WBCS Current Affairs 09 June 2018 To 15 June 2018

The Importance of Current Affairs in W.B.C.S examinations is immense.Success inW.B.C.S  Prelims and W.B.C.S Mains Exam is mainly subjected to how well an aspirant is aware of the important current affairs. Preparation of current affairs for W.B.C.S is the key to unlock the exam.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 09 June 2018 To 15 June 2018.

1) World Blood Donor Day observed every year across the world on June 14 to thank voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. It also seeks to raise awareness of need for regular blood donations to ensure the quality, safety and availability of blood and blood products for patients in need. The theme for this year is ‘Be there for someone else. Give blood. Share life’. The host is Greece. The theme highlights importance blood donation as action of solidarity. It also highlights fundamental human values of respect, empathy and kindness associated with unpaid blood donation systems. Importance of blood donation: Transfusion of blood and blood products helps save millions of lives every year. It helps patients suffering from life-threatening conditions to live longer and with higher quality of life. It also supports complex medical and surgical procedures. The blood transfusion also plays essential, life-saving role in maternal and child care and during emergency response to man-made and natural disasters. Background: The World Blood Donors Day was instituted by World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2004 to raise awareness of need for safe bold and blood products and to thank donors. It is one of the eight official global public health campaigns marked by WHO along with World Tuberculosis Day (24 March), World Health Day (7 April), World Malaria Day (25 April), World Immunization Week (last week of April), World No Tobacco Day (31 May), World Hepatitis Day (28 July) and World AIDS Day (1 December).

2) The 10th Meeting of Global Alliance to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GAELF) was held in New Delhi, India. It was inaugurated by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda. This is second time India hosted meeting of GAELF. Earlier in 2002, India had hosted second meeting of GAELF. Key Facts: The 10th meeting recognized that India has highest burden of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and there is need of taking leadership role to Eliminate lymphatic filariasis. It provided insight of larger global programme and enable them join discussion and contribute to solutions. On this occasion, GAELF awards was presented to 11 countries- Cambodia, Egypt, Maldives, Cook Islands, Niue, Marshall Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Togo and Vanuatu, for successfully interrupting the transmission. Moreover, India’s Accelerated Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) 2018 was also released. Lymphatic Filariasis (LF): LF is commonly known as Elephantiasis. It is one of oldest and most debilitating neglected trophical disease, which is currently endemic in 73 countries of the world, including India. LF disease is caused mainly by Wuchereria Bancrofti and spread by Culex mosquito. This mosquito grows in dirty accumulated water. The disease affects the poorest population in society, particularly those living in areas with poor sanitation, water and hygiene. LF does not kill affected people, but may cause permanent disfigurement, reduced productivity and social stigma. Global Alliance to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GAELF): GAELF is alliance of partners from 72 LF endemic national country programmes, NGOs, private sectors, academic and research institutes and international development agencies that assists WHO’s Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. It was formed in 2001, since then it is being held biennially.

3) The NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog launched Composite Water Management Index as useful tool to assess and improve performance in efficient management of water resources. The index aims to inspire States/UTs towards efficient and optimal utilization of water and recycling thereof with sense of urgency. Key Facts: The composite water management index comprises of nine parameters and 28 indicators. These include various aspects of ground water, irrigation, restoration of water bodies, farm practices, drinking water, policy and governance. For purpose of analysis, reporting states of index were divided into two special groups North Eastern and Himalayan states and Other States to take into account different hydrological conditions across these groups. Ranking of States/UTs: General States or Other States: Gujarat topped the list followed by Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra. Jharkhand, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar were worst performers among general States. In terms of incremental change, it was Rajasthan which held the first position. North-eastern and Himalayan states: Tripura has topped the list followed by Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Assam. Significance: Composite water management index’s ranking of states/UTs will ensure that principle of competitive and cooperative federalism is actualised in India’s water management system. It will help build pressure on states who have not performed well to improve their water management techniques as this is directly linked to agriculture prosperity in different states. It can be also utilised to formulate and implement suitable strategies for better management of water resources. It will provide useful information for States and also for concerned Central Ministries and Departments enabling them to formulate and implement suitable strategies for better management of water resources. Need for index: India in recent times is suffering from worst water crisis in its history. Millions of lives and livelihoods are under threat due to this crisis. Currently, 600 million Indians face high to extreme water stress and about 2 lakh people die every year due to inadequate access to safe water. It is estimated crisis is going to get worse by 2030 when India’s water demand is projected to be twice the available supply. In view of limitations on availability of water resources and rising demand for water, sustainable management of water resources has acquired critical importance. The Composite Water Management Index will fulfil mandate of cooperative and competitive federalism and also challenges States/UTs to meet aspirations of new India.

4) The United States State Department has approved sale of six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters along with support equioments to India. The Apache choppers are one of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters which have advanced weapons systems and night-fighting features, manufactured by Boeing. Key Facts: The total estimated cost of the deal is $930 million. The proposed sale also includes 180 Hellfire Longbow air-to-surface anti-armor missiles, 90 R-3 Hellfire II air-to-surface missiles, 200 Stinger air-to-air missiles; rockets, 30 mm cannons and ammunition. It also includes simulators, communication equipment, spare and repair parts, training, engineering and other support. The prime contractors for the support sale will be Lockheed Martin, Longbow, Raytheon General Electric and Boeing. Significance: The sale of Apache attack helicopters will strengthen India’s ability to defend its homeland and deter regional threats. It will increase in India’s defensive capability to counter ground-armored threats and modernise its armed forces. India will have no difficulty absorbing the helicopters and support equipment into its armed forces. Moreover, sale of these attack helicopters from US to India will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

5) Renowned social activist and founder of Sulabh International, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak (75) was honoured with the Japan’s prestigious Nikkei Asia Prize for his contribution to Asia’s development. He was presented with this award at 23rd Nikkei Asia Prize ceremony held in Tokyo, Japan under ‘Culture and Community’ category for his significant work in tackling poor hygiene and discrimination. He was among three who were conferred with this award. Other two awardees are Chinese environmentalist Ma Jun who was awarded business innovation prize for using power of internet to promote cleaner industry and Vietnamese doctor Nguyen Thanh Liem who won science and technology prize in recognition of his work advancing health care for children. Nikkei Asia Prize: Nikkei Inc. is one of largest media corporations in Japan. It has been presenting Nikkei Asia Prize since 1996 to honour people in Asia who have made significant contributions in one of three areas: Economic and Business Innovation, Science, Technology and Environment and Culture and Community. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Infosys Chairman Narayan Murti are among few Indians who have won this prize in the past. Dr Bindeshwar Pathak: He had founded Sulabh International in 1970. It is an NGO that works to promote human rights, environmental sanitation among other social services. It has built two-pit pour-flush ecological compost toilets (Sulabh toilets) which are low-cost environment-friendly toilet throughout India, contributing to better sanitation, safety for rural women and freedom from manual labour of removing human waste. He also had invented technology for producing biogas from human waste to be used for cooking or lamp fuel in 1977.

6) The Union Cabinet has approved proposal of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) for nomination of Union Home Minister as ex-officio Chairman of North Eastern Council (NEC). It also approved that Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of DoNER will serve as Vice Chairman of NEC. Key Facts: NEC is statutory body with Governors and Chief Ministers of all eight North Eastern State as its members which implements various projects through State and Central agencies. The repositioning of NEC will help it to become more effective body for North Eastern Region (NER). Under new arrangement with Home Minister as Chairman and Minister of DoNER as Vice Chairman will provide forum for discussing inter-state matters more comprehensively and also consider common approaches to be taken in future. NEC now can perform tasks undertaken by various Zonal Councils to discuss such inter-State issues as smuggling of arms and ammunition, drug trafficking, boundary disputes etc. NEC will also review from time to time implementation of the projects and schemes included in project. It will also recommend effective measures for coordination among state Governments for these projects etc. NEC will also have such powers as may be delegated to it by the Central Government. Background: NEC is statutory body established under North Eastern Council (NEC) Act, 1971 as an apex level body for securing balanced and coordinated development and facilitating coordination with states. It has been mandated to function as regional planning body for NER .It gives priority to schemes and projects while formulating regional plan for this area benefiting two or more states. In case of Sikkim, NEC formulates specific projects and schemes for that State.

