W.B.C.S Current Affairs 21 July 2018 to 27 July 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.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 21 July 2018 to 27 July 2018.

1) West Bengal state assembly dominated by Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress Government has unanimously passed resolution to change state’s name to ‘Bangla’ in all three languages – Bengali, Hindi and English. The name change will only become official when resolution gets approval from Union Home Ministry and Parliament passes Bill. Key Facts: The main reason cited by State Government for changing name of West Bengal to Bangla is that whenever there is meeting of all states, West Bengal figures at bottom of the list, as it is prepared according to alphabetical order. With change in its Bangla, it will appear (or leapfrog) to fourth place after Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in list of states in alphabetical order. Background: The move of comes West Bengal state assembly to change name of state comes almost two years after it first passed a resolution to change the name of the State in August 2016. The state government had earlier submitted a proposal to the Centre to change the name of West Bengal to to Bengal in English, Bangla in Bengali and Bangal in Hindi. The proposal was turned down by Union Home Ministry. Procedure of changing name of state: Process for changing the name of a state can be initiated by state itself. However, by virtue of article 3 of Constitution, Parliament has power to change name of state even if such proposal does not come from the concerned state. If initiated by state assembly, it will first pass a resolution for such change and this passed resolution will be sent to Central government (Union Home Ministry). Then Union Home Ministry prepares note for Union Cabinet for amendment to Schedule 1 of Constitution. Thereafter, Constitution Amendment Bill is introduced in Parliament under Article 3 of Constitution, which has to be approved with simple majority, before President gives his assent to it. Thereafter name of state will be changed. The example of such change is change in name of Orissa to Odisha. The Government of Orissa initiated this change in 2008 when it forwarded resolution passed by State Legislative Assembly to Union Government to change name of state from Orissa to Odisha. This bill was passed by Parliament as Orissa (Alteration of Name) Act, 2010 to rename state.

2) The Lok Sabha has passed the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018. The Bill provides for the prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation of trafficked persons and seeks to establish National Anti-Trafficking Bureau to investigate trafficking cases. It also provides for the setting up of Anti-Trafficking Units (ATUs) at e district level which will deal with the investigation, prevention, rescue, and protection of victims and witnesses. Key features of Bill: National Anti-Trafficking Bureau (NATB): The Bill proposes establishment of NATB to investigate trafficking cases and implement provisions of Bill. NATB will comprise of police officers and any other officers as required. It will take over investigation of any offence under Bill referred to it by two or more states. Further, it may request state government to co-operate in investigation or transfer the case to state government for investigation and trial, with approval from central government. Functions of NATB: Coordinate and monitor surveillance along known trafficking routes, facilitate surveillance, enforce and take preventive steps at source, transit and destination points, maintain coordination between law enforcement agencies and NGOs and other stakeholders and increase international cooperation with authorities abroad for intelligence sharing and mutual legal assistance. State Anti-Trafficking Officers: The Bill mandates state government to appoint State Nodal Officer. The officer will be responsible for follow up action as per provisions of Bill and as per instructions of State Anti-Trafficking Committee and provide relief and rehabilitation services. It also mandates state government to appoint Police Nodal Officer at state and district levels. The state government will also designate Anti-Trafficking Police Officers for each district to deal with all matters related to trafficking in the district. Anti-Trafficking Units: The Bill provides setting up of Anti-Trafficking Units (ATUs) at district level. They will deal with prevention, rescue and protection of victims and witnesses and for investigation and prosecution of trafficking offences. In districts where ATU is not functional, this responsibility will be taken up by local police station. Anti-Trafficking Relief and Rehabilitation Committee: The Bill provides for establishment of these committees (ATCs) at all three levels viz. national, state, and district levels. These committees will be responsible for providing compensation, repatriation and re-integration of victims in society, among others. Search and rescue: The Bill empowers Anti-Trafficking Police Officer or ATU to rescue persons, if they are in imminent danger. They will be produced before Child Welfare Committee or Magistrate for medical examination. The district ATC will provide relief and rehabilitation services to rescued persons. Protection and rehabilitation: The Bill mandates central and state government to set up Protection Homes to provide shelter, food, counselling, and medical services to victims. It also mandates central or state government will maintain Rehabilitation Homes in each district to provide long-term rehabilitation to victims. In all cases, rehabilitation of victims will not be dependent on criminal proceedings being initiated against accused or outcome of proceedings. Union Government will also create Rehabilitation Fund which will be used to set up these Protection and Rehabilitation Homes. Time-bound trial: The Bill provides for setting up designated courts in each district to complete trial within year. Penalties: The Bill specifies penalties for various offences including for promoting trafficking, trafficking of persons, disclosing identity of victim and aggravated trafficking such as trafficking for bonded labour and begging. For trafficking it prescribes rigorous imprisonment of 10 years up to life imprisonment, along with minimum fine of Rs. 1 lakh. For publishing of any material it prescribes imprisonment between 5 to 10 years, and fine between Rs 50,000 to Rs.1 lakh.

3) NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission and MyGov has jointly launched ‘#InnovateIndia Platform’ (https://innovate.mygov.in/innovateindia/). It is citizen centric platform that aims to serve as common point for all innovation happening across the nation. Innovate India Platform: It creates much-needed innovations platform for registering both grassroots and deep-tech innovators at national level. It will help those who are searching for critical innovation for benefit of the economy as well as national social needs. It is open to all Indian citizens. Using it, users can view, comment, share, and rate innovations crowdsourced on #InnovateIndia platform. They can view leaderboard which is calculated based on votes on each innovation. It allows citizens to share their organizations or someone else’s innovation on platform by login to MyGov website. These innovations also can be shared on various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): AIM is NITI Aayog’s flagship initiative to promote culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. It is mandated to create umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem of country and revolutionizing innovation eco-system – touching upon entire innovation life cycle through various programs. Objectives: Develop new programmes and policies for fostering innovation in different sectors of economy. Provide platform and collaboration opportunities for different stakeholders, create awareness. Create umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem of the country. The sub-schemes of AIM include establishing Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and Atal Incubation Centers (AICs), for providing scaling up support to Established Incubation Centres. It also includes finding ultra-low cost solution to India’s most intractable problems through Atal Grand Challenges and Atal Vikas Challenges. MyGov Portal: It is citizen engagement platform launched by Central Government in 2014 to promote active participation of citizens in country’s governance and development. Its objective is to create common platform for Indian citizens to crowdsource governance ideas from citizens. It allows users (citizens) to discuss and contribute on various government projects and plans. It is hosted and managed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

4) Two Indians Bharat Vatwani and Sonam Wangchuk are among six who have been declared winners of 2018 Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as Asian version of the Nobel Prize. Others are are Youk Chhang (Cambodia), Maria de Lourdes Martins Cruz (East Timor), Howard Dee (Philippines) and Vo Thi Hoang Yen (Vietnam). The winners will each receive certificate, medallion bearing image of late Filipino leader Ramon Magsaysay and cash prize. They will be conferred with award during formal presentation ceremony at Cultural Centre in Philippines in August 2018. Key Facts: Bharat Vatwani: He is a psychiatrist who works for mentally-ill people living on the streets in Mumbai. The award recognizes his courage and compassion in embracing India’s mentally-afflicted destitute and his dedication to work of restoring and affirming human dignity of even most ostracized. Sonam Wangchuk: He is educational reformer from Ladakh. In 1988, he had founded Students’ Education and Cultural Movement of Ladakh to coach poor Ladakhi students. The award recognizes his uniquely systematic, collaborative and community-driven reform of learning systems in remote Ladakh region which has helped to improve life opportunities of youths. He is widely regarded as inspiration for Aamir Khan’s character, Phunsuk Wangdu in the film ‘3 Idiots’. Ramon Magsaysay Award: It is Asia’s highest honour and is often regarded as the region’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize. It was established in 1957 by trustees of the New York City based Rockefeller Brothers Fund and Philippine government in the memory of Philippines’ third President Ramon Magsaysay who had died in air disaster in March 1957. It is awarded annually to individuals or organizations from Asia region for their altruistic and philanthropic service. It carries Medallion bearing the likeness of the late President Ramon Magsaysay, cash prize and a certificate.

