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  • W.B.C.S Current Affairs 17 November 2018 to 23 November 2018.
    Posted on December 18th, 2018 in Weekly Current Affairs
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    W.B.C.S Current Affairs 17 November 2018 to 23 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) 27th BASIC Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change held in New Delhi has urged advanced countries to enhance their support to developing nations in effectively implementing Paris Agreement to combat climate change. BASIC countries comprise Brazil, South Africa, India and China. This comes ahead of UN Conference of Parties (COP) scheduled to be held in December 2018 in Katowice, Poland. Outcomes of Meeting: Participating BASIC countries reaffirmed that Paris Agreement is significant step to advance global action against climate change, recognising needs and special circumstances of developing countries. They also reaffirmed member countries’ commitment to implement UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) its Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement. It resolved to promote low carbon transition to safeguard future of mankind. As a group they will continue to push for developed countries on their earlier commitment to providing $100 billion annually from 2020. They also urged developed countries to take urgent actions to close pre-2020 implementation gaps by 2023 which they said can be useful input for first Global Stocktake (GST). Brazil will host next BASIC meeting in 2019. Global Stocktake (GST): GST refers to proposed five-yearly-review of the impact of climate change action undertaken by countries. Under the Paris Agreement, each country has to present a climate action plan every five years. Under the Paris Agreement, the first global stocktake will happen in 2023. It will help world to determine whether it needs to do moreand how much more. India is demanded for 10-year period for GST, while EU and some others demanded five-year cycle. India argues that five years is too short a time to assess whether the actions were having the desired impacts. BASIC: BASIC countries are bloc (geopolitical alliance) of four large newly industrialized countries – Brazil, South Africa, India and China. It was formed by agreement in November 2009. They were committed to act jointly at Copenhagen climate summit 2009, including possible united walk-out if their common minimum position was not met by developed nations during climate talks. It is working to define common position on emission reductions and climate aid money and try to convince other countries to sign up to Copenhagen Accord.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 17 November 2018 to 23 November 2018.

    2) Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad are working to develop smartphone-based sensor to detect adulteration in milk. They have developed detector system which can measure level of acidity in milk using indicator paper. They have also developed algorithms that can be incorporated in smartphone to accurately detect change in acidity. The sensor-chip based method measures pH, which is indicator of the acidity and colour of paper indicates different pH levels. Key Facts: In this adulteration detection system, researchers have used process called ‘electrospinning’ to produce paper-like material made of nanosized fibres of nylon, loaded with combination of three dyes. The paper is halochromic i.e. it changes color in response to changes in acidity. Researchers developed prototype smart phone-based algorithm in which colours of sensor strips after dipping in milk are captured using camera of phone and data is transformed into pH (acidity) ranges. They have used three machine-learning algorithms and compared their detection efficiencies in classifying colour of indicator strips. On testing this system with milk spiked with various combinations of contaminants, it found near-perfect classification with accuracy of 99.71%. Background: According to recent report by Animal Welfare Board (statutory advisory body under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) shows that 68.7 % of milk and milk by-products in the country are adulterated with products such as detergent, glucose, urea, caustic soda, white paint and oil. Chemicals such as formalin, boric acid, hydrogen peroxide and antibiotics are also added to milk to increase shelf life. Regular consumption of adulterated milk can cause heart diseases (such as high or low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmia, premature ventricular contraction etc,), kidney diseases, poor eyesight, loss of memory, cancer, skin diseases, eye diseases, gastrointestinal diseases such as ulcers.

    3) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released Antimicrobial Stewardship Guidelines to advise hospitals in setting up Antimicrobial Stewardship Programmes (AMSP) to ensure judicious use of antibiotics in healthcare facilities. AMS guidelines aims to provide guidance in setting up structure and processes of AMSP in healthcare institutions, discusses essential elements of antimicrobial stewardship and diagnostic stewardship and provide information on tools that can be used to measure progress. What is AMSP? It is hospital-based programmes dedicated to improving antibiotic use. It is helpful in improving quality of patient care and safety through increased infection cure rates, reducing treatment failures and increasing the frequency of correct prescription for therapy and prophylaxis. Need for AMSP: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health challenge. Since inappropriate use of antibiotics is rampant in India, there is urgent need to improve antibiotic use in hospitals. The increasing consumption of antibiotics is one of key drivers of antimicrobial resistance seen in bugs. Some of the key factors driving antimicrobial resistance in our country are irrational prescription of broad-spectrum antibiotics, poor regulations around sale of antibiotics, self-medication, lack of education and awareness regarding responsible use of antibiotics. National Health Policy, 2017, terms antimicrobial resistance as one of key healthcare issues and prioritises development of guidelines regarding antibiotic use, limiting over-the-counter use of antibiotics and restricting use of antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock. It is important to use the existing drugs judiciously.

