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 Member Countries of World Health Organization-Regional Office for South-East Asia (WHO-SEARO), participating in Delhi End Tuberculosis (TB) Summit have adopted ‘Delhi End TB Summit Statement of Action’. The summit was co-hosted by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, WHO-SEARO and Stop TB Partnership in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also launched TB Free India Campaign. Delhi End TB Summit Statement of Action: It identifies roles, responsibilities and directions of member countries of WHO SEARO region to make their countries free from this disease. It commends increased attention, investments and efforts directed at tackling region’s major burden of tuberculosis (TB). It also expresses concern that most low-burden countries are yet to establish last mile programmes for early ending of TB. It reiterates firm intent to implement response in each of our nations that is demonstrably adequate for ending TB by 2030 and meeting milestones for 2020 by collectively reaching out to missing 2 million BT cases and 150000 multidrug-resistant cases. LEAD-INCREASE-ENABLE-SUPPLEMENT Priorities: LEAD implementation of national TB responses in countries by empowered national initiative that monitors progress in reaching End TB targets to the highest levels of government in Member States. INCREASE budgetary and human resource allocations by governments as well as by their global, domestic and other partners so as to ensure that national TB plans are fully funded. ENABLE best possible care to each and every person, including migrants, aged and other high-risk populations, living with any form of TB including drug-resistant TB/ HIV co-infections. UPPLEMENT medical care for TB with social and financial protection in holistic manner.Continue reading WBCS Current Affairs 10 March 2018 To 16 March 2018.

2) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved continuation of Urea Subsidy Scheme from 2017 upto 2020 and implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for disbursement of fertilizer subsidy. The proposal in these regards was forwarded by Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Key Facts The continuation of the urea subsidy scheme will ensure timely payment of subsidy to urea manufacturers resulting in timely availability of urea to farmers at statutory controlled price. Implementation of DBT in Fertilizer Sector will reduce diversion of fertilizers to non-agricultural use and plug leakages. DBT in Fertilizer Sector: Department of Fertilizers is in process to roll out DBT in fertilizer sector nationwide. DBT will entail 100% payment to fertilizer companies on sale of fertilizers to farmers at subsidized rates. The DBT in fertilizer sector being implemented is slightly different from normal DBT implemented for other schemes. Under it, the subsidy will be released to the fertilizer companies instead of the beneficiaries, after the sale is made by the retailers to the beneficiaries. The subsidy will be released on submission of claims generated in the web-based online Integrated Fertilizer Monitoring System (iFMS) by fertilizer companies. Urea Subsidy Scheme: Urea Subsidy is part of Central Sector Scheme (CSS) of Department and is wholly financed by Central Government of India through budgetary support. It also includes Imported Urea subsidy which is directed towards import to bridge gap between assessed demand and indigenous production of urea in the country. It also includes freight subsidy for movement of urea across the country. Background: The use of chemical fertilizers have played pivotal role in making India self-reliant in food grain production and provide very vital input for growth of Indian agriculture. For sustained agricultural growth and to promote balanced nutrient application, urea is made available to farmers at statutorily controlled price. The fertilizer subsidy mainly is difference between delivered cost of fertilizers at farm gate and MRP payable by farmer. It is given to fertilizer manufacturer/importer by Central Government. At present, there are 31 urea manufacturing units, out of which 28 urea units use Natural Gas as feedstock/fuel and remaining 3 urea units use Naphtha as feedstock.

3) The Union Cabinet has approved Agreement for Avoidance of Double Taxation and Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income between India and Iran. The Agreement is on similar lines as entered into by India with other countries. Key Facts: The agreement will stimulate flow of investment, technology and personnel from India to Iran & vice versa and prevent double taxation. It will provide for exchange of information between two contracting parties as per latest international standards. It will improve transparency in tax matters and will help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance. It also meets treaty related minimum standards under G-20 OECD Base Erosion & Profit Shifting (BEPS) Project, in which India participated on equal footing. Background: The Central Government is authorized to enter into Agreement with other country or specified territory for avoidance of double taxation of income for exchange of information for prevention of evasion or avoidance of income-tax chargeable under Section 90 of Income Tax Act, 1961.

4) The Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between India and Sri Lanka for promoting cooperation in field of Information Technology and Electronics (IT&E). The MoU was signed in January 2018 during the visit of Minister of Electronics & Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad to Sri Lanka. Key Facts: The MoU intends to promote closer co-operation in areas of e-Governance, e-Public Services Delivery, m-Governance, cyber security, software technology parks, start-ups ecosystem etc. It will also enhance bilateral cooperation in ICT domain both B2B and G2G. It will be implemented by establishing Working Group on IT&E composed of representatives of two countries. Background: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has been mandated to promote international cooperation in emerging and frontier areas of ICT under bilateral and regional framework of cooperation. Under this mandate, MeitY has entered into MoUs/Agreements with counterpart organizations and agencies of various countries to promote close cooperation and exchange of information in field of ICT.

5) The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has undertaken development of coded drug AYUSH QOL-2C for improving quality of life in cancer patients. It had conducted clinical studies of the drug in breast cancer patients at St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru and AIIMS, New Delhi and in lung cancer patients at Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jaipur. Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS): CCRAS is autonomous body under the Ministry of AYUSH. It is apex body in India for formulation, coordination, development and promotion of research on scientific lines in Ayurveda and Sowa-Rigpa system of medicine. It undertakes scientific activities through its 30 Institutes/Centres/Units located all over the country and also through collaborative studies with various Universities, Hospitals and Institutes. It is headquartered in New Delhi.

