The Ministry of Labour & Employment has announced Prime Minister’s Shram Awards for the year 2016 to be awarded to 50 workers including 3 women employed in Departmental Undertakings & Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) of Central/ State Governments and Private Sector Units employing 500 or more workers. In 2016, 34 workers are from PSUs and 16 workers are from Private Sectors. 2016 Shram Award  nomination was found suitable for it. Shram Bhushan: 12 workers from SAIL, BHEL and TATA Steel Ltd. were selected. Shram Vir/Shram Veerangana Award: 18 workers from Naval Dockyard, Ordinance Factory, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam, TATA Steel, Hindalco Industries, Paradeep Phosphates Ltd., Brahmos Aerospace were selected. Shram Shree/Shram Devi Award: 20 workers from Cement Corporation of India, Naval Ship Repair Yard, TATA Motors, Surat Lignite Power Plant, Larsen & Toubro Ltd. etc were selected.  They were instituted in 1985 and are announced every year by Ministry of Labour and Employment. These awards are given to workers in PSUs, Departmental Undertakings of Central/State Governments and Private Sector units employing 500 or more workers. Objective: It recognises workers for their distinguished performance, innovative ability, outstanding contribution in the field of productivity and exhibition of exceptional courage and presence of mind. It also recognises outstanding contributions made by workmen as defined in Industrial Dispute Act, 1947 in organizations both in public and private sector. There are four types of Shram awards viz. Shram Ratna (monetary award of Rs. 2 lakhs and Sanad), Shram Bhushan (Rs. 1 lakh and Sanad), Shram Vir / Shram Veerangana (Rs. 60000 and Sanad), Shram Devi / Shram Shree (Rs. 40000 and Sanad).

    43) President Ram Nath Kovind has announced names of recipients of year 2018 Padma awards viz. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. He approved conferment of Padma Awards on 85 persons. Padma Awards, the country’s highest civilian awards bestowed for distinguished service of high order in various disciplines- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. The 2018 list includes 3 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan and 73 Padma Shri Awardees. 14 awardees are women, 16 awardees are from category of foreigners, NRIs, PIOs while 3 are posthumous awardees. The list also includes unsung persons and also people who rendered selfless service at the grassroots.

    44) President Ram Nath Kovind awarded India’s highest peacetime military decoration Ashok Chakra (31) posthumously to Indian Air Force (IAF) Garud commando Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala. He had laid down his life after gunning down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. He is the third Ashok Chakra for the IAF and its first for ground combat. Other two IAF officers are Rakesh Sharma (first and still only Indian citizen to go to space) and Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon posthumously decorated with the Param Vir Chakra in 1972. Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala: He had joined the IAF in 2005 and was ‘Corporal’ when he was martyred. He was part of small Garud commando batch attached to Indian Army’s specialized counter-insurgency force, Rashtriya Rifles under the aegis of ‘Op Rakshak’ in J&K, when he was martyred. On November 18, 2017, the Rashtriya Rifles-Garud team, acting on intelligence inputs, surrounded house in Chandragarh village in Hajin in J&K, when they came under heavy fire from terrorists holed up inside. Nirala, armed with light machine gun (LMG) had displayed conspicuous bravery in confronting terrorists and killing two to three of them despite himself being hit by bullets. The gunfight resulted in the killing of six terrorists. Corporal Nirala had exhibited most conspicuous gallantry in fighting with terrorists and made supreme sacrifice. Ashoka Chakra: It is India’s highest peacetime military decoration awarded for valor, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield It is the peace time equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra and is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some daring or pre-eminent valour or self-sacrifice other than in the face of the enemy.

    45) The Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has inked MoU with IL&FS Transportation Networks Ltd for construction of the 14.150 km long, 2-lane bi-directional Zojila Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir. This would be India’s longest road tunnel and longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia. On completion, the tunnel will provide all weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh. Zojila Tunnel Project: The project aims at construction of 14.150 km long two lane bidirectional single tube tunnel with parallel 14.200 km long egress tunnel between Baltaland Minamarg in J&K with total capital cost of Rs. 6808 crore. The duration for construction of the project is 7 years. Its main objective is to provide all whether connectivity to strategically important Leh region in J&K which at moment is limited to 6 months in year because of snow on passes and threat of avalanches. It will be first of its kind tunnel in such geographical area. It will have all modern technical safety arrangements such as cut and cross ventilation system, two axial fans, uninterrupted power supply, fully transverse ventilation system, CCTV monitoring, variable messaging boards, traffic logging equipment, tunnel radio, emergency telephone system etc. Comment: The project has strategic and socio-economic importance and will be instrument for development of economically backward districts in J&K. It will also bring about all round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions. This project, along with other ongoing projects like 6.5 km long Z-Morh tunnel at Gagangir will ensure safe, fast and cheap all weather connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh. They will also increase employment potential for local labourers for project activities. It will also boost employment as local businesses will get linked to national market and region will receive round the year tourist traffic.

