W.B.C.S Current Affairs 06 October 2018 to 12 October 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) According to United Nations report titled ‘Economic Losses, Poverty and Disasters 1998-2017’, India has suffered whopping $79.5 billion economic loss due to climate-related disasters in last 20 years. The report was compiled by UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction which highlights impact of extreme weather events on global economy. The report was released ahead of International Day for Disaster Reduction, observed every year on October 13. Key Points from report: The years between 1998 to 2017 have seen dramatic rise of 151% in direct economic losses from climate-related disasters. The direct losses (impact) of disasters on global economy between 1998 and 2017 in affected countries was reported $2.908 trillion, more than twice of what was lost in previous two decades. There is growing threat from climate change led extreme weather events, which now account for 77% of total economic losses of $2.245 trillion. This represents dramatic rise of 151% compared with losses reported between 1978 and 1997, which amounted to $895 billion. The greatest economic losses was experienced by United Stats at $944.8 billion followed by China ($492.2 billion), Japan ($376.3 billion), India ($79.5 billion), Puerto Rico ($71.7 billion), France ($48.3 billion) Germany ($57.9 billion), Italy ($56.6 billion), Thailand ($52.4 billion) and Mexico ($46.5 billion). In terms of occurrences, climate-related disasters also dominate the picture, accounting for 91% of all 7,255 major recorded events between 1998 and 2017. Floods (43.4%) followed by storms (28.2%) are the two most frequently occurring disasters. During this period, 1.3 million people lost their lives and 4.4 billion people were injured, rendered homeless, displaced or in need of emergency assistance. 563 earthquakes, including related tsunamis, accounted for 56% of total deaths or 747,234 lives lost. However, 63% of disaster reports contain no economic data. There is disproportionate impact of disaster events on low and middle-income countries is high as compared to high-income countries as they can bear brunt of absolute economic losses. The high-income countries recorded losses for 53% of reported disasters between 1998 and 2017, low-income countries only recorded them for 13% of disasters. Only one high-income territory ranked among top ten in terms of annual average percentage losses relative to GDP – Puerto Rico with 12.2%. Climate change is increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. The economic losses from extreme weather events are unsustainable and puts major brake on eradicating poverty in hazard exposed parts of the world Disasters will continue to be major impediments to sustainable development so long as economic incentives to build and develop hazard-prone locations outweigh perceived disaster risks. Integrating disaster risk reduction into investment decisions is most cost-effective way to reduce these risks, investing in disaster risk reduction is therefore pre-condition for developing sustainable in changing climate. UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR): It was established in 1999 as dedicated secretariat to facilitate implementation of International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR). It is an organisational unit of UN Secretariat and is led by the UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG). It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. It is mandated by United Nations General Assembly resolution (56/195) to serve as focal point in United Nations system for coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among disaster reduction activities of United Nations system and regional organizations and activities in socio‐economic and humanitarian fields.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 06 October 2018 to 12 October 2018.

2) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central University of Jammu (CUJ) in Jammu today for setting up of Satish Dhawan Center for Space Science in University. It will be first of its kind institute coming up in Jammu and Kashmir. Space Sciences: It is multidisciplinary subject which involves basic sciences such as mathematics, physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, geology, planetary science, atmospheric sciences, geography, space engineering and even space law. Satish Dhawan Center for Space Science: The centre is named after Satish Dhawan, father of experimental fluid dynamics research in India and former Chairman of ISRO (1971-84). He was born in Srinagar and played leading the successful and indigenous development of Indian space programme. The centre will have facilities for Geospatial Data analysis that will help in sustainable use of natural resources and planning land-use pattern. It will also have ground-based observations for atmospheric studies, research lab for astrophysics, atmospheric sensing and glacier studies lab for better use of large quantity of water stored in the form of seasonal snow, ice and glaciers in the rivers of North India. It will also have Disaster Management Center to take up research in the area of different disasters like flood, landslides, forest fires, drought and climate change. Materials Sciences Lab for space applications will be also established for synthesizing and designing new sensors and materials for space applications. Significance: It will help in tapping potential of Space Applications for region of J&K in various fields like disaster management, health, education, communication, weather forecasting, land use planning, etc. It will also provide opportunity to youth of the region to contribute to the field of space science as well as to the nation. It will also take care of the emerging Geospatial and Space Technology requirements for development of the region as its economy and habitations are affected by vegetation cover, forest area, snow, landslides, avalanches, ground water, cloud cover, atmospheric conditions etc.

3) The 32nd edition of India-Indonesia coordinated patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) is being held in Belawan, Indonesia from 11 – 27 October 2018. Under it, ships and aircraft from both countries will undertake patrolling on respective sides of 236 nautical miles long International Maritime Boundary Line. IND-INDO CORPAT 2018: The patrolling will be conducted in three phases, followed by closing ceremony at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Island. Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kulish, a Kora class missile corvette and Dornier naval maritime time patrol aircraft from Andaman and Nicobar command are participating. This deployment is expected to contribute towards Indian Navy’s effort to forge strong bonds of friendship across seas and consolidate inter-operability. It also seeks to emphasize India’s peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in maritime domain, consolidate interoperability and strengthen existing bonds of friendship between the two countries. Background: Under the strategic partnership between India and Indonesia, navies of both countries have been carrying out coordinated patrolling twice year since 2002 near International Maritime Boundary Line in an effort to keep Indian Ocean region (IOR) safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade. The coordinated patrol reflects shared concerns between two countries for peaceful Indian Ocean for benefit of international community. It also enhances mutual understanding and inter–operability between the two navies. Moreover, as part of Central Government’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and `Act East policy’ Indian Navy has increasingly deployed to address maritime concerns of the IOR and also been involved in assisting countries in IOR with EEZ Surveillance, Search and Rescue, other capacity -building and capability-enhancement activities.

4) Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has confirmed 22 positive laboratory-confirmed cases of Zika virus in Rajasthan’s capital Jaipur. It was detected through Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) surveillance system and all suspected cases in defined area and mosquito samples are being tested. Preventive Measures: Health Ministry has taken precautionary measures followed by daily monitoring. It has activated control room at National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to undertake regular monitoring of the situation. Moreover, 7-member Central team also has been deputed to Jaipur following detection of the first case. State government also has been supplied with IEC material prepared to create awareness about zika virus disease and its prevention strategies. Besides, extensive surveillance and vector control measures are also being undertaken in area as per protocol by the state government. Zika virus Disease: Zika virus Disease is mosquito-borne virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes which also transmit three other vector-borne diseases Chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever. The virus belongs to family Flaviviridae and Genus Flavivirus. It was first identified in 1947 in Zika Forest, Uganda from where it derives its name. Now it is emerging disease currently being reported by 86 countries worldwide. Transmission: It is transmitted primarily by infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which also transmits dengue. It can also spread through blood transfusion and sexual contact. Symptoms: They are similar to other viral infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. Threats: Pregnant women infected with Zika virus may give birth to babies with severe brain damage or serious birth defects i.e. neurological disorders and foetal deformation known as Microcephaly in which infants are born with abnormally smaller heads. Besides there is also possible link between virus and Guillain-Barré syndrome (a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system) is also suspected. Treatment and Prevention: There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available to treat Zika. The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites and clearing stagnant water where mosquitoes breed. Previous Outbreaks in India: First outbreak of Zika Virus was reported in Ahmedabad, Gujarat in January/February 2017 and second outbreak in July 2017 from Krishnagiri District in Tamilnadu. Both these outbreaks were successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management.

5) Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued draft ‘National Policy on Electronics 2018’ (NPE 2018) for Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) Sector of India. It sets ambitious target of creating $400 billion electronics manufacturing industry by 2025, with mobile phone devices segment accounting for three-fourths of production. Draft National Policy on Electronics (NPE): Draft NPE aims to promote domestic manufacturing in entire value-chain of ESDM sector for spur economic development in the country. It also aims to double the target of mobile phone production from 500 million units in 2019 to 1 billion by 2025 to meet objective. It replaces existing incentive schemes like Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS), with schemes that are easier to implement such as interest subsidy and credit default guarantee etc. It also takes into consideration interest subsidy and credit default guarantee in order to encourage new units and in expansion of existing units in electronics manufacturing sector. The set target of $400 billion turnover under it, includes targeted production of 1 billion mobile handsets by 2025, valued at $190 billion (approximately Rs. 13 lakh crore) and also 600 million mobile handsets valued at $110 billion (approximately Rs. 7 lakh crore) for export. It also proposes to push development of core competencies in all sub-sectors of electronics including electronic components and semiconductors, automotive electronics, defence electronics, industrial electronics, strategic electronics etc. It also proposes to set up 20 greenfield and three brownfield electronic manufacturing cluster projects have been sanctioned with project outlay of Rs 3,898 crore, including Rs 1,577 crore from Central Government. It proposes suitable direct tax benefits, including inter-alia investment-linked deduction under Income Tax (IT) Act for electronics manufacturing sector, for setting up of new manufacturing unit or expansion of an existing unit. The proposal includes increasing tax benefits on expenditure incurred on R&D, enhancing rate of duty drawback for electronics sector, reimbursement of state levies and other levies for which input tax credit is not available, allowing duty free import of second-hand capital goods for electronics hardware manufacturing etc. It also proposes cess on select electronic goods resources to promote certain critical sub-sectors of electronic manufacturing such as semiconductor wafer fabrication and display fabrication units.

6) Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) in collaboration with Assam Government has launched new Roll on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) facility connecting Neamati to Manjuli Island in Assam. The Ro-Ro facility will cut down circuitous road route of 423 km that trucks take from Neamati to Majuli Island via Tezpur Road Bridge. It will limit distance between these points to only 12.7 km with use of river route. For this, IWAI has procured new vessel MV Bhupen Hazarika and is also providing needed terminal infrastructure. The vessel is 46.5-metre-long, 13.3-metre-wide and has carrying capacity of eight trucks and 100 passengers. The commencement of Ro-Ro services to Majuli island would be a landmark event towards augmenting connectivity not only in Assam but the entire North Eastern Region. Ro-Ro Ferry Service: It refers to vessels used to carry wheeled cargo like cars, semi-trailer trucks, trucks, trailers, and railroad cars that are driven on (rolled on) and off (rolled off) ferry on their own wheels or using platform vehicle. Background: Majuli is world’s largest riverine islands located on Brahmaputra River. It has 144 villages with a population of over 1,50,000. The habitants of the island are facing serious challenges of connectivity. They cross river using conventional ferry service at various locations for their day to day needs. In absence of adequate number of bridges, cargo and passenger movement takes through longer road routes leading to critical loss of time and money. Earlier, IWAI had started similar Ro-Ro service between Dhubri and Hatsingimari which had reduced travel distance by 190 kms. Permanent Ro-Ro terminal was constructed at Dhubri for the purpose. It also has constructed floating terminals at 11 locations along length of Brahmaputra waterway. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI): IWAI is nodal statutory body in charge of development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation. It was established in October 1986 and is headquartered in Noida, UP. Its main function is to build necessary infrastructure in inland waterways, surveying economic feasibility of new projects and also carrying out administration and regulation. It undertakes projects for development and maintenance of IWT infrastructure on national waterways through grant received from Ministry of Shipping.

7) Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and Finland on Environmental Cooperation. The MoC will enable establishment and promotion of closer and long-term cooperation between two countries in field of environment protection and management of natural resources on basis of equity, reciprocity and mutual benefits. For this it will take into account applicable laws and legal provisions in each country. It is also expected to bring in latest technologies and best practices suited for bringing about better environment protection, better conservation and better management of climate change and wildlife protection and conservation. Areas of cooperation under MoC: Climate change. Conservation of Marine and Coastal Resources. Waste management and waste-to-energy technologies. Integrated water management of Oceanic and Sea Islands. Environmental and Forest monitoring and data management. Air and water pollution prevention and purification, remediation of contaminated soils. Promotion of circular economy, sustainable management of natural resources and low-carbon solutions. Any other areas jointly decided upon.

8) Union Cabinet chaired has approved establishment of National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). It will be set up by merging existing regulatory institutions in the skills space – National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) and National Skill Development Agency (NSDA). National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET): NCVET will regulate functioning of entities engaged in vocational education and training, both long-term and short-term. It will also establish minimum standards for functioning of such entities. It will be headed by Chairperson and will have Executive and Non-Executive Members. It will follow best practices of regulatory processes and ensure that it performs its functions professionally and as per applicable laws. It will utilize existing infrastructure and resources of NCVT and NSDA. Primary functions of NCVET: Recognize and regulate awarding bodies, assessment bodies and skill related information providers. Approve qualifications developed by awarding bodies and Sector Skill Councils (SSCs). Indirectly regulate vocational training institutes through awarding bodies and assessment agencies. Conduct Research and disseminate information. Redress Grievances. Benefits: The establishment of NCVET by merging NCVT and NSDA will lead to improvement in quality and market relevance of skill development programs. It will also improve credibility of vocational education and training by encouraging greater private investment and employer participation in the skills space. It will help achieve twin objectives of enhancing aspirational value of vocational education and increasing skilled manpower furthering Government’s agenda of making India skill capital of the world. It is also expected to facilitate ease of doing business by providing steady supply of skilled workforce to the industry and services.
9) The Appointments Committee of Union Cabinet has approved appointment Tushar Mehta has been appointed as the new Solicitor General of India. He will replace Ranjit Kumar, who had stepped down sometime back and shall hold office till June 30, 2020. Prior to this appointment he was Additional Solicitor General. Tushar Mehta: He had started his legal career as advocate in 1987. He was designated as senior advocate by Gujarat High Court in 2007. He was made Gujarat’s Additional Advocate General in 2008 and represented the state government led by the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi in many crucial cases. He was appointed as Additional Solicitor General in June 2014. Solicitor General of India: Solicitor General is the second highest law officer in the country. He is subordinate to the Attorney General of India, the highest law officer and works under him. He also advises the government in legal matters. Solicitor general is appointed for period of three years by Appointment Committee of Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister. Note: Office and duties of Attorney General is created by Constitution under Article 76. While, Solicitor General and Additional Solicitor Generals’ office and duties are governed by Law Officers (Conditions of Service) Rules, 1987 and not by Constitution (thus they are statutory posts and not constitutional). Moreover, attorney generals has right to participate in the proceedings of Parliament, but cannot vote. Whereas, Solicitor General and Additional Solicitor Generals’ do not have these rights wrt to participation in parliament.