7) The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for introduction of Dam Safety Bill, 2018 in the Parliament. The bill aims to help all States and Union Territories to adopt uniform dam safety procedures which will ensure safety of dams and safeguard benefits from such dams. This will also help in safeguarding human life, livestock and property. Salient features of Bill: The bill address all issues concerning dam safety including regular inspection of dams, comprehensive dam safety review, emergency action plan, adequate repair and maintenance funds for dam safety, instrumentation and safety manuals. It lays onus of dam safety on dam owner and provides for penal provisions for commission and omission of certain acts. The Bill provides for proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of all specified dams in the country to ensure their safe functioning. It mandates constitution of National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) which will evolve dam safety policies and recommend necessary regulations as may be required for the purpose. The Bill also provides for establishment of National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA) as regulatory body which shall discharge functions to implement policy, standards and guidelines for dam safety in the country. It also provides for constitution of State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS) by State Government. National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA): NDSA will maintain liaison with State Dam Safety Organisations (SDSOs) and owners of dams for standardisation of dam safety related data and practices. It will provide technical and managerial assistance to States and SDSOs. It will maintain national level data-base of all dams in the country and records of major dam failures. NDSA will examine cause of any major dam failure. It will publish and update standard guidelines and check-lists for routine inspection and detailed investigations of dams. It will also accord accreditations or recognition to organisations which can be entrusted with works of investigation, design or construction of new dams. It will also look into unresolved points of issue between SDSOs of two states or between SDSO of State and owner of dam in that State, for proper solution. NDSA in certain cases, such as dams of one state falling under territory of another State will also perform role of SDSO to eliminate potential causes for inter-state conflicts. State Committee on Dam Safety (SCDS): SCDS will ensure proper inspection, surveillance, operation and maintenance of all specified dams in that State and ensure their safe functioning. It will ensures that every State establishes SDSO, which will be manned by officers from field dam safety preferably from areas of dam-designs, hydrology, hydro-mechanical engineering, instrumentation, geo-technical investigation and dam-rehabilitation. Background: There are over 5200 large dams and about 450 dams are under construction in India. Moreover, there are thousands of small and medium dams. Due to lack of legal and institutional architecture for dam safety in the country, dam safety has been issue of concern. Unsafe dams are hazard and dam break may cause disasters, leading to huge loss of life and property.

8) The Union Cabinet has approved continuation of Three Year Action Plan (2017-2020) of scheme for Agricultural Education Division and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutes. The plan aims at strengthening and developing higher agricultural education in India. The scheme comprises of Strengthening and Development of Higher Agricultural Education in India and ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) and ICAR-Central Institute of Women in Agriculture (CIWA) including All India Coordinated Research Project on Home Science (AICRP-HS). Key Facts: The scheme aims to generate quality human resources from institutions of higher agricultural education. It encompasses several new initiatives including, steps to attract talented students, reducing academic inbreeding and addressing faculty shortage. The scheme takes care of mitigating faculty shortage, international ranking, promoting innovations, inspired teacher network, reducing inbreeding, academia interface, technology enabled learning, post-doctoral fellowships, agriculture education portal, scientific social responsibility etc. for quality assurance ranking of agricultural universities has been linked to financial support under scheme along with accreditation. It will support for strengthening and modernization of infrastructure related to student and faculty amenities and capacity building of both faculty and students in cutting edge areas through niche area of excellence programme will improve teaching and encouraging holistic development of the students. Significance: This scheme will lead to generation of competitive and confident human resource in agricultural education. It will aid in formulating gender-equitable agricultural, policies and programmes and gender-sensitive agricultural-sector responses and capacity building needs of human resources and stakeholders of entire National Agricultural Research & Education System (NARES). It will lead to enhancing of competencies and capacities of stakeholders including farmers, young scientists, students and agri-industry in NARES by ICAR-NAARM (National Academy of Agricultural Research Management). Background: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) undertakes planning, development, coordination and quality assurance in higher agricultural education through partnership with 75 Agricultural Universities (AUs) across country. The human resource developed by AUs has played pivotal role in transforming agricultural scenario to achieve self-sufficiency. The NAARM has played key role in enhancing capacities of individuals and institutions of NARES in agricultural research, education and technology management. The CIWA has been providing leadership role in empowering farm women as in changing agricultural scenario roles and responsibilities of women in agriculture.

9) The Union Cabinet has given final extension to commission constituted to examine sub-categorisation within Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Central list. The commission earlier had term till June 20, 2018 but with extension it will now work till July 31, 2018. Key Facts: The Commission was constituted with approval of President under Article 340 of Constitution in October, 2017. It is headed by Justice (Retd.) G. Rohini. It was tasked to examine extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among castes included in broad category of OBCs, especially with reference to OBCs included in Central list. It was also tasked to take up exercise of identifying respective castes, sub-castes, communities synonyms in Central List of OBCs and classify them into their respective sub-categories. It mandate was to work out mechanism, norms, criteria and parameters, in scientific approach, for sub-categorization within such OBCs. Background: The Supreme Court of India in Indra Sawhney and others vs. Union of India case (1992) had observed that there is no constitutional or legal bar on states for categorizing OBCs as backward or more backward. It had also observed that it is not impermissible in law if state chooses to do sub-categorization. So far, 9 states/UTs viz. Karnataka, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Puducherry, Telangana, Wst Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have carried out sub-categorization of OBCs. So far there was no sub categorisation in central list of OBCs.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 09 June 2018 To 15 June 2018.

10) Union Cabinet has been apprised of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU signed between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Institut National de la Santeet de la RechercheMedicale (INSERM), France. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Key Facts: The MoU aims at cooperation in areas of common interest within medical, health research and life sciences fields. Based on scientific excellence on both sides, both parties have agreed to have a specific focus upon diabetes and metabolic disorders, bio-ethics with focus on ethics and regulatory issues of gene editing techniques, rare diseases and any other areas of mutual interest can be considered after discussions between two sides. The MoU will strengthen relations between ICMR and INSERM within the framework of international scientific and technological cooperation in fields of mutual interest. The scientific excellence on two sides will help to successfully work on health research in specified areas.

11) The Union Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation has selected 10 more iconic sites under Phase III of Swachh Iconic Places (SIP) of Swachh Bharat Mission. The third phase of SIP was launched at Mana village which is situated close to Badrinath temple in Uttarakhand. Key Facts: These 10 new sites under Phase III have joined 20 other iconic places selected under Phase I & II where special sanitation work is already underway. 10 new iconic sites are: Raghavendra Swamy Temple (Andhra Pradesh), Hazarduari Palace (West Bengal), Brahma Sarovar Temple (Haryana), Vidur Kuti (Uttar Pradesh), Mana village (Uttarakhand), Pangong Lake (J&K), Nagvasuki Temple (UP), Ima Keithal market (Manipur), Sabarimala Temple (Kerala) and Kanvashram (Uttarakhand). Swachh Iconic Places (SIP): SIP is an initiative of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation under Swachh Bharat Mission and was launched in 2016. It was initiated as project to implement Prime Minister’s vision to take iconic places and their surroundings to higher standards of cleanliness (swachhata), so that all visitors benefit and also take away home message of cleanliness. Implementation of SIP: It is collaborative project of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation with three other central Ministries: Ministry of (M/o) Housing and Urban Affairs, M/o Culture, and M/o Tourism. It also involves local administrations in concerned states and public sector and private companies are also sponsoring partners. Initiatives taken up under SIP: Improved sewage infrastructure, installation of Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), drainage facilities, improved sanitation facilities, water vending machines, solid and liquid waste management (SLWM) set-up, structure restoration, lighting arrangements, beautification of parks, roads maintenance, better transport facilities in approach and access areas besides at the main sites. Phase I iconic places are: Ajmer Sharif Dargah, CST Mumbai, Kamakhya Temple, Golden Temple, Maikarnika Ghat, Meenakshi Temple, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Jagannath Temple, Taj Mahal and Tirupati Temple. Phase II of Swachh Iconic Places: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Charminar, Mahakaleshwar Temple, Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assissi, Kalady, Gommateswara, BaidyanathDham, Gaya Tirth and Somnath temple.

12) NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has selected 3,000 additional schools for establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs). The new additions take number of such ATLs to 5,441 representing all states and five out of seven union territories. It will facilitate the creation of over one million neoteric child innovators by 2020. Key Facts: These additional schools will expand reach of ATL program and increase number of children exposed to tinkering and innovation. The selected schools will receive grant of Rs. 20 lakh spread over next 5 years to establish labs for nurturing innovation and entrepreneurial spirit among secondary school children across India. ATLs will function as innovation hubs for these student innovators to explore solutions to unique local problems which they come across in their everyday lives. These hubs will allow students to explore solutions to unique local problems and provide access to technologies like 3D Printing, robotics, Internet of Things (IoT) and microprocessors. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): AIM is NITI Aayog’s flagship initiative to promote culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. It is mandated to create umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem of country and revolutionizing innovation eco-system – touching upon entire innovation life cycle through various programs. Objectives: Develop new programmes and policies for fostering innovation in different sectors of economy. Provide platform and collaboration opportunities for different stakeholders, create awareness. Create umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem of the country. The sub-schemes of AIM include establishing Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and Atal Incubation Centers (AICs), for providing scaling up support to Established Incubation Centres. It also includes finding ultra-low cost solution to India’s most intractable problems through Atal Grand Challenges and Atal Vikas Challenges.

13) The thirteenth edition of India-Nepal joint military exercise was held at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from 30 May to 12 June 2018. The joint military exercise was aimed at further enhancing and strengthening level of defence cooperation between the two neighbouring nations. Key Facts: Surya Kiran-XIII exercise saw participation of nearly 300 soldiers from both Indian and Nepal Army. They shared their experiences gained during conduct of various counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations in past. The aim of 14 days joint military exercise was to conduct battalion level joint training with emphasis on counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain under United Nations (UN) mandate. It also included various aspects of disaster management and joint effort towards relief work. It also promoted understanding and inter-operability between two armies, further cementing ties between the two neighbouring nations. Surya Kiran Exercise: Surya Kiran series of bilateral military exercises are conducted bi-annually (every six months), alternatively in India and Nepal. It is largest exercise in terms of troop’s participation in series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries. It aims at promoting military relations and increasing interoperability armies of both countries. 12th edition of this exercise was held at Nepal Army Battle School (NABS) in Saljhandi, Nepal in September 2017.

14) International Conference on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) will be held in Kathmandu, capital city of Nepal from June 17-18, 2018. The Theme of two day conference is “Sustainable Development Goals for Smart Society”. Key Facts: The conference is organised by Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN). It aims to bring government and private sector together for developing plan of action using sustainable ICT applications. It also seeks to unleash prospects of SMART Nepal by 2030. It will provide common platform to participants to exchange their knowledge and discover new insides. Around 500 delegates, including ICT users, professionals, trainers, researchers and experts from India, Japan, China, Korea and Nepal will attend the event.

15) President Ram Nath Kovind will embark on three nation official tour to Greece, Suriname and Cuba from 16 to 22 June 2018. Greece will be first leg of the visit followed by Suriname and Cuba. President will be accompanied by large delegation including Minister of State for Steel Vishnu Deo Sai. Key Facts: Greece: President Kovind will meet Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos during his visit. He will also meet his Greek counterpart Alexis Tsipras and Leader of Opposition. He is scheduled to visit places of historical and archaeological importance and address the Indian diaspora. He will also visit Monument of Unknown Soldiers and lay wreath there. Suriname: President Kovind will hold discussions with President Desire Delano Bouterse followed by official level talks. Besides, number of agreements and MoUs in the areas of health and medicine, elections, IT, Ayurveda are scheduled to be signed. India will offer Line of Credit (LoC) of $54.5 million to Suriname for solar related projects. Suriname is a founding member of the International Solar Alliance. Cuba: President will hold wide range of discussions with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez. Besides, number of agreements and MoUs in areas of bio technology, research and education in homeopathic medicine, traditional system of medicine and medicinal plants will be signed between both countries during the visit.

16) ISRO’s rocket sciences arm Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has decided to transfer its own in-house lithium ion (Li ion) cell technology to successful Indian industries and start-ups on non-exclusive basis in automobiles for Rs. 1 crore. The initiative aims to accelerate development of indigenous electric vehicle (EV) industry and reduce dependence of imported lithium ion cell technology. Key Facts: In this regard, VSSC has issued RFQ (request for quotation) inviting multiple qualified companies or start-ups to use its power storage technology to produce range of Li ion cells for many purposes, mainly EVs or electric vehicles. The transfer of ISRO’s technology will help in establishing production facilities in the country that can produce cells of varying size, capacity, energy density and power density catering to entire spectrum of power storage requirements of electric vehicles (EVs). Background: Presently, lithium-ion battery is the most dominant battery system finding applications for variety of societal needs including handy consumer electronics goods such as mobile phones, laptops, cameras and many other portable consumer gadgets apart from industrial applications and aerospace. Most of the current domestic demand is met by batteries imported from China, South Korea and Taiwan. The Li ion cell production initiative is part of Central Government’s plan to achieve 100% EVs in the country by 2030.

17) The market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has constituted an expert committee to recommend suitable framework to allow direct listing of Indian companies overseas bourses while also allowing overseas companies to list directly on Indian bourses. Terms of Reference of the Committee: The committee will examine in detail economic case for permitting direct listing of Indian companies overseas and vice versa. It will also examine various legal, regulatory and operational constraints in facilitating companies incorporated in India to directly list their equity share capital abroad and vice versa. The committee will also make recommendations for a suitable framework in which to facilitate such direct listing. Background: Currently, Indian companies can only use the depository receipts route – Global Depository Receipts (GDR) or American Depository Receipts (ADR) – to list on the overseas exchanges. Similarly, foreign companies can access Indian capital markets only through Indian Depository Receipts (IDRP) for listing of equities. But there has been demand for facilitating companies incorporated in India to directly list their equity share capital abroad and vice versa considering evolution and internationalisation of the capital markets. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI): SEBI is statutory regulator for securities market in India established in 1988. It was given statutory powers through tSEBI Act, 1992. Its mandate is to protect interests of investors in securities, promote development of securities market and to regulate securities market. It is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. SEBI is responsive to needs of three groups, which constitute market, issuers of securities, investors and market intermediaries. It has three functions quasi-legislative (drafts regulations in its legislative capacity), quasi-judicial (passes rulings and orders in its judicial capacity) and quasi-executive (conducts investigation and enforcement action in its executive function).

18) Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has constituted Group to look into existing Institutional Trading Platform (ITP) framework and suggest measures to facilitate listing of startups. Its members include representatives from Indian Software Product Industry Round Table (iSPIRT), Indian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (IVCA), Indus Entrepreneurs (TIE), law firms, merchant bankers and stock exchanges. Terms of Reference of the Group: The group will look into existing ITP framework and suggest measures to facilitate listing of startups. It will revisit current ITP framework and identify areas, if any, which require further changes. It will also address issues relevant to ITP which group may like to assess. The group will submit report to SEBI within period of one month i.e. by July 2018. Institutional Trading Platform (ITP) framework: ITP framework is window on stock exchanges where e-commerce, data analytics, bio-technology and other startups can list and trade on their shares. It allows companies to list without necessarily doing an Initial Public Offer (IPO) of equity. SEBI had introduced it in 2013 to facilitate listing of new age companies, but it had failed to gain any traction. Benefits of listing on ITP: It facilitates capital raising by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) including start-up companies which are in their early stages of growth. It provides easier entry and exit options for informed investors like angel investors, Venture Capital Funds (VCFs) and Private Equities (PVs) etc. to and from such companies. It also provide better visibility and wider investor base. It also relaxes compliance and cost effective listing and provide tax benefits to long term Investors.

19) The World Day against Child Labour is observed every year across the world on June 12 with an aim to raise awareness against child labour. This years theme is ‘Generation Safe & Healthy’. This year, a joint campaign was launched by World Day against Child Labour (WDACL) and World Day for Safety and Health at Work (SafeDay) to improve the safety and health of young workers and end child labour. The campaign aims to boost initiatives to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 8.7 of ending all forms of child labour by 2025 and target 8.8 of safe and secure working environments for all workers by 2030. Background: The World Day Against Child Labour was launched by International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2002 to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and action and efforts needed to eliminate it. Each year on 12 June, this brings together governments, workers organizations and employers, civil society, as well as millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them.

