W.B.C.S Current Affairs 01 December 2018 to 07 December 2018.

The Importance of Current Affairs in W.B.C.S examinations is immense.Success inW.B.C.S  Prelims and W.B.C.S Mains Exam is mainly subjected to how well an aspirant is aware of the important current affairs. Preparation of current affairs for W.B.C.S is the key to unlock the exam.1) The 80th Session of Policy Commission of World Customs Organization (WCO) was held Mumbai, capital of Maharashtra. It is being organized by WCO and hosted by Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), under Union Finance Minister. Key Facts: Secretary General, WCO, other top officials and customs heads from more than 30 countries had participated in this conference for discussion on various matters related to customs. Key discussion were on issues related trade facilitation, controlling illicit financial flow, performance measurement, challenges of small island economies. Hosting of Policy Commission session will give global presence and leadership role to India in area of customs procedures. It will also give a boost to India’s thrust in facilitating trade. World Customs Organisation (WCO): It is independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. It was established in 1952 as Customs Co-operation Council (CCC). It is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. More than 180 countries are its members including India. It is the only international organization with competence in Customs matters and defines global standards and procedures for customs clearances at border and their implementation. It is considered as voice of international Customs community. It aims to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of member customs administrations and assist them to contribute successfully to national development goals, particularly revenue collection, national security, trade facilitation, community protection, and collection of trade statistics. India is member of WCO since 1971 and has been participating actively in its various activities. It is part of Asia Pacific region having 33 countries, one of 6 regions. From 1st July 2018, India has taken over as the Vice-Chair of the Asia Pacific region for two years. Organistaional Structure: WCO’s governing body – is Council which relies on competence and skills of WCO Secretariat and range of technical and advisory committees to accomplish its mission. Secretariat comprises over 100 international officials, technical experts and support staff of some nationalities. WCO has divided its membership into six regions whereby each region is represented by elected vice-chairperson to WCO Council. Functions- It offers range of Conventions and other international instruments, as well as technical assistance and training services to its members. It also actively supports its members in their endeavours to modernize and build capacity within their national Customs administrations. It also plays vital role in stimulating growth of legitimate international trade and combats fraudulent activities. It also promotes emergence of honest, transparent and predictable Customs environment, thus directly contributing to economic and social well-being of its members.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 01 December 2018 to 07 December 2018.

2) World Soil Day is celebrated every year on 5th of December by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of United Nations. Observance of this day aims to communicate messages on importance of soil quality for food security, healthy ecosystems and human well-being. It also advocates for sustainable management of soil resources. The Theme for year 2018 is ‘Be the Solution to Soil Pollution’. It aims to raise awareness and call people to stop soil pollution. Importance of soil: Soil is the upper layer of earth. It is mixture of organic and inorganic matter, in which plants grow. It is a finite natural resource. On a human time-scale it is non-renewable. According to FAO, soil holds three times as much carbon as atmosphere and can help to meet challenges of a changing climate. 95% of our food comes from soil and 33% of global soils are already degraded. Background: International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) had adopted resolution proposing 5th of December as World Soil Day in 2002 to celebrate importance of soil as critical component of natural system and as vital contributor to human wellbeing. Later in June 2013 FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day and requested official adoption at 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, 68th UNGA declared 5th of December as the World Soil Day.

3) NASA’s first-ever OSIRIS-REx mission designed to visit asteroid and return sample of its dust back to Earth reached its destination, Bennu, two years after its launch. It will use its suite of five science instruments to study asteroid for the next year and a half. OSIRIS-Rex: OSIRIS-Rex stands for Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer. It was launched in September 2016 for studying 101955 Bennu, a carbonaceous asteroid. It is NASA’s first asteroid sampling mission i.e. it will survey surface, collect sample and deliver it safely back to Earth. It will regularly observe area around the asteroid to search for dust plumes and natural satellites and study its light and spectral properties. It will return to Earth after collecting some of its gravels by 2023. It will capture 60 grams dirt and debris from surface of asteroid using its robotic arm without landing i.e. by hovering like hummingbird stirred up by nitrogen gas thrusters and then to Earth for detailed analysis of the collected samples. Bennu: Bennu is near-Earth carbonaceous asteroid about the size of a small mountain in the Apollo group. It was discovered in September 1999 by the LINEAR Project. It orbits close to Earth’s path around the Sun. It is one of the oldest asteroids known to NASA. It is carbon-rich asteroid and believed to be the type of asteroids that may have chemical building blocks of life, along with lots of water. So, analysis of returned sample from it could help to reveal key insights about early solar system and the origin of life on Earth. It is potentially hazardous asteroid and there is very slight chance it could strike into Earth in the late 22nd century. Special Note: NASA’s OSIRIS-REx is not world’s first asteroid sampling mission. This distinction is held by Japanese space agency JAXA. It had proved world’s first sample collection from asteroid after its Hayabusa spacecraft crash-landed into the surface of its target asteroid and managed to return a few micrograms of material in 2010.

