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  • WBCS Current Affairs 10 February 2018 To 16 February 2018
    Posted on March 10th, 2018 in Current Affairs, Weekly Current Affairs
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    WBCS Current Affairs 10 February 2018 to 16 February 2018

    West Bengal Civil Service (Executive), popularly known as W.B.C.S.(Exe), is the civil service of the Indian state of West Bengal. For the W.B.C.S.(Exe) and other comparative posts, Public Service Commission of West Bengal arranges competitive examinations in three phases every year.Knowing the syllabus of W.B.C.S. Examination thoroughly is the first step towards this exam.The mains syllabus of W.B.C.S. is very descriptive.Following the previous years question papers are very important while preparing for this examination.1) The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Anti-Narcotics Scheme for 3 more years to combat illicit trafficking in drugs and psychotropic substances. Anti-Narcotics Scheme: The scheme was first launched in October 2004 for period of five years. It was later extended twice in subsequent years. It aims to assist states and Union Territories financially which are contributing in controlling inter-state and cross-border drug trafficking. The main strategy under the scheme includes reduction of both supply and demand of drugs and psychotropic substances. The supply reduction will include enforcement activities and demand reduction will involve rehabilitation and de-addiction measures. Key Facts: The financial assistance for narcotics control has been extended, with an estimated budget of Rs. 21 crore. It will be provided to all anti-narcotics agencies for strengthening their enforcement capabilities to combat illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. It is also proposed to be provided for all capacity building activities, including training of personnel. Background: There are approximately 40 lakh drug addicts in the country. The most common drugs of abuse are ganja, hashish, opium and heroin. Moreover there is serious abuse of pharmaceutical preparations like ‘buprenorphine’, codeine based cough syrups and painkillers like ‘proxivon’. In certain regions of country, drug abuse already has become severe social-economic problem affecting vulnerable age groups. Continue reading WBCS Current Affairs 10 February 2018 to 16 February 2018.

    2) Tri-service maritime exercise ‘Paschim Lehar’ was held off India’s western coast with an aim to build interoperability between Indian Navy, Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard. This exercise includes participation of large number of ships, submarines and aircraft from Western Naval Command of Indian Navy and units from Eastern Naval Command, Indian Army, Air Force and Coast Guard. Key Facts: Over 40 ships and submarines and similar number of maritime surveillance, fighter aircraft, helicopters and Remotely Piloted Aircraft of Indian Navy and IAF are participating in the exercise. It will test operational tasking and amphibious capabilities of armed forces, along with elements of Army Amphibious Brigade. The exercise also includes number of weapon firings, including missile, gun and torpedo firings during initial phase. The second phase of the exercise is structured to validate and refine the operational plans of Western Naval Command.

    3) China will host 2018 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit at Qingdao, eastern Shandong Province in June 2018. China had taken over rotating chair of SCO after17th SCO summit concluded in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan in June 2017. Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): SCO is a Eurasian economic, political and security organisation headquartered in Beijing, China. It was founded in 2001. The full members of the organization are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, India and Pakistan. Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran and Mongolia have observer status at present. China had founded this grouping in 1996 and then it was called as Shanghai Five. It comprised of Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. In 2001, Uzbekistan was invited to join it and SCO was officially born. After Astana Summit Declaration in 2005, SCO has emerged as a regional security organization. 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.

    4) The state owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has bagged major order worth Rs. 560 crore from the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) for setting up flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) system at National Capital Power Station (capacity 2×490 MW) at Dadri in Uttar Pradesh. Key Facts: The order involves installation of an indigenously developed FGD system in NTPC power station. The system is aimed at controlling various harmful emissions, as per stringent emission norms declared by the Union Ministry for Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It will be the 13th order for desulphurization unit being executed by BHEL as part of Make in India programme and Intended Nationally Determined Contributions scheme to reduce carbon footprint. Flu-Gas Desulfurization (FGD): FGD is a set of technologies used to remove sulphur-dioxide (SO2) from exhaust flue gases of fossil-fuel power plants, as well as from the emissions of other SOx emitting processes. Common methods used in it are wet scrubbing method, Wet and Dry lime scrubbing method, Spray-dry scrubbing method, SNOX method, Dry sorbent injection method, etc. For a typical coal-fired power station, FGD system may remove 90% or more of the SO2 in the flue gases. SO2 emissions are a primary contributor to acid rain and have been regulated by every industrialized nation in the world. Flue Gases: Flue Gases is mixture of gases produced by combustion of fuel and other materials in power stations and various industrial plants and released via flu (ducts) in atmosphere. It largely contains oxides of nitrogen derived from combustion of air, sulphur oxides, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, water vapour, excess oxygen, particulate matter like soot.

    5) India’s Aadhaar and Umang App have won awards at recently concluded 6th World Government Summit 2018 in Dubai. Umang App won in Best m-Government Service Award for Accessible Government Category and Aadhaar won in the Best Government Emerging Technologies Award. The awards were presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of UAE Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Key Facts: Aadhaar: The award for it recognized India’s efforts of invention and innovation in field of technology and making the country completely digitalized. It was recognised as the world’s largest biometric enabled identification programme, which provides access to service, bank accounts, social services benefits, income tax, passport services by providing 1.2 billion citizens unique identification card with fingerprint, eye-print and other vital data. The initiative is managed by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Umang App: The award acknowledged India’s efforts to provide convenient services to its citizens. Umang stands for Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance. It provides users unified platform that combines government departments and services, facilitating transactions for citizens. Background: World Government Summit acknowledged technology pioneers for providing global solutions to global challenges. India was ‘Guest of Honour’ country 2018 summit in which more than 140 countries participated. It was attended by several global delegates and speakers including heads of governments and representatives of 16 international organizations.

    6) India’s fifth largest private sector lender Yes Bank has listed $600 million bond issued under its maiden $1 billion MTN programme on Global Securities Market (GSM) of India INX. The bank will use proceeds from this bond to fund the bank’s IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) in Gift City and expand IBU’s rapidly growing business opportunities. Key Facts: Yes Bank’s MTN (medium term note) bonds issuance has received overwhelming response from international investors. It has been already listed on London Stock Exchange International Securities Market (LSE ISM) and Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX). India International Exchange (India INX): Indai-INX is India’s first international exchange at IFSC Gujarat International Financial Tech (GIFT) City, Gandhinagar (Gujarat). It is wholly-owned subsidiary of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), through its global bourse. It is one of world’s most advanced and fastest trading technology platforms with turn-around time of 4 micro seconds. It operates for 22 hours a day allowing international investors and NRIs to trade from anywhere across globe. It trades in equity derivatives, currency derivatives, commodity derivatives including Index and Stocks. It also offers depository receipts and bonds.

    7) The West Bengal became the first state to opt out of Centre’s National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS) announced in Union Budget 2018-19. According to State Government, it has already made hospitalisation and medical treatment free for its citizens and has already enrolled 50 lakh people under its Swasthya Sathi programme. National Health Protection Scheme (NHPS): NHPS (Ayushman Bharat Scheme) dubbed ‘Modicare’ seeks to provide health insurance of Rs 5 Lakh to 10 crore poor and vulnerable households. Under it, up to Rs 5 lakh insurance cover will be provided to each family per year in secondary and tertiary care institutions. NHPS will have 50 crore beneficiaries, making it world’s largest government-funded healthcare programme to provide quality health cover to population larger than combined citizenry of US, UK, Germany and France. The Centre had drawn up health plan for the scheme in which 40% of fund for the scheme has to come from state. Under it, the central government will contribute Rs 2,000 crore to scheme out of a total cost of Rs 5,500-6,000 crore – the remaining amount is to be paid by the state governments.