6) The US Trade Representative (USTR) has challenged Indian export subsidy schemes at World Trade Organisation (WTO), saying these programmes harm its manufacturing sector and workers by creating an uneven playing field. Key Facts: According to USTR, at least half a dozen Indian programmes provide financial benefits to Indian exporters, which allow them to sell their goods more cheaply to detriment of US workers and manufacturers. These programs are Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), Export Oriented Units Scheme and sector specific schemes, including Electronics Hardware Technology Parks Scheme, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Export Promotion Capital Goods Scheme (EPCGS) and Duty Free Imports for Exporters Programme. It has alleged that through these programmes, India has given exemption from certain duties, taxes, and fees which benefits numerous exporters, including producers of steel products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, information technology products, textiles, and apparel. It also has alleged that earlier India was under limited exception rule under WTO specified for developing countries. It allowed specified countries to continue to provide export subsidies temporarily until they reach defined economic benchmark. But now it has surpassed benchmark in 2015. India’s exemption has expired, but India has not withdrawn its export subsidies and in fact it has increased size and scope of these programs. Background: The US administration under President Donald Trump has taken various protectionist measures in an attempt to bring down its trade deficit from around $800 billion annually. For this, it is holding its trading partners accountable by vigorously enforcing US rights under various trade agreements and by promoting fair and reciprocal trade through all available tools, including the WTO. Earlier in March 2018, the Trump administration had announced tariffs of 25% and 10% on all steel and aluminum imports citing national security issue.

7) Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Tuberculosis (TB) Free India Campaign after he inaugurated Delhi End-TB Summit in New Delhi. The summit was co-hosted by Union Health Ministry, World Health Organisation (WHO) South East Asia Regional Office and Stop TB Partnership. It set stage for September 2018 United Nations High-Level Meeting on TB, where for first time, TB will be discussed in UN General Assembly (UNGA) at Heads of State level. TB Free India Campaign: The campaign aims to take activities of National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB elimination forward in Mission mode. It will have funding of over Rs. 12,000 crore over next three years. It sets deadline to eradicate TB from the country by 2025, five years ahead of global target of 2030 mentioned in the Sustainable Development Goals. The motto of NSP under the campaign is to ensure every TB patient has access to quality diagnosis, treatment, and support. It adopts multi-pronged approach which aims to detect all TB patients with emphasis on reaching TB patients seeking care from private providers and undiagnosed TB in high-risk populations. It will treat all patients irrespective of where they seek care by adopting patient-centric approach and prevent emergence of TB in susceptible population groups and build empowered institutions and human resources to streamline implementation.

8) India-United Kingdom (UK) Joint Team has won Newton-Bhabha Fund for project on Groundwater Arsenic Research in Ganga River Basin. The project was undertaken by Department of Science and Technology (DST) in collaboration with Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), UK to find solutions to water challenges faced in pervasively arsenic-affected Ganga River Basin. Key Facts: The Indian team comprised representatives of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, National Institute of Hydrology, IIT Roorkee and Mahavir Cancer Sansthan and Research Centre of Patna. The UK team consisted of representatives of University of Manchester, University of Salford, British Geological Survey and University of Birmingham. The project is aimed to assess problem of arsenic poisoning and to understand aggravation such situation in next 25 to 30 years and its influence on groundwater management practices and suggest water remedial technologies accordingly. It is conducted from three sites – Bijnor and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Nadia in West Bengal. Newton Bhabha Fund,: It is provided by the British Council. It aims to bring together UK and Indian scientific research and innovation sectors to find joint solutions to the challenges facing India in economic development and social welfare. Arsenic Contamination: Arsenic is natural component in the earth’s crust. It is widely distributed throughout the environment in the air, water and land. It is highly toxic in its inorganic form. Arsenic contaminated water used for drinking, irrigation of food crops and food preparation poses the greatest threat to public health from arsenic. Long-term exposure to arsenic from drinking-water and food can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning. It can cause cancer, skin lesions, developmental effects, cardiovascular disease, neurotoxicity and diabetes. Arsenic Contamination is a high-profile problem in the Ganges Delta, due to the use of deep tubewells for water supply. The groundwater in these tube wells have high concentrations of arsenic in deeper levels.

9) The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) was awarded 2017 Kochon Prize for building tradition of excellence in Tuberculosis (TB) research and development. It had emerged winner from among 18 nominations. It was awarded for establishing India TB Research Consortium to accelerate R&D efforts in the country. The consortium is working with public and private institutes to guide country’s research efforts towards development of point-of-care diagnostics, shorter treatment regimens and effective vaccine for TB. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR): The ICMR is India’s apex scientific body for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research. It was established in 1911 as Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) making it one of the oldest and largest medical research bodies in the world. The ICMR functions under the Department of Health Research, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is headquartered in New Delhi. ICMR’s Governing Body is presided over by Union Health Minister. It is assisted in scientific and technical matters by Scientific Advisory Board comprising eminent experts in different biomedical disciplines. Its research priorities coincide with National health priorities such as control and management of communicable diseases, fertility control, maternal and child health, control of nutritional disorders, research on major non-communicable diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, blindness, diabetes and mental health research and drug research (including traditional remedies) and developing alternative strategies for health care delivery, Kochon Prize: The Kochon Prize is awarded annually by Stop TB Partnership to individuals and organizations that have made significant contribution to combating the disease. The prize is endowed by Kochon Foundation, a non-profit foundation registered in South Korea. It consists of prize of US $65,000 award. The prize was established in 2006 in honour of late Chairman Chong-Kun Lee (left), founder of Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation and Kochon Foundation. He was committed throughout his career to improve access to low-cost lifesaving antibiotics and anti-TB drugs.