5) The sub-committee of Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has recommended prohibition of 343 fixed drug combinations (FDCs) after reviewing 349 and called for regulation and restriction of remaining six. FDC means combination of two or more drugs in fixed dosage ratio. Key Facts: The expert sub-committee in its reports suggested banning 343 FDCs, three should be restricted for specific indications or diseases and other three FDCs should be restricted to specific quantities of ingredients and for specific indications. It stated that for most FDCs, their use will lead to unnecessary overuse and patients will be exposed to risk of multiple ingredients when one will suffice. Background: In March 2016, Union Government had banned total 344 FDC on suggestion of Kokate committee, which had studied irrationality of various FDCs, recommended ban on 344 of them, citing rising “antibiotic resistance” in the country as one of reasons. Later in December 2016, Delhi High Court struck down ban stating that Government had acted in haphazard manner. The matter then went to Supreme Court, which in December 2017 which directed health ministry’s expert body DTAB for fresh review of safety, efficacy and therapeutic justification of these 349 FDCs. It had stated that DTAB or its subcommittee will have to decide whether it is necessary in larger public interest, to regulate, restrict or prohibit manufacture, sale or distribution of such FDCs. Therefore, DTAB had formed sub-committee, which studied issue and submitted its recommendations. Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB): DTAB is highest statutory decision-making body on technical matters related to drugs in the country . It is constituted as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. It is part of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

6) Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has amended Petroleum and Natural Gas Rules 1959 to include shale in definition of petroleum. This change will allow private companies to explore and produce the resource in the blocks they already operate. Key Facts: The updated definition of petroleum means naturally occurring hydrocarbons, whether in form of natural gas or in liquid, viscous or solid form, or mixture thereof, occurring in association with petroleum or coal or shale but does not include coal, lignite, and helium. Prior to this, definition excluded shale and therefore barred companies from exploiting it from fields that are producing conventional oil and gas or coal-bed methane. Significance: The amendment of definition of petroleum will open up exploration of all hydrocarbons in existing fields which is line with new Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP). It will help in enhancing domestic exploration and production of hydrocarbons and increasing India’s energy security and reducing dependency on imports. Shale: It is fine-grained sedimentary rock that forms from compaction of silt and clay-size mineral particles, commonly called as mud. The composition of shale places it in category of sedimentary rocks known as mudstones. Shale is distinguished from other mudstones due to laminated (rock is made up of many thin layers) and fissile (rock readily splits into thin pieces along the laminations) nature. Some shales have special properties that make them important resources. Black shales contain organic material that sometimes breaks down to form natural gas or oil. Shale gas: Shale gas is natural gas formed from being trapped within shale formations. It is unconventional source of methane, like coal-bed gas (in coal seams) and tight gas (trapped in rock formations). It is colourless, odourless gas, lighter than air. It is cheaper than natural gas, releases 50% less CO2, hence better source for generating electricity. It also provides feedstock for petrochemicals industry, which is turned into fertilizer, plastics and other useful stuff. In India, potential shale gas sites are Cambay, Gondwana, Krishna-Godawari and Cauvery Basins.

7) Parliament has passed Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018 that aims to curb practice of evading criminal prosecution by economic offenders fleeing from country to evade clutches Indian law by remaining outside jurisdiction of Indian courts. The bill will replace an ordinance promulgated by President in April 2018. Key Features of Bill: Fugitive economic offender (FEO): It has been as person against whom arrest warrant has been issued against him for any specified offences where value involved is over Rs. 100 crore and he has left ountry and refuses to return to face prosecution. Special Court: The Bill empowers Special Court (designated under Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002) to declare person as FEO based on application made. The Special Court will require person to appear at specified place at least six weeks from issue notice. Proceedings will be terminated if the person appears. Confiscation of properties: The Bill allows director or deputy director (appointed under Prevention of Money-Laundering Act, 2002) to attach any property mentioned in application with permission of special court. Upon declaration as FEO, properties of person will be confiscated and vested in central government, free of rights and claims in property. Further it bars FEO or any company associated with him from filing or defending civil claims. Bar on filing or defending civil claims: The Bill bars any court or tribunal may bar FEO or associated company from filing or defending civil claims before it. Search warrant: The Bill does not require authorities to obtain search warrant or ensure presence of witnesses before search. Powers of director: The director or deputy director will have powers vested of civil court. These powers include entering a place on the belief that individual is FEO and directing searching of building or seizing documents.Under this law, appeals against orders of special court will lie before High Court.

8) Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) had organized 2nd meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan in New Dehli. It was chaired by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar. Key Highlights of Meeting: National Council approved inclusion of 32 new districts under POSHAN Abhiyaan in the current year. This will help to saturate all districts of Union Territories (UTs) that were left out under Phase-I and Phase-II. It will also provide full coverage to those states, where up to 5 districts had been left. Thus facilitating in saturation of 8 new States/UTs and taking total number of States/UTs covered under POSHAN Abhiyaan to 23. It also gave in-principle approval to guidelines for construction of anganwadi centres in urban areas and slums under aanganwadi services. During the meeting, WCD Ministry presented three modules from online course for nutrition developed with assistance of National Institute of Nutrition. These courses will be hosted independently by WCD Ministry and National Institute of Nutrition portals. It was also announced to celebrate month of September as National Nutrition Month every year. POSHAN Abhiyaan: POSHAN Abhiyaan (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) was launched in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan in March 2018. It aims to ensure holistic development and adequate nutrition for pregnant women, mothers and children. Targets: It aims to reduce level of under-nutrition and other related problems by ensuring convergence of various nutrition related schemes. It also targets stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia (among young children, women and adolescent girls) and low birth rate. Components: Its large component involves gradual scaling-up of interventions supported by ongoing World Bank assisted Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Systems Strengthening and Nutrition Improvement Project (ISSNIP) to all districts in the country by 2022. The Abhiyaan will monitor and review implementation of all such schemes and utilize existing structural arrangements of line ministries wherever available.

9) India has fallen out of top 10 destinations for Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in terms of its attractiveness according to 2018 Kearney FDI Confidence Index, in which it was ranked 11th, down from 8th in 2017 and 9th in 2016. The index was released by report published by global consultancy firm A T Kearney. Key Highlights of Report: Fall in India’s rankings may be due to teething troubles in implementation of goods and services tax (GST) and Government’s demonetisation decision in 2016. These policies may have deterred investors in the short term as they have disrupted business activity and weighed on economic growth. Several of India’s reforms such as removing Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) and liberalising FDI limits in key sectors such as retail, aviation, and biomedical industries have maintained India’s high rankings in terms of FDI attractiveness. In future, potential investors are likely to be cautious as they are monitoring political risks such as China abolishing presidential term limits and upcoming general election in India. But sheer size of Chinese and Indian markets, will continue to be draw for investors and they will remain highest-ranking emerging markets on the index. FDI Confidence Index: The index is annual analysis of how political, economic, and regulatory changes will likely affect FDI inflows into countries in coming years. It is constructed using primary data from proprietary survey administered to senior executives of world’s leading corporations. Companies participating in survey have annual revenues of $500 million or more.

