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 WBCS Current Affairs 06 January 2018 to 12 January 2018.

1) The Union Cabinet has approved number of amendments to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy. The purpose of amendments is to simplify and liberalise FDI policy in India to provide ease of doing business in country. The liberalized policy will lead to larger FDI inflows contributing to growth of investment, employment and income. Key amendments approved: 100% FDI for Single Brand Retail Trading (SBRT) under automatic route. 100% FDI under automatic route in Construction Development. Foreign airlines allowed investing up to 49% in Air India under government approval route. FIIs/FPIs allowed investing in Power Exchanges through primary market. Definition of ‘medical devices’ amended in FDI Policy. FDI policy on SBRT: The existing policy FDI policy on SBRT allows 49% FDI under automatic route, and beyond 49% up to 100% is allowed through government approval route. The amendment now permits 100% FDI for SBRT under automatic route. It also permits SBRT entity to set off its incremental sourcing of goods from India for global operations during initial 5 years against mandatory sourcing requirement of 30% of purchases from India. Incremental sourcing means increase in terms of value of such global sourcing from India for that single brand (in Indian Rupees term) particular financial year over preceding financial year. After completion of 5 year period, SBRT entity shall be required to meet 30% sourcing norms directly towards its India’s operation on annual basis. Construction Development: The amendment clarifies that real-estate broking service does not come under real estate business. Therefore, it is eligible for 100% FDI under automatic route. FDI in Civil Aviation: Foreign airlines are allowed to invest capital in Indian companies operating scheduled and non-scheduled air transport services, up to the limit of 49% of their paid-up capital under government approval route. However, this provision was not applicable to Air India, implying that foreign airlines could not invest in Air India. The amendment does away with this restriction and allows foreign airlines to invest up to 49% under approval route in Air India. Power Exchanges: The present FDI policy allows 49% FDI in Power Exchanges registered under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Power Market) Regulations, 2010 under automatic route. However, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) purchases were restricted to secondary market only. The amendment now allows FIIs/FPIs to invest in Power Exchanges through primary market as well. Medical devices: The approved FDI Policy changes definition of ‘medical devices’. Earlier FDI policy on pharmaceuticals sector provided definition of medical device as contained in FDI Policy will be subject to amendment in Drugs and Cosmetics Act. As Now the reference to Drugs and Cosmetics Act from FDI policy will be dropped.2) The Union Cabinet has decided to fix three-year term of chairperson and the members of the board of the National Trust, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, In this regard, it has approved proposal to amend National Trust for Welfare of Person with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act (NTA), 1999. Key Facts: At present, Section 4 (1) of NTA, 1999 provides that chairperson or member of board of National Trust will continue in office beyond prescribed term of 3 years until his successor is appointed by government. In case of resignation of chairperson, section 5(1) of act provides for him to continue in office until his successor is appointed by government. The wording of above provisions of NT Act in its present form has resulted in continuation of chairman for indefinite period as no suitable successor could be found eligible for appointment. The proposed amendments to National Trust Act will avoid such situation and thus eliminate any chance of prolonged continuation in the same post by any incumbent. National Trust: It is a statutory body under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Its mandate is to discharge two basic duties – legal and welfare. It fundamental purpose, is to create enabling environment, i.e. provide opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) through comprehensive support systems which will lead towards development of an inclusive society. Objectives of National Trust: Enable and empower PWD to live as independently and fully as possible within and close to their community as possible. Facilitate realisation of equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation of persons with disability. Extend support to its registered organisations to provide need based services. Evolve procedures for appointments of guardians and trustees for persons with disabilities.

3) India has missed December 2017 deadline announced for elimination of Kala Azar (black fever) in 2017-18 Budget by the Union Government. Elimination in this case is defined as reducing annual incidence of disease to less than 1 case per 10,000 people at the sub-district level. Endemic blocks: In recent times endemic blocks have increased from 61 to 68 in 17 districts of Bihar and Jharkhand. The active case findings rather than actual increase in disease are main reason for increase in number of endemic blocks. Moreover, little-known skin condition called Post Kala Azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL) — a red flag for transmission of Kala Azar—also has been growing steadily over the past few years. Reasons for missing deadline: For elimination of Kala Azar, its vector needs to be eliminated first. But it is very difficult to eliminate vector as it dwells in wooden structure and escapes various measures to kill it. The majority of houses in endemic blocks are made from wood. Hence, to stop infection transmission, pucca houses need to be built. Kala Azar: Kala-azar or visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as black fever and Dumdum fever is most severe form of leishmaniasis. It is slow progressing indigenous disease caused by single-celled parasite of Leishmania family. It belongs to Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) family of diseases which affect poorest populations. Its infection is transmitted by sand fly (Leishmania donovani), a blood-sucking pest, which is one-third size of mosquitoes and found in moist (humid) mud and sand and in close proximity to livestock. It signs and symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and substantial swelling of liver and spleen. It is treatable and requires a medical diagnosis. If untreated, kala-azar can kill within two years of onset of ailment. It is second-largest parasitic killer in world after Malaria. It is endemic to Indian subcontinent in 119 districts in four countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal). India accounts for half the global burden of Kala-azar disease.

4) The 2018 Global Economics Prospect (GEP) released by the World Bank has projected India’s growth rate to 7.3% in 2018 and 7.5 for the next two years i.e. 2019 and 2020. According to report, India, despite initial setbacks from demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax (GST), is estimated to have grown at 6.7% in 2017, higher than 6.5% estimated by Government. Key Highlights of 2018 GEP: India has enormous growth potential compared to other emerging economies with implementation of comprehensive reforms. In all likelihood, India is going to register higher growth rate than other major emerging market economies in next decade. China grew at 6.8% in 2017, 0.1% more than that of India, while in 2018, its growth rate is projected at 6.4%. In next two years, China’s growth rate will drop marginally to 6.3 and 6.2%, respectively. In comparison with China, which is slowing, India growth will gradually accelerate. To materialise its potential, India needed to take steps to boost investment prospects. On productivity side, India has enormous potential with respect to secondary education completion rate. India is also undertaking measures in terms of non- performing loans and productivity. India’s prospects will further improve with improved labour market reforms, education and health reforms as well as relaxing investment bottleneck. India has favourable demographic profile which is rarely seen in other economies. In this, improving female labour force participation rate is going to be important. Global Economic Prospects. GEP is World Bank Group’s flagship report that examines global economic developments and prospects with special focus on developing and emerging market economies. It is issued twice a year in January and June. The January edition includes in-depth analyses of topical policy challenges while June edition contains shorter analytical pieces.

5) The sub-committee of Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE) looking into issues of girl’s education has recommended free and compulsory education for girls up to post-graduate level across the country. The sub-committee is likely to submit an interim report to Union Human Resource Development Ministry during CABE meeting on January 15, 2018. Background: The meeting of sub-committee was held in Hyderabad, Telangana and was chaired by Kadiam Srihari, Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister of Telangana. It was attended by Education Ministers of Telangana, Jharkhand and Assam and Special Human Resources Development (HRD) Department Special Secretary Rinarayi, Member Secretary Meenakshi Garg and other officials. Key Outcomes of meeting: The sub-committee of CABE will also recommended establishing of exclusive residential degree colleges for SC/ST women besides provision of providing health and hygiene kits to girls. The committee also wants schools to maintain academic atmosphere, besides providing basic amenities like toilets, maintenance, running water, safety measures and power supply and also appoint a counsellor for adolescent girls. Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE): CABE is the policy making advisory body of the HRB Ministry. The committee has representatives of central organisation, universities, state and bodies including planning commission, NGOs and civic society. The CABE committee headed by HRD Minister is generally made for three years.

