W.B.C.S Current Affairs 15 September 2018 to 21 September 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 of Home Affairs (MHA) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) to set up of state-of-the-art Integrated Control Room for Emergency Response (ICR-ER). ISRO will render its technical expertise for setting up of proposed ICR-ER. Integrated Control Room for Emergency Response (ICR-ER): ICR-ER will cater to the requirement of disaster management as well as internal security. This project will be executed under overall supervision of MHA with technical support from ISRO. It is expected to be established in next one-and-a-half year. ICR-ER will help to address requirement of receipt of information on near real-time basis, strategic level monitoring, situation awareness, command and control, preparedness and response in the diverse internal security situation and disaster related emergencies. In longtern, it will help to increase operational effectiveness. It will be also helpful in rendering timely response and assistance during various emergency situations.Continue reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 15 September 2018 to 21 September 2018.

2) Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stone of India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC) in Sector 25, Dwarka, New Delhi. On completion, it will be biggest indoor exhibition space in India and also rank among the top 10 in the world. India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC): IICC will be integrated complex with facilities like exhibition halls, convention centre, open exhibition spaces, mixed use commercial spaces like star hotels (5, 4 and 3 star), retail services and high-end offices. It will provide facilities on par with best in the world in size and quality. It will offer setting for international and national events, meetings, conferences, exhibitions and trade shows. It will have capacity to accommodate 11,000 persons, 5 exhibition halls, 1-kilometre long foyer, multi-purpose arena with retractable roof. The project is planned over area of 221.37 acre in Sector 25, Dwarka at an estimated cost of Rs 25,703 crore. It will be implemented by India International Convention and Exhibition Centre Ltd, a 100% government-owned company set up by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). It is expected to generate over 5 lakh employment opportunities. Construction of IICC will be in line with green building principles and Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum rating standards. It will be developed in two phases. Phase-I and II will be completed by December 2019 and December 2024, respectively. It will have dedicated underground Metro station which will be extension of airport high speed metro corridor being constructed by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

3) India has decided to place four more reactors under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. It was announced Sekhar Basu, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) at 62nd General Conference of IAEA held in Vienna, Austria. The four reactors include two Russian-designed Pressurised Light Water Reactors and two Pressurised Heavy Reactors being built with Indian technology. With this, total of 26 Indian nuclear facilities will be now under IAEA safeguards. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): IAEA is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. It was established as an autonomous organization in 1957 through its own international treaty, the IAEA Statute. Its headquarters are in Vienna, Austria. IAEA serves as international nuclear energy watchdog, independent of United Nations but reports to both United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Security Council (UNSC). IAEA Safeguards : They are system of inspection and verification of peaceful uses of nuclear materials as part of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). These safeguards mainly reiterates primacy to IAEA in its central role in promotion of atomic energy for peaceful uses and prosperity of the mankind while maintaining its due support in safeguards. IAEA safeguards activities are undertaken by Department of Safeguards, a separate department within IAEA. Legal framework of safeguards: Information Circular 66 (INFCIRC 66), an agreement between IAEA and member states provides for conduct of limited safeguards within member state. Under it, member states identifies facilities that are made available for IAEA Safeguards inspection. Besides, Treaty on Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), 1968 requires signatories to become members of IAEA and non-nuclear weapons states conclude comprehensive safeguards agreements under INFCIRC 153.

4) The Union Cabinet has cleared ordinance to make practice of instant triple talaq penal offence. It was signed by President Ram Nath Kovind later as per Article 123 of the Constitution. Compelling reason cited by Government for promulgation of this ordinance was that practice of triple talaq continues unabated even after annulled by Supreme Court due to absence of legal framework. Core components of ordinance: The ordinance makes instant triple talaq illegal and void. It prescribes punishment with jail term for three years to husbands practicing triple talaq. It also includes certain safeguards such as the addition of a provision of bail for the accused before trial, to do away with fears of misuse of the law. The offence of triple talaq will only be cognizable when victim wife or her relatives by blood or marriage file FIR. It is compoundable offence, meaning that there can be compromise but only on insistence of wife and t magistrate will have to determine terms and conditions. The offender can be granted bail by magistrate but only after hearing victim wife as it is private dispute between husband and wife and wife must be heard when bail is granted. Additionally, victim wife will get custody of minor children. They will be entitled to receive maintenance from husband for herself and children, as decided by magistrate. Background: In landmark 3-2 verdict in August 2017, five-judge Constitution Bench of Supreme Court had declared centuries-old practice of instant triple talaq or talaq-e-biddat unconstitutional. Triple talaq is practice in which Muslim men divorce their wives unilaterally by uttering talaq three times in quick succession. Three of five judges of this bench had called this practice un-Islamic and arbitrary. They also disagreed with view that triple talaq was an integral part of religious practice. In pursuance of SC verdict, Government had managed to get Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2017 passed in Lok Sabha in December 2017 but it got stuck in Rajya Sabha as it was unable to build consensus among political parties where it does not have majority.Government’s position on Triple Talaq always had been that it has nothing to do with faith or mode of worship or religion, but it is pure issue of gender justice, gender dignity and gender equality.

5) The capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has allowed India’s top two stock exchanges BSE Ltd and National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE) to launch commodity derivatives trading from 1 October, 2018. This approval is part of SEBI’s December 2017 announcement of having unified exchange regime wherein stock exchanges will be allowed to offer trading in commodities derivatives. By unified exchange regime stock exchanges need not to set up different entities to offer commodity trading. Key Facts: With this approval, BSE will begin trading in commodity derivatives with non-agriculture commodities like metals initially, followed by agri-commodities subsequently. NSE will launch its commodity derivatives segment trading in non-agriculture commodities in initial phase, followed by agriculture commodities, subject to SEBI approval. Significance: Universal exchanges will help in achieving integration of trading in commodity derivatives market with other segments of securities market at exchange level. It will help in providing efficient price discovery, reduction in timelines, cost effective, user-friendly, robust risk management system and wider market penetration. It will help in creating deeper markets with lower spreads and exchange by enhancing competition across all categories of trading. It will offer greater convenience as traders will be able to trade all asset categories from single account. It may also lead to consolidation of cross-holding norms as mergers between exchanges of different categories appear attractive. In longterm, Indian exchanges will find it easier to compete with their global counterparts and they are present in multiple segments. Terms: Equity exchange: It is market in which shares are issued and traded, mostly through exchanges. It is also known as stock market. It gives companies access to capital and investors slice of ownership in company with potential to realize gains based on its future performance. Stock or securities traded in the equity market can be either public stocks, which are those listed on stock exchange or privately traded stocks. In India, NSE and the BSE offer equity and equity derivatives. Commodity exchange: It is market is mostly related to food, metals or energy derivatives that are important part of everyday life. Types of commodities in this market includes metals like gold, silver, etc., energy like crude oil, natural gas etc. This trading traditionally move in opposition to stocks, so they are used as significant way to diversify portfolio beyond traditional securities. In India, MCX and NCDEX specialise in commodity derivatives. Universal exchanges: In this market, any exchanges i.e. can capital market or commodity exchange can offer each products in equity, commodity derivatives, and debt and currency segments. By this stock exchanges need not to set up different entities to offer commodity trading and vice versa.

6) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved Revised Cost Estimate of Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP). It has been increased to Rs. 3,466 crore from earlier Rs. 1968 crore. CCEA also gave approval for two-year time extension for project from July 2018 to June 2020. Revised Funding pattern: Out of total revised cost of Rs.3,466 crore, Rs.2,628 crore will be funded by World Bank and Rs.747 crore will be funded by DRIP States or Implementing Agencies (IAs) and balance Rs.91 crore will be funded by Central Water Commission (CWC). Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP): The project aims to improve safety and operational performance of 198 Dams from seven states (69 from Tamil Nadu), along with institutional strengthening with system wide management approach. It will also improve safety and operational performance of selected existing dams and mitigate risks to ensure safety of downstream population and property. DRIP objectives: Component I: Rehabilitation of Dam and its appurtenant structures. Component II: Institutional Strengthening. Component III: Project Management. Primary beneficiaries of this project are both urban and rural communities dependent on reservoir and downstream communities, who are prone to risk associated with dam failure or operational failure. The institutional strengthening component of this project will increase effectiveness of Dam Safety Organisations to take the lead to make dams safe from structural and operational point of view through capacity building of staff and officials. The project envisages comprehensive rehabilitation of 198 existing dam projects located in seven states viz. Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttarakhand (Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited) and Jharkhand (Damodar Valley Corporation).

7) The Employee’s State Insurance (ESI) has rolled out Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna for providing unemployment allowance to workers rendered jobless due to changing employment pattern. It was announced at 175th ESI Corporation meeting chaired by Union Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar in New Delhi. Need: Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna was launched keeping in mind change in employment pattern. The current scenario of employment in India has been transformed from long employment to fixed short term engagement in the form of contract and temping. So, there was need to provide assistance to employees in case they get unemployed for sometime and search new job. Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna: It aims to financially support those who lost their jobs or rendered jobless for whatsoever reasons due to changing employment pattern. Its beneficiaries will be insured persons covered under Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 for period of two years continuously. Under it, relief will be payable in cash directly to bank account of insured persons in case of unemployment. This financial assistance will be given to insured persons even while they search for new engagement. Beneficiary insured workers will be paid money, from their own contribution towards ESI scheme, in cash through bank account transfer.
Under this scheme, workers will be able to draw 47% of their total contributions towards ESIC after remaining unemployed for at least three months from date of leaving their previous jobs. They can choose to receive the cash at one go or in instalments. It will be applicable to all factories and establishments employing at least 10 workers. Employee’s State Insurance (ESI): ESI is self-financing social security and health insurance scheme for Indian workers. It is autonomous corporation by statutory creation under Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. It is managed by Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) according to rules and regulations stipulated there in the ESI Act 1948. It was founded in 1952 and is headquartered in New Delhi.

8) India and Russia joint air exercise Aviaindra 18 was held in Lipetsk, Russia from September 17 to 28, 2018. The second session of Aviaindra 18 will be conducted in Jodhpur, Rajasthan (India) from December 10 Dec to 22, 2018. Exercise Aviaindra-18: Exercise Aviaindra is Air Force level exercise between India and Russia. It was conducted for first time in 2014 and since then it is conducted bi-annually (twice a year) in both countries. The aim of this exercise is focused towards anti-terrorist operations in bi-lateral scenario. It also seeks to further enhance co-operation and understanding between Air forces of both countries in each other’s Concept of Operations. Aviaindra-18 saw participation of Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent comprising of 30 officers from different branches and streams of IAF including four women officers of Flying, Admin and Medical Branch. IAF’s aircraft that participated in the exercise included Su-30 SM, Mig-29, Su-25, Mi-8 and An-26. Apart from flying exercise, formal interactions, discussions, exchange of ideas and friendly sports matches were also held to enhance bonhomie between two Air Forces.

9) Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched pilot project for transport of sputum specimen for Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosis by utilising services of Department of Post in Karawal Nagar, New Delhi. The learning from this pilot project experience will be useful for adaptation of specimen transport mechanism through Postal Department across the country. Need: Significant proportion of TB patients in India are not tested for their symptoms because specimen does not reach laboratory due to non-availability of specimen transport mechanisms. Transport of collected specimen also spares patient’s from travelling to reference laboratory. Prompt transport of specimen followed by efficacious testing will enable appropriate management of TB patients and reduced disease transmission. Other Initiatives: Health Ministry also launched web-based application of Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP), Nikshay Version 2.0, with better user interface and data structures. It also launched mobile application for all major functions on Nikshay. The web-application is also designed to be mobile friendly, enabling data entry also from the mobile browser. NIKSHAY: NIKSHAY is web based solution for effectively monitoring of TB patients under Revised National Tuberculosis Programme (RNTCP). It was launched by Health Ministry Government with intention of creating a tuberculosis free nation. It was developed by National Informatics Centre (NIC) in association with Central TB Division (CTD), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. NIKSHAY word is combination of two Hindi words NI and KSHAY meaning eradication of tuberculosis. It covers various aspects of controlling TB using technological innovations.Apart from web based technology, SMS services have been used effectively for communication with patients and monitoring the programme on day to day basis. Tuberculosis (TB): TB is disease caused by bacteria “Mycobacterium tuberculosis” that most often affect the lungs. It spreads from person to person through the air. It commonly affects lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It is the second biggest killer disease worldwide next only to HIV/AIDS. ndia accounts for about a quarter of the global TB burden. Worldwide India is the country with the highest burden of both TB and MDR (Multi-drug resistant) TB. In March 2017, Government had set aim elimination of TB in India by 2025.

10) Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has launched its monthly e-newsletter MSME Insider. The e-newsletter will give information of activities undertaken by MSME Ministry and also act as bridge between Ministry and millions of MSME units spread across the country. MSME Insider e-newsletter: The e-newsletter will provide regular flow of information about sector to MSMEs. It will also help in developing two-way communication between MSME Ministry and its stakeholders. It will also create awareness about schemes and other activities undertaken by MSME Ministry and its affiliated organizations. It will also provide information about latest innovations in the field of technology, upcoming events and training programs for the month and will also carry interesting articles on relevant topics. It will also carry success stories of the entrepreneurs who have benefitted from schemes of MSME Ministry. It will be available on website of MSME ministry http://www.msme.gov.in as well as on websites of its attached organizations. It will also be distributed to about 50 lakh MSMEs registered on Udyog Aadhaar Memorandum Portal.