20) The Union Ministry of Culture has launched Seva Bhoj Yojna, a new scheme to provide financial assistance on purchase of specific food items by Charitable Religious Institutions (CRIs) for free distribution among people. Under this scheme, Centre’s share of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST) charged on the raw food materials purchased by the religious institutions will be refunded. Seva Bhoj Yojna: The scheme aims reimburse Central Government share of CGST and Integrated Goods and Service Tax (IGST) of Charitable Religious Institutions (CRIs) who provide food, prasad, langar (Community Kitchen), Bhandara free of cost without any discrimination to public and devotees. This will help to lessen the financial burden of such Charitable Religious Institutions. Beneficiaries: CRIs such as Temples, Gurudwara, Mosque, Church, Dharmik Ashram, Dargah, Matth, Monasteries etc. having existence for at least five years and serve free food to at least 5000 people in month. Such institutions will be given grant under the scheme if they are covered under Section 10 (23BBA) of Income Tax (IT) Act or are institutions registered as Society under Societies Registration Act (XXI of 1860) or as Public Trust under any law for time being in force of statuary religious bodies or institutions registered under Section 12AA of IT Act. Selection: All eligible institutions must registered with Darpan portal of Ministry of Culture. The applications will be examined by committee constituted for purpose. On basis of the recommendation of committee, competent authority in Ministry of Culture will register CRIs for reimbursing claim of CGST and Central Government share of IGST paid on mentioned specific items.

21) Scientists from Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad have discovered for first time distant planet revolving around Sun-like star. Both the planet and the star have been named EPIC. With this discovery India joins handful of countries which have discovered planets around stars. EPIC planet: The planet has been named as EPIC 211945201b (or K2-236b) and host star has been named EPIC 211945201 (or K2-236). The EPIC planet is six times bigger than Earth and revolves around host about 600 light years away. EPIC was found circling very close to its host star, going around it once in about 19.5 days. EPIC planet is smaller in size compared to Saturn and but is bigger than Neptune. Its mass is about 27 times Earth’s and six times that of Earth at radius. Its 60% mass may be made up of heavy elements like ice, silicates and iron. The planet is unlikely to be inhabitable because of its high surface temperature of around 600°C. Discovery method: The discovery was made using PRL-designed PARAS (PRL Advance Radial-velocity Abu-sky Search) spectrograph to measure and confirm the mass of the new planet. PARAS is first of its kind spectrograph in the country which can measure the mass of planet going around star. It is integrated with 1.2-metre telescope located at PRL’s Gurushikhar Observatory in Mount Abu, Rajasthan. Very few such spectrographs exist around the world (mostly in US and in Europe) that can do such precise measurements. Significance: The discovery of EPIC planetary system adds to sparse catalogue of 22 other confirmed exoplanet systems that have mass and radius in range between Saturn and Neptune. It will help in understanding formation mechanism of such super-Neptune or sub-Saturn kind of planets that are too close to host star. This planet is very unlike those in our own Solar System, by studying them will tell us more about how planetary systems are formed. Physical Research Laboratory (PRL): It is national research institute for space and allied sciences, supported mainly by Department of Space (DST) of Government of India. It conducts research programmes in astronomy and astrophysics, atmospheric sciences and aeronomy, solar system, Earth sciences and theoretical physic. It was founded in November 1947 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. It is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

22) The Union Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeITY) launched 5000 Wi-Fi Choupals in villages in partnership with common service centres (CSCs). It was jointly inaugurated by Union Electronics and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal in New Delhi. Wi-Fi Choupals: The aim of Wi-Fi Choupals is to transform rural Internet connectivity through BharatNet. They focuses on developing rural Wi-Fi infrastructure and to host suitable applications to provide various ICT services at an affordable cost. They will provide 60,000 WiFi hotspots in rural areas enabling people effective Internet access for their various digital processes. Wi-Fi Choupals are in addition to broadband connectivity provided gram panchyats through optical fibre network under BharatNet. BharatNet: BharatNet is Centre’s rural internet connectivity programme which is implemented by Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL). It is world’s largest rural broadband connectivity programme using Optical fibre. It seeks to connect all of India’s households, particularly the rural areas, through demand, affordable broadband connectivity of 2 Mbps to 20 Mbps to realise vision of Digital India. The project is being funded by Universal service Obligation Fund (USOF).

23) Union Government is going to launch Rs.500 crore Credit Enhancement Fund (CEF) in July 2018 to facilitate infrastructure investments by insurance and pension funds. The CEF provides additional source of assaurance or gaurantee that borrower will service their loan. It also helps borrower to raise loans at lower interest rates. The fund was first announced in Union Budget for fiscal year 2016-17. Credit Enhancement Fund (CEF): CEF will provide credit enhancement for infrastructure projects which will help in upgrading credit ratings of bonds issued by infrastructure companies and facilitate investment from investors like pension and insurance funds. The initial corpus of the fund will be Rs 500 crore and will be sponsored by IIFCL (India Infrastructure Finance Company). It will operate as a non-banking finance company (NBFC). IIFCL will hold 22.5% stake in the NBFC, while Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has been offered by the Government to pick up 10% stake. Background: At present, only $110 billion is being invested in infrastructure in India, against requirement of $200 billion, leading many analysts to classify India as infrastructure deficit country. Most of the present infrastructure project financing is done by banking system. But all these lenders are saddled with problem of non-performing assets (NPAs). So there is need for the private sector to be more active on the infrastructure investment front. CEF will serve as alternative for rising of money for infrastructure projects through corporate bonds.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 09 June 2018 To 15 June 2018.

24) India will host first military exercise of the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) Countries in September 2018 in Pune, Maharashtra. The theme of the exercise includes counter-terrorism in semi-urban terrain and cordon and search. Key Facts: The main aim of this military exercise is to promote strategic alignment among the member-states and to share best practices in the area of counter-terrorism. Each participating member country will bring in some 30 soldiers. As part of this exercise, a conclave of Army chiefs of all seven member-states is being planned. In it, the chiefs will debate challenge of terrorism and transnational crime, which is major concern among all states and on how they can promote collective cooperation. BIMSTEC countries had held disaster management exercise in 2017 in New Delhi, but this will be first military exercise of the grouping. BIMSTEC: BIMSTEC is the sub-regional group of seven countries in South Asia and South East Asia lying in littoral and adjacent areas of Bay of Bengal constituting contiguous regional unity. It was established on 6 June 1997 through Bangkok Declaration. It is headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Member countries: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka from South Asia and Myanmar, Thailand from South East Asia. They are collectively home to around 1.5 billion people which constitute around 22% of global population. BIMESTC’s prime objectives: Technological and economic cooperation among south Asian and south East Asian countries along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. BIMSTEC is sector-driven cooperative organization, starting with six sector including trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism and fisheries. In 2008, it was expanded to embrace eight more sectors including agriculture, public health, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, environment, culture, people to people contact and climate change.

25) The Common Service Centres (CSCs) Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) for delivery of railway services through CSC centres. This will allow CSCs to work as IRCTC agents for train ticket bookings. Key Facts: CSCs will now be able to book general tickets. Under the agreement, all 2.9 lakh CSCs spread across the country will be able to book both reserved and unreserved train tickets. All CSCs will be connected with technology for railway ticket booking. Moreover, Government is planning to empower CSCs to act as banking correspondents and to sell insurance too in the future. It is also pushing private sector participation in providing digital services through these platforms. Thus, these centres apart from providing digital literacy will provide services like Aadhaar payments, pension, banking, and insurance. Common Service Centres (CSC): CSC is an initiative of Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY). It is strategic cornerstone of Digital India programme. It is pan-India network catering to regional, geographic, linguistic and cultural diversity of country, thus enabling Government’s mandate of a socially, financially and digitally inclusive society. There are as many as 2.91 lakh CSCs operate in the country today. They are mostly ICT enabled front end service delivery points at village level for delivery of government and private services. These CSCs serve as access points for delivery of essential public utility services, social welfare schemes, financial, healthcare, education and agriculture services, apart from host of B2C services to citizens in rural and remote areas of the country. They also serve as change agents by promoting rural entrepreneurship and building rural capacities and livelihoods.