    4) Mexican government has honoured Indian academician Shyama Prasad Ganguly with “Orden Mexicana del Águila Azteca” (Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle), the highest civilian honour given to a foreigner by Mexico. He was awarded for disseminating Spanish language and Mexican culture to strengthen Mexico-India cultural relations. He is first Indian Academician to get this award. Shyama Prasad Ganguly: He is former professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies atJawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). He belonged to first generation of handful of Indian academics who actually made everybody else interested in Spanish. He has authored, edited and translated over 25 books in academic career spanning 40 years. Order of Aztec Eagle: It is part of Mexican Honours System and is highest Mexican order awarded to foreigners in the country. It was created by decree in December 1933 by President Abelardo L. Rodríguez as reward to services given to Mexico or humankind by foreigners. It corresponds to similar distinctions given to Mexican citizens such as Condecoración Miguel Hidalgo or Belisario Domínguez Medal of Honor. It is given by office of the foreign minister on instructions of Council established for this purpose headed by the President, who signs each honour. This Order stands for friendship of Mexico with nations of world and is means to express respect and admiration of Mexican people. Its previous recipients of include Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Nobel Economics Laureate Amartya Sen, writer and Nobel Literature Laureate Nadine Gordimer. Royal Eagle is Mexico’s national animal and was considered sacred for Aztecs.

    5) 49th International Film Festival of India began in Panaji, capital of Goa. The theme of for this year’s film festival is New India through a variety of genres of cinema, including history, action, romance and sports. Jharkhand is focus state for this year, with Jharkhand Day being celebrated on 24th November as part of festival. The focus country is Israel. Key Facts: This edition of the festival will showcase 212 films from over 68 countries which reflects diversity of taste. International Competition section has 15 films out of which 3 are Indian. Competition section represents films produced and co-produced by 22 countries. 26 feature and 21 non – feature Indian films will be screened in Indian Panorama section. The opening film of the festival was “The Aspern Papers”, which tells story of obsession, grandeur lost and dreams of Byronic adventures. This year as extension of Khelo India Branding, Indian Sports Biopics will also be screened including Mary Kom, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag and MSD: The untold story. The festival will also includ tribute to iron man Sardar Patel. The Homage section of this festival will pay tribute to Shashi Kapoor, Sridevi, Karunanidhi and Kalpana Lajmi. International Film Festival of India (IFFI): It is biggest state-backed film festival and conducted jointly by Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Directorate of Film Festivals and Government of Goa. It was founded in 1952 and since then held annually in Goa. It aims at providing common platform for cinemas of world to project the excellence of the film art. It also seeks to contribute to create awareness for understanding and appreciation of film cultures of different nations in context of their social and cultural ethos and promote friendship and cooperation among people of the world.

    6) Prime Minister Narendra Modi constituted National Implementation Committee (NIC) under Chairmanship of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak in the country and abroad. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Minister of State for Culture Dr. Mahesh Sharma are its Members. Key Facts: Union Government has decided to commemorate 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak at national as well as international level. The yearlong celebration will include a number of commemorative as well as constructive activities will be taken up during the commemoration period. Number of religious activities like kirtan, prabhat pheri, katha, langar and educational activities such as seminars, workshops, lectures etc. will be organised. Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee, which is the apex religious body of the Sikhs, will be knowledge partner for event. Government will also develop Sultanpur Lodhi in Punjab where Guru Nanak is believed to have spent most of his life. The area will be developed as heritage city incorporating ‘Pind Babe Nanak Da’. Moreover, high powered telescope will be installed on Indian side to view Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan where the first Sikh guru spent his last days. Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Department of Posts will also release Commemorative coin and postage stamps to mark this event. Chairs in the name of Guru Nanak will be set up in UK and Canada. UNESCO will be requested to translate and publish anthology of Guru Nanak Dev’s writings in world languages and publication of Gurbani in different Indian languages will be made by National Book Trust (NBT).

    7) Indian Army has picked Russia’s Igla-S missile system as choice for its multibillion dollar contract for man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS). Igla-S bid around $1.47 billion from Russia’s Rosoboronexport had emerged lowest bidder for Indian Army’s Very Short Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) deal. The other bidders were MBDA of France (bid of $3.68 billion) and SAAB of Sweden (bid of $2.6 billion). The deal is expected to be inked when Indian-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Military-Technical cooperation meeting will take place in Moscow in December 2018. Concerns for this deal: There is shadow of US financial sanctions for arms purchases from Russia under Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) law that restricts defence purchases from Russia, Iran and North Korea. US is yet to grant India waiver for $5.43 billion S-400 surface-to-air missiles defence system as well as naval warship deal with Russia signed in early October 2018 under CAATSA. US had imposed sanctions on China for purchasing Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and S-400 surface-to-air missiles defence system from Russia as it violated US sanctions under CAATSA. IGLA-S (SA-24): It is latest model of Russian MANPADS (Man-portable air-defense system) technology. It offers superior performance over earlier supplied SA-18 missiles to India. It is designed for use against visible aerial targets at short range such as tactical aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs), cruise missile, head-on or receding, in presence of natural (background) clutter and countermeasures. As per requirements of Indian Army, it will have maximum range of 6km, altitude of 3km along with all-weather capability. Igla-S missile system will replace the existing Igla in service which is in urgent need of replacement. Background: Indian Army had initiated process to procure VSHORAD missiles in 2010. It had went through several rounds of trails before Igla-S qualified in January 2018, along with two other competitors Swedish SAAB’s RBS70 NG, and France’s MBDA Mistral. VSHORAD programme was initiated to replace Russian Igla-M systems that have been used by Army since the 1980s is considered critical for defence against incoming helicopters, UAVs and ground attack aircraft. Under this programme, Indian Army had issued Request for Proposal (RFP) for 5,175 missiles and associated equipment, out of which around 2,300 missiles will be bought in fully formed condition, 260 will be in semi-knocked down (SKD) condition and 1,000 missiles will be completely knocked down (CKD) and 600 missiles will be produced in India under Make in India initiative.