11) India and Morocco have signed revised Air Services Agreement between two countries enabling greater air connectivity through modernized agreement. The agreement will enable code sharing with airlines of other party. It will also provide greater freedom in mounting direct flights. In long term this agreement will enable people of each country to travel to other country leading to better economic and cultural ties. Background: The revised Air Services Agreement is outcome of three meetings of delegation from two countries who had worked towards liberalization of markets between two countries and updating of existing agreement. During these delegation meetings, both countries had cleared legal and technical difficulties and agreed to modern new text for Air Services Agreement. Thereafter, the agreed text of revised Air Services Agreement was approved by respective governments.

12) Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitaraman given approval to Indian Army for inducting upgraded variant of indigenously developed Akash short-range surface-to-air missile (SRSAM) system. Under this proposal two new two regiments of this missile systems will be procured under ‘Buy (Indian)’ category from Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). Indian Army already has inducted two Akash regiments. Induction of upgraded variants will increase total count to four regiments. Akash Missile: It is short-range mobile surface-to-air missile indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) as part of Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme initiated in 1984. It is made by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL). It has range of 25 km and can engage multiple targets at time in all-weather conditions. It has capability to neutralise aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface missiles as well as ballistic missiles. It has large operational envelope, from 30 metre to maximum of 20 km. Each regiment of this missile system consists of six launchers, each having three missiles. It is in operational service with Indian Army and Indian Air Force. Upgraded Akash Missile System: The upgraded Akash Missile System will include seeker technology, possess 360 degree coverage and will be of compact configuration with reduced signature. The upgraded Akash Weapon System is operationally critical equipment which will provide protection to vital assets.

13) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina jointly launched the construction of India-Bangladesh Friendship Product Pipeline Project through video conferencing. It is first such pipeline through which refined diesel will be supplied to Bangladesh from India. India-Bangladesh Friendship Product Pipeline Project: The project involves construction of 130-kilometre long pipeline that will connect Siliguri in West Bengal and Parbatipur in Dinajpur district of Bangladesh. Of the total stretch, six-kilometre will be in Indian side and remaining 124 kilometres will in Bangladesh. Indian leg of the pipeline project will be implemented by Assam-based Numaligarh Refinery Limited and Bangladeshi leg will be implemented by Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation. The pipeline has capacity of 1 million metric tons per annum. It will supply refined diesel will be supplied to Parbatipur depot from Numaligarh of Assam in India. Initially, it will supply Bangladesh 2.5 lakh tonnes of diesel every year and gradually it will be increased to 4 lakh tonnes. The project will replace existing practice of sending diesel by rail covering distance of 510 kilometers. The estimated this pipeline project is Rs. 346 crore and it will be completed in 30 months’ timeframe.Continue reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 15 September 2018 to 21 September 2018.

14) Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched e-Sahaj portal to facilitate individuals and private companies in seeking security clearance for setting up businesses in certain sensitive sectors. The portal aims to bring greater transparency in according security clearances to business proposals relating to sensitive sectors and geographical locations. Background: MHA is nodal authority for granting security clearances in certain sensitive sectors before licence, permit, permission, contract etc is issued to companies, bidders, individuals by respective administrative ministry. The objective of national security clearance is to evaluate potential security threats, including economic threats and provide risk assessment before clearing investment and project proposals in key sectors. e-Sahaj portal: The portal will help to strike healthy balance between meeting imperatives of national security and facilitating ease of doing business and promoting investment in the country, It will facilitate applicant to submit application online and also to view its status from time to time. The online portal will make security clearance process standardised, faster, transparent and easy to monitor. Thus it will help to facilitate ease of doing business and promoting investment in the country.

15) Union government (Agriculture and Environment ministries) along with UN body Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has launched agriculture project that seeks to bring transformative change in farm sector through conservation of biodiversity and forest landscapes. It will be implemented in five states viz. Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand. Key Facts: The project is being funded with US $33.5 million grant from Global Environment Facility (GEF). It aims to transform agricultural production to generate global environmental benefits by addressing biodiversity conservation, land degradation, climate change mitigation and sustainable forest management. It strives to bring harmony between conservation and development efforts of the country. Background: Agriculture along with its allied sectors, is the largest source of livelihoods in India, with 82% of country’s farmers being small and marginal. Existing unsustainable agricultural practices have resulted in depletion of water tables, biodiversity and habitat loss for wild species and land and soil degradation which have contributed to the environmental crisis in India. To overcome it, there is need for alternative paradigm to current extractive methods of agricultural production systems. Scientific research is need of time to focus on achieving greener landscapes along with efficient and effective resource use. Moreover, any effort to increase farmers income and food production must be within the framework of sustainable management of natural resources to avoid environmental degradation. 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 194 member states, along with European Union (member organization). Global Environment Facility (GEF): It is multilateral financial mechanism that provides grants to developing countries for projects that benefit global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities. It was established on the eve of 1992 Rio Earth Summit to help tackle our planet’s most pressing environmental problems. It is based in Washington DC, United States. It addresses six designated focal areas: biodiversity, climate change, international waters, ozone depletion, land degradation and Persistent Organic Pollutants.

16) India and Germany have singed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on skill development, which will provide dual vocational education and training to Indian youth. It was signed between Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC). MoA: This MoA focuses on the field of dual vocational education and training and skill development of Indian youth. Under it, students who complete specific training courses in India will get certificate that is recognised in India and also in Germany. It will these students to apply for jobs in companies in India and also in Germany. Joint body called German Indian Institute of Vocational Education and Training (GIIVET) that has been set up will look after this programme. Background: The idea of MoA was first mooted during interaction between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2015.It was later spelled out by Joint Working Group. Since then, IGCC and MSDE have hammered out details to prepare this MoA.