10) President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated World Hindi Secretariat building in Port Louis, Mauritius. He also launched secretariat’s logo, an Early Digital Learning Programme as well unveiled foundation stones of social housing project and large ENT hospital being built with Indian assistance. President Kovind visited Mauritius as part of first leg to his two-nation state visit (Mauritius and Madagascar). Later he will visit Madagascar, making him first Indian President to visit largest African island country. World Hindi Secretariat: The Secretariat is fully financed by Government of India and provided grant of Rs. 33 crore. Land for it was given by Government of Mauritius. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of this building during his visit in 2015. The aim of secretariat is to present Hindi as common man’s language, Janbhasha, in front of the world. Hindi as language has played an important role in culture and society building in both India and Mauritius. Indian diaspora in Mauritius has played a huge role in the spread of Hindi.

11) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and National Aviation University (NAU) to enhance human resource availability in India’s aviation industry. Key Facts: The three parties to the MoU formalised this partnership on sidelines of Wings India 2018 held in Hyderabad, Telangana. Under the agreement, signatory institutions will leverage existing infrastructure for training in India to expand reach of vocational training in aviation disciplines. It also provides for developing closer academic cooperation between IATA and National Aviation University. India is expected to be third largest aviation market in the world behind China and US by 2024. It is forecasted to grow to a market size of 480 million passengers in 2036. This partnership will help contribute to human resource capacity building for India. Wings India 2018: It was international exhibition and conference on civil aviation sector hosted from March 8-10, 2018 at the Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad. It provided forum for rapidly changing dynamics of aviation sector. It was jointly organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India (AAI). Its theme was ‘India – Global Aviation Hub’. It hosted numerous conferences focusing on aviation policy issues and business aspects with eminent speakers, policy makers and experts. International Air Transport Association (IATA): IATA is trade association of the world’s airlines. It was established in April 1945 and is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada with Executive Offices in Geneva, Switzerland. It supports airline activity and helps formulate industry policy and standards. Its mission is to represent, lead and serve the airline industry. It comprises 278 airlines, primarily major carriers, representing 117 countries under its ambit. IATA’s member airlines account for carrying approximately 83% of total aviation traffic across the world.

12) The Indian Air Force (IAF) for first time flawlessly landed its largest transport US-manufactured aircraft, C-17 Globemaster at strategic Tuting Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh, which is close to Chinese border. After the trial landing, C17 carried out operations mission and airlifted 18 tons of load. Key Facts: The landing of this aircraft is seen as part of IAF’s move to strengthen its overall operations in strategically-key border state. It also demonstrated IAF’s capability in terms of operational performance and tactical air mobility in challenging Tuting airfield which is surrounded high hills in narrow valley. Earlier, in November 2016 too, IAF had successfully carried out landing of C-17 Globemaster at its strategic ALG of Mechuka in West Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh which was re-activated in May 2016 and is just 29 kilometers from border with China. C-17 Globemaster: The C-17 is US-manufactured transport aircraft commonly used to perform strategic airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo throughout the world along with medical evacuation and airdrop duties. It is 174 feet long and has wingspan of about 170 feet (52 m). Its cargo compartment is 88 feet (27 m) long by 18 feet (5.5 m) wide by 12 feet 4 inches (3.76 m) high. Its floor has rollers for palletized cargo but it can be flipped to provide flat floor suitable for vehicles and other rolling stock. The cargo It can be operated in diverse terrain from Himalayan air bases in North India at 13,000 ft to Indian Ocean bases in South India. It can carry payload of 77.50 tonnes and its maximum takeoff weight is 265 tonnes. Indian Air Force in June 2009 had planned induct C-17 for its very heavy lift transport aircraft requirement to replace several types of transport aircraft. In 2011, IAF and Boeing had agreed with terms for order of 10 C-17s with an option for six more. In 2013, C-17 was officially put into service by IAF.

13) The Supreme Court held that foreign law firms cannot set up offices and their lawyers cannot practise in India but they can give legal advice on foreign laws. The ruling was given by apex court on appeal by Bar Council of India (BCI), challenging judgements by Bombay and Madras High Courts. The ruling does not permit globalization of the legal sector as of now but it shifts the onus on Central Government to do so. SC Ruling: It allowed casual visits by foreign lawyers on fly in and fly out (FIFO) basis for rendering legal advice to clients in India. In this case, expression FIFO will only cover casual visit not amounting to ‘practice’ or for purpose of giving legal advice to clients in India regarding foreign law or their own system of law and on diverse international legal issues. BCI or Central Government can make appropriate rules in this regard including extending the code of ethics being applicable to foreign lawyers and entities. It also modified provisions of Advocates Act, 1961 for debarring foreign lawyers completely from conducting international commercial arbitration in country. Similarly, it held that BPO companies providing services like word processing, transcription services, secretarial support and proof-reading services do not come within purview of Advocates Act, so are allowed to function from India. Background: The Madras high court in 2012 had ordered to permit foreign lawyers and law firms to come to India on FIFO basis for rendering legal services here on offshore laws and diverse international legal issues. It had held that there is no bar on foreign lawyers, under Indian laws and regulations, visiting India for rendering legal advice to their clients in India. It was added that foreign lawyers could not be barred from coming to India for conducting arbitration proceedings in disputes involving international commercial arbitration. On similar lines, Bombay high court in 2009 had said that foreign law firms/companies or foreign lawyers could not practise law in India either in the litigation or non-litigation side.