4) Elon Musk-led SpaceX has successfully launched 64 small satellites into low Earth orbit onboard of its reusable and preflown Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This has set new record in United States of launching satellites in single go. It was third voyage of Falcon 9 rocket, marking another milestone in SpaceX’s cost-cutting reusable rocket technology. About Satellites: The 64 small satellites included 49 CubeSats and 15 micro-satellites belonging to 34 different clients including public, private and university sources from 17 different countries across the world including South Korea, France and Kazakhstan. The microsatellites weighed few dozen kilograms and CubeSats weighed even smaller. Among launched satellites, one was sculpture called “Orbital Reflector” by artist Trevor Paglen, sent by Nevada Museum of Art and it was not scientific missions. Note: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) holds record for the most satellite launch in single flight. It had launched 104 satellites in one go using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C37) rocket. Space X- It is private US space agency. It was founded by Elon Musk on May 6, 2002 who is its current CEO of Space X. Its main purpose for its establishment was to reduce cost of space transport and establish human habitation on Mars house. Space X has developed series of Falcon Rockets. To reduce cost of internal transport, the space company has created re-usable rockets. Majority of these rockets are also used in other launches.

5) Odisha’s Kandhamal Haldi (turmeric) will soon get Geographical Indications (GI) tag. It is a few steps away from receiving this tag. Its registration was moved by Kandhamal Apex Spices Association for Marketing and was accepted under sub-section (1) of Section 13 of Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. Kandhamal Haldi is famous for its healing properties. It is main cash crop of tribal people in Kandhamal. Apart from domestic use, it is also used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. Geographical Indication (GI): GI tag 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. The purpose of GI tag enables stakeholders to authenticate their production while earning a premium and derive an improved livelihood. The goods and products having tag are recognised for their origin, quality and reputation and gives it required edge in global market. It also ensures that none can use their name, giving them exclusivity. The registration of GI is valid for 10 years after which it needs to be renewed. Violation of GI tags is punishable offence under law. 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 Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection Act), 1999 governs it. This Act is administered by Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks, who is also Registrar of Geographical Indications and is based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

6) According to World Intellectual Property Indicators 2018 report released by United Nation’s World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), number of patents granted by India shot up by 50% in 2017. The patents granted by India increased from 8,248 in 2016 to 12,387 in 2017, thus keeping up trend of steep increases. Key Facts: Patents granted in 2017 in India were more than double 6,022 patents granted in 2015. Of the patents granted in 2017, 1,712 went to entities and individuals based in India, and 10,675 to foreigners. The steep increase in number was driven by patents granted to foreigners, which accounted for 85% of total increase. The number of patents given to domestic entities also has shown increasing trend. In 2016, 1,115 went to domestic individuals or entities and 7,133 to foreigners and in 2015, 822 were granted to applicants in India and 5,200 to foreigners. Globally, 1.4 million patents were granted in 2017. China led world with 4,20,144 granted patents and was followed by US with 3,18,829. World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO): It is the global body for promotion and protection of intellectual property rights (IPR). It is one of the 15 specialized agencies of United Nations (UN). It was established in 1967 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Its mandate is to encourage creative activity, to promote the protection of intellectual property throughout the world. It encourages and provides assistance to all its 188 member countries in formulating national IPR policy however it does not dictate or prescribe any mandatory measures. India is a member of WIPO and party to several treaties administered by WIPO.

7) Scientists have discovered cache over 100 new exoplanets using data from NASA’s Kepler Space telescope (KST) as well as ground-based observatories. Exoplanet also called as extrasolar planet, is planet that orbits star other than Sun. The discovery of 100 new exoplanets is expected to play large role in developing research field of exoplanets and life in universe. Kepler Space Telescope: KST is an unmanned space observatory launched in 2009 by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). It was tasked with determining how many Earth-like planets occur throughout the Milky Way galaxy. It was designed for statistical mission and not to probe into environmental conditions of planets that exist in so-called Goldilocks zone (Habitable zone) of their stars. It finds planets by using transit method. It is detection of tiny brightness dips caused by planet after it crosses its host star’s face from spacecraft’s perspective. Transit method technique requires extremely precise pointing of spacecraft. KST had experienced mechanical trouble in 2013, which led to successor mission called K2. Astronomers around the world are competing to confirm exoplanets suggested by K2 data. NASA had retired KST in November 2018 after it ran out of fuel needed for further science operations. In its mission lifespan of nine-and-a-half year, it had discovered over 2,600 intriguing exoplanets from outside our solar system some of which may harbour life.

8) Union Government has included Gangotri and Yamunotri in Uttrarakhand, Amarkantak in Madhya Pradesh and Parasnath in Jharkhand under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) to develop pilgrimage and heritage destinations in the country. With the new additions, the number of sites under PRASAD has now reached to 41 in 25 states. PRASAD Scheme: It was launched in 2014-15 by Union Ministry of Tourism. It aims at integrated development of pilgrimage destinations in planned, prioritised and sustainable manner to provide complete religious tourism experience. It focuses on the development and beautification of the identified pilgrimage destinations. Objectives- Harness pilgrimage tourism for its direct and multiplier effect upon employment generation and economic development. Enhance tourist attractiveness in sustainable manner by developing world class infrastructure in the religious destinations. It also seeks to promote local art, culture, handicraft, cuisine, etc. Infrastructure development under this scheme includes: Development of entry points (road, rail and water transport), last mile connectivity, basic tourism facilities like Information/interpretation centers, ATM/ money exchange. Development of eco-friendly modes of transport, lighting and illumination with renewable energy sources, drinking water, parking, toilets, waiting rooms, first aid centers, craft bazars/haats/souvenir shops/cafeteria, rain shelters, telecom facilities, internet connectivity etc. Funding- Under it, Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) to State Governments for promoting tourism at identified destinations. For components within public funding under this scheme, Central Government will provide 100% fund. For improved sustainability of project, it also seeks to involve Public Private Partnership (PPP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as well.