17) Union Government has inked US$74 million loan agreement for International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) Credit for Uttrakhand Workforce Development Project (UKWDP). Uttrakhand Workforce Development Project (UKWDP): The objective of this project is to improve quality and relevance of training at priority Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and increase number of labor-market-relevant workers through short term training in Uttrakhand. The closing date for Project is June, 2023, with maturity of 17 years and grace period of 5-year. For this project, 25 ITI’s have been selected – 13 located in District Centers and 12 ITI’s linked to industries. Two out of four women’s ITIs also have been included in the list. Three components of UKWDP: Improve quality and relevance of ITI Training. Increase number of skilled workers certified under National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQE) – Compliant Short Term Training. Policy and institutional development and project management. World Bank: World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to countries of the world for capital projects. Its official goal is reduction of poverty by providing loans to developing countries for capital programmes. It is one of five institutions created at Breton Woods Conference in 1944. It is headquarter is situated at Washington DC, US. World Bank comprises two institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and the International Development Association (IDA). It is component of World Bank Group, which also includes three more subsidiary organisations viz. International Finance Corporation (IFC), Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). World Bank is part of United Nations system, but its governance structure is different.

18) Appointment Committee of the Cabinet has appointed renowned scientist Kamlesh Nilkanth Vyas as chairman of Atomic Energy Commission and secretary of Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). He will have tenure till he attains the age of 64 years, i.e. till May 2021. He will succeed Shekhar Basu. Basu was appointed to the post in October 2015 and his tenure was to end in September 2016. However, he was given two extension of one year each one in 2016 and another in 2017 till September 2018. Kamlesh Nilkanth Vyas: Vyas at present is Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). He is Mechanical Engineering graduate from MS University, Vadodara. After completion of training in BARC training school in 1979, he had joined Fuel Design and Development Section of Reactor Engineering Division of BARC. He has worked for design and analysis of nuclear reactor fuels. He was also responsible for design and development of a novel fuel for strategic applications. He has worked extensively in thermal hydraulics and stress analysis of critical reactor core components. He has been conferred several awards including Indian Nuclear Society Outstanding Service Award 2011, Homi Bhabha Science and Technology Award 2006, DAE Awards in years 2007, 2008, 2012 and 2013. He is also Fellow of the Indian National Academy of Engineers. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC): AEC is the governing body of the DAE which is under the direct charge of Prime Minister. It was established in 1948 to look after atomic energy activities in the country. Its functions are to organise research in atomic scientists in India, train atomic scientists in the country, promote nuclear research in commission’s own laboratories and undertake prospecting of atomic minerals and extract such minerals for use on industrial scale.

19) Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on eve of World Ozone Day (16th September) released draft India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP). It makes India first country in world to develop such document. The draft was prepared by Ozone Cell of MoEFC. It aims to provide sustainable cooling while keeping in mind, at the same time, the need to protect the ozone layer from substances that can deplete it. It provides a 20-year perspective, with projections for cooling needs in 2037-38. India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP): ICAP addresses cooling requirement across sectors and lists out actions which can help reduce cooling demand. Its thrust is to look for synergies in actions for securing both environmental and socio-economic benefits. ICAP’s overarching goal is to provide sustainable cooling and thermal comfort for all while securing environmental and socio-economic benefits for the society. Goals suggested in ICAP are: Reduce refrigerant demand by 25% to 30% by year 2037-38. Reduce cooling demand across sectors by 20% to 25 % by year 2037-38. Reduce cooling energy requirements by 25% to 40% by year 2037-38. Train and certify 100,000 servicing sector technicians by 2022-23, in synergy with Skill India Mission. Recognize cooling and related areas as thrust area of research under national science and technology programme to support development of technological solutions and encourage innovation challenges. Broad objectives of ICAO include : Assessment of cooling requirements across sectors in next 20 years and the associated refrigerant demand and energy use. Map the technologies available to cater the cooling requirement including passive interventions, refrigerant-based technologies and alternative technologies such as not-in-kind technologies. Suggest interventions in each sector to provide for sustainable cooling and thermal comfort for all. Focus on skilling of refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) service technicians. Develop R&D innovation ecosystem for indigenous development of alternative technologies.

20) Germany has rolled out world’s first hydrogen-powered passenger train. These locomotives named iLint trains emit zero emissions, making them eco-friendly. This train technology offers greener and quieter alternative to diesel on non-electrified railway lines. These hydrogen trains are manufactured by French TGV-maker Alstom and are commercially running on 100km route between towns and cities of Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervoerde and Buxtehude in northern Germany. Hydrogen trains: Hydrogen trains are equipped with fuel cells that produce electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen. This conversion process only emits steam and water, thus producing zero emissions. Excess energy produced is stored in ion-lithium batteries on board train. These trains also make very little noise. Moreover, hydrogen fuel cells have advantages over batteries. Instead of recharging, they can easily be refueled like gas or diesel engine. It is also easier to build refueling infrastructure for these trains at railway stations. These trains can run for around 1,000 km on a single tank of hydrogen, similar to the range of diesel trains. These trains offer attractive prospect to many cities scrambling to combat air pollution. The only disadvantage these hydrogen trains is that they are more expensive than fossil fuel-based trains.

21) India and Malta signed three Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) in the fields of Maritime Cooperation, Tourism and Training. These MoUs were signed after delegation level talks between Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and President of Malta, Ms. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca. Vice President Naidu visited in Malta in the second phase of his visit to three European countries viz. Serbia, Malta and Romania. It was the first senior Indian leader to visit Mediterranean nation in last 28 years. MoUs signed: MoU in the field of Tourism Cooperation. MoU on Mutual Cooperation between Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of External Affairs and Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, University of Malta. MoU on Maritime Cooperation signed between India’s Ministry of Shipping and Malta’s Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects.

22) 7th UNWTO Global Summit on Urban Tourism was held in Seoul, capital of South Korea from 16 to 19 September, 2018. The theme of the summit was ‘A 2030 Vision for Urban Tourism’. The summit was co-organized by World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and Seoul Metropolitan Government and supported by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of South Korea Korea Tourism Organization and Seoul Tourism Organization. UNWTO Global Summit on Urban Tourism: The summit provided unique platform to discuss key issues shaping future of urban tourism in the context of the 2030 Urban Agenda. It had brought together high-level representatives from National Tourism Administrations, city authorities and related stakeholders, serving as platform to exchange experiences and expertise. It et shared vision on urban tourism that embraces innovation, digital transformation and sustainability. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO): UNWTO is United Nations agency responsible for promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It is leading international organization in the field of tourism, which promotes tourism as driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability. Its membership includes 156 countries, 6 territories and over 500 affiliate members representing private sector, tourism associations and local tourism authorities etc. Its headquarters are located in Madrid, Spain. Functions: UNWTO offers leadership and support to sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide. It serves as global forum for tourism policy issues and practical source of tourism knowledge. It encourages implementation of Global Code of Ethics for Tourism to maximize contribution of tourism to socio-economic development, while minimizing its possible negative impacts. It is committed to promoting tourism as instrument in achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), geared towards eliminating poverty and fostering sustainable development and peace worldwide.

