1) India has slipped to 7th position in ‘business optimism’ index in September-November quarter period from earlier 2nd slot in the previous July-September quater. The fall in rank clearly shows clear signs of lag in the economy. The index was released as part of Grant Thornton’s International Business Report (IBR). The IBR provides insight into the views and expectations of more than 10,000 businesses per year across 36 economies. Key Facts: In September-November quarter, the index was topped by Indonesia, followed by Finland (2nd), Netherlands (3rd), Philippines (4th), Austria (5th) and Nigeria (6th). Globally, overall position for business optimism remains relatively high at 49% in September quarter. It was down by 2 pps in June quarter, and follows five consecutive quarterly increases in business sentiment. Indian businesses have expressed low confidence over revenue expectations in next 12 months. They also saw a drastic fall in confidence for profitability with 54% showing optimism as against 69% in the last quarter. Moreover, other parameters like expectations of increase in selling prices and exports also have suffered fall in optimism which shows clear signs of lag in the economy which caused the drop in ratings. However, Government actions and reforms coupled with significant jump in Ease of Doing Business Rankings may bring back optimism in Indian Business in next few quarters. Optimism remained intact in areas of investment in plant and machinery and Research & Development (R&D). Regulations and red tape and lack of ICT infrastructure are biggest growth constraints mentioned in optimism rankings. Indian businesses also identified shortage of finance and lack of skilled workforce as reasons for lack of optimism. Indian businesses are still optimistic about increase in employment as 54% respondents expressed need to increase hiring in next 1 year, three- point rise from June quarter.2) Five time world champion Mary Kom won gold medal in Asian Women’s Boxing Championships in Light Flyweight (48 kg) category. In the final match held at Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, she defeated North Korea’s Kim Hyang Mi in the final bout 5-0 by unanimous judges decision. It was her fifth gold medal in 48 kg category in Asian Women’s Boxing Championships ( earlier won in 2003, 2005, 2010 and 2012) in only six appearances (in 2008 final she won silver), making her unbeaten in summit clash of continental championship. This was also Mary Kom’s first international gold medal since 2014 Asian Games and her first medal in over year. MC Mary Kom: Mary Kom’s full name is Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom and is nicknamed Magnificent Mary. She was born on 1 March 1983 in Churachandpur district of Manipur. She is five time World Amateur Boxing champion. She is the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each one of the six world championships. Mary Kom had won bronze medal in 2012 London Olympics in the flyweight (51 kg) category and was only Indian woman boxer to qualify for this category. She is also first Indian woman boxer to get a Gold Medal in2014 Asian Games held at Incheon, South Korea. For her outstanding contribution to sport of boxing, she has been awarded Padma Bhushan (2013), Padma Shree (2010) and Arjuna Award for Boxing (2003).Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 4th November to 10th November 2017

3) The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) under Union Finance Ministry has doubled import duty on wheat to 20% from 10% to curb cheap shipments and give positive price signal to farmers in ongoing Rabi season. It also imposed import duty of 50% on peas to check cheaper shipments from countries like Canada to boost domestic prices. The import duty on peas has been imposed to curb shipments and boost domestic prices. Purpose: In the last two years India, world’s second biggest wheat producer has been importing wheat after local production fell due to successive droughts. India had imported 5.75 million tonnes of wheat in 2016/17 fiscal year ended on March. Doubling of import duty aims to give positive price signal and encourage farmers to grow wheat in more area as farmers have started planting of rabi (winter) wheat crop. Moreover, Government does not want wheat growers to follow way of pulses farmers who shifted to other crops this kharif season as prices remained low just before sowing period owing to bumper crop last year. Pulses Issues: India produced record 22 million tonnes of pulses in 2016-17 crop year which led to fall in domestic prices, even below MSP. Moreover, country also imported about 5 million tonnes of pulses last fiscal. Import Duty: It is a tax collected on imports and some exports by customs authorities of country. It is usually based on value of goods that are imported. Depending on context, import duty may also be referred to as tariff, import tax, customs duty and import tariff. The purpose of import duty is to raise income for local government and to give market advantage to locally grown or produced goods that are not subject to import duties. It is sometimes used as tool to penalize a particular nation by charging high import duties on its products.

4) The Union Government has announced that India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) will become operational in all 650 districts of the country by April 2018 to facilitate financial inclusion. These banks will be linked to 1.55 lakh rural post offices for its operations and carry out banking services. This will be largest banking network in the country. Two such banks are already operational in Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Raipur (Chhattisgarh). India Post Payments Bank (IPPB): IPPB has been set up as a Public Limited Company under Department of Posts with 100% Government of India (GOI) equity. It leverages DoP’s network, resources and reach to make low-cost, quality and simple financial services easily accessible to customers in the country. Its purpose is to further cause of financial inclusion by providing basic banking, remittance services and payments services to customers. It will facilitate spread of financial services like insurance, pensions, mutual funds to customers especially from rural areas and the unbanked and under-banked segments. It will also generate opportunities for propagating financial literacy across the country by using state of the art banking and payments technology. It will also generate new employment opportunities for skilled banking professionals. It will encourage citizens to move towards a cashless economy. Payments banks: Payments banks are new model of banks conceptualised by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to meet government’s financial inclusion target. They are being set up as differentiated bank and its activities are confined to acceptance of demand deposits, remittance services, internet banking and other specified services but not lending services. This differentiated banking model allows mobile firms, supermarket chains and others to cater to banking requirements of individuals and small businesses. Payments banks can accept deposits up to Rs. 1 lakh per account from individuals and small businesses. They can issue ATM/debit cards but not credit cards. They can also issue other prepaid payment instruments. They can also distribute non-risk sharing simple financial products like mutual funds and insurance products.

5) HS Prannoy (World no 11) won the 82nd Senior National Championship title of Badminton in men’s single category by defeating Kidambi Srikanth (World No 2) by 21-15, 16-21, 21-7 score. The women’s single title was won by Saina Nehwal (World No 11). She defeated PV Sindhu (World No 2) by 21-17, 27-25 score. The mixed doubles title was won by Satwik Sai Raj R and Ashwini Ponnappa by defeating Pranaav Jerry Chopra and N Sikki Reddy pair by 21-9, 20-22, 21-17 score. Senior National Badminton Championships: It is annual tournament organized to crown the best badminton players in India. It was established in 1934 and until 1960s foreign players were also allowed to participate in it. The 2016 edition of title was won by Sourabh Verma (men’s single title), Rituparna Das (women’s single title).