9) Croatia’s midfielder Luca Modrich (33) has won prestigious honor of football, Ballon d’Or. He was rewarded for his key role in Croatia’s historic run to FIFA World Cup final (defeated by France) and his club Real Madrid’s third straight Champions League trophy. With this, he ended the tenure of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for almost decade. Messi and Ronaldo have won this award since 2008. Cristiano Ronaldo remained second in run of ballon d’or race this year. France’s young footballer Celine Mbapepe was placed fourth followed by Lionel Messi of Argentina at the fifth place, Mohamed Saleh of Egypt and Liverpool at sixth place, Rafael Varan at seventh place. Women’s Ballon d’Or: Norway’s Ada Hegerberg (23) wins Women’s Ballon d’Or. It was inaugural edition of Women’s Ballon d’Or. She is three-time Women’s Champions League winner with French side Lyon and scored tournament-record 15 times last season. FIFA Ballon d’Or Award: FIFA Ballon d’Or Award is annual football association award given by FIFA to the male player who has performed the best in previous calendar year. It was instituted in 2010 after France Football’s Ballon d’Or and the men’s FIFA World Player of the Year award were merged. It is awarded to male player, based upon highest votes secured by him from national team coaches and captains, as well as journalists from around world. Women’s Ballon d’Or was established in 2018.

10) Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir has announced his retirement from all formats of cricket. In his cricketing career, Gautam Gambhir has played total 58 Test matches, 147 ODIs and 37 T20 matches for India. He had played his last international one-day match against England in Rajkot in 2016. He will play his last match for Delhi in Ranji Trophy against Andhra Pradesh on 6 December, 2019. Gautam Gambhir: He was born on October 14, 1981 in New Delhi. In domestic cricket, he played cricket for Delhi. In IPL, he played cricket for Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils. He started his Test Cricket career against Australia on 3 November 2004. He scored 4,154 runs in 58 Tests. He had started ODI career against Bangladesh on April 11, 2003 and he scored 5,238 runs in 147 ODI. He started the International T-Twenty Career against Scotland on 13 September 2007.

11) World Bank has unveiled US $200 billion in climate action investment for 2021 to 2025 to fight impact of climate change. The move coincides with Conference of Parties-24 (COP24) United Nations Climate Summit in Katowice, Poland. The breakdown of US $200 billion will comprise approximately 100 billion in direct finance from World Bank. Around one-third of remaining funding will come from two World Bank Group agencies and rest will be private capital mobilised by the World Bank Group. Comment: This US $200 billion in climate action investment, amounts to World Bank’s doubling of its current five-year funding. It also represents significantly ramped up ambition of World Bank to tackle climate change and sends an important signal to the wider global community to do the same. This amounts is also double of World Bank’s earlier commitment for ts current five-year funding. World Bank: It is international financial institution that provides loans to countries of the world for capital projects. Its official goal is reduction of poverty by providing loans to developing countries for capital programmes. It is one of five institutions created at Breton Woods Conference in 1944. It is headquarter is situated at Washington DC, US. World Bank comprises two institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and the International Development Association (IDA). It is component of World Bank Group, which also includes three more subsidiary organisations viz. International Finance Corporation (IFC), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). World Bank is part of United Nations system, but its governance structure is different.

12) Indian Navy will conduct its flagship large-scale coastal defence exercise Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX) from January to March 2019 to test robustness of entire coastal security apparatus. As part of TROPEX, Indian Navy will conduct large-scale coastal defence exercise ‘Exercise Sea Vigil’. This exercise will involve all stake holders across mainland and island territories. It will see participation of all operational ships, submarines and aircraft as well as units of Indian coast guards (ICG), Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF). Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX): It is yearly exercise that takes place on Western Seaboard. It is conducted to test various aspects of not only joint combat capabilities but also to test war capabilities of three services in war like situation. This exercise helps in validating operational warfighting concepts and provides very important lessons that will help services to further sharpen their skills. It will also seeks to strengthen interoperability and joint operations in complex conflict situation. It provides opportunity to test combat capability of the Indian Navy, Indian Army, IAF and ICG. In the current security scenario and with India’s increased role inIndian Ocean Region (IOR) and Indo-Pacific, TROPEX assumes great significance. TROPEX 2019: It will see participation of over 45 ships from both Western and Eastern Naval Commands of Indian Navy, including aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, submarines including nuclear powered Chakra, naval aircraft MiG-29K, helicopters as well as ships from Indian Coast Guard. Since its a tri-service exercise, troops from Indian Army and fighter aircraft from Indian Air Force including SU-30 MKI, Jaguars and AWACs will also participate.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 01 December 2018 to 07 December 2018.