    8) West Bengal Assembly unanimously passed West Bengal Land Reforms (Amendment) Bill, 2018 to give land rights to enclave dwellers in north Bengal. The bill will end era of uncertain future for the people residing in those enclaves as it will help them to get full-fledged status as citizens of India, along with all civic amenities and rights. It will also help in distribution of land rights documents people of enclaves in border district of Cooch Behar. The process will result in creation of 13 ‘mouzas’ (administrative district), while rest of area will be amalgamated with existing 31 ‘mouzas’. Plot-to-plot verification has been undertaken to ascertain the ownership status of the land to the dwellers. Background: Bangladesh and India had exchanged total of 162 enclaves in August 2015 as per historic 1974 Land Boundary Agreement (LBA), ending one of the world’s most-complex border disputes that had lingered for seven decades since Independence. In Cooch Behar, 111 Indian enclaves, spread across 17,160 acres, became part of Bangladesh territory and 51 Bangladesh enclaves, comprising 7,110 acres, joined India. The enclave residents were allowed to either reside at their present location or move to the other country. Around 37,334 people residing in enclaves in Indian side refused to go to Bangladesh, whereas 922 enclave dwellers from Bangladesh side preferred to be in India.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 17 November 2018 to 23 November 2018.

    9) Team of biologists has discovered four new species of Indian horned frogs from Himalayan regions of Northeast India. The team also comprised S D Biju, famously known as the ‘Frogman of India’. Horned frogs get their name from fleshy horn-like projection on upper eyelids of some species. Four new species of horned frogs: They were discovered in the forests of Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. Scientists have named them as Himalayan horned frog (Megophrys himalayana), Garo white-lipped horned frog (Megophrys oreocrypta); Yellow spotted white-lipped horned frog (Megophrys flavipunctata) and Giant Himalayan horned frog (Megophrys periosa). These frogs vary in size — yellow spotted white-lipped horned frog measures about 5.7-7.5 cm and is smallest among four. Giant Himalayan horned frog measures about 7.1 to 11.2 cm, making it largest of 15 horned frog species found in Northeast India.

    10) State-run Airports Authority of India (AAI) has inked agreement with US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to develop a roadmap for modernisation of its air traffic services. Air traffic services (ATS) comprises air traffic management (ATM) and communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS). Key Facts: The collaboration is aimed at developing CNS/ATM roadmap for the AAI for modernisation of the national airspace system (NAS). Under the agreement, US aircraft manufacturer Boeing will provide technical assistance, thus create roadmap to enhance communications, expand existing systems and airspace capacity and invest in CNS/ATM facilities. It will help in improving safety and reducing congestion for flights in India. At the same time, it will create market access for high quality US exports that can advance India’s aviation goals. Background: The double-digit growth in air passenger traffic over last 49 months in India has brought several challenges with it, including maintaining safe and efficient aircraft operations. In this backdrop, AAI has decided to draw robust roadmap for sustained ANS infrastructure to meet the growth challenges in a planned way. By utilising global and regional best practices as benchmark, technical help will recommend roadmap and implementation plan to AAI for improving airspace utilisation and implement CNS/ATM air and ground equipage in short, medium and long term. Airports Authority of India (AAI): It is statutory body under the aegis of Ministry of Civil Aviation. It is responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India. It was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in New Delhi. It also provides Air traffic management (ATM) services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas. It manages around 125 airports in India, which include 18 International Airport, 07 Customs Airports, 78 Domestic Airports and 26 Civil Enclaves at Defense airfields.

    11) Union Government has appointed senior IAS officier Jalaj Srivastava as chairman of Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). IWAI comes under Union Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, currently headed by Nitin Gadkari. Jalaj Srivastava: He is 1984 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. Prior to this appointment he was Additional Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture. Earlier he had also served as chairman of New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and Principal Secretary, Department of VAT, Delhi government. He is credited with launch of various programmes and schemes including Wi-Fi in the market areas. He is also known for launching “Shakti Cab” project and “URJA” project for women when he was with Delhi government. He is also considered as man behind the start of “Rahagiri” event that takes place every Sunday in national capital to promote culture and sports. Similarly some of his other initiatives were green waste management, outdoor gymnasium in parks and gardens and rooftop solar city projects. He is also writer of crime thriller novel titled ‘The Perfect Suicide. Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI): It is nodal statutory body in charge of development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and navigation. It was established in October 1986 and is headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh Its main function is to build necessary infrastructure in inland waterways, surveying economic feasibility of new projects and also carrying out administration and regulation. It undertakes projects for development and maintenance of IWT infrastructure on national waterways through grant received from Ministry of Shipping.