6) The Committee of Governors submitted its report ‘Rajyapal –VikasKeRajdoot: Catalytic Role of Governors as Agents for Change in Society’ to President Ram NathKovind at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Committee was constituted by President during 48th Conference of Governors in October 2017 to examine role of Governors in taking forward the developmental process. It comprises ESL Narasimhan (Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), BanwarilalPurohit, (Governor of Tamil Nadu), Ram Naik (Governor of Uttar Pradesh), Tathagata Roy (Governor of Tripura) and Acharya Devvrat (Governor of Himachal Pradesh). Report Highlights: Committee of Governors in its report has described an action-outcome framework to be adopted by Raj Bhavans in their role as change agents and lists out potential priorities. It also emphasizes identifying priority areas along with activities that can help realise objectives of SarvShrest Bharat (paramount India). It suggests that Governors can play mentoring role in overall implementation of developmental schemes in their states.

7) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has commissioned Charlie-435, a state-of-the-art patrol vessel at Karaikal in the Union Territory of Puducherry. It was commissioned by Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy. With commissioning of Charlie-435, the Coast Guard station at Karaikal now has five vessels. Charlie-435: The patrol vessel ‘Charlie-435’ is equipped with modern navigation and communication system. The vessel will strengthen coastal security between Chennai and Kanyakumari in the Eastern Coastal region. It will be also of great help in rescuing fishermen who go adrift in sea due to bad weather.

8) On January 10, 2018, the Corps of Army Air Defence celebrated its 25th raising day. Corps of Army Air Defence is one of the active corps of Indian army tasked with protection of Indian air spaces from enemy aircrafts and missiles, specially below 5000 feet. Key Facts: The Corps of Army Air Defence was first raised during British era in 1939 and it took active participation in the Second World War. However, since January 10, 1994, it is exercising autonomous status. Since then, it has grown in stature and proved its mettle in almost all major conflicts. The crest of Corps of Army Air Defence portrays a missile in silver tint, with radar antennae in gold colour fixed on the either side. Its motto “आकाशे शत्रुन् जहि ” (Kill The Enemy in Sky) has been imprinted on its crest and flag. The current Director General of Corps of Army Air Defence is Lt. Gen. A K Sahgal. The personnel of Air Defence Corps are trained at Army Air Defence College (AADC) at Gopalpur cantonment, Odisha.

9) The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed rocket scientist K. Sivan as next Secretary of the Department of Space and Chairman of Space Commission and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He will succeed A.S. Kiran Kumar and will have term of three years. K. Sivan: He is a graduate in aeronautical engineering from Institute of Technology (Madras), ME from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. He had earned doctorate in aerospace engineering from IIT Bombay. He had joined ISRO in 1982 in then young PSLV project and has been project director of the GSLV rocket. Currently he is Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and was appointed in June 2015. He also had played key role in developing indigenous Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) MK II and was part of team that ideated on Swadeshi space shuttle (a reusable launch vehicle). It was Mr Sivan’s expertise that gave ISRO the ability to send 104 satellites in a single mission, setting a world record in February last year. He was the key person who worked on the technicalities of how the satellites would be placed in orbit. It was his expertise that gave ISRO ability to send 104 satellites in single mission and sett world record in February 2017. He was key person who worked on technicalities of how the satellites would be placed in orbit.

10) The Union Cabinet approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Canada for cooperation in field of Science & Technology. The MoU was concluded by Department of Science and Technology (DST) with Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada. Salient features: The MoU will provide mechanism and help to foster scientific cooperation between Research & Development (R&D) and academic institutions of India and Canada. Under it, an innovative model of R&D cooperation between India and Canada will be implemented. Under this MoU, India-Canada Centre for Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnership to Accelerate Community Transformation and Sustainability (IC-IMPACTS) programme will be supported to promote multidisciplinary research partnerships between both countries. The R&D projects will be aimed at accelerating social transformation by providing solutions through application of S&T. The participants will include researchers from scientific organizations, academia and R&D laboratories from India and Canada. Identified areas of mutual cooperation under the MoU include safe and sustainable infrastructure and integrated water management. This will help to develop institutional networking and support establishment of connections between scientific organizations, scientists and specialists of both countries.

11) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval to continuation of Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) till term of 14th Finance Commission i.e. 2020. The continuation of scheme will entail annual allocation of Rs.3,950 crore and total outlay of Rs. 11,850 crores over next 3 years. MPLAD Scheme: The MPLAD Scheme is Central Sector Scheme launched in 1993-94. It enables Members of Parliament (both elected and nominated) to recommend works for creation of durable community assets based on locally felt needs to be taken up in their constituencies in area of national priorities like drinking water, education, public health, sanitation, roads etc. The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MSPI) is nodal ministry to coordinate work under scheme. The scheme is governed by set of guidelines (last revised in June, 2016). Under this scheme, the funds are released in the form of grants in-aid directly to the district authorities on receipt of requisite documents and as per these guidelines. The funds released under the scheme are non-lapsable i.e. if the fund for particular work is not spent in that year, it will be carried forward to the subsequent years, subject to eligibility. The annual entitlement under the scheme per MP at present is Rs 5 crore. Role of MPs for the projects is only recommendatory i.e. they can only recommend their choice of works to concerned district authorities who implement these works by following the established procedures of the concerned state government. Impact: Since its inception of the scheme, a total number of 18,82,180 works for Rs. 44,929.17 crore have been sanctioned till August, 2017 from MPLADS fund. It has resulted into creation of various durable community assets which have impacted the social, cultural and economic life of the local communities in one way or the other.

12) Gujarat has topped among 22 states in the Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) index released by Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry. It was released by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Suresh Prabhu after the third meeting of the Council for Trade Development and Promotion in New Delhi. Rankings in LEADS index Punjab has acquired second position followed by Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Among the Union Territories, Daman & Diu occupied top slot followed by NCT Delhi and Chandigarh. As regards the hilly states, Tripura was on top followed by Mizoram and Meghalaya. LEADS index: The LEADs index is a composite indicator to assess international trade logistics across States/UTs based on stakeholders’ survey conducted by Deloitte for Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is calculated based on eight parameters such as infrastructure, services, timeliness, track and trace, competitiveness of pricing, safety of cargo, operating environment and regulatory process. LEADS is loosely based on World Bank’s biannual Logistics Performance Index (LPI) on which India was ranked 35 among 160 countries in 2016, up from 54 in 2014. It aims to serve as an indicator of efficiency of logistical services necessary for promoting exports in particular and economic growth in general.

13) The third meeting of Council of Trade Development and Promotion (CTDP) was held in New Delhi. It was chaired by Union Minister for Commerce & Industry Suresh Prabhu and was attended by CM of Goa, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, ministers from 11 states, senior state government officials and industry bodies. The objective of the meeting was to enhance the Centre’s cooperation with the states and union territories in making the latter active partners in boosting India’s exports. Council for Trade Development and Promotion (CTDP): CTDP was constituted in July, 2015 to ensure a continuous dialogue with State Governments/UTs on measures for providing International trade enabling environment in States. The council was constituted to promote India’s overseas shipments. It acts as platform to develop partnership with states with aim to boost international trade. It also seeks to create a framework for making states active partners in boosting India’s exports. Composition: The Union Commerce and Industry Minister is Chairperson of CTDP. Ministers’ in-charge of Trade and Commerce in State Governments/UTs are its members. Besides 14 secretaries of central government, including commerce, revenue, shipping, civil aviation, agriculture, food processing and economic affairs are also its members. Mandate of CTDP: Provide platform to State Governments/UTs for articulating their perspectives on trade policy. Help State Governments/UTs develop and pursue export strategies in line with national Foreign Trade Policy. Provide platform for deliberation on need for infrastructure relevant for promoting trade and for identification of impediments and infrastructure gaps which adversely affect India’s export. Provide platform to Union Government for apprising State Governments/UTs about international development affecting India’s trade potential and opportunities and prepare them to deal with evolving situation. Facilitate mechanism for discussion on operationalization of trade infrastructure.