23) NITI Aayog in its recently report has recommended that Ministry of Agriculture to take up mission on shifting cultivation to ensure inter-ministerial convergence between different ministries. The report was titled “Mission on Shifting Cultivation: Towards a Transformational Approach”. Key Highlights of report: Central, State government departments of forests and environment, agriculture and allied departments have divergent approaches towards shifting cultivation. This creates confusion among grass-roots level workers and jhum farmer. It calls for policy coherence and recognising land for shifting cultivation as agricultural land where farmers practise agro-forestry for production of food rather than as forestland. It also suggests that shifting cultivation fallows must be legally perceived and categorised as ‘regenerating fallows’ and credit facilities be extended to those who practise shifting cultivation. It also addresses issue of food and nutritional security of communities involved in jhum cultivation during transition and transformation by broadening public distribution system (PDS) to ensure widespread access to cereals and other basic food items. It also noted that between 2000 and 2010, land under shifting cultivation dropped by 70 %. Shifting Cultivation: It is traditional agricultural practice that involves clearing vegetative forest cover on land and slopes of hills, drying and burning it before onset of monsoon and cropping on it thereafter. After harvest, this land is left fallow and vegetative regeneration is allowed on it till the plot becomes reusable for same purpose in cycle. In north east India, it is called as jhum cultivation. People involved in such cultivation are called Jhumia. Shifting cultivation is considered as important mainstay of food production for considerable population in northeast India in states like Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura and Manipur. Shifting cultivation causes in long term causes problem of land degradation and threat to ecology of the region at large. Burning of forests provide temporary nutrients like potash to soil. Burning of forests results in emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO2, NO2. It also increases surface run off of rainwater leading to soil erosion.

24) India’s first ‘smart fence’ pilot project was inaugurated along two 5-km each patches of India-Pakistan International Border Jammu and Kashmir. It was launched by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh from Border Security Force (BSF) Headquarters in Ploura, J&K. Smart fence pilot project: The initiative has been taken up by BSF as part of comprehensive integrated border management system (CIBMS). The pilot project involves deploying of laser-activated fences and technology-enabled barriers to plug vulnerable gaps along the frontiers. It uses number of devices for surveillance, communication and data storage. It also comprises automated surveillance technology and alarm detection systems. It also has sensors like thermal imager, underground sensors, fiber optical sensors, radar and sonar mounted on different platforms like aerostat, tower and poles as part of the smart fence. The smart fences along with other gadgets are integrated with CCTV-live feed which is routed to BSF post so that immediate action can be taken against any intrusion or infiltration attempt. The shortcomings of this pilot project will be addressed to make Comprehensive Integrated Border Management system fool proof before it is extended to other areas. Significance: Smart fence system is technological solution devised to make security system at borders more strong and effective. It will help to provide round-the-clock surveillance along the border, even in harsh weather conditions such dust storm, fog or rain. It is expected to be massive boon for monitoring security situations in border areas. It will make virtually impossible for terrorists to infiltrate into Indian side of border. Background: Earlier this year, BSF had operationalised first smart fence on riverine stretch of Indian border with Bangladesh in Assam. The riverine stretch where first smart fence was put up was previously patrolled by BSF speedboats. Due to its geographical features, no outpost was erected in area which often led to incidents like illegal migrations, smuggling etc. going unchecked. The introduction of the fence was done to bring down such instances.

25) Ministry of Culture has released National Museum Research Bulletin Number 10: Special issue. The bulletin was revived after gap of 16 years. It also has released Sindhu Ghati Sabhyata:Ek Parichay, a Hindi version of An Introduction To Indus Valley Civilization which among the bestsellers at National Museum. National Museum Research Bulletin: The bulletin has number of research paper that highlight collection, display and education aspect that National Museum engages with. It has been illustrated by colored photographs, some of which belong to reserve collection of national museum to make it appealing to wider audience. The research bulletin will help to generate awareness about activities of National Museum. It will help to renew interest of people and inspire them to engage in conversations about national museums pivotal role in public sphere. Sindhu Ghati Sabhyata : Ek Parichay: It is Hindi version of An Introduction To Indus Valley Civilization which among the bestsellers at National Museum, New Delhi. It is co-authored by Dr. Sanjib Kumar Singh and Dr, Gunjan Srivastava and Rajesh Kumar. This book throws light on the splendor of the Indus Valley Civilization. It will benefit students, scholars, artists, historians, museum professionals and art lovers among other readers.

26) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched two satellites— NovaSAR and S1-4-belonging to United Kingdom (UK) based Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL). Both satellites were injected into Sun Synchronous Orbit (pole-to-pole orbit) at an altitude of 583 km after the launch. About launch: These satellites were launched on board of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C42) from first launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This was the 44th flight of PSLV and the 12th flight of Core Alone version of the vehicle.Core Alone version of PSLV is lightest version without six strap-on motors. It is used for launching smaller payloads. It was ISRO’s first fully commercial trip of the year. This launch helped Antrix Corporation, commercial arm of ISRO to earn more than Rs. 220 crore. As on date, ISRO has launched 239 foreign satellites of 28 countries. Key Facts: S1-4 Satellite: It is high resolution earth observation satellite meant for surveying resources, environment monitoring, urban management and disaster monitoring. NovaSAR Sateillite: It carries S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Automatic Identification Receiver payloads. It is technology demonstration mission designed to test capabilities of new low cost S-band SAR platform. Its applications include forestry mapping, land use and ice cover monitoring, flood and disaster monitoring and maritime missions. It will be operated from SSTL’s Spacecraft Operations Centre in Guildford, UK. PSLV: PSLV is the third generation launch vehicle of India, designed and developed by ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. It is hailed as the reliable and versatile workhorse launch vehicle of India. It consists of four stages, using solid and liquid propulsion systems alternately. Each stage of PSLV is self-contained vehicle capable of functioning independently with own propulsion systems. It is capable of launching 1600 kg satellites in 620 km sun-synchronous polar orbit and 1050 ks satellite in geo-synchronous transfer orbit. There are three variants of PSLV, namely, PSLV-G, PSLV-CA, PSLV-XL. In the standard configuration, it measures 44.4 m tall, with a lift off weigh of 295 tonnes. Some notable payloads launched by PSLV include India’s first lunar probe Chandrayaan-1, India’s first interplanetary mission, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) and India’s first space observatory, Astrosat.