13) Qatar has announced its withdrawal from Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) from January 2019 and focus more on the production of natural gas. It makes Qatar first Gulf country to leave OPEC bloc of oil-producing countries led by Saudi Arabia. Qatar has been member of OPEC since 1961 and its decision to pull out after more than five decades comes at turbulent time in Gulf politics. It is under boycott from its neighbouring gulf allies including Saudi Arabia for 18 months (since August 2017). Key Facts: Qatar is the world’s largest exporter of liquified natural gas (LPG) and 17th largest producer of crude oil (around 600,000 barrels per day). It also only holds around 2% of the world’s global oil reserves. The withdrawal decision reflects Qatar’s desire to focus its efforts on plans to develop and increase its natural gas production from 77 million tonnes per year to 110 million tonnes in the coming years. Being part of OPEC its oil production was steady with limited prospects for increases. Since 2013, amount of oil Qatar produced has steadily declined from about 728,000 barrels per day (2013) to about 607,000 barrels per day (2017), or just under 2% of OPEC’s total output. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC): OPEC is an intergovernmental organization (or cartel) of 15 oil-exporting developing nations that coordinates and unifies the petroleum policies of its member countries. It was established in 1960 in Baghdad, Iraq by the first five members. Its headquarters are in Vienna, Austria. Its mission is to coordinate and unify petroleum policies of its member countries and ensure stabilization of oil markets, in order to secure an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consumers, steady income to producers and fair return on capital for those investing in petroleum industry. OPEC member countries accounted for an estimated 43% of global oil production and 73% of the “proven” world’s oil reserves. Two-thirds of OPEC’s oil production and reserves are in its six Middle Eastern (west Asian) countries that surround the oil-rich Persian Gulf. OPEC Members : Asia and Middle East: Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia (de facto leader of OPEC), Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Qatar (to withdraw from January 2019). Africa: Algeria, Angola, Libya, Congo Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. South/Latin America: Ecuador and Venezuela.

14) University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all universities across country to observe December 7 as Armed Forces Flag Day to commemorate supreme sacrifices made by country’s soldiers during conflicts. It also directed universities to organise functions or hold talks in the colleges or institutes to generate awareness on the issue among the students. Significance: As part of observation of Armed Forces Flag Day, universities must acknowledge sacrifices made by valiant armed forces personnel for protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of country and securing lives against threats of terrorism and insurgency and against natural calamities. Indian Armed Forces Flag Day: It is observed every year on December 7 since 1949 to honour soldiers, airmen and sailors of the country. It serves as an important occasion to remind nation of its obligation to look after veterans, disabled soldiers, war widows and dependents of those who have sacrificed their lives for honour, safety,and integrity of the motherland. University Grants Commission (UGC): UGC is statutory body set up by Union government in accordance to UGC Act 1956. It functions under Ministry of Human Resource Development. It is mandated to initiate important decisions and dialogues which have important bearing on the entire student population of the country. The three primary functions of UGC include overseeing distribution of grants to universities and colleges in India, providing scholarships and fellowships to beneficiaries and monitoring conformity to its regulations by universities and colleges.

15) The first bilateral air exercise SHINYUU Maitri-18 between Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) and Indian Air Force (IAF) began at Air Force Station Agra. The theme of this exercise is joint Mobility/Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) on Transport aircraft. SHINYUU Maitri-18: The focus of the exercise is set for IAF and JASDF crews to undertake Joint Mobility/ HADR operations. IAF and JASDF will also practice display of heavy loading/off loading during this exercise. In this exercise, JASDF will be participating with C2 aircraft along with aircrew and observers. IAF is participating with C-17 and An-32 aircraft with aircrew and observers.

16) Union Government (Ministry of Finance) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed $85 million loan agreement for Odisha Skill Development Project. It aims to improve the skill development eco-system in Odisha and establish World Skill Center (WSC), an advanced skill training center in state capital Bhubaneswar. Significance of project: It will improve quality of State’s TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) programs by making them relevant to industry and demand driven. It will impart advanced occupation-ready skills training aligned with international standards. It will also complement efforts to target the employment needs of the emerging sectors in India and globally. It will engage Institute of Technical Education Services (ITEES), Singapore to support Odisha Skill Development Authority in setting-up and operationalizing WSC. This centre will offer internationally bench marked advanced training programs for the working age population of Odisha. It will deliver eight training courses for 13,000 full-time students, provide training for 5,000 teachers and train 1,000 assessors. The project will help over 150,000 people learn skills in priority sectors, including manufacturing, construction and services for formal employment. It will improve overall eco-system of skill development in Odisha by providing integrated services through entrepreneurship incubation center, career counseling and placement center, curriculum design and development center and education technology deployment center. These important functions of WSC will support network of Government ITIs and develop skills and capacity of polytechnics, college of engineering, and other private skilling centers. ADB will also administer $2 million technical assistance grant from Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, financed by Japanese Government that will support capacity development activities under the project. Asian Development Bank (ADB): ADB is a regional development bank based out of Asia. It aims to promote social and economic development in Asia by achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. It was established in December 1966. It is headquartered at Ortigas Centre in Manila, Philippines. It has total 67 members, of which 48 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside.

17) Indian Navy Day is observed annually on 4 December to celebrate magnificence, achievements and role of naval force of the country. This year it was 47th Navy Day. Why Navy Day is celebrated? It commemorates launch of Operation Trident by Indian Navy against Pakistan on 4th December, 1971. During 1971 India-Pakistan war, Indian Navy had played significant role in bombing of Karachi harbour, the stronghold of Pakistani Navy. In this attack, Indian Navy sank four Pakistani vessels and ravaged Karachi harbour fuel fields. In this operation, three missile boats of Indian Navy, INS Nirghat, INS Nipat and INS Veer had played pivotal role in this mission. Operation Trident had also resulted in first use of anti-ship missiles in the Arabian Sea region. Indian Navy: It is marine branch of Indian Armed Forces and is led by President of India as Commander-in-Chief. It is one of most potent maritime forces in the world and the most lethal in Indian Ocean. It is entrusted with duty of security of the country’s maritime boundaries. Currently, 67,228 soldiers/employees are employed in Indian Navy. The motto of the Indian Navy is (Sham No Varuna), it means may lord of Water be auspicious unto us. At present, the Chief of the Indian Navy is Admiral Sunil Lamba. As of March 2018, Indian Navy has Aircraft Carrier, 1 Amphibious Transport Dock, 8 Landing Ship Tanks, 11 Destroyer, 13 Frigates, 1 Nuclear Power Powered Submarine, 1 Ballistic Missile Submarine, 14 Traditional Submarines, 22 Corvette, 4 Fleet Tanker And there are many other ships. The roots of Indian Navy dates back to 1612 AD when Great Maratha ruler Chatrapati Shivaji had formed navy in his forces. So he is called the father of the Indian Navy.