6) India’s second Technology and Innovation Support Centre (TISC) will be established at Centre for Intellectual Property Rights (CIPR), Anna University, Chennai (Tamil Nadu) under World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) TISC (Technology and Innovation Support Centre) Program. In this regard, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry has signed Institutional agreement with Anna University. Key Facts: The objective of TISC is to stimulate dynamic, vibrant and balanced Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) system in India to foster creativity and innovation. It will thereby help to promote entrepreneurship and enhancing social, economic and cultural development by establishing network of TISCs in India. TISC will give impetus to knowledge sharing, sharing of best practices among TISCs, capacity building, generation and commercialization of Intellectual Properties. It will give the host institutions access to global network. CIPR has experience of filing more than 185 Patents, 39 Copyrights, 29 Trademarks, 25 Industrial Design and also assisted in filing 12 International Patent Applications. Anna University was ranked 6th among Universities, 8th among Engineering Colleges and 13th in overall category in India by National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking. CIPR also has organized IPR awareness programs as well as six certificate courses on IPR related subjects. WIPO’s TISC program: It provides innovators in developing countries with access to locally based, high quality technology information and related services. It helps them to exploit their innovative potential and to create, protect, and manage their IPRs. Over 500 TISCs operate worldwide and establishing a TISC in India will give the host institutions access to global network.

7) Chennai, capital city of Tamil Nadu was recently included in United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO’s) Creative Cities Network for Contribution in Music. It was among 64 cities from 44 countries that were designated as UNESCO Creative Cities. With inclusion of these cities, total count of UNESCO Creative Cities Network has now gone up to 180 cities in 72 countries. Chennai is the third Indian city on the list of UNESCO Creative Cities list after Jaipur (added as City of Music) and Varanasi (City of Crafts and Folk Art) were added last year. UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network: UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network was launched in 2004. It aims to foster international cooperation with and between cities committed to investing in creativity as a driver for sustainable urban development, social inclusion and cultural vibrancy. It includes cities within its seven creative fields (Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music). It strengthen cooperation with and among cities that have recognised creativity as strategic factor of sustainable development in regards with the economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects.

8) The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) launched comprehensive SHe-Box (sexual harassment e-box) online complaint Management System for women to lodge complaints of sexual harassment at workplace. It is mainly be for women working in both public and private organizations to ensure effective implementation of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act (SH Act), 2013. Earlier the portal was launched in July 2017 for women working in central government offices. Now it can be accessed by all women who are part of workforce in organised sector across the country. Key Facts: The new SHe-Box portal offers facility of making online complaints of sexual harassment at workplace to all women employees in country including government and private employees. It aims to provide speedier remedy to women facing sexual harassment at workplace. Once complaint is submitted to portal, it will be directly sent to Complaint Committee (ICC) or Local Complaint Committee (LCC) of concerned employer constituted under SH Act. Through this portal, WCD as well as complainant can monitor progress of inquiry conducted by ICC/LCC. Those who have already filed a written complaint with the concerned ICC/LCC are also eligible to file their complaint through this portal.

9) The Supreme Court has refused to pass an interim order to stay Ordinance allowing kambala, the traditional buffalo slush track race in Karnataka. However, the apex court will examine the Constitutional validity of the Ordinance. People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a non-governmental organisation, had challenged the Ordinance. Background: Karnataka Assembly had passed an ordinance Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017 in February 2017 to allow Kambal to circumvent ban imposed by Karnataka High Court. The ordinance had received Central Government (Ministry of Law and Justice) and Presidential assent. The Karnataka HC had stayed these traditional sports in view of Supreme Court’s ban on jallikattu, a traditional bull taming sport of Tamil Nadu. Kambala: Kambala is traditional slush track buffalo race that is held annually in coastal districts of Karnataka to entertain rural people of the area. Slushy/marshy paddy field track is used for Kambala. The sports season generally starts in November and lasts till March. The contest generally takes place between two pairs of buffaloes, each pair race in two seprate wet rice fields tracks, controlled by a whip-lashing farmer. In the traditional form of Kambala, buffalo racing was non-competitive and buffalo pairs ran one by one in paddy fields. Besides, there was also ritualistic approach as some agriculturists race their buffaloes as a means to thank god for protecting their animals from disease. But in recent times, Kambala has become an organised rural sport.

10) The Coal India Limited (CIL) launched Grahak Sadak Koyla Vitaran application for smooth delivery of coal through road for benefiting customers. The app aims to bring transparency in the system of loading programme and despatch of coal through road mode. Key features: The app will provide date-wise, truck-wise quantity of coal delivered against Sale Orders and information related to scheme-wise, Grade-wise, Colliery-wise, customer-wise details of Sale Orders issued during a period. In terms of loading, it will provide allotment verses lifting status in details from different sources truck by truck and summary of the despatch. It will help to achieve transparency in despatch operations as tool to monitor to despatches so that they are made on fair principle of ‘First in First Out (FIFO)’ and keeps track of all activities from issuance of Sale Order to physical delivery of coal by road. Benefits: The app will benefit customers by providing easy accessibility of the information at the click of the button against the Sale Orders issued. It will also bring transparency in the system of loading programme and despatch. It will also help in logistics planning for lifting of coal in tune with loading programmes. It will also help to improve planning of procurement, production and stock management by the customers. Coal India Limited: CIL is the largest coal producer company in world and contributes around 81% of coal production in India. Union Government of India owns 90% of the shares in CIL and controls the operations of CIL through Ministry of Coal. It was headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal.

11) Botanists have discovered new species of wild banana named Musa paramjitiana in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It has been name in honour of Paramjit Singh, director of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI). Musa paramjitiana species was discovered in North Andaman’s Krishnapuri forest, 6 kilometres from any human habitation. Key Facts: Musa paramjitiana species grows to height of nine metres and bears an edible, sweet-and-sour tasting fruit that is boat-shaped and has numerous bulb-shaped seeds. The fruit of Musa paramjitiana is part of diet of local tribes. Its fruits and seeds have ethno-medicinal importance. Pseudo-stem and leaves of these species are also used during religious and cultural ceremonies. Its conservation status has been declared as ‘Critically Endangered’ as it has so far been spotted in only two locations on islands, each with 6 to 18 plants in a clump. No population has been located in other regions of Islands. Significance of Discovery: Andaman and Nicobar Islands are biodiversity hotspot and hosts seven different species of wild banana. In 2014, another wild banana named Musa indandamanensis was discovered in remote tropical rain forest on the Little Andaman island. It has dark green cylindrical flower buds. These discoveries present great opportunity for plant breeders and horticulture experts to improve existing banana crop. The germplasm of all wild banana species also needs to be conserved on an urgent basis, since most of these are found in very small habitats and at risk of extinction.