10) Union Cabinet has approved establishment and operationalisation of two new permanent campuses of the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) in Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) and Behrampur (Odisha). Cabinet also has approved creation of two posts of Registrar, one in each IISER. Key Facts: IISERs will provide top quality science education at undergraduate and postgraduate level, PHDs and Integrated PHDs levels. Both IISERs will be constructed on campuses having area of 1,17,000 sqm and shall be completed by December, 2021. They will have complete infrastructural facilities for 1,855 students each. IISERs will be carrying out research in frontier areas of science and will enable India move towards knowledge economy by attracting best scientific talent as faculty and prepare a strong base of scientific manpower in India. Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER): IISERs are a group of most premier statutory science education and research institutes in India of national importance. ISERs are envisioned to be the IITs of Basics Sciences. These institutes were created under The National Institutes of Technology (Amendment) Bill, 2010 (which had amended National Institutes of Technology Act, 2007). So far seven IISERs have been established across the country, namely IISER Kolkata (West Bengal), IISER Pune (Maharashtra), IISER Mohali (Punjab), IISER Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), IISER Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), IISER Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) and IISER Berhampur (Odisha).

11) The International Day of the Girl Child is observed every year across world on October 11 to recognize girls’ rights and unique challenges faced by girls around the world. Observance of the day seeks to increase awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide based upon their gender and supports more opportunity for girls. This year it was seventh edition of this day after it was observed for first time in 2012. The theme was ‘With Her: A Skilled Girl Force’. It seeks to bring together partners and stakeholders to advocate for, and draw attention and investments to most pressing needs and opportunities for girls to attain skills for employability. Background: The International Day of Girl Child (IDGC) was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting Resolution moved by Canada in December 2011. The observation of day supports more opportunity for girls. It also increases awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide based upon their gender. This inequality includes areas such as right to education, nutrition, medical care, legal rights and protection from discrimination, violence and unfree child marriage. It also calls for empowerment and improved rights of the world’s 1.1 billion girls.

12) Union Cabinet has approved the payment of Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days’ wages for financial year 2017-18 for all eligible non-gazetted Railway employees. It will be not available to Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel. This decision will benefit about 11.91 lakh non-gazetted Railway employees. Productivity Linked Bonus on Railway: It covers all non-gazetted railway employees (excluding RPF personnel) who are spread over entire country. The eligible railway employees are paid this bonus each year before Dusshera/ Puja holidays. This bonus is expected to motivate employees for working towards improving performance of Railways. Background: Indian Railways was the first departmental undertaking of Central Government to adopt concept of PLB in 1979-80. The main consideration introduction of PLB at that time was important role of Railways as infrastructural support in performance of economy as whole. In the overall context of Indian Railways working, PLB was introduced as against concept of bonus on lines of ‘The Payment of Bonus Act – 1965’.

13) Scientists from US claimed that they have developed world’s first bioelectronic medicine which is implantable, biodegradable wireless device that speeds nerve regeneration and improves healing of damaged nerve. The device has not been tested in humans, but its successful testing on animals (rats) offer promise as future therapeutic option for nerve injury patients. Key Facts: The bioelectronic medicine device is wireless is powered and controlled wirelessly by transmitter outside body that acts much like cellphone-charging mat. It operates for about two weeks before naturally absorbing into the body. It has size of dime and thickness of sheet of paper. During its animal test on rats with injured sciatic nerves, it was found that this bioelectronic medicine device delivers regular pulses of electricity to damaged peripheral nerves in rats after surgical repair process. This results in accelerating regrowth of nerves in their legs and enhances ultimate recovery of muscle strength and control. Advantages of Bioelectronic medicine: This biomedical technology provides therapy and treatment over clinically relevant period of time and directly at site where it is needed, thereby reducing side effects or risks associated with conventional, permanent implants. Moreover, these engineered systems provide active, therapeutic function in programmable, dosed format and then naturally disappear into body, without trace. With this device, it has been shown that electrical stimulation given on scheduled basis during surgery can further enhance nerve recovery. No adverse biological effects from device and its reabsorption were found. Researchers envision that such transient engineered technologies one day can complement or replace pharmaceutical treatments for a variety of medical conditions in humans.

14) India’s first ever National Environment Survey (NES) will be kicked off in January, 2019 to map environment data of 55 districts across 24 states and 3 Union Territories. The NES will rank all districts on their environmental performance and document their best green practices based on various environmental parameters. The earliest first set of complete green data from this survey will be available in 2020. 1st National Environment Survey (NES): The first NES will be carried out by Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) through Environmental Information System (ENVIS) and its hubs and resource partners across the country. It will be done through grid-based approach, using grids measuring 9×9 km to collect comprehensive data on various environmental parameters. These parameters will include air, water, soil quality; solid, hazardous and e-waste; emission inventory; forest & wildlife; flora & fauna; wetlands, lakes, rivers and other water bodies. It will also assess carbon sequestration potential of all the districts across the country. Significance: The green data from this survey will provide important tool in hands of policy-makers for decision making at all levels – district, state and national. The survey will fully map and create emission inventory, provide valuation of ecosystem services and collate research in the field of environment. Initially the survey will be focusing on 55 districts and later will be scaled up to all districts in the country. The skilled manpower required for the survey will be provided from persons skilled and trained under MoEFCC’s Green Skill Development Programme.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 06 October 2018 to 12 October 2018.

15) Indian Air Force (IAF) has launched ‘MedWatch’ mobile health app to provide health information to users, including first-aid and other health and nutritional topics. It was launched on 8 October on the occasion of IAF’s 85th anniversary. It is first of its kind mobile health app built by any of the three armed forces. MedWatch app: The app was conceived by doctors of IAF and developed in-house by Directorate of Information Technology (DIT) with Zero financial outlay. It will provide correct, scientific and authentic health information to air warriors and all citizens of India. It comprises host of features like information on basic First Aid, health topics and nutritional facts, reminders for timely medical review, vaccination and utility tools like Health Record Card, BMI calculator, helpline numbers and web links. The app is available on www.apps.mgov.gov.in.

16) Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and World Bank Report have jointly released report on Strengthening Forest Fire Management in the Country. The report discusses policies on forest fire prevention and management (FFPM) at national, state and local levels. It also underscores need for comprehensive national policy and guidelines. It provides recommendations on five broad themes – policy, institutions and capacity, technology, community engagement and data and information. It has analysed patterns and trends of forest fires in India and looks at national and international best practices in FFPM. Key Points from report: Forest fires are leading cause of forest degradation in India. Forest fires occur every year in almost every state in India and some districts have been found to be more vulnerable than others. In fact, just 20 districts (mostly located in Northeast India) account for over 40% of all forest fires detected between 2003 and 2016. Similarly, top-20 districts (mainly in Central India) account for about 48% of total fire-affected area, while having just 12% of the country’s forest cover in the year 2000 and 7% of its land area. Reasons for forest fire: Like in other parts of the world, people are main driver of fires in India and forest fires are distributed close to people and infrastructure. But over longer term, shifts in climate caused by anthropogenic global warming may further alter India’s forest landscape and fire regime. Relation with Monsoon: India’s monsoons are largely responsible for seasonal nature of forest fires in the country. Forest fires peak during dry months of March or April before arrival of monsoon. The fire season mainly occurs during the four-month period between February 15 and May 15. However it has not clear how drying of monsoon due to reduced contrast in land-sea temperatures (which has weakened engine that drives monsoon) has affected intensity or frequency of forest fires. Region distribution: Forest fires in Northeast are concentrated in smaller area that is subject to repeat burning. The peak fire season is most concentrated (shortest) in Northeast and Northern state of Bihar. Fires in other regions, particularly districts in Central and Southern India are more expansive. Districts experiencing widespread and frequent forest fires include areas of dry and moist deciduous forest in orderlands of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Telangana that are affected by fire on nearly annual basis. Ecological value of Forests: According to scientists from National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), fires affecting forests have significant ecological value. Between 2006 and 2015, NRSC scientists forest fires were detected in just under half (281 of 614) of protected areas in India. In 2014, fires burned about 8.6 % of forest cover in protected areas. Significance: The report is significant in light of recently released Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report that explores possibilities of keeping global temperature rise within 1.5 degree Celsius to prevent catastrophic impacts due to unchecked temperature rise. Forest fires contribute to climate change by releasing carbon stored in trees, undergrowth and soil into the atmosphere. Its findings are crucial for India’s own commitment under Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to create additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030. It is also expected to be key input in issuing national policy on Forest Fire Prevention and Management (FFPM). Though MoEFCC issued national guidelines on FFPM in 2000, but these are no longer being implemented.

17) Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched India for Humanity initiative to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and honour of his service to humanity. It will feature year-long series of artificial limb fitment camps in a number of countries spanning globe. India for Humanity initiative: The larger aim of this initiative is to provide physical, economic and social rehabilitation of differently-abled around world by helping them regain their mobility and dignity to become self-respecting and productive members of society. It focuses on Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of compassion, caring and service to humanity. For this initative, MEA has collaborated with renowned charitable organisation Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS). The artificial limb fitment camps under this initative will be initially held in 12 countries identified through missions with financial support of central government. It will be fully sponsored by the MEA. Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS): It is non-profit organization founded by DR Mehta in 1975. It is better known by its trademark limb ‘Jaipur Foot’. It is world’s largest organization for handicapped in terms of fitment of artificial limb, calipers etc, providing them with artificial limbs, crutches, calipers, ambulatory aids like wheel chairs, and other aids and appliances totally free of cost. It has served over 1.73 million amputees till date.

18) China has agreed to sale 48 Wing Loong II high-end armed drones to its all-weather ally Pakistan. This is China’s largest export deal for drones to date to any country. The cost of this deal with Pakistan and or when the drones will be delivered were not revealed. Total of 48 Wing Loong II UAVs will be jointly built by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corp (CAC) and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Karma. China also has reportedly sold this unmanned aerial system to countries like UAE and Egypt at estimated $1 million per unit. It has also sold the Wing Loong I to Indonesia, Kazakhstan and the United Arab Emirates. Wing Loong II: It is a high-end reconnaissance, strike and multi-role endurance unmanned aerial system, capable of being fitted with air-to-surface weapons. It is manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Industrial (Group) Company. It had made its maiden flight in February 2017. It is upgraded version of Wing Loong I unmanned aerial system. It is designed for both reconnaissance and strike missions. It is 11 metres long and has wingspan of 20.5 metres. It can payload up to 480kg (1,060lbs), including 12 laser guided missiles or YJ-9E anti-ship missiles. It is powered by turboprops and can fly for up to 20 hours at speeds of 150-370km/h. It can fly at maximum altitude of 9,000 metres (29,500 feet). Its system is composed of ground station and various numbers of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It has capability to attack and destroy stationary targets, moving targets, time sensitive targets and air-ground coordination. It is roughly equivalent to American MQ-9 Reaper drone. But US drones like MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper are technologically more advanced compared this Chinese drone. China-Pakistan Defence Relations: China is the largest supplier of weapon system to the Pakistan Army. It accounted for 70 % of Pakistan’s arms purchases in 2013-17 period, up from 45% in the previous five years, although sales by volume changed little. Both countries also jointly manufacture JF-Thunder a single engine multi-role combat aircraft. This aircraft has been in mass production in Pakistan and sold to Myanmar and Nigeria. Pakistan has also produced its own drone named Burraq which had made its first flight in 2015 and is believed to have been based on China’s multi-purpose medium-range CH-3 drone system.

19) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled a 64-foot-tall statue of peasant leader Sir Chhotu Ram at his native village Sampla in Rohtak district of Haryana. The statue has been sculpted by renowned sculptor and Padma Bhushan-recipient Ram Vanji Sutar. Around 5,500 farmers from Haryana had donated iron metal, ranging from from half-a-kg to two kgs for construction of the statue. Sir Chhotu Ram: Born on November 24, 1881 as Ram Richpal in Garhi-Sampla, Rohtak in then Punjab, British India (now in Haryana) and died on 9 January 1945 (aged 63) in Lahore, then Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan). He is regarded as messiah of peasants and was instrumental in empowering farmers in pre-Independence era and getting pro-farmers law enacted. He had fought for farmers’ rights during the British rule. He was ideologue of peasants of pre-Independent India and championed interest and cause of oppressed peasants of Indian Sub-continent. For this feat, he was knighted (given title of Sir) in 1937. On political front, he was co-founder of National Unionist Party ((Zamindara League)) which ruled United Panjab Province in pre Independent India and kept Congress and Muslim League away from power. He was popularly known as Deen Bandhu (in Urdu as Rahbare Azam, which translates as messiah of poor).

20) Department of Telecom (DoT) has exempted wireless devices that operate in low frequency range like bluetooth, wireless chargers, internet-of-things (IoT) products, medical devices etc. from licensing requirement. The move aimed at facilitating ease of doing business for adoption of new technologies like IoT, machine-to-machine (M2M) communications both in industrial and consumer applications. Key Facts: Henceforth, no licence will be required by any person to establish, maintain, work, possess or deal in any wireless equipment for purpose of usage of very low power radio frequency devices or equipments. It will be application for inductive applications in frequency bands of 302 to 435 KHz (kilohertz), 855 to 1050 KHz and 1.89 to 2.31 MHz on non-interference, non-protection and shared (non-exclusive) basis. Department of Telecom (DoT): It is nodal department of Ministry of Communications. It is headquartered in New Delhi. It is responsible for formulating developmental policies aimed at accelerating growth of telecommunication services in the country. It is also grants licenses for various telecom services like Unified Access Service Internet and VSAT service. It is also responsible for frequency management in field of radio communication in close coordination with international bodies. It also enforces wireless regulatory measures by monitoring wireless transmission of all users in the country.

21) Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has allowed foreign entities to participate in commodity derivatives market of stock exchanges for hedging their exposures. Prior to this, foreign entities were not permitted to directly participate in Indian commodity derivatives market, even if they imported or exported various commodities from and to India. Key Facts: The foreign entities participating in Indian commodity markets shall be known as eligible foreign entities (EFEs). They will be eligible for all commodity derivatives traded on Indian exchanges except for those contracts defined as sensitive commodity. All eligible EFEs are mandated to have actual exposure to Indian physical commodity markets with minimum net worth requirement of $500,000. They are also required to fulfil know-your-client (KYC) requirements mandated by Indian anti-money laundering laws in line with equivalent category of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs). The hedge limits for EFEs will be determined on merits, depending on applicant’s actual exposure to commodity, hedging requirement and other factors. Significance: This move will increase liquidity, especially in those commodities like guar gum, guar seed, mustard seeds and cardamom that are not traded in other international exchanges. It will also expand participation of foreign entities in metals commodities. Moreover, actual exposure foreign entities to various commodities in Indian market also makes them valuable stakeholders in value chain of such commodities and also exposes them to price uncertainty of Indian commodity markets. Commodity Market: It is physical or virtual marketplace for buying, selling and trading raw or primary products. Thus, it is market that trades in primary economic sector rather than manufactured products. Commodities in this market are split into two types: hard and soft commodities. Hard commodities are typically natural resources that must be mined or extracted (such as gold, oil), whereas soft commodities are agricultural products or livestock (such as, wheat, cotton, corn, coffee, sugar, soybeans and pork). In India commodity market is market where different commodities are traded on its derivative contract. Derivatives are contract whose value is derived from underlying asset or contract where delivery of security or commodity held on specific future date. The main purpose of commodity derivative is to reduce risk of future price uncertainty and provide industry knowledge as well investment opportunity to general investor.

22) American economists William Nordhaus and Paul Romer were jointly awarded 2018 Nobel Prize in Economics Sciences for integrating climate change and technological innovation into macroeconomic analysis. Their findings have significantly broadened scope of economic analysis by constructing models that explain how market economy interacts with nature and knowledge. Their studies has helped to address some of current time’s most basic and pressing questions about creating long-term sustained and sustainable growth. William Nordhaus: He is professor at Yale University. He was first person to create economic model that describes global interplay between economy and the climate in the 1990s. This model had showed that the most efficient remedy for problems caused by greenhouse gases is a global scheme of universally imposed carbon taxes. Paul Romer: He is professor at New York University’s Stern School of Business. He has showed that how economic forces govern willingness of firms to produce new ideas and innovations. This had laid foundations for new model for development, known as endogenous growth theory. Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences: Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences is officially called Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. It was not part of original group of awards (Chemistry, Literature, Peace, Physics, and Physiology or Medicine) set out in dynamite tycoon Alfred Nobel’s 1895 will. It was instituted in 1968 by Sveriges Riksbank (Sweden’s central bank). It is awarded annually by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences according to the same principles as for Nobel Prizes. The five Nobel Prizes are based on fund set up from wealth bequeathed by Alfred Nobel, whereas Economic Prize is based on donation received by Nobel Foundation in 1968 from Sveriges Riksbank. Although not a Nobel Prize, this award is recognised as most prestigious award in the subject. It has been awarded 50 times since 1969. Indian economist Amartya Sen is only Indian so far to win this prize in 1998 for his contributions to welfare economics. Elinor Ostrom is only woman to win this award so far in 2009, she had shared it with fellow-American Paul Krugman.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 06 October 2018 to 12 October 2018.

23) Union Government has reconstituted Security Policy Group (SPG) under chairmanship of National Security Advisor to assist National Security Council (NSC) in strategising on matters dealing with external, internal and economic security of the country. Security Policy Group (SPG): SPG will be principal mechanism for inter-ministerial coordination and integration of relevant inputs in the formulation of national security policies. It will undertake among other tasks including long-term strategic review of country’s security affairs. Composition of SPG: It will be 16-member body chaired by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval. Its members will include NITI Aayog Vice Chairman, Cabinet Secretary, Chiefs of the three defence services, RBI governor, foreign secretary, home secretary, finance secretary and defence secretary. It will also include secretary of Department of Defence Production and Supplies, scientific adviser to Defence Minister and secretary (R), Cabinet Secretariat; Secretary, Department of Revenue; secretary, Department of Atomic Energy; Director, Intelligence Bureau and secretary, Secretary, Department of Space; National Security Council Secretariat. SPG Meetings: NSA will convene meetings of SPG and cabinet secretary will coordinate implementation of its decisions by Union Ministries and Departments and state governments. SPG can invite representatives of other ministries and departments to its meetings as and when necessary. Background: SPG mechanism was first notified in April 1999 during regime of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and later was functioning in previous UPA government too. It was recommended by committee which was set up to look into lapses during Kargil. Earlier, it was then chaired by Cabinet Secretary, the most senior bureaucrat in the government. Comment: The reconstitution of SPG puts NSA at top of national security strategy set-up. It also comes close on heels of decision to set up Defence Planning Committee (DPC), a new strategic think-tank under chairmanship of NSA to formulate national military and security strategy and oversee defence acquisitions from abroad. This makes NSA is all-time powerful now and concentrates too much centralised power in one command centre.

24) Bangladesh’s President Abdul Hamid has given his assent controversial Digital Security Bill, 2018, by enacting it as a law. This new law combines previous colonial-era Official Secrets Act with tough new provisions such as arrests without warrant. Bangladesh Government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (Bangladesh Awami League) has defended the digital law as necessary to combat cyber crime. Digital Security Bill 2018: It was passed by Bangladesh’s Parliament to deal with cybercrimes, including hurting religious sentiment, spreading negative propaganda against 1971 Liberation War and Bangabandhu (Sheikh Mujibur Rahman). It also covers illegal activities in e-transactions and spreading defamatory data under its ambit. It provides for minimum of 7 years and a maximum of 14 years’ imprisonment, as well as monetary fines of a minimum of Taka 25 lakh and maximum of Taka 1 crore, or both for illegal access and destruction of any important information related to state affairs. Opposition to law: The law has faced widespread vocal opposition from rights groups and journalists that it could endanger freedom of speech– especially on social media. These groups are saying that this law will create atmosphere of fear and intimidation, which will make journalism and especially investigative journalism, virtually impossible. Opponents also have criticized digital law as latest authoritarian move by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The law has also drawn opposition internationally including from US ambassador to Bangladesh, Marcia Bernicat who had quoted that this law could be used to suppress and criminalise free speech which inturn could be detrimental to Bangladesh’s democracy, development and prosperity.

25) Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) was awarded ISSA (International Social Security Association) ISSA Good Practice Award for Administrative Solution for Coverage Extension at Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and Pacific held at Kuala Lumpur, capital Malaysia. The award was given to ESIC in recognition of its measures taken for extension of coverage Scheme for Promoting Registration of Employers and Employees (SPREE), reduced rate of contribution rates for 24 months in newly implemented areas and raising wage limit for coverage under ESI Act, etc. Key Facts: Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific is triennial (held every three year) forum that provides unique opportunities to CEOs and Managers of ISSA Member Institutions to discuss key social security challenges and share their experiences. It is most important social security event in Asia-Pacific region. For this forum, ISSA invites submissions for ISSA Good Practices Award for Asia and Pacific Regions. International Social Security Association (ISSA): It is principal international organization for Social Security Organizations, Governments and Departments of Social Security. It was founded in 1927 under auspices of International Labour Organization (ILO). It has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland in ILO. Its mandate is to promotes excellence in social security administration through professional guidelines, expert knowledge, services and support to enable its Members to develop dynamic social security systems. ISSA has more than 330 member organizations in 158 countries. Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC): ESIC is autonomous corporation under Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, which manages employee’s state insurance i.e. self-financing social security and health insurance scheme for Indian workers. It is statutory body established under Employees State Insurance Act, 1948. It is headquartered in New Delhi. ESIC hosts ISSA Liaison Office for South Asia in New Delhi. This liasion office coordinates with member countries and social security institutions in Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Iran on activities of ISSA related to social security.

26) Weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga (15) won India’s maiden gold medal at 2018 Youth Olympic Games being held in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina. He won the medal in in the men’s 62 kg category by lifting total of 274 kg (124 kg +150 kg) weight to finish on top. The silver medal was won by Turkey’s Toptas Caner, who lifted 263 kg (122 kg + 141 kg) and bronze medal to Colombia’s Villar Estiven Jose who lifted 260 kg (115 kg + 143 kg). So far this was India’s fourth medal in ongoing2018 Youth Olympic Games, which include three silver medals earlier won by Tushar Mane (10m Air Rifle), Tababi Devi (44kg Judo) and Mehuli Ghosh (10m Air Rifle). Jeremy Lalrinnunga: Born on 26 October 2002 in Aizwal, Mizoram. He had started weightlifting at the age of 10. He had started his training with Indian Army at Army Sports Institute in Pune, Maharashtra. In 2018, he broke two National Records claiming Bronze medal (Junior) and Silver medal (Youth) in Asian Championships. Achievements – 2017: Gold (Commonwealth Youth Championships Gold Coast). 2017: Gold (Commonwealth Junior Championship Gold Coast). 2016: Silver (IWF Youth World Championships Penang).

27) Thangjam Tababi Devi (16) became India’s first judo medallist at the Olympic level. She achieved this feat after winning silver medal at ongoing Youth Olympics Games in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina. She won the medal after losing to Venezuela’s Maria Giminez in the finals of the women’s 44kg category. Prior to this, India had never won Olympic medal in judo either at senior or youth level. Her silver medal is so far India’s second medal at ongoing games after shooter Tushar Mane had won silver medal (second position) in men’s 10m air rifle competition. Tababi Devi hails from northeastern state of Manipur. Youth Olympic Games (YOG): It is international multi-sport event organized by International Olympic Committee (IOC). The age limitation of the athletes participating in it is 14 to 18.The games are held every four years in staggered summer and winter events consistent with current senior lever Olympic Games format. The first summer version was held in Singapore from 14 to 26 August 2010 while first winter version was held in Innsbruck, Austria from 13 to 22 January 2012. India had won just two medals, silver and bronze in the last Youth Olympics in 2014 held in Nanjing, China. India. India’s best performance at this games came was in inaugural edition in 2010 when it had won six silver and two bronze medals. In this edition of games (Buenos Aires YOG 2018), India is being represented by 47 athletes, its biggest ever contingent.

28) United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released special report on global warming in Incheon, South Korea. The report includes contributions from 91 authors and review editors from 40 countries. It will be key scientific input in upcoming Katowice Climate Change Conference in Poland in December 2018. Key Points from report: It clearly shows how half degree of warming makes big difference, adversely impacting global population and overall ecosystem through intense heat waves, melting of Arctic, sea level rise, erratic rainfall, reduction of farm yield and vanishing of living species. It is possible to meet new warming target, provided nations together take rapid and far reaching transitions over next 10 to 20 years in energy, industry, land use, buildings, transport and cities to cut emissions and reach net zero around 2050 — 25 years earlier than planned under earlier 2-degree goal. It lists four pathways to curb global warming and through which the 1.5 degree target can be achieved. In each of pathways, global average temperature is projected to overshoot 1.5 degrees Celsius target by some amount before returning to that level before the end of this century. Each of these pathways is also dependent on some amount of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), a reference to physical removal of stock of CO2 from atmosphere to reduce its concentrations. Varying amounts between 100 to 1000 gigatons (billion tonnes) of CO2 needs to be removed from atmosphere in these four pathways. It refers to climate models that project robust differences in regional climate characteristics between present-day and global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsiusand between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius. These differences include increase in mean temperatures in both land ocean regions, hot extremes in most inhabited regions, heavy precipitation in several regions and probability of drought and precipitation deficits in some regions. Advantages of keeping global temperature rise within 1.5 degrees Celsius: It also lists several specific advantages of keeping the global temperature rise within 1.5 degrees celsius from pre-industrial levels. By 2100, global sea level rise would be 10 cm lower with global warming of 1.5 degrees compared with 2 degrees Celsius. Arctic Ocean free of sea ice in summer would be once per century with global warming of 1.5 degrees, compared with at least once per decade with 2 degrees Celsius. Coral reefs will decline by 70-90% with global warming of 1.5 degrees, whereas virtually all (over 99%) would be lost with 2 degrees Celsius. It also points out that climate-related risks to health, livelihoods, food security, water supply, human security and economic growth are projected to increase with global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius and increase further with 2 degrees Celsius. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): IPCC is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. It was established in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Currently 195 countries are its members. It comprises a group of several hundred scientists of different nationality who assess climate change science. Every 5 or 6 years, IPCC comes out with comprehensive periodic reports on Climate Change called Assessment Reports (AR). Functions: IPCC neither monitors climate related parameters or data nor does it conduct any research work. It merely assesses the most recent scientific, socio-economic and technical information produced worldwide relevant to the understanding of climate change. Awards: IPCC’s 4th AR had helped them to win Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. During this time R.K. Pachauri was its Chairman.

29) The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has officially added word ‘Idiocracy’ in it. It is among 1,400 new words, senses, and phrases added to the latest update of OED. The OED has defined word as society consisting of or governed by people characterized as idiots or government formed of people considered stupid, ignorant, or idiotic. Other New words: OED also added term ‘trapo’ which in Philippine English means politician perceived as belonging to conventional and corrupt ruling class. It also added adjective bongga from Philippine English borrowed from Tagalog, which means extravagant, flamboyant, impressive, stylish, or excellent. Key Facts: OED undergoes revision four times every year. Apart from new words and phrases, new senses are added to existing words. OED records over 100 words derived ultimately from Greek suffix -cracy, meaning ‘power’ or ‘rule’. Words like democracy and aristocracy originated in ancient Greek, but by the 18th century, -ocracy was being added to English words as in statocracy and mobocracy. In the 19th century large number trickle of such formations with many of new words being terms of ridicule. The earlier terms foolocracy (1832) and idiotocracy (used by Ambrose Bierce in 1909) express a similar concept.

30) Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has reconstituted Supreme Court-empowered Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA). This comes after tenure of the last EPCA expired on October 3, 2018. Key Facts: Former IAS officers Bhure Lal will continue to be Chairman of reconstituted EPCA. The other members of the 20-member re-constituted EPCA include Ajay Mathur, Director General of The Energy Research Institute (TERI); Arunabha Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer of Centre for Energy Environment and Water; Navroz K. Dubash, Senior Fellow for the Centre for Policy Research. Others members include Vishnu Mathur, Director General, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers; Krishna Dhawan, Chief Executive Officer, Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, New Delhi and Arvind Kumar, former professor of surgery, AIIMS in New Delhi and among others. Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA): EPCA is Supreme Court mandated body tasked with taking various measures to tackle air pollution in the National Capital Region. It was notified in 1998 by Environment Ministry under Environment Protection Act, 1986. Its mandate is to protect and improve quality of environment and prevent and control environmental pollution in National Capital Region. It is also mandated to enforce Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in NCR as per the pollution levels. In November 2017, EPCA had enforced several measures, including ban on brick kilns, closure of Badarpur thermal power plant, hot mix plants and stone crushers, and construction activities in NCR.

31) The 3rd edition of Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX) commenced at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. JIMEX-18 is aimed to enhance interoperability, improve understanding and imbibe best practices between navies of two countries. JIMEX 18: JIMEX 18 will be spread over eight days from 7 to 15 October 2018 and will comprise Harbour Phase and Sea Phase of four days each. Harbour Phase of will include professional and social interactions between ship’s crews, operational planning for sea phase and sports fixtures. Sea Phase will include anti-submarine warfare exercises, gun firings, VBSS (Visit, Board, Search and Seizure) drills, cross deck helo operations and coordinated operations in anti-submarine and anti-air threat scenarios. In this edition of exercise, Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) is represented by Kaga, an Izumo class helicopter destroyer, Inazuma – a guided missile destroyer and Escort Flotilla-4 (CCF-4). Indian Navy will be represented by three indigenously designed and built warships – INS Satpura, multipurpose stealth frigate, INS Kadmatt, Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette, Missile Corvette and INS Shakti and fleet tanker. In addition, one submarine, P8I long range maritime patrol aircraft and number of integral helicopters are also participating in the exercise. Background: India and Japan maritime exercise JIMEX was started in January 2012 with special focus on on Maritime Security Cooperation. It was held for first time was conducted off Japanese coast. The last (second) edition of JIMEX was conducted in Dec 2013 off Chennai coast, India.

32) Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned five new battalions of anti-riot and crowd control Rapid Action Force (RAF). These new battalions will be stationed at Varanasi (Uttar Pradesg), Hajipur (Bihar), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Mangalore (Karnataka) and Nuh (Haryana). With these, the total number of RAF battalions in the country has gone up to 15. Varanasi will be fourth base of RAF in Uttar Pradesh- the three others being in Meerut, Allahabad and Aligarh. Rapid Action Force (RAF): RAF is a specially trained and equipped wing of Central Reserve Police Force, the country’s largest paramilitary force or Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) with over 3 lakh personnel. It was formed in 1992 to deal to deal with riots, riot like situations, crowd control, rescue and relief operations and related unrest. It is headquartered in New Delhi. Its motto is “Serving Humanity with Sensitive Policing” RAF battalions are based in various parts of the country in order to cut down response time and rush the teams in shortest possible time to counter an incident. The 10 old RAF battalions are based in Ahmedabad, Allahabad, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Aligarh, Delhi, Coimbatore, Jamshedpur, Bhopal and Meerut. Single RAF battalion has strength of just over 1,000 personnel and it is equipped with gadgets and non-lethal weapons like, tear smoke grenade launchers, pump action guns and others to enforce security and law and order in case of protests or riot-like situations.

33) Union Government has decided to cover damages to crops in wild animal attacks under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna in select districts on an experimental basis. In this regard, Government has amended provisions of crop insurance scheme in consultation with various stakeholders after review of its working for the last two years. The amended provisions of the scheme have been implemented from October 2018. New Provisions: Government has brought certain horticultural crops under ambit of PMFBY on experimental basis. Damages due to individual fields due to incidents of localised disasters like water logging, land slide, cloud bursts, hailstorms and fire too are brought under scheme. Henceforth, insurances firms will also have to spend 0.5% of their earnings from annual premium to advertise provisions of the scheme. The amended provisions of the scheme also stipulate fines in cases of delay in clearing insurance claims for crop damages. In case firm delays insurance clearances beyond two months, it will have to pay an annual interest of 12%. Similarly State government too will have to pay interest of 12% in case of delay in release of state’s share of subsidy in premium to insurance firms. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): It is farmers’ welfare scheme launched in 2016 to ensure faster insurance services or reliefs to farmers. It aims to reduce the premium burden on farmers and ensure early settlement of crop assurance claim for the full insured sum. It had replaced earlier two schemes National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) and Modified National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (MNAIS) by incorporating their best features and removing their inherent drawbacks (shortcomings). Objectives of PMFBY- Provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in event of natural calamities, pests & diseases. Stabilise income of farmers to ensure their continuance in farming. Ensure flow of credit to the agriculture sector. Encourage farmers to adopt innovative and modern agricultural practices. Beneficiaries: It includes all farmers growing notified crops in notified area during season who have insurable interest in crop are eligible. It also provides insurance benefits to landless labourers. It is also compulsory for loanee farmers availing crop loans for notified crops in notified areas and voluntary for non-loanee farmers. Key Features of Scheme: Under this scheme, farmers need to pay uniform premium of only 2% for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all Rabi crops. In case of annual commercial and horticultural crops, farmers have to pay premium of only 5%. The premium rates are to be paid by farmers are very low and balance premium will be paid by Government. Moreover, there is no upper limit on Government subsidy, so farmers will get claim against full sum insured without any reduction. The scheme also covers yield losses due to non-preventable risks, such as natural fire and lightning, storm, stailstorm, cyclone, typhoon, tempest, hurricane, tornado. It also covers risks due to flood, inundation and landslide, drought, dry spells, pests and diseases. It also covers post-harvest losses are also covered. Udder this scheme, it mandatory for use of technology such as smart phones, drones etc to capture and upload data of crop cutting to reduce delays in claim payment to farmers. Remote sensing will be also used to reduce number of crop cutting experiments. The scheme is implemented on Area Approach basis. In this case, defined area (i.e. unit area of insurance) is village or above it can be geo-mapped and geo-fenced region having homogenous risk profile for notified crop.