27) According to review by Asia Pacific Policy Group on Money Laundering (APPG), Pakistan’s recent action against terror financing, particularly on legal front were found to be “unsatisfactory” despite it was placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list in February 2018 for failing to curb terror funding. APPG examines cases of all countries on the grey and black lists and reports to FATF. APPG Review: It was held in September 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia. It observed that Pakistan has not achieved much, especially on legal side (like freezing of assets, attachment of funds, militant groups infrastructures etc). It also reviewed Pakistan on its compliance with 26-point action plan, which it had submitted to FATF in Februarys 2018 to choke funding of militants groups. Based on its observations, APPG will report the unsatisfactory performance by Pakistan to the FATF, at its plenary in Paris, France in October 2018. Another APPG review for Pakistan will be held in December 2018 following which final evaluation report will be prepared. Comment: The development comes as major setback for newly elected Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was hoping that FAFT will be lenient in review given Pakistan’s commitment to 26-point action plan spanning over period of 15 months. Grey listing will squeeze Pakistan’s economy and make it harder to meet its mounting foreign financing needs, including potential future borrowings from IMF. It will endanger Pakistan’s handful of remaining banking links to outside world, causing real financial pain to the economy. It will lead to downgrading of Pakistan’s debt ratings by international banking and credit rating agencies, making it more difficult to tap funds from international bond markets. It will also suspend international funds and aid to Pakistan such as Coalition Support Funds (CSF), money which US owes to Pakistan for military operations. Background: The process to include Pakistan in list began in February 2018 when FATF approved nomination for monitoring under its International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) commonly known as Grey List. The resolution against Pakistan was moved by US which said that Pakistan is not doing enough to comply with anti-terrorist financing and anti-money laundering regulations. India also had lobbied hard with US for monitoring of Pakistan while highlighting funding of terrorist activities. Pakistan was on watch-list between 2012 and 2015 as well but then it was only for money laundering and not terror financing. Asia Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG): It is FATF-style regional body for Asia-Pacific region. It is inter-governmental (international) organisation founded in 1997 in Bangkok, Thailand. It consists of 41 member jurisdictions and number of observer jurisdictions and international/regional observer organisations. It is focused on ensuring that its members effectively implement international standards against money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing related to weapons of mass destruction.

28) India and United States joint military exercise Yudh Abhyas 2018 commenced at Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. It will be fourteenth edition of exercise in Yudh Abhyas series which was started in 2004 under US Army Pacific Partnership Program. This will be fourth time exercise will be conducted at Chaubattia in Uttarakhand. Yudh Abhyas 2018- The aim of this exercise will be to enhance interoperability between armies. It will also focus on enhancing counter-terror cooperation. The scope and intensity of this year’s exercise is much wider and is in reflection of upswing in defence ties between the two countries. This year’s Yudh Abhyas drills will be upgraded to battalion-level field training exercise (FTX) and division-level command post exercise (CPX). It will see participation of around 400 soldiers from each side, increase from around 200 each earlier. US contingent was represented by 1st Infantry Battalion, 23 Infantry Regiment, US Army while Indian side is represented by an Infantry Battalion. Participating contingents will hone their tactical and technical skills in countering insurgency and terrorism in United Nations peace keeping scenario involving combined deployment at brigade level. They will be also deploying state of the art equipment for surveillance and tracking, specialist weapons for close quarter battle with terrorists, explosive and improvised explosive device detectors, as well as the latest communication equipment. Both sides will also jointly train, plan and execute a series of well-developed tactical drills for neutralisation of likely threats that may be encountered in UN peace keeping operations during division level command post exercise. Experts from both sides will also hold discussions to share each other’s’ experience in varied topics for mutual benefit.Continue reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 15 September 2018 to 21 September 2018.

29) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted first successful trials of indigenously developed third generation Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM). Two rounds of missile were flight tested in operational configuration in two days from Ahmednagar range in Maharashtra. About Test: The two tests were intended for two different ranges. After its launch from platform, the missile tracked target all through its trajectory and destroyed it with high precision. The missile performed as expected during the test by meeting all mission objectives successfully and validated its maximum range capability. Apart from stand alone and warhead testing, the missile also had undergone series of tests including integrated static trial to characterise trust vector control. MPATGM weapon system: MPATGM is third-generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) indigenously developed by DRDO. It is best in its class in the world. It is yet to be formally named. It is expected to replace second generation French origin anti-tank guided missile Milan and Soviet semi-automatic wire-guided missile Konkur, which are in service with Indian Army. This missile is considered as major boost to Make-in-India initiative. It has strike range of 2.5 km. It weighs around 14.5 kg to maintain man portability. It is capable of being fired from shoulder and can be used during day and night. It has minimum lateral centre and gravity offset. It is fitted with a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead. It works on fire and forget principle and is known for its top attack capabilities. It is effective against both stationary and moving targets. It will be deployed in infantry and parachute battalions of Indian Army. Its development was necessitated after armed forces sought low-weight and man portable weapon systems as per battle ground requirements. At present, India Army has indigenously developed third generation anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) Nag in its arsenal but it is not portable to meet its demand.

30) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has inaugurated S–Band Polarimetry Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota spaceport, Andhra Pradesh. It will be used for observation of weather system up to range of 500 km and also for early warning of severe weather events. Doppler Weather Radar (DWR): The radar has been indigenously developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), Bengaluru under ToT (Training of Trainers) from ISRO. It is the seventh radar of such type manufactured in the country under “Make in India”. It will provide advanced information, enhances lead-time essential for saving lives and property in event of natural disaster associated with severe weather. It will also provide detailed information on storm’s internal wind flow and structure as compared to conventional radars which are only able to track and predict cyclones. Polarimetric capability of this radar will significantly help to improve accuracy of rainfall estimation leading to accurate and timely flash flood warnings. With its help, severity of weather systems can be quantitatively estimated and more precise advanced warnings can be generated for saving human lives and property.

31) The second edition of Nepal-China joint military exercise named Mt Everest Friendship Exercise-2018 (Sagarmatha Friendship-2018) commenced in China’s southwestern Sichuan province. The 12 day long joint exercise will focus on combating terror and disaster management trainings. Sagarmatha is the Nepali name for Mt Everest, which stands in between both the countries. Mt Everest Friendship Exercise: This will be the second time that Nepal Army will participate in joint military drill with People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China. The first such exercise was held in April 2017 at Nepal Army’s Para Training School in Maharajgunj in Kathmandu (capital of Nepal). This joint exercise is aimed at promoting military relations and enhance interoperability between armies of Nepal and China. In second edition of exercise, 12 military personnel from Nepali Army will visit China. It will mainly focus on anti-terrorism activities. Besides disaster management training will also be imparted in this edition of exercise. Comment: The joint training with China marks the Nepal’s extension of military diplomacy. Nepali army has long been conducting joint military drills with countries like India and United States. This exercise does appear unconventional as Nepal has been conducting battalion-level exercises named ‘Surya Kiran’ with the Indian Army for last 13 years, engaging some 300 personnel from both sides (It is largest exercise in terms of troop’s participation in series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries). Besides, Nepal’s bilateral military engagement with China does not violate India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950) which permits free movement of people and goods between the two countries and a close relationship and collaboration on matters of defence and foreign affairs.

