W.B.C.S Current Affairs 22 September 2018 to 28 September 2018

The Importance of Current Affairs in W.B.C.S examinations is immense.Success inW.B.C.S  Prelims and W.B.C.S Mains Exam is mainly subjected to how well an aspirant is aware of the important current affairs. Preparation of current affairs for W.B.C.S is the key to unlock the exam.1) The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is observed every year on 26 September across the world. The day aims to provide an occasion for world community to reaffirm its commitment to global nuclear disarmament as high priority. It also seeks to provide opportunity to educate public and their leaders about real benefits of eliminating such weapons, and the social and economic costs of perpetuating them. Background: The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons was proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting resolution 68/32 in December 2013 as follow-up to its high-level meeting on nuclear disarmament which was held on 26 September 2013, in New York, US. The day is aimed at enhancing public awareness and education about threat posed to humanity by nuclear weapons and the necessity for their total elimination. It is latest in series of efforts by UNGA to raise public awareness and seek deeper engagement on nuclear disarmament matters. In resolution 68/32, UNGA had called for urgent commencement of negotiations in Conference on Disarmament of comprehensive convention on nuclear weapons to prohibit their possession, development, production, acquisition, testing, stockpiling, transfer and use or threat of use, and to provide for their destruction. Note: UNGA also observe 29 August as the International Day against Nuclear Tests. It was proclaimed through resolution 64/35 adopted in 2009.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 22 September 2018 to 28 September 2018.

2) Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare launched online software for processing applications Agmark quality certification mark for agricultural products. It was launched by Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh. Agmark: Agmark is certification mark that assures conformity to set of standards approved by Government agency Directorate of Marketing and Inspection. It is legally enforced by Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act of 1937 (and ammended in 1986). The present AGMARK standards cover quality guidelines for 205 different commodities spanning variety of cereals, pulses, vegetable oils, essential oils, fruits & vegetables, and semi-processed products like vermicelli. The term agmark was coined by joining the words ‘Ag’ to mean agriculture and ‘mark’ for certification mark. This term was introduced originally in bill presented in Parliament for the Agricultural Produce (Grading and Marking) Act. Agmark online system: It is being implemented across the country to conduct quality control functions. It will be available 24×7. It will make process of application is simple, quick, transparent. Through this online system, certificate of authorisation (domestic), permission of laboratories (domestic), permission of printing press and services related to laboratory information management system will be provided online. The online system will make processes easy, reliable and cost effective. It also has provisions for online receipt of fees from the applicants as payments can be received in digital mode through bharatkosh.gov.in website. Directorate of Marketing and Inspection (DMI): DMI is an attached Office of Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare under Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. It was set up in 1935 to implement agricultural marketing policies and programmes for integrated development of marketing of agricultural and other allied produce in country with view to safeguard interests of farmers as well as the consumers. It maintains close liaison between Central and State Governments.

3) The Union Cabinet has approved conversion of Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) into government-owned company. Government will now own 100% of GSTN which is IT backbone to GST regime. Majority of Goods and Services Tax (GST) processes including registration, filing of returns, payment of taxes, processing of refunds is IT driven and mainly through GSTN. Background: Earlier in May 2018, GST Council, chaired by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and comprising state finance ministers had agreed to make GSTN a government company with Centre owning 50% stake and states together holding the remaining 50%. Over 1.1 crore businesses are registered on GSTN portal. With enhanced role of GSTN from just collecting taxes to data analytics, Government had felt that it should now be the majority owner in the IT backbone provider. Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN): GSTN was set up as not for profit, non-Government, private limited company in 2013. It was established primarily to provide IT infrastructure and services to Central and State Governments, tax payers and other stakeholders for implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST). Currently, Centre and states together hold 49% stake (24.5% each) in GSTN. The remaining 51% is owned by five private financial institutions- ICICI Bank, NSE, HDFC Ltd, HDFC Bank and LIC Housing Finance Ltd. Its revenue model after GST was rollout out consisted of User Charge to be paid by stakeholders who will use the system and making it self-sustaining organization.

4) Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved National Digital Communications Policy-2018 (NDCP 2018). It also has re-designated Telecom Commission as Digital Communications Commission. It replaces existing National Telecom Policy-2012 to cater to the modern needs of the digital communications sector of India. National Digital Communications Policy-2018 (NDCP 2018): It envisions supporting India’s transition to digitally empowered economy and society by fulfilling information and communications needs of citizens and enterprises. It strives to achieve this by establishing ubiquitous, resilient and affordable digital communications infrastructure and services. It is customer focused and application driven. It will help lead to new ideas and innovations after launch of advanced technology such as 5G, IOT, M2M, etc. which shall India’s govern telecom sector. Key Objectives: Broadband for all. Creating four million additional jobs in Digital Communications sector. Enhancing contribution of Digital Communications sector to 8% of India’s GDP from ~ 6% in 2017. Propelling India to Top 50 Nations in ICT Development Index of ITU from 134 in 2017. Enhancing India’s contribution to Global Value Chains and Ensuring Digital Sovereignty. These objectives are to be achieved by 2022. Features: NDCP 2018 aims to- Provide universal broadband connectivity at 50 Mbps to every citizen. Provide 1 Gbps connectivity to all Gram Panchayats by 2020 and 10 Gbps by 2022. Ensure internet connectivity to all uncovered areas. Attract investments of US $100 billion in Digital Communications Sector. Train 1 million manpower for building New Age Skill. Expand IoT ecosystem to 5 billion connected devices. Establish comprehensive data protection regime for digital communications that safeguards privacy, autonomy and choice of individuals Facilitate India’s effective participation in global digital economy; Enforce accountability through appropriate institutional mechanisms to assure citizens of safe and Secure digital communications infrastructure and services. Strategy: NDCP 2018 advocates- Establish National Digital Grid by creating National Fibre Authority. Establish Common Service Ducts and utility corridors in all new city and highway road projects. Create collaborative institutional mechanism between Centre, States and Local Bodies for Common Rights of Way, standardization of costs and timelines; Remove barriers to approvals. Facilitate development of Open Access Next Generation Networks. Background: As the present technological world has entered into era of modern technological advancements in Telecom Sector such as 5G, Internet of things (loT), Machine to machine (M2M) communication etc. So, need was being felt to introduce customer focused and application driven policy for Indian Telecom Sector. This policy main intention was to serve as main pillar of Digital India by addressing emerging opportunities for expanding not only availability of telecom services but also telecom based services. Accordingly, new National Digital Communications Policy – 2018 has been formulated.

5) Union Government has approved Rs 8,606 crore for 60 projects being implemented under umbrella scheme of Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM). The projects are being implemented in 111 border districts in 17 states having the international borders with Pakistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. It will help to meet special development needs of people living in those areas within 50 kms of the international border. India shares borders with Pakistan (3,323 km), China (3,488 km), Nepal (1,751 km), Bhutan (699 km), Myanmar (1,643 km) and Bangladesh (4,096 km). Border Infrastructure and Management (BIM) Scheme: The scheme include construction of roads, schools, primary health centres, promotion of rural tourism, border tourism, cleanliness mission, promotion of sports activities, supply of drinking water, protection of heritage sites, community centres, connectivity, drainage, to enable sustainable living in border areas. It also includes construction of helipads in remote and inaccessible hilly areas which do not have road connectivity, skill development training of farmers for use of modern and scientific technique in farming, organic farming are some of the other areas where the projects are being implemented.

6) Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully test fired indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) Astra from Su-30 figher aircraft. The missile was tested at Kalaikunda Air Force Station, West Bengal. During the test, missile successfully engaged manoeuvring target with high precision meeting mission objectives. Significance: The flight test assumes significance as it was part of the series of final pre-induction trials. In the series of trials held till date, Astra missile has been launched in complete Su-30 flight envelope. So far it has undergone more than 20 developmental trials. Astra Missile: Astra is air to air beyond visual range air-to-air indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is one of the smallest weapon system developed by DRDO, having length of 3.8-metre and weighing 154kg. It is single stage solid fuelled missile and has payload capacity of 15 kg conventional explosives. It can be launched from different altitudes and is capable of engaging targets at varying range and altitudes at both short-range targets (up to 20 km) in tail-chase mode and long-range targets (up to 80 km) in head-on mode. It is radar homing supersonic missile having maximum speed of Mach 4 (four times speed of sound). It possesses high Single Shot Kill Probability (SSKP) making it highly reliable. It is all-weather missile with active radar terminal guidance, excellent electronic counter-counter measure (ECCM) features, smokeless propulsion and process improved effectiveness in multi-target scenario. It has advance on-board electronic counter-measures that jam radar signals from enemy radar, making tracking of the missile difficult. It is fitted with terminal active radar-seeker and an updated mid-course internal guidance system that helps missile to locate and track targets. The missile can be integrated with all fighter aircraft of IAF including Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar and the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

7) The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will soon raise four more battalions, adding to existing 12. The four new battalions would be stationed in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and NCR Delhi. These battalions be modernised to meet international standards. NDRF also has proposed to have exclusive women contingents within battalions to take care of women during times of distress. National Disaster Response Reserve: NDRF has also provisioned revolving fund of Rs. 250 crore for NDRF to create National Disaster Response Reserve in all its battalions. The reserve will essentially have necessary relief material like readymade food, medicines, etc. to be distributed during distress in calamity-hit areas. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): NDRF is India’s elite disaster mitigation combat force established in 2006 under The Disaster Management Act, 2005. It is headquartered in New Delhi. It functions under Union Ministry of Home Affairs. It works under National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) which lays down policies, plans and guidelines for disaster management. The mandated of specialized force is to undertake special disaster response, relief, rescue operations and combat roles independently in the case of an event of any disaster (natural or man-made), accident or emergency. It also assists local authorities in launching a quick rescue and response operation to save life and property. At present there are 12 battalions in NDRF which are deployed strategically across country to provide immediate response.

8) Indian Navy has signed contract with Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) located in Visakhapatnam for construction of two Diving Support Vessels (DSV). These vessels will help to augment Indian Navy’s submarine support operations on either coast. Key Facts: The first DSV will be built over 36 month period and will be followed by second, six months later. These vessels will be based at Vishakhapatnam and Mumbai respectively. They will be of 118 m in length and shall have approximately 7,650 tonnes displacement capacity. These DSVs will be equipped with Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV), which significantly enhances its Submarine Rescue Capabilities. These vessels are capable of effecting submarine rescue upto depths of 650 meters. Need for DSVs: Indian Navy undertakes diving operations in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) in addition to operating submarines to secure our waters. This necessitates extensive diving operations to facilitate various activities such as submarine rescue, testing or salvage, under water inspection and recovery of objects/ship aircraft lost at sea. As these activities involve diving operations with divers remaining underwater for prolonged durations, it requires suitable platform for their launch and recovery, as well as for carriage of related tools and equipment. Thus, induction of DSVs equipped with DSRV, will go long way in enhancing Indian Navy’s capability and reach of submarine rescue operations in IOR.

9) The Union Finance Ministry has increased import duty on 19 ‘non-essential items’ high-end consumer items to curb import of certain imported items. This decision was taken in effort to stabilise depreciating rupee by narrowing current account deficit (CAD) and get outgoing foreign funds flowing back to India. Key Facts: CAD is difference between inflow and outflow of foreign exchange. It has widened to 2.4% of GDP in the April-June quarter. The 19 ‘non-essential items’ includes air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines and ATF (aviation turbine fuel). Total import bill on account of shipment of these items into country in last fiscal (2017-18) was Rs 86,000 crore. Background: Curbing non-essential imports was part of Central Government’s five-pronged steps to check widening CAD and capital outflows. Other steps included removal of withholding tax on Masala bonds, relaxation for Foreign portfolio investment (FPIs). Rupee has depreciated more than 12% so far this year on widening CAD and higher oil prices.

10) Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Arun Jaitley launched Financial Inclusion Index in New Delhi. It was launched after his Annual Performance Review Meeting with CEOs of Public Sector Banks (PSBs). Financial Inclusion Index (FII): The annual FII will be released by Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance. It will be measure of access and usage of basket of formal financial products and services that includes savings, remittances, credit, insurance and pension products. The index has three measurement dimensions (i) Access to financial services (ii) Usage of financial services and (3) Quality. It will serve as single composite index that will give snap shot of level of financial inclusion which will guide Macro Policy perspective. Significance of index: Its various components will help to measure financial services for use of internal policy making. It can be used directly as composite measure in development indicators. It will also enable to fulfil G20 Financial Inclusion Indicators requirements. It will also facilitate researchers to study the impact of financial inclusion and other macro-economic variables.

11) Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley launched portal www.psbloansin59minutes.com to enable micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to get in-principle approval of loans within hour without need for branch visit. The web portal will enable in principle approval for MSME loans up to Rs. 1 crore within 59 minutes from Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and 5 Public Sector Banks (PSBs). It also simplifies decision making process for loan officer as final output provides summary of credit, valuation and verification on a user-friendly dashboard in real time. PSB loans in 59 minutes Portal: The portal is strategic initiative of SIBDI led five PSB consortium incubated under aegis of Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance. It sets new benchmark in loan processing and reduces turnaround time from 20-25 days to 59 minutes. Subsequent to this in principle approval, the loan will be disbursed in 7-8 working days. The portal integrates advanced fintech to ensure seamless loan approval and management in MSME banking credit space. The loans under it are undertaken without human intervention till sanction and or disbursement stage. It has User Friendly Platform, which omits need for physical submission of any physical document for in-principle approval. It also uses sophisticated algorithms to read and analyse data points of MSME borrower from various sources such as IT returns, GST data, bank statements, MCA21 etc. in less than hour. It also captures applicant’s basic details using smart analytics from available documents.

12) Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences and Environment Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated air pollution control device WAYU (Wind Augmentation PurifYing Unit) for traffic junctions at ITO intersection and Mukarba Chowk in New Delhi. The device aims at tackling toxicity in air by sucking in particulate matter and release fresh air. WAYU (Wind Augmentation PurifYing Unit): It has been indigenously developed by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) as part of Technology Development Project being funded by Department of Science and Technology. Its prototype has capacity to purify air in area of 500 meter square. It consumes only half unit of electricity for 10 hours of running and has maintenance cost of only Rs. 1500 per month. Working: The device works on two principles mainly wind generation for dilution of air pollutants and active pollutants removal. It has filters for particulate matter (PM) removal and activated carbon (charcoal) and UV lamps for poisonous gases removal such as Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and Carbon Monoxide. It has one fan and filter for sucking and removing PM. It also has two UV lamps and half kg of activated carbon charcoal coated with special chemical Titanium Dioxide. Bigger version: CSIR-NEERI is in the process of developing bigger version of WAYU which can purify air in area of 10,000 meter square. It will also make designs of future WAYU devices better in aesthetics and can be deployed in bus shelters etc.

13) Northern states of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Union Territories of Delhi and Chandigarh have agreed to fix uniform tax rates on petroleum products, amid rising fuel prices. Besides, these states and UTs also have agreed to bring uniformity in taxes on liquor and registration of vehicles and transport permit. This decision will lead to increase in government revenue and at the same time curb black marketing. It will also help to curb diversion of trade. Key Facts: Decision in this regard was taken at meeting finance ministers of five states and officials of UT Chandigarh held in Chandigarh to deliberate on fixing uniform rate of taxes on petrol and diesel. The meeting was initiative of Haryana Finance and Excise and Taxation Minister Captain Abhimanyu. In this meeting it was decided to bring uniformity in VAT rates on petrol and diesel in order to provide relief to consumers. It was also decided to have uniform policy for state transport so that there should be no loss of revenue from registration and permit fees because of different tax rates. The participating states also decided to constitute a sub-committee, which would give their recommendation with regard to uniformity in tax rates in next fifteen days. Committee of officials has also been set up for excise and transport, which will send report to their respective state governments on the uniformity of rates.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 22 September 2018 to 28 September 2018.

14) Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved procurement of 1,000 engines of 1,000 BHP (brake horse power) for fitment in T-72 tanks of Indian Army. These engines will be procured under ‘Buy & Make’ category at an approximate cost of over Rs 2,300 crore. Most of these engines will be manufactured by Ordnance Factories Board (OFB). Their fitment will enhance mobility, agility and acceleration of T-72 tanks making them more versatile and effective in the battlefield. Defence Procurement Procedure(DPP)-16: DAC also approved several amendments to Defence Procurement Procedure(DPP)-16, the manual governing defence procurement. The amendments aim to reduce timelines in defence procurements and streamline Defence Procurement Procedures. The amendments limit time period for executing Repeat Order to five years after date of completion of warranty of final delivery in previous contract. It also extended repeat order provisions to procurements by other services like Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) and Border Roads Organisation (BRO). The amendments also include permissions to commence with benchmarking of cost for equipment immediately on receipt of trial report in Service headquarter, legislating provisions for exchange rate variations when pursuing procurement with ‘Option Clause’. It also includes providing clarity on guidelines for easing provisions for imposition of LD Clause in upgradation and alteration cases, automatic incorporation of applicability of latest legislation or changes or amendment of any act or law, rules or regulations. These measures will go long way in obviating under procedural delays. It will also hasten activities by shrinking procurement timelines and give due preference to indigenization.

15) India and Morocco have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in the field of defence and security. Decision in this regard was taken at meeting between Moroccan Defence Minister Abdeltif Loudyi and Defence Mnister Nirmala Sitaraman in South Block in New Delhi. This was first ever visit of Moroccan Defence Minister to India. Highlights of meeting: Both countries agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in field of defence and security. They identified fields of hydrography, peacekeeping, telemedicine, information technology and communications as well as counter Terrorism and counter insurgency as potential areas for bilateral engagement. They also discussed cooperation in defence industry including collaboration in ship building and manufacturing. Two MoUs signed: Both countries also singed two bilateral MoUs, (i) ‘Cooperation in the area of Cyber Security’ between Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT–IN) and Moroccan Computer Response Team (ma-CERT) and (ii) Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Outer Space’ between Indian SSRO and Moroccan Centre of Remote Sensing.

16) 25th September was observed as Antyodaya Diwas across the country to mark the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, a noted philosopher, historian and political activist. Antyodaya means uplifting of the weakest section of the society. Several activities including blood donation camps, seminar, symposia were organised on this occasion across the country. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (1916-68): He was well-known political personality and thoughtful philosopher. He was coordinator and famous leader of Jan Sangh, which is considered precursor to BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). He was critic of both capitalism and communism. He advocated his own brand of Integral Humanism which combined morality in politics and human centric approach to economics. He strongly supported swadeshi and small scale industrialization. He upheld nationalistic ideals and believed that blindly adhering to Western ideologies wouldn’t be suitable path for India. He founded Rashtra Dharma Prakashan publishing house in Lucknow and launched Rashtra Dharma, a monthly magazine, to advocate principles he held sacred. Later he launched weekly Panchjanya and daily Swadesh. He wrote drama Chandragupta Maurya in Hindi and later wrote a biography of Shankaracharya.

17) Andhra Pradesh has topped Ease of Living Index rankings under AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation). It was followed by Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. The three states were awarded best-performing states at National Dissemination Workshop on Ease of Living Index, 2018 held in New Delhi. AMRUT: It is an urban transformation scheme with the focus of the urban renewal projects to establish infrastructure that could ensure adequate robust sewerage networks and water supply. It aims at ensuring robust sewage networks, water supply and other infrastructure to improve the quality of life of people in urban areas. Ease of Living Index: The index was conceived by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in June 2017. It aims to help cities assess their liveability vis-a-vis global and national benchmarks and encourage them to move towards ‘outcome-based’ approach to urban planning and management. It was launched to rank 116 cities that are smart city contenders, capital cities and cities with population of 1 million plus based on the liveability parameters. The first edition of index released in January 2018 had ranked 111 Indian cities and was topped by Pune. It captures quality of life based on data collected from urban local bodies on four parameters, which were further broken down into 15 categories. It seeks to help cities undertake 360-degree assessment of their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The four parameters include institutional (governance), social (identity, education, health, security), economic ( economy, employment) and physical factors (waste water and solid waste management, pollution, housing/ inclusiveness, mixed land use, power and water supply, transport, public open spaces). Institutional and social parameters carry 25 points each, physical factors have weightage of 45 points and economic factors 5 points totalling to 100 mark scale on which cities were evaluated.