10) According to recent study, fish are losing their sense of smell as rising carbon emissions is turning water they live more acidic. CO2 is absorbed by seawater forming carbonic acid. Due of ocean acidification, fish will lose some of their smelling sense, making it more difficult to survive. Background: Fish use their sense of smell for essential things such finding food and safe parts of ocean to re-produce, recognising each other and most importantly sniffing out danger so they can avoid predators. Since1800’s ocean CO2 levels have risen by 43%. It is predicted to be more than double current level by the end of the century. Key Facts: For this study, researchers compared behaviour of juvenile sea bass at CO2 levels typical of today’s ocean conditions and those predicted for the end of the century. It was found that sea bass in acidic waters swam less and less likely responded when they encountered the smell of a predator. It also showed that these fish were more likely to freeze as they were feeling anxious. Though, only sea bass was used in the research, processes involved in sense of smell that are common to many fish species. Thus, these findings will also apply to other types of fish.

11) Invest India and Business France have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote investment facilitation and cooperation between startups of India and France. The MoU will facilitate direct foreign investment by providing practical investment information to enterprises. It will also support companies pursuing those opportunities which contribute positively to economic growth of two countries. Key Facts: Under this MoU, Invest India and Business France will collaborate to promote business and startup ecosystem cooperation through joint activities. They will also exchange experiences to strengthen institutional knowledge and identify opportunities between businesses in French and Indian private sector, creating dedicated support structure to facilitate inbound companies and startups. The partnership will strengthen existing business relations between India and France and provide seamless facilitation channel for new businesses and innovations from both countries to grow in each other’s markets. Invest India: It is official Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of Central Government. It is mandated to facilitate investments in the country. It is first stop for potential global investors in country. It is non-profit venture under Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Business France: It is executive agency of French government under supervision of Minister for Economic Affairs and Finance and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development. It promotes international business development for French companies and professionals through worldwide network of 80 trade commissions, which have worked with over 7,500 SMEs. It mobilizes expertise of 1,400 persons in France and in 70 other countries.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 21 July 2018 to 27 July 2018.

12) India was ranked 6th in the global optimism index with business optimism tepid in second quarter (Q2) of 2018. The index was released as part of Grant Thornton’s International Business Report (IBR), a quarterly global business survey. The report was based on results of quarterly global business survey of 2,500 businesses in 32 economies. Key Highlights of report- The global optimism index for Q2 of 2018 was topped by Indonesia followed by Netherlands, Austria, Philippines and China. Globally business optimism has dropped from record high net 61% in Q1 2018 to net 54% in Q2 in 2018 and businesses are optimistic about increase in revenue. India was recently declared as 6th largest economy by World Bank, surpassing France. However, higher twin deficits resulting in falling rupee and rising crude oil prices and inflation continue to be reasons for sluggish business optimism in India. Confidence of Indian businesses has been low since Q3 2017. In India also businesses are optimistic about an increase in revenue but availability of skilled workforce remains a key constraint for growth and employment expectations are low. Red tape and information, communications technology (ICT) infrastructure are main concern for growth in India.

13) 2018 Earth Overshoot Day will fall on August 1, the earliest date since ecological overshoot began in early 1970s. It is date when humanity annual demand on nature exceeds what Earth can regenerate over the entire year. It is calculated by Global Footprint Network and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). Key Facts: This year the overshoot day falls two days earlier than the last year’s. Every day after August 1 will now be considered as strain on Earth’s natural resources. In 2018, nature’s budget for entire year has already been used up in just span of 8 months only. It means humanity is currently using nature 1.7 times faster than Earth’s ecosystems can regenerate. It shows that mankind and human actions are putting unprecedented pressure on environment and its resources. This has been prime cause of overshoot day constantly moving up calendar from late September in 1997 to its earliest yet in 2018. This day depicts that 1.7 earths will be required by humanity to satisfy its exploitative needs keeping in mind current rate of consumption and waste production. The costs of ecological overspend include biodiversity loss, soil erosion, deforestation, fresh water scarcity collapsing fisheries, and buildup of carbon dioxide in atmosphere, leading to vicious circle of climate change and more unprecedented climate including severe droughts, hurricanes and wildfires. Global Footprint Network: It is an international nonprofit organization founded in 2003 to enable a sustainable future where all people have opportunity to thrive within the means of one planet. It develops and promotes tools for advancing sustainability, including ecological footprint and biocapacity, which measure amount of resources we use and how much we have. These tools aim at bringing ecological limits to center of decision-making.

14) India and Rwanda have signed eight agreements in the fields of defence, trade, agriculture, leather and allied products and dairy. The agreements were signed following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. PM Modi became first Indian Prime Minister to visit Rwanda. Highlights of Bilateral meetings: PM Modi and Kagame held wide-ranging talks and discussed a host of measures to boost bilateral strategic ties. India assured Rwanda that India will continue to its development efforts. India also extended two lines of credit (LoCs) worth $200 million to Rwanda for development of industrial parks and Kigali Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and for development of three agricultural projects in Rwanda. PM Modi also announced opening of the first Indian diplomatic mission in Rawanda, which will help to establish communication between governments of two countries and also enable facilities for consular, passport and visa. Both countries also agreed to set up task force to enable digital learning mediums for children. Signed Agreements are: Amendment on MoU on Cooperation in field of Agriculture and Animal Resources: It focuses on cooperation in agriculture and livestock with strong emphasis on research, technological development, capacity building and human resource development as well as investment mobilization. Agreement on Cooperation Defence on Capacity Building, Defence, Industry, Science and Technology: Capacity Building, Defence, Industry, Science and Technology. MoU on Cultural Exchange Program for year 2018-22: Music and Dance, Theatre, Exhibitions, Seminars and Conference, Archeology, Archives, Library, Museums, Literature, Research and Documentation etc. MoU on Agricultural Research and Education between RAB and ICAR: Training and Research in Dairy, Processing of Dairy Products, Quality and Safety of Mil, Biotechnological Intervention in Livestock. Trade Cooperation Framework: Facilitate, diversify and promote trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. MoU on Collaboration in the Areas of Leather and Allied Sectors between NIRDA and CSIR-CLRI LoC Agreement for US $ 100 million for development of Industrial Parks and expansion of Kigali Special Economic Zones LoC Agreement for US $ 100 million for Agriculture irrigation scheme in Rwanda. Girinka programme: Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted 200 cows to villagers from Rweru villages as part of Rwandan Government’s Girinka Programme. The programme was initiated by President Paul Kagame in response to alarmingly high rate of childhood malnutrition and as way to accelerate poverty reduction and integrate livestock and crop farming. Under this programme, poorest residing in region get cows from Government and gift first female calf to neighbour to promote brotherhood. The programme is based on premise that providing dairy cow to poor, transforms livelihoods, reconciles communities improving agricultural productivity through use of manure as fertilizers. The program has contributed to increase in agricultural production in Rwanda – especially milk production and products and has reduced malnutrition and increased incomes.