14) Nepal’s first woman President Bidya Devi Bhandari (56) was relected for second term in office. In the presidential election, she defeated Nepali Congress (NC) leader Kumari Laxmi Rai with overwhelming majority. Ms. Bhandari was elected with more than a two-thirds majority after she secured 39,275 votes while the Nepali Congress’s Ms. Rai garnered 11,730 votes. Background: President of Nepal is ceremonial head of state, under the new Republican Federal Constitution of Nepal. The electoral college for presidential election comprised of members of Parliament and Provincial Assemblies. Ms. Bhandari’s nomination for re-election was backed by ruling Left alliance of CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre), Sanghiya Samajbai Forum-Nepal and other fringe parties. ith 148 lawmakers in Federal Parliament and 243 in Provincial Assemblies, the CPN-UML commanded total vote of 23,356. Opposition NC having 76 seats in parliament and 113 in provincial assemblies, had total votes of 11,428. Bidya Devi Bhandari: She was born on June 1961 in Bhojpur, Nepal. She became Nepal’s first woman President in 2015. Prior to getting elected, she was deputy leader of Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist)-CPN-UML party led by incumbent Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli. She was elected twice in parliamentary elections in 1994 and 1999. Earlier she had served as Defence Minister of the country and has been an active campaigner for women’s rights.

15) The Department of Biotechnology in Ministry of Science and Technology has constituted Field Inspection and Scientific Evaluation Committee (FISEC) to investigate matter of illegal cultivation of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) or BG-III cotton in four states. Background: The committee was constituted after there were several media reports and complaints regarding illegal or unauthorised cultivation of HT cotton in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat and Maharashtra. The cultivation of HT cotton (BG-III) is not approved by country’s biotech regulator, Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) of Ministry of Environment. The unofficial estimates put the extent of unauthorised cotton to be about 20% in the country. The commercial cultivation, sale, cultivation and seed production of unapproved HT cotton is punishable offence under Seeds Act 1966, Seed Rule 1968, Seeds (Control) Order 1983 with regard to Environmental Protection Act, 1986 and Environmental Protection Rules, 1989. HT Cotton: Herbicide-Tolerant (HT) Cotton also known as BG-III cotton is innovation in Bt Cotton as it takes care of weeds problem at much lower cost as compared to physical labour required for weeding. It contains Round-up Ready and Round-up Flex (RRF) gene. The RRF herbicide-tolerant trait was developed and commercialised by US-based multinational seed giant Monsanto. Harmful effects: The herbicide-resistant gene in HT cotton can spread through pollen into biodiversity system leading to transformation of weeds into super weeds on large-scale. It will threaten growth and yields of all crops in future and also increase cultivation costs and lead to health hazards.

16) According to data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), India’s factory output, measured by Index of Industrial Production (IIP) recorded overall 7.5% growth in January 2018, indicating early signs of industrial revival. Factory output grew at 7.1% in December 2017, before hitting 25-month high of 8.4% in November 2017. The cumulative IIP growth for period of April-January over corresponding period of previous year was 4.1%. Key Facts: Manufacturing sector: It increased to 8.7% in January 2018 as compared to 8.5% in December 2017. It was led by improved production of consumer durables and continued double-digit growth of consumer non-durables as well as capital goods. Mining output: It recorded growth of 0.1% in January 2018 compared to 1.2% in December 2017. Electricity generation: It recorded 7.6% growth in January 2018, as compared 4.4% growth in December 2017. Capital goods output: It is a barometer of investment and considered as proxy to measure private sector investment activity. It was 14.6% in January 2018 compared to 16.4% in December 2017. Consumer durables output: It was 8% in January 2018 as compared meagre 0.9% rise in December 2017. Consumer non-durables production: It recorded 10.5% growth in January 2018 from 16.5% in December 2017. Index of Industrial Production (IIP): The IIP is composite indicator that measures short-term changes in volume of production of basket of industrial products during given period with respect to chosen base period. It is compiled and published monthly by Central Statistical Organization (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. Base year: The CSO had revised the base year of the IIP from 2004-05 to 2011-12 in May 2017 to capture structural changes in the economy and improves the quality and representativeness of the indices. The revised IIP (2011-12) reflects the changes in the industrial sector and also aligns it with base year of other macroeconomic indicators like the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Sector wise items and weightages: It covers 407 item groups. Sector wise, the items included falls into 3 categories viz. Manufacturing (405 items), Mining (1 items) & Electricity (1 item). The weights of the three sectors are 77.63%, 14.37%, 7.9% respectively. The revised 8 core Industries have combined weightage of 40.27% in IIP.

17) The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has constituted Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal for adjudication of longstanding disputes between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over sharing of Mahanadi river water. The tribunal was formed under Section 4 of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 following directives of Supreme Court on January 2018. Key Facts: Composition: The tribunal will have three members. Chief Justice of India (CJI) has nominated Supreme Court Judge A M Khanwilkar as chairman of Tribunal. The two other members are Justice Ravi Ranjan of Patna High Court and Jusitce Indwermeet Kaur Kochar of Delhi High Court. It will be provided with services of two assessors who are water resources experts having experience in handling sensitive water-related issues. Mandate: The tribunal will determine water sharing among basin States on basis of overall availability of water in complete Mahanadi basin, contribution and present utilisation of water resources in each state and potential for future development. Term: The tribunal will be headquartered in New Delhi. It is required to submit its report and decision within three years which can be extended to maximum two years due to unavoidable reasons. Background: Since mid-80s, Odisha and Chhattisgarh are locked in dispute over sharing of water of Mahanadi River. Odisha has claimed that Chhattisgarh government has been constructing dams in upper reaches of Mahanadi, depriving its farmers who are heavily dependent on river water. Odisha Government had moved to Supreme Court in 2016 seeking direction to Chhattisgarh Government to stop all construction of barrages and dams on upper stream of river. Following the apex court order, Union Cabinet in February 2018 had approved proposal to constitute tribunal.