18) The 21st Central Zonal Council meeting was held in Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh. It was chaired by Union Home Minister r Rajnath Singh. It was attended by Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand while representative ministers of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh. Key Facts: The Council discussed various issues including road transport, Pradhanmantri Gramin Sadak Yojna, measures to tackle Naxal violence, modernization of Police, infrastructure development of airports, minimum support price, National health mission and issues related to primary schools. Total 22 issues were discussed out of which 17 were resolved and on three issue directions were given, rest 2 issues between the states will also be resolved very soon. Zonal Council: Zonal Councils were set up under States Reorganization Act, 1956 (thus, they are not constitutional bodies unlike Interstate Council, but are statutory bodies) to foster Inter-State co-operation and co-ordination among the States. The idea of zonal councils emerged during course of debate on report of States Re-organisation Commission 1956 (headed by Fazl Ali). Originally five councils were created as per States Reorganization Act 1956 as follows: Northern Zonal Council: Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, National Capital Territory of Delhi (UT) and Chandigarh (UT). Central Zonal Council: Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Eastern Zonal Council: Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal; Western Zonal Council: Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra and UTs of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. Southern Zonal Council: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry (UT). Zonal Councils provide common meeting ground for States to promote and facilitate coordinated efforts for fostering economic and social development. They serve regional fora of cooperative endeavour for States linked with each other geographically, economically and culturally. They are mandated to discuss and make recommendations on matters of common interest in field of economic and social planning, linguistic minorities, border disputes and inter-State transport etc. Composition of Zonal council: Union Home Minister is Chairman of Zonal Councils. Chief Ministers of States included in each zone act as Vice-Chairman of respective zone by rotation, each holding office for period of one year at time. Significance of zonal councils: They help to develop the habit of cooperative working among these States. It also facilitate to create healthy inter-State and Centre-State environment with view to solve inter-State problems and foster balanced socio economic development of respective zones. Special Note: The north eastern states are not included in these five zonal Councils. Their special problems are looked after by North Eastern Council, set up under North Eastern Council Act, 1972. It is also headed by Union Home Minister.

19) Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has joined SDG Media Compact aimed at advancing awareness of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is among more than 30 organisations from across the world that have come together to form global media compact. SDG Media Compact: SDG Media Compact is initiative of United Nations, in collaboration with UN Foundation. It is alliance of news and entertainment media and it is committing to work with United Nations to foster public discourse and spur action on SGDs. It seeks to inspire media and entertainment companies around the world to leverage their resources and creative talent to advance SDGs adopted by all world leaders at UN in 2015. It encompasses more than 100 media and entertainment outlets. It is inclusive and aims to embrace media companies from all regions and all platforms. Collectively, its founding members comprise of audience in billions spanning over 80 countries on four continents and many more companies are expected to join. Participating organizations in the Compact will have opportunity to create content partnerships with UN, whereby international organization will increase its efforts to source and share high-value media content and newsworthy opportunities relating to SDGs. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDGs are 17 global non-binding goals featuring 169 targets to be implemented from 2015 to 2030. These goals and targets are set of ambitious objectives across the three dimensions of sustainable development viz. economic development, social inclusion and environmental sustainability, underpinned by good governance.

20) Nepal become first country in the world to double its tiger population in a decade as part of World Wildlife Foundation’s (WWF) ‘Tx2’ programme which aims to double number of tigers in the world all over the world by 2022. There are now estimated 235 wild tigers in Nepal in comparison to an estimated 121 back in 2009. This trend is against global tend where number of tigers in many countries is witnessing a decline. Key Facts: The success of Nepal in doubling tiger numbers has been largely attributed to its political commitment and adoption of innovative tools and approaches towards tiger conservation. Nepal was the first country to achieve global standards in managing tiger conservation areas, an accreditation scheme governed by Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS). Tx2 programme: It was launched by World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) at the 2010 St Petersburg Tiger Summit held in Russia. Under it, 13 tiger range countries had agreed to double the world tiger population by 2022, which is the year of tiger in Chinese calendar. These 13 countries are Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam. It aims at driving political momentum to ensure tigers remain top priority for world leaders, professionalise wildlife protection by training rangers, developing conservation standards (CA|TS) and technology (SMART) to achieve zero poaching, tackle illegal wildlife trade through partnership with TRAFFIC, focus efforts in key tiger landscapes and ensure there is space for both tigers and people in future.

21) Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs had held two-day National Orientation workshop on National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal. On this occasion, new website of NeVA was also launched. National Orientation workshop on NeVA: The focus of the workshop was to encourage all State Legislatures to move towards e-Vidhan platform and bring in transparency, accountability and responsiveness in their conduct of business. It included technical sessions and group discussions. It facilitated exposure for delegates about positive attributes of NeVA, deliberations on issues faced by different State Legislatures in implementation of e-Vidhan and finding solutions thereof. It was attended by over 200 delelgates, including senior officers from Secretariats of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, 31 Legislative Assemblies and 7 Legislative Councils from across the country. National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA): NeVA is initiative of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. It aims to make all legislatures in the country paperless by making proceedings of houses digital. It also aims to provide information about functioning of House to common citizen at click of button. NeVA is member-centric, decentralised digital application that makes information available on digital platform about day to day functioning of legislative houses. It hosts secure page for each Member of House for submitting Questions and other Notices. It includes mobile applications (both on iOS and android platform) along with NeVA website which act as repository of data related to business of all Legislatures in the country in uniform manner. The user friendly app has made information on conduct of business in Legislatures accessible anytime, anywhere to everyone. It has been deployed in Cloud (Meghraj). Significance : NeVA serves as ‘One Nation, One Application’ by bringing uniformity of database for easy and effective engagement of citizens with Government. This will lead to efficient delivery of services and ensure reliability, efficiency, transparency and accountability of all the stakeholders. It will bring legislatures closer to citizens, thereby taking decisive step in achievement of substantive democracy. It can be used by Legislatures as well as all Government Departments.

22) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Sikkim’s first-ever airport at Pakyong. Prior to this airport, Sikkim was only state in India remaining without functional airport. Pakyong airport is India’s 100th functional airport and one of the country’s five highest airports. Pakyong airport: The airport is spread over 201 acres and was constructed by Airports Authority of India (AAI). It is located on top of hill about two km above Pakyong village at 4,500 feet above sea level. It was carved from mountain side using massive geo technical ‘cut and fill’ engineering works. It is located around 60 km from Indo-China border and around 30km away from Gangtok, capital city of Sikkim. It has 1.75 km long runway. It has capacity to handle 50 in-bound and as many out-bound passengers flights. Initially, this airport will cater only to domestic flights, but later provide international flight services connecting Sikkim with other countries (especially neighbouring) like Paro (Bhutan), Kathmandu (Nepal) and Dhaka (Bangladesh). Significance: Operationalization of Pakyong airport will give huge big boost to connectivity and tourism to north-eastern state of Sikkim. It will cut down air travelling time to Sikkim by almost 5 hours because, earlier, nearest airport for connecting Sikkim was at Bagdogra in West Bengal. It will be major booster for Sikkim’s tourism sector, as it will help to improve air connectivity and save travel time for the tourists. Its location also makes it strategically relevant from the country’s security point of view. Indian Air Force (IAF) can use this airport for landing and taking off of its aircrafts during critical situations.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 22 September 2018 to 28 September 2018.

23) Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. It is promoted by Union Ministry of Tourism. The ICI building was designed by National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC). Indian Culinary Institute (ICI): The main objective of ICI is to institutionalize mechanism to support efforts intended to preserve, document, promote and disseminate Indian Cuisine. It also seeks to meet sectoral requirement of specialists specific to Indian Cuisine and promote cuisine as niche tourism product. It will be centre of excellence that will offer structured regular programmes of study specific to culinary arts and culinary management. It will also promote research and innovation, organize demand driven certificate and diploma courses. It will also document and create data base specific to Indian cuisine and commission studies and survey on cuisine. It will also provide appropriate training platform at par with elite “Chef Schools” functioning in different parts of developed world. Background: At present In India, there is no formal education specific to Indian cuisine, culinary art. Besides, there was no regular credible institutional source at apex level for supply of cuisine specialists to sector. There was also no institutional mechanism to document and disseminate knowedge related to cuisine and gastronomy. There is also dearth of state-of-the-art training ground to groom top-of-the-line chefs of international standards. ICI will help to remove all these bottlenecks.

24) Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated two coastal tourism circuit projects in Andhra Pradesh taken up under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. These projects are aimed at boosting beach and coastal tourism by leveraging bountiful coastlines along the state. Two coastal tourism projects are: First coastal circuit: It includes beautification of Nellore tank and Pulicat Lake, facelift to Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary, construction of restaurant and development of Kotha Koduru, Ubbala Madugu, Mypadu, Rama Theertham, and Isukapalli project. Second coastal circuit: It is aimed at developing Kakinada port, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Hope Island, construction of cottages and wooden huts at Aduru, Passarlapudi and S Yanam and development of Kotipalli project. Swadesh Darshan scheme: It was launched by Union Tourism Ministry with objective to develop theme-based tourist circuits in the country. These tourist circuits will be developed on principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner. Under this scheme, 13 thematic circuits have been identified for development. They are Buddhist Circuit, North-East India Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit. It is 100% centrally funded scheme for project components undertaken for public funding. It also has provision for leveraging voluntary funding under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of Central Public Sector Undertakings and corporate sector. The funding of projects under this scheme varies from state to state. It is finalised on basis of detailed project reports prepared by Programme Management Consultant (PMC) which is national level consultant for implementing the scheme. So far, Tourism Ministry has sanctioned 74 projects worth Rs. 5997.47 crore to 31 states and Union Territories under this scheme.

25) Social networking giant Facebook has selected three Indian women among five global leaders for $1 million award as part of its Community Leadership Programme. They are Adhunika Prakash, Chetana Misra and Tamanna Dhamija. They were awarded $50,000 in fellowship each. The three are among 115 people selected by Facebook into its programme as community leaders in residence, fellows and youth participant to work for community resilience or issues, civic engagement health and wellness parenting education. Key Facts: Adhunika Prakash: She had founded non-profit Breastfeeding Support for Indian Moms in Pune. It is a peer-to-peer support group primarily for breastfeeding parents. The group has more than 80,000 people from across the country. Chetana Misra: She had founded Mompreneurs India. It is community of like-minded women, allowing them to network, share knowledge and contacts and benefit from partnerships to start business and take it online. Tamanna Dhamija: She had created Baby Destination. It helps mothers exchange information and support one another. Global Community Leaders Programme: It was launched by Facebook in February 2018. It is designed to enable extraordinary leaders advance their initiatives and build stronger communities through social networking giant’s family of apps and services. The selected participants will spend time at Facebook’s headquarters in Menlo Park (California), and work with team to help develop their community initiatives.

26) Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched ambitious Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), under Ayushman Bharat umbrella at Ranchi, Jharkhand. The scheme aims to provide annual health insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh to 10.74 crore beneficiary families i.e. over 50 crore beneficiaries across India. It is touted as world’s largest healthcare scheme that will serve beneficiary population that equals 27-28 European countries and almost equal to population of Canada, Mexico and US put together. The scheme will become operational from September 25, 2018 i.e. on birth anniversary of Deendayal Upadhyay. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): PMJAY is government-sponsored health insurance scheme, that will provide free coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family per year in any government or empanelled private hospitals all over India. It will cover beneficiaries families identified on the basis of Socio Economic Caste Survey (SECC) 2011 in 444 districts of 30 states/Union Territories. Note: Telangana, Odisha, Kerala, Punjab and Delhi (UT) are the states which have still not signed MoUs for joining this schemes. National Health Agency (NHA) is the apex body for implementing this scheme. States will be required to form State Health Agency (SHA) to implement scheme and at the district level also structure for its implementation will be set up. Around 13000 hospitals both public and private in the country have been coordinated for implementation of the scheme. PMJAY will be funded with 60% contribution from Centre and remaining from the states. NITI Aayog will be working as partner for this scheme for operationalizing robust, modular and interoperable IT platform which will involve a paperless and cashless transaction. Key Features of PMJAY: PMJAY is entitlement based scheme with entitlement decided on basis of deprivation criteria in the SECC database. There will be no cap on family size and age under this scheme. The benefit cover under it also includes pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. It also takes into consideration all pre-existing medical conditions. It will provide reimbursement for bed charges and drugs and diagnostics two days before, during and 15 days after hospitalisation. Beneficiary will be also paid transport allowance for hospitalisation defined under it. The payment for treatment will be done on package rate which will be defined by Government in advance basis. The package rates will include all costs associated with treatment. States and UTs have flexibility to modify these rates within limited bandwidth. PMJAY allows national portability i.e. resident of any part of country is entitled for free hospitalization at empaneled hospital anywhere in the country. It will strengthen healthcare services in India by targeting poor and vulnerable population of the country. The scheme allows beneficiary to take cashless benefits from any public or private empanelled hospitals across the country. ID documentation required for verifying beneficiary under this scheme may be Aadhaar card or election ID card or ration card. Aadhaar is not mandatory. Beneficiaries will QR codes having letters for verification through scanning.

27) India successfully conducted interceptor missile test off the Odisha coast at night. With this, Defence Research and Development Organization achieved major milestone in developing indigenous two-layer Ballistic Missile Defence system. About test: PDV interceptor missile was launched from Abdul Kalam Island (earlier known as Wheeler Island) of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) off Odisha coast. Its mission was aimed at test-firing of interceptor missile of coast of Odisha to intercept an incoming ballistic missile off the Bay of Bengal. During the test, both PDV interceptor and target missile were successfully engaged in automated operation. In this operation mode, the radar-based detection and tracking system of missile system detected and tracked target ballistic missile. The computer network with help of data received from radars predicted trajectory of incoming ballistic missile. Based on this inputs PVD was fired for an interception and destroyed the incoming missile target with high accuracy. Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) missile: Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) missile has been developed by indigenously by DRDO. It is two-stage missile and both stages are powered by solid propellants. It is intended to replace the existing Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) in PAD/Advanced Air Defence (AAD) combination. It is designed for engaging targets in exo-atmosphere region at altitude 50 km of earth’s atmosphere. It is guided by high-accuracy Inertial Navigation System (INS) supported by Redundant Micro Navigation System for estimating point of interception. Once missile crossed atmosphere, its heat shield ejected and IR Seeker dome is opened to look at target location as designated by mission computer. With help of Inertial Guidance and IR seeker, missile moves for interception. The missile is also fitted with Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker, developed by DRDO, to distinguish between incoming warheads and decoys.