12) Researchers have discovered new species of ant in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala in Western Ghats, as one of the world’s ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity. It has been named Tyrannomyrmex alii (or T. alii), after eminent myrmecologist Musthak Ali, who is regarded as the India’s ‘ant man’. Key Facts: Tyrannomyrmex alii belongs to Tyrannomyrmex, a rare tropical genus of ants. It was discovered from Vallakadavu range of Western Ghats. It can be distinguished from other species of same genus through its morphological characteristics. It has petiolar shape. Tyrannomyrmex is a rare myrmicine (subfamily of ants) ant genus that is distributed in Indomalayan bio-region that extends from southern India and Sri Lanka to southeast Asia. T. alli has is fourth species of the rare genus Tyrannomyrmex and the second one from India. The first species of genus was Tyrannomyrmex rex Fernández, was discovered in 2003 in Pasoh Forest Reserve, Malaysia. Later two more species Tyrannomyrmex dux (or T. dux) from the Ponmudi hills in 2007 and T. legatus from Sinharaja Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka in 2013 were discovered. Both of Tyrannomyrmex species that described from India are known from Western Ghats range in Kerala.

13) Palaeontologists from University of Portsmouth, UK have discovered remains of humankind’s oldest mammal ancestor — a tiny rat-like creature that lived 145 million years ago. The fossils of nocturnal mammal were discovered on Jurassic Coast of Dorset. The mammal is earliest in line that evolved into humans and branched off into creatures as diverse as blue whales and pigmy shrews. Key Facts: The new species of fossilized nocturnal mammal was named Durlstotherim newmani after an amateur palaeontologist and pub owner Charlie Newman, who helped scientists collect the new specimens. Its teeth had evolved over time from very simple ones that were not very efficient to molar-like ridged teeth which could tear, chew and grind food very easily. The fossilized teeth as well-evolved as Durlstotherim newmani previously were found only in rock layers from, late Cretaceous between 86 and 66 million years ago.

14) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted flight test of its indigenously designed and developed long range sub-sonic cruise missile ‘Nirbhay’ from test range at Chandipur, Odisha. It was the fifth experimental test of Nirbhay missile system. It achieved all mission objectives completely from lift-off till the final splash, boosting the confidence of all scientists associated with the trial. NIRBHAY Missile: It is India’s first indigenously designed and developed Long Range Sub-Sonic Cruise Missile. It has blended missile and aeronautical technologies which allows it to take off vertically like missile and cruise horizontally like an aircraft. It is two stage missile powered by solid rocket motor booster developed by Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL) It has operational range of 1000 km and can carry warheads of up to 300 kg including nuclear warheads. It can be launched from various kind of platforms. It has capability to loiter and cruise at 0.7 Mach, at altitudes as low as 100m. It is terrain hugging missile which keeps on encircling the area of its target for several minutes and then hits bull’s eye’ on an opportune time. It is difficult to detect by enemy’s radars. It is capable to engage several targets in a single flight. The guidance, control and navigation system of missile is configured around indigenously designed Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG) and MEMS based Inertial Navigation System (INS) along with GPS system.

15) India has pledged additional US $100 million towards UN-India Partnership Fund to significantly scale up its support to sustainable development projects across the developing world. This contribution will be in addition to US $10.582 million, India is contributing to various other UN programmes. The first project from fund is being executed in partnership with seven Pacific Island countries. India-UN Development Partnership Fund: The fund was set up as partnership between India and the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC) on 9 June 2017 i.e. on occasion of the World Oceans Day. It is managed by UNOSSC. It aims to support Southern-owned and led, demand-driven and transformational sustainable development projects across developing world. UN agencies will implement Fund’s projects in close collaboration with partnering governments. It prioritises projects reducing poverty and hunger, improving health, education and equality, and expanding access to clean water and energy and livelihoods. It mainly focuses on transformational sustainable development projects in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States. The projects under the fund are implemented by UN agencies in close collaboration with partnering governments.

16) The Union Government has inked US$ 119 million Financing Agreement with World Bank for IBRD loan for the Odisha Higher Education Programme for Excellence & Equity (OHEPEE) Project. The OHEPEE Project aims is to improve the quality of ‘students’ equitable access to selected institutions and enhance governance of the higher education system in Odisha. The closing date for project is November, 2022. Project Component: Improving quality of and students’ equitable access to selected institutions of higher education. It includes Institutional Development Plan (IDP) Grants (performance–based Financing) Enhancing governance of higher education system. It includes improvement of governance in colleges and improvement of financial and procurement management and accounting in all government and government-aided colleges.

17) Seven commodities were granted Geographical Indication (GI) this year by the Indian patent office. It includes Banaganapalle mangoes (Andhra Pradesh), Tulaipanji rice (West Bengal), Pochampally Ikat (Telangana), Gobindobhog rice (West Bengal), Durgi stone carvings and Etikoppaka toys (Andhra Pradesh) and Chakshesang shawl (Nagaland). In 2016-17, as many as 33 items got GI registration. Geographical Indication (GI) A GI is primarily given to agricultural, natural or manufactured product (handicrafts and industrial goods) originating from a definite geographical territory for 10 years at a time. Typically, such name conveys an assurance of quality and distinctiveness, which is essentially attributable to place of its origin. The GI tag gives protection to producers of these genuine products, which commanded premium pricing in markets, both domestic and international. Once the GI protection is granted, no other producer can misuse name to market similar products. It also provides comfort to customers about the authenticity of that product.

18) Scientists have detected dust belts around Proxima Centauri, a finding that indicates presence of elaborate planetary system hosted by closest star to solar system. These new observations were made by Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) observatory in Chile. Key Facts: The new observations reveal emission from clouds of cold cosmic dust surrounding star. It revealed glow coming from cold dust in region between one to four times as far from Proxima Centauri as Earth is from Sun. It also reveals presence of even cooler outer dust belt and may indicate presence of system of planets. These structures are similar to much larger belts in solar system and are also expected to be made from particles of rock and ice that failed to form planets. Proxima Centauri: It is closest star to Sun around 4.25 light years away from the Earth. It is faint red dwarf lying just four light years away in southern constellation of Centaurus. It hosts an Earth-like habitable planet — Proxima Centaur b — orbiting within (Proxima Centauri) its habitable zone which was discovered in 2016. ALMA Observatory: Atacama Large Millimetre/submillimetre Array (ALMA) Observatory is array of radio telescopes being deployed in Chile. It is composed of 66 high precision antennas that allow scientists to unravel important astronomical mysteries, in search of our Cosmic Origins. One of its goals is to image black hole. It is an international partnership of European Southern Observatory (ESO), US National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) of Japan, together with NRC (Canada), NSC and ASIAA (Taiwan), and KASI (Republic of Korea), in cooperation with Chile.

