W.B.C.S Current Affairs 10 November 2018 to 16 November 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) Union Ministry off Human Resource Development launched two new initiatives viz. Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP) and Annual Refresher Programme In Teaching (ARPIT) for higher education faculty. ARPIT is unique initiative of online professional development of 15 lakh higher education faculty. LEAP is three weeks flagship leadership development training programme for second level academic functionaries in higher education institutions, Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP): It is three weeks (2 weeks domestic and 1 week foreign training) flagship leadership development training programme for second level academic functionaries in public funded higher education institutions. Its main objective is to prepare second tier academic heads who are potentially likely to assume leadership roles in the future. It will make Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) perform their roles of developing better students who will be future torch bearers. It will provide senior faculty required leadership and managerial skills including skills of problem-solving, team building work, handling stress, communication, conflict management, understanding complexity and challenges of governance in HEIs and general administration. It will be implemented through 15 National Institute Ranking Framework (NIRF) top ranked Indian Institutions namely, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IIT Kharagpur, IIT Roorkee, IISER Kolkata, NIT Trichy, JNU; IIT (BHU), Delhi University, TISS Mumbai, University of Hyderabad, NIEPA, Jamia Milia Islamia, BHU and AMU. The foreign universities identified for training collaboration are also within top 100 in world global rankings. It includes University of Michigan, Harvard University, Oxford University, University of Cambridge, Purdue University, University of Chicago, NTU Singapore, Monash University, University of Pennsylvania and University of Virginia. Annual Refresher Programme in Teaching (ARPIT): It is a major and unique initiative of online professional development of 15 lakh higher education faculty using Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) platform SWAYAM. Under it 75 discipline-specific institutions are identified and notified as National Resource Centres (NRCs) in phase I. These institutions will be tasked to prepare online training material with focus on latest developments in discipline, methodologies for transacting revised curriculum and pedagogical improvements. The courses will cover diverse range of topics. Each course will be 40 hour module with 20 hours of video content and 20 hours of non-video content. It will also have built-in assessment exercises and activities as part of the academic progression. There will be a terminal assessment either online or written examination at end of the course. All faculties after successfully completing the online refresher course will be certified. All in-service teachers, irrespective of their subject and seniority will register and complete these refresher courses which will help them in career advancement. ARPIT will be every year exercise and NRCs will continuously develop new refresher module in their earmarked discipline each year. The training materials will be uploaded and made available through SWAYAM. In inaugural year 2018 itself, NRCs are expected to cater to around 13 lakh faculty of total 15 lakh faculty in higher education.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 10 November 2018 to 16 November 2018.

2) The joint military exercise between Indian and Russia EXERCISE INDRA 2018 was conducted at Babina Field Firing Ranges, Babina Military Station Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. It was tenth exercise in the series of Exercise INDRA aimed at increasing interoperability between Indian and Russian Armies. EXERCISE INDRA 2018: The aim of the exercise was to practice joint planning and conduct to enhance interoperability of between two armies in peace keeping/ enforcement environment under aegis of United Nations. For this exercise, India was represented by Mechanised Infantry Battalion of Indian Army, while Russia was represented by company sized contingents of 5th Army. It focused upon training on enhancing team building, special tactical level operations such as Cordon and Search, house intervention, handling and neutralisation of Improvised Explosive Devices and integrated employment of force multipliers. The primary focus of tactical field exercise was to share best practices amongst militaries and hone existing skills of troops.

3) Union Ministry of Finance has announced to release Rs 75 commemorative coin on occasion of 75th anniversary of hoisting of Tricolour for first time by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at Cellular Jail, Port Blair on December 30, 1943. Earlier on October 21, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had hoisted National Flag at Red Fort and unveiled plaque to commemorate 75th Anniversary of formation of Azad Hind Government, formed by Bose. Features of coin: The 35-gram coin will be composed of 50% silver, 40% copper, and 5% each of nickel and zinc. It will bear the portrait of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose saluting flag on background of cellular jail. It will have numeral 75th along with inscription “anniversary” will be depicted below portrait. It will also have inscription in both Devanagari script and English saying ‘First Flag Hoisting Day’. First Flag Hoisting by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose: Subhash Chandra Bose on December 30, 1943 had hoisted Tricolor for first time on free Indian soil at Cellular Jail of Port Blair during his visit to Andaman and declaring the island as the free territory from the British rule. It was much before India attained Independence in 1947. On same occasion, he had announced freedom of Andaman & Nicobar Islands (making it first Indian Territory) from the British rule and renamed them as “Shaheed-dweep” (Martyr Island) and “Swaraj-dweep” (Self-rule Island). The island at that time was liberated from British rule by Japan which captured it during World War – II. Major General Arcot Doraiswamy Loganadan of Indian National Army (INA) was made the Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

4) The Infosys Science Foundation (ISF) occasion of its 10th anniversary announced six winners of the Infosys Prize 2018 in the six different categories of the award. They were selected from 244 nominations by six-member jury of renowned scientists and professors. 2018 Recipients are: Engineering and Computer Science: Navakanta Bhat. He is Professor at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore. He was awarded for his work on design of novel biosensors based on his research in biochemistry and gaseous sensors that push the performance limits of existing metal-oxide sensors. Humanities: Kavita Singh. She is Dean, School of Arts & Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University. She was awarded for her illuminating study of Mughal, Rajput and Deccan art. Life Sciences: Roop Mallik. He is associate Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR). He was awarded for his work on molecular motor proteins, which are crucial for the functioning of living cells. Mathematical Sciences: Nalini Anantharaman. She is Professor and Chairman of Mathematics, Institute for Advanced Study, University of Strasbourg, France. She was awarded the prize in Mathematical Sciences for her work related to ‘Quantum Chaos.’ Physical Sciences: SK Satheesh. He is Professor, Centre for Atmospheric & Oceanic Sciences, IISc Bangalore. He was awarded for his pioneering scientific work in the field of climate change. Social Sciences: Sendhil Mullainathan. He is professor of Computation and Behavioral Science, the University of Chicago in the US. He was awarded for his path-breaking work in behavioural economics. Infosys Prize: Infosys Prize is an annual award bestowed upon researchers, scientists, social scientists and engineers in India by the Infosys Science Foundation (ISF). It is given to six categories Life Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Engineering and Computer Science, Social Sciences, Physical Sciences and Humanities. The award intends to celebrate success in research and stand as a marker of excellence in these fields. Each category awardee receives 22-carat gold medallion, a citation certificate and prize money of US $100,000. It is one of the highest monetary awards in India that recognizes the scientific research.