    46) The ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit was held in New Delhi to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of sectoral dialogue between two sides under the theme of “Shared Values, Common Destiny”. It issued joint statement titled Delhi Declaration after the plenary session focusing on counter-terrorism, identity security, military cooperation, and bilateral financial support. India and 10 ASEAN countries for first time mentioned cross-border movement of terrorists and made commitment to counter the challenge through close cooperation as part of the declaration. Key Highlights of Delhi Declaration: Strengthening relations: Called for strengthening and deepening ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership for mutual benefit, across the whole spectrum of political-security, economic, socio-cultural and development cooperation. Terrorism: Deepen cooperation in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, violent extremism and radicalisation through information sharing, law enforcement cooperation and capacity building under existing ASEAN-led mechanism. Cyber-security: Strengthen cooperation on cyber-security capacity building and policy coordination, including through supporting the implementation of ASEAN Cybersecurity Cooperation Strategy. Transnational crimes: It called for strengthening cooperation to combat other transnational crimes, including people smuggling, trafficking in persons, illicit drug trafficking, cybercrime, and piracy and armed robbery against ships. Political and Security Cooperation: Reaffirm importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, maritime safety and security, freedom of navigation and overflight in the region. It calls for other lawful uses of seas and to promote peaceful resolutions of disputes, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Economic Ties: Both sides reaffirmed to work to further strengthen ASEAN-India economic relations, including through full utilisation and effective implementation of ASEAN-India Free Trade Area. They also called for swift conclusion to comprehensive and mutually beneficial Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2018 to further trade ties. They also look forward to establish ASEAN-India Trade and Investment Centre. Physical and digital connectivity: Reaffirmed their commitment to enhance physical and digital connectivity in line with Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and ASEAN ICT Masterplan (AIM) 2020 by availing $1-billion line of credit (LoC) announced by India. They will also work towards encouraging early completion of India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway Project and extend it to Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam. Conservation and sustainable use of marine resources in Indian and Pacific Oceans and address threats to these resources including illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, loss of coastal ecosystems and the adverse impacts of pollution, , marine debris and ocean acidification. Maritime cooperation: It emphasised need to promote maritime transport cooperation and encourage potential private sector participation in development of seaports, maritime logistics network and maritime services in order to create greater efficient linkages and continue discussions on these priority areas. MSMEs: It calls for promotion of stable and sustainable growth for MSMEs, including through technology transfer, as well as enhancing capacity building, technical assistance, access to innovation and opportunities to integrate into global and regional value chains were agreed upon. Peaceful exploitation of outer space: India and ASEAN countries will continue to collaborate in peaceful exploitation of outer space, through implementation of the ASEAN-India Space Cooperation Programme. It will include launching of satellites, sustainable exploitation of ground, sea, atmospheric and digital resources for equitable development of region. ASEAN: ASEAN is regional intergovernmental organisation comprising ten Southeast Asian countries which promotes Pan-Asianism and intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic, political, security, military, educational and socio-cultural integration amongst its members and other Asian countries. It consists of 10-member countries- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It was established on August 8, 1967 through ASEAN declaration (also known as Bangkok Declaration). Its secretariat is located in Jakartaa, Indonesia.