28) Scientists for first time have successfully grown oesophageal organoids, a miniature, functional versions of human food pipe using pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) in laboratory. This bioengineered oesophageal organoids paves way for new ways to study and test drugs against gut disorders. It may also lead to personalised diagnostic methods and focused in part on developing regenerative tissue therapies to treat or cure GI disorders. It will help to study birth defects like esophageal atresia, organoids, eosinophilic esophagitis and Barrett’s metaplasia. Moreover bioengineer genetically matched esophageal tissue can be also transplanted in individual patients. Oesophagus: It is long muscular tube part of digestive system that connects mouth to stomach to actively pass food. It is also called as gastro-intestinal tract (GI tract or gullet or food pipe). It is around 25cm long in adults. After food is swallowed walls of oesophagus squeeze together (contract) and moves food down to the stomach. The area where oesophagus joins stomach is called gastro-oesophageal junction. Oesophagus has four layers: Mucosa – inner layer, which is moist to help food pass smoothly into stomach. Submucosa –Contains glands that produce mucus (phlegm), which keeps oesophagus moist. Muscularis – It is muscle layer, which pushes food down to stomach. Adventitia – It is outer layer, which attaches oesophagus to nearby parts of body. Oesophagus can be affected by congenital diseases, such as oesophageal atresia, a medical condition causing narrowing or malformation of oesophagus due to genetic mutations. Other diseases related to it includes oesophageal cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or rare ailment called achalasia, a disease affecting muscles of lower oesophagus that prevents contraction of organ and passage of food. Stem cell: Stem cell is undifferentiated cell of multicellular organism which is capable of giving rise to indefinitely more cells (through mitosis) of same type and from which certain other kinds of cell may be formed by the cellular differentiation. There are two types of stem cells widely used. Embryonic stem cells: They come from human embryos that are three to five days old. They are harvested during process called in-vitro fertilization. They are known as pluripotent stem cells. These cells can give rise to virtually any other type of cell in the body. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): They can differentiate into all types of specialized cells in body. They can potentially produce new cells for any organ or tissue.

29) Assamese movie ‘Village Rockstars’ was selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars 2019 (91st Academy Awards) under Foreign Language Film category. It was selected by 12-member jury of Film Federation of India (FII), led by Kannada producer-director SV Rajendra Singh Babu from 29 other films. Village Rockstars: The film is written, edited, co-produced, and directed by Rima Das, who is a self-taught filmmaker. It has been set in Das’ own village Kalardiya in Chaygao district of Assam. Its story revolves around 10-year-old girl, Dhunu (played by child actor Bhanita Das), who dreams to form her own rock band and goes in search of electric guitar in her village. The film was made over period of four years, and was shot on hand-held camera and shoe-string budget in rural Assam. Its casts include non-professional actors, sourced mostly from Kalardiya village. It had its world premiere at Toronto International Film Festival and India premiere at Mumbai Film Festival 2018. It had won Best Feature Film ‘Swarna Kamal’ award at 65th National Film Awards. It also has won awards in three other categories: Best Child Artist, Best Location Sound Recordist and Best Editing. Note: Norway has officially chose Bollywood actor Adil Hussain starrer What Will People Say as its entry to Oscars in Foreign language film category. Hussain is from Goalpara district in Assam. The 91st Academy Awards is scheduled to be held in February 2019.

30) India and Nepal during the 5th meeting of Boundary Working Group (BWG) held in Kathmandu have agreed to explore possibility of using high resolution satellite images in boundary survey work. BWG is joint body constituted by India and Nepal in 2014 to conduct works in fields of construction, restoration and repair of boundary pillars, including clearance of no-man’s land and other technical task. Key Facts: In 5th meeting of BWG, Both countries also have agreed to continue mapping of no-man’s land encroachment and cross-border occupation. They also agreed to maintain status quo in cultivation of disputed land until an agreement is reached between two governments. Both countries also reviewed the outcome of 4th BWG meet held in Dehradun, Uttarkahand (India) and ensured that guidelines issued earlier have been properly followed. They also agreed to finalise work schedule for remaining field seasons. India, Nepal border: India and Nepal share 1,758 kilometres long border (fourth longest after Bangladesh, China, Pakistan). Five Indian states share land border viz. Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim. It is open border, allowing nationals of both countries may move freely across border without passports or visas and may live and work in either country. It is guarded by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

31) President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated centenary celebrations of Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha on 22 September 2018 in New Delhi. DBHPS is an autonomous body functioning under the grant from Union Government. Dakshina Bharat Hindi Prachar Sabha (DBHPS): DBHPS is national organisation that aims to improve Hindi literacy among non-Hindi speaking people of South India. It is headquartered in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Union Government had recognised it as one of the Institutes of National Importance in 1964. It is divided into four divisions one each for south states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. History: DBHPS was established by Annie Besant with support from Mahatma Gandhi in 1918 with sole aim of prorogating Hindi in South India to unite the northern and southern states of the country in greatest interest of integration of the nation. Gandhiji was founder president of DBHPS till his death.

32) International Day of Sign Languages is celebrated annually across the world on 23 September every year along with International Week of the Deaf. This day aims to raise awareness of the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf. This year it was first International Day of Sign Languages. Its theme was “With Sign Language, Everyone is Included!”. Background: International Day of Sign Languages was proposed by World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), a federation of 135 national associations of deaf people, representing around 70 million deaf people’s human rights worldwide. Later, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) instituted this day by adopting resolution A/RES/72/161 in December 2017. The choice of 23 September commemorates date of establishment of WFD in 1951. International Week of the Deaf was first celebrated in September 1958. According to WFD, there are approximately 72 million deaf people worldwide. More than 80% of them live in developing countries. Collectively, they use more than 300 different sign languages.

33) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated new airport in Jharsuguda – also known as the powerhouse of Odisha. PM also flagged off the UDAN flight on Jharsuguda-Raipur sector. It is first airport in Odisha to provide necessary connectivity to Bhubaneswar, Raipur and Ranchi under Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN (UdeDesh Ka AamNaagrik) Scheme. Other than Jharsuguda, three more airports are being developed in Odisha namely, Jeypore (Koraput District), Rourkela (Sundargarh District) and Utkela (Kalahandi District) to provide connectivity to remote and far flung areas of coastal state under Regional Connectivity Scheme. Jharsuguda Airport: Jharsuguda is the second airport of Odisha after Bhubaneswar to become operational. It has been developed by Airports Authority of India (AAI) in collaboration with Odisha Government. The airport is spread across over 1027.5 acres of land. Area of its terminal Building is around 4000 sqm. The airport has 2390 metre-long runway and has been developed for all weather operations including night operations for A-320 type of aircraft. It is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger facilities. Interiors of its building depict local handicrafts, artwork and tourist destinations of state highlighting rich ethos and culture of region. The airport will play significant role in development of Western Odisha and will give impetus to the growing tourism industry in the region. UDAN is flagship scheme of Central Government introduced to enable air operations on unserved routes, connecting regional areas, to promote balanced regional growth and to make flying affordable for masses.

34) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has shortlisted five IT firms for implementation of Centralised Information and Management System (CIMS) for seamless data collection and validations. These five IT firms are Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Capgemini Technology Services India, IBM India and Larsen & Toubro Infotech. These five firms were selected based on expression of interest (EOI) notified by RBI in July 2018 for identification of solution provider for implementation of CIMS by overhauling its Data Warehouse (DW). Centralised Information and Management System (CIMS): RBI has proposed CIMS comprising of DW and Data Lake (DL) to harness power of big data analytics. CMIS will include seamless data collection from regulated entities by creating system-to-system interface, system driven data validation and data review, flexible and scalable data repository and providing data dissemination platform. It will also include centralised analytics platform to facilitate creation of RBI Data Sciences Lab. Background: RBI in April 2018 had announced to gainfully harness power of big data analytics by setting up data sciences lab that will comprise experts and budding analysts, internal as well as lateral trained in computer science, data analytics, statistics, economics, econometrics and finance. In pursuance of this goal, it had issued EOI in July 2018 for implementation of CIMS. One of functional requirements for CIMS enshrined in EOI was to establish system-to-system interface for automated element based data collection from about 130 banks/entities.

35) Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched commencement of work for India’s first Coal-gasification based fertilizer plant with pet coke blending will come up in Talcher, Odisha. The coal gasification based fertilizer plant is being developed by Talcher Fertilizers Limited (TFL). TFL is joint venture company of GAIL (India) Limited (GAIL-29.67% stake), Coal India Limited (CIL-29.67% stake), Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited (RCFL-29.67% stake) and Fertilizer Corporation of India Limited (FCIL-10.99% stake). Key Facts: The plant will be built at an estimated investment of Rs. 13,000 crore and is targeted to be commissioned by 2022. On completion, this plant will have capacity of producing 1.27 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) of Neem coated prilled urea using coal and petcoke as feedstock. Neem coated urea reduces leaching of nitrogen into soil and checks diversion of urea from agriculture uses. For this plant, TFL has been allotted captive coal mine in Talcher region to ensure steady supply of the feedstock for maintaining continuous operations of the plant. It will produce 2.38 million metric standard cubic meter per day (MMSCMD) natural gas equivalent syngas from coal, leading to reduction in import bill of liquefied natural gas (LNG) by more than Rs 1,620 crore per annum. Significance of Coal-gasification based fertilizer plant: It will use gas produced from coal, thus reducing dependence on urea and gas imports. It will promote alternative use of domestic coal in environment friendly manner, thereby supporting India’s commitments under CoP 21 Paris Agreement 2016. Pollutants like Carbon Dioxide (CO2) produced by this plant will be recycled for production of Urea and other by – products. Further, ash produced by it will be converted to inert slag which is non–hazardous.Continue Reading W.B.C.S Current Affairs 22 September 2018 to 28 September 2018.

36) Tamil Nadu government has announced Scheme for protection of exotic Neela kurinji (Strobilanthus kunthianus) plants that flower only once in 12 years. This scheme comes following complaints that these rare and ecologically unique flowers are being packaged and sold on the commercial basis. Neelakurinji plant: Neelakurinji is a tropical plant species. It is native to Shola forests in Western Ghats. It is also seen in Shevroys Hills in Eastern Ghats, Anamalai hills and Agali hills in Kerala and Sanduru hills in Karnataka. It grows at height of 30 to 60 cm on hills slopes at an altitude of 1300 to 2400 meters where there is no tree forest. The flowers of Neelakurinji are purple-blue in colour and blooms once in 12 years. The flower has no smell or any medicinal value. It is because of these flowers, Nilgiri hills in southern tip of Western Ghats are called blue mountains. It is rarest of rare plant species that grows in Western Ghats and does not grow in any other part of the world. It has been categorized as endangered species. In ancient Tamil literature, kurinji flowers symbolize love. Paliyan tribal people living in Tamil Nadu use this flower bloom as reference to calculate their age.

37) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is setting up third launch pad at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh to undertake Gaganyaan manned space flight programme. ISRO currently has two launch pads which are already full. Third launch pad is being set up for the human space flight. It will be ready in time for the mission. In addition, ISRO is scouting for location on western sea coast near Gujarat to set up another launch pad for Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV). Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLV): ISRO is developing SSLV to offer affordable launch options for smaller satellites through ANTRIX, the space agency’s commercial arm. The SSLV is expected to reduce launch time as well as cost less to launch small satellites, which are much in demand. ISRO currently piggybacks smaller satellites on Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle abbreviated (GSLV) along with bigger satellites. Gaganyaan Mission: It will be India’s first manned space mission. Under it, India is planning to send three humans (Gaganyatris) into space i.e. in low earth orbit (LEO) by 2022 i.e. by 75th Independence Day for period of five to seven days. The mission was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his 72nd Independence Day speech. Under this mission, crew of three astronauts will conduct experiments on microgravity in space. The crew will be selected jointly by Indian Air Force (IAF) and ISRO after which they will undergo training for two-three years. India will be fourth nation in the world after USA, Russia and China to launch human spaceflight mission. Objectives of Gaganyaan Mission: Enhance of science and technology levels in the country, serve as national project involving several institutes, academia and industry, improve of industrial growth, inspire youth, develop technology for social benefits and improve international collaboration. ISRO’s preparation: ISRO already has begun work on manned mission in 2004. It already has validated many of the critical technologies required for human spaceflight through various tests such as Space Capsule Recovery Experiment, Crew Module Atmospheric Re-Entry Experiment and Pad Abort Test. ISRO will use its GSLV Mk-III launch vehicle which can carry heavier payload of Gaganyaan. This launch vehicle will take off from new launch pad of ISRO.

38) National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) and London Stock Exchange (LSE) have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on creating dual listing route for masala bonds and foreign currency bonds of Indian issuers. Through approval of single listing document, issuer can obtain dual listing on LSE’s International Securities Market and NSE’s GIFT City. It will serve as potential precursor of further joint listings in future that could see foreign currency bonds in India also being able to list in London. Masala bonds: Masala bonds are rupee-denominated bonds through which Indian entities can raise money from foreign markets in rupee and not in foreign currency. Basically, it is debt instruments used by corporates to raise money from foreign investors in local currency. The issuance of rupee denominated bonds transfers risk associated with currency fluctuations to investors and not to the issuers. This is especially during depreciation of domestic currency and when borrowing is in foreign currency as company has to pay more while repaying its debt, or while servicing interest on such borrowings if the rupee weakened. From the issuer’s perspective, masala bonds provides cheaper borrowings compared to raising funds in India besides helps in diversifying its sources of fund-raising. Besides, it also helps in internationalization of the rupee and in expansion of Indian bond markets. Its issuance in long term can help to check slide of rupee and also reduce current account deficit over time. Significance of dual listing of masala bonds: It will extend access to wider base of global investors as well as domestic and regional investors registered on NSE’s International Exchange and NSE IFSC Limited in Gujarat International Finance Tech City. It will also enhance visibility, increase liquidity in secondary marketsand enhance efficiency of price discovery for masala bond issuers. It will also reduce cost of raising capital for all issuers and encourage participation of wider variety of issuers in masala bond market.