5) World Diabetes Day was observed every year across the world on 14 November to raise awareness about diabetes. Observance of day aims to pursue multilateral efforts to promote and improve human health and provide access to health-care treatment and education. The theme for World Diabetes Day 2018 and 2019 is “The Family and Diabetes”. The two-year theme timeframe has been chosen to aise awareness of the impact that diabetes has on the family and support network of those affected and promote role of family in management, care, prevention and education of diabetes. Background: The World Diabetes Day was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2007 by passing resolution A/RES/61/225. The resolution had encouraged Member States to develop national policies for prevention, treatment and care of diabetes. Diabetes: Diabetes is a chronic, progressive non-communicable disease (NCD) characterized by elevated levels of blood sugar (blood glucose). It occurs when (i) the pancreas does not produce enough of the insulin hormone, which regulates blood sugar (ii) the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t make enough insulin, and type 2 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t make or use insulin very well, causing glucose to remain in the blood, which can lead to serious problems. The main symptom of diabetes is excess fatigue, frequent urination, dysentery, excessive thirst, etc. Diabetes can also be genetic, but its main cause is obesity, lack of adequate nutrition, etc. Insulin injection is given to the patient suffering from type 1 diabetes. Prevention of type 2 diabetes is quite possible.

6) The 38th India International Trade Fair (IITF) was held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The 14-day annual event was inaugurated by inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Culture, Mahesh Sharma. It is organised by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO): It is the nodal agency of the Government of India under aegis of Ministry of Commerce and Industry for promoting country’s external trade. It is Mini-Ratna Category-1 Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) with 100% shareholding of Government. It is headquartered at Pragati Maidan. 38th IITF: The theme of this edition of fair was “Rural Enterprises in India”. Afghanistan is partner country, while Nepal is focus country for this edition of fair. Jharkhand is participating as partner state in the event. The fair is aimed providing platform for all kind of businesses to showcase their excellence & wide spectrum of services to trade, industry & common men. Around 800 participants from different States, government departments and domestic and international companies are taking part in the fair to showcase their product. In this fair, exhibition of various types of products such as automobile, jute products, garments, household utensils, processed foods, beauty products, electronic products etc. are being organized.

7) The 6th Indian Social Work Congress was held in New Delhi. It was joinly organized by National Association of Professional Social Workers in India (NAPSWI) and Department of Social Work (Delhi School of Social Work), University of Delhi. Dr. Martha Farrell posthumously honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award during this edition of congress for her lifelong work towards gender equality, women’s empowerment and prevention of sexual harassment at workplace. Key Facts: The theme of 6th ISWC 2018 was “Human Development and Social Inclusion: Imperatives for Social Work Education and Practice”. This theme takes into consideration contemporary concerns of local to international community within present context and in consonance with the social work value framework. 6th ISWC2016 aimed to- Provide platform to social work professionals to discuss and deliberate on issues related to human development. Engage with issues related to Social Justice and Inclusion, within context of social work education, research and practice. Address diverse issues and challenges pertaining to human development and social justice vis-à-vis social work profession in rapidly transforming socio-political and economic landscape. Exchange experiences of social work educators, researchers and development practitioners to augment networks and coalitions of social workers for invigorating social work profession.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 10 November 2018 to 16 November 2018.

8) Uttar Pradesh Government has approved renaming of Faizabad and Allahabad divisions as Ayodhya and Prayagraj respectively. The decision was taken at meeting of state cabinet presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in state capital Lucknow. Now, the proposal will now go to Central before the city is officially renamed. Prayagraj division will comprise Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Fatehpur and Pratapgarh districts. Ayodhya division will include Ayodhya, Ambedkarnagar, Sultanpur, Amethi and Barabanki districts, Khanna said. Background: Government has justified the name changes across Uttar Pradesh, saying they are merely restoring older names and correcting historical distortions. Allahabad’s ancient name was ‘Prayag’, but was changed after 16th-century Mughal emperor Akbar built fort near ‘Sangam’, the holy confluence of three rivers viz. Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Akbar named the fort and its neighbourhood ‘Ilahabad’. Later, Akbar’s grandson Shah Jahan renamed the entire city as ‘Allahabad’. But the area near the ‘Sangam’, the site of the Kumbh Mela, continues to be known as ‘Prayag’. The reason cited for renaming Faizabad is that Ayodhya was the capital of ‘Ikshvaku dynasty’, to which the Hindu god Ram belonged, and that it is popular known as his birthplace. Ayodhya is has been capital of many estates and dynasties in different time periods.

9) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first Inland Multi-Modal Terminal Port on river Ganga at Ramnagar in Varanasi and received first container cargo belonging to PepsiCo. It is the first of four Multi-Modal Terminals being constructed on National Waterways-I (NW1) on River Ganga as part of World Bank-aided Jal Marg Vikas project of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). The other three terminals are under construction at Sahibganj, Haldia and Gazipur. It enable commercial navigation of vessels with capacity of 1500-2,000 DWT on river Ganga. Background: The Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) was approved in January 2017 for capacity augmentation of navigation on NW-1. It was approved at a cost of Rs 5369.18 crore with technical assistance and investment support of World Bank. Following this, IWAI in February 2018 had signed project agreement with World Bank for Jal Marg Vikas Project. World Bank provided $375 million loan for the project. Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP): The project aims to enable commercial navigation of vessels with capacity of 1500 – 2000 tons on NW1. It includes development of fairway, multi-modal terminals at Varanasi, Haldia and Sahibganj, modern River Information System (RIS), strong river navigation system, Digital Global Positioning System (DGPS), night navigation facilities, construction of navigational lock at Farakka. It will result in environment-friendly, fuel-efficient and cost-effective alternative mode of transportation, especially for bulk, hazardous goods and over-dimensional cargo. Its development and operations will provide direct employment generation to 46000 people and indirect employment of 84000 in states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal.

10) Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd. (ISPRL) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to explore storage of crude oil at Padur underground facility in Karnataka. This follows arrival of final shipment of initial delivery of ADNOC crude to be stored in another ISPRL underground facility in Mangaluru, which will store 5.86 million barrels. ISPRL is Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB) under Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas. Key Facts: The MoU mandates ADNOC to store crude oil at Padur Strategic Petroleum Reserve which has storage capacity 2.5 million-tonne (~17 million barrels) capacity for emergency needs. ADNOC will store crude in two compartments at Padur. ADNOC is only foreign oil and gas company, so far to invest, by way of crude oil in India’s strategic petroleum reserves program. This will help to ensure energy security to India and enable ADNOC to efficiently and competitively meet Indian market demand. Background: Under the Phase I of Strategic Petroleum Reserves Program, SPRL has already built 5.33 million tons of underground storage capacity at three locations, Visakhapatnam (1.33 million tons), Mangalore (1.5 million tons) and Padur (2.5 million tons), that can meet around 10 days of the country’s oil needs. In June 2018, Government announced phase II of program for creation of two new reserves, a 4-million-tons storage facility at Chandikhol in Odisha, and an additional 2.5-million-tons facility at Padur. The combined strategic reserve capacity of existing and newly announced facilities will be 15.33 million tons and will provide around 22 days of emergency coverage for India’s crude oil requirements.

11) The inaugural edition India, Indonesia Bilateral Naval Exercise ‘Samudra Shakti’ was held at the port of Surabaya, Indonesia. The aim of the exercise is to strengthen bilateral relations, expand maritime co-operation, enhance interoperability and exchange best practices. Samudra Shakti: The exercise started with Harbour Phase which encompassed planning and briefing on various activities, professional interactions, cross deck visits, sports fixtures and social interactions. It was progressed by Sea Phase which included operations such as joint manoeuvres, helicopter operations, surface warfare exercise, ASW exercise and anti-piracy exercises. Indian Navy was represented by INS Rana of Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam under Eastern Naval Command, which is deployed in South East Asia.

12) The first Global Cooling Innovation Summit was held in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan. It was jointly organised by Department of Science and Technology along with Alliance for An Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE), Rocky Mountain Institute, Conservation X Labs and CEPT University. Global Cooling Innovation Summit: The two-day summit was first-of-its-kind solutions-focused event organised to explore concrete means and pathways to address climate threat that comes from the growing demand from room air conditioners. It witnessed participation from distinguished speakers from around world, including innovators, philanthropists, venture capitalists, and other industry leaders. The launch Global Cooling Prize was also announced on the sidelines of this summit. It will be international competition to incentivise development of residential cooling technology that will have five times less climate impact in comparison to standard Room Air Conditioning (RAC) units sold currently.

13) Twitter India has launched #PowerOf18 campaign aimed at encouraging youth to contribute in public debates and participate in civic engagement for the 2019 general elections. The initiative was launched by Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey and Maya Hari, Vice-President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Twitter during townhall chat with the students of IIT Delhi. #PowerOf18 campaign: The campaign will serve as resource for young Indians to find more information about elections, support social causes they are passionate about and join public conversation. It is supported by Twitter’s mission to serve the public conversation and work with more like-minded partners and personalities to create awareness of importance of voting. Background: In a nationwide survey conducted with 3,622 youth respondents from India, Twitter found rising importance of social media for information consumption. It found that overwhelming 94% of respondents indicating that they would vote in the upcoming elections. Nearly 60% of youth surveyed would turn to social media to find out what’s happening in India and around world, a percentage higher than all other mediums including newspapers.

14) Tata Trust and The Global Fund backed Indian Health Fund (IHF) has chosen four innovators for early detection of tuberculosis (TB), malaria to effectively tackle these eradicate diseases. Three selected innovators are related to TB and one to malaria. They were selected from proposals received for its second Request for Proposals. Key Facts: The aim for selecting these innovators aims at leveraging technology for improving early detection and prompt treatment along with promoting diagnostics feasible for primary health care facilities. It also aims to supporting national efforts to effectively tackle eradicate these diseases which is crucial health challenges in India. Government has set a target of eliminating TB by 2025 and malaria by 2030. India contributes to 27% of the global TB burden and 68% of all malaria cases in the Southeast Asia region. Indian Health Fund (IHF): IHF was launched in 2016 by Tata Trusts in collaboration with The Global Fund, to drive innovations towards key infectious disease challenges in India. It supports individuals and organisations with already germinated innovative strategies, services, products, such that they become sustainable and scalable solutions in addressing TB and malaria. The initiative is not a fellowship programme to do research from scratch. It is long-term exercise aligned with country’s goal of eliminating TB by 2025 and malaria by 2030. It will promote innovative solutions such that they are widely accessible and are affordable.