    8) India’s first radio festival was held at the UNESCO House in New Delhi to mark World Radio Day (February 13). It was organised by International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT) in partnership with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Key Facts: The festival aimed to bring together radio professionals, podcasters and other digital audio programmers. It included discussions of expert panels, exhibition and live performances. Its discussions were based on the theme for World Radio Day 2018 – Radio and Sports. It examined potential of sports as a platform for social change, ways to make it more creative and trace journey of music on radio. International Association of Women in Radio and Television (IAWRT): IAWRT is global organization of women in broadcasting industry. It was established in 1949 by professional women working in electronic and allied media. Its mission is to strengthen initiatives towards ensuring women’s views and values are integral part of programming and advance impact of women in media. It is in consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It also organizes conferences, implements projects and undertakes activities, collaborates with and media organizations. It is managed by international board, which oversees funding initiatives for a number of local chapters and member activities.

    9) Venezuela and Libya were suspended from voting in United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2018-19 session for not paying dues to 193-member world body. It was for third time in three years these countries have been suspended from voting for unpaid dues. Key Facts: Overall, 14 countries including Venezuela and Libya were in arrears for paying to global organization. Venezuela was suspended for not paying minimum of $25,200,296 and Libya must pay at least $6,594,842 to restore its voting rights. Venezuela is engulfed in economic and political crisis and Libya has two rival governments, each backed by an array of militias. The other countries that also lost their voting rights are Central African Republic (CAR), Dominican Republic, Dominica, Marshall Islands, Grenada, Surinam and Yemen. Equatorial Guinea also lost voting rights in UN Security Council. But UNGA through resolution has allowed Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe and Somalia to vote despite being in arrears.

    10) South Africa’s embattled President Jacob Zuma (75) has resigned for the office. He announced the decision after ruling African National Congress (ANC) party threatened to eject him from office via parliamentary vote of no confidence. Zuma was South Africa’s President for the last 9 years since 2009. His resignation followed weeks of intense public pressure to step down amid long-standing corruption allegations. Jacob Zuma: He was born in April 1942 in KwaZulu-Natal. He had joined ANC in 1959 and became active member of its military wing in 1962. In August 1963 at age of 21, he was convicted of conspiring to overthrow apartheid government and was imprisoned on Robben Island, alongside Nelson Mandela, for 10 years. In March 1990, after a period in exile, he returned to South Africa when ban on ANC is lifted and was elected to chair the party four years later. In June 1999, five years after end of apartheid, he was elected as deputy president of South Africa. He had lost the position in 2005 after being implicated in a fraud trial. In April 2009, after corruption charges were dropped, he became president of South Africa. His tenure as President was marred by economic decline and multiple charges of graft that have undermined image and legitimacy of ANC party that led South Africans to freedom in 1994. In October 2017, South African Supreme Court of Appeal had ruled that he must face 18 counts of corruption, fraud, racketeering and money laundering.

    11) President Ram Nath Kovind hosted an‘LPG Panchayat at Rashtrapati Bhavan. It was organised by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana (PMUY). The LPG Panchayat aims to provide a platform for LPG consumers to interact with each other, promote mutual learning and share experiences. LPG Panchayat: LPG Panchayat serves as interactive platform between those who received LPG cylinders under PMUY. One panchayat has around 100 LPG customers of nearby areas. The panchayats discuss issues such as safe practices, quality of service provided by distributors and availability of refill cylinders. LPG Panchayat aims at spreading awareness among LPG users about how to properly use clean fuel and its useful benefits. It provides platform to trigger discussion through sharing of personal experiences on benefits of use of clean fuel compared to traditional fuels like cowdung, charcoal or wood. It bring together about 100 beneficiaries of PMUY of area and create an interactive platform to discuss safe and sustainable usage of LPG, its benefits and linkages between using clean fuel and empowering women as their health risks are reduced. It also includes safe practices, quality of service provided by distributors and availability of refill cylinders. It also connects with beneficiaries of PMUY to resolve issues and wrong traditional beliefs among people through officials of oil PSUs, NGOs, Asha workers and social workers. Under it, one lakh LPG Panchayats will be activated across country to deal with issue of safe use of LPG as well as discuss its various benefits on environment, health and how it empowers women.

    12) The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs is planning to introduce ranking system for National Sports Federations (NSFs). It is aimed at inculcating healthy competition between sports bodies. This will be for first time the Sports Ministry will have system by which sports federations will be ranked or rated according to set parameters. Key Facts: The rankings will be based on federations’ administrative capability, transparency, talent-spotting ability, and medal count of athletes. It will also take into consideration implementation of the sports code — which, among other things, bars officials over 70 years old. The sports ministry will set up committee for this purpose. The committee will comprise sports administrators, sportspersons and professionals from other fields, including chartered accountants and management experts. It will conduct its own study and also ask NSFs to submit audited accounts, give details of how professional management practices have been implemented, and how effectively they have addressed players’ grievances. However, there is still no provision to link release of funds to NSFs to the rankings. The ranking system seeks to be an incentive for national sports federations to improve their internal systems of management, governance and talent promotion.

    13) The Union Government is developing soft power matrix, a tool aimed at calibrating effectiveness of India’s soft power outreach and foster better diplomatic traction in India’s immediate neighbourhood and beyond. The process is currently at a research stage. It will help in dealings with neighbouring countries and serve better as operational instrument in India’s broader diplomatic doctrine. Key Facts: The proposed matrix is being seen as attempt to establish linkages between India’s soft power and tangible outcomes in area of diplomacy. It will try and quantify this aspect of India’s diplomacy in wake of criticism that country has not been able to adequately leverage its ‘soft power’ in matters of foreign policy. It is being developed to calibrate outreach efforts such as propagation of Gandhian values and philosophy, strength of Mumbai film industry, educational scholarships extended by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), extending humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to help mitigate adverse impact of natural disasters. Background: Currently, articulation of India’s soft power abroad is done through Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), with some 36 foreign cultural centres working to promote artistic and cultural traditions through range of activities such as Festivals of India abroad. The Standing Committee on External Affairs in its report had recommended that MEA should formulate comprehensive and well-structured policy delineating India’s soft power resources and their articulation abroad. It was recommended that MEA and ICCR allocate resources to propagate image of India that augments country’s natural historical appeal, empowering its diplomacy and foreign policy. Challenges: Soft power is perceived to be an intangible ingredient of state’s power. It it is difficult to measure definite impact of these measures. India’s soft power so far is perceived as having functioned independently of government policies, without backing of focused policy or adequate backing with financial resources.

    14) Russian space agency Roskosmos has successfully launched Progress MS-08, an unmanned cargo spacecraft for the International Space Station (ISS). It was launched onboard of Soyuz-2.1a rocket from Russian-leased Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan. Soyuz-2.1a has four strap-on boosters and core engine, all fueled by mix of kerosene and liquid oxygen. Key Facts: The Progress-class capsule was carrying 2.7 tons of food, fuel, and other supplies. It was also carrying equipment for the German-Russian ICARUS research project aimed at studying wildlife-migration patterns. The robotic cargo capsule is docking with ISS’s Zvezda service module. The capsule is packed with 1,390 kilograms of equipment, scientific hardware, food and supplies for orbiting lab’s six-person crew, plus 890 kilograms of propellant for station, plus 420 kilograms of water, 24 kilograms of compressed air and 22 kilograms of compressed oxygen. The ISS, which is orbiting 400 kilometers above Earth is currently manned by six astronauts including three from US, two from Russia and one from Japan.