18) The Union Government has approved proposal to institute Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Investigation. The award aims to promote high professional standards of Investigation of Crime in State/UT Police and Central Investigating Agencies (CIAs) in the country. Key Facts: Officers from rank of Sub-Inspector to Superintendent of Police will be eligible for this honour. The names of awardees will be declared every year on 15th August. The awardees will get certificate signed by Union Home Minister along with medal and their names will be published in Gazette of India. Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) will invite nominations from States/UTs/CIAs based on recommendations from State-level Committee headed by ADG rank officer. These nominations will be processed by screening committee in BPR&D and approved by sanctioning committee in Home Ministry. Based on the average crime data for last three years, total 162 medals will be awarded every year, of these, 137 will be for States/UTs and 25 for CIAs viz. National Investigation Agency (NIA), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Narcotic Control Bureau (NCB). There will be quota of medals for women investigators also. Distribution of medals among States/UTs will be on basis of average of IPC crimes registered by them and crime data published by National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for years 2013, 2014 & 2015. The distribution of medals will be reviewed after every 3 years based on average crime data.

19) The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for increased cooperation in effective implementation of insolvency law. The MoU was singed at time when authorities are working on ways to address huge amount of non-performing assets (NPAs) in banking sector. Key Facts: The MoU provides for sharing of information, subject to limitations imposed by applicable laws and sharing of resources available with each other to extent feasible and legally permissible. It calls for periodic meetings to discuss matters of mutual interest, including regulatory requirements that impact IBBI and RBI’s responsibilities, enforcement cases, research and data analysis, information technology and data sharing. It also provides for cross-training of staff in order to enhance each party’s understanding of other’s mission for effective utilisation of collective resources. It will help in capacity building of insolvency professionals and financial creditors. It calls for joint efforts between IBBI and RBI for enhancing level of awareness among financial creditors about importance and necessity of swift insolvency resolution process of various types of borrowers in distress under provisions of Insolvency Code, etc. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Code): The Code provides for reorganisation and time -bound and market-determine insolvency resolution of corporate persons, partnership firms and individuals for maximization of value of assets. The IBBI exercises regulatory oversight over Insolvency Professionals, Insolvency Professional Agencies and Information Utilities. It frames and enforces rules for processes such as corporate insolvency resolution, individual insolvency resolution, corporate liquidation and individual bankruptcy under Code. Background: Both RBI and IBBI are interested in effective implementation of Code and its allied rules and regulations, through quick and efficient resolution process. Therefore, they agreed to sign MoU to assist and co-operate with each other for effective implementation of Code.

20) The National Conference on Counterfeiting and Role of Enforcement Agencies was held in New Delhi. It was organised by Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM) in collaboration with European Union (EU). It was inaugurated by Minister of Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu. Key Facts: The conference aimed to provide common platform to national and international experts to have dialogue and exchange best practices for benefit of enforcement agencies, and industry representatives and provide fresh ideas for further strengthening IPR protection ecosystem. It provided platform to officials to share their experiences and better inter-agency coordination with respect to tackling menace of counterfeiting. It was attended by officials of various enforcement agencies, many IP professionals, lawyers, e-commerce stakeholders and people from industry associations. Cell for IPR Promotion and Management (CIPAM): CIPAM is a professional body under the aegis of the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Its mandate is to effectively implement National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy adopted in May 2016 with slogan – “Creative India; Innovative India”. It has undertaken several measures to strengthen IP ecosystem in the country.

21) India has attracted reaching US $208.99 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) during April 2014 to December 2017 period. The main sectors that received maximum FDI include services, computer software and hardware, telecommunications, construction, trading and automobile. Key Facts: Foreign investments are considered crucial for India as it needs around 1 trillion dollars 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.

22) The 12 out of 14 states/UTs have replied to Home Ministry that capital punishment or death penalty should stay, as it serves to act as deterrent in cases of heinous crimes such as murder and rape. The Home Ministry had forwarded proposal to abolish death penalty to states/UTs based on recommendation of Law Commission of India (LCI). The states/UTs that vetoed abolition of capital punishment were Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Bihar, Tamil Nadu and Delhi. Only two states, Karnataka and Tripura, want practice to be done away with. Background: In 2013, the Supreme Court had asked Law Commission to examine whether death penalty is deterrent punishment or is retributive justice or serves an incapacitative goal. In its report in 2015, Law Commission, ten headed by Justice A P Shah, had proposed abolition of capital punishment for non-terrorism cases (i.e. it should be abolished for all crimes other than terrorism related offences and waging war). According to Law Commission’s Report, India is among handful of countries such as China, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq that still carry out executions. At end of 2014, 98 countries had abolished death penalty, 7 had abolished it for ordinary crimes, and 35 were abolitionists in practice, making 140 countries abolitionists in law or practice.

23) India, France co-hosted first International Solar Alliance (ISA) Summit at Rashtrapati Bhavan Convention Centre in New Delhi. The aim of the summit was to deliberate on finance mechanism for promotion of solar energy in member countries, crowd-funding and technology transfer. Key Facts: The summit was co-hosted by President Ram Nath Kovind and his French counterpart President Emmanuel Macron. It was attended by 21 heads of states and heads of government, several top ministers and bureaucrats apart from participants from multilateral banks and United Nations. Its focus was to mobilise $1 trillion of investments needed by 2030 for massive deployment of solar energy. The summit was of particular significance to India as it strives to achieve ambitious target of generating 175 GW of renewable energy, including 100 GW of solar energy, by 2022. Key Takeaway from Summit: 10-point action plan: It was presented by India. It includes making affordable solar technology available to all nations, raising share of electricity generated from photovoltaic cells, framing regulations and standards, providing consultancy support for bankable solar projects and creating network of centres for excellence. Common risk mitigation mechanism: It was announced by France. It will be put in place before the end of 2018. The mechanism was developed by taskforce comprising Council on Energy, Environment and Water, Terrawatt Initiaitve and The Currency Exchange Fund (TCX). Delhi Solar Agenda: It was launched at founding summit, which states that countries will pursue increased share of solar energy in final energy consumption in their respective national energy mix to tackle global challenges of climate change. Commitment to increase share of solar power: As many as 62 member-nations committed that they will increase share of solar power in their energy mix to deal with climate change and provide energy to underprivileged in society. Financial Contribution: India will give $1.4 billion in aid to 15 other developing nations for 27 more solar projects. It already has contributed $62 million to ISA corpus fund and for establishment of ISA secretariat. Beside this, France will provide €700 million in loans and support by 2022 to emerging economies for solar energy projects. International Solar Alliance (ISA): ISA is treaty-based inter-governmental organisation (first to be based in India) that was established following as an alliance dedicated to the promotion of solar energy among its member countries. It is one of the key takeaways at the 2015 Paris Climate summit. ISA is aimed at tapping solar energy in countries that lie partially or fully between Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. It is headquartered in India.