    12) Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Ease of Doing Business Grand Challenge on resolving seven identified Ease of Doing Business problems with use of cutting edge technologies. It was launched during programme organized by PM for interaction with select CEOs from Indian & foreign companies. Ease of Doing Business Grand Challenge: The objective of this challenge is to tap potential of young Indians, startups and other private enterprises to provide solutions to complex problems using current technology. It is in pursuance of Government’s resolve to make India one of the easiest places to conduct business in the world. Government has made efforts to ensure that India consistently improves its business environment. This challenge is aimed at attracting innovative ideas on artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, blockchain and other cutting edge technology to reform government processes. The platform for this grand challenge will be on Start Up India portal. Background: In World Bank’s Doing Business Report (DBR, 2019) released in October 2018, India has recorded jump of 23 positions against its rank of 100 in 2017 to be placed at 77th rank among 190 countries. As result of continued efforts by the Government, India has improved its rank by 53 positions in the last two years and 65 positions in the last four years (2014-18). In 2014, India was ranked 142nd among 190 nations. World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index ranks 190 countries based on 10 parameters, including starting a business, construction permits, getting electricity, getting credit, paying taxes, trade across borders, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency.

    13) Sulabh International has introduced India’s first sewer cleaning machine to reduce sewer deaths and put end to unsafe practice of manual scavenging. The machine was unveiled on occasion of World Toilet Day 2018 (observed on 19 November) by mayors of all three Municipal Corporations of Delhi (MCD) in the presence founder of Sulabh International Bindeshwar Pathak. Sulabh sewer cleaning machine: The machine will do away with 99% of manual scavenging in the country. With help of it manual cleaner (safai karamchari) does not have to enter sewers. But if need arises and person has to go, then machine is fully equipped with gas checking machine, protective gears and dress to protect workers from harmful gases. It is electro-hydraulically operated, with personal protective devices and quick-view pipe inspection camera which extends up to 20 feet. The quick-view pipe view camera is designed to felicitate inspection of sewer, manholes, tunnels, tanks, mainline and other lateral pipeline facilities with outstanding zoom function (industrial HD camera), scalable carbon fibre rods and sunlight presentable controller. The new machine which costs Rs. 43 lakh is ideal for periodic mechanical desilting of manholes and to flush out sewer lines using powerful jetting pump capable of producing 150 bar operating pressure and flow of 150 litres per minute. It is also capable of de-choking sewer lines using specially designed flexible steel rods. The machine will ensure that no safai karamchari dies inside the sewer and will bring huge relief to manual scavengers. Sulabh International: It is social service organization that works to promote human rights, environmental sanitation, non-conventional sources of energy, waste management and social reforms through education. It is largest nonprofit organization in India. It was founded by social activists Bindeshwar Pathak in 1970.

    14) India, US Joint Special Forces Exercise 2018 named Vajra Prahar commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Range (MFFR), Bikaner in Rajasthan. The exercise was called between Special Forces of both countries to deal with operations for counter-terrorism and is being done at unit as well as sub-unit levels. Key Facts: For this exercise, US Army is represented by contingent of one officer and 10 Other Ranks from Special Forces Group of United States Pacific Command. They will carry out 12 days rigorous joint training in semi desert and rural terrain with aim to enhance inter-operability of the two armed forces and further military to military co-operation. The contingents of both countries in this exercise, will train on aspects such as hostage rescue, building intervention, desert survival, medical aid and combat firing. At the end of training, they will undertake a three-day outdoor exercise to validate their best practices.

    15) Union Civil Aviation Ministry launched the upgraded version of AirSewa 2.0 web portal and mobile app in New Delhi. The major improvements in upgraded version of web portal include features such as secure sign-up and log-in with social media, chatbot for travellers support, improved grievance management including social media grievances. Upgraded AirSewa 2.0: The upgraded version of AirSewa operates through interactive web portal as well as through mobile app for both Android and iOS platforms. It will offer passengers convenient and hassle-free air travel experience. It will allow flyers to register their complaints through social media using hashtag (#) AirSewa. It will provide all required information about flights operating from various airports across country including real-time flight status and details of flight schedule. It will provide all facilities and services including assistance to disabled or unaccompanied minor that are available at airports across India. It will also help capture air travellers’ feedback for policy interventions.

    16) Delhi-based environment think-tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) will be awarded Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2018 for its work in environmental education and protection. CSE is being awarded prize for its steadyfast advocacy of measures to combat environmental deterioration and for its success in influencing public policies and programmes that have benefitted social and economic development in India. It was selected for this award by international jury, chaired by former president Pranab Mukherjee. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE): It is not-for-profit public interest research and advocacy organisation based in New Delhi. It was established in 1980 under the leadership of late Anil Aggarwal. It works as think tank on environment-development issues in India, poor planning, climate shifts devastating Sundarbans and advocates for policy changes and better implementation of already existing policies. It uses knowledge-based activism to create awareness about problems and propose sustainable solutions. It has been working for the last four decades to incorporate environmental sustainability into development policies. It has worked on extending awareness and education about environmental issues on air and water pollution, waste water management and industrial pollution, food safety and energy, climate change and above all in influencing official policy and public actions for sustainable development. Its programmes have achieved important public health outcomes in several areas of vital impact, including air pollution, sustainable industrialisation programme, sustainable water management and sanitation, climate change and food and toxins programme. Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development: It awarded annually by Indira Gandhi Trust since 1986. It has been named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. It is awarded to individuals or organizations in recognition of their creative efforts towards promoting international peace, development. It is also bestowed upon them for creating new international economic order and ensuring that scientific discoveries are used for the larger good of humanity and enlarging the scope of freedom. The award consists of monetary award of 25 lakh and citation. Some of its earlier recipients are UNICEF (1989), Rajiv Gandhi (1991), M S Swaminathan (1999), Kofi Annan (2003), Angel Merkel (2013), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) (2014) and UN High Commission for Refugees (2015), Manmohan Singh (2017).