    15) The Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Defence Minister has approved capital acquisition of 7.4 lakh assault rifles, 17,000 light machine guns, 5,719 sniper rifles and Mareech advanced torpedo decoy systems for Indian Navy worth Rs. 15,935 crore. DAC is Defence Ministry’s highest decision-making body on procurement. DAC approval includes: 7.4 lakh assault rifles: It will be procured for three Services. These rifles will be ‘Made in India’ under categorisation of ‘Buy and Make (Indian)’, through both the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) and private industry at an estimated cost of Rs. 12,280 crore. The assault rifles will be of 7.62mm calibre and carbines of 5.56mm calibre. It will replace the indigenous INSAS rifles. 17,000 light machine guns: It will be procured for three Services through fast-track procedure at over Rs. 1,819 crore. 5,719 sniper rifles: It will procured for Indian Army and Air Force for about Rs. 982 crore. It will be bought in Buy Global category. Its ammunition will be initially procured and subsequently manufactured in India. Mareech advanced torpedo decoy systems: It will procured for Indian Navy to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of Naval Ships. It has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and has successfully completed extensive trial evaluations. The systems will be produced by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), Bengaluru, at an estimated cost of Rs.850 crore.

    16) India’s biggest electricity producer NTPC Ltd has won tender to supply 300 megawatts (MW) of electricity to power-starved Bangladesh for 15 years. The tender was floated by Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) for supply of 500 MW power from India for short term (2018-2019) and long term ( 2020 2033). Key Facts: The supply of 300MW to Bangladesh is part of India’s strategy of playing a key role in creating a new energy security architecture for its neighbours. It will help NTPC earn Rs.900 crore in annual revenue. It will help NTPC to keep pace with fast-changing power sector wherein absence of fresh demand for electricity is weighing down the entire power sector. India is currently exporting approximately 600 MW electricity to Bangladesh. Significance: Fostering cross-border energy trade is an important part of India’s South Asia-focused neighbourhood-first policy. It also has been articulated in NITI Aayog’s draft national energy policy. India already has power grid links with Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh and is building power projects in three countries. It is also planning to develop power transmission links with Myanmar and Sri Lanka. India has also been pursuing closer ties in energy sector with Bangladesh, helping markets to integrate. State-run Indian Oil Corp. is exploring long-term deals with Bangladeshi companies for supplying LPG and other petroleum products. Moreover, there is also plan to set up large LPG import terminal in partnership with local companies, allowing large vessels to arrive in Chittagong port of Bangladesh.

    17) Punjab government has made attachment of super straw management system to combine harvester machines mandatory for harvesting paddy (rice) crop in an attempt to check the dangerous trend of stubble burning. The instructions were issued under section 31 A of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Key Facts: These instructions are aimed at saving the environment from air pollution caused by stubble burning. The owners of combine harvesters desirous of undertaking harvesting of paddy in state will now have to attach super straw management system with the harvester combine. Now, no harvester combine without functional super straw management system will be allowed to harvest paddy in Punjab. Super straw management system will be attached to self-propelled combine harvesters, which cuts paddy straw into small pieces and spread same. With this method, farmers are not required to burn paddy straw before sowing the next crop.

    18) Punjab government has notified six-member Revenue Commission with an aim to bring greater efficiency and accountability in functioning of t Revenue Department. The Commission will be headed by (Retd.) Justice SS Saron of Punjab and Haryana High Court. Terms of References: The commission will streamline existing laws, procedures and processes relating to land administration, in line with requirements of land for use of agriculture and industry. It will propose new laws and procedures, along with other methods, to make revenue administration more transparent and responsive to the needs of the people. It will examine need for new Acts or amendment of existing laws to legalize land lease practices in order to provide a firm basis for a modern high value agriculture and horticulture in place of current mono culture of wheat-paddy. It will have mandate to review organizational structure of revenue related aspirations, expectations, needs and requirements of contemporary Punjabi society. It will suggest norms of population, area etc. for all administrative units such as division, sub-division, tehsil, sub-tehsil and district.

    19) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2017. It has revealed that total forest and tree cover in India has increased of over 8,021 sq km (about 80.20 million hectare) which is one percent increase from 2015. Key Findings of ISFR 2017: The increase in the forest cover has been observed as 6,778 sq km and that of tree cover as 1, 243 sq km. The total forest and tree cover is 24.39% of geographical area of the country. The increase in forest cover has been observed in Very Dense Forest (VDF) which absorbs maximum carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It is followed by increase in forest cover in open forest. India’s Global Position: India is ranked 10th in world, with 24.4% of land area under forest and tree cover, even though it accounts for 2.4 % of the world surface area and sustains needs of 17 % of human and 18 % livestock population. India was placed 8th in list of Top Ten nations reporting the greatest annual net gain in forest area. State-wise break-up: 15 states/UTs have above 33% of geographical area under forest cover. About 40% of country’s forest cover is present in 9 large contiguous patches of the size of 10, 000 sq.km, or more. 7 States/UTs have more than 75% forest cover: Mizoram, Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Manipur. 8 States/UTs have forest cover between 33% to 75%: Tripura, Goa, Sikkim, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chhattisgarh and Assam. Top 5 States with maximum increase in forest cover: Andhra Pradesh (2141 sq km), followed by Karnataka (1101 sq km) and Kerala (1043 sq km), Odisha (885 sq kms) and Telangana (565 sq kms). Top 5 States with maximum Forest cover (in terms of area): Madhya Pradesh (77,414 sq km) Arunachal Pradesh (66,964 sq km) and Chhattisgarh (55,547 sq km). Top states with highest Forest cover in terms of percentage geographical area: Lakshadweep with (90.33%), Mizoram (86.27%) and Andaman & Nicobar Islands (81.73%) Top 5 states where forest cover has decreased: Mizoram (531 sq km), Nagaland (450 sq km), Arunachal Pradesh (190 sq km), Tripura (164 sq km) and Meghalaya (116 sq km). These states are in North Eastern region of the country where total forest cover is very high i.e. more than 70% in each state. The main reasons for decrease are shifting cultivation, rotational felling, other biotic pressures, diversion of forest lands for developmental activities, submergence of forest cover, agriculture expansion and natural disasters. Mangrove cover: Mangrove eco-systems are rich in biodiversity and provide number of ecological services. They also play a major role in protecting coastal areas from erosion, tidal storms and tsunamis. According to ISFR 2017, total mangrove cover stands at 4,921 sq km and has increased by 181 sq kms. 7 out of 12 mangrove states have shown an increase in mangrove cover and none of them show any negative change. Maharashtra (82 sq kms), Andhra Pradesh (37 sq kms) and Gujarat (33 sq kms) are top three gainers in terms of mangrove cover. Water bodies inside forests: Forests play vital role in water conservation and improve water regime in area. According to ISFR 2017, water bodies inside forest cover have increased by 2,647 sq kms during the last decade. Maharashtra (432 sq kms), Gujarat (428 sq kms), Madhya Pradesh (389 sq kms) are top three states showing increase in water bodies within forest areas. Overall, almost all the states have shown a positive change in water bodies. Bamboo Cover: The extent of bamboo-bearing area in country is estimated at 15.69 million ha. There has been an increase of 1.73 million ha in bamboo area in comparison to last assessment done in 2011. There is increase of 19 million tonnes in bamboo-growing stock as compared to last assessment done in 2011. The growing stock of bamboo in forest has been estimated to be 189 million tonnes. Background: The India State of Forest Report 2017 (ISFR 2017) is 15th such report in the series prepared by Forest Survey of India (FSI). The report has been prepared with the help of scientific tools and contains information on forest cover, tree cover, mangrove cover, carbon stock in India’s forests, growing stock inside and outside the forest areas and forest cover in different patch size classes. The report for first time contains information on decadal change in water bodies in forest during 2005-2015, forest fire, production of timber from outside forest, state wise carbon stock in different forest types and density classes. FSI has been assessing the forest and tree resources of our country on a biennial basis since 1987. The results of the assessment are published in its biennial report titled “India State of Forest Report (ISFR)”.