15) India and Morocco sign an agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, mainly aimed at containing menace of terrorists funding. It was signed in New Delhi by Union Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju from the Indian side while Minister of Justice Mohamed Aujjar signed on behalf of Morocco government. Key Facts: The agreement will help to strengthen bilateral cooperation between India and Morocco. It will enhance effectiveness and provide broad legal framework for prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes as well as in tracing, restraint and confiscation of funds meant to finance terrorist acts. It will help in countering threats posed by organized crime and terrorism.

16) Public Service Broadcasting Day is observed every year across India on November 12 year to commemorate first and last visit of Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) of All India Radio Studio (AIR), New Delhi in 1947. On this occasion, artistes of Akashvani Bhawan, Delhi performed Vaishnav Jan Toh and other bhajans and school children performed Rabindra sangeet. Key Facts: Gandhiji had visited AIR studio to address displaced people from Pakistan who were temporarily settled in Kurukshetra, Haryana after partition of Indian subcontinent. It was his first and last live broadcast. In this broadcast, Gandhiji had decided to convey his message through radio, as he couldn’t visit refugees of Partition stationed at Kurukshetra in Haryana. This day was instituted in 2000 as Jan Prasaran Diwas (Public Service Broadcasting Day) after it was conceptualised by Suhas Borker, Convenor of Jan Prasar. This day seeks to spread Gandhiji belief that aim of media was public service. Accordingly, he used to run several newspapers and understood power of media. He was completely against commercial ads and believed that only those non-commercial ads should be accepted that serve some public purpose.

17) World Pneumonia Day is observed globally every year on November 12 to generate awareness about ‘pneumonia’ disease. The observance of day aims to highlight the severity of pneumonia and bring together people from all over world to promote the prevention and treatment of the disease. Significance of Day: Raise awareness about pneumonia, the world’s leading killer of children under age of five. ‎Promote interventions to protect against, prevent and treat pneumonia and ‎Generate action to combat pneumonia. Background: World Pneumonia Day was first observed in 2009 after more than 100 organisations joined together form Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia. At present, global coalition comprises of over 140 NGOs, academic institutions, government agencies and foundations. Pneumonia: Pneumonia is form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. It is caused by inflammation of the airspaces in the lungs. Lungs are made up of small sacs called alveoli, which fill with air when healthy person breathes. ‎When an individual has pneumonia, alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen intake. Causes: It is caused by number of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria and fungi. The most common are Streptococcus pneumoniae (most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in children), ‎Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) (second most common cause of bacterial pneumonia), ‎Respiratory syncytial virus is most common viral cause of pneumonia. Treatment: Vaccinations are available against several common organisms that are known to cause pneumonia. Besides, antibiotics can also treat pneumonia by controlling the bacterial or fungal infection.

18) The world’s largest supercomputer Spiking Neural Network Architecture (SpiNNaker) machine designed to work in same way as human brain was switched on for the first time. SpiNNaker: It designed and built at University of Manchester in UK. It can model more biological neurons in real time than any other machine on planet. Biological neurons are basic brain cells present in nervous system that communicate by emitting ‘spikes’ of pure electro-chemical energy. It is neuromorphic computing that uses large scale computer systems containing electronic circuits to mimic these spikes in a machine. It is capable of completing more than 200 million million actions per second, with each of its chips having 100 million transistors. It is unique as it mimics the massively parallel communication architecture of brain, sending billions of small amounts of information simultaneously to thousands of different destinations. It also unique because, unlike traditional computers, it does not communicate by sending large amounts of information from point A to B via standard network. Potential Applications: It has massive potential for neurological breakthroughs in science such as pharmaceutical testing. It can be used to harnessed to control robot which can interpret real-time visual information and navigate towards certain objects while ignoring others. It can also help to unlock some of secrets of how human brain works by running unprecedentedly large scale simulations. It will allow roboticists to design large scale neural networks into mobile robots so they can walk, talk and move with flexibility and low power.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 10 November 2018 to 16 November 2018.

19) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has developed portable solar-powered cold storage device with 500 kg capacity for storing vegetables and fruits, among other items. The device will help farmers store their produce for sufficient time so that it does not get spoilt before it is sold, thereby preventing wastage of agricultural produce. The first unit of device was deployed at farm in Madurantakam in Kancheepuram district in Tamil Nadu. Solar-powered cold storage device: It has been developed under project funded by Department of Science and Technology (Ministry of Science and Technology) and IIT-M. It provides storage facility with temperature ranging between four and 10 degree Celsius. Using it, vegetables, leaves, flowers and fruits can be stored for 24 hours in the device. Each device is enough for 5 or 6 acres of land or for group of three to four farmers. The unit uses thermal energy storage. The photovoltaic-powered refrigeration system is used to charge indoor thermal battery in form of latent heat during day time and used to maintain temperature (10 C) for 20-24 hours. Each unit costs between Rs 5.5 to Rs 6 lakh and storage capacity could be scaled down based on requirement.

20) Asian Development Bank (ADB) it will provide US $13 million loan to Energy Efficiency Services (EESL) to promote efficient energy usage in India. It will be provided by Global Environment Facility (GEF) as part of US $200 million ADB-financed Demand-Side Energy Efficiency Sector Project. Key Facts: ADB funding is helping EESL finance energy service utilities for installing established energy-efficient technologies such as light-emitting diode (LED) street-lights with municipalities, while exploring newer technologies and their self-sustaining business models. The additional financing for project through GEF grant will be used by EESL for making investments in new and emerging technologies, including trigeneration, efficient motors and air-conditioners, smart meters/grids and associated new business models to expand use of such innovations as well as to set up v 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.