14) The Supreme Court has ruled that playing national anthem before screening movies in cinema halls is optional and not mandatory. The ruling modifies apex court’s earlier November 2016 order that made the playing of national anthem in cinemas mandatory. SC Ruling: The apex court has accepted Union Government’s affidavit that said 12-member inter-ministerial committee has been set up to suggest changes in Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971. It also asked committee to take a comprehensive decision on what changes are required in the law and itss executive orders related to national anthem. It held that the inter-ministerial committee will now take a final call on the matter. Inter-Ministerial Committee on National Anthem in Cinema Halls: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had constituted inter-ministerial committee to frame guidelines on playing national anthem in cinemas and other public places. It is headed by BR Sharma, Additional Secretary (Border Management) under Union Ministry of Home Affairs and has representatives from various ministries. The committee is mandated to frame guidelines describing circumstances and occasion on which national anthem is to be played or sung. It will recommend observance of proper decorum when national anthem is played or sung. It will submit its report within six months. Background: In November 2016, SC had ordered all cinemas to play the National Anthem before screening a film for the love of the motherland. The MHA’s decision to constitute the committee came after another bench of SC in October 2017 had observed that people “cannot be forced to carry patriotism on their sleeves. It stated that apex court cannot assume that a person is “less patriotic” if he or she does not stand up for the national anthem.

15) Scientists from Duke University in North Carolina, US for first time have developed working human skeletal muscle from stem cells in the laboratory. Stem cells: Stem cells are undifferentiated biological cells that can differentiate into specialized cells and can divide to produce more stem cells. They are found in multicellular organisms. In mammals, there are two broad types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells can be isolated from the inner cell mass of blastocysts and adult stem cells are found in various tissues which can act as a repair system for the body, replenishing adult tissues. Key Facts: Scientists had developed human skeletal muscle using adult skin or blood cells that were reprogrammed into a juvenile, versatile state. These cells were induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) which can become any other type of human cell like naturally-occurring stem cells found in embryos. In this case, the iPSCs were coaxed into becoming skeletal muscle cells. The breakthrough was made possible by unique cell culture conditions in lab and special 3-D scaffold which allowed cells to grow much faster and longer. The tissue contracted and reacted to external stimuli such as electrical pulses or chemical signals. It was also implanted into adult mice, where it survived and functioned for at least three weeks. Significance: The development is breakthrough that holds promise for sufferers of degenerative muscular diseases. This technique will allow scientists to grow endless amount of functioning muscle in lab to test to test drugs and gene treatments for degenerative diseases.

16) The first-ever Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentary Conference was held in the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK) in New Delhi on the occasion of Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD). It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The conference was way of reaching out to Indian community overseas by Central government. Key Facts: The PIO Parliamentary Conference was organised by Ministry of External Affairs to forge stronger ties with PIO. 124 Members of Parliament (MP) and 17 mayors from 23 countries including UK, USA, South Africa, Canada, Fiji, Kenya, Mauritius, New Zealand, Sri Lanka among others participated in this conference. The biggest delegation was frim Guyana with 20 members of parliament and three mayors. The US delegation will be represented by only two mayors as the Senate is in session. The event had two Thematic Plenary Sessions – ‘PIO Parliamentarians: A Journey from Struggle to Parliament’ and ‘Resurgent India: Role of PIO Parliamentarians’. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO): A person is deemed to be Indian origin if he/she is foreign citizen (other than of Pakistan or Bangladesh) and had held an Indian passport any time. He may be either person whose parents or grandparents were citizens of India by virtue of the Constitution of India or the Citizenship Act, 1955. He may be also person who is spouse of an Indian citizen or of PIO (other than of Pakistan or Bangladesh).

17) The Supreme Court has stayed Karnataka High Court order reducing size of pictorial warnings on packages of tobacco products to 40% of the package space from earlier 85%. The apex court took decision saying that health of citizen has primacy and emphasised on importance of public health and harmful effects of tobacco products. Background: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2014 had amended Cigarette and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labelling) Rules prescribing mandatory 85% statutory warnings space on both sides of tobacco packaging telling consumers that cigarette smoking and tobacco chewing were harmful to health. These rules were framed under Cigarette and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, 2003. Karnataka High Court judgment: In December 2017, Karnataka High Court judgment had quashed MoHFW rules that mandated pictorial health warnings to cover 85% of tobacco product packaging space, holding that they violated Constitutional norms. However, it made it clear that 40% pictorial health warning rule, which existed prior to amendment rules, will remain in force. It had held that rules framed by MoHW in 2014 was violation of the Article 77 (Conduct of Business of Government of India) and Transaction of Business (ToB) rules framed under it as subject of tobacco control and legislation was not attached to one department or Ministry. Moreover, these rules are also contrary to Article 19(1)(g) (right to practise any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or business).

18) The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated every year on January 9 to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community in the development of India. This year’s PBD celebrated ASEAN-Indian partnership and was themed Ancient Route, New Journey: Diaspora in the Dynamic ASEAN INDIA Partnership. This year marks 25 years of ASEAN-Indian Partnership which is based on centuries-old cultural, religious and human links, forged on an ancient route of commerce. The PBD was held in Singapore on 6 and 7th January 2017– which is considered as India’s gateway to the East and also is the heart of ASEAN. The event aimed at generating outcomes that deepen diaspora’s relations with India and play a key role in promoting closer ties between India and ASEAN. Background: The day celebrated every year since 2003. It was chosen to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915. This event marks the importance of arrival of India’s greatest Pravasi who led India’s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever. Observance of the day provides platform to overseas Indian community to engage with government and people of land of their ancestors for mutually beneficial activities.

19) The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is going to roll out National Programme for Control of Viral Hepatitis , a new scheme free treatment of Hepatitis C from the 2018-19 financial year. Under the new scheme, the focus will be on anti-viral treatment of Hepatitis C which will be provided free at all government health set-ups. For this government has embarked budget of Rs 600 crore for the next three years. Key Facts: The Health Ministry is looking at screening vulnerable groups, including drug users and people who underwent surgeries/ blood transfusion before 2002, when the screening protocol was not robust. Moreover it is in informal talks with Indian companies which manufacture Sofosbuvir on behalf of American pharma giant Gilead, to negotiate the price for a national programme. Sofosbuvir is recommended under the new WHO treatment guidelines for Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is infectious disease caused by blood-borne virus hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver. Significant number of people infected with Hepatitis C develop cirrhosis of liver or liver cancer, which are responsible for 3,99,000 Hepatitis C deaths annually across the world. About 1.2 crore people in India are reported to be suffering from Hepatitis C— six times the number of HIV/AIDS patients. Hepatitis C can spread through use of injectable drugs, unsafe health care, unsafe injection practises and transfusion of unscreened blood and blood products. However, unlike Hepatitis B, it is not sexually transmitted. There is no known vaccine for Hepatitis C.