    20) India has secured access to key strategic Port of Duqm in Oman in Arabian sea for military use and logistical support. This was one of the key takeaways of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Oman. During this visit, annexure to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Military Cooperation was signed between the two countries. Following this pact, the services of Duqm port and dry dock will be available for maintenance of Indian military vessels. Duqm Port: The Port of Duqm is strategically located situated on southeastern seaboard of Oman, overlooking Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. It is straddled along critical sea lanes in Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden. It is located in close proximity to Chabahar port in Iran ( being developed by India open a trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan) and Gwadar Port in Pakistan which is developed by China as part of CPEC (China–Pakistan Economic Corridor). The port also has special economic zone, where about $1.8 billion investments are being made by some Indian companies. Significance: It will further expand India’s footprint in the Indian Ocean region (IOR). This will strengthen India’s maritime strategy to counter Chinese influence and activities in the region. The access to Duqm port fits into India’s proactive maritime security roadmap along with development string of military facilities at Assumption Island in Seychelles and Agalega in Mauritius to counter China’s increasing presence. It also recognizes India and Oman’s common responsibility towards promoting regional peace and security. It will further cement bilateral strategic engagement especially in the areas of security and defence between both countries. Background: India and Oman had signed MoU on Military Cooperation in 2005 and renewed it in 2016. It has provided the general framework to strengthen bilateral defence ties. Moreover, MoUs on cooperation in maritime security and between Coast Guards of the two countries signed in May 2016 have provided a firm foundation for deepening institutional interactions. Recently, Duqm Port had seen rise in Indian activities. In September 2017, India had deployed attack Shishumar-class submarine along with naval ship INS Mumbai and two P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft to this port in the western Arabian Sea with the aim of enhancing surveillance and cooperation. China’s presence: In recent years, China has significantly increased deployment of naval assets in Indian Ocean Region. It is planning to set up base in Pakistan’s Gwadar port, which it has acquired for period of 40 years. It has also acquired Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port for 99 years in ‘debt-equity’ swap and also has expanded presence in Maldives. Apart from surface vessels, many conventional and nuclear submarines of People’s Liberation Army Navy have been spotted in Indian Ocean.

    21) The 4th meeting of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) was held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Dr BibekDebroy, Chairman, EAC-PM & Member, NITI Aayog. During the meeting, EAC-PM discussed the possible modalities of implementing National Health Scheme announced by the government in Union Budget-2018-19. Besides, presentations were also made on Health Reforms, World Bank Report on Indian Economy and on Indian Fiscal – Monetary Framework. National Health Protection Scheme: National Health Protection Scheme (Ayushman Bharat Scheme) will cover 10 crore poor and vulnerable families. Under it, up to Rs 5 lakh insurance cover will be provided to each family per year in secondary and tertiary care institutions. It will have 50 crore beneficiaries. It will be world’s largest government-funded healthcare programme. Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC): PMEAC is a non-constitutional and non-statutory, non-permanent and independent body, constituted with the prime and sole aim to analyse all critical issues, economic or otherwise, referred to it by the prime minister and advising him thereon. It is mandate to give advice to prime minister on economic matters such as inflation, GDP changes, export-import changes, creating supporting environment for increased trade and commerce. Functions of PMEAC: Submit periodic reports to PM related to macroeconomic developments and issues which will have implications of the economic policy. Analyse any topics, issues assigned by the PM and provide advice to them. Analyse macroeconomic issues having high importance and present the views to PM and any other task which is assigned by Prime Minister.

    22) The Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has released India’s first ever Highway Capacity Manual to guide road engineers and policy makers about road expansion. The manual is known as Indo-HCM. It was released by Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi. Indo-HCM: The manual lays down guidelines for when and how to expand or manage different types of roads and their intersections and level of services to be put in place. It is designed to be useful tool for guiding road engineers and policy makers in country. Significance: It has been developed based on the unique nature and diversity of traffic on Indian roads. The manual will help in the scientific planning and expansion of road infrastructure in country. This is first time that manual has been developed in India. Other countries like USA, China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Taiwan have developed their own Highway Capacity Manuals long time back. Background: The manual has been developed by CSIR–CRRI on basis of an extensive, country-wide study of traffic characteristics on different categories of roads like single, two, multi-lane urban roads, inter-urban highways and expressways and associated intersections on these roads. The study involved seven academic institutions including IITs Mumbai, Roorkee, and Guwahati, School of Planning and Architecture (New Delhi), Indian Institute of Engineering and Science and Technology (Shibpur), Sardar Vallabhai Patel National Institute of Technology (Surat) and Anna University (Chennai).

    23) The sixth edition of World Government Summit (WGS) 2018 was held at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from February 11 to 13, 2018. India was guest country at this year’s event and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had delivered the inaugural speech on day one. Key Facts: More than 130 speakers across 120 interactive sessions and more than 4,000 participants from 140 countries – including heads of governments and representatives of 16 international organisations had attended the event. In his inaugural speech PM Modi propounded idea of six Rs for sustainable development- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover, Redesign and Remanufacture, with the view to safeguarding nature. World Government Summit (WGS): WGS is global platform dedicated to shaping future of government worldwide. It brings together leaders in government for global dialogue about governmental process and policies with focus on issues of futurism, technology and innovation etc. The first WGS was held in Dubai in 2013 and since then it is held annually. The Summit sets agenda for next generation of governments with focus on how they can harness innovation and technology to solve universal challenges facing humanity.. It functions as thought leadership platform and networking hub for policymakers, experts, and pioneers in human development. The Summit is considered as gateway to future as it functions as stage for analysis of future trends, issues, and opportunities facing humanity. It is also serves an arena to showcase innovations, best practice, and smart solutions to inspire creativity to tackle these future challenges.

    24) Indian Army is contributing approximately 2300 personnel to support United Nations Peacekeeping Missions to South Sudan (UNMISS) in order to bring peace and normalcy in the war-torn country. It includes deployment of seven Garhwal Rifles Infantry battalion group of the Indian Army. The deployment of Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan is under Chapter VII which entails Peace Enforcement. Key Facts: This is for first time troops hailing fromGarhwal region have been nominated to deploy in United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The unit will be in operational control of sensitive Jonglei state of South Sudan with detachment at Juba, its headquarters in Bor County and air maintained company group at Pibor County where armed conflicts and ethnic violence is on the rise. Background: South Sudan had gained independence from Sudan in 2011, making it the newest nation in the world. Civil war had broken out in infant nation in 2013. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is newest UN Peacekeeping Mission. India, with 2,237 troops, is the highest contributor in terms of troops to UNMISS. In addition to India, 53 nations from around the world have contributed troops to the peacekeeping mission. India and UN Peacekeeping: The Indian Army is the largest cumulative troop contributor to United Nations Peacekeeping Missions mandated to maintain stability and negotiate a peace settlement in turbulent regions of the world. So far India has provided almost 200,000 troops in nearly 50 of the 71 UN peacekeeping missions over the past six decades, including 13 of the current 16 missions. Last year, 7,606 Indian peacekeepers were deployed in UN missions. Moreover, India has suffered 163 fatalities since the peacekeeping operations began in 1948, the most by any country.