24) Samvedna 2018, the first multilateral Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise of Indian Air Force (IAF) in association with South Asian Region nations was held off the coast of Kerala. The multilateral exercise was spearheaded by IAF and conducted by Southern Air Command (SAC) and involved representatives from air forces of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and UAE. Key Facts: Samvedna, which means ‘Empathy’ focused on practising Air Force-centric HADR solutions in Multi-national cooperative Disaster Management environment. The objective of exercise was to galvanise all stakeholders in synergising unified HADR efforts. It will also ensure better understanding and sharing of response procedures between number of friendly neighbouring nations. The entire settings of exercise was based on scenario of tsunami in western coast of India originating from earthquake in Makran subduction zone (along northeastern margin of Gulf of Oman adjacent to southwestern coast of Balochistan of Pakistan) and resulting in post-tsunami disaster management along western coast and western islands of India. The exercise will provide clear understanding of scope, role and task, including challenges in air operations and ensuring better understanding and sharing of response procedures among nations. The broad format of exercise will include ground training and flying exercise. This exercise will help in putting in place basic framework for conduct of Joint Air HADR operations in the region, which will be further refined during subsequent exercises. It is also expected to lead to more coordinated and efficient HADR Air operations in entire South Asian region when need arises.

25) The MILES-18, first-ever multi-nation naval exercise at sea was held at the Andaman sea. The three days exercise was conducted as part of 10th edition of MILAN 2018. Milan 2018, a multi-national mega event was organised by Andaman Nicobar naval command with theme ‘Friendship Across the Seas’ to expand regional cooperation and combat unlawful activities in critical sea lanes. MILES-18: 11 naval ships of 8 countries (Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand) and nine Indian ships had participated in MILES-18. It was aimed to enhance inter-operability between participating countries. It also had enabled honing of search and rescue operations procedures, maritime interdiction operations, core operational skills and exercise and variety of maritime security scenarios. Background: Milan exercise was first held in 1995 with participation of just five navies. Its aim was to have effective forum to discuss common concerns in Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and forge deeper cooperation among friendly navies. The exercise is being hosted biennially by Indian Navy under the aegis of Andaman and Nicobar Command.

26) India’s first national coastal policing academy, National Academy of Coastal Policing (NACP) to train police forces in effectively safeguarding country’s shoreline will start functioning from April 2018. It will be launched from campus of Gujarat’s Fisheries Research Centre located in coastal Okha town in Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujarat. Key Facts: The first-of-its-kind national coastal policing academy will be created and run by multi-agency team of paramilitary and defence forces to sharpen response and skills of marine forces of multiple states which have sea lines. It will train police personnel and other security agencies staff in maritime laws, seamanship, boat work, navigation, weapons handling, usage of sea guidance and surveillance gadgets and survival skills for long haul operations on sea or during distress times when they may get stranded in these territorial waters running up to 12 nautical miles from shore. The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) will pilot establishment and running of academy. The Border Security Force (BSF), Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will form core to run academy. The BSF will also provide security to campus. Indian Navy an ICG will help design training curriculum, provide skilled trainers and ensure access to jetties and boats for trainees of academy. Gujarat government will provide two interceptor boats stationed at Okha to academy. It will have faculty from Indian Navy, ICG and BSF. Background: India has 7,517-km long coastline and has 12 major ports and 187 minor or intermediate ports. India’s territorial waters end at 12 nautical miles while EEZ stretches to 200 nautical miles from the coast. At present there is no institute that trains marine or coastal police forces subjects related to coastal policing and security in professional manner. The need for training academy was specially felt after India faced major sea-borne terror attack in November 2008 in Mumbai (financial capital of country) planned and articulated from Pakistan.

27) India won Best Exhibitor Award at ITB–Berlin World Tourist Meet convened at Berlin, Germany. More than 100 countries had participated in the mega meet with their respective Tourism Ministers. India was represented by Minister of State (Independent charge) for Tourism Mr K. J. Alphons along with Tourism Ministry officials. India’s Incredible India (Ministry of Tourism) presented short film named “Yogi of the Racetrack” in the meet. The short film had received 3.2 million hits in 60 hours. ITB Berlin: The ITB Berlin (Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin) is world’s largest tourism trade fair. It is represented by companies from tourism sector including hotels, tourist boards, tour operators, system providers, airlines and car rental companies. The fair takes place annually in March at Messe Berlin and always has official partner country.

28) The first Indo-French Knowledge Summit for university, scientific and technology cooperation was successfully held in New Delhi. The two-day summit was organized by the French Embassy in India and co-hosted by Ministry of Human Resource Development. Key Facts: The summit’s broader objective was to design roadmap of Franco-India cooperation for next five years, in collaboration with companies. It offered common platform for common goal to increase student mobility, enlarge R&D collaborations and link campuses to companies by focusing on employability. More than 350 people from nearly 80 Indian Institutions and 70 French Institutions along with key enterprises participated in summit. It also had received support of Ministry of Science and Technology, Campus France and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). It ended with landmark agreement on mutual recognition of educational qualifications between two countries and record 15 other MoUs between universities and research institutions on joint initiatives and partnerships. During this event, various sessions and round tables on several topics of mutual interest of both t countries were held including on aerospace, agriculture and food processing, eco-energy, maths and information technology, strengthening employability among others.