32) Kerala Tourism has won two prestigious gold awards of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) for its innovative marketing campaigns. These awards were won by Kerala Tourism’s Yalla Kerala print campaign and Live Inspired Posters under PATA’s Travel Advertisement Print and Travel Poster categories respectively. Both campaign and posters were developed and designed by Stark Communications which is advertising agency of Kerala Tourism. Key Facts: Yalla Kerala: It was print media travel advertisement campaign launched in Gulf countries. It showcased state’s greenery and backwaters. With punch line ‘Yalla Kerala’, this campaign had triggered lot of interest for Kerala as tourism destination in Gulf countries. Live Inspired Posters: It was developed for third edition of Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), the biggest contemporary art show in South Asia. It was live-inspired poster that had featured colourful boat and fishermen and could be put up straight as well as upside down. Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) awards: These awards are given by PATA and are sponsored by Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO). PATA Awards are presented to outstanding entries in four principal categories: Marketing; Education and Training; Environment, and Heritage and Culture. These awards are presented every year in recognition of the achievements of 25 separate organisations and individuals. PATA is membership association working to promote the responsible development of travel and tourism in the Asia Pacific region.

33) India’s first underwater robotic drone EyeROV TUNA was handed over to Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This underwater drone will be used by NPOL for research and development activities which in turn would result in commercial product for defence purposes. EyeROV TUNA: EyeROV TUNA has been designed and developed indigenously by Kochi-based start-up IROV Technologies Pvt Ltd (EyeROV). It is smart micro-ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) or underwater drone. It design is at par with global standard and has operational capabilities to work in harsh and mission-critical underwater environment. It is designed to perform visual inspection and surveys of submerged structures up to depth of 100 metres. It can be-controlled using laptop or joystick. It is fitted with camera that helps to give live HD video feed of the submarine environment. It is also equipped to perform variety of functions, including inspection of ship hulls, undersea cables or bridge moorings, fish farms, dams, port structure and bridge foundations and also in various underwater research operations. Its commercial use will eliminate need for costlier and riskier manual inspection by divers. IROV Technologies Pvt Ltd. IROV Technologies Pvt Ltd is backed by Kerala Start-Up Mission, oil and gas firm BPCL and Department of Science and Technology. It has been founded by Johns T Mathai, an IIT-Delhi alumnus and Kannappa Palaniappan P (IIT-Madras). The company also has mentors and advisors who were earlier with DRDO, Indian Navy and marine industry. It is now incubated at Maker Village, Kochi, an initiative of Union Government and Kerala Government.

34) Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has commissioned indigenously built patrol vessel ICGS Vijaya in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is second in the series of 98 m offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) commissioned by ICG. ICGS Vijaya: It has been designed and built indigenously by Larsen & Toubro (L&T). It is 98-metre long ship. It can carry one twin engine helicopter and four high speed boats, including two inflatable boats for boarding. It is fitted with advanced technology navigation and communication equipment and sensors. It is fitted with 30 mm gun and will be fitted with 12.7 mm gun with fire control system. On joining ICG fleet, ICGS Vijaya will be based at Paradip, Odisha. It will be manned by 12 officers and 91 men. Significance: It will be deployed extensively for Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance and other duties as enshrined in Coast Guard charter. It will also undertake search and rescue, law enforcement and maritime patrol operations. It will help to enhance ICG’s operational capability to discharge its multifarious maritime tasks. It will also give fillip to maritime protection of Eastern seaboard in general and the maritime states of Odisha and West Bengal in particular. It is also capable of carrying limited pollution response equipment to contain oil spill in sea.

35) Union Ministry of Power has launched Chiller Star Labelling Program to encourage deployment of energy efficient chiller systems in the country. It was launched as part of occasion of 24th World Ozone Day and 31st Anniversary of Montreal Protocol, which will be observed on 16th September 2018. Chiller Star Labelling Program: The program was formulated by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). It envisages providing star rating in terms of its energy performance. Initially, the program has been launched on voluntary basis and will be valid upto 31st December 2020. BEE has developed online registration platform for easy and expeditious approval under this program. It will allow manufacturers to register online for availing appropriate star rating of chiller equipment. Based on test certificate from designated agencies and after due verification from BEE, star label on the scale of 1 (less efficient) to 5 (most efficient). Significance of star labelling of chillers: It will help promote advancement technology for central HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems and will also facilitate energy efficient solutions for large commercial and industrial applications. It will also help to save more than 500 million units of electricity in 2019 along with Green House Gases reduction of 0.5 million-ton equivalent of CO2. It will also save more than 4 billion units of electricity by 2030 with CO2 emission reduction of 3.5 million ton. Background: Chillers are used extensively for space conditioning of buildings and for industrial process cooling applications. The size of Indian chiller market which stood at 1 Million Tonne per year at 2017 and is projected to grow at CAGR of 3.6% fuelled by growth in the retail, hospitality and infrastructure projects. Chillers, being energy intensive system, contribute more than 40% of total energy consumption in commercial buildings. Therefore, it is important to optimize energy performance of chillers and create awareness amongst the end users to adopt transition towards energy efficient chillers.

36) Hyderabad International Airport (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport) was awarded Airports Council International Airport Service Quality World no.1 airport awardin the 5-15 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) category. This is for the second consecutive year Hyderabad airport has won this award. It was adjudged World no 1 Airport in this category earlier in 2016. The award was bestowed in recognition of airport’s relentless efforts towards service excellence and customer delight. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport: It is international airport that serves Hyderabad, capital of Telangana. It is located in Shamshabad, about 24 kilometres south of Hyderabad. It is operated by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd, a public–private venture. It was opened in March 2008 to replace Begumpet Airport as primary commercial airport for Hyderabad. It is named after Rajiv Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India. It is sixth busiest airport by passenger traffic in India.