    25) The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has decided to launch in ranking system the toll plazas in an effort to address issues at toll plazas. The massive drive was launched on more than 300 toll plazas simultaneously across the country by the Highway Operation Division of NHAI. Key Facts: The ranking will be on the basis of cleanliness, staff behaviour, availability of ambulance and cranes in case of any emergency on highways. Ranking system of toll plazas will improve amenities and overall convenience at toll plazas. It will also create competitive atmosphere of providing best services to the esteemed highway users. Every quarter, three best toll plazas will be identified by this ranking system and their names will be published on NHAI website. Background: NHAI has launched countrywide drive to address issues that affect highway users, such as ease of tolling, electronic tolling (FASTag lane), cleanliness at toll plazas, deployment of marshals, behavior of toll plaza staff, cleanliness of toilets, functioning of Highway Nest (Mini), wayside amenities and availability of ambulance and cranes. NHAI has directed all field Highway Operation Unit officers to visit at least two toll plazas each across country and check the above facilities personally to improve the users convenience. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI): NHAI is an autonomous agency of the Union Government, responsible for management of a network of over 70,000 km of national highways in India. It was established through National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988. In February 1995, it was formally made an autonomous body. It is a nodal agency of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It is responsible for the development, management, operation and maintenance of National Highways.

    26) Jnanpith recipient and Kannada litetrateur Chandrashekhar Kambar (81) was elected as President of the Sahitya Akademi. He will serve as president of the Akademi for a period of five years. Hindi poet Madhav Kaushik was elected as vice president of the Sahitya Akademi. Kambar won election for Akademi’s top post by beating his rivals Marathi writer Bhalchandra V Nemade and Odia writer Pratibha Ray by securing as many as 56 votes out of 89 in all. Kambar is the third Kannada writer to head country’s national academy of letters after Vinayaka Krishna Gokak (1983) and U R Ananthamurthy (1993). Chandrashekhar Kambar: He was born on 2 January 1937 in Ghodageri, a village in Belagavi. Kambar did his PhD thesis on ‘Uttara Karnatakada Janapad Rangbhumi’ from Karnataka University, Dharwad, after his post-graduation. He also taught in Bangalore University for over two decades. He was first vice chancellor of Hammpi Kannada University and also has served as chairman of National School of Drama Society, New Delhi (1996 to 2000) and as president of Karnataka Nataka Academy (1980 to 1983). He has to his credit 25 plays, 5 novels, 11 anthologies of poems, 16 research works and several scholarly write-ups on folk theatre, literature and education. Some of his popular plays include Jokumaraswam, Jayasidnayaka, Kadu Kudure, Nayi Kathe, Mahamayi, Harakeya Kuri and others. He is recipient of various awards including Jnanpith Award (2010), Sahitya Akademi Award, Padma Shri, Kabir Samman, Kalidas Samman and Pampa Award. Sahitya Akademi: It is India’s National Academy of Letters. It is an organisation dedicated to promotion of literature in Indian languages of India. It was founded in March 1954. It is headquartered in Rabindra Bhavan in Delhi. It is the central institution for literary dialogue, publication and promotion in the country. It is only institution that undertakes literary activities in 24 Indian languages, including English. It organises national and regional workshops and seminars; provides research and travel grants to authors; publishes books and journals, including the Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature. It also gives 24 awards annually to literary works in the languages it has recognized.

    27) India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed five Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) in key areas of energy sector, railways, manpower and financial services. These agreements were signed in PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi. They were signed in presence of PM Modi, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi HH Sheikh Mohammed bin and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces Zayed Al Nahyan at the Presidential Palace, Abu Dhabi. Signed Agreements are: MoU for Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector. MoU to institutionalise the collaborative administration of contractual employment of Indian workers in UAE. MoU between Indian Consortium (OVL, BPRL & IOCL) and ADNOC: It was signed for acquisition of 10% participating interest in the offshore Lower Zakum Concession. MoU between Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX): It seeks to enhance cooperation between both the countries in financial services industry. MoU between Government of Jammu and Kashmir and DP World: It seeks to establish multi-modal logistics park and hub in Jammu comprising warehouses and specialized storage solutions. India-UAE Relations: India-UAE Relations deeply rooted in history and strategic cooperation which is driven by mutual aspirations of both countries. UAE is lynch-pin of the economic, defence and strategic strands of India’s coordinated strategy to outreach west Asia. UAE is India’s third largest trading partner after China and the United States. Bilateral trade between India and UAE stood at about $50 billion in 2015-16. It is among the top investors in India in terms of foreign direct investments (FDI) and was the fifth largest supplier of crude oil to India in 2015-16. Besides, there are also more than 2.6 million Indians living in the UAE and their annual remittance is estimated to be around $14 billion.

    28) The World Radio Day is observed every year across the world on 13th February to celebrate radio as medium for entertainment, information and mode for communication. To mark this day, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) organizes different activities with broadcasters, organizations and communities around the world. Significance of Day: It marks global celebration of radio as a forum for information and entertainment that helps to bridge communication gap for remote communities and empowering people. It also provides an opportunity to honour radio’s importance to bring communities together and promote positive dialogue for change. 2018 Theme: “Radio and Sports”. It seeks to promote the inseparable relationship between sports and gender, as well as how improved gender equality in sports broadcasting can lead to greater freedom of expression for all. World Radio Day: The UNESCO at its 36th General Assembly in 2011 had proclaimed 13th February as World Radio Day. It was subsequently adopted as an International Day by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). On this day in 1946, United Nations Radio had transmitted (broadcasted) its first call sign. The first WRD was officially celebrated in 2012.

    29) The National Productivity Day is observed every year in India on February 12. Besides, February 12-18 is observed as National Productivity week throughout the country with the theme ’Industry 4.0 Leapfrog Opportunity for India’. The main observance of day is organised by National Productivity Council (NPC) for encouraging all stakeholders in implementation of productivity tools and techniques with contemporary relevant themes. This year it is 60th Anniversary of the NPC and is being celebrated as Diamond Jubilee Year. Industry 4.0: It is also called as fourth industrial revolution. It is emerging globally as powerful force and is being called as next industrial revolution. It is characterized by increasing digitization and interconnection of products, value chains and business models. Industry 4.0 means convergence of real and virtual worlds. It is the next phase in bringing together conventional and modern technologies in manufacturing. It will result in “Smart Factory”, which is characterized by versatility, ergonomic design, resource efficiency and direct integration with business partners. Previous industrial revolutions: The first industrial revolution was triggered by water and steam power to move to mechanical manufacturing from human labour. The second industrial revolution built on electric power for mass production. The third industrial revolution used electronic and information technology to automate manufacturing. The fourth industrial revolution is the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. National Productivity Council (NPC): NPC is a national level autonomous organization under Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry to promote productivity culture in India. It was established as registered society on 12th February 1958 by Government to stimulate and promote productivity and quality consciousness across all sectors in the country. It is a tri-partite non-profit organization (NGO) with equal representation from government, employers and workers’ organizations. It also has representatives from technical and professional institutions including members from local productivity councils and chamber of commerce on its Governing Body. It also implements the productivity promotion schemes of Government and carry out programmes of Tokyo based Asian Productivity Organization (APO), an inter-governmental body of which India is founder member.