19) The Union Government has reconstituted Multi-Agency Group (MAG) to investigate cases relating to ‘Paradise Papers’ data disclosure which is also probing the Panama Papers leak. It will be led by Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman and will have representatives from Enforcement Directorate, RBI and Financial Intelligence Unit. The MAG was constituted in April 2016 to investigate legality of money stashed in offshore entities by Indians named in Panama Papers by International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). Panama Papers had named several prominent Indian politicians, actors, and businessmen as having offshore undisclosed bank accounts. Paradise Papers: The Paradise Papers, a largest ever leak of financial data containing 13.4 million documents on offshore entities involving people and companies from 180 countries to dodge tax. The files were first obtained by German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung and shared with ICIJ and partner 95 media outlets that includes Indian partner The Indian Express. The leaked data includes seven million loan agreements, financial statements, emails, trust deeds and other paperwork over nearly 50 years from Appleby, a prominent offshore law firm with offices in Bermuda and also from Asiacity, a Singapore-based family-owned trust company. India with 714 names, ranks 19th in terms of number of names that feature in papers.

20) Indian Navy is likely to use advanced catapult-based aircraft launch mechanism (CATOBAR) from United States for its second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-II), which is on drawing board. In this regard, both countries have held several rounds of discussions in joint working group (JWG) on Aircraft Carrier Technology Cooperation (JWGACTC) under Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) set up by them. EMALS: For some time, India was exploring possibility of installing US electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS). The US has offered India its latest EMALS technology, developed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. EMALS uses electric motor-driven catapult instead, which allows launch of much heavier aircraft and reduces stress on aircraft whereas older-generation CATOBAR is powered by steam catapult. It will allow Indian Navy to operate heavy surveillance aircraft, in addition to heavy fighters. However, the system is expensive, something that needs to be factored in. Background: The IAC-II has been envisaged to be around 65,000 tonnes and capable of carrying over 50 aircraft. Indian Navy is keen on nuclear propulsion, which will give it unlimited range and endurance, its development in time seems doubtful. India’s first domestic carrier, Vikrant, weighing 40,000 tonnes, is in an advanced stage of construction in Kochi (Kerala). It is scheduled to be launched by 2018-end. It works on Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) mechanism similar to that in present carrier INS Vikramaditya, with an angular ski-jump.

21) China successfully launched two BeiDou-3 satellites named BeiDou-3 M1 and BeiDou-3 M2 into space on board of single carrier rocket Long March-3B from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern province of Sichuan. These two satellites and carrier rocket were developed by China Academy of Space Technology and China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, respectively. Key Facts: The two newly-launched satellites represent third phase of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System. They will reside in a medium-Earth orbit at an altitude of 21,500 kilometers, inclined 55.5 degrees. These two satellites represent third phase of BDS system (BeiDou-3). It is the final stage of the establishment of a Chinese space-based navigation architecture. BeiDou Navigation Satellite System: The BeiDou project was formally initiated in 1994. It was named after Chinese term for plough or Big Dipper constellation. It began to serve China in 2000 and the Asia-Pacific region at the end of 2012. This system will provide services for countries involved in Belt and Road Initiative and form complete global satellite navigation system by 2020 by which time China plans to have more than 30 satellites. It will make China third country in world after the US and Russia to operate its own navigation system.

22) Indian women’s hockey team won the 2017 Asia Cup hockey title. In the final match held at Kakamigahara in Japan, India defeated China by 5-4 goals in penalty shootout. With this victory, India qualified for 2018 World Cup and women’s hockey team win closely follows victory of men’s side in October 2017. It was India’s second Women’s Asia Cup title and first one was won in 2004. Key Facts: In regular time interval, both Indian and Chinese team had equalled by scoring one goal each. For India it was scored by Navjot Kaur (25th minute) and for China it was scored by Tiantian Luo (47th minute). In the penalty shootout, Rani scored twice while Monica, Lilima Minz and Navjot scored a goal each for India. Monika Malik won Woman of Match award, Savita Punia was adjudged Goalkeeper of the Tournament. South Korea secured third place in 2017 Asia Cup hockey title with a 1-0 win over Japan.

23) Scientists have discovered most ancient spiral galaxy known as A1689B11, recorded so far in the universe. It was detected using powerful technique that combines gravitational lensing with Near-infrared Integral Field Spectrograph (NIFS) on Gemini North telescope in Hawaii. Gravitational lenses are nature’s largest telescopes, created by massive clusters composed of thousands of galaxies and dark matter. Key Facts: The A1689B11 galaxy was born 11 billion years ago and existed just 2.6 billion years after Big Bang, when universe was only one-fifth of its present age. It sits behind a massive cluster of galaxies that acts as lens, which scientists used to produce magnified images. The bending of cluster magnified light of galaxies behind it in manner similar to an ordinary lens, but on much larger scale. A1689B11 has very cool and thin disc, rotating calmly with surprisingly little turbulence unlike other galaxies of the same epoch. Significance: Studying ancient spirals like A1689B11 can provide insights into early cosmos. It will help in unlocking mystery of how and when Hubble sequence emerges. Spiral galaxies are exceptionally rare in early universe and this discovery opens door to investigating how galaxies transition from highly chaotic, turbulent discs to tranquil, thin discs like those of our own Milky Way galaxy.

24) The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) has released ‘The Paradise Papers’, a global investigation that reveals the offshore activities of some of the world’s most powerful people and companies. Among 180 countries represented in the data, India ranks 19th in terms of number of names. In all names of 714 Indians have figured in this largest ever black money data leak. Key Facts: The Paradise Papers are set of 13.4 million documents mainly from Appleby, an offshore law firm with offices in Bermuda and beyond related to offshore investment in some of the world’s most secretive countries. The files were first obtained by German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, and shared with ICIJ and partner 95 media outlets. They contain the names of more than 120,000 people and companies across the globe. Big companies like Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, EBay, Uber, Glencore, Nike, Walmart, Allianz, Siemens, McDonald’s and Yahoo were also named in it. International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ): The ICIJ is global network of more than 200 investigative journalists in 70 countries who collaborate on in-depth investigative stories. It was founded in 1997 by respected American journalist Chuck Lewis. It was launched as a project of Centre for Public Integrity, focusing on issues that do not stop at national frontiers: corruption, cross-border crime and accountability of power. It is headquartered in Washington DC, US. Earlier in 2016, it had released Panama Papers.