26) India is considering bringing together group of 8-10 member countries of World Trade Organisation (WTO) to prepare agenda for creation of conducive atmosphere to ensure smooth functioning of the global trade body. Key Facts: It would be an informal group within WTO, which may also include nations like Brazil, China, South Africa, China, Indonesia and Columbia. The main idea behind this group is to create proper structured agenda which will be acceptable to all countries to reduce tension. Its main objective is to create conducive atmosphere so that global trading system works well. From India, Union Commerce Ministry will be discussing issue internally and work on structure of the group. Significance: The initiative assumes significance as trade tensions have escalated after United States had imposed high customs duties on certain steel and aluminium products. Other WTO members too have retaliated, which is leading to trade war-like situation. In trade wars, countries try to restrict imports by resorting to tariff and non-tax related barriers. Increase in customs duties on product makes that item less competitive in importing nation. Background: The talks at WTO’s 11th Ministerial Conference held in Argentina in December 2017 had collapsed after US went back on its commitment to find permanent solution to public food stockholding issue, a key matter for India. Following collapse of WTO ministerial talks in Argentina in December 2017, India had organised mini-ministerial meeting of about 45 WTO members in March 2018 to revitalise multi-lateral trade body. The objective of meeting was to initiate free and frank discussion on various key issues and challenges facing Geneva-based WTO. World Trade Organisation (WTO): WTO is an inter-governmental organization for governments to negotiate global trade agreements and progressively liberalizing trade. It operates system of trade rules that apply to all its members. It is also a place for Member governments to settle their trade disputes. Its headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland. It was established on 1 January 1995 and its official languages are English, French and Spanish.

27) The second edition India-US colloquium on Earth Observations and Sciences for Society and Economy was inaugurated at CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR-NIO), Dona Paula, Goa. The colloquium is being organised by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research)-NIO and US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Key Facts: The colloquium multi-disciplinary event will bring together 200 delegates from India and US to address emerging ocean and earth science issues. It will help both countries to improve ocean and atmosphere observations that contribute to economic well-being of both nations through better weather, climate, and ocean prediction, as well as fisheries management.

28) The Union Ministry of Railways has launched Rail MADAD (Mobile Application for Desired Assistance During travel) Application to expedite and streamline passenger grievance redressal. The application was launched inline with Union Government’s Digital India Initative. Rail Madad app: The app for the first time completely digitized the Complaint management system. It integrates RPGRAMS (Railway Passenger Grievance Redressal and Management System) developed by Northern Railway (Delhi Division). It registers complaint of passengers with minimum inputs. It also has option of photo and issues unique ID instantly. It relays complaint online to relevant field officials for immediate action. The action taken on complaint is also relayed to passenger through SMS. It also displays various helpline numbers (e.g., Security, Child helpline etc) and provides direct calling facility for immediate assistance in one easy step. It integrates all modes of filing complaints including offline and online modes on single platform. It presents holistic picture of weak and deficient areas and enable focused corrective action by officials concerned. It also aids in data analysis of reports to generate trends on various performance parameters of selected train and stations like cleanliness, amenities etc to make managerial process more precise and effective.

29) Kerala Government has decided to lift high alert issued in the wake of outbreak of deadly Nipah virus in May 2018 in northern Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of state that has so far claimed 17 lives. The outbreak of virus has been brought under control and its spread checked as no positive case has been reported. Restrictions for the public gatherings of people also have been relaxed. It also has decided to reopen educational institutions, schools and professional colleges, which was postponed due to the virus outbreak. Nipah Virus (NiV) Infection: Nipah virus (NiV) infection is zoonotic disease (disease transmitted to humans from animals) that causes severe disease in both animals and humans. The organism which causes Nipah Virus encephalitis is RNA or Ribonucleic acid virus of family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus, and is closely related to Hendra virus. Origin: It was first identified in 1999 during outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. It gets its name from Sungai Nipah, a Malaysian village, where pig farmers became ill with encephalitis. In these subsequent outbreaks, there were no intermediate hosts of the virus. In Bangladesh in 2004, humans got infected after consuming date palm sap that had been contaminated by infected fruit bats. Natural Host: Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus are natural host of the virus. The virus is present in bat urine and potentially, bat faeces, saliva, and birthing fluids. Presumably, first incidence of NiV infection occurred when pigs in Malaysian farms came in contact with fruit bats who had lost their habitats due to deforestation. Transmission: The virus spreads fast and is mostly fatal. Infected bats shed virus in their excretion and secretion. The virus cannot be transmitted through air. But it is transmitted through direct contact with infected bats, pigs. Human to Human transmission from other NiV-infected people is also reported. Signs & Symptoms: NiV infection in humans has range of clinical presentations i.e., from asymptomatic infection to acute respitatory syndrome and fatal encephalitis (inflammation of brain). After exposure and incubation period of 5 to 14 days, illness presents with 3-4 days of fever and headache, followed by drowsiness, disorientation and mental confusion. These signs and symptoms can progress to coma within 24 to 48 hours. The mortality rate of patients infected with NiV infection is reportedly 70%. It is capable of causing diseases in domestic animals too. Treatment: There is no vaccine for NiV disease either for humans or animals. The main treatment for those infected is intensive supportive care and supportive medicines. NiV Infection can be prevented by avoiding exposure of infected people without protective gear. In disease prone areas, fruits strewn on the ground should not be eaten, for safety.

30) The World Health Organisation (WHO) has commended India’s progress in reducing maternal mortality ratio (MMR) by 77%, from 556 per 10000 live births in 1990 to 130 per 10000 live births in 2016. This progress puts India on track towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of MMR below 70 by 2030. India’s present MMR is below Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target. Key Facts: India has made concerted push to increase access to quality maternal health services with coverage of essential maternal health services which has doubled since 2005. Proportion of institutional deliveries in public facilities has almost tripled, from 18% in 2005 to 52% in 2016 (including private facilities, institutional deliveries). State-subsidised demand-side financing like Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram (JSSK) has largely closed urban-rural divide traditionally seen in institutional births. JSSK also allows all pregnant women delivering in public health institutions free transport and no-expense delivery, including caesarian section. Government has put significant emphasis on mitigating social determinants of maternal health. Women in India are now more literate than ever, with 68% are now able to read and write. They are also entering marriage at older age, with just 27% now wedded before age of 18. These factors have enabled Indian women to better control their reproductive lives and make decisions that reflect their own interests and wants. Moreover, Government also has put in substantive efforts to facilitate positive engagement between public and private health care providers. Public campaigns such as Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan have been introduced with great impact, allowing women access to antenatal check-ups, obstetric gynecologists and to track high-risk pregnancies.

31) Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) lab has signed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with RAASI Solar Power Pvt Ltd for transfer of technology for India’s first Lithium Ion (Li-ion) Battery project. The agreement was signed by CSIR’s Central Electro Chemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu. Key Facts: CSIR-CECRI has developed indigenous technology of Lithium-ion cells in partnership with other sister CSIR labs. It has secured globally recognised patent for this technology. The indigenous Lithium-ion cells technology has potential to enable cost reduction, coupled with appropriate supply chain and manufacturing technology for mass production. Under the singed MoA, Raasi Group will set up Lithium-ion cells manufacturing facility in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu close to Bangalore. Li-Ion battery: Lithium-ion battery is type of rechargeable battery that contains several cells. Each cell consists of cathode, anode and electrolyte, separator between electrodes and current collectors. In it, lithium ions move from negative electrode to positive electrode during discharge and back when charging. Li-ion battery use intercalated lithium compound as one electrode material. Benefits of Li-Ion battery: It is light weighted and is one-third the weight of lead acid batteries. It is nearly 100% efficient in both charging and discharging as compared to lead battery which has 70% efficiency. It completely discharges i.e. 100% as compared to 80% for lead acid. It has life cycle of 5000 times or more compared to just 400-500 cycles in lead acid. It also maintains constant voltage throughout entire discharge cycle whereas voltage in lead acid battery drops consistently throughout its discharge cycle. It is much cleaner technology and is safer for environment as it does not have environmental impact as lead acid battery. It can power any electrical application without the need of physical wires-means wireless.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 09 June 2018 To 15 June 2018.