15) Odisha Government has launched ‘Green Mahanadi Mission’, a plantation drive under which 2 crore saplings will be planted along Mahanadi river and its tributaries. It was launched by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Paitnaik. Green Mahanadi Mission: The main objective of the mission is to stop soil erosion on river banks and recharge the groundwater reserve. It also aims to protect the Mahanadi River and keep it alive. Under this mission, more than 5 crore saplings will be planted over an area of 41,000 hectares along the banks of Mahanadi river and its tributaries Ib and Tel rivers. It will be implemented jointly by States Departments of Forest, Horticulture and Watershed Development. Mainly fruit-bearing trees like mango, jackfruit and jamun will be planted within one km radius of the river bank. Mahanadi: Mahanadi is major river in East Central India. It drains an area of around 141,600 square kilometres and has total course of 858 kilometres. It flows through Chhattisgarh and Odisha. It originates from highlands of Chhattisgarh through collection of array of streams and reaches Bay of Bengal. It left bank tributaries are Shivnath, Mand, Ib, Hasdeo and right bank are Ong, parry river, Jonk, Telen. Mahanadi valley is known for its fertile soil and flourishing agriculture. Hirakud Dam across the river is longest major earthen dam in India.

16) The agreements were inked following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni in Kampala. Signed Agreements are: MoU on Defence Cooperation. MoU on Visa exemption for Diplomatic and official passport holders. MoU on Cultural Exchange Programme. MoU on Material Testing Laboratory. Highlights of bilateral meeting: Both leaders comprehensively reviewed all aspects of bilateral relations. India announced two Lines of Credit worth nearly US $200 million to Uganda in energy, infrastructure, agriculture and dairy sectors. India announced to continue to play a stable partner in the country’s journey towards development. It also announced to give vehicles, ambulances and cancer therapy machine to Uganda. India retired its commitment of training, capacity building and infrastructure creation are core areas of cooperation between both countries. Both countries also agreed to work together in trade, investment and tourism sectors, supporting mutual prosperity through reciprocity. Significance of Visit: PM Modi visited Uganda on the second leg of his three-African nations tour after concluding his Rwanda visit. After concluding his Uganda visit, he will visit South Africa to attend 10th BRICS Summit at Johannesburg. It was first visit by Indian Prime Minister to Uganad in over 20 years. PM Modi also delivered keynote address at Ugandan Parliament, making him first Indian PM to do so.

17) The Parliament has passed Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill 2018 to enhance transparency and accountability of the government and make anti-graft provisions under the law stringent. The Bill amends various provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988. Key Features of Bill: Giving bribe made punishable offence: The Bill introduces offence of ‘giving a bribe’ as direct offence. Person who is compelled to give bribe who reports matter to law enforcement authorities within seven days will not be charged with this offence. It makes specific provisions related to giving a bribe to a public servant, and giving a bribe by a commercial organization Redefines Criminal misconduct: The bill redefines provisions related to criminal misconduct to only cover two types of offences viz. illicit enrichment (such as amassing of assets disproportionate to one’s known income sources) and fraudulent misappropriation of property. Prior approval for investigation: It makes mandatory for taking prior approval of relevant Government or competent authority to conduct any investigation into offence alleged to have been committed by a public servan. Such approval will be not necessary in cases that involve arrest of person on spot on charge of taking a bribe. Trial Time limit: The bill set trail time period within two if it is handled by special judge. In case of delays, reasons for it must be recorded for every extension of six months obtained. However, total period for completion of trial may not exceed four years. Penalties for offences: The Bill modifies definitions and penalties for offences related to taking bribe, being habitual offender and abetting offence. It also introduces powers and procedures for attachment and forfeiture of property of public servants accused of corruption.

18) Scientists have developed world’s fastest rotor, which will help in studying quantum mechanics. The rotor can spin at more than 60 billion revolutions per minute, making it world’s fastest man-made object. It is more than 100,000 times faster than a high-speed dental drill. Key Facts: To produce fastest rotor, scientists had synthesized nanoscale dumbbell made from silica and had levitated it in high vacuum using laser. The laser (working in straight line or in circle) when is linear, vibrates dumbbell and when it is circular spins dumbbell spins. Spinning dumbbell functions as rotor, and vibrating dumbbell functions like instrument for measuring tiny forces and torques, known as a torsion balance. The nanodumbbell levitated by optical tweezer in vacuum can vibrate or spin, depending on polarization of tincoming laser., Potential Applications: The fastest rotor has many applications, including material science as it can help to survivability of different materials in extreme conditions. It can also help in learning about vacuum friction and gravity, as understanding these mechanisms is one of essential goal for modern physics. In more advanced version, it can be used to study things like quantum mechanics (fundamental theory in physics which describes nature at the smallest scales of energy levels of atoms and subatomic particles) and properties of vacuum.

19) Ministry of Culture has announced that it has received Rs. 904.80 Lakhs for conservation and maintenance work of historical monuments as contributions part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under National Culture Fund (NCF). It also has revenue collected through various sources like ticketing, Parking, photography, filming, and from holding cultural events from selected centrally protected monument which has been deposited in Consolidated Fund of India. National Culture Fund (NCF): NCF was established as Trust under Charitable Endowment Act, 1890 as funding mechanism distinct from existing sources and patterns of funding for arts and culture in India. It aims at inviting individuals as well as private institutions in the task of promoting, protecting and preserving India’s cultural heritage. It is managed and administered by council headed by Union Culture Minister and decides the policies. Its Executive Committee is headed by Secretary, Ministry of Culture which actualizes those policies. All projects undertaken by NCF are completed within specified period in accordance with MoU signed by it with concerned donor organization. Union Government had granted one-time corpus fund to NCF, apart from this, there is no fund allocated by to. It receives contributions and voluntary donations as endowments from many other sources. Donations and contributions to NCF are eligible for 100% tax deduction under Income Tax Act, 1961 subject to limits and conditions prescribed.

20) Indian Air Force (IAF) for first time will participate in multinational air exercise Pitch Black – 18 (PB-18) in Australia hosted Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It will be three week multi-national large force employment exercise (27 July to 17 August 2018) conducted from RAAF Base Darwin and RAAF Base Tindal. Pitch Black – 18: PB-18 Exercise will host up to 4000 personnel and up to 140 aircraft from 12 participant countries including Australia, Canada, India, Germany, Indonesia, France (New Caledonia), Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and United States. The multilateral exercise will feature range of realistic, simulated threats found in modern and dynamic battle-space environment. It will provide opportunity to test and improve our force integration, utilising one of largest training airspace areas in the world — Bradshaw Field Training Area and Delamere Air Weapons Range. It will include day and night flying. IAF contingent comprised of 145 air-warriors including Garud commando team, four Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter planes and C-130 and C-17 transport aircraft. IAF men and planes will undertake simulated air combat exercises in controlled environment and mutual exchange of best practices towards enhancing its operational capability. After completion of exercise, on its return leg from Darwin to Subang (Indonesia), IAF fighters will be refuelled in air for the first time by RAAF KC-30A. Moreover during transit to Australia, IAF contingent will also have constructive engagement with Indonesian and Malaysian Air Forces. This will be IAF’s overall third participation in multilateral air combat exercises over last three years after Red Flag exercise held in United States in April-May 2016 and Blue Flag air combat drill in Israel in November 2017. Exercise Pitch Black: It is a biennial warfare exercise hosted by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It is normally held in Northern Australia, primarily at RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal. The aim of the exercise is to practice Offensive Counter Air (OCA) and Defensive Counter Air (DCA) combat, in simulated war environment. It traditionally consists of red team and blue team based at separate locations, with one attacking other. The first Pitch Black exercises took place in 1981 between different RAAF units. Later in 1990, it began as training exercise between Australia and Singapore and then was expanded as multilateral exercises by inviting international air forces with which Australia has defence ties.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 21 July 2018 to 27 July 2018.