34) Odisha Government has launched ‘Nirman Kusuma’ programme for providing financial assistance to the children of construction workers for their technical education in the state. The scheme was launched by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneshwar, state capital. Nirman Kusuma programme: The scheme aims to help fulfil dreams of construction workers’ children by providing financial assistance for their education in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics. Under it, ITI student is entitled to get financial assistance of Rs. 23,600 and diploma student to get Rs. 26,300 per annum. Total of 1,878 students from the state will get benefit from the programme. Besides this programme, state government has also increased financial assistance for girl students by 20%. Female students from standard 6th to post graduation level will be provided financial assistance. State government also has doubled death benefits for the construction workers. The families of construction workers’ will now get compensation of Rs. 2 lakh, increased from earlier Rs. 1 lakh. Similarly, accidental benefit for construction workers’ also has been doubled from Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 4 lakh.

35) Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UN Environment for coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development. Key Facts: The MoU aims to cover all major interest common areas of both CII and UN Environment. It also aims to provide framework of cooperation and facilitate cooperation in areas including environment, renewable energy, climate change, resource conservation and management, energy efficiency, water sanitation, smart cities and urban infrastructure. The major activity planned by CII and UN Environment under this MoU includes #Un-plastic Initiative. It will begin with ‘Call to Action’ which will include commitments by industry to take action to curb plastic pollution. Further, CII will work towards voluntary codes in Indian industry on issue of plastics. Outside India on global scenario, CII will engage with industry forums in different countries to which it is linked, especially in Africa through its annual CII-Africa Conclave. UN Environment: UN Environment (or UNEP) is leading global environmental authority that sets global environmental agenda, promotes coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as authoritative advocate for global environment. It was established in June 1972. It is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 06 October 2018 to 12 October 2018.

36) 86th Indian Air Force (IAF) day was celebrated on 8 October 2018 to commemorate its official foundation day of the force. The celebration of day seeks to increase the awareness about the importance of IAF as an important part of the national security. It also seeks to pay rich tribute to untiring efforts and supreme sacrifice made by air force veterans. Indian Air Force (IAF): IAF is the world’s fourth largest air force (after US, Russia and China) with primary responsibility to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during conflict. It was officially established on October 8, 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire and the prefix Royal was added in 1945 in recognition of its services during World War II. After India became independent from the United Kingdom (UK) in 1947, the Royal Indian Air Force served Dominion of India, with prefix being dropped when India became republic in 1950. Since then, IAF has played pivotal roles in various operations and wars such as World War II, Operation Cactus, Sino-Indian War, Operation Vijay, Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, Kargil War, Indo-Pakistani War of 1947, Congo Crisis, Operation Poomalai and Operation Pawan. Air Force Day was officially celebrated for the first time on October 8, 1932 as an auxiliary air force of Indian Empire.

37) Gujarat Forest Department has started vaccination of lions in Gir sanctuary to protect them from a deadly canine distemper virus (CDV) and protozoa infections. The virus is blamed for the death of as many as 23 lions in Gujarat’s Gir sanctuary in less than month. The segregated lions are being vaccinated under intensive veterinary care and as per standard protocol and with consultations of national & International lion experts. Asiatic lions: Asiatic lions are cousins of the African lion. They are believed to have split away 100,000 years ago. They are slightly smaller and have distinctive fold of skin along their bellies. Gir sanctuary is the only wild population of Asiatic lions in the world. According to the last census conducted in 2015, the number of lions in Gir sanctuary stood at 523. It is listed in Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, has been categories as Endangered on IUCN Red List and is listed Appendix I of CITES. Canine distemper virus (CDV): CDV is highly contagious disease that attacks gastrointestinal, respiratory, central nervous systems, immune system and other vital organs in animals. In most of the cases, the infection is fatal. It is mainly found in wild dogs, jackals and wolves. The disease can be contracted by lions if they eat any animal infected by it. CDV is considered dangerous virus and is blamed for wiping out 30% population of African lions in East African forests.

38) Scientists at Rice University in the US have developed tiny spheres that can catch and destroy bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic chemical used to make plastics that often contaminates water. This new material helps in overcoming two significant technological barriers for photocatalytic water treatment. Bisphenol A (BPA): BPA is commonly used to coat insides of food cans, bottle tops and water supply lines. BPA that seeps into food and drink is considered safe in low doses, but prolonged exposure is suspected of affecting the health of children and contributing to high blood pressure. Tiny spheres: The micron-sized spheres resemble Venus’ flytrap (a carnivorous plant) of particles and has tiny flower-like collections of titanium dioxide petals of less than 100 nanometers size. It has two-faced structure, with hydrophobic (water-avoiding) cavity and hydrophilic (water-attracting) outer surface. BPA is hydrophobic and naturally attracted to the cavity. Once trapped, reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the spheres degrades BPA into harmless chemicals.

39) Norwegian Nobel Committee has selected Dr. Denis Mukwege (63), Nadia Murad (25) jointly awarded 2018 Nobel Peace Prize. They were given award for their efforts to end use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict. Dr. Denis Mukwege: He is Congolese gynecological surgeon. He was awarded prize for defending victims of war-time sexual violence. He has been involved in helping victims of sexual violence in African nation of Democratic Republic of Congo. Mukwege along with his staff have treated thousands of war-time sexual assault victims. Nadia Murad: She was one of the thousand Yazidi women who were abucted, abused and raped by IS (Islamic State) and kept in captivity. Following her escape from IS, Nadia Murad spoke about assault faced by her. She was one of rape victim who came out in public about abuse she and other women underwent. She has shown uncommon courage in recounting her own sufferings and speaking up on behalf of other victims. In 2016, Murad was named UN’s first Goodwill Ambassador for Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking.

40) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Russia’s federal space agency Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities (ROSCOSMOS) have agreed to worked together for first manned space mission Gaganyaan. In this regard, both space agencies have signed MoU at end of delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladmir Putin in New Delhi. Key Facts: Under MoU on Joint Activities in the field of Human Spaceflight Programme, ROSCOSMOS has offered ride to Indian astronaut short visit to International Space Station (ISS) on board Soyuz spacecraft for short training mission in 2022. ISS is habitable artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. Russia had first made the offer to train an Indian astronaut for the mission when External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had visited Russia in September 2018. Historically, India-Russia space cooperation was very strong, with Soviet Union being one of the three partners who helped India get off the ground with its space programme. This has continued for several decades included for sending an Indian cosmonaut in a Soviet Soyuz mission in 1982. Former Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Rakesh Sharma was first Indian to travel to space. He was part of Soviet Union’s Soyuz T-11 expedition, launched on April 2, 1984 of Intercosmos programme. Gaganyaan Mission: It is India’s first manned space mission. Under it, India is planning to send three humans (Gaganyatris) into space i.e. in low earth orbit (LEO) by 2022 i.e. by 75th Independence Day for period of five to seven days. The mission was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 72nd Independence Day speech. Under this mission, crew of three astronauts will conduct experiments on microgravity in space. The crew will be selected jointly by Indian Air Force (IAF) and ISRO after which they will undergo training for two-three years. This mission will make India fourth nation in the world after USA, Russia and China to launch human spaceflight mission. Objectives of Gaganyaan Mission: Enhance of science and technology levels in the country, serve as national project involving several institutes, academia and industry, improve of industrial growth, inspire youth, develop technology for social benefits and improve international collaboration.

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