    17) Union Government will set up first-of-its-kind institute of Inter-Faith Studies in Punjab to promote brotherhood and diversity. It is being established as part of year-long activities to commemorate 550th birth anniversary of first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikh religion Guru Nanak. The institute will be set up on lines of teachings of Guru Nanak Dev ji who preached qualities of brotherhood, diversity and the concept of unity in diversity. Government will engage experts and form committees to oversee and finalise concept of this institute. Guru Nanak dev: He was Nirguna Bhakti saint and social reformer. He was born at Rai Bhoi Ki Talvandi near Lahore in April 15, 1469 AD. He was first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism. The verses composed by him were collected in Adi Granth, written in Gurmukhi script.

    18) Asia’s oldest bourse BSE has decided to snap ties with S&P Dow Jones, which manages and operates benchmark Sensex. Now it is planning to develop indices through its own in-house development team. Key Facts: The two entities had announced joint venture called Asia Index in 2013 to provide array of indices enabling global and domestic investors to participate in South Asia’s vibrant economies. The deal with BSE came after expiry of licensing arrangement between India Index Services & Products (IISL), a joint venture of NSE and S&P-owned Crisil. BSE will not renew its agreement with S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC which expires on December 31, 2018 and it is looking to develop indices through its own team. The agreement was not renewed because as joint venture was not able expand reach and usage of the indexes in the foreign jurisdiction. Background: S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC is subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies and it is world’s largest global resource for index-based concepts, data and research. BSE is Asia’s oldest stock exchange and is home to iconic Sensex index – a leading indicator of Indian equity market performance. The equity indices of National Stock Exchange (NSE), BSE’s rival are managed and operated by NSE’s subsidiary company NSE Indices.

    19) India’s top junior shuttler Lakshya Sen (17) won bronze medal at Li Ning BWF World Junior Badminton Championships 2018 held at Markham, Canada. In singles semi-final match, he lost to top seed and world junior number one Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand by 22-20, 16-21, 13-21 score. This was Sen’s first medal from this prestigious tournament in three attempts. India’s Performance BWF World Junior Badminton Championships: This was overall India’s fifth boys singles bronze medal at BWF World Junior Championships and only medal India got at this year’s Championships. Previously, RMV Gurusaidutt (2008), B Sai Praneeth (2010), HS Prannoy (2010) and Sameer Verma (2011) have won bronze medal. Siril Verma (2015) is India’s only boys singles silver-medallist at World Junior Championships. Saina Nehwal (2008) is only India’s sole gold medallist at BWF World Junior Championships. She also has won silver in 2006 in girls singles.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 17 November 2018 to 23 November 2018.

    20) Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Senior IRS officer Sanjay Kumar Mishra as full-time Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He will have tenure of two-years from the date of assumption of the charge of the post or until further orders, whichever is earlier. The post of ED director is additional secretary rank post in the Union government. Mishra is 1984-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of Income Tax cadre. Prior to this appointment he was principal special director in EB appointed in October 2018 and was entrusted with additional charge of ED director for three months. Before ED appointment, he was posted as chief commissioner of Income Tax Department in Delhi. Enforcement Directorate (ED): It is economic intelligence and law enforcement agency agency responsible for enforcing economic laws and fighting economic crime in India. It functions under aegis of Department of Revenue, Union Ministry of Finance. Its prime objective is enforcement of two key Acts of Government of India namelyForeign Exchange Management Act 1999 (FEMA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 (PMLA) to check money laundering by curbblack money and hawala trade cases. It is composed of officers from the Indian Revenue Service, Indian Police Service and the Indian Administrative Service. It was established in 1956 as ‘Enforcement Unit’ in Department of Economic Affairs. It is headquartered in New Delhi.

    21) Punjab becomes third state in the country after Maharashtra and Gujarat to ban hookah bars or lounges. The ban was announced through law after President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2018. The objective of this law is to check use of tobacco in various forms and prevent diseases caused by use of the tobacco products. Background: The Bill was Punjab state assembly in March this year with an aim to bring the law in force to check the use of tobacco in various forms and prevent diseases caused by the use of tobacco. The law was enacted due check unregulated growth these hookah parlours and rapid increase in trend of ‘hookah-sheesha’ smoking in the state. Moreover, there were complaints of drug consumption in these hookah bars across the state. Impact on Health: Smoking of hookah increases health risks, which includes exposure to toxic chemicals that are not filtered out by water. It also results in transmission or risk of infectious disease like tuberculosis (TB) from sharing a hookah. As per study, an hour’s average of hookah includes 20-200 puffs, delivering 50 litres of smoke contain, hazardous and carcinogenic chemicals.