    47) Chinese scientists for first time have successfully cloned two identical long-tailed macaques (monkeys), named Zhong Zhong and Hua Hua using same technique that produced Dolly sheep two decades ago. This development makes them world’s first primates – the order of mammals that includes monkeys, apes and humans – to be cloned from non-embryonic cell. Key Facts: These two identical long-tailed macaques were cloned using process called somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), which involves transferring the nucleus of cell, which includes its DNA, into egg whose nucleus is removed. Since cloned Dolly sheep was born in Scotland in 1996 using SCNT, scientists have successfully used this technique to clone more than 20 other species, including cows, pigs, dogs, rabbits, rats and mice. Similar work in primates earlier, had always failed, leading some scientists to wonder if primates were resistant. Chinese Scientists were successful to clone macaques using modulators to switch on or off certain genes that were inhibiting embryo development. Their technique worked only when nuclei were transferred from foetal cells, rather than adult ones, as was the case with Dolly. In all, it took 127 eggs to produce two live macaque births. Significance: Genetically identical animals are useful in research because confounding factors caused by genetic variability in non-cloned animals can complicate experiments. This development breaks technical barrier for the cloning of primate species, including humans. It will make possible to study diseases in populations of genetically uniform monkey and test new drugs for a range of diseases before clinical use. Concerns: The research underscores important role at the cutting-edge of biosciences, where scientists have at times pushed ethical boundaries but calls for debate on what should or should not be acceptable practice in primate cloning. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT): SCNT is a laboratory technique for creating an ovum with donor nucleus. In it, nucleus containing the organism’s DNA of somatic cell (a body cell other than sperm or egg cell) is removed and rest of cell discarded. The nucleus of somatic cell is then inserted into enucleated egg cell which reprograms somatic cell nucleus by the host cell. The egg, now containing nucleus of somatic cell, is stimulated with a shock and will begin to divide forming blastocyst (an early stage embryo with about 100 cells) with almost identical DNA to original organism. It can be used in embryonic stem cell research, regenerative medicine i.e. “therapeutic cloning.” It can also be used as first step in process of reproductive cloning.

    48) India and Vietnam have signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) to enhance cooperation in field of information and broadcasting and space cooperation. The MoUs were signed following bilateral meeting between PM Narendra Modi and his visiting counterpart Nguyen Xuan Phuc ahead of the India-Asean Commemorative Summit in New Delhi. Vietnam is a key pillar in India’s Act East Policy and strategic partner in South East Asia. MoUs singed are: MoU to enhance cooperation in field of information and broadcasting: It aims to enhance cooperation in the field of information and broadcasting, based on principles of equality and reciprocity pursuant to their national laws and regulations. MoU on space cooperation: It is implementation arrangement between ISRO and National Remote Sensing Department of Vietnam.

    49) The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) has launched beneficiary module (i.e. Phase -1) of Rapid Reporting System (RRS), a web based on line monitoring for Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG). The RRS portal will facilitate monitoring of SAG and take corrective measures by ensuring faster flow of information, accurate targeting of beneficiaries and reduction of leakages. It has been developed by Ministry of WCD in collaboration with National Informatics Centre (NIC). Scheme for Adolescent Girls: The scheme aims at providing them nutritional support, motivating out of school girls to go back to formal schooling or skill training under its non-nutrition component. It also provides nutritional support and girls are also equipped with information on health, hygiene and guidance on existing public services. It is centrally sponsored scheme implemented using platform of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme. Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) are focal point for delivery of services. Ministry of WCD is implementing scheme in selected 508 districts across country. It is implemented through Centre and State share in ratio of 50:50, for nutrition component 60:40 for rest of activities for State/UTs with legislation, 90:10 for NE and 3 Himalayan States and 100% for UTs without legislative assemblies.

    50) The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) has launched Management Information System (MIS) portal for Anganwadi Services Training Programme. The portal has been developed by Ministry of WCD in collaboration with National Informatics Centre (NIC) for submission of applications and estimates by NGOs for carrying out Anganwadi Services (ICDS) Training through Anganwadi Workers Training Centres (AWTC) and Middle-Level Training Centres (MLTC). Key Facts: The phase 1 of portal will enable NGOs to submit proposals to respective states/UTs which in turn will process proposals and recommend requirement of funds for running programme. On this request, Central government will further examine proposal and release funds. It will ensure that funds are released timely and reach beneficiaries for training purpose. Anganwadi Services Training Programme: The programme comes under Umbrella Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme which is centrally sponsored scheme. The training to Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) and Supervisors at AWTCs and MLTCs is part of the Anganwadi Services. The AWTCs and MLTCs are run either by respective state governments/UT administrations or by NGOs under supervision of states/UTs. The Union Government releases funds required for implementation of scheme to states/UTs.

     

    Previous Current Affairs is available here (Click here)

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

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

    Leave a Reply

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

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

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