20) The Union Defence Ministry has sanctioned raising of Territorial Army (TA) battalion comprising ex-servicemen of Indian Army as part of its mission to clean the Ganga by 2020. It has been named as Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF) battalion of TA for National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), the nodal agency for cleaning Ganga. Key Facts: The CETF battalion will be raised in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh as a pilot project. For this government has allocated Rs 167 crore under NMCG. The battalion will work on book debit system with funding provided from budget of Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. The CETF TA battalion will be commanded by Colonel-rank officer. It will have 8 officers, 20 JCOs and around 500 other ranks on its roll. For the task, it will only enroll ex-servicemen, who will be embodied under TA rules. Functions of CETF TA: It will be responsible for monitoring ecological and environmental projects related to Ganga River, and also raise public awareness through campaigns. It will also patrol sensitive river areas for the protection of biodiversity, keep a tab on the river pollution levels, plant trees and check soil erosion. It will also assist government in enforcing pollution control measures, support local civil administration and police in managing the ghats, and provide support and assistance if and when there is flood or natural disaster in region. Background: Territorial Army which comes under Defence Ministry is considered a second line of defence after the regular Army. So far 9 Ecological Task Force (ETF) battalions of TA have been raised to execute specific environment-related projects. The proposal for raising CETF TA battalion had emanated from Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare in Defence Ministry, which took up case in 2014 for cleaning Ganga. The proposal was vetted and approved by Defence ministry and was forwarded to NMCG. After an approval from NMCG in 2017, the Defence Ministry concurred and issued a Government Sanction Letter in December 2017.

21) The Union Government has announced completion of first phase of BharatNet project after successfully laying optical fibre cables (OFC) in more than 1 lakh gram panchayats. As of December 2017, 2,54,895 km of OFC has were laid covering 1,09,926 GPs out of which 1,01,370 GPs have been made service ready. The second phase of the project was initiated in November 2017 for connecting the remaining 1.5 lakh gram panchayats. Government is expecting to preempt second phase’s original target of March 2019 by concluding it ahead of schedule by December 2018. BharatNet project: BharatNet project forms backbone for Digital India initiative. It aims to bring high speed broadband to all 2.5 lakh gram panchayats (GPs) through optical fibre. The project was approved by Union Cabinet in 2011 as National Optical Fibre Netwok. The objective flagship project is to provide affordable broadband services in rural and remote areas in partnership with states and the private sector. It being is implemented by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL). It is world’s largest rural broadband connectivity programme using Optical fibre. Bharat Net seeks to connect all of India’s households, particularly rural areas, through demand, affordable high-speed broadband connectivity of 2 Mbps to 20 Mbps to realise the vision of Digital India. The project is being funded by Universal service Obligation Fund (USOF). On completion, the project is expected to catalyse digital delivery of services for rural poor in crucial areas like health, education, livelihood, skills, e-agriculture and e-commerce. Moreover, it will generate massive employment opportunities, both direct and indirect in the country. The digital infrastructure.

22) Saudi Arabia has approved India’s plan to revive the option of ferrying Haj pilgrims via sea route to Jeddah. In this regard, both countries have signed bilateral annual Haj 2018 agreement. The agreement was signed by Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Haj and Umrah Minister of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammad Saleh bin TaherBenten at Makkah. Key Facts: The practice of ferrying Haj pilgrims between Mumbai and Jeddah by waterways was stopped in 1995. Sending pilgrims through through sea route will help cut down travel expenses significantly. It will be a revolutionary, pro-poor, pilgrim-friendly decision. Moreover, ships now available are more modern and well-equipped to ferry 4000 to 5000 persons at time. They can cover 2300-odd nautical miles one-side distance between Mumbai and Jeddah within just 3-4 days. Earlier, old ships used to take 12 to 15 days. India and Saudi Arabia share ideals of global peace, progress and prosperity. Haj pilgrimage is one of strongest pillars of India-Saudi Arabia ties. Till now, around 3 lakh 59 thousand application have been received for Haj 2018. Recently, Union Government for first time had notified that Indian Muslim Women can now go to Haj without male companion (Mehram). Separate accommodation and transport facilities will be arranged for these women pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and women Haj assistant will be deployed for them.

23) The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has notified the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017. The Amendment Act amended some provisions of Companies Act, 2013. Few provisions in the Amendment Act have important bearing on the working of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016. They will come into force on date as Government notify in Official Gazette. It aims to help in simplifying procedures, make compliance easy and take stringent action against defaulting companies. Key Facts: Issuance of shares at a discount: It was prohibited by Section 53 of the Act. The Amendment Act allows companies to issue shares at discount to its creditors when its debt is converted into shares in pursuance of any statutory resolution plan such as resolution plan under IBC or debt restructuring scheme. Payment of managerial remuneration in excess: It was required for company in general meeting for payment of managerial remuneration in excess of 11% of net profits as per Section 197 of parent Act. The Amendment Act now requires company which has defaulted in payment of dues, prior approval of bank or public financial institution concerned or non-convertible debenture holders or other secured creditor. For such payment of managerial remuneration shall be obtained by company before obtaining approval in general meeting. Prohibition of registered valuer from undertaking valuation of any assets: Section 247 of Companies Act, 2013 them of any assets in which they have direct or indirect interest or becomes so interested at any time during or after valuation of assets. The Amendment Act now prohibits registered valuer to be appointment as valuer or three years after valuation of assets was conducted by him.

24) California-based Private spaceflight company SpaceX has launched secret Zuma Mission for US government. It was launched on board of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, US. Zuma Mission: It is a secret mission in its nature or purpose and the agency behind it remains a mystery. It has been manufactured by Northrup Grumman, Virginia-based aerospace and defence company. It was delivered to low-Earth orbit (LEO). SpaceX: SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corporation) is aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company headquartered in California, US. It was founded in 2002 by Internet tycoon Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors and former PayPal entrepreneur with the goal of creating the technologies to reduce space transportation costs and enable colonization of Mars. SpaceX has developed the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles, both designed to be reusable, thus reducing the cost of lauch. It also has developed Dragon spacecraft to supply cargo to ISS. It is also developing manned version of Dragon. In 2008, SpaceX had created history by launching first privately funded, liquid-propellant rocket Falcon 1 to reach orbit in 2008. It also became first privately funded company to successfully launch, orbit and recover spacecraft (Dragon) in 2010. It was also first private company to send a spacecraft to ISS, in 2012.

25) Haryana become first state in the country to launch High-Risk Pregnancy (HRP) portal. It has been launched as part of the High Risk Pregnancy Policy of state implemented since November 2017. The policy aims at identifying 100% name-based high-risk pregnancy cases and ensuring their delivery by specialists at civil hospitals. Key Facts: The portal will help in early identification of high-risk pregnant cases up to grass-roots level and ensures their timely referral to civil hospitals for further management and delivery by specialists. It will help in increasing pace of decline in Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR), Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) and Still Birth Incidence as morbidity and mortality is quite high in high risk pregnant cases if not managed timely. It will track every high risk pregnant woman till 42 days after delivery, so that she receives adequate treatment during the ante-natal period for healthy outcome of pregnancy. State Government has issued instructions to all civil surgeons for 100% entry of high risk pregnant cases in HRP Portal and their management at Civil Hospitals by specialists.