18) The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed every year on December 3 to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development. The 2018 theme for this day is “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”. It focuses on empowering persons with disabilities for an inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as part of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) pledges to “leave no one behind”. Background: The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) after it had passed a resolution 47/3 in 1992. Since then it is observed annually and originally was called as International Day of Disabled Persons. UN estimates that around one billion people are living with disabilities across the world and they are facing barriers of inclusion in many key aspects of society. Objective of this day: It aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

19) India’s first indigenously designed locomotive-less (engine less) train known as Train 18, breached the 180 kmph speed limit during test run in Kota-Sawai Madhopur section. When this train is made operational, it will become the country’s fastest train. It is touted as next generation Shatabdi Express and will connect metros with other important cities. Background: Train 18 was rolled out in October 2018 at Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF). Earlier in November 2018, Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) had announced its trial run successfully. During this trail on tracks in Moradabad division of Northern Railway, this train had ran up to 115 km per hour. The trials proved that train has defined track geometry parameters, curved alignments of specific radius and station yard zones. Major trials of this train are now over with just some more remaining. Once Train 18 becomes operational, it will commence its commercial operations from January 2019. Train 18: It is capable of touching 200 kmph provided the rest of Indian Railways’ system such as tracks and signals permit. It will replacing current 30-year-old Shatabdi Express – a day train. Thus it is touted as next generation Shatabdi Express. It will be first long-distance train without separate locomotive (engine). It has been indigenously developed by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in just short time span of 18 months. It took investment of nearly Rs 100 crore to build this prototype and subsequent bulk production will bring down the cost. Thus, it will be cheaper compared to imported engine less train. With 16 coaches, it will has same passenger carrying capacity as that of Shatabdi Express. It has aerodynamically designed driver cabins at both ends for quicker turn-around at destinations. It sports advanced regenerative braking system which saves power. It is fully air-conditioned and offers better passenger comfort and safety, as all equipment are fixed under carriage, so that more space is available on board. It has soft lighting, automatic doors, footsteps and GPS-based Passenger Information System (PIS). It also has onboard Wi-Fi and infotainment, and modular toilets with bio-vacuum systems. Footstep in coach’s doorway in this train slides outward when train stops at station, enabling passengers to board or deboard safely with comfort.

20) India will host G20 Summit In 2022, when it celebrates its 75th year of Independence. It was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during ongoing G20 meet of international grouping in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina. This comes after Italy accepted India’s formal request to host this summit in 2021 as earlier it was going to host it in 2022. During the Buenos Aires G20 meet, India presented a nine-point agenda to the G20 countries calling for strong and active cooperation among them to comprehensively deal with fugitive economic offenders. G20: It is premier forum for international economic cooperation and decision-making for governments and central bank governors from 20 major economies to focus on economic issues and other important development challenges. It comprises of total 19 countries plus European Union (EU), representing 85% of global GDP, 80% of international trade, 65% of world’s population. Its members include Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, India, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, UK, US and EU. It was started in 1999 as meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in the aftermath of the South-east Asian (Tiger economies) financial crisis. It was established for studying, reviewing, and promoting high-level discussion of policy issues pertaining to the promotion of international financial stability. In 2008, the first G20 Leaders’ Summit was held in Washington DC, US. Prior to this, it was merely forum for meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors. The group has played key role in responding to the global financial crisis.

21) The 24th meeting of Conference of Parties (COP-24) to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) began at Katowice, Poland. COP-24 is expected to finalise guidelines for implementation of Paris Agreement adopted in 2016. Delegates from nearly 200 nations are participation in COP24. Indian delegation to this conference is led by Environment Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan. India-COP24: India expects that COP-24 will be able to frame guidelines, which are pragmatic and gives due consideration to challenges and priorities of developing countries. India considers that outcome of COP-24 should be balanced, inclusive, and consistent with principles and provisions of Convention and its Paris Agreement. India strongly supports objective of Paris Agreement to strengthen global response to threat of climate change by keeping global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius from pre- industrial revolution period. India considers it important as it is linked to issue of poverty eradication. India will highlight its concern for climate change and reaffirm its commitments to finalisation of Paris Agreement Work Programme. This agreement also focuses on developing countries need to adapt to adverse impacts of climate change, in manner that it does not put additional burden on them. India will be setting up pavilion to create awareness about India’s positive climate actions in various sectors of economy. The theme of Pavilion is ‘One World One Sun One Grid’ as highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during first assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA) in October 2018. UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change): It is international environmental treaty negotiated at Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and entered into force in 1994. It has near universal membership as it has 196 countries and European Union (EU) as its members. It is parent treaty of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol which was ratified by 192 of the UNFCCC Parties. The ultimate objective of both treaties is to stabilize greenhouse gas (GHGs) concentrations in atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. Conference of Parties (COP): COP is the supreme decision-making body of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). ‎All States that are Parties to UNFCCC are represented at COP. ‎At COP, all parties review implementation of Convention and take decisions necessary to promote the effective implementation of Convention.