32) President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed former National Investigation Agency (NIA) chief Sharad Kumar (62) as vigilance commissioner in Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). He will have term of four years or till he attains the age of 65. Sharad Kumar was IPS officer 1979-batch from Haryana cadre. He had retired in September 2017 after heading NIA for over four years. Central Vigilance Commission (CVC): CVC is an apex probity watchdog of Union Government formed to address governmental corruption. It was set up by Central Government in February 1964 on the recommendations of K. Santhanam Committee on Prevention of Corruption. It has status of statutory autonomous body and free of control from any executive authority as per the provisions of Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) Act, 2003. Functions: It monitors all vigilance activity under Union Government and advises various authorities in Union Government organizations in planning, executing, reviewing and reforming their vigilance work. Union Government has authorized CVC as “Designated Agency” to receive written complaints for disclosure on any allegation of corruption or misuse of office and recommend appropriate action. Composition: CVC is headed by Central Vigilance Commissioner and has two Vigilance Commissioners. They are appointed by President on recommendations of select committee comprising of Prime Minister as Chairperson, Union Minister of Home Affairs and Leader of second largest party in Lok Sabha or majority group leader in parliament.

33) Government has appointed Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) member Arvind Saxena as the acting Chairman of the commission. He will perform the duties of chairman of UPSC with effect from 20 June 2018 till further orders or till completion of his tenure in August, 2020. He will take over charge from incumbent Vinay Mittal who completes his term. Arvind Saxena is 1978-batch Indian Postal Service officer. He was appointed as member of UPSC in May, 2015 after he completed his stint in Aviation Research Centre (ARC). He has previously worked in Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) after he joined it in 1988. He is specialised in study of strategic developments in neighbouring countries. Union Public Service Commission (UPSC): UPSC is constitutional body that conducts prestigious civil services examination for Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) and others. It has been established under Article 315 of the Constitution of India. It consists of Chairman and ten Members, who are appointed and removed by President. The chairman and members of the Commission hold office for term of six years or until they attain age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. Article 316 of Constitution deals with appointment and term of office of members.

34) Mauritius is going to host 11th World Hindi Conference (विश्व हिंदी सम्मेलन) in its capital city Port Lois from August 18-20, 2018. It will be organised by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India in association with Government of Mauritius. The theme of the Conference will be “Vaishvik Hindi Aur Bharatiy Sanskriti“. Key Facts: The conference is aimed at providing common platform to several Hindi scholars, writers and laureates from different parts of the world to contribute the language. Its venue will be Swami Vivekanand International Convention Centre, Pailles Mauritius. The conference will cover both classical and modern elements of Hindi and will see participation delegates and scholars of Hindi from all over the world. World Hindi Conference: The World Hindi Conference is major event organised every three years by MEA to increase the popularity of Hindi globally. The first conference was held from 10 to 12 January 1975 in Nagpur, Maharashtra and was inaugurated by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Since then, ten such Conferences have been held in different parts of world. In the first conference, then Prime Minister of Mauritius Seewoosagur Ramgoolam was Chief Guest and it was attended by 122 delegates from 30 countries. In remembrance of the first conference, every year 10th January is being observed as World Hindi Day. The 10 edition of World Hindi Conference was held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh (India) in 2015 with the theme of “Hindi Jagat-Vistar and Sambhavnaye”.

35) India’s talismanic football team captain Sunil Chhetri (33) became joint second highest international goal scorer among active players along with Argentine superstar footballer Lionel Messi. He achieved this feat after he scored his 64th goal in match between India and Kenya in Intercontinental Cup summit clash in Mumbai, Maharashtra. In this match, Chhetri scored two goals. Sunil Chhetri’s performance: It was Chhetri’s 102nd international match, making him only the second Indian to feature in 100 international matches after former skipper Bhaichung Bhutia. In terms of goals scored, he and Messi are behind Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo who has 81 goals on his name from 150 matches. Chhetri and Messi are currently in joint 21st position in all-time list of goal scorers. Chhetri is just one goal below former Chelsea FC and Ivory Coast footballer Didier Drogba (65 from 104 matches). In terms of number of goals per match, Chhetri is better than Meesi (who is currently considered as best player in the football world). Chhetri has scored 0.62 goals per match as against 0.52 of Messi (64 goals from 124 matches). He is also better goal average than Cristiano Ronaldo (0.54 per match).

36) The 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit concluded with the adoption of the Qingdao declaration. It was adopted by leaders of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India (represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi) and Pakistan. It was India and Pakistan’s first summit as full members of SCO grouping. Key Facts: The Qingdao declaration calls for implementing three-year plan to combat terrorism, separatism and extremism. It also calls for implementation of treaty on long-term good neighbourliness, friendship and co-operation. SCO participating leaders also adopted total of 17 documents at the summit, which particularly include documents endorsing 2018-2022 Action Plan to implement Treaty for Long-term Good-Neighborly Relations, Friendship and Cooperation between SCO states and 2019-2020 Program for Cooperation in countering terrorism, separatism and extremism. They also signed decision to approve 2018-2023 Anti-Drug Strategy and Action Plan to implement it. Besides, leaders of all SCO countries also signed an information statement. India’s Participation: India refused to endorse China’s ambitious One Belt, One Road (OBOR) project as part of Qingdao Declaration at the 18th SCO summit. At the restricted session of the SCO Summit, Indian Prime Minister Modi floated concept of SECURE: ‘S’ for security for citizens, ‘E’ for economic development, ‘C’ for connectivity in the region, ‘U’ for unity, ‘R’ for respect of sovereignty and integrity, and ‘E for environment protection. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): SCO is a Eurasian economic, political and security organisation headquartered in Beijing, China. The Declaration on establishment of SCO was singed in Shanghai (China) in June 2001 by six founding states – Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. The groupings main objective is military cooperation between members. It also works towards intelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism operations in Central Asia. It is primarily centred on its member nations’ Central Asian security-related concerns, often describing main threats it confronts as being terrorism, separatism and extremism. The full members of the organization are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, India and Pakistan. India and Pakistan were granted SCO membership in June 2017. Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia currently enjoy observer status of SCO. Sri Lanka, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal are dialogue partners of SCO.

37) Trilateral Naval Exercise Malabar 2018 between India, Japan and United States kicked off the coast of Guam in Philippine Sea. It will be 22nd edition of the naval exercise, which has now become an annual feature in deep military ties between India and US. It will be first naval wargame after US renamed its Hawaii-based Pacific command (PACOM) as Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) amid increased Chinese activities of building artificial islands in South China Sea and sending submarines into Indian Ocean. Key Facts: This edition of annual exercise will focus on high-end war fighting skillsets, subject matter expert and professional exchanges. It will also include combined carrier strike group operations, surface and anti-submarine warfare, medical operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, damage control, helicopter operations and visit, board, search and seizure operations. Phases: Malabar 2018 will be conducted in two phases: ashore and at-sea training. The harbour phrase will take place at Naval Base Guam and sea phase in Philippine Sea. The ashore phase in Guam will include subject matter expert and professional exchanges on carrier strike group operations, reconnaissance operations, maritime patrol, surface and anti-submarine warfare, medical operations, damage control, helicopter operations and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations. The sea phase will see military-to-military coordination and capacity to plan and execute tactical operations between three navies in multinational environment. It will also see events like gunnery exercises, anti-submarine warfare, air defence exercises, surface warfare exercises, helicopter cross-deck evolutions and underway replenishments. Participation: US Navy has deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, guided-missile cruisers USS Antietam and USS Chancellorsville, guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold and P-8A Poseidon aircraft. Indian Navy has deployed INS Kamorta, the first of four anti-submarine Kamorta-class stealth corvettes; INS Sahyadri, Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate, Deepak-class fleet tanker INS Shakti and also P-8I Neptune advanced maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) has deployed three ships 19,000-tonne JS Hyuga (lead ship of Hyuga-class of helicopter carriers), Takanami-class guided-missile/ASW destroyer JS Suzunami, Akizuki-class guided-missile destroyer JS Fuyuzuki and diesel-electric attack submarine and Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft.. Background: The Malabar exercise was started in 1992 as joint Indo-US naval drill. Since then it is held annually.But it was suspended from 1998 to 2002 after India conducted nuclear weapons tests in 1998. Japan became permanent participant in 2015. The primary aim of this multilateral exercise is to increase interoperability amongst navies of three countries and develop common understanding of procedures for Maritime Security Operations and deepen defence relations between them. In 2007, the exercise also saw participation of Australia and Singapore. All the participating nations in the exercise have clarified earlier that Malabar series of exercise is not aimed against specific country Since last two years, Australia repeatedly requested to be part of annual exercise but India again refused after China raised is concerns.