39) India’s first indigenously developed 500-megawatt (mw) Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu is expected to achieve criticality in 2019. It was stated by Sekhar Basu, Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy at 62th General Conference of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria. The indigenously developed PFBR is now undergoing sodium commissioning. Criticality of Nuclear Reactor: It is event of nuclear reactor reaching self-sustained chain reaction. This means that no external source of neutrons is required to sustain fission in reactor core. It is precondition of producing useful amounts of energy from the reactor. Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR): PFBR has been designed indigenously by Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR). It is pool-type reactor with 1,750 tonnes of sodium as coolant. It is designed to generate 500 MWe of electrical power, with operational life of 40 years. It generates power by burning mixed uranium-plutonium MOX fuel, a mixture of PuO2 and UO2. PFBR at Kalpakkam was earlier expected to be commissioned in 2012, but has missed several deadlines. PFBR design is build on decades of experience gained from operating lower power Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR). It comes under second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear power programme. Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam (Bhavini), a public sector company under DAE, has been given the responsibility to build these reactors. India is planning to build 21 such reactors by 2030.

40) World Bank board has approved ambitious five-year Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for India that is in line with Government of India’s objectives of high, sustainable and inclusive growth. The framework is aimed at supporting India’s transition to higher middle-income country by addressing some of its key development priorities resource efficient and inclusive growth, job creation and building human capital. The CPF was preceded by systematic country diagnostic (SCD) that offered narrative about India’s progress. Need: India is well-positioned to become a high middle-income country by 2030 as it has posted incredible growth and development over last several decades. India’s fast-growing economy, global stature and unique experience of lifting highest number of poor out of poverty in past decades has helped it to enter economic transformation from low-middle income to high-middle income country. CPF for India: CPF will be mainly based on three elements viz Government of India’s development priorities, World Bank’s Systematic Country Diagnostic (SCD) for India, which presents its analysis of key challenges faced by India and lastly, World Bank’s comparative advantage and value proposition to support India CFP will address key themes including addressing climate change in support of India’s national determined contributions on climate change, gender gap focusing on women’s economic empowerment and impact of technology changes for bringing about economic transformation in India. CPF also incorporates lessons learned from last five years of implementation of Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) FY13-17 which includes scarcity and inefficiency of resources: land, water and air, disparities and divergence in the creation of jobs and inclusion across locations and uneven state capability. Significance: The framework recognizes that India has gone from low-income country status to low-middle income and now India is entering economic transformation from low-middle income to high-middle income (country). It is expected to bring financial support worth US $25-30 billion from World Bank’s sister agencies such International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). What is World Bank’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF)? It is central tool of management and board for reviewing and guiding WBG’s country programs and gauging their effectiveness. It identifies key objectives and development results through which WBG intends to support member country in its efforts to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity in sustainable manner. It takes into consideration member country’s vision of its development goals, which are laid out in poverty focused national development strategy. The WBG and member country at first draw upon Systematic Country Diagnostic (SCD) to develop CPF objectives together. Then CPF outlines selective and flexible program that will help member country achieve CPF objectives.

41) Fitch Ratings in its Global Economic Outlook has revised up India’s growth forecast for current fiscal year (2018-19) to 7.8% from 7.4% projected earlier. However it has flagged tightening of financial conditions, weak bank balance sheets and rising oil bill as headwinds to growth. Key Highlights: Growth Projections: Fitch’s upward revision in growth forecast comes in backdrop of GDP expanding 8.2% in the April-June period, higher than its expectation of 7.7%. This robust performance was partly attributable to a powerful base effect, with GDP growth dampened in 2Q17 (April-June) by companies de-stocking ahead of rollout of goods and services tax (GST). It has however cut growth forecasts for FY 2019-2020 and FY 2020-2021 growth by 0.2 percentage points to 7.3%. Inflation Forecast: It is also picking up to upper part of Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) target band (4%, plus-minus 2%) within forecast horizon on relatively high demand-pull pressures and rupee depreciation. Rupee: It has been worst-performing major Asian currency so far this year. Despite RBI’s greater tolerance for currency depreciation, interest rates have been raised to higher levels, more than anticipated. Fiscal policy: It should remain quite supportive of growth in run-up to elections likely to be held in early 2019. The investment to GDP ratio has stopped trending down, helped by ramped-up public infrastructure outlays, in particular by state-owned enterprises (SOEs). Fitch Ratings: It is one of Big Three credit rating agencies in the world, the other two being Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. Fitch Ratings is smallest of the “big three”. It is headquartered in New York (US) and completely owned by Hearst Corporation. Credit rating agency is company that assigns credit ratings, which rate debtor’s ability to pay back debt by making timely interest payments and likelihood of default.

42) The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed Anil Kumar Chaudhary as new Chairman of Steel Authority of India Ltd. He will in office till his superannuation in December, 2020. He will succeed P K Singh, who had retired from the post in June 2018. Prior to this appointment, he was serving as Director (Finance) at SAIL. Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL): SAIL is one of the largest state-owned steel in India and one of the top steel makers in world. It is India’s largest steel making company (annual production capacity of 14.38 million metric tons) and 24th largest steel producer in the world. It was founded in 1954 and incorporated in 1973. Its headquarters are in New Delhi. It operates and owns five integrated steel plants at Bhilai, Durgapur, Rourkela, Bokaro and Burnpur and 3 special steel plants at Salem, Durgapur and Bhadravathi.

43) India has contributed $1 million to United Nations (UN) Headquarters’ Solar Project, under which solar panels will be installed on roof of world body’s headquarters at New York, US. This contribution makes India first responder to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call for climate action. The contribution will help reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainable energy. Background: In June 2018, during session on World Environment Day (observed on 5 June), India had intended to partner with UN Secretariat to use renewable solar energy at UN premises. It had expressed hope that by next World Environment Day, solar energy will be part of energy mix used in UN Headquartered building.

Our own publications are available at our webstore (click here).

For Guidance of WBCS (Exe.) Etc. Preliminary , Main Exam and Interview, Study Mat, Mock Test, Guided by WBCS Gr A Officers , Online and Classroom, Call 9674493673, or mail us at – mailus@wbcsmadeeasy.in
Visit our you tube channel WBCSMadeEasy™ You tube Channel
Please subscribe here to get all future updates on this post/page/category/website