22) Union Government has constituted six-member committee to look at selling as many as 149 small and marginal oil and gas fields of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) to private and foreign companies to boost domestic output. The committee will be headed by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar and includes Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, Oil Secretary M M Kutty, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant and ONGC Chairman and Managing Director Shashi Shanker as members. Background: Constitution of this committee is follow up of October 2018meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review domestic production profile of oil and gas and the roadmap for cutting import dependence by 10% by 2022. In this meeting, Union Oil Ministry had made presentation showing that 149 smaller fields of ONGC, OIL and other explorers accounted for just 5% of domestic crude oil production. It was suggested at the meeting that these smaller fields could be given out to private and foreign firms, so that ONGC could concentrate on big ones where it could rope in technology partners through production enhancement contracts (PEC) or technical service arrangements. This was mainly large ONGC fields as contribute to 95% of its production and leave out the rest for private firms.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 01 December 2018 to 07 December 2018.

23) Sunil Arora assumed charge as 23rd Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. He succeeded OP Rawat who retired on 1 December 2018. He will have nearly two-and-a-half-year tenure as CEC and General Election 2019 to 17th Lok Sabha will be conducted under his stewardship. Prior to assuming this, charge he was serving as Election Commissioner in Election Commission of India (ECI) from September 2017. Sunil Arora: Sunil Arora is retired IAS officer of1980-batch from Rajasthan cadre. He had retired in April 2016 as Information and Broadcasting secretary. Prior to this, he was skill development secretary. He has also worked in ministries and departments such as Finance, Textiles and Planning Commission and also has served as CMD of Indian Airlines for five years. In his home state, he had served as principal secretary of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje from 2005 to 2008. Election Commission of India (ECI): It is permanent and independent constitutional body established directly by Constitution of India under Article 324 to ensure fair and fair elections in the country. It is multi-member body and currently has three members including Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two election commissioners (ECs). They all are appointed by the President. Service conditions and tenure of office CEC and ECs are determined by an act of parliament titled The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service) Act, 1991. They hold office for term of six years or until they attain age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. CEC and ECs have equal power and receive equal salary, allowances and other perquisites, which are similar to judge of Supreme Court. In case of difference of opinion amongst CEC and Election Commissioner, matter is decided by Commission by majority.

24) Air Forces of India and US began their 12-day joint exercise “Ex Cope India-2018” in West Bengal. It is fourth edition in series of bilateral joint exercise held by Air Forces of two nations conducted in India. This year for first time exercise will be held at two Air Force bases in West Bengal’s Kalaikunda and Panagarh. Key Facts: This edition of exercise is aimed at providing operational exposure to air force personnel of both countries and undertake mutual exchange of best practices for enhancing operational capability. It will be focused on enhancing US-Indian mutual cooperation and building on existing capabilities, aircrew tactics and force employment. It will showcase US and India’s efforts and commitment to free and open Indo-Pacific region. US Air Force is participating with 12 F15 C/D, 3 C-130. Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating with Su-30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000, C-130J and AWACS aircraft. Background: Cope India is series of international Air Force exercises between Indian Air Force (IAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) conducted on and over Indian soil. The first such exercise was conducted at IAF air force station in Gwalior from February 2004. The exercise included flight tests, practice and demonstrations as well as lectures on subjects related to aviation. The exercise has evolved to incorporate subject matter expert exchanges, air mobility training, airdrop training and large-force exercises, in addition to fighter-training exercises. The exercise was repeated in 2005, 2006, 2009 and was last held in 2010.

25) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be chief guest at India’s 70th Republic Day celebrations on 26 January 2019. Mr Ramaphosa was invited to be chief guest by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when two leaders met on sidelines of G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The announcement comes month after US President Donald Trump declined India’s invitation to be chief guest. The reason citied was “scheduling constraints” of President. Significacne of Republic Day: It honours date on which Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 replacing Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. Constitution was adopted by Indian Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, completing the country’s transition towards becoming an independent republic. 26 January was chosen as Republic day because it was on this day in 1930 when Purna Swaraj (Declaration of Indian Independence) was proclaimed by Indian National Congress (INC) at Lahore session 1929 as opposed to Dominion status offered by British Regime. Republic Day parade: On 26 January every year, Republic Day parade is held at Rajpath, New Delhi. It is largest and most important of the parades in India. The parade showcases India’s defence capability and its cultural and social heritage. It is conducted under control Union Defence Ministry. 2018 Republic Day: For first time in history of Republic Day celebrations, 10 heads of state were chief guest at a time. They were from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a regional grouping of 10 Southeast Asian countries comprising of Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. The chief guest at India’s first Republic Day on January 26, 1950 was President of Indonesia and since then five other Southeast Asian leaders have chief guests at Republic Day parades. Earlier Chief guests of Republic Day parades: 2017- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Crown prince of Abu Dhabi), 2016- Francois Hollande (President of France), 2015-Barack Obama (US President), 2014- Shinzo Abe (Japanese Prime Minister), 2013-Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (King of Bhutan), 2012-Yingluck Shinawatra (Then Prime Minister of Thailand), 2011- Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (Then President of Indonesia).