26) India’s fastest and first multi-petaflops (PF) supercomputer named Pratyush was unveiled at Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). The supercomputer has been named as ‘Pratyush’ meaning Sun. It will help India with better forecasts in terms of monsoon, extreme events, cyclones, tsunamis, earthquakes, air quality, lightning, fishing, hot and cold waves, flood and drought among others. Key Facts: Supercomputer Pratyush will be national facility for improving weather and climate forecasts and services under umbrella of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Pratyush has 6.8 PF computational power installed at two MoES Institutes. 4.0 Peta Flops HPC facility at IITM, Pune and 2.8 Peta Flops facility at NCMRWF, Noida. (PF is a measure of a computer’s processing speed). Pratyush is fourth fastest supercomputer in world dedicated for weather and climate research. It follows supercomputing machines in Japan, US and United Kingdom. It will improve rankings of Indian supercomputer from 300s to 30s in Top500 list, a respected international tracker of the world’s fastest supercomputers. The key function of the High Performance Computing (HPC) facility will be monsoon forecasting using dynamical model which requires simulating weather for given month and letting custom-built model calculate impact of actual weather over coming months. It will enable to map regions in India at resolution of 3 km and globe at 12 km.

27) Mankidia tribe in Odisha as denied habitat rights inside core area of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Odisha under historic Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. State Forest Department had objected their habitat rights on grounds that tribals could be attacked by wild animals, especially tigers. Mankidia is one of the 13 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) and is a marginalised group that critically depends on making rope with siali fibre that’s richly available in Similipal. Habitat rights: ‘Habitat’ under Section 2(h) of the FRA (Forest Rights Act) is defined as area comprising customary habitat and such other habitats in reserved forests and protected forests of primitive tribal groups and pre-agricultural communities and other forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes. Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs): PVTGs are more vulnerable among the tribal groups. In 1975, Central Government had initiated initiative to identify the most vulnerable tribal groups as a separate category called PVTGs and declared 52 such groups. In 1993, additional 23 groups were added to category, making it total of 75 PVTGs out of 705 Scheduled Tribes, spread over 17 states and 1 UT in the country (2011 census). Among 75 listed PVTG’s the highest number are found in Odisha (13), followed by Andhra Pradesh (12). They are identified by Union Government according to procedure in which state governments or UT governments submit proposals to Union Ministry of Tribal Welfare for identification of PVTGs. After ensuring the criteria is fulfilled, the Tribal Ministry Ministry selects those groups as PVTGs. Simlipal National park: Simlipal National Park is national park and a tiger reserve in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. It is part of Similipal-Kuldiha-Hadgarh Elephant Reserve popularly known as Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve. Simlipal National Park derives its name from the abundance of semul (red silk cotton trees) that bloom here. It was the second largest national park in India. Its reserve is part of UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 2009. The park has protected area of 845.70 square kilometres and has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani. It is home to 99 royal Bengal tigers and 432 wild elephants. Besides it is famous for gaurs (Indian bison), chausingha as well as an orchidarium.

28) China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is planning to issue its first US dollar-denominated bond with minimum worth of $1 billion by June 2018. The earliest issuance window of bond will be toward end of first half of 2018 with time required for certain procedures, including Board of Governors’ approval of AIIB’s 2017 financial statements as well as borrowing and swap documentation. Key Facts: The minimum size of the issuance will be one billion dollars, but as demand for the first bond issue may increase AIIB anticipates of having to issue a larger size. The maturity of the bond will be between three and five years depending on investor demand at the time. he bank plans to cap its total borrowing volume at US $3 billion dollars in 2018. The AIIB has received three top-notch ratings from global credit rating agencies S&P Global Ratings, Moody’s and Fitch in recognition of the bank’s strong capital base and stable outlook. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB): AIIB is a multilateral development bank initiated by China. Its purpose is to provide finance to infrastructure development and regional connectivity projects in the Asia-Pacific region. Its goals are to boost economic development in Asia-Pacific region, provide infrastructure, and promote regional cooperation and partnership. It prioritises investment in energy, power generation, transport, rural infrastructure, environmental protection and logistics in Asia. It was officially established in December 2015 and opened for business in January 2016. It is headquartered in Beijing. It has an authorised capital of US $100 billion. So far it has 84 members including India. China is the largest shareholder of AIIB with 26.06% voting shares. India is the second largest shareholder with 7.5% followed by Russia 5.93% and Germany with 4.5%.

29) The Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) has proposed rolling out of e-Sansad in Parliament and e-Vidhan in State Legislatures to digitize and make their functioning paperless. It was announced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar after inaugurating 18th All India Whips’ Conference in Udaipur, Rajasthan. e-Sansad and e-Vidhan: They are mission mode projects of Union Government under Digital India to make the functioning of Parliament and State Legislatures paperless. They aim to digitise and make available Parliament and state legislature documents, including debates, speeches, committee reports and questions on internet. MoPA is the Nodal Ministry for implementation of both the projects. These projects will make functioning of Parliament and State Legislatures participative, responsive, transparent, productive and more accountable to public. They will make the entire Legislative process more efficient. They are environment-friendly initiatives in line with the Go Green initiative of the government. 18th All India Whips’ Conference: The two-day conference was organised by Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) focused on the efficient functioning of legislatures. Delegates participating in made suggestions and recommendations for making the rolling out of e-Vidhan a success. It also made other recommendations for smooth and efficient working of Parliament and the state legislatures in the light of the experience gained by the whips. Whip: A whip is a member of political party’s parliamentary body responsible for discipline within the party. Their main job is ensuring that their members in Parliament and legislature vote in line with the party’s official policy on important issues. The office of whip is neither mentioned in constitution of India nor in the Rules of the House nor in the Parliamentary Statue. It is based on conventions of parliamentary government.

30) The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has announced to relax norms around levy of minimum alternate tax (MAT) for insolvent companies from financial year 2017-18. The purpose of the move is to make the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 more effective and minimise hardship faced by companies going in for insolvency resolution. Minimum alternate tax (MAT): Its aim is to bring Zero Tax Companies” into tax realm who do not pay any tax. It is ruled by provisions enclosed in section 115JB of Income Tax Act, 1961. MAT is valid to all companies comprising foreign companies. As per meaning of MAT, tax obligation of company will be higher if income tax of company calculated as per normal provision of income tax and tax calculated at 18.5% on book profit plus surcharge and cess as applicable. Key Facts: This exemption facility will be available only for companies against whom application for corporate insolvency resolution process has been admitted by the adjudicating authority. An amendment to this effect will be made in section 115 JB of the Income Tax Act. According to existing provisions for purposes of levy of MAT company, amount of loss brought forward or unabsorbed depreciation, whichever is less as per books of account shall be reduced from book profit. The relation of norms will allow company to reduce amount of total loss brought forward including unabsorbed depreciation from the book profit for the purposes of levy of MAR. Background: This decision was taken based on suggestions of various stakeholders suggesting hardship faced by companies against whom application for corporate insolvency resolution process was admitted by Adjudicating Authority due to restriction in allowance of brought forward loss for computation of book profit. The Indian Banks Association (IBA) also had sought removal of MAT for new investors apprehending depressed bids.