    22) The 14th edition of JashneBachpan, a theatre festival for children was held at the Sammukh, Abhimanch, Abhikalp and Little Theatre Group (LTG) auditorium in New Delhi. It was organised by National School of Drama’s (NSD) Theatre in Education (TIE) Company. Key Facts: The nine-day theatrical extravaganza for children saw performances of 21 productions from India and three foreign groups including Sri Lanka (non-verbal), Switzerland (English) and Indonesia (Javanese). Its main aim was to bring theatre into prominence as it has lost its sheen in modern era because of digital medium. It seek to make children aware of theatre as schools do not have theatre as subject. The plays during the festival were divided into four categories – by children, by children and adults, by adults for children and puppetry performances. From India, total of 24 groups were selected out of 221 entries from various states such as Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, and West Bengal among others. The plays will be performed in vernacular languages like Bengali, Marathi, Assamese, and Malayalam besides non-verbal, English, Hindi and other foreign languages. Folk dances from Assam (Bihu), Sikkim (Lion Dance), Nagaland (Kabul Naga Dance) and Manipur (Stick Balance) were main attractions of the event.

    23) Union Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH) Ministry celebrated first Naturopathy Day on Sunday with aim of promoting drug-less system of medicine to prevent diseases by altering diet and lifestyle. Till now, there was day to celebrate all streams of traditional medicine except Naturopathy. On this day, Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy is organising health camps, workshops and exhibitions in association with local naturopathy centres and hospitals. Naturopathy plays important role as many diseases can be prevented with these practices especially non-communicable diseases which have seen increase, mainly owing to changes in lifestyle. It is drug-less system and is very cost effective. It can be easily integrated with any other system of healthcare as lifestyle intervention. These practices are being promoted in wellness centres along with allopathic medicine so that we get best of all systems of medicine. Background: India has long history and culture running over 5000 years of using traditional medicines for health care and developing them with modern scientific outlook. AYUSH is acronym of tradition medical systems that are being practiced in India such as Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy. International Day of Yoga has been celebrated annually on June 21 since 2015. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has first proposed the idea in his first Unite d Nations General Assembly (UNGA) speech in 2014. Ayurveda Day, which is marked on November 5 every year, was first celebrated in 2016. In 2017, Unani Day was established which is celebrated on February 11. The declaration of January 4 as Siddha Day and November 18 as Naturopathy Day was made in January 2018, thus all six systems having their separate annual celebration day.

    24) India’s Ankita Raina and Karman Kaur Thandi, playing together for first time, won doubles title at $125,000 Taipei Open. In the final match, they defeated Russian pair of Olga Doroshina and Natela Dzalamidze 6-3, 5-7, 12-12 score. The champions collected $5,500 in prize money and earned 160 points, which is expected to push both within 200 of WTA world rankings. This win marks the first WTA title for an Indian since Sania Mirza, success came on WTA Tour and Grand Slam stage. In the semi-finals, they had defeated third seeds Misaki Doi and Danka Kovinic by 6-7 (2), 6-4, 10-8 score. Taipei Open: It is tournament for female professional tennis players played on indoor carpet courts. It is currently classified as WTA 125K tournament. It has been held annually in November in Taipei City, Taiwan from 2008 until 2015. In 2012, it was upgraded from a $100,000 ITF tournament to a WTA Challenger tournament.

    25) Researchers from IIT Kharagpur have devised decision support system (DCS) to help maximise LPG connections in BPL (below poverty line) households under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. It is a first of its kind for analysis of national level energy policy. This kind of DSS can be developed for various central and state level policies for various commodities like agricultural commodities, solar panels distributions and so on. Decision support system (DSS): It is computer programme that helps in making sound rational decisions using mathematical programming and operation research techniques. It can provide exact values of important parameters over prescribed policy time period, which in turn will help to take important measures to ascertain proper functioning (monitoring) of policy towards the desired goal. It uses mixed integer linear programming to mathematically formulate policy using input parameters, decision variables and their relationships. This mathematical model has found optimum number of total BPL connections required in region, number of dealerships that need to be commissioned in region over policy time frame. The sensitivity analysis with this mathematical model can easily change in decision variable with respect to change in a parameter. With this, it is easy to predict not only how the number of household connections that can be increased but also the critical region that contributes most in each zone of LPG distribution.

    26) India’s first specialized hospital for elephants was formally opened Churmura village in Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh. It is promoted by Wildlife SOS which had established first elephant conservation and care centre in 2010 and is currently looking after 20 elephants requiring specialised treatment. Key Facts: The unique medical centre offers wireless digital X-ray, dental X-ray, laser treatment, thermal imaging, ultrasonography, hydrotherapy and quarantine facilities. The hospital is located close to elephant conservation and care centre. It is designed to treat injured, sick or geriatric elephants. It is equipped with medical hoist for lifting elephants. It also has elephant restraining device with dedicated indoor treatment enclosure for long duration medical procedures. It also has observation deck that allows veterinary students and interns to observe elephants’ behavior. Wildlife SOS (WSOS): It is conservation non-profit organisation. It was established in 1995 with primary objective of rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in distress in country and preserving India’s natural heritage. It is currently one of the largest Wildlife Organisations in South Asia. WSOS is also known for their efforts at rescue and rehabilitation of sloth bears and more recently elephants. It also runs active projects focused on mitigation of human wildlife conflict with regard to species. In addition, its work is also targeted at biodiversity and habitat conservation, awareness workshops and anti-poaching operations, as well as rehabilitation of communities dependent on performing or working animals for their livelihood.