25) ISA, EBRD ink pact on solar energy: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have signed Joint Financial Partnership Declaration for cooperation on renewable energy projects around the world. The collaboration between the ISA and the EBRD would also help funding of solar projects both in African and other countries. 2017 World Youth Forum held in Egypt: The 2017 World Youth Forum was held at Sharam El Shiekh in Egypt. The 5-day forum was inaugurated by the President of Egypt Mr Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. From India, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Col Rajyavardhan Rathore had participated in the forum. The forum aimed to provide platform to youth from all over the globe to engage with key global policy makers. It covered role of youth in business and innovation, challenges and making of future leaders, gender equity and women empowerment among other things. BRO builds world’s highest motorable road: The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has constructed world’s highest motorable road in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. The 86-km-long road passing through Umlingla Top is at a height of over 19,300 feet. Pongo tapanuliensis: New species of orangutan identified: A new species of orang-utan named Pongo tapanuliensis was identified in remote upland forests of North Sumatra. It is most endangered great ape in world, with just 800 individuals left. Its skull, teeth and genes are different from the two other orangutan species. 21st World Congress of Mental Health held in New Delhi: The 21st World Congress of Mental Health was held in New Delhi with theme “Partnerships for Mental Health”. It was organised by World Federation for Mental Health in partnership with Caring Foundation and other institutions. It was inaugurated by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind. This is for first time SAARC region hosted this conference. It witnessed participation of over 1000 delegates from across world. It held sessions on yoga, meditation and traditional approaches to mental health. India sets Guinness world record by cooking 918 kg khichdi: India set Guinness world record by cooking 918 kg khichdi, a traditional multi-grain dish during three day World Mega Food India event held in New Delhi. Mega Food India was aimed at transforming the food economy and realizing the vision of doubling of farmers’ income by establishing India as a preferred investment destination and sourcing hub. It was first time that India hosted such an event for the food processing sector to strengthen its position as a global food factory. Indian Army launches Joint Training Node in Shillong: Indian Army launched an independent and fully-integrated Joint Training Node (JTN) at Umroi cantonment in Shillong. It aims at hosting foreign armies in joint military exercises. It is the first of its kind in eastern command and is different from other joint training centres in Belgaum, Varangte and Bakloh. JTN has been envisaged keeping in mind the conducive weather terrain offering optimal training environment, and has been developed at par with training centres of leading armies of the world. It will pave away for projecting the states of Meghalaya and Assam on the world map of foreign armies.

26) The Sri Ranganathaswamy temple at Srirangam in Tamil Nadu has won UNESCO Asia-Pacific award for cultural heritage conservation programme in the Awards of Merit category. It is first temple from Tamil Nadu to grab the prestigious honour from the UN body. The temple won the award in recognition of its efforts for protecting and conserving cultural heritage. The traditional method of renovating temple premises as well as re-establishment of rainwater harvesting and historic drainage system in preventing flooding were two key parameters that earned temple the award. UNESCO Asia-Pacific awards for cultural heritage conservation programme: The awards were launched in 2000 by UNESCO for cultural heritage conservation programme. They are given under four categories– Award of Excellence, Awards of Distinction, Awards of Merit and Award for New Design in Heritage Context. These awards aim at acknowledging efforts taken to restore and conserve historical structures without affecting their heritage value in region comprising 48 countries. They are being given to encourage the efforts of all stakeholders and the public in conserving and promoting monuments and religious institutes with rich heritage in the Asia-Pacific region. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: It is one of the most illustrious Vaishnava temples in South India. It has been mentioned Tamil literature as early as Sangam era. The temple is treasure trove of India’s ancient history. It is constructed in the Tamil or Dravidian style of temple architecture. The legends call it one of eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu and one of the most important 108 main Vishnu temples. It is known by several names such as Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Bhoologa Vaikundam, Periyakoil, Bhogamandabam. This temple lies on an island formed by twin rivers Cauvery and Coleroon. Its complex stretches over 156 acres with perimeter of 4,116 m. It is the largest temple in India and one of largest religious complexes in the world. The temple has over seven prakaras or enclosures, which are formed by thick and huge defensive walls running around the holy shrine. It has over 21 magnificent towers inside all prakaras. The main entrance of temple known as Rajagopuram (royal temple tower) is 73m high and moves up in eleven progressively smaller tiers. The temple annually hosts 21-day festival during the Tamil month of Margazhi (between December and January) which attracts over 1 million visitors.

27) The Union Ministry of Shipping has extended period of Coastal Berth scheme of flagship Sagarmala Programme for three years upto March, 2020. Besides, its scope was also expanded to cover capital dredging at Major Ports and preparation of detailed project report (DPR) for coastal berth project. India has high potential to use coastal shipping for its internal cargo movement given its 7500 kms long coastline. Key Facts: The projects under Coastal Berth Scheme are distributed over eight states with highest number of projects in Maharashtra (12 projects), Andhra Pradesh and Goa (10 projects), Karnataka (6 projects), Kerala and Tamil Nadu (3 projects), Gujarat (2 projects) and West Bengal (1 project). Out of 47 projects, 23 projects worth Rs. 1075.61 crore have been sanctioned for total financial assistance of Rs. 390.42 crore and Rs. 230.01 crore has been released to major ports, state maritime boards and state governments. The remaining 24 projects are under various stages of development and process of approval. Coastal Berth Scheme: It aims to provide financial support to ports or state governments for creation of infrastructure for movement of cargo and passenger by sea or national waterways. The admissible financial assistance under the scheme from Central Government is 50% of total cost of project. The financial assistance is also provided for preparation of DPRs for projects considered under this scheme. The balance expenditure will be incurred by respective Ports/concerned State Governments (including State Maritime Boards) from their own resources. Projects under the scheme will help to promote coastal shipping and increase its share in domestic cargo movement in India. Better infrastructure for coastal shipping built under it will help to decongest rail and road network besides ensuring cost competitive and effective multi-modal transportation solution. Sagarmala Project: The Sagarmala project aims to promote port-led development along India’s 7500 km long coastline by developing string of ports around coast. It envisages transforming existing ports into modern world class ports as well as developing new ones. It also aims to develop efficient evacuation systems through road, rail, inland and coastal waterways. The Ministry of Shipping is nodal ministry for this initiative. Three key components of Sagarmala project are Port Modernization, Efficient Evacuation Systems and Coastal Economic Development. It aims to develop access to new development regions with intermodal solutions and enhanced connectivity with main economic centres and beyond.

28) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested indigenously developed light weight glide bomb Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW). Total of three tests with different release conditions and ranges were conducted at Chandipur in Odisha and were all successful. The bomb was fired from an air force aircraft and was guided through precision navigation system. It reached the targets at greater than 70 km range, with high accuracies Key Facts: The SAAW project is India’s first fully indigenous anti-airfield weapon project sanctioned by Government in September 2013. SAAW is a long-range lightweight high precision-guided anti-airfield weapon. It is 120 kg smart weapon capable of engaging ground targets with high precision up to a range of 100 km. It can be used to destroy bunkers, runways, aircraft hangers and other reinforced structures. SAAW’s deep penetration capabilities and high explosive warhead carrying capacity will allow Indian Air Force (IAF) to easily hit targets across border without putting pilot and aircraft at risk. It can be integrated into the varied types of fighter jets with the IAF. It will be inducted soon into the Armed Forces. Previous tests: DRDO had conducted weapon’s first test from an IAF Jaguar aircraft in Bengaluru in May 2016. The second test was conducted from a Su-30MKI fighter in December 2016.

29) The Union Ministry of Communications has launched Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana, a pan India scholarship program for school children to increase the reach of Philately. The SPARSH stands for Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude & Research in Stamps as a Hobby. Key Facts: Under the scheme, annual scholarships will be awarded to children of Standard VI to IX having good academic record and also pursuing Philately as hobby through competitive selection process in all postal circles. Government will award 920 scholarships to students pursuing Philately as hobby. Scholarship and Selections: Every Postal Circle will select a maximum of 40 scholarships representing 10 students each from Standard VI to IX. The amount of Scholarship will be Rs. 6000/- per annum @ Rs. 500/- per month. The selections will be made based on evaluation of Project work on philately & performance in Philately Quiz conducted by Circles. Philately Club: To avail this scholarship, child must be student of recognized school within India and concerned school should have Philately Club and candidate should be member of Club. In case school Philately Club hasn’t been established a student having his own Philately Deposit Account will also be considered. Philately mentor: Every school participating in competition, would be assigned Philately mentor to be chosen from amongst the renowned Philatelists. The Philately mentor will help in formation of School level Philately Club, providing guidance to young and aspiring Philatelists on how to pursue the hobby and also helping the aspiring Philatelists on their Philately Projects etc. Philately: Philately is hobby of collection and study of Postage stamps. It also entails collection, appreciation and research activities on stamps and other related philatelic products. The hobby includes seeking, locating, acquiring, organizing, cataloguing, displaying, storing, and maintaining the stamps or related products on thematic areas. It is also called king of hobbies because stamp collection as hobby has lot of educational benefits as it teaches lot about socio economic political reality of period in which stamp is issued or theme on which it is issued.

30) Union Government launches Food Regulatory Portal and Investor Facilitation Portal. They were launched on the sidelines of World Food India 2017 Expo. Food Regulatory Portal: It was jointly launched by Ministry of Food Processing and Industries (MoFPI) and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). It is a single interface for food businesses to cater to both domestic operations and food imports. The portal focuses on six key areas food standards, consistent enforcement, hassle free food imports, credible food testing and codified food safety practices of food sector. Standards pertaining to food sector have been notified on it to address concerns of food business across spectrum by ensuring ease of entry, reduced burden of compliance and facilitating trade, he added. Nivesh Bandhu: It is Investor Facilitation Portal to assist investors to make informed investment decisions. It will provide information on Central and State Governments investor friendly policies, agro-producing clusters, infrastructure, and potential areas of investment in the food processing sector.

31) Goa Government has signed trilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology and Nobel Media, Sweden to host Nobel Prize Series-India in February 2018. The event will be jointly organized by Department of Bio-Technology, Union Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with Department of Science and Technology and Nobel Media AB, Sweden. Key Facts: The event will be held along with month-long exhibition brought from Nobel Museum, Sweden. It is being held with objective of driving people towards pure science rather than technology. It will provide scientific exposure that will allow youth of Goa to emulate with Nobel laureates around the world and to take on formidable challenges against any odds in future. Earlier Nobel series were organised in Gujarat. Nobel Media: The company develops and manages programs, productions and media rights of Nobel Prize within the areas of digital and broadcast media, publishing as well as events. It was established in 2004. Its main objectives are to spread knowledge about Nobel Prize awarded achievements and share the Nobel Laureates’ inspirational stories with global audience.

32) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated World Food India 2017 (WFI) on 3rd November 2017 at the India Gate Lawns in New Delhi. The three day event was organized by Ministry of Food Processing Industries. The theme of WFI 2017 is ‘Transforming the Food Economy’. Germany, Japan and Denmark are Partner Countries to World Food India. World Food India 2017 (WFI): The purpose of WFI 2017 is to transform food economy and realize vision of doubling of farmers’ income by establishing India as a preferred investment destination and sourcing hub for the global food processing industry. This is first time India is hosting such an event for the Food processing sector. It is said to be biggest ever congregation of global investors, companies, business delegations and CEOs of major food companies, as well as CEOs of all leading domestic food processing companies, and representatives of 28 States in India. More than 800 global companies representing 22 Countries & domestic companies will be exhibiting. Government aims to attract $10 billion investment in food processing sector and to generate 1 million jobs in the next 3 years in India. WFI 2017 aims to provide platform to strengthen India’s position as Global Food Factory and is positive step towards making Country Food Secure. Special focus is given on Farmer Producer Organizations & Women Entrepreneurs to connect them to corporates for increasing opportunities for sourcing & business.

33) Eminent Hindi Litterateur Krishna Sobti (92) was awarded the 53rd Jnanpith Award for the year 2017 for her path-breaking contribution to Indian literature. She will be overall eight women to win this prestigious award. She is known for experimenting with new writing styles and creating bold and daring characters in her stories. Her language is highly influenced by the intermingling of Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi cultures. Krishna Sobti: She was born on 18 February 1925 in Gujrat Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan). She also has written under the name Hashmat and has published Hum Hashmat, a compilation of pen portraits of writers and friends. She is known for enriching Hindi literature by experimenting with new styles and forms of writing and also by minting several words in Hindi. Her writings have dealt with plethora of issues ranging from partition, relationships between man and woman, changing dynamics of Indian society and slow deterioration of human values. Some of her celebrated works include Mitro Marjani, Daar Se Bichhudi, Zindaginama, Badalom ke Ghere, Ai Ladki, Dil-o-Danish and Gujarat Pakistan Se Gujarat Hindustan. Several of her works have been translated into other Indian languages and also in English, Swedish and Russian. She has been recipient of many coveted awards in the past including Hindi Akademi Awards, Shiroman Awards, Maithli Sharan Gupt Samman, Sahitya Akademi Award for her novel Zindaginama, Sahitya Akademi Fellowship and Padma Bhushan. Jnanpith Award: Jnanpith Award is India’s highest literary honour. Its name has been taken from Sanskrit words Jnana and Pitha which means knowledge-seat. It was instituted in 1961 by Bharatiya Jnanpith trust founded by the Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain family that owns the Times of India newspaper group. It is bestowed upon any Indian citizen who writes in any 22 official languages of India mentioned in VIII Schedule of Constitution of India and English. Prior to 1982, the award was only given for a single work by a writer. But after 1982, the award is given for lifetime contribution to Indian literature. The award carries cash prize of 11 lakh rupees, a citation plaque and a bronze replica of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge and wisdom.