21) Union Government has created Group of Ministers (GoM) and high-level committee to deliberate and make recommendations for a separate penal provision on incidents of mob violence. The GoM will be headed by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, whereas committee will be headed by Uion Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba. Gauba committee: It will include secretaries of departments of Justice, Legal Affairs, Legislative Department and Social Justice and Empowerment as its members. It will suggest measures and legal framework to effectively deal with incidents of mob violence and lynching. It will submit its recommendations to the GoM in four weeks. Group of Ministers (GoM): GoM includes Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawar Chand Gehlot. It will examine recommendations given by Gauba committee and submit its report to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Background: The move came after recent Supreme Court direction to central government on the issue of mob violence and lynching. The apex court had denounced sweeping incidents of lynching as an affront to the rule of law and called for law to deal with such horrendous acts of mobocracy. It had passed a series of “preventive, remedial and punitive” measures to deal with lynchings and mob vigilantism. It had made Centre and state governments accountable for mob violence and lynching and had asked them to take steps to curb and stop dissemination of irresponsible and explosive fake messages and videos on social media platforms which incite such incidents.

22) Banks and Financial Institutions (FIs) have signed Inter-Creditor Agreement (ICA) aimed at faster resolution of stressed assets of Rs. 50 crore or more which are under consortium lending. It has been signed by 22 public sector banks, 19 private sector banks and 32 foreign banks and 12 major financial intermediaries like LIC, HUDCO etc. Inter-Creditor Agreement (ICA): ICA Framework is part of project ‘Sashak’. Under it, lead lender (having highest exposure) will be authorised to formulate resolution plan for operation turnaround of assets which will be presented to lenders for their approval. It will be applicable to all corporate borrowers who have availed loans and financial assistance for amount of Rs. 50 crore or more under consortium lending or multiple banking arrangements. Each resolution plan will be submitted by lead lender to Overseeing Committee. The decision making under ICA framework will be by way of approval of majority lenders i.e. lenders with 66% share in aggregate exposure. Once resolution plan is approved by majority lenders, it will be binding on all lenders that are party to ICA. The plan formulated under ICA will be in compliance with RBI norms and all other applicable laws and guidelines. Banks opposing resolution plan will have option to sell their stressed loans to company at discount or buy out loans to that entity from all other lenders at premium. Significance of ICA framework: The ICA framework aims for faster facilitation of the stressed assets resolution. It gives a bigger say to lead lender in consortium and allows resolution plan to be approved if 66% of the banks in the group agree to it. It authorises lead bank to implement resolution plan in 180 days and leader would then prepare resolution plan. If any lender dissents, the lead lender will have the right but not the obligation to arrange for buy-out of the facilities of the dissenting lenders at a value that is equal to 85 per cent of the lower of liquidation value or resolution value. The dissenting lenders can exercise such right of buy-out in respect of the entire facilities held by other relevant lenders. Background: According to RBI, India’s banks had 12.5% of their total loans categorised as non-performing or restructured at the end of March 2018. But RBI in February 2018 had withdrawn half dozen loan restructuring schemes and tightened rules to steer more companies to bankruptcy courts. It had issued revised framework for resolution of stressed assets. Besides, after recommendations of Government formed Sunil Mehta Committee, Inter-creditor Agreement was prepared under aegis of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) to serve as platform for banks and FIs to come together and take joint and concerted actions towards resolution of stressed accounts.

23) Lok Sabha has passed National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Bill, 2017 to provide post-facto approval to those approved institutions which are funded by Centre or states, but do not have recognition. The Bill amends National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) Act, 1993. Key Features of Bill: Retrospective recognition of certain teacher education institutions: The Bill seeks to grant retrospective recognition to institutions that have been notified by central government, funded by Central Government or State/UT government and but do not have recognition under the parent Act. Besides, these institutions must have offered teacher education courses on or after establishment of NCTE until academic year 2017-2018. Retrospective permission to start new courses: The Bill grants retrospective permission these institutions to start new course or training in teacher education to institutions. National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE): It is statutory body of Central Government set up under NCTE Act, 1993 in 1995 to formally oversee standards, procedures and processes in Indian education system. NCTE plans and co-ordinates the development of teacher education system throughout the country (for both central as well as state governments). It also ensures the maintenance of norms and standards in the teacher education system. Its headquarters are in New Delhi.

24) Lok Sabha has passed Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2017 to reduce the number of cheque dishonour cases pending in courts. The bill amends Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 to primarily address issues of dishonor of cheques and deal with unnecessary delay in disposal of such cases. Negotiable Instrument: It refers to any legal documents like cheques, promissory notes, bill of exchange etc which promises to pay bearer or holder of instrument or person whose name is written on instrument specific amount of money either on demand or after specified time i.e. on some future date. The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 defines promissory notes, bills of exchange and cheques. It also specifies penalties for bouncing of cheques and other violations with respect to such negotiable instruments. Key Features of Bill: Interim compensation: The Bill inserts new Section 143 A in parent Act to allow court trying offence related to cheque bouncing to direct drawer (person who writes cheque) to pay interim compensation to complainant. This compensation may be paid under certain circumstances, including where drawer pleads not guilty of accusation. It will not exceed 20% of cheque amount and will be paid by drawer within 60 days of trial court’s order to pay such compensation. Deposit in case of appeal: The Bill inserts another new Section 148-A in the parent act specifying that if drawer convicted in cheque bouncing case files appeal, appellate court may direct him to deposit minimum of 20% of fine or compensation awarded by trial court during conviction. This amount will be in addition to any interim compensation paid by drawer during earlier trial proceedings. Returning interim compensation: In case drawer is acquitted during trial or by appellate court, then court will direct complainant to return interim compensation (or deposit in case of an appeal case), along with interest. This amount will be repaid within 60 days of court’s order.

25) NITI Aayog has signed Statement of Intent (SoI) with Lupin Foundation to collaborate in Aspirational Districts Programme to create templates for concerted development policy. Under this collaboration, both parties will partner to improve indicators in education, health and nutrition, financial inclusion and skill development, agriculture and water resources and basic infrastructure in Aspirational Districts. Terms of SoI: Lupin Foundation with NITI Aayog will work in three states (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan) to facilitate creation of deal template to develop economic strength, technological viability and moral leadership across three districts in these states as part of Phase I of the cooperation. Phase I of this cooperation will focus on districts of Dholpur (Rajasthan), Nandurbar (Maharashtra) and Vidisha (Madhya Pradesh). It will help to develop comprehensive district-level action plan with integrates various initiatives and interventions. Lupin Foundation will work towards three main pillars of ensuring integrated developmental policy in model states. They are social development (initiatives for health, education and women empowerment), economic empowerment (focus on interventions in spheres of agriculture, animal husbandry and skill enhancement) and infrastructure development (establish durable infra in form of internal roads, school buildings and water resources). Aspirational District Programme: The programme was launched in January 2018 aims to quickly and effectively transform some of most underdeveloped districts of the country. It envisages rapid development of selected districts on basis of composite index based on five parameters health and nutrition, education, financial inclusion, skill development, agriculture and water resources and basic infrastructure. It focuses closely on improving people’s ability to participate fully in burgeoning economy. It seeks to bring these indicators in selected districts at par with the better performing districts in the country. Broad contours of the programme are Convergence of Central and State Schemes; Collaboration of Central, State level ‘Prabhari’ Officers and District Collectors and Competition among districts driven by Mass Movement or Jan Andolan.

26) Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is flagship programme of Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) that aims to enrich Rural India. The second edition (Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0) was launched in April, 2018. Currently 748 institutions are participating under the scheme. In phase II, 605 institutions were selected. Out of these 313 are technical Institutions and 292 are Non-Technical Institutions. 143 institutions had taken part in phase-1. Unnat Bharat Abhiyan: The scheme aims to link higher education institutions with set of atleast five villages, so that they can contribute to economic and social betterment of these village communities using their knowledge base. Under this scheme, higher education institutions will participate in development activities, particularly in rural areas. Objective of the scheme are- To engage faculty and students of higher educational institutions in understanding rural realities. Identify and select existing innovative technologies, enable customization of technologies or devise implementation methods for innovative solutions as required by people. To allow higher educational institutions to contribute to devising systems for smooth implementation of various Government Programs. The scheme is inspired by vision of transformational change in rural development processes by leveraging knowledge base and resources of premier Institutions of the country to help build the architecture of Inclusive India. It also aims to create virtuous cycle between society and inclusive university system, with latter providing knowledge base, best practices for emerging livelihoods and upgrade capabilities of both public and private sectors. Under it, institutes through their faculty and students, will carry out studies of living conditions in adopted villages, assess local problems and needs, workout possibilities of leveraging technological interventions and need to improve processes in implementation of various government schemes, prepare workable action plans for the selected villages.

27) The first meeting of the India-Bangladesh Joint Committee on Border Haats was held in Agartala, Tripura. The Joint Committee also visited Border Haat at Kamlasagar in Sipahijala District, Tripura and Tarapur in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh. Outcomes of meeting: Both sides noted positive impact of Border Haats on livelihoods of people living in areas adjoining Haats. They also held extensive discussions on issues related to review of operations of four functional Border Haats viz. Kalaichar (Meghalaya), Balat (Meghalaya), Kamlasagar (Tripura) and Srinagar (Tripura). They also made suggestions for improvement, timeline for setting up six additional Border Haats that have been agreed to earlier by both sides and roadmap for further expansion of Border Haats. They also agreed that next meeting will be held in Bangladesh on mutually agreed dates. Background: Border Haats (or rural market) aims at promoting the well-being of the people dwelling in remote areas across the borders of two countries. It seeks to establish traditional system of marketing local produce thorough local markets in local currency or according to barter basis. Though trade carried in this informal market is not significant in terms of percentage of bilateral trade, but these local measures help to improve economic well-being of marginalised sections of society. Border haats along India-Banlgadesh border are established under Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed for Border Trade and Border Haats between both countries in October 2010. India and Bangladesh had signed MoU on Border Haats in April 2017 for establishment of Joint Committee to review border haats operations, suggest modifications in operational modalities and propose new locations of Border Haats.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 21 July 2018 to 27 July 2018.

28) Odisha Government has unveiled first-ever ‘Tribal Atlas of Odisha’, a compilation of demographic and cultural information of the tribal population in the state. It is claimed to be first-of-its-kind tribal compilation in the country. The book was published by SC and ST Research and Training Institute in collaboration with Academy of Tribal Language and Culture (ATLC). Tribal Atlas of Odisha: The compendium gives comprehensive and valuable information on tribal regions in state and key demographic indicators like literacy, sex ratio and education. It also showcases tribal art, culture, dialects and much more in about 60 map formats and other visuals. The book displays salient features about tribal population of Odisha with series of specialized maps, charts and diagrams. It also has corresponding graphs and diagrams portraying distributional aspects of tribal population, tribal habitats, ecological setting, their socio-cultural attributes such as linguistic, dialectical affinity, sex composition, literacy and economic aspects of communities living across the state. Bacgkround: As per Census 2011, Odisha has second highest tribal population in the country after Madhya Pradesh. The state’s tribal population is primarily found in Mayurbhanj, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Kandhamal, Koraput, Keonjhar and Gajapati districts.

29) The Union Government has reduced minimum yearly deposit required under popular girl child savings scheme, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana to Rs 250 from Rs 1,000 earlier. This has been lowered to enable more people to enjoy benefits of this scheme. In this regard, Government has amended Sukanya Samriddhi Account Rules, 2016. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: It was launched as a small savings scheme under Beti Bacho Beti Padho (BBBP) in January 2015. It aims to motivate parents to open an account in name of girl child for her welfare and meet expense requirements of higher education and marriage. Under this scheme, parent or legal guardian of a girl child can open an account in her name until she attains the age of ten years. The account can be opened via post office or commercial banks. Deposits can be made in this account up to 14 years from date of opening of account. After this period, the account will only earn interest according to applicable rates. The minimum deposit that can be made every year into account is now Rs 250 and maximum amount on yearly basis is Rs 1.50 lakh. The girl child can withdraw 50% of the money in the account after reaching age of 18 for higher education (18 years limit for preventing child-marriages). The amount deposited in it will get interest rate of 9.1% and there will be no income tax for this. The account will remain operative until the girl child reaches 21 age.

30) Sports Authority of India (SAI) under Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has cleared 734 athletes for the scholarship under the Khelo India Talent Development Scheme. They were selected High Powered Committee of SAI. Through this programme, the athletes will get training at government-accredited residential academies. They will be provided with annual stipend of Rs. 1,20,000 on quarterly basis to meet their out of pocket expenses, treatment of injuries and other expenses. Sports academies: The High Powered Committee for the first time also has accredited various private, state and SAI academies to create strong ecosystem for nurturing talent. It includes 21 non-SAI academies as well. The rationale behind it is to develop more such academies so that young athletes can get access to best training without having to travel long distances. Khelo India Talent Development Scheme: The scheme was introduced by Ministry of Sports and Youth affairs to revive sports culture in India at grass-root level. Its objective is to build strong framework for all sports played in our country and establish India as great sporting nation. It aims to help scout young talent from schools in various disciplines and groom them as future sports champions. Under it, talented players are identified in priority sports disciplines at various levels by High-Powered Committed and each selected player is provided annual financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh for 8 years.

31) The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has initiated process of introducing QR code (Quick Response code) in their textbooks. It is aimed at helping students understand chapters better by watching film or reading additional content on laptops and digital boards. Key Facts: For this enhanced learning feature, NCERT has started process of identifying relevant supplementary material including videos, power point presentations animations, maps and e-content. These will be mapped with content of each textbook from class 1 to 12 and will be linked with QR code, which will be printed in the textbooks. The QR code laden textbooks are likely to be introduced from the 2019 academic. QR code (Quick Response code): QR Code is a two-dimensional (matrix) machine-readable bar code consisting of an array of black and white squares, used for storing web-links or other information. This code can be read by camera of smartphone. It is used for storing URLs or other information that link directly to text, emails websites phone numbers. It is capable of 360 degrees (omni-directional), high speed reading. It can store up to 7089 digits as compared to conventional bar codes which can store max 20 digits. It encodes same amount of data in one-tenth the space of a traditional bar code. It carries information both horizontally and vertically. It has error correction capability and data stored in it can be restored even if it is partially damaged or dirty.