    30) The International Conference on Unani Medicine was held in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Minister of State (IC) for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, MoS PMO, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh. Key Facts: It was organised by Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), under Ministry of AYUSH is organizing as part of celebration of Unani Day (February 11). The theme of the conference was Integration of Unani System of Medicine in main stream healthcare. Various national level eminent personalities and stakeholders from academia, industry, regulators, and researchers in field of Unani Medicine participated in deliberations of conference. Besides delegates from countries like South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UK, China, US, Portugal, UAE, Slovenia, Israel, Hungary, Bahrain, Tajikistan, etc also participated in the conference. The conference deliberated on issues related to globalization, research, standardization, quality control, safety assessment, and industry perspective. It also provided platform to academia, researchers, regulators, industry and students to develop visions, linkages and initiate projects that will help in promoting Unani system of medicine as one of the preferred systems of medicine across the globe. Unani Day: The birthday of great Unani researcher Hakim Ajmal Khan i.e. 11th February is celebrated as Unani Day. Hakim Ajmal Khan was eminent Indian Unani physician who was versatile genius, freedom fighter, educationist and founder of scientific research in Unani Medicine. This year it was 150th Birth Anniversary of Hakim Ajmal Khan. Unani system of medicine: Unani system of medicine is the term for Perso-Arabic traditional medicine as practiced in Mughal India and in Muslim culture in South Asia and modern day Central Asia. It had originated in Greece. Hippocrates is known as the father of this system of medicine. The term Yūnānī (Greek) means Perso-Arabic system of medicine. It was introduced to India in 13th century with the establishment of Delhi Sultanate and it took its own course of development during Mughal Empire after it was influenced by Indian medical teachings of Sushruta and Charaka.

    31) Uttar Pradesh Government has launched massive door to door “DASTAK campaign against Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES) and Japanise Encephalitis (JE)” to eradicate deadly diseases from the state. It was launched in association with UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund). DASTAK campaign is part of the comprehensive Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) strategy embraced by state government to beat encephalitis. Key Facts: In DASTAK campaign, the whole state machinery with help of UNICEF will go door to door in 38 JES and AE affected districts, mostly falling in the Tarai region of state which contributes to about 60% of total AES cases all over the country. The war cry of DASTAK is Darwaja khatkhatao, AES aur JE ko bhagao. In this massive campaign, most of the state departments including health, rural development, primary education will work together to spread awareness about the diseases through mass media communication, provide clean drinking water, initiate sanitation drive, ensure vaccination and early treatment to eradicate disease. Children of 600 schools in the affected areas will also be part of this campaign. Japanese Encephalitis: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. It belongs to the same genus as dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses. The first case of JE was documented in 1871 in Japan. It primarily affects children. Most adults in endemic countries have natural immunity after childhood infection, but individuals of any age may be affected. It is transmitted by rice field breeding mosquitoes (primarily Culex tritaeniorhynchus group). The mosquitoes transmit JE by feeding on domestic pigs and wild birds infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It is not transmitted from person-to-person. JE transmission mainly intensifies during the rainy season, during which vector populations increase. Signs and symptoms of most JE infections are mild (fever and headache) or without apparent symptoms, but it may result in severe clinical illness. Moreover, severe infection is marked by quick onset, headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, stupor, occasional convulsions (especially in infants) etc. There is no specific therapy. Intensive supportive therapy is indicated.

    32) Tanzania has announced its withdrawal of United Nation’s “Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework” citing security reasons and lack of funds. Tanzania has long been considered as safe haven for refugees, particularly from conflict hit Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burundi. Background: Earlier in January 2018, Tanzania had informed United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that it was suspending granting of citizenship to some Burundian refugees and that it will discourage new asylum applications. It has blamed international community for failing to release funds pledged to help Tanzania integrate refugees. UN Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (CRRF): New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants (also known as New York Declaration) calls upon UNHCR to develop and initiate the application of CRRF in particular situations, in close coordination with relevant States, other UN agencies and stakeholders. The CRRF specifies key elements for a comprehensive response to any large movement of refugees. These include rapid and well-supported reception and admissions; assistance for local and national institutions and communities receiving refugees; support for immediate and on-going needs (e.g. protection, health, education) and expanded opportunities for solutions. The CRRF provides lasting solutions for refugees, including integration into host communities. Its approach is based on the idea that refugees should be included in their host communities. According to framework, once refugees get access to education and right to work legally, they can develop their own skills and be more self-reliant, contributing to local economy.

    33) India’s financial capital Mumbai, with a total wealth of US $950 billion was ranked 12th richest city globally in the report published by New World Wealth. In the report, total wealth, refers to private wealth held by all individuals living in each city. It includes all their assets (cash, equities, property, business interests etc.) less any liabilities. Government funds are excluded from it. Key Facts: The list of 15 wealthiest cities was topped by New York with total wealth of US $3 trillion. New York is home the two largest stock exchanges in the world. London was ranked second ($2.7 trillion) followed by Tokyo (3rd, $2.5 trillion), San Francisco Bay area (4th, $2.3 trillion), Beijing (5th, $2.2 trillion), Shanghai (6th, $2 trillion), Los Angeles (7th, $1.4 trillion), Hong Kong (8th, $1.3 trillion), Sydney (9th, $1 trillion), Singapore (10th, $1 trillion) and Chicago (11th, $988 billion), Toronto (13th, $944 billion), Frankfurt (14th, $912 billion) and Paris (15th, $860 billion). Among the 15 richest cities listed, San Francisco, Beijing, Shanghai, Mumbai and Sydney are fastest growing in terms of wealth growth over the past 10 years. According to report, Mumbai is economic hub of India. It is home to Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), the 12th largest stock exchange in the world. It houses major industries which include financial services, real estate and media. It is expected to be the fastest growing city (in terms of wealth growth over the next 10 years). Mumbai also features among top 10 cities in terms of billionaire population. The city is home to 28 billionaires, individuals with US $1 billion or more in net assets.

    34) Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone-laying ceremony for construction of first traditional Hindu temple in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, the capital city of United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE government had allocated land for the temple during PM Modi’s first visit to the gulf country in 2015. Key Fcats: It will be the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East. The temple design and structure is along the lines of the Akshardham temple in Delhi and other places. It will come up on 55,000 square metres of land. It will include idols of Lord Krishna, Lord Maheshwara, Lord Ayyappa and more. It will incorporate all aspects and features of a traditional Hindu temple as part of fully functional, social, cultural and spiritual complex. It will be hand-carved by Indian temple artisans and assembled in UAE. It will also feature a garden and a water-front. It will be completed by 2020 and open to people of all religious backgrounds.