21) The second edition of was International Symposium to Promote Innovation & Research in Energy Efficiency (INSPIRE 2018) launched in New Delhi. It was jointly organised by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) and World Bank. The three-day symposium focused on enhancing grid management, e-Mobility, financial instruments and technologies for energy efficiency in India. Moreover awards to four pathbreaking innovations in clean energy and energy efficiency were also given as part of #InnovateToINSPIRE, a first-of-its-kind energy innovation challenge. Key Facts: #InnovateToINSPIRE challenge was organized by EESL and World resources Institute (WRI) in August- October 2018 in run-up to INSPIRE 2018. The challenge had invited participants to submit sustainable and scalable solutions to seven specific challenges spanning grid management, e-Mobility, energy efficient technologies and financial instruments. Four winners were selected from 94 entries by eminent jury comprised of Indian and international experts in the field of energy. The winning entries received award of Rs. 5 lakhs, each, along with mentoring and guidance from EESL to help them bring their solutions to market. Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL): EESL was set up under Union Ministry of Power to facilitate implementation of energy efficiency projects. It is a joint venture of NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and POWERGRID. It leads market-related actions of National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE). It also acts as the resource centre for capacity building of State DISCOMs. It is also implementing the world’s largest energy efficiency portfolio in the country.

22) National Education Day of India is celebrated every year on 11 November to commemorate the birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first education minister of independent India. This year it was 130th birth anniversary of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. As first education minister of India, Azad had oversaw establishment of national education system with free primary education and modern institutions of higher education. He is also credited with establishment of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and laid foundation of University Grants Commission, an important institution to supervise and advance higher education throughout the country. Background: National Education Day was instituted by Union Ministry of Human Resource Development in 2008 announced to commemorate the birthday Maulana Abul Kalam Azad for recalling his contribution to cause of education in India. Its objective is to strengthen educational institutions and to raise quality of education to greater heights. It also seeks to remember Maulana Azad’s contribution in laying the foundations of education system in an independent India as well as to evaluate our current performance in this field. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad: Born on 11 November 1888 and died on 22 February 1958. He was senior Muslim leader of Indian National Congress during Indian independence movement. He is commonly remembered as Maulana Azad (word Maulana is honorific meaning ‘Our Master’) and he had adopted Azad (Free) as his pen name. He was first Minister of Education of Independent India. He had played important role in foundation of Jamia Millia Islamia at Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh. He assisted in shifting campus of university from Aligarh to New Delhi in 1934. Freedom Movement: During his young age, he rose to prominence through his work as journalist, publishing works critical of British Raj and espousing causes of Indian nationalism. He became leader of Khilafat Movement, during which he came into close contact with Mahatma Gandhi. He later became enthusiastic supporter of Gandhi’s ideas of non-violent civil disobedience and worked to organise the non-co-operation movement in protest of the 1919 Rowlatt Acts. He was committed to Gandhi’s ideals, including promoting Swadeshi (indigenous) products and cause of Swaraj (Self-rule) for India. In 1923, at age of 35, he became youngest person to serve as President of Indian National Congress. He was one of main organizers of the Dharasana Satyagraha in 1931 and emerged as one of the most important national leaders of the time, prominently leading causes of Hindu-Muslim unity as well as espousing secularism and socialism. He served as Congress president from 1940 to 1945, during which Quit India rebellion was launched. He also worked for Hindu-Muslim unity through the Al-Hilal newspaper.

23) The Global IT Challenge for Youth with Disabilities (GITC) 2018 held in New Delhi from November 9 to 11, 2018. It was co-hosted by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Korea and its organising partners namely Rehabilitation International Korea and LG Group. Key Facts: GITC is being held every year in Asia- Pacific region and such events were held in past in countries like South Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam etc. The objective of GICT was to leverage IT skills among youth with disabilities and also to spread awareness about application of Information and Computer Technology in enhancing the quality of life of persons with disabilities. The event saw participation around 300 participants including 120 Youth with disabilities from 24 Asia Pacific countries. It also had IT Forum in which countries will present their work and achievement in ensuring accessibility to persons with disabilities in IT sector.

24) Newly appointed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa ended his five-decade-long association with Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and joined newly-formed Sri Lanka People’s Party (SLPP). SLFP was founded by his father Don Alwin Rajapaksa in 1951. Rajapaksa’s joining SLPP signals that he will contest snap polls, under his own party banner and not that of President Maithripala Sirisena’s Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). SLPP was formed in 2017 by Rajapaksa’s supporters as platform for his re-entry into politics. In February 2018 local council elections SLPP won two-third of total 340 seats. Sri Lankan Political and Constitutional Crisis: In January 2015 Presidential election, then President Mahinda Rajapaksa (was in office for decade from 2005) was unexpectedly defeated by his then deputy Sirisena with support from Ranil Wickremesinghe’s United National Party (UNP). But, power-sharing arrangement between President Sirisena and PM Wickremesinghe in later times became increasingly uncertain on several policy matters, mainly on economy and security. Further rift had developed between them over policy towards China and India, with Wickremesinghe favouring Indian investment as counter to Chinese inroads in Sri Lankan infrastructure projects and Sirisena’s intention to contest 2020 presidential election under Mr Wickremesinghe’s party. In October 2018 Sirisena had abruptly removed Wickremesinghe and replaced with Rajapaksa, a pro-China strongman as new Prime Minister. This move had plunged Sri Lanka into political and constitutional crisis. Sirisena had suspended parliamentary proceedings and later dissolved it, after it became evident that there is not enough support in House to prove Rajapaksa’s premiership.