32) Myanmar has joined India-initiated International Solar Alliance (ISA), making it 68th signatory to Framework Agreement of ISA. The ISA Framework Agreement was handed over by Myanmar Minister for International Cooperation, Kyaw Tin to India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on sidelines of Delhi Dialogue. International Solar Alliance (ISA): ISA was jointly launched by India and France in November 2015 at Paris on side lines of COP21 UN Climate Change Conference. Its Framework Agreement came into force in December 2017. It celebrated its founding day on 11th March, 2018. It is headquartered at campus of Natioanl Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gurugram, Harayana, making it first international intergovernmental treaty based organization to be headquartered in India. ISA is action-oriented organization that aims brings together countries with rich solar potential to aggregate global demand, thereby reducing prices through bulk purchase, facilitating deployment of existing solar technologies at scale and promoting collaborative solar R&D and capacity building. Objectives of ISA: Undertake joint efforts required to reduce the cost of finance and the cost of technology; Mobilize more than US $1000 billion of investments needed by 2030 for massive deployment of solar energy; Pave way for future technologies adapted to needs of solar rich 121 countries lying fully or partially between Tropic of Cancer and Capricon. ISA’s 4 ongoing programmes: Scaling Solar Mini Grids; Affordable Finance at Scale. Scaling Solar Applications for Agricultural Use. Scaling Solar Rooftop catering to the needs of solar energy in specific areas.

33) Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India-assisted emergency ambulance service through video conferencing from New Delhi. The inaugural function of emergency ambulance service was held in Jaffna, Northern Province, of Sri Lankan. The project is another milestone in wide-ranging development partnership between India and Sri Lanka. Key Facts: Jaffna is third province in Sri Lanka, were India-assisted emergency ambulance service has been launched. The service was earlier introduced in two provinces of Sri Lanka with grant assistance from India. It is planned to be expanded to remaining seven provinces of Sri Lanka. For this project, India in total has given grant of $22.8 million- $7.6 million for the first phase and $15.2 million for the country-wide expansion. This is largest ever Indian grant project in Sri Lanka after India funded housing project. Background: India had launched emergency ambulance service in Sri Lanka’s western and southern provinces in July, 2016 with grant of US $7.6 million to uplift and improve medical facilities in the island country. In this regard, agreement was signed between Indian entity GVK EMRI Lanka Pvt Ltd and Sri Lankan Ministry of Health Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine. With this project, pverall, India’s development portfolio in Sri Lanka is nearly US $2.6 billion, out of which US $436 million is in the form of grants.

34) Indian Railways inaugurated Regional Rail Training Institute (RRTI) at Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh in a bid to strengthen expertise and capabilities of the employees of North-Eastern Railways. Besides, newly constructed 400 metre washing pit at Ghazipur City station was also inaugurated at a cost of Rs 19.62 crore. Regional Rail Training Institute (RRTI): RRTI was constructed with the cost of Rs 21 crore within stipulated time. It will provide modern training facilities to the railway employees and would enhance their efficiency. It is equipped with modern training facilities, an advanced model hostel, computer room, cafeteria and other necessary facilities. It will immensely add to development of area.

35) According to Public Affairs Index (PAI) 2018, Kerala tops the list as best-governed state in the country followed by Tamil Nadu. The index was released by the think tank Public Affairs Centre (PAC). Kerala has topped PAI as the best-governed state for the third consecutive year since 2016 among large states. Key Facts: Large States: Kerala has topped the list, followed by Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka and Gujarat. Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand and Bihar ranked the lowest, indicating higher social and economic inequalities in the states. Smaller states (with population less than two crore): Himachal Pradesh topped the list followed by Goa, Mizoram, Sikkim and Tripura. Nagaland, Manipur and Meghalaya were ranked at bottom of the index among small states. 2018 PAI also included separate index on children of India, giving measure of how child-friendly each of the states are. In this category of providing better living conditions for all children, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh and Mizoram topped the index Public Affairs Index (PAI): The index is released since in 2016 by Bengaluru base Public Affairs Centre (PAC), a not for profit think tank which aims to improve governance in India. It is based on 10 themes, 30 focus subjects and 100 indicators, relying solely upon government data. It covers wide range of themes such as support to human development, social protection, essential infrastructure, women and children, crime, law and order, delivery of justice, transparency and accountability, environment, fiscal management and economic freedom.

36) Ministry of Earth Sciences has unveiled state-of-the-art Air Quality and Weather Forecast System– SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting) at Chandni Chowk in Delhi. It is first of its kind and most advanced system in India. Such advanced are also proposed to be implemented in other three cities of India- Pune, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting): SAFAR was developed indigenously by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune and operationalized by India Meteorological Department (IMD). It is integral part of India’s first Air Quality Early Warning System operational in Delhi. It will monitor all weather parameters like temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed and wind direction. It also will measure sun’s UV-Index (UVI), PM1, Mercury and Black carbon in real time in addition to regular air quality and weather parameters like PM2.5, PM10, Sulfur Dioxide, Ozone, Nitrogen Oxides, Carbon Monoxide. It can also provide measurement of online automatic ultrafine particles PM1 and Mercury, both of which have direct relevance to human health. It will also monitor existence harmful pollutants of Benzene, Toluene and Xylene. SAFAR has giant true colour LED display which gives out real-time air quality index on 24×7 basis with colour coding alongwith 72-hour advance forecast. Based on Air Quality Index on particular day, health advisory and related precaution will be notified to prepare citizens well in advance. Benefits: SAFAR will accelerate public awareness and preparedness of air pollution and weather extremes. It will also lead to better understanding of linkages among emissions, weather, pollution and climate. It will strengthen existing air quality network of SAFAR, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). Besides health, SAFAR system will benefit cost savings to several other sectors like agriculture, aviation, infrastructure, disaster management skill, tourism and many others, which directly or indirectly get affected by air quality and weather.

37) Odisha Special Task Force (STF) has launched drive to bust an international syndicate that peddles ‘endangered’ pangolin, one of the world’s most illegally traded mammals. It has requested Union Home Ministry to approach the Myanmar government to block the transit route for smuggled pangolin under Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). MLAT is an agreement between nations to exchange information or provide legal assistance for enforcing laws. Pangolin: Pangolin is only scaly mammal on the planet. According to Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), it is also the most illegally traded vertebrate within its class (Mammalia). Of the eight species of pangolin worldwide, two are found in India. They are Chinese pangolin (manis pentadactyla), mostly found in northeast India and Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata). Pangolins has large, overlapping scales on its body which act as armour. It can also curl itself into ball as self-defence against predators. The colour of its scales varies depending on colour of earth in its surroundings. Pangolins is an insectivore, feeding on ants and termites, digging them out of mounds and logs using its long claws. It is nocturnal and rests in deep burrows during the day. Pangolins is smuggled for its scales as it believed that they possess magic or charms and have medicinal properties. The scales serves as base component for indigenous (traditional) psychotropic substances. China is main illicit hub (market) for smuggled scales of Pangolins, where they have huge demand for medicinal and magical purposes. Protection Status: Chinese pangolin has been listed as “critically endangered” by UN affiliated International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List. Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) has been listed as “endangered” in IUCN Red List. It is also a Schedule I category protected animal, under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972).

38) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has developed TreadWill, an online tool to help people cope with issues related to mental health. The tool was developed by team with collaborative support from Computer Science and Engineering and Humanities and Social Sciences, HSS (Psychology) departments. TreadWill: It is website designed to help people deal with stress, low mood, lethargy and other depressive symptoms through different online exercises, questionnaires and games. It will help in overcoming depressive symptoms and becoming more resilient against stressful events in the future. It is based proven methodology of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that helps people with depressive symptoms. It uses simple language to help users to identify involuntary negative thoughts and behavior. It teaches techniques to users to work on modifying their thoughts and actions. It uses simple forms (thought record worksheet, core belief worksheet) and games to practice techniques of CBT in engaging manner. It offers free and easy accessible alternative for those who are wary of attending in-person sessions at clinics. It further provides users by sending personalised SMS alerts to help them stick to programme till end.

39) Ministry of Home Affairs sponsored Student Police Cadet (SPC) Programme was launched nationally in Gurugram, Haryana. It was launched by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of Union Human Resources Minister Prakash Javadekar. The programme aims to build bridge between Police and larger community through school students by inculcating values and ethics in them through classes in school and outside. Student Police Cadet (SPC) Programme: The programme focuses on students of class 8th and 9th. It will be implemented first in government schools, in both urban and rural areas and later expanded to private schools. It takes special care to ensure that it does not increase workload of the students. It does not have any prescribed text book and also any exam. Only one class is proposed in a month under its schedule. Programme will broadly cover two topics- Crime prevention and control: Topics covered under it include road safety, fight against social evils, community policing, safety of women and children, fight against corruption and disaster management. Values and ethics: Topics covered under it include values and ethics, empathy and sympathy, tolerance, patience, attitude, respect for elders, team spirit and discipline. Handbook: Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) with support of National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has prepared handbook for imparting instructions. It will also enable learning through group discussions and audio-visual mediums. Implementation: It will be steered by state level committee headed by Principal Secretary, Home Department with Principal Secretary, Education and Director General of Police (DGP) as members. Besides, similar committee will be formed at district level, headed by District Magistrate with District Inspector of Schools and Superintendent of Police (SP) as members. Funding: Central Government has released amount worth Rs.67 crores to states for implementation of programme. Besides, amount of Rs 50,000 has been earmarked for each school for educational aids, training and contingency.

40) National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has launched Centre for Climate Change in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It is first of its kind centre in South East Asia. It aims at accelerating concerted climate action by various stakeholders in government, private, financial and non -government sectors. Centre for Climate Change: The centre will help NABARD in enhancing its capacity building efforts manifold. It will extend professional support to stakeholders for designing climate related projects and take up collaborative studies and action research projects in the area. It will also support capacity building and project preparation effort in developing countries in the region as also in Africa. It will address capacity building needs of stakeholders, undertake policy advocacy, promote national and international collaborations by bringing in knowledge, technology and finance for addressing the challenges and opportunities emerging from climate change. Background: India has experienced impact of climate change on agriculture and rural livelihoods. Government has taken several measures such as promoting micro irrigation, soil health cards, integrated farming models and traditional farming to de-risk farmers from impact of climate change. NABARD has been engaging itself in capacity building of various stakeholders involved in Climate Change actions. It is National Implementation Entity (NIE) for three important climate funds, viz. Green Climate Fund (GCF), Adaptation fund of UNFCCC and National Adaptation fund for Climate Change (NAFCC). National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD): NABARD is an apex agricultural development financial institution in India. It has been entrusted with matters concerning policy, planning and operations in the field of credit for agriculture and other economic activities in rural areas in India. NABARD facilitates credit flow for promotion and development of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts and other rural crafts. It supports all other allied economic activities in rural areas, promote integrated and sustainable rural development and secure prosperity of rural areas. It is active in developing financial inclusion policy. It is member of Alliance for Financial Inclusion. It is headquartered at Mumbai, Maharashtra with regional offices all over India. It was established in 1982 on recommendations of Shivaraman Committee to implement National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act, 1981.

41) Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government has won No Confidence motion moved in Lok Sabha. This was first no-trust motion against Narendra Modi government after it came to power in May 2014 and less than year before the next general elections. Key Facts: The no-confidence motion against the government was moved by a former NDA ally Telugu Desham Party (TDP). In this trust vote, NDA bagged 325 votes against motion, while 126 members voted in favour. Total of 451 out of 534 MPs were present and voted in the house bringing down majority mark required to 226. No-Confidence Motion: In a parliamentary democracy, government can be in power only if it commands majority in directly elected House. Article 75(3) of our Constitution of India embodies this rule by specifying that Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to Lok Sabha. But there is no mention of a no-confidence motion in the constitution. The Rule 198 of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of Lok Sabha provides mechanism for testing this collective responsibility. Rajya Sabha does not have procedure for moving of no-confidence motion against Government and also adjournment motion, censure motion. The rule allows any Lok Sabha MP who can garner support of 50 colleagues, to introduce motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers. Motion of No-confidence need not set out any grounds on which it is based. If there are 50 MPs in favour, the motion is admitted and speaker allots date for discussion on the motion. Thereafter, discussion on motion takes place. MPs who support motion highlight government’s shortcomings. Then Prime Minister or ministers reply to the charges made. If the government loses trust vote, it is expected to resign.

42) India is going to host inaugural 2+2 Dialogue with United States in September 2018 in New Delhi. In the inaugural meeting, Minister of External Affairs (MEA) Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will host US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and US Secretary of Defence James Mattis. Key Facts: The inaugural meeting will cover broad range of bilateral, regional and global issues of shared interest, with a view to strengthening strategic and security ties between the two countries. Both nations will discuss strengthening of strategic, security and defence cooperation as both nations have committed to jointly address challenges in Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The dialogue is seen as vehicle to elevate strategic relationship between the two countries. Note: The inaugural 2+2 dialogue was scheduled to be held in July 2018, but was postponed at last moment by US citing “unavoidable reasons”. It was third time that 2+2 dialogue was postponed in the last six months. 2+2 Dialogue: 2+2 Dialogue between India and US was agreed during visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to US in June, 2017. It is similar to India-Japan 2+2 dialogue format between foreign and defence secretaries and ministers of the two countries. It replaces earlier India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue. The dialogue s aimed enhancing strategic coordination between both countries and maintaining peace and stability in Indo-Pacific region. It puts strategic, defence and security relationship between two countries at forefront and centre stage. It insulates India-US strategic relationship from feuds over trade issues and deep divide on economic integration policies as trade and commercial issues that collided with strategic relationship between both countries’ discussed in Strategic and Commercial Dialogue earlier.
43) The fourth edition of Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral, Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will be held in Kathmandu, capital city of from 30 to 31 August, 2018. Nepal is the current chair of BIMSTEC. The main focus of summit will be to increase connectivity between BIMSTEC nations including roads, airways and transmission lines. It will also give top priority connectivity and poverty alleviation. Bay of Bengal Initiatives for Multi-Sectoral, Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC): BIMSTEC is the sub-regional group of seven countries in South Asia and South East Asia lying in littoral and adjacent areas of Bay of Bengal constituting contiguous regional unity. It was established on 6 June 1997 through Bangkok Declaration. It is headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Member countries: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka from South Asia and Myanmar, Thailand from South East Asia. They are collectively home to around 1.5 billion people which constitute around 22% of global population. BIMESTC’s prime objectives: Technological and economic cooperation among south Asian and south East Asian countries along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. BIMSTEC is sector-driven cooperative organization, starting with six sector including trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism and fisheries. In 2008, it was expanded to embrace eight more sectors including agriculture, public health, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, environment, culture, people to people contact and climate change.

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