    27) Union Government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed $105 million loan to continue financing transmission system upgrades in Himachal Pradesh for increased supply of hydropower to state and national grid. It is third tranche part of $350 million multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) for Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program approved by ADB Board in September 2011. The loan will have 25-year term, including grace period of 5 years, an annual interest rate determined in accordance with ADB’s lending facility based on London interbank offered rate (LIBOR) and commitment charge of 0.15% per year. Himachal Pradesh Clean Energy Transmission Investment Program: The program is aimed at developing and expanding transmission network to evacuate clean and renewable power generated from State’s hydropower sources to load centers within and outside State. It also supports institutional capacity development of state transmission utility, Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation Limited (HPPTCL), as the executing agency for this project. Significance of loan: It will help Government of Himachal Pradesh to benefit electricity consumers in state and throughout northern India, by increasing transmission system capacity for inflow of hydropower generated in state into India’s national grid. It will help sustain confidence among existing and potential hydropower developers about availability of sufficient transmission capacity for evacuation of power from hydropower generation sources in Himachal Pradesh.

    28) Ministry of Woman and Child Development (WCD) has nominated three members to National Commission for Women (NCW) in pursuance Section 3 of the NCW Act, 1990. They are Chandramukhi Devi, Soso Shaiza, and Kamlesh Gautam. All three are BJP members. They will hold office for period of three years or till age of 65 years or until further orders from date of assumption of charge of office, whichever is the earlier. The new appointments now leave two positions vacant in NCW. Rekha Sharma is current chairperson of NCW. Key Facts: Chandramukhi Devi is former Bihar MLA and member of the Bihar state women’s commission from 2011 to 2014. Soso Shaiza is present BJP national council member and also daughter-in-law of Janata Party leader Yangmaso Shaiza, the first tribal chief minister of Manipur in 1974. Kamlesh Gautam is BJP’s regional in-charge for Kanpur-Bundhelkhand. National Commission for Women (NCW): NCW is a statutory body established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. It was established in January 1992 to review constitutional and legal safeguards for women. It recommends remedial legislative measures, advise Government on all policy matters affecting women and facilitate redressal of grievances related to women. The first Commission was constituted in January 1992 with Jayanti Patnaik as Chairperson. Commission comprises up of Chairperson, five Members and Member-Secretary. Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government and is person who is committed to the cause of women. Besides Chairperson, commission has five members nominated by Central Government.

    29) Union Government has approved three proposals under Nirbhaya Fund including setting up of 1023 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs). Decision in this regard was taken by Empowered Committee of Officers under Nirbhaya Fund, under Chairmanship of Secretary, Women and Child Development Ministry. Apart from these three proposals, in-principle approval to proposal of Union Ministry of Road Transport and highways for C-DAC for customisation, deployment and management of state wise vehicle tracking platform for safety and enforcement. Three proposals are- Setting up of 1023 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs): It was proposal forwarded by Department of Justice under Ministry of Law and Justice) to dispose off pending cases of rape and POCSO Act across the country. In phase I, 777 FTSCs will be set up in 9 states and in the second phase, 246 FTSCs will be set up. It will have total financial outlay of Rs 767.25 crores. Procurement of forensic kits for sexual assault cases: It was proposal forwarded by Union Ministry of Home Affairs to kick start usage of such kits in States. These kits will be used through Training of Trainers (TOTs), strengthening of State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSLs) and capacity building or training for forensics in sexual assault cases. Setting up video surveillance system at 50 Railway Stations: It was proposal forwarded by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited for setting up video surveillance system at 50 Railway Stations. The funding will be utilised for surveillance hardware and accessories, local connectivity equipment and power supply devices. Nirbhaya Fund: The fund is created by Ministry of Finance in 2013 with a corpus of Rs 1000 crore. It dedicated for implementation of initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and security for women in the country. It is a non-lapsable corpus fund. It is being monitored by Empowered Committee of Officers under Secretary of Women and Child Development Ministry. It is an inter-ministerial committee appraises and recommends various projects (schemes) proposed by different ministries to be funded from Nirbhaya Fund.

    30) Union Government has inked $300 million Loan Agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support lending by India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL). The loan will enhance availability of long-term finance for PPP projects, improve operational capacity of IIFCL. It will expand portfolio of infrastructure financing instruments available to IIFCL. It is expected to compliment Government’s infrastructure building efforts. Key Facts: ADB funding is expected to fund at least 13 sub-projects through IIFCL, involving roads and renewable power generation, under the last tranche. It expected to help catalyze the financial closing of $2.4 billion in investments. In addition, attached technical assistance will support IIFCL capacity development and will focus on IIFCL’s financial management and social and environmental safeguards. It will support renewed effort of Central Government in accelerating infrastructure growth through increased Private Sector investment. The Project undertaken it will be relevant and responsive to constraints to bank based infrastructure financing, fiscal space creation, and repercussions on GDP growth. India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL): It was set up in 2006 to provide long term debt for infrastructure projects. It provides financial assistance to commercially viable projects, which includes projects implemented by public sector company, private sector company; or private sector company selected under Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative. IIFCL raises funds from domestic as well as external markets on strength of government guarantees. Following sectors projects are eligible for financing from IIFCL: Power; Warehouses; Gas pipelines; Cold storage chains; Fertilizer Manufacturing Industry, Infrastructure projects in Special Economic Zones; International convention centres and other tourism infrastructure projects; Road and bridges, seaports, railways, airports, inland waterways and other transportation projects. Urban transport, water supply, sewage, solid waste management and other physical infrastructure in urban areas.