25) United States President Donald Trump will present 7 distinguished individuals including late singer Elvis Presley 2018 Presidential Medal of Freedom on November 16, 2018. These seven awardees includes three posthumous recipients- Music legend Elvis Presley, baseball great Babe Ruth and late Supreme Court justice Antonin Scalia. Other four are philanthropist and heavyweight political donor Miriam Adelson and two football Hall of Famers- quarterback Roger Staubach and defensive tackle Alan Page, who later became first African American to serve on Minnesota Supreme Court. About Presidential Medal of Freedom: It is United States’ highest civilian award. It is awarded to individuals with exceptional meritorious service to security or national interests of US, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors. It was established in 1945 by President Truman, to recognize notable service in war. In 1963, President Kennedy reintroduced it as an honor for distinguished civilian service in peacetime. Majority of awardees are US citizens, but individuals from other countries are also eligible.

26) The restoration of an aristocratic house project from partial ruin state in Ladakh undertaken by LAMO (Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation) Center has won 2018 UNESCO Asia-Pacific award for Cultural Heritage conservation in Award of Distinction category. LAMO is public charitable trust established to articulate an alternative vision for the arts and media in Ladakh. Key Facts: The restored structure is strategically located at the foot of Leh palace, contributes to continuity of historic townscape of 17th century. Its recovery establishes precedent for conserving non-monumental urban fabric of Leh Old Town. Under restoration project, LAMO had used salvaged and local building materials and indigenous construction techniques and skillfully introduced modern amenities to assure its ongoing use. Other Category awardees: Award of Excellence: It was awarded to restoration project of early 20th-century Shijo-cho Ofune-hoko Float Machiya in Japan. It celebrates Kyoto culture by safeguarding city’s endangered wooden townhouse typology as well as iconic annual Gion Festival. Award of Distinction: LAMO Center, Ladakh, India. Award of Merit: 5 Martin Place, Sydney (Australia); Aijing Zhuang, Fujian (China); Commercial Bank of Honjo Warehouse, Saitama (Japan). Honourable Mention: Hengdaohezi Town, Heilongjiang (China), Rajabai Clock Tower & University of Mumbai Library Building, Mumbai (India), Ruttonsee Muljee Jetha Fountain, Mumbai (India). New Design in Heritage Contexts: Kaomai Estate 1955, Chiang Mai (Thailand) and Harts Mill, Port Adelaide, (Australia). UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation: It was established in 2000. It recognizes efforts of private individuals and organizations that have successfully conserved structures and buildings of heritage value in the region. It aims to encourage other property owners to undertake conservation projects within their communities, either independently or by seeking PPP (public-private partnerships).

27) Indian Army inducted three major globally combat proven artillery gun system viz. M777 A2 ultra light howitzers (ULH), K-9 Vajra-tracked self-propelled guns and ‘Composite Gun Towing Vehicle’ at Deolali Field Firing Range in Maharashtra. These are first artillery gun systems to be inducted by Indian Army in three decades. Last inducted was Bofors artillery gun system procured from Sweden in early 1980s. Key Facts: M777 A2 Ultra Light Howitzers : It is 155mm, 39 Calibre ULHs towed artillery gun, with maximum range of 24-30km procured from US. It being versatile and light weight can be heli-lifted, thus providing employment flexibility in different terrains. It will be procured under India-US deal signed in November 2016 for 145 M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers. Under it, 25 guns will be imported and rest will be assembled in India by BAE Systems in partnership with Mahindra Defense. Deliveries will be completed by mid-2021. The gun systems induction gives a major impetus to Make In India initiative. It will bring new level of capability to artillery unit by offering rapid deployment and extreme accuracy. K9 Vajra guns: It is a 155-mm, 52-calibre self-propelled gun with maximum range of 40 km. It will be imported from South Korea. It is customized version of original K9 Thunder artillery gun for desert conditions. Total 100 units will be procured by Army, and first 10 will be imported in semi knocked down form from South Korea and assembled by L&T in India and rest 90 will be manufactured in India. The first regiment of K9 will be equipped by July 2019 and all 100 guns will be delivered by November 2020. Common Gun Tower: It is 6×6 field artillery tractor is indigenously developed by Ashok Leyland. It with has cross country capability and will replace ageing fleet of artillery gun towing vehicles.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 10 November 2018 to 16 November 2018.

28) Supreme Court has upheld presumption that couple who live together as husband and wife are legally married and woman can claim maintenance under Section 125 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC ). The apex court held that law presumes in favour of marriage and against concubinage when man and woman have cohabited continuously for a number of years. Court Ruling: Man who lived with woman for long time and even though they may not have undergone legal necessities of valid marriage is liable to pay the woman maintenance if he deserts her. In this case, man should not be allowed to benefit from legal loopholes by enjoying advantages of de facto marriage without undertaking duties and obligations. Any other interpretation in this case will lead woman to vagrancy and destitution, which provision of maintenance in Section 125 of CrPC is meant to prevent. Background: This judgment of SC was based on appeal filed by woman against Karnataka High Court decision of June 2009. The High Court had set aside family court order, directing man she lived with since 1998 and had two children by to pay maintenance. Their relationship in this case was solemnised in a temple and husband of woman had later abandoned the family. The family court had ordered him to pay maintenance to woman and their children on monthly basis. This court had held the couple is accepted as husband and wife by society. The man had however had moved appeal in High Court, which pronounced that there was no proof that she was his legally-wedded wife.