    35) India and Oman have signed eight Memoranda of Understandings (MoUs) in different areas including defence, health and tourism. The MoUs were inked during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s maiden visit to Oman. They were signed after delegation-level talks between PM Modi and Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said in Muscat. They held wide-ranging discussions on measures to strengthen co-operation in trade and investment, energy, defence, security, food security and regional issues. Oman was last leg PM Modi’s visit to three west Asian countries viz. Palestine, UAE and Oman. Signed MoUs are: MoU on Cooperation in the field of health Annexure to the MoU on Military Cooperation. MoU on Cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. MoU in the field of Tourism cooperation between India and Oman. Agreement on Legal and Judicial Cooperation in Civil and Commercial matter. Agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, Special, service and official passports. MoU on Cooperation between Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of External Affairs, India and Oman Diplomatic Institute. MoU on Academic and Scholarly cooperation sectors between National Defence College Sultanate of Oman and the Institute for Defence Studies and the Analyses. India-Oman: Oman is a strategic partner for India in the Gulf. It accords a high priority to its ties with India. Both countries across Arabian Sea are linked by geography, history and culture. They enjoy warm and cordial relations and have had trade and people-to-people ties for several millennia. Expatriate community: Oman is home to a large Indian expatriate community. India is major destination for Omani students pursuing higher studies and also medical tourists. Trade: It is India’s important trading partner. In 2010, bilateral trade between India and Oman was $4.5 billion. India. Oman was second largest destination of India’s non-oil exports and its fourth largest source for imports. Indian and Omani firms have undertaken joint ventures in wide range of sectors including fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, energy and engineering. Defence co-operation: Oman is first Gulf nation to have formalised defence relations with India. Both countries conducted joint military exercises in 2006 and subsequently signed defence agreement. Indian Navy has berthing rights in Oman, and has been utilising Oman’s ports as bases for conducting anti-piracy operations in Gulf of Aden.

    36) Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)-led consortium of Indian state oil firms have acquired 10% stake in Abu Dhabi’s offshore Lower Zakum Concession for $600 million. The acquisition is part of deal inked between company executives and UAE officials in presence of visiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Abu Dhabi crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. Key Facts: The Lower Zakum Oil Field is located 84 km north-west of Abu Dhabi Islands. It was discovered in 1963 and is owned and developed by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. The total proven reserves of it are around 17.2 billion barrels and production is centred on 425,000 barrels per day (67,600 m3/d). With this deal, Indian oil and gas companies for first time have acquired stake in development of Abu Dhabi’s hydrocarbon resources. The deal gives consortium of Indian oil companies comprising of Indian Oil Corp. Ltd and Bharat Petroleum Corp. Ltd’s overseas arm Bharat PetroResources Ltd, access to about 2 million tonnes of annual share from field. The deal has term of 40 years. It will help India to meet its growing demand for future energy and refined products. Background: Due to lower and fall in global oil prices, oil-rich nations had resorted to ways of reducing risk and balancing their budget deficits by selling their prime oil and gas assets and diversifying into non-oil sectors of economy. Indian energy companies backed by diplomatic efforts have been aggressively pursuing to acquire share in these most prolific oil and gas fields sold by oil-rich nations. In 2016, Indian oil companies had bought stakes in two oil and gas field assets in Siberia owned by Russia’s state-backed Rosneft Oil Co. for $3.3 billion.

    37) Scientists from Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered three new species of eel along northern Bay of Bengal coast. They are Gymnothorax pseudotile, Gymnothorax visakhaensis and Enchelycore propinqua. Key Facts: Gymnothorax pseudotile: It was discovered at the Digha coast of the Bay of Bengal. It has dark brown and white dots on the dorsal side. It is about 1 feet to 1.5 feet long. Gymnothorax visakhaensis: It was discovered from the Visakhapatnam coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is uniformly brown. It is about a foot long. Enchelycore propinqua: It was also discovered from Visakhapatnam coast. It is reddish brown body mottled with irregular creamy white spots. It is the smallest of three measuring less than a foot. Eels: Eels are found mostly at bottom of rivers and seas. There are about 1,000 species of eels identified so far across the world. In India, there are around 125 species of eels identified. Eel species belonging to Muraenidae family, referred commonly as Moray eels, recorded about 200 species of which more than 30 species are found in India. Recent Discoveries: With these new discoveries, Bay of Bengal coast has yielded at least 5 new species of eel. In 2016, Gymnothorax indicus, an edible species of eel was discovered. In 2015, a short brown unpatterned moray eel, named Gymnothorax mishrai (Bengal moray eel) was discovered.

    38) Bihar Government has banned sale of loose cigarettes in the state. This decision aims to be deterrent to kids and youngsters who start smoking by buying loose cigarettes. In this regard, state health department has issued notification under Section 20 of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. Bihar is the 12th state in the country to bring such a ban into effect after Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, Delhi and others. Key Facts: Section 20 of COTPA, 2003 makes sale, distribution, purchase, display and advertisement of tobacco products without essential pictorial warnings a punishable offence. As the loose cigarettes don’t have pictorial warnings, thus its sale, distribution, purchase, display and advertisement is banned under COTPA, 2003. As per Global Adults Tobacco Survey (GATS), 53.5% adults consume tobacco in one or other form in Bihar while 9% of this 53.5% are addicted to cigarette. Large number of state population is dependent on loose cigarettes, including teenagers. The decision of banning sale of loose cigarettes will save children from cigarette consumption as kids and teenagers are not able to buy the whole packet but go for loose cigarettes. COTPA, 2003: It is an Act of Parliament enacted in 2003 to prohibit advertisement of and to provide for regulation of trade and commerce in and production, supply and distribution of cigarettes and other tobacco products in India. It was enacted by Parliament to give effect to Resolution passed by 39th World Health Assembly (WHA), urging member states to implement measures to provide non-smokers protection from involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke.

    39) NITI Aayog has made strong case for setting up independent Debt Management Office for better servicing of loans that will lead to substantial reduction in India’s interest payment. At present, government debt, including market borrowing, is managed by Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Setting up independent Debt Management Office will help to resolve issues relating to conflict of interest as RBI decides on key interest rates as well as undertakes buying and selling of government bonds. Significance: The setting up of Debt Management Office has been one of the top priority of government for bringing reforms in financial sector. It will divest RBI of its dual and often conflicting roles as banker and manager of Central Government’s borrowing. It will also facilitate in better planning and management of domestic and foreign market borrowings of Central Government. It will also help in strengthen bond market and help to promote investment. It will be in pursuance global practice of shifting public debt management from central bank to a debt management office. Background: According to the Budget document, India’s total debt is estimated at Rs 66.68 lakh crore at end of March 2018. It is likely to go up to Rs 72.51 lakh crore by March 2019. The interest payment on public debt is estimated to rise from Rs 5.3 lakh crore in 2017-18 to Rs 5.75 lakh in 2018-19. In his February 2015 Budget speech, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had proposed to set up independent Public Debt Management Agency (PDMA) within the Finance Ministry.

    40) India and Palestine have signed six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in different areas including health and education. The MoUs were signed after bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at Ramallah. PM Modi had reached Ramallah, capital of Palestine via helicopter from Jordanian capital Amman becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Palestine. He was conferred Grand Collar of the state of Palestine, the highest order given to foreign dignitaries. Signed agreements are: MoU for setting up of India-Palestine Super-specialty hospital at Beit Sahour in Bethelhem Governorate. MoU for construction of Turathi: India Palestine Centre for Empowring women. MoU for setting up of new National Printing Press at Ramallah. MoU for Construction of school in Muthalth Al Shuhada Village. MOU for construction of school in Tamoon village in Tubas Governorate. MoU for providing assistance for construction of additional floor to Jawahar Lal Nehru for Boys at Abu Dees. Bilateral talks: During the deliberations, both leaders reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations and discussed issues of mutual interest. The highlights of joint press statement: India is bound by promise to take care of interests of people of West Asian country. Both counties share historic and strong ties which have stood test of time. Palestine has continuously shown exemplary courage in tough times and India hopes to see independent Palestine soon. India expresses happiness that both countries are moving ahead with development cooperation. India will aid construction of an Institute of Diplomacy in Palestine. PM Modi’s visit reaffirms depth of relationships two countries share that will contribute to further development and advancement of bilateral ties. Palestine relies on India’s role as international force and its role in non-alignment movement, in a way that is conducive to desired peace in the region.