37) Rajasthan’s first lion safari was inaugurated at Nahargarh Biological Park. The park is located on Delhi-Jaipur National Highway in the Aravalli foothills, nearly 12 kilometers from state capital Jaipur (known as Pink City). It will be open for visitors from October 2018. Lion safari: The lion safari project is located at biological park spread across 38 hectare. The park was inaugurated by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje in June 2016. Lions in this park were brought from Junagarh, Gujarat under an exchange programme. Total of 10 lions will be released in the park in a phased manner. The park will serve for breeding lions and also centre of attraction for tourists. It will provide new habitat to lions and also add tourism venue to the Pink City. Visitors will be able to see lions in their natural habitat in the park in enclosed by a fence. They will be taken on a nearly 4 kilometer safari in closed bus. Apart from lion, the park also hosts wolves, jackals, and hyenas.

38) Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS) has developed India’s first indigenous medical kit for protection against nuclear warfare or radioactive leakage. The kit will ensure protection from serious injury and aid faster healing of wounds due to nuclear warfare or radioactive leakage. Anti-nuclear medical kit: The kit has been developed after 20 years of work by INMAS scientists. It has 25 items which include radioactive protectors which can absorb 80-90% of radiation, nerve gas agents, bandages that absorb radiation as well as tablets and ointments. The kit is seen as potent alternative to similar imported kits that were till now procured from US and Russia at much higher prices. It has been developed for armed, paramilitary and police forces only as they are first ones likely to get exposed to radiation during nuclear, chemical and biomedical (NCB) warfare or rescue operation after nuclear accident. Few important items of kit: Prussian blue tablet: It is highly effective in incorporating Radio Cesium (Cs-137) and Radio Thallium, among the most feared radioisotopes in nuclear bombs that destroy human body cells. It provides 100% absorption from gut and other portals of entry to human body. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) injection: It traps uranium in the guts and blood of victims during a nuclear accident or warfare. Ca-EDTA Respiratory Fluid: It is inhalation formula for chelation, or grabbing of heavy metals and radioactive elements deposited in lungs through inhalation at nuclear accident sites. EDTA after being injected into veins, grabs heavy metals and minerals and removes them from the body. It reduces the body burden of radioactivity by 30-40% in controlled conditions and is highly useful for the rescue teams and victims after a nuclear accident. Radioactive Blood Mopping Dressing: It is special kind of bandage that absorbs radiation to prevent spread of radiation from radioactive patients to others. It will make safer for medical staff to handle radioactive patients as it reduces chances of them getting contaminated. Radioactive urine/biofluid collector: It is cost-effective, easy to store and can safely dispose of the urine of person affected by radiation. Anti-gamma ray skin ointment: It protects and heals the radiation damage on the skin. Amifostine injection: It is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved conventional radiopharmaceutical that limits damage from gamma radiation. Indranil 150 mg tablet : It is reserve emergency therapeutic drug for services, rescue workers and places where high acute exposures are expected and lives will be at stake. Preliminary tests have shown that if it is given as prophylactic, 80-85% animals survive at 100% lethal gamma radiation . Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS): INMAS is laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was established in 1961 and is located in New Delhi. It is involved in nuclear medicine research and responding to nuclear accidents and explosions. Since 1968, Department of Nuclear Medicine in INMAS is offering two-year diploma in radiation medicine. It is first formal training program in nuclear medicine in the world.Continue reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 15 September 2018 to 21 September 2018.

39) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved continuation of Capacity Development Scheme for period 2017-18 to 2019-20. It is ongoing Central Sector Scheme of Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI). Capacity Development Scheme: Its objective is to augment infrastructural, technical as well as manpower resources for making available credible and timely official statistics for policy makers and public at large. Two Sub-schemes under it. Economic Census: It includes listing of all non-agricultural establishments is undertaken periodically, which forms the basis for conducting detailed socio-economic surveys. The last (6l) Economic Census was conducted during January 2013 to April 2014. Government is now aiming to conduct this census once every three years in future. Support for Statistical Strengthening (SSS): It seeks to strengthen State and sub-State level statistical systems and infrastructure to facilitate development of robust national system. Under it, funds are released to States and UTs after detailed examination of their proposals. Major ongoing activities carried out under this scheme – Augmenting resources for bringing out important statistical products such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Consumer Price Index (CPI), Index of Industrial Production (IIP), Statistical classifications, etc. Conducting various Socio-Economic surveys, capacity building and strengthening statistical coordination and improving Information Technology (IT) infrastructure. Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), a continuous survey to assess quarterly labour data in urban areas and annual labour data for the whole country (urban and rural areas). Three new surveys Time Use Survey (TUS), Annual Survey of Service Sector Enterprises (ASSSE), and Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) will be also undertaken for better statistical coverage of sectors/areas.

40) Union Ministry of Tourism has inaugurated India’s first tribal circuit project connecting 13 tourism sites in Chhattisgarh under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. The circuit connects Jashpur, Kunkuri, Mainpat, Kamleshpur, Maheshpur, Kurdar, Sarodadadar, Gangrel, Kondagaon, Nathiya Nawagaon, Jagdalpur, Chitrakoot, and Tirthgarh in Chhattisgarh. Tribal circuit project: Major components sanctioned under tribal circuit project in Chhattisgarh includes developing eco log huts, craft haats, souvenir shops, open amphitheatre, tribal interpretation centres, workshop centres, tourist amenities centres, viewpoints, nature trails, solar illuminations etc. These components will improve the existing tourist facilities, enhance the overall tourist experience and help in getting more visitors which in return will increase job opportunities in the area. Background: Development of tribes and tribal culture is one of the prime area of focus for the Tourism Ministry. It is carrying out an array of activities for development and promotion of tourism in the tribal region. Under tribal circuit theme of Swadesh Darshan Scheme, TourismMinistry has sanctioned four projects to Nagaland, Telangana and Chhattisgarh for Rs. 381.37 crore. Chhattisgarh was considered for the first tribal circuit theme for acknowledging sovereignty of tribes and to promote rich and diverse primitive assets in the state. Chhattisgarh is known for its exceptional scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage. Tribes make up over one-third of state population whohave retained their culture and traditions for centuries. Swadesh Darshan scheme: The scheme was launched by Union Tourism Ministry with an objective to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country. These tourist circuits will be developed on principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner. Under this scheme, 13 thematic circuits have been identified for development. They are Buddhist Circuit, North-East India Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit. It is 100% centrally funded scheme for the project components undertaken for public funding. It also has provision for leveraging voluntary funding under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Central Public Sector Undertakings and corporate sector. The funding of projects under this scheme varies from state to state. It is finalised on basis of detailed project reports prepared by Programme Management Consultant (PMC) which is national level consultant for implementing the scheme. So far, Tourism Ministry has sanctioned 74 projects worth Rs. 5997.47 crore to 31 states and Union Territories under this scheme.

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