38) India and China have signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) related to sharing of Brahmaputra river data and supply of non-Basmati rice. These MoUs were signed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues to take forward agenda set at informal Wuhan Summit of April 2018. The two leaders discussed implementation of Wuhan consensus and drawing up blueprint for future India-China relations. This was 14th meeting between two leaders over past 4 years. Key Facts: MoU on sharing of Brahmaputra river data: Under it, China will provide India hydrological data of the Brahmaputra River in flood season crucial to predict floods. It was signed between China’s Ministry of Water Resources and India’s Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. The agreement will enable China to provide hydrological data in flood season from May 15 to October 15 every year. It will also enable China to provide hydrological data if water level exceeds mutually agreed level during non-flood season. Background: Brahmaputra is one of the major rivers in China originating from Tibet. From Tibet it flows down to India and later enters Bangladesh where it joins the Ganga. China as an upstream country shares scientific study of movement, distribution and quality of water data for Brahmaputra River. In 2017, China had stopped sharing data soon after 73-day long stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops at Dokalam over Chinese military’s plans to build road close to India’s Chicken Neck corridor connecting North-Eastern states. MoU on Phytosanitary requirements: It was signed between China’s General Administration of Customs and India’s Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare. It is related to Phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China, one of the world’s biggest rice markets. It amends 2006 Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements for Exporting Rice from India to China to include the export of non-Basmati varieties of rice from India. At present, India can only export Basmati rice to China. Significance: The MoU on non-Basmati rice may help in addressing India’s concerns over ballooning trade deficit with China to a certain extent. Trade deficit of India with China stood at US $36.73 billion during April-October 2017. India’s trade deficit with China has marginally dipped to US $51 billion in 2016-17 from US $52.69 billion in 2015-16 fiscal. China has been promising to address issue of trade deficit with India which has been seeking greater market access for its goods and services in China.

39) India and China have signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) related to sharing of Brahmaputra river data and supply of non-Basmati rice. These MoUs were signed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held detailed discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping on bilateral and global issues to take forward agenda set at informal Wuhan Summit of April 2018. The two leaders discussed implementation of Wuhan consensus and drawing up blueprint for future India-China relations. This was 14th meeting between two leaders over past 4 years. Key Facts: MoU on sharing of Brahmaputra river data: Under it, China will provide India hydrological data of the Brahmaputra River in flood season crucial to predict floods. It was signed between China’s Ministry of Water Resources and India’s Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. The agreement will enable China to provide hydrological data in flood season from May 15 to October 15 every year. It will also enable China to provide hydrological data if water level exceeds mutually agreed level during non-flood season. Background: Brahmaputra is one of the major rivers in China originating from Tibet. From Tibet it flows down to India and later enters Bangladesh where it joins the Ganga. China as an upstream country shares scientific study of movement, distribution and quality of water data for Brahmaputra River. In 2017, China had stopped sharing data soon after 73-day long stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops at Dokalam over Chinese military’s plans to build road close to India’s Chicken Neck corridor connecting North-Eastern states. MoU on Phytosanitary requirements: It was signed between China’s General Administration of Customs and India’s Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare. It is related to Phytosanitary requirements for exporting rice from India to China, one of the world’s biggest rice markets. It amends 2006 Protocol on Phytosanitary Requirements for Exporting Rice from India to China to include the export of non-Basmati varieties of rice from India. At present, India can only export Basmati rice to China. Significance: The MoU on non-Basmati rice may help in addressing India’s concerns over ballooning trade deficit with China to a certain extent. Trade deficit of India with China stood at US $36.73 billion during April-October 2017. India’s trade deficit with China has marginally dipped to US $51 billion in 2016-17 from US $52.69 billion in 2015-16 fiscal. China has been promising to address issue of trade deficit with India which has been seeking greater market access for its goods and services in China.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 09 June 2018 To 15 June 2018.

40) The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has appointed S Ramesh, member of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) as its next Chairman. He will succeed present chairman Vanaja N. Sarna who retires in June 2018. Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC): CBIC is the nodal national agency responsible for administering Customs, GST, Central Excise, Service Tax & Narcotics in India. It is part of the Department of Revenue under Union Ministry of Finance. It is headquartered in New Delhi. It is one of the oldest government departments of India (established in 1855 by the then British Governor General of India, to administer customs laws in India and collection of import duties / land revenue). It was renamed to present name from Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) in March 2017. CBIC deals with tasks of formulation of policy concerning levy and collection of customs and central excise duties and service tax, prevention of smuggling and administration of matters relating to customs, central excise, service tax and narcotics. It is administrative authority for its subordinate organizations, including Central Excise and Service Tax Commissionerates, Custom Houses and Central Revenues Control Laboratory.

41) India was ranked 136th among 163 countries in Global Peace Index 2018 that was released by Sydney-based think tank Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). In Last year’s index, India was ranked 137th. 2018 GPI was twelfth edition of index since it was launched in 2006. Iceland was ranked most peaceful country in the world and it managed to retain its position since 2008. Global Peace Index (GPI): GPI ranks 163 independent states and territories every year according to their level of peacefulness. It is considered as one of the most comprehensive analysis that captures trends in peace, its economic value, and how to develop peaceful societies. The multifaceted index uses 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators to measure state of peace using three thematic domains: level of societal safety and security; extent of ongoing domestic and international conflict; and degree of militarisation. It also uses various parameters like the homicide rate, ease of access to weapons, impact of terrorism and number of armed services personnel in population. Salient highlights: Top 10 Peaceful Countries in 2018 GPI: Iceland (1), New Zealand (2), Austria (3), Potugal (4), Denmark (5), Canada (6), Czech Republic (7), Singapore (8), Japan (9) and Ireland (10). Top 10 Least Peaceful Countries: Syria (163), Afghanistan (162), South Sudan (161), Iraq (160), Somalia (159), Yemen (158), Libya (157), Democratic Republic of Congo (156), Central African Republic (155) and Russia (154). The index has covered 99.7% of the world’s population. Global peacefulness: The average level of global peacefulness has deteriorated by 2.38% since 2008. Over that period, 85 countries deteriorated, while 75 improved. 71 countries were more peaceful in 2018 than 2018. 92 countries were less peaceful in 2018 than in 2017. The global GPI average deteriorated 0.27% from 2017 to 2018. Regional Peacefulness: Four most peaceful regions according to GPI 2018 are Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and South America. However, all these regions recorded deteriorations. Europe remains most peaceful region in the world. The combined Middle East and North Africa was the least peaceful region in the world. Global economic impact of violence: It was $14.76 trillion PPP in 2017, equivalent to 12.4% of global GDP, or $1,988 per person. It has increased by 16% since 2012, corresponding with start of the Syrian war and rising violence in the aftermath of Arab Spring. In the last 70 years, per capita GDP growth has been three times higher in highly peaceful countries. South Asia: The region experienced largest regional improvement in peacefulness. Bhutan (19), Sri Lanka (67), Nepal (84), Bangladesh (93) and Pakistan (151).