    41) The Indian Navy has unveiled the Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological System (IAAMS) at INS Garuda, naval air station located in Kochi, Kerala. It is overall fourth air station installed with this integrated system. IAAMS is ambitious project of Indian Navy to modernise Meteorological infrastructure of 9 Naval Air Stations (NAS). It is expected to bring accuracy in weather monitoring mechanism in the Indian Navy. Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological System (IAAMS): IAAMS is equipped with state-of-the-art meteorological sensors viz., Radar Vertical Wind Profiler, Ceilometer, Transmissometer and Automatic Weather Observation System. It undertakes automatic and continuous recording of relevant weather parameters that are vital for accurate weather forecasting. It has a special alarm feature that alerts the duty staff during abnormal change of weather parameters that may affect safe flying operations. It can also provide automatic dissemination of routine weather reports as per standards of World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) to other air stations and Air Traffic Controller towers without human intervention. Background: The IAAMS is ambitious project of Indian Navy to modernise meteorological infrastructure of 9 NASs. Installation of the system at remaining 5 stations and is expected to be completed by March 2019. After completion, the project will give a major fillip to aviation safety, through automation of weather monitoring process.

    42) The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) launched National Deworming Initiative on the occasion of National Deworming Day (observed on 10 February). It aims to reach more than 32.2 crore children aged between 1 to 19 years to combat parasitic worm infections. This year it is fourth edition of National Deworming Day after it was launched in 2015. National Deworming Day: The National Deworming Day is a single fixed-day approach to treating intestinal worm infections in all children aged 1- 19 years and is held on 10 February and 10 August each year. It aims to conduct mass deworming program to mobilize health personnel, state governments and other stakeholders to prioritize investment in control of Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections—one of the most common infections. Goal of the day is to deworm all preschool and school-age children between the ages of 1-19 years in order to improve their overall health, cognitive development, nutritional status and quality of life. On this day, Albendazole tablets are given to all targeted children. Dosage of half tablet to 1-2 years children and one full tablet for 2-19 years is given. It also spreads behaviour change practices in terms of cleanliness, hygiene, use of toilets, wearing shoes/chappals, washing hands etc. is also important to reduce incidents of re-infection. Implementation of deworming programmes is led by the Union MoHFW. The Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) and Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) also collaborate to implement the day. Ministries of Panchayati Raj, Tribal Affairs, Drinking Water and Sanitation, Rural Development and Urban Development are also other key stakeholders. STH or Parasitic worms infestation: Parasitic worms or Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) are among the most common infections worldwide that causing parasitic infestation with nutrient uptake in small children. STHs live in human intestines and consume essential nutrients meant for the human body. It causes complications among the children resulting in anaemia, malnutrition and improper mental and physical development. Each day, parasitic worms produce thousands of eggs which are passed in human faeces and spread to others by contaminating soil in areas where open defecation predominant and sanitation is poor.

    43) Ministry of Power has launched Web based monitoring System and Fly Ash mobile application named ASH TRACK. It was launched by Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy R.K Singh in New Delhi. These platforms will enable better management of fly ash produced by thermal power plants by providing interface between ash producers (thermal power plants) and potential ash users such as –cement plants, road contractors etc. ASH TRACK App: The app shows coal based power plants situated within radius of 100 km and 300 km from a given location. It will allow user to select power station from where he wants to take fly ash. It will also show ash availability, distance from user’s location. It will help power plants to see location of prospective fly ash users surrounding it like – cement plants, NHAI, contractors of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) projects, brick producers, etc. The app will give plant wise, utility wise and state wise fly ash utilization status in the country and also details of ash generation and utilization in real time. Benefits: It will allow effective monitoring and reviewing for increasing fly ash utilization. It will help in protecting environment in terms of reduction in fugitive emissions, saving of precious top soil and conservation of land for sustainable development. Fly ash: Fly ash is end product of combustion during process of power generation in the coal based thermal power plants. Fly ash is proven resource material for many applications of construction industries and is used in manufacturing of Portland Cement, road embankment construction, bricks/blocks/tiles manufacturing and low lying area development, etc. Fly ash management: Quality-wise Indian coal has much more ash content than other countries. Diverse approaches must be adopted for fly ash management. It includes washing coal at its place of origin will prevent ash from coming to power plant. Promoting R&D for increasing efficiency of power plants will also help in reducing ash generation. Proper management of fly ash is important for environment and also for power plants as it occupies a lot of land space. At present, 63% of the fly ash is being utilised.

    44) The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development is considering to establish National Women Entrepreneurship Council (NWEC). It will be umbrella organization for socio-economic gender parity, financial inclusion and economic empowerment of women in India and to promote entrepreneurship among women. It will give advice to government on issues related to entrepreneurship in women as current business chambers are largely “male-dominated. Background: According to Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, India ranked 49 among 54 economies globally with overall low score of 41.7 points. It shows that India presents lower opportunities for women to engage in entrepreneurial activities, assume leadership roles or participate in workforce. The main concern is lack of education, technological know-how and cultural bias coupled with stringent business and government regulations which undermine women’s ability take advantage of entrepreneurial opportunities in India. Economically empowered women are major catalysts for development. There is greater recognition of positive relationship between increased economic activity by women and improved social outcomes.

    45) China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has commissioned its new generation J-20 fourth-generation stealth fighter into combat service. With this, China became second country in world to commissioned domestically developed stealth aircraft after United States. J-20: J-20 is China’s fourth-generation medium and long-range fighter jet. It is single-seat, twinjet, all-weather, and stealth fighter aircraft. It has been developed by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation for PLAAF. It had made its maiden flight in 2011 and was first shown to public at 11th Airshow China in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province in November 2016. It is currently equipped with Russian Saturn AL-31 engines and in future will be fitted with domestic Chinese Taihang engines. It has two large internal weapon bays for long-range air-to-air missiles and two small sidebays for short-range air-to-air missiles. It has large fuel tanks for long-range missions.

    46) The India Health Fund (IHF) launched by Tata Trusts in collaboration with Global Fund in August 2016 has come forward to financially support innovations and technologies designed to combat tuberculosis (TB) and malaria. The initiative aims to support new products and strategies that impact entire lifecycle of malaria and TB, from prevention to post-cure recovery. It has recently invited project proposals. Key Facts: TB and malaria pose long-standing health challenges for India. These two diseases account for over 4.23 lakh deaths and around 15 million lab-confirmed cases every year. The IHF initiative will support individuals and organisations with already germinated innovative strategies, services, products, such that they become sustainable and scalable solutions in addressing TB and malaria. The initiative is not a fellowship programme to do research from scratch. It is long-term exercise aligned with country’s goal of eliminating TB by 2025 and malaria by 2030. It will promote innovative solutions such that they are widely accessible and are affordable. The four areas of research under it are: Use of technology and data science to strengthen surveillance of TB and malaria, inform early warning systems and improve early detection and prompt treatment. Promote robust molecular diagnostic facilities feasible for primary healthcare in low-resource settings; Promote innovations on effective communication strategies that will prevent transmission of malaria and TB and enable people to protect themselves from diseases. Research on innovative approaches to vector surveillance.

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