    31) Union Government has inked $169 Million Loan agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Tamil Nadu Urban Flagship Investment Program. It is first tranche of $500 million multi-tranche financing to provide water and sanitation services in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu Urban Flagship Investment Program: The program will develop climate-resilient sewerage collection and treatment and drainage systems in 10 cities. Under it country’s first solar-powered sewage treatment plant will be installed. Moreover, smart water management systems will be introduced to reduce non-revenue water and strengthen operational efficiency. It will help to address complex urban challenges through innovative and climate-resilient investment and deeper institutional support. It will boost institutional capacity, public awareness, and urban governance as part of comprehensive approach for developing livable cities. It will benefit around 4 million people from piped water and sewerage connections and improved drainage. The first tranche of ABD loan will target cities of Chennai, Coimbatore, Rajapalayam, Tiruchirappalli, Tirunelveli, and Vellore. Moreover, $2 million grant fromAsian Clean Energy Fund, established by Government of Japan will fund solar energy pilot project. Besides, ADB technical assistance grant of $1 million will accompany program to support capacity building.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 17 November 2018 to 23 November 2018.

    32) The National Press Day (NPD) is celebrated every year on November 16 as symbolic of free and responsible press in India. This was the day on which Press Council of India (PCI) started functioning as moral watchdog to ensure that not only did press maintain high standards expected from this powerful medium but also that it was not fettered by the influence or threats of any extraneous factors. Press Council of India (PCI): PCI is a statutory body with mandate to act as watchdog to oversee conduct of the print media. It derives its mandate from Press Council Act, 1978. It consist of Chairman (who has by convention, been a retired judge of Supreme Court) and 28 other members off whom 20 represent press, five are nominated from two Houses of Parliament and three represent cultural, literary and legal fields. It is statutory, quasi-judicial body acting as watchdog of press. It adjudicates complaints against and by press for violation of ethics and for violation of freedom of press respectively.

    33) The 9th Annual Defence and Security Dialogue between India and China held in Beijing. It held between the two defence delegations headed by defence secretary Sanjay Mitra and China’s deputy chief of Joint Staff Department of the Central Military Commission. Mitra was accompanied by senior officials of Ministry of Defence and Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The defence dialogue was also held ahead of 21st round of border talks between the special representatives of the two countries in Chinese city of Dujiangyan on November 23-24, 2018. National security advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Chinese state councillor and foreign minister Wang Yi are designated special representatives for the border talks. Background: The 9th Annual Defence and Security Dialogue was held after one-year gap due to Doklam standoff. It had not taken place last year following the 73-day tense standoff between two Indian and Chinese militaries at Doklam, The standoff was triggered by Chinese PLA’s plan to build road close strategically narrow ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor (or Siliguri corridor) connecting India’s northeastern states in an area also claimed by Bhutan besides China. It ended after Chinese troops stopped road construction after which both countries stepped up efforts to normalise relations leading to the informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping at Wuhan in April 2018. Outcomes of 9th Dialogue: Both sides agreed to enhance exchanges and interactions through reciprocal high-level visits between two ministries of defence as well as between military commands, joint training exercises, mutual visits by defence personnel including mid-level and cadet officers were also agreed upon. They also reiterated importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas, implementing (Wuhan) consensus reached between PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping and specific additional confidence-building measures at the operational level. They underlined importance of this dialogue as important mechanism between two countries for consultations on defence and security matters. They emphasised need to further strengthen military-to-military ties in order to strengthen political and strategic mutual trust between the two countries. Both sides also had an exchange of views on regional and global issues. Both sides agreed to hold the next round of the dialogue at mutually convenient time in India in 2019.

    34) NITI Aayog has constituted Himalayan State Regional Council to ensure sustainable development of Indian Himalayan region. It will be chaired by Dr VK Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog and will consist of Chief Secretaries of Himalayan States as well as Secretaries of key Central Ministries, senior officers of NITI Aayog as well as special invitees. Key Facts: The Council has been constituted to review and implement identified action points based on Reports of five Working Groups, which were established along thematic areas to prepare a roadmap for action. It will be nodal agency for Sustainable development in Himalayan Region which consists of 12 States namely Jammu &Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, two districts of Assam namely Dima Hasao and KarbiAnglong and Darjeeling and Kalimpong in West Bengal. Terms of reference of Council: It will monitor implementation of action points for Central Ministries, Institutions and 12 Himalayan State Governments in Indian Himalayan Region which include regional cooperation and river basin development, spring mapping and revival across Himalayas in phased manner for water security. It will develop, implement and monitor tourism sector standards as well as bring policy coherence, strengthen skill and entrepreneurship with focus on identified priority sectors, among other action points. Bacgkround: Earlier in June 2017, NITI Aayog had set up 5 Working Groups to prepare a roadmap for actions in 5 thematic areas that are quite significant for the Himalayas. These areas were Inventory and Revival of Springs in Himalayas for Water Security; Sustainable Tourism in Indian Himalayan Region; Transformative Approach to Shifting Cultivation; Strengthening Skill & Entrepreneurship Landscape in Himalayas; Data/Information for Informed Decision Making. These working groups were constituted after NITI Aayog recognised that mountains require specific solutions for resilience building that address socio-economic and environmental challenges in the mountain setting.

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