34) The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued notification to make FASTag mandatory for all new four-wheelers from December 1, 2017. The notification follows amendment to Central Motor Vehicle (CMV) Rules, 1989 made by central government as per powers vested in it under Motor Vehicles Act, 1989. Key Facts: The notification explained that FASTag means an onboard unit (transponder) or any such device fitted on front windscreen on vehicle. It should be fixed on front windscreens by automobile manufacturers or authorised dealers. In case of any vehicle which is sold in form of drive-away-chassis without windscreen, FASTags shall be fitted by vehicle owner before registration of such vehicles. The tag can be purchased from tag issuers and after it is linked to prepaid account then vehicle owner is required to recharge or top up tag as per requirement. FASTag: FASTag is device that employs Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for making toll payments directly from prepaid or savings account linked to it. It is affixed on the windscreen of vehicle and enables the commuter to drive through toll plazas, without stopping for cash transactions. The tag on windshield will be read by readers fitted in dedicated Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) lanes of toll plazas after vehicles passes through toll plazas. The user will receive SMS alerts for toll transactions, low balance and all other developments. FASTag has a validity of five years and after purchasing it only needs to recharge or top up as per the requirement. Its major advantages of include no need to carry cash for the toll transactions, time-saving, near non-stop movement of vehicles leading to lower fuel cost among others. Presently, FASTag is operational at about 370 toll plazas across National Highways. The system is inter-operable and same FASTag can be used across all toll plazas under National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) programme.

35) The Geographical Indication Registry (GIR) has given Geographical Indication (GI) tag traditional Etikoppaka toys (Etikoppaka Bommalu) from Andhra Pradesh. These traditional toys are made by artisans in Etikoppaka village located on banks of river Varaha in Visakhapatnam district of the state. With this, Etikoppaka toys join elite products from Andhra Pradesh such as Kondapalli toys, Tirupati laddu, Bobbili Veena, Srikalahasthi Kalamkari, Uppada Jamdani sarees and Shadow puppets to have coveted GI tag. Etikoppaka toys: The art of making traditional wooden Etikoppaka toys is more than 400 years old and it has been traditionally handed over to them by their ancestors through generations. The art of this toy making is also known as turned wood Lacquer craft. The toys are unique in shape and form. They are made of wood and painted with natural dyes. The wood used is from ‘Ankudi Karra’ (Wrightia tinctoria) tree that is soft in nature. The natural dyes are prepared from seeds, lacquer, bark, roots and leaves. These dynes are unique as they do not have heavy metal or toxic content in it. Geographical Indication (GI): The Geographical Indication (GI) is name or sign used on certain products which correspond to specific geographical location or origin. It is used for agricultural, natural and manufactured goods having special quality and established reputation. These goods and products having tag are recognised for their origin, quality and reputation and gives it required edge in the global market. It also ensures that none can use their name, giving them exclusivity. The registration of a GI is valid for 10 years after which it needs to be renewed. GI is covered as element of intellectual property rights (IPRs) under Paris Convention for Protection of Industrial Property. At international level, GI is governed by WTO’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). In India, GI tag is governed by Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection Act), 1999. This Act is administered by Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, who is also Registrar of Geographical Indications.

36) India was ranked low at 108th position out of 144 countries in Global Gender Gap Index 2017 released as part of World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2017. India slipped by 21 places compared to 87th rank last year. Global Gender Gap Index: The index measures gender gap as progress towards parity between men and women in four indicators (i) Educational attainment, (ii) Health and survival, (iii) Economic opportunity and (iv) Political empowerment. Countries are ranked based scores on scale ranging from 0 (lowest i.e. imparity) to 1 (highest i.e. parity). It is released every year by WEF since 2006. Key Highlights of Global Gender Gap Index 2017: Iceland is most gender-equal country with score of 0.878. It is followed by Norway (2 rank), Finland (3), Rwanda (4) and Sweden (5), Nicaragua (6) and Slovenia (7), Ireland (8), New Zealand (9) and the Philippines (10). Overall 68% of global gender gap has been closed, but it is slight deterioration is seen compared to 2016 when gap closed was 68.3%. At current rate of progress, global gender gap will take 100 years to bridge, compared to 83 last year. The case is worse in terms of workplace gender divide as it will take 217 years to close. India’s cumulative score was 0.669 down from 0.683 in 2016. India has successfully closed 67% of its gender gap, less than many of its international peers. India’s neighbours like Bangladesh ranked 47th, ranked at 100th. Reasons for India’s lower ranking: It was mainly due to low scores in two indicators. They are (i) Health and Survival: India ranked 141 at bottom four. It was mainly due to India’s poor sex ratio at birth which still points to a strong preference for sons. (ii) Economic Participation and Opportunities for Women: India ranked 139, down from 136 last year. India’s poor performance on economic front: It was due to fact that on an average, a woman in India is estimated to earn less than quarter of annual income earned by a man. She gets paid only 60% of what her male counterpart gets for similar work. Moreover, women account for over third of labour force participation, but their share of daily unpaid work (household chores, childcare etc.) is 65% while it is only 11% for men. Across sectors, only 13% of senior officials, managers and legislators are women. Other factors: Fall in India’s ranking can be attributed to widening of its gender gaps in political empowerment as well as in healthy life expectancy and basic literacy. Though India succeeded in fully closing its primary and secondary education enrolment gender gaps and very near to closing its tertiary education gender gap, but its overall literacy rate still shows disparity between men (80%) and women (59%). Moreover, in case women holding top political positions, India’s ranks high at 15th position but the proportion of women in legislature is an abysmal 11%.

37) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has made 20-digit Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) compulsory for companies having aggregate fund-based and non-fund based exposure over Rs 5 crore. The move is aimed at improving risk management in wake of huge stressed assets in banking system. Before this, RBI had made LEI mandatory for transactions in interest rate, forex and credit derivative marke. Significance: LEI mechanism will help banks to effectively monitor debt exposure of corporate borrowers. It will also enable banks in preventing multiple loans to companies against the same collateral. Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): LEI is a 20-digit unique code to identify parties to financial transactions worldwide. It is a global reference number that uniquely identifies every legal entity or structure that is party to a financial transaction, in any jurisdiction. LEI code has been conceived as key measure to improve quality and accuracy of financial data systems for better risk management post the global financial crisis. The LEI system was developed by G20 in response to inability of financial institutions to identify organisations uniquely, so that their financial transactions in different national jurisdictions can be fully tracked. The first LEIs were issued in December 2012. Legal Entity Identifier India Limited (LEIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Clearing Corporation of India (CCI), acts as a local operating unit (LOU) for issuing globally compatible legal entity identifiers (LEIs) in India. Besides, entities can also obtain LEI from any of local operating units (LOUs) accredited by Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF) – the entity tasked to support implementation and use of LEI. Listing timeline for implementing LEI: Borrowers with fund and non-fund exposure of Rs 1,000 crore and above will have to get LEI by March 2018. Those having exposure between Rs 500 crore and Rs 1,000 crore have to obtain LEI code by June 2018 and those having between Rs 100 crore and Rs 500 crore by March 2019. Separate roadmap for borrowers having exposure between Rs. 5 crore and up to Rs. 50 crore will be issued in due course. Borrowers who do not obtain LEI as per schedule will not be granted renewal or enhancement of credit facilities. LEIL will assign LEIs to any legal identity including but not limited to all intermediary institutions, banks, partnership companies, mutual funds, trusts, holdings, special purpose vehicles (SPVs), asset management companies and all other institutions being parties to financial transactions.

38) The Uttar Pradesh State Cabinet has approved Blackbuck Conservation Reserve in trans-Yamuna belt near Allahabad. It will be first of its kind conservation reserves in India exclusively dedicated to blackbuck. In this regard, state government has evoked Section 36 A (1) and (2) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, to declare the conservation reserve. Key Facts: The wildlife conservation reserve will come up on over 126 hectares in Meja forest division known for its rocky, undulating and arid terrain. A herd of around 350 blackbucks is estimated to be inhabiting the region. It will help in conservation of blackbuck in effective way. It will also create awareness about biodiversity conservation and provide opportunities for people’s participation. It will also encourage eco-tourism and locals will get opportunities for employment. Blackbuck: Indian Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) is an antelope and is the only living species of the genus Antilope. It is considered to be the fastest animal in the world next to Cheetah. The horns of the blackbuck are ringed with one to four spiral turns and the female is usually hornless. Habitat: Blackbuck inhabits grassy plains and slightly forested areas. Due to its regular need of water, it prefers areas where water is perennially available. It is found in Central- Western India (MP, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra and Odisha) and Southern India (Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu). Protection Status: Hunting of blackbuck is prohibited under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. It has been categorised least concerned in IUCN Red Data Book. The Bishnoi community of Rajasthan is known worldwide for their conservation efforts to blackbuck and Chinkara.

39) The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the policy-making body of income-tax department has signed seven unilateral advance pricing agreements (APAs) in October 2017. With this, total number of APAs entered into by CBDT now stands at 184. This includes 171 unilateral and 12 bilateral APAs. In current financial year, total of 32 APAs (2 bilateral and 30 unilateral) were signed till date. Key Facts: The APAs signed in October 2017 belonged to various sectors including FMCG, information technology, semi-conductor, travel and leisure, office furniture and engineering. The international transactions covered in these APAs include provision of IT-enabled services (ITES), software development services, marketing support services, engineering design services, payment of interest, trading and import of components, etc. Advance Pricing Agreement (APA): The APA Scheme was introduced by Government in 2012 to give tax certainty to MNCs that agree on certain principles in valuation of their cross-border transactions. They also provide assessees with alternate dispute resolution mechanism with respect to transfer pricing. It also helps in determining arm’s length price of international transactions in advance for maximum period of five future years. The rollback provision to pull out of it was introduced in 2014. The progress of APA scheme strengthens the government’s resolve of fostering a non-adversarial tax regime.

40) The Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under Ministry of Power in partnership with Global Environment Facility (GEF) has launched Creating and Sustaining Markets for Energy Efficiency project. The project will help in recognizing India’s efforts towards a low emission-economy and focusing on energy efficiency programmes. Currently around two-thirds of total power generation capacity in India is based on fossil fuels. By 2030, India is committed to achieve 40% of the installed capacity based on clean energy sources. Funding: Project will receive composite funding of $454 million comprised of $20 million GEF grant and co-financing of $434 million in form of loans and equity, including $200 million loan from Asian Development Bank (ADB). Further, EESL also has proposed Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund (EERF) for sustainable funding mechanism of energy efficiency projects in country. Initiatives under this Project: New technologies of super-efficient ceiling fans, tri-generation technologies & smart grid-applications will be financed for proof testing. Energy efficiency programmes like street lighting, domestic lighting, five-star rated ceiling fans and agricultural pumps will be undertaken. EESL also has partnered with UN Environment’s District Energy in Cities Initiative, which has already identified $600 million of projects across five cities in India. Significance: The project is considered as significant step considering India’s efforts towards low emission-economy and focusing on energy efficiency programmes. It will also create awareness in citizens, especially among youth, to encourage energy efficiency measures like use of electric vehicles, energy efficient building codes etc. It will also facilitate sustainable growth by addressing climate change issues, boosting economy and generating greater employment in country. Global Environment Facility (GEF): GEF is a financial mechanism that provides grants to developing countries for projects that benefit global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities. It addresses six designated focal areas: biodiversity, climate change, international waters, ozone depletion, land degradation and Persistent Organic Pollutants. It was established on the eve of 1992 Rio Earth Summit to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems. It unites 183 countries in partnership with international institutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and private sector to address global environmental issues India has been a leading developing country participant in the GEF since its inception in 1991 and has played a major role in shaping GEF. India is both donor and recipient of GEF.

41) India has made an offer to share intelligence of maritime movements in the Indian Ocean in real-time with 10 Indian Ocean littoral states. It was announced by Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba at the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC). This comes at time when India is gearing up to counter China’s increased presence in Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Key Facts: The information to be shared includes movement of commercial traffic as well as intelligence. The sharing of intelligence will not be much for conventional military purposes but to deal with non-traditional threats arising at sea. India already has co-operative arrangements with several countries in region and this initiative will see that expanding further. India has signed white shipping agreements to share commercial shipping data with 12 countries and more are in the works. Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC): Indian Navy had hosted Navy and Maritime Chiefs of 10 countries of IOR at first GMC to identify common threats in region and evolve a mechanism on how to tackle them. It aimed to bring together like minded nations to evolve and formulate collective responses to emerging challenges in maritime domain. It was aimed at “Addressing Regional Maritime Challenges”. The deliberations in it focused on emerging maritime threats and force structuring, maritime domain awareness, maritime security architecture, and maritime security challenges in IOR.

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