29) The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) celebrated its 33rd Inception Day on March 11, 2018. On this occasion, “Citizen Services” mobile application developed in-house by NCRB was also released. The application can be used by citizen for various services such as complaint registration and status check, SOS – Stay Safe, View FIR detail, locate police stations, vahan-samanvay, emergency contact list, police stations telephone directory etc. National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB): NCRB is nodal agency under Union Home Ministry for authentic source of data on crime on various parameters including accidents, suicides from across all the states of the country and prisons for policy matters and research. It was established on 11 March 1986 as the central police organisation. It is headquartered in New Delhi. It is implementing and monitoring agency of Crime & Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS), a Mission Mode Project under the National e-Governance Plan of Government. It also imparts training in Information Technology (IT) and Finger Print Science for Indian Police Officers as well Foreign Police officers. NCRB publishes 4 annual publications on Crime, Prison Statistics, Accidental Deaths & Suicides and Finger Prints. These publications serve as principal reference points on crime statistics.

30) Russia successfully launched high-precision aeroballistic Kinzhal hypersonic missile from a MiG-31 supersonic interceptor jet. During the test, the missile launch was normal and it hit preset target on the test site. It also met its performance characteristics and time indicators. Kinzhal missile System: The Kinzhal missile is one of array of new weapons developed by Russia. Kinzhal, the name means double-edged Russian dagger. It can fly 10 times the speed of sound and has range of 2,000km. It is equipped with high-precision aeroballistic missiles supporting air strikes without entering enemy’s air defence zone. It can overcome air-defence systems. The missile system has no counterparts across globe owing to high flight performance characteristic of MiG-31 fighter jet and hypersonic missile with small radar signature and high maneuverability. The first air unit equipped with Kinzhal system was deployed in Russia’s Southern Military District in December 2017.
31) World champions Australia won 27th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah cup 2018 for record 10th time. In the final match held in Ipoh, Malaysia, Australia defeated defending champion England by narrow 2-1 goal margin. Earlier, in the classification match for third place, Argentina defeated host Malaysia by 3-2 goals. Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament: It is an annual international men’s field hockey tournament held in Malaysia. It has been named after 9th king of Malaysia and ‘Father of Malaysian Hockey’ Sultan Azlan Shah also avid fan of field hockey. It was established in 1983 as biennial sporting event. It was converted into annual event after 1998, following its growth and popularity. Australia has won prestigious tournament for record 10 times in 1983, 1998, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2018. India had won it 4 times 1985, 1991, 1995, 2009 and shared it in 2010 with South Korea.

32) India B won 45th edition of the Deodhar Trophy 2018 by defeating Karnataka in final match by 6 wickets at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala. Brief Scores: Karnataka 279-8 in 50 overs (Ravikumar Samarth 107, CM Gautam 76) lost to India B 281-4 in 48.2 overs (Abhimanyu Easwaran 69, Ruturaj Gaikwad 58, Shreyas Iyer 61, Manoj Tiwary 59 not out) by 6 wickets. Captain of India B: Ankit Bawne. Captain of Karnataka: Karun Nair Player of the match: Ravikumar Samarth (Karnataka). Deodhar Trophy: The Deodhar Trophy is a List A cricket competition in Indian domestic cricket. It is named after Prof. D. B. Deodhar (known as the Grand Old Man of Indian cricket). It is a 50-over knockout competition played on an annual basis among five zonal teams – North Zone, South Zone, East Zone, West Zone and Central Zone. It was realigned in 2015-16 season with winners of Vijay Hazare Trophy playing two teams – India A and India B – selected by the BCCI. North Zone has won most titles i.e. for record 13 times.

33) The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly has passed The Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2018 providing for death penalty for convicts involved in rape of girls below 12 years of age. Key Provisions: The Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2018 adds sections 376-AA and 376-DD to the Indian Penal Code, 1860. These amendments say that a person who is convicted of raping/gang-raping a girl up to twelve years of age, shall be given a death sentence or rigorous imprisonment, which shall not be less than fourteen years and 20 years, respectively. The amendment bill also provides to award life sentence and life imprisonment to child rapists to ensure that the convict doesn’t get out of the jail even after completing 14 years of sentence. With this bill, Rajasthan has become second state after Madhya Pradesh to award death penalty and lifetime imprisonment to child rapists. In 2017, Madhya Pradesh assembly had passed ‘The Penal Law (Madhya Pradesh Amendment) Bill-2017’, which awarded death to similar convicts.

34) The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and African Development Bank (AfDb), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Green climate fund (GCF), and New Development Bank (NDB) signed Joint financial partnership Declarations. The International Energy Agency (IEA) also signed Joint partnership Declaration with ISA. The objective of these agreements is to deepen their cooperation in support of renewable energy. ISA had earlier signed three partnerships with World Bank, European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). International Solar Alliance (ISA): The ISA was one of key takeaways at Paris Climate summit, 2015 (2015 UN Climate Change Conference, COP 21 or CMP 11). It is aimed at tapping solar energy in the countries that lie partially or fully between Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. ISA is first treaty-based intergovernmental organisation (entered into force in December 2017) to be headquartered at Gurugram, India. Its major objectives include global deployment of over 1,000GW of solar generation capacity and mobilisation of investment of over US $1000 billion into solar energy by 2030. It also aims to bring together countries with rich solar potential to aggregate global demand, thereby reducing prices through bulk purchase, facilitating deployment of existing solar technologies at scale and promoting collaborative solar R&D and capacity building.