29) India and Singapore will hold 25th joint naval exercise SIMBEX, acronym for Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise from November 10 to 21 in India off Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. SIMBEX 2018 will mark silver jubilee of exercise and will be largest edition since 1994 in terms of scale and complexity. SIMBEX 2018: It will witness diverse range of exercises at sea such as live weapon drills including multiple missile firings, heavy weight torpedo (HWT) and medium range gun and anti-submarine rocket firings; advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises, submarine rescue demonstrations; integrated surface and anti-air warfare (AAW); unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations and cross deck helicopter flying among others. The initial first harbour phase of the exercise will be held at Port Blair followed by Sea Phase in Andaman Sea. Second harbour phase will be held at Visakhapatnam. Final sea phase will be held in Bay of Bengal. The number of missiles and torpedo firings in this exercise will be largest ever undertaken by Indian Navy with any foreign Navy till date. It will also witness highest numbers and variety of platforms fielded by both sides. Indian Navy for this exercise will be deploying Ranvir class destroyer — INS Ranvijay, two Project 17 multirole stealth frigates — INS Satpura and INS Sahyadri, Project 28 ASW corvette — INS Kadmatt, Project 25A missile corvettes, INS Kirch, OPVs INS Sumedha and INS Sukanya, Fleet Support Ship, INS Shakti, Sindhughosh Class submarine, INS Sindhukirti, P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol and ASW aircraft from INAS 312, Dornier 228 Maritime Patrol aircraft from INAS 311, Mk 132 Hawk AJTs from INAS 551 and integral helicopters such as the UH3H, Seaking 42 B, Seaking 42C and Chetak utility helicopters. Singapore Navy will be deploying represented by two Formidable Class stealth frigates — RSS Formidable and RSS Steadfast, two Missile Corvettes, RSS Vigour and RSS Valiant, one Littoral Mission Vessel — RSS Unity, Archer class Submarine, RSS Swordsman, ‘Swift Rescue’ Deep Sea Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), Fokker F50 maritime reconnaissance aircraft, embarked S70B helicopters and Scan Eagle unmanned aerial systems.

30) Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed former IAS officer Ashok Kumar Gupta as Chairperson of Competition Commission of India (CCI). He replaces acting chairperson Sudhir Mital. He will be in office till October 25, 2022 i.e. till he attains age of 65 years or until further orders, whichever is the earliest. Gupta is former IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre. Competition Commission of India (CCI): CCI is quasi-judicial statutory body established under The Competition Act, 2002. It was established in October 2003 and became fully functional in May 2009. Section 8(1) of the Act provides CCI shall consist of Chairperson and not less than two and not more than six Members. Presently, Chairperson and four Members are in position. It has been functioning as collegium right from its inception. It functions under Ministry of Cooperate Affairs. CCI aims to eliminate practices that adversely affect competition in different industries and protect interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade. Its seeks to eliminate practices having adverse effect on competition, promote and sustain competition, protect interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade in markets of India. It also gives opinion on competition issues on reference received from statutory authority established under any law and undertakes competition advocacy, create public awareness and impart training on competition issues.

31) Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed three senior IRS officers K Dash, Akhilesh Ranjan and Neena Kumar as new members of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). All three members belong to 1982-batch of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). Prior to this appointment, Dash was serving as principal chief commissioner of I-T (PCCIT) in Bhopal, Ranjan and Kumar were serving as PCCsIT in Delhi. With these three new joinings, CBDT now has full house strength of five members and chairman. The two other members of CBDT are IRS officers Aditya Vikram and P C Mody while the borad’s Chairman is Sushil Chandra. Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT): CBDT is nodal policy-making body of Income Tax (IT) department under Finance Ministry. It is a statutory authority established under The Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963. It is supreme body in India for framing policies related to direct taxes and is also tasked to enforce direct tax laws in the country. The composition of CBDT includes Chairman and six members.

32) According to recently released report “Preventing nutrient loss and waste across the food system: Policy actions for high-quality diets”, one-in-five deaths is associated with poor-quality diets. It shows that regularly eating poor-quality food has become greater public health threat than malaria, tuberculosis or measles. The report was published by United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). As per FAO Report: More than half of all globally-produced fruits and vegetables are lost or wasted annually. Around 25% of all meat produced, equivalent to 75 million cows, goes uneaten. About one-third of food produced for human consumption never reaches consumer’s plate. Global food loss or waste annually is estimated to be around $1 trillion. Nutrient-rich foods, like fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats are highly perishable, so susceptible to losses throughout increasingly complex food production systems. Globally, agriculture produces 22% more vitamin A required for human consumption, but after loss and waste, amount available is merely 11% per cent less than required. In Low-income nations, food is mostly lost during harvesting, storage, processing and transportation while in high-income nations problem lies in retail and consumer level waste. Together, they directly impact number of calories and nutrients actually available for consumption. Reducing food loss and waste, mainly high-nutrient foods, has nutritional benefits and also contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). FAO recommended solutions: Policymakers need to reduce food loss and waste in order to improve access to nutritious and healthy food. Food systems that increase availability, affordability and consumption of fresh, nutrient-rich food for everyone must be put in place to tackle all forms of malnutrition and to promote healthy diets. Series of policy actions should be taken across entire food system, including educating all concerned, focusing on perishable foods, improving public and private infrastructure and closing data gaps on food losses and waste. Reducing loss and waste of nutritious foods could yield substantial health benefits, given direct impact on wellbeing, learning capacity and productivity. Cutting down on food waste will yield major economic benefits. Besides, eating more of food already produced, will avoid wasting water, land and energy that went into its production. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): It is specialised agency of UN that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Its parent organization is UN Economic and Social Council (UNESC). It was established on 16 October 1945 and its headquarters are in Rome, It has 197 member states, along with European Union (member organization).Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 10 November 2018 to 16 November 2018.

33) Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) has signed MoU with US-based Research Institute for Fragrant Materials (RIFM) for improving the quality of fragrant oils. It was signed at conclusion of two-day annual conference of International Fragrance Association (IFA) in Paris, capital city of France. Team of RIFM had visited the Lucknow headquarter of CIMAP earlier in 2018 to increase the acceptability and demand of Indian fragrances on a global level. The deliberations during the visit resulted in signing of the MoU. Benefits of MoU: It will go long way in standardizing fragrant material produced in India and bring it to an international level. It will give a big boost to fragrance quality in India as RIFM internationally standardizes the quality of fragrant materials. It will give impetus to aroma mission of Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) which aims at enhancing production of fragrant materials. Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP): Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) is a frontier plant research laboratory of CSIR. It was originally established as Central Indian Medicinal Plants Organisation (CIMPO) in 1959. It is headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It has four research centers situated in Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pantnagar and Purara (near Bageshwar, Uttarakhand). It is engaged in the field of science and business of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs). It steers multidisciplinary high quality research in biological and chemical sciences and extending technologies and services to farmers and entrepreneurs of MAPs.