26) The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed on December 2 every year with an objective to raise awareness about slavery and its impact on the society. This day marks adaptation of resolution ‘Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Prostitution of Others’ by United Nations (UN) General Assembly on 2 December 1949.The focus of this day is on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, worst forms of child labour and forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. Modern slavery: According to International Labour Organisation (ILO) more than 40 million people worldwide are victims of modern slavery. There are 5.4 victims of modern slavery for every 1,000 people in the world. 1 in 4 victims of modern slavery are children. Though modern slavery is not defined in law, it is used as umbrella term covering practices such as forced labour, forced marriage, human trafficking and debt bondage. Thus, it can be referred as to situations of exploitation that person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception or abuse of power. ILO has adopted new legally binding Protocol designed to strengthen global efforts to eliminate forced labour, which entered into force in November 2016.

27) Ace Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra (36) and still India’s only individual Olympic gold medallist was awarded coveted International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Blue Cross. With this Bindra is the first Indian to be awarded the Blue Cross. The award is conferred for outstanding contribution to sport of shooting and honours distinguished members of the international shooting fraternity. Blue Cross is highest recognition conferred by parent body of international shooting ISSF. Abhinav Bindra: He has won Olympic gold medal (2008), World Championship gold (2006), 7 Commonwealth Games medals and 3 Asian Games medals in shooting. He became first Indian to win individual Olympic gold medal by winning the top prize in 10m Air Rifle event at 2008 Games held in Beijing, capital of China. He was given Arjuna award in 2000, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2001 and Padma Bhushan in 2009. He narrowly had missed out on second Olympic medal at 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, post which he decided to retire from sport at the age of 33 to make way for next generation of Indian shooters.

28) India will Chair Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) from 1st January 2018. It was was handed Chairmanship by the European Union during KPCS Plenary 2018, which was held in Brussels, Belgium. India as KPCS Chair will be committed to- Commitments of India as KPCS Chair: Make KPCS stronger process in terms of inclusiveness, strengthened administration and implementation. Make KPCS more efficient in terms of delivery of what it promises, more transparent and empathetic towards living standards of people who are dependent on production, trade and manufacture of diamonds. Support Artisanal & Small-Scale Mining (ASM) with capacity building, technical assistance and education on valuation, differentiation between natural and lab-grown diamonds and importance of legal and formal mining practices. Kimberley Process: It is joint initiative of governments, industry and civil societies to stem flow of ‘conflict diamonds’, rough diamonds used by rebel groups to finance wars against legitimate governments. It is also described in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. India is one of the founding members of KPCS. At present, KPCS has 54 members representing 81 countries including EU with 28 members. KPCS came into effect from 1 January, 2003 through United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution. It outlines the rules that govern trade in rough diamonds. It has evolved into effective mechanism for stopping trade in conflict diamonds. It sets minimum requirements that each participant must meet. In India, the scheme is administered through Department of Commerce under aegis of the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry. India and KPCS: India is founding member of KPCS. It is actively involved in KPCS activities to ensure that almost 99% of diamond trade in world is conflict free. It is committed to maintaining KPCS as efficient and effective process in order to ensure conflict diamond free status. It is also at forefront in addressing issue of differentiation between Natural Diamonds and Lab Grown Diamonds and ensure responsible business in this area. India earlier had chaired Ad hoc Committee on Review and Reform (AHCRR). It had held one joint session with Chairs of other Working Groups and 4 sessions with AHCRR committee members to discuss issue of funding of Permanent Secretariat (PS), Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF), peer review mechanism and consolidation to the core document. Conflict diamonds: Conflict diamonds or blood diamonds are the rough diamonds used by rebel movements in the third world countries especially in Africa to finance (civil) wars with an aim to topple legitimate governments. The KPCS completely bans import and export of rough diamonds without certification.

29) According to index of eight core industries released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, growth rate of eight infrastructure sectors slowed down to 4.8 per cent in October 2018. This was mainly due to contraction in production of crude oil, natural gas and fertilizer. It had recorded growth rate of 5% in October 2017. During April-October 2018-19, eight sectors recorded a growth rate of 5.4% against 3.5 per cent in the same period last year. Key Facts: In October 2018, fertiliser production dropped sharply by 11.5%, crude oil by 5% and natural gas by 0.9% over the year-ago month. The production of coal, cement and electricity, on other hand, expanded in month under review. The growth rate of refinery products declined to 1.3% in October as against 7.5% in the same month last year. Similarly, steel sector growth too dipped to 2.2% against 8.6% in October 2017. The growth rate of eight core sectors, however, is more than 4.3 per cent expansion in September 2018. Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI): It is monthly production volume index considered as lead indicator of monthly industrial performance. It is calculated by using Laspeyre’s formula of weighted arithmetic mean of quantity relatives. It measures collective and individual performance of production in selected eight core industries viz. Natural Gas, Coal, Crude Oil, Fertilizers, Petroleum Refinery Products, Steel, Cement and Electricity. It is compiled and released by Office of Economic Adviser (OEA), Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The eight infrastructure sectors, constitute 40.27% of total index of industrial production (IIP). These eight core industries have impact on general economic activities as well as industrial activities. (Base year for ICI is 2011-12). Components and weightages covered in ICI: Petroleum Refinery production (weight: 28.04%): It includes total refinery production (in terms of crude throughput). Electricity generation (19.85%): It includes actual electricity generation of thermal, nuclear, hydro, imports from Bhutan. Steel production (17.92%): It includes production of alloy and non-alloy steel only. Coal production (10.33%): It includes coal production excluding coking coal. Crude Oil production (8.98%): It includes total crude oil production. Natural Gas production (6.88%): It includes total natural gas production. Cement production (5.37%): It includes production of large plants and mini lants. Fertilizers production (2.63%): It includes production of Urea, Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN), Ammonium Sulphate (A/S), Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), Ammonium chloride (A/C), Complex Grade Fertilizer and Single superphosphate (SSP).Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 01 December 2018 to 07 December 2018.

30) Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) launched media campaign “Heart Attack Rewind”, calling for elimination of industrially produced trans-fat in the food supply. It will support FSSAI’s global target of eliminating trans-fat in India by 2022, a year ahead of global target by World Health Organization (WHO). It is in line with FSSAOI’s objective to get Freedom from ‘Trans Fat: India@75′. Heart Attack Rewind Campaign: It first mass media campaign of its kind that will educate consumers about the harmful effects and its link to cardiovascular diseases. It warns citizens about the health hazards of consuming trans-fat and offers strategies to avoid them through healthier alternatives. The campaign was developed by experts at Vital Strategies. Background: Globally, trans-fat intake leads to more than 500,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease every year. Trans-fat are made by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid and to increase shelf life of foods. In May 2018, WHO launched comprehensive plan to eliminate industrially produced trans-fat from global food supply by 2023. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI): FSSAI is a nodal statutory agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health in India through regulation and supervision of food safety. It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and operates under aegis of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

31) Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under Ministry of Commerce and Industry has put imports of gold dore in restricted category. This means, now, importer needs a license to import this commodity. Gold dore: It is semi-pure alloy of gold and silver which is refined for further purification. Proportions of silver and gold can vary widely. It usually created at site of a mine and then transported to refinery for further purification. Refined gold bars are manufactured from gold dore bar. India imports about 900 tonnes of gold year making it world’s second-biggest gold consumer after China. The imports mainly take care of demand of the jewellery industry. Wastage and value addition norms for gold religious idols: DGFT also has prescribed wastage and value addition norms for gold religious idols (only gods and goddess) – both plain and studded, of eight carats and up to 24 carats. Under it, percentage of wastage for plain gold idols will be 2.5%, while it will be 5% for studded idols. Similarly, percentage of value addition for plain gold religious idols will be 10% and 14% in case of idols studded with colour gems stones. The percentage for value addition in case of idols studded with diamonds will be 15%.

32) The first India-ASEAN InnoTech Summit was held in New Delhi. It was organized by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) in association with Department of Science & Technology (DST) and Ministry of External Affairs. Objectives of this summit were: Explore avenues of cross country partnerships with Indian R&D-based enterprises. Capture global trends in technology management and strategy. Advance progressive ideas for policy reforms and regulatory environment. Create avenues for industry-academia-government partnerships. Build capacities for market assessment and rapid commercialization of research. Promote best practices in financing, strategy, and leadership. Connect local and global research & development community for collaborative engagement. Highlights: Participating ASEAN member countries in this summit were Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam. On sidelines of this summit, an exhibition to showcase best Indian Innovative Technologies, with potential implementation in ASEAN region was also organized. Besides this summit also provided platform for B2G meetings i.e. one to one meeting with ASEAN delegation of ministers, advisors, and other dignitaries. Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): ASEAN is regional intergovernmental organisation comprising 10 Southeast Asian countries, which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic, political, security, military, educational, and sociocultural integration. 10-member ASEAN comprise of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei and Laos. India is a full dialogue partner of the ASEAN.

33) Bangladeshi disabilities’ advocate Vashkar Bhattacharjee and Chinese private sector ICT enterprise, Tencent (China) were awarded UNESCO/Emir Jaber al Ahmad al Jaber al Sabah Prize for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. They were awarded for there outstanding contribution to empowerment of persons with disabilities through application of information and communication technologies (ICTs) to access information and knowledge. They will be presented with award in ceremony to be at UNESCO Headquarters on occasion of International Day of Persons with disabilities (Observed on 3 December). Key Facts: Vashkar Bhattacharjee: He was awarded in individual category. He is leading advocate on production of resources dedicated to learners with disabilities and to training of teachers in use accessible reading materials. He has successfully developed Bangladesh’s first Accessible Dictionary in four forms, dedicated to persons with visual, print and learning disabilities, and special programme of self-employment through e-micro credit support for persons with disabilities. Tencent (China): It was awarded in organizational category. It was recognized for its outstanding contribution to empowerment of persons with disabilities by using inclusive digital technologies to provide greatly enhanced access to information. In China, Tencent products have helped persons with special needs access critical information and interact more easily with digital devices, thus improving their quality of life. UNESCO/Emir Jaber Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Prize for Digital Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities: It is awarded to persons/organisations in recognization of their outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations in promoting inclusion and enhancing lives of persons with disabilities through application of digital solutions, resources and technologies. It will be offered biennially in 2018-19 and 2020-21. It will be awarded in each biennial edition and will be given in Individual Person and Organization category. It carries monetary award of US $40,000, which is distributed equally between individual and the organizational winner. It is sponsored by Kuwait in memory of its late ruler Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

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