42) World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has notified declaration submitted by Indian relating to Article II and III of Appendix to Paris Act (1971) related to Berne Convention for Protection of Literary and Artistic Works. The declaration will enter into force, with respect to India from March 28, 2018. It will enable India to avail itself faculties provided for Article II and III of the Appendix to Berne Convention during 10 years period that will expire, on October 10, 2024. Key Facts: India has been member of Berne Convention since April 1928. It has been submitting declaration as per Article II and III of Appendix from time to time. The present notification is in continuation of India’s earlier position. Article II of Appendix: It will enable India to substitute for exclusive right of translation of work, which has been published in printed or analogous forms of reproduction granted by competent authority only for purpose of teaching, research or scholarship. Article III of Appendix: It will enable India to substitute for exclusive right of reproduction of literally work, published either in printed or analogous forms of reproduction or in audio-visual form of lawfully made audio-visual fixations, to publish edition which has not been distributed on sale for period of 6 months, except when either translations is not published by owner of right of translation or with his authorization, or when translation is not in language general in use in India. Berne Convention: Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (Berne Convention) is international copyright agreement that mandates equal treatment of copyrighted works by signatories, known as Berne Union. It was adopted in 1886 in Berne, Switzerland. The convention requires signatory member countries to recognize copyrighted literary or artistic works in same way that its national copyrights are recognized. Under it, all works (except cinematography and photography) are copyrighted for minimum 50 years term after death of author, but longer terms may be provided related parties. It also allows signatories to apply fair use of copyrighted works in other broadcasts or publications, as reflected in WIPO Copyright Treaty, 1996.

43) United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) elected South Africa, Indonesia, Dominican Republic, Germany and Belgium as non-permanent members of UN Security Council (UNSC). They will have two-year term beginning January 1, 2019. These five non-permanent members were elected according to the following pattern. Two seats for Group of African states and Group of Asia-Pacific states, One for the Group of Latin American and Caribbean states. Two seats for Western European and other states. UN Security Council (UNSC): UNSC is most powerful and one of the six principal organs United Nations. Under UN Charter it has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 members, including five permanent ones with the power of veto. The five permanent members are China, France, Russia, UK and US. 10 non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms each. Its powers include establishment of peacekeeping operations, establishment of international sanctions, and authorization of military action through UNSC resolutions. It is only UN body with authority to issue binding resolutions to member states. Functions of UNSC: UNSC is responsible for determining existence of threat against peace and to respond to act of aggression. It is also responsible for finding peaceful means to settle conflict or dispute between states. In some cases, it resorts to sanctions or even authorise use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security. It also recommends to UNGA appointment of UN Secretary General and admission of new members to the UN.

44) According to Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), foreign direct investment (FDI) in India increased to US $61.96 billion in 2017-18. FDI inflow in previous fiscal was US $60 billion. In last four years perod, FDI inflows has jumped to US 4222.75 billion from US $152 billion. Key Facts: The main sectors that received maximum FDI were services, computer software and hardware, telecommunications, construction, trading and automobile. Major sources of FDI to Indian included Mauritius, Singapore, Japan, Netherlands, US, Germany, France and UAE. However, according to recent UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) report, FDI to India decreased to US $40 billion in 2017 from US $44 billion in 2016, while outflows from India, the main source of investment in South Asia, has doubled. Background: Foreign investments including FDI are considered crucial for India as it needs around $1 trillion for overhauling its infrastructure sector such as ports, airports and highways to boost growth. Strong inflow of foreign investments mainly helps to improve the country’s balance of payments (BoP) situation and also strengthen the rupee value against other global currencies, especially dominant US dollar. To attract inflow of foreign investments, the central government has announced several measures including liberalisation of FDI policy and improvement in business climate.

45) India’s first indigenous, long-range artillery gun Dhanush has successfully passed its final test at Pokhran, Rajasthan. This paves its way for induction into Indian Army. Earlier the gun had passed tests under severe cold conditions in Sikkim and Leh and in hot and humid weather in Balasore, Odisha, Babina in Jhansi. Indian Army has so far not inducted any new artillery guns since Bofors guns. It has placed an initial order for 114 Dhanush guns and is expected to order another 400 more. Dhanush artillery gun: Dhanush is a 155mm x 45mm calibre artillery gun. It has been developed by Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), Kolkata based on requirements of Indian Army and manufactured by Jabalpur-based Gun Carriage Factory (GCF). It is upgraded version of Swedish 155-mm Bofors howitzers, which India procured in the mid-1980s, based on its original designs. So, it is also called desi Bofors. It has strike range of 40 kilometres (11 km more than the imported Bofors guns) with accuracy and precision.Its 81% components are indigenously sourced and it will be scaled up to 90% by 2019. Each of this gun costs about Rs 14.50 crore while each shell costs Rs. 1 lakh. It provides greater fire power, depending on the type of ammunition used. It also has night firing capability in direct fire mode. Its armament system comprises a barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism and recoil mechanism to fire 155 mm calibre ammunitions. It has several significant advance features, including an all-electric drive, high mobility, quick deployability, auxiliary power mode, advanced communication system and automated command and control system. It has six round magazine, instead of a standard three round one. It weighs slightly more than normal due to the larger chamber.

46) The World Oceans Day is being observed every year on 8th June to raise global awareness of current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans. The day also seeks to provide unique opportunity to honour, protect, and conserve the world’s oceans. The focus of World Oceans Day 2018 is on ‘Peventing plastic pollution and encouraging solutions for a healthy ocean’. It also coincided with theme of World Environment Day 2018-‘Beat Plastic Pollution’. Background: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had designated 8 June as the World Oceans Day in 2008 by passing its resolution 63/111. Prior to it was unofficially celebrated every 8 June. In 1992, Canada had prosed celebration of this day at Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Since 2003, the day has been coordinated by The Ocean Project.

47) The Central Government has decided to raise five Indian Reserve Police (IRP) battalions in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) with an aim to provide jobs to local youths. These battalions will have 60% reservation to people from border areas of J&K. Key Facts: The five IRP battalions in J&K will have over 5,000 personnel in which 60% reservation will be given to people living in zero to 10 km range from the border. Besides, two female battalions comprising 1,000 women personnel will also be created. The women battalion will primarily deal with incidents like stone pelting in Kashmir valley and other law and order duties. The cost of raising each battalion us around Rs 61 crore and 75% of it will be provided by central government. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) deploys personnel of IRBs in their respective states but they can be deployed in other states too if there is requirement. At present, there are 144 IRBs in various states. In addition, four IRBs each are being raised in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, 12 in Maoist-hit states besides five battalions in J&K.

48) According to Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation, rural sanitation coverage of India has risen to 85% under Swachh Bharat Mission. Recent survey conducted by Independent Verification Agency across 90,000 households in over 6000 villages across the country has found usage of toilets in rural India to be 93.4%. Key Facts: This sanitation coverage under Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen), is significant as it has increased more than double since launch of mission. It has successfully built 7.4 crore toilets across rural India through mobilization of rural communities. As result of it, over 3.8 lakh villages and 391 districts across the country have been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). Two independent surveys conducted in past by Quality Council of India (QCI) in 2017 and National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) in 2016 had pegged usage of these toilets at 91% and 95% respectively. Swachh Bharat Mission: SBM was launched in October 2014 to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to put focus on sanitation. The mission aims to achieve Swachh Bharat or make India clean by 2019, as a fitting tribute to 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It world’s largest sanitation program that aimed bring behavioural change of people with respect to toilet access and usage. The SBM consists of two sub-missions Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), implemented in rural areas, and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), implemented in urban areas. SBM-G seeks to eliminate open defecation in rural areas by improving access to sanitation by ensuring use of toilets, besides their construction. It also seeks to generate awareness to motivate communities to adopt sustainable sanitation practices, and encourage the use of appropriate technologies for sanitation.

49) Indian Coast Guard (ICG) recently commissioned interceptor ship ICGS C 439 at Mumbai, Maharashtra. Its induction will help to further enhance operational capabilities to undertake multifarious tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue and medical evacuations along western coast. ICGS C 439: ICGS C 439 is designed by L&T Marine & Ship Design Division, an in-house facility of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Limited. It is 27.4 metres long and has 136 tonnes displacement capacity. It is powered by twin water-jet propulsion systems to enable quick response. It can achieve maximum speed of 45 knots. It has full aluminium-alloy hull for reduced weight. It is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment and medium-range armament. It is designed to perform coastal surveillance, search and rescue, anti-smuggling and anti-poaching operations in close coast low intensity maritime operations. It will be under operational and administrative control of commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No.2 (Maharashtra), Mumbai.

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