34) National Legal Services Day (NLSD) is observed every year in India on 9th November to spread awareness for ensuring reasonable fair and justice procedure for all citizens. The aim of celebrating this day is to offer free of charge, proficient and legal services to the people belonging to weaker sections of society. It also seeks to make sure availability of free services to weaker section people as well as making them conscious about their rights. On this day, Lok Adalats are organized across the country to make safe the legal system operations and encourages righteousness of people on the equality basis. Besides, variety of legal literacy camps and functions are also organized to increase awareness of free legal aid towards every weak citizen of the country. National Legal Services Day (NLSD): It was started by Supreme Court of India in 1995 to provide help and support to poor and weaker sections of the society. It was established with mandate to offer help and support to weaker and poor group of sections of people which may be women, disabled persons, Scheduled Tribes (STs), children, Scheduled Castes (SCs), human trafficking victims as well as natural calamities victims.

35) Renowned French scholar Jawahar Lal Sarin was presented with France’s highest civilian honour Chevalier de la Lgion d’Honneur. He was presented with this award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to enhancing Indo-French cultural cooperation and promoting French language. Jawahar Lal Sarin is president of Alliance franaise de Delhi’s governing body. He had studied French for five years at the Punjab University, Chandigarh, and later at the Sorbonne University, Paris. Legion d’Honneur (Legion of Honour): It is the highest civilian award given by the French government to person for his outstanding service to France, regardless of the nationality. It was instituted in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. The order (merit for both military and civil merits) is divided into five degrees of increasing distinction: Chevalier (Knight), Officier (Officer), Commandeur (Commander), Grand officier (Grand Officer), and Grand-croix (Grand Cross). Actors Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan were also awarded in 2007 and 2014. Other Indians who were also awarded are Amartya Sen, Ravi Shankar, Zubin Mehta, Lata Mangeshkar, JRD Tata and Ratan Tata among others.

36) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved strategic disinvestment of 100% Government of India’s shares in Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL) to consortium of four ports. Presently, Central Government holds 73.44% shares in DCIL. The consortium of four ports consists of Vishakhapatnam Port Trust (Andhra Pradesh), Paradeep Port Trust (Odisha), Jawahar Lal Nehru Port Trust (Maharashtra) and Kandla Port Trust (Gujarat). The government’s divestment target for fiscal 2018-19 was Rs 80,000 crore and so far it has garnered over Rs 15,000 crore from PSU stake sales. Significance: Strategic sale of DCIL will further facilitate linkage of dredging activities with ports, keeping in view the role of DCIL in expansion of dredging activity in the country as well as potential scope for diversification of ports into third party dredging. The co-sharing of facilities between company as well as ports shall lead to savings for ports. This will also further provide opportunities for larger investment in DCIL as integration with ports shall help ineffective vertical linkage in value chain. Dredging Corporation of India Limited (DCIL): It is miniratna public sector unit (PSU) engaged in the business of dredging. It does dredging for Indian seaports exclusively. It is involved in capital dredging, beach nourishment, and land reclamation. It was established in March 1976 and is headquartered in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It reports to the Ministry of Shipping. Almost all maintenance dredging in Indian seaports is carried out by DCI. It also occasionally dredges at foreign seaports in countries such as Sri Lanka, Taiwan and Dubai.

37) Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved leasing out six airports of Airports Authority of India (AAI) for operation, management and development under Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the first phase. This will be done through Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC). Union Cabinet also approved constitution of Empowered Group of Secretaries headed by CEO, NITI Aayog with Secretaries of Ministry of Civil Aviation, Department of Economic Affairs and Department of Expenditure to decide on any issue falling beyond scope of PPPAC. Benefits: PPP in infrastructure projects brings efficiency in service delivery, enterprise, expertise and professionalism apart from harnessing needed investments in public sector. The PPP in airport infrastructure projects has brought world class infrastructure at airports, delivery of efficient and timely services to airport passengers, augmenting revenue stream to AAI without making any investment, etc. of these, for development of Greenfield Airports. Presently, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Cochin airports are being managed under PPP model.PPP airports in India have been ranked among top 5 in their respective categories by Airports Council International (ACI) in terms of Airport Service Quality (ASQ). These PPP experiments have helped to create world class airports and also helped AAI in enhancing its revenues and focusing on developing airports and air navigation infrastructure in rest of the country.

38) The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the filling of Padur Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) in Karnataka by overseas National Oil Companies (NOCs). The filling of the SPR will be under PPP model and is being undertaken to reduce budgetary support of Union Government. The SPR facility at Padur is underground rock cavern with total capacity of 2.5 million metric tonnes (MMT) having four compartments of 0.625 MMT each. Background: Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd. (ISPRL) has constructed and commissioned underground rock caverns for storage of total 5.33 MMT of crude oil at three locations namely Mangalore (1.5 MMT), Vishakhapatnam (1.33 MMT), and Padur (2.5 MMT). The total 5.33 MMT capacity under Phase-I of the SPR programme is currently estimated to supply approximately 9.5 days of India’s crude requirement. Government also has given ‘in principle’ approval for establishing additional 6.5 MMT SPR facilities at Chandikhol in Odisha and Padur in Karnataka in phase II which is expected to augment India’s energy security by 11.5 days according the consumption data for FY 2017-18.

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