31) The three-day annual Flamingo Festival was held at Pulicat lake and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary in Sullurpet mandal. Flamingo Festival is held every year to promote tourism in Pulicat and Nellapattu. Key Facts: Flamingo Festival is being organised for the past 12 years. Migratory birds from Siberia have visit this place during winter season for breeding. Somewhere between 9,000 to 12,000 migratory birds arrive at Pulicat region for breeding this season. Usually around 80 different avian species migrate to Pulicat for breeding. They hunt in shallow waters of lake and breed there. Once the breeding season concludes, they fly away to their native land with their offspring in tow. Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary: Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is one of the biggest habitats for some hundreds of pelicans and other birds. It is located about 20 km north of the Pulicat Lake on the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border. This sanctuary spread in an area about 459 hectares and plays important role in nesting of various birds especially migratory birds. Every year during winter season from October to March, different species of migratory birds, roosting migrants and some rare and endangered species from various parts of the world visit the habitat. Pulicat lake: Pulicat Lake is the second largest brackish water lake or lagoon in India after Chilika Lake. It is located on border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with over 96% of it in Andhra Pradesh and 4% in Tamil Nadu situated on Coromandal Coast in South India. The lake encompasses Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary. The barrier island of Sriharikota separates the lake from the Bay of Bengal and is home to Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Arani and Kalangi are two rivers which feed the lagoon. The Buckingham Canal, a navigation channel, is part of the lagoon on its western side.

32) Legendary astronaut of NASA John Young, who walked on the moon and later commanded the first space shuttle flight passed away in Houston, US. He was 87. He was NASA’s only astronaut to go into space as part of Gemini, Apollo and space shuttle program, and the first to fly into space six times. He was 9th man to walk on moon. John Young: He was born in San Francisco, California. He had earned degree in aeronautical engineering from Georgia Tech. Later he had joined US Navy. Later he took flight training. His first time in space came in 1965 with Gemini 3 mission that took him and astronaut Gus Grissom into Earth orbit in first two-man US space jaunt. His NASA career spanned over 42 years, longer than any other astronaut’s. In 1965, he had flown the first manned Gemini mission and commanded another in 1966. In 1969, he became first person to orbit Moon alone for Apollo 10. He also had driven Lunar Roving Vehicle on Moon’s surface during Apollo 16. He is one of only three people to have flown to the Moon twice. He also commanded two Space Shuttle flights, including its first launch in 1981, and served as Chief of Astronaut Office from 1974–1987. He retired from NASA in 2004.

33) The 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards honored the best in film and American television of 2017. The ceremony was organized at Beverly Hills, California, United States (US). The Golden Globe Awards are the annual awards that honour the best in Motion Pictures and American Television for the previous year. This year The Shape of Water had received most overall nominations of show with seven, while Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and Big Little Lies both won most awards with four each. Winners of various awards are as follows: Best Motion Picture Drama: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Best Motion Picture Musical/Comedy: Lady Bird. Best Director in Motion Picture-Drama: Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water). Best Actor in Motion Picture-Drama: Gary Oldman (Darkest Hour) as Winston Churchill. Best Actress in Motion Picture-Drama: Frances McDormand (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) as Mildred Hayes. Best Actor in Motion Picture or Musical or Comedy: James Franco (The Disaster Artist) as Tommy Wiseau. Best Actress in Motion Picture Musical/Comedy: Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird) as Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson. Best Actor in a Supporting role in Motion Picture: Sam Rockwell (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) as Officer Jason Dixon. Best Actress in a Supporting role in Motion Picture: Allison Janney (I, Tonya) as LaVona Golden. Best Original Score Motion Picture: Alexandre Desplat (The Shape of Water). Best Original Song: “This Is Me” (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul) – The Greatest Showman. Best Animated Feature Film: Coco. Best Foreign Language Film: In the Fade (Germany/France). Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award: Oprah Winfrey.

34) The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education of Indian has registered an increase from 24.5% in 2015-16 to 25.2% in 2016-17 according to latest All India Higher Education Survey (AIHES) released by HRD Ministry. The survey findings were based on responses of 795 universities, 34,193 colleges and 7,496 standalone institutions. There are total of 864 universities, 40,026 colleges and 11,669 standalone institutions in the country. Key Highlights of AIHES: Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): GER is statistical measure for determining number of students enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate and research-level studies within country and expressed as a percentage of population. India is aiming to attain GER of 30% by 2020, but it is still far behind countries like China with GER of 43.39% and US with 85.8%. The proportion of students pursuing higher education in India hasn’t increased dramatically from 2015-16 to 2016-17. It was in range of 23% to 25% since 2013-14. Tamil Nadu has highest GER in India at 46.9%. Six states have registered GER higher than national average (25.2%), with their share of students entering higher education is growing twice as fast as overall rate. These states are Tamil Nadu (46.9%), Himachal Pradesh (36.7%), Kerala (34.2%), Andhra Pradesh (32.4%), Haryana (29%) and Punjab (28.6%). However, eight states UP (24.9%), Madhya Pradesh (20%), Odisha (21%), Bihar (14.4%), Gujarat (20.2%), Rajasthan (20.5%), Mizoram (24.5%) and West Bengal (18.5%) had GER ratio far less than the national average. Bihar has lowest GER with just 14.4% of its eligible population (in age group of 18 to 23 years) pursuing higher education. Gender Parity Index (GPI): India registered its best performance on the GPI in last seven years — 0.94 in 2016-17 from 0.86 in 2010-11. GPI is calculated as quotient of number of females by number of males enrolled. GPI equal to 1 indicates 1, value less than 1 indicated disparity in favour of males. In Seven states — Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, J&K, Nagaland, Sikkim and Kerala — women in higher education have outnumbered men. College density: States in south India have higher college density. It is defined as number of colleges per lakh eligible population. The college density in top three states/UTs is Puducherry (49), Telangana (59) and Karnataka (53). Bihar (7 colleges/1lakh population), Jharkhand (8) and West Bengal (11) on the other hand, are at the bottom interms college density. Number of foreign students: There hasn’t been much improvement in the internationalisation of education in the country. There is marginal improvement in number of foreign students —47,575 in 2016-17 from 45,424 in 2015-16— with 31,779 men and 15,796 women. The highest share comes from the neighbouring countries of Nepal (23.6%), Afghanistan (9.3%) and Bhutan (4.8%).

35) According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s foreign exchange (Forex) reserves have scaled to fresh record high of $409.366 billion as on December 29, 2017. The surge was due to massive spike in foreign currency assets, which is key component of the reserves. Forex Reserves: The forex are reserve assets held by a central bank in foreign currencies. It acts as buffer to be used in challenging times and used to back liabilities on their own issued currency as well as to influence monetary policy. Almost all countries in world, regardless of size of their economy, hold significant foreign exchange reserves. The components of India’s FOREX Reserves include Foreign currency assets (FCAs), Gold, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and RBI’s Reserve position with International Monetary Fund (IMF). FCAs constitute largest component of Indian Forex Reserves. Key Facts: As on 29 December 2017, FCAs which form key component of reserves, rose by $4.42 billion from the previous week to $385.103 billion. FCAs are maintained in major currencies like euro, US dollar, pound sterling, Japanese yen etc. Movement in FCA occur mainly on account of purchase and sale of foreign exchange by RBI, income arising out of deployment of Forex reserves, external aid receipts of government and revaluation of assets. During this period, Gold reserves remained stable at $20.716 billion. Special drawing rights (SDR) from IMD rose by $8.9 million from the previous week to $1.511 billion. SDR is an international reserve asset created by IMF and allocated to its members in proportion of their quota at IMF. The Reserve Position in the IMF rose by $12.1 million to $2.035 billion.

36) The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority of India (PFRDA) has announced that Atal Pension Yojana (APY) run by it has reached a subscriber base of 80 lakh and is growing at good pace. Uttar Pradesh is the highest contributing state at 11.41 lakh APY subscribers, followed by Bihar (8.87 lakh) and Tamil Nadu (6.60 lakh). Atal Pension Yojana (APY): APY became operational from June 1, 2015 with an aim to provide affordable universal access to essential social security protection to unorganized work force of country, which makes major chunk of labour force (88%). It had replaced Swavalamban scheme. It is available to all citizens of India in the age group of 18-40 years (thus minimum period of contribution by subscriber is 20 years). Under scheme, subscriber will receive a minimum guaranteed pension of Rs.1000 to Rs.5000 per month, depending on his contribution, from age of 60 years. There is no exit to the scheme before the age of 60. In case of death of subscriber, the spouse of the subscriber shall be entitled for the same amount of pension till his or her death.

37) Income Tax (IT) Department under the Union Finance Ministry has launched an on-line chat service on its national website www.incometaxindia.gov.in with a prominent icon stating ‘Live Chat Online- ask your query’. It was announced by Minister of State (MoS) for Finance, Shiv Pratap Shukla while replying in the Lok Sabha. Since its launch in October 2017 it has altogether benefited 8,424 people. Key Facts: The on-line chat service is aimed at facilitating the taxpayers resolve their queries by answering their basic queries and doubts relating to direct tax issues. The facility is available on all working days from Monday to Friday between 10 AM and 6 PM. The module can also be accessed through a mobile application called ‘AayakarSetu’ on Android phone. Customer support executive having expertise in tax-related matters through this platform helps users in resolving their queries on-line. Moreover, it has dedicated team of experts from IT department and independent tax practitioners to answer general queries of a taxpayer. This first-time initiative is aimed to enhance taxpayer services in the country.

38) The 26th edition of annual World Book Fair was held in New Delhi. It was organised by National Book Trust (NBT), under Ministry of Human Resource Development in association with India Trade Promotion Organisation. The theme for this year is ‘Environment and Climate Change’. It focuses on environment issues like climate change, global warming, and water pollution. European Union was Guest of Honour Country for this year’s book fair. Key Facts: The annual book fair saw participation of around 800 publishers from across the country in different languages. The event’s Theme Pavillion had international rights exhibition of nearly 500 titles published in English, Hindi, and other Indian languages. Apart from EU nations, more than 40 countries including Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, and United Kingdom also participated. The fair also witnessed panel discussions, talks, workshops, children’s activities, screening of short films, special photo exhibits as well as cultural and musical performances. The discussions, conversation were mainly organised with authors and environmentalists where experts discussed ways through which environment can be saved from further deterioration. Background: The annual New Delhi World Book Fair was started in 1972 in New Delhi with only 200 participants. Over the years it has grown exponentially and now has 886 and 800 participants as publishers in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The fair serves as meeting point of readers and publishers. The theme for 2016 was ‘Manushi’ and had focused on writings on and by women from ancient times till the present.

39) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will launch two missions — GOLD and ICON later this year. They will team up to explore the ionosphere, located 96 km above Earth’s surface. The Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) mission will be launched in January 2018 and Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) will be launched later this year. Key Facts: The two missions will be complementary to each other. ICON will launched in low-Earth orbit (LEO) located at 560 km above Earth, like a close-up camera. GOLD will be launched in geostationary orbit over Western Hemisphere, about 35,398 km above earth. It will help in full-disk view of ionosphere and upper atmosphere beneath it every half hour. The two missions can cooperate with each other when ICON passes through GOLD’s field of view and each mission can get snapshot of same region. This overlap in their data will make it easier to identify reasons for changes in upper atmosphere at a given time. One of missions’ goals is to measure how upper atmosphere changes in response to hurricanes and geomagnetic storms. GOLD will also explore how upper atmosphere reacts to geomagnetic storms, which are temporary disturbances of Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar activity. At night, GOLD will examine disruptions in ionosphere, which are mainly dense, unpredictable bubbles of charged gas that appear over equator and tropics, sometimes interfere with radio communications. Ionosphere: The ionosphere is located between 60 and 400 km above the mesopause. It contains electrically charged particles known as ions, and hence, it is known as ionosphere. Radio waves transmitted from the earth are reflected back to the earth by this layer and is used for radio propagation to distant places on the Earth. In this layer temperature starts increasing with height.

40) Three Ministries viz. Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) and Ministry of Science & Technology have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for joint funding of Technology Mission for Indian Railways (TMIR). Features of MoU: The MoU aims to facilitate co-financing of (TMIR) by investment sharing for identified railway projects for applied research. The percentage division of the funding between the three ministries for Technology Mission for Indian Railways’ is Ministry of Railways: 30% , Ministry of HRD: 25% and Department of Science & Technology: 25%. Under the MoU, Ministry of HRD and Ministry of S&T have agreed to fund TMIR projects to the tune of Rs 75 crore each while Railways and Industries would also be contributing to their respective shares. Technology Mission for Indian Railways: The Ministry of Railways had set up TMIR as consortium of Ministry of Railways, Ministry of HRD and Ministry of Science & Technology on investment sharing model for taking up identified railway projects for applied research and use on Indian Railways. TMIR is tasked to take up research and development projects in the areas of heavy haul, safety, energy, environment and urban railways. These projects will be implemented through Mission Implementation and Coordination Committee having members from the three Ministries, academia and industry. Moreover, these projects will be implemented in the national research and development labs and academic institutions. Moreover collaborations will be also entered with foreign institutions wherever essential. Significance: Indian Railways will be benefitted with availability of world class indigenized technologies at very reasonable cost through this consortium approach for technology development in mission mode. Moreover, academic research institutions will be also benefitted with applied research and real situation output in form of new products for immediate use. The Indian industries will also get benefited in form of production of new items to be used on Indian Railways with additional export potential.

41) The Lok Sabha passed High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill, 2017 to hike the salaries of judges of the Supreme Court (SC) and High Courts (HCs). The Bill seeks to amend HC Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954; and SC Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958. These Acts regulate salaries and conditions of service of judges of HCs and SC. Key Features of Bill: Salary: The Bill proposes to hike the salary of Chief Justice of India (CJI) to Rs.2.80 lakh a month and that of judges of Supreme Court and Chief Justices of High Courts to Rs. 2.5 lakh a month. It increases salary of Judges of High Courts to Rs.2.25 lakh a month. The salary hike will come into force with effect from January 1, 2016. Allowances: The Bill also seeks to revise this allowance with effect from September 22, 2017. The CJI will get allowance of Rs. 45,000 a month. Judges of Supreme Court and Chief Justices of High Courts will get allowance of Rs. 34000 a month. Judges of High Court will get allowance of Rs. 27000 a month. Pension: The Bill seeks to revise the pension for judges under two categories mentioned in parent acts viz. if they have previously held pensionable post under central or state governments, or if they have not held any such post. It proposes pension of Rs. 16,80,000 per annum to CJI. Judges of the Supreme Court and Justice of High Court will get pension of Rs. 15,00,000 per annum. Background: The salary hike in line with recommendations of 7th Pay Commission for officers of all-India services. The CJI gets a higher amount than this while judges of High Courts get lesser amount. Moreover, these judges are provided with rent-free accommodation while they are in service. The salaries and allowances CJI and Supreme Court judges are charged from Consolidated Fund of India. The salaries and allowances of state high court judges including chief justices are charged from Consolidated Fund of State. However, retired Judges are entitled to pension which is drawn from Consolidated Fund of India.

42) The Union Finance Ministry has launched 7.75% Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2018 scheme to help citizens invest in a taxable instrument, without any monetary ceiling. It will enable resident citizens/Hindu Undivided Families (HUF) to invest in a taxable bond, without any monetary ceiling. Key features of Bonds: The Bonds are open to investment by individuals (including Joint Holdings) and HUFs. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible for making investments in these nonds. The Bonds will be issued at par i.e. at Rs.100.00 They will be issued for minimum face value amount of Rs.1,000 and in multiples thereof. There will be no maximum limit for investment in the Bonds. The Bonds will have maturity of 7 years carrying interest at 7.75% per annum payable half- yearly. The Bonds will be issued in demat form (Bond Ledger Account) only. The Bonds are not transferable and also are not tradeable in secondary market. They are also not eligible as collateral for loans from banking institutions, non-banking financial companies or financial institutions. Interest on the Bonds will be taxable under the Income-tax (IT) Act, 1961 as applicable according to the relevant tax status of the bond holder. However these Bonds will be exempt from Wealth-tax under Wealth Tax Act, 1957.

43) The Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved procurement of P-8I Training Solution for Indian Navy and Low Intensity Conflict Electronic Warfare System (LICEWS) for Indian Army at total cost of Rs 2419.32 crore. These contract proposals were earlier cleared by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) and now final approval has now been given by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Low Intensity Conflict Electronic Warfare System (LICEWS). This system will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited for Rs. 470 crore. It will equip Indian Army with upgraded communications infrastructure that will help forces to effectively deal with advanced communications systems being used by terrorist groups. P-8I Training Solution: The P-8I Training Solution will be brought from Boeing for Rs.1949.32 crore. It will be brought along with 10-year comprehensive maintenance service. This training solution accurately simulates P-8I aircraft and mission systems. It will help Indian Navy realistically train and rehearse for sophisticated missions involving P-8I aircraft, at fraction of the cost of live aircraft training. The P-8I aircraft manufactured by Boeing is equipped for long range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, surveillance, intelligence and reconnaissance in support of broad area, maritime and littoral operations. Its communication and sensor suite includes indigenous equipment developed by defence PSUs and private manufacturers. It is capable of instant punitive response and maintaining watch over India’s immediate and extended areas of interest. The first P-8I aircraft was inducted in Indian Navy in 2013. As of date, 8 aircraft based at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu have been fully integrated into Indian Naval operations. In 2016, MoD placed follow-on order for 4 additional P-8I and their delivery will begin in 2020.

44) The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched India’s first digital Online Oncology Tutorial Series designed by Tata Memorial Centre (a grant-in-aid cancer centre under Department of Atomic Energy, GOI). It was launched under the Digital India initiative as part national program that will be rolled out across the country by Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) in collaboration with state governments. Oncology literally means a branch of science that deals with tumours and cancers. The word “onco” means bulk/ mass/ tumor while “-logy” means study. Key Facts: The Oncology Tutorial Series aim to train doctors across country to educate them in early detection, prevention, palliation, rehabilitation and treatment of various cancers. The overall course is designed for 7 weeks with different modules based on various sites and sub-sites of Cancer. It comprises of 14 hours of comprehensive e-learning through more than 40 video lectures, case studies, assessment questionnaires and periodic interactive Webinar sessions with respective consultants of TMC. It also includes, blended learning delivery model with self-paced e-learning and periodic webinar interactions with expert consultants of TMC and Continuous scientific updates in Oncology, along with end-of-course Online Assessments with enhanced reporting for individuals. Through this initiative, the Health Ministry and Tata Memorial Centre will try to reach millions of doctors who may not have time to attend physical conferences, CMEs and are busy working in rural or tier 2 cities.

45) The United States has placed Pakistan on ‘Special Watch List’ for “severe violations” of religious freedom. It is only country to be put under the newly-formed list. Moreover, US also re-designated about 10 countries as ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ under its International Religious Freedom (IRF) Act. They are Burma (Myanmar), China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Key Facts: As per US, Pakistan was placed in this list because it continues to harass its religious minorities, tolerates extra-judicial violence in the guise of opposing blasphemy. Moreover it has state-sanctioned discrimination against groups such as Ahmadis. According to research, Pakistan is one of countries with most restrictions on religion. Special Watch List: The Special Watch List is for countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom but may not rise to level of ‘Countries of Particular Concern’ (CPC). It is new category created by Frank R Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016. The designations are aimed at improving respect for religious freedom in these countries. The Special Watch List designation to countries is step below designating it as CPC, which automatically imposes economic and political sanctions. The Frank R Wolf International Religious Freedom Act amended International Religious Freedom (IRF) Act to require President to designate ‘Special Watch List’ of countries deemed not to meet all of CPC criteria but who engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom. Under the IRF Act of 1998, US Secretary of State annually designates governments that have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom as CPC. These designations are aimed at improving the respect for religious freedom in these countries.

46) The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved five Namami Gange projects worth Rs 295.01 crore in West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Out of these 5 projects, three pertain to sewage management in West Bengal, one relates to sewage management in Uttarakhand and remaining one is related to ghat improvement works in Uttar Pradesh. Projects related to sewage management are located in high pollution load towns along river Ganga. Approved Projects: Uttarakhand: The approved project includes laying sewer lines in some of uncovered areas in Haridwar. Varanasi: The approved project includes repair and retrofitting of various ghats. It aims to strengthen poor condition of ghats through bolder pitching and stone steps to ensure improved life of ghats apart from avoiding risk and inconvenience to the visitors and pilgrims. West Bengal: The sewage management works approved are in Kamarhati and Baranagar Municipalities (60 MLD STP, de-silting of sewer lines etc.) under PPP-based Hybrid Annuity mode. It also includes pollution abatement works for river Ganga in Berhampore Municipality (3.5 MLD STP and sewer network) and sewage management works in Nabadwip Municipality (9.5 MLD STP and renovation of 10.5 MLD STP). In Uttarakhand, approval was given to one project for laying of sewer lines in some of the uncovered areas in Haridwar at an estimated cost of Rs 4.68 crore. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): NMCG is implementation wing of National Council for Rejuvenation, Protection and Management of River Ganga (also referred as National Ganga Council). It was established in 2011 as registered society under Societies Registration Act, 1860. It has a two tier management structure and comprises of Governing Council and Executive Committee. Both of them are headed by Director General (DG), NMCG. Executive Committee is authorized to approve projects under mission up to Rs.1000 crore. Similar to structure at national level, State Programme Management Groups (SPMGs) acts as implementing arm of State Ganga Committees. This structure attempts to bring all stakeholders on one platform to take a holistic approach towards the task of Ganga cleaning and rejuvenation.

47) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved extension of mandatory packaging norms of foodgrains and sugar in jute material for Jute Year 2017-18 (i.e. July 2017 to June 2018). The mandatory extension was approved under the Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act, 1987. The approval mandates that 90% of food grains and 20% of sugar products shall be mandatorily packed in jute bags. Key Facts: The decision also mandates, in first instance, entire requirement for packing of food grains will be placed in jute bags. Thus it makes provision for 100% packing of food grains in jute bags subject to ability of jute industry to meet the requirement. The decision will also help to sustain core demand for jute sector and support livelihood of the workers and farmers dependent on the sector. The provision of mandatory packaging will benefit jute farmers and workers in jute industry located in Eastern and North Eastern regions of country particularly in West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya and Tripura. Jute industry: Jute industry is predominantly dependent on Government sector which purchases jute products more than Rs. 5,500 crore every year. Government has been making concerted efforts for the development of jute sector considering that nearly 3.7 lakh workers and approximately 40 lakh farmers are dependent for their livelihood on jute sectors. Government is also making concerted efforts for development of jute sector. It is increasing quality and productivity of raw jute, diversification of jute sector and also boosting and sustaining demand for jute product.

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