35) India and France singed 14 key agreements in strategic areas of security, nuclear energy, protection of classified information and also in field of education, environment, urban development and railways. These agreements were signed after extensive bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in New Delhi. French President Macron was in India on four-day official state visit. His visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral economic, political and strategic dimension of engagement between India and France. Signed Agreement are: MoU on cooperation in the field of Environment. MoU on technical cooperation in the field of Railways. India-France Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement. Agreement to facilitate Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications. Letter of Intent for creation of permanent Indo-French Railways Forum. Agreement on cooperation in the field of Sustainable Urban Development. MoU for co-operation in projects in ISA member countries in areas of solar energy. Implementing Arrangement for pre-formulation studies of a Maritime Awareness Mission. Agreement regarding provision of reciprocal logistics support between their Armed Forces. Bilateral Arrangement on cooperation in matter of Hydrography and Maritime Cartography. Agreement regarding exchange and reciprocal protection of classified or protected information. Credit Facility Agreement of Euros 100 million for funding of Smart City Projects through a Challenge Process. Industrial Way Forward Agreement between NPCL and EDF, France for construction of six nuclear reactors at Jaitapur, Maharashtra. Agreement on Prevention of Illicit Consumption and Reduction of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Chemical Precursors and Related Offences. India-France relations: India and France share close and friendly relation. The relationship is based on shared values and real convergence on a whole range of regional and global issues. Both countries had announced a Strategic Partnership’ in 1998 and since then, relationship has been further strengthened. Both countries have enhanced and ongoing cooperation in defence, maritime, space, security, and energy-related sectors. They are also increasingly working together on all issues of concern including terrorism, climate change, sustainable growth and development, infrastructure, smart urbanization, S&T cooperation, and youth exchanges. France is a major supplier of military equipment to India. It was one of few nations that did not condemn India’s nuclear tests in 1998. It was first country with which India entered into agreement on Civil Nuclear Cooperation in 2008. France is one of largest suppliers of nuclear fuel to India. It also supports India’s bid to become permanent member of UN Security Council (UNSC) as well as G-8. The bilateral trade between India and France for period April 2016 to March 2017 had reached US$ 10.95 billion. France is 9th largest foreign investor in India with cumulative investment of US $6.09 billion from 2000 to 2017. Close to 1,000 French companies are present in India. About 120 Indian companies have invested in France and employ close to 7,000 people.

36) Indian and French companies have exchanged 19 contracts and agreements worth over 13 billion euros in sectors including new and renewable energy, smart grid, nuclear energy, aviation, cement, telecom among others. The agreements were formalised at Indo-French Economic Partnership (IFEP) signing ceremony held in New Delhi in the context of French President Emmanuel Macron’s official state visit to India. Key Facts: Aviation Sector: The biggest deals signed in terms of value were from civil aviation sector. Low-cost carrier SpiceJet signed $12.5-billion agreement with French aviation major Safran Group to supply 155 CFM LEAP-1B engines for airline’s Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, along with spare engines to support fleet. Safran also announced its eighth facility in India at Hyderabad, Telangana with 250 employees, for production of harnesses used in civil and military aerospace applications, for both local and foreign programs. Airports Authority of India (AAI) signed agreement with French engineering company Egis for conducting study of three airports in the country — Lucknow, Pune and Trichy. Electric Mobility Sector: Four French companies — EdF International Networks, Citelum, G2M and Solstyce — signed an agreement to work together for developing charging infrastructure in India to support electric mobility. Renewable energy sector: Bharat Light & Power and EDF renewed their contract pertaining to data acquisition to optimise wind and solar energy production. General collaboration agreement was also signed between French Commission for Atomic and Alternative Energy (CEA) and Vikram Solar to increase production capacity of high performance solar cells and modules. Cement Sector: French cement maker Vicat announced investment of Rs 1,200 crore in Karnataka to double its production capacity and investment of Rs. 510 crore in cement-grinding unit in Andhra Pradesh.

37) India and France have inked strategic pact providing for use of each other’s military facilities including opening naval bases to warships. It was signed during official state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India. The agreement reflects growing depth between both countries in defence ties and comes amid China’s growing military expansionism in Indo-Pacific region. Key Facts: The agreement will facilitate reciprocal provision of logistic support, supplies and services between armed forces of India and France during authorised port visits, joint exercises and joint training among others. It will be crucial in order to maintain the safety of international sea lanes for unimpeded commerce and communications in Indo-Pacific region. The deal is similar to logistical support pact (LEMOA) with US on use of each other’s land, air and naval bases and is indicator of strategic depth and maturity reached in India-France defence ties. Key Takeaways from Joint Statement on Defence relations: Both countries have decided to create an annual defence dialogue at the ministerial level to explore ways to further deepen defence and strategic ties. They also signed pact on exchange and reciprocal protection of classified or protected information. On ties in maritime security sphere, both countries will have unprecedented level of cooperation to ensure peace and stability in Indian and Pacific Oceans. Space agencies of both countries will also have joint monitoring mechanism for developments in maritime sphere, while their navies of will share intelligence and call their respective military bases for any requirement. Both sides also emphasised the importance of the joint military exercises and affirmed their intention to enhance the level of the exercises. They acknowledged that Make-in-India initiative offers valuable opportunity for Indian and French defence enterprises to enter into co-development and co-production projects in defence sector, including through transfer of technologies.

38) 11 Pacific Rim countries have formally entered into Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership or CP TPP or TPP11 in Santiago, Chile. It is revised version of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) proposed by US, that was finalized after US withdrew from it. Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership: TPP11 includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. The combined population of these countries exceeds 500 million people and together their economies account for 13% of global gross domestic product (GDP). With US, it would have represented 40%. It will be world’s third largest trade bloc after European Union (EU) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It will come into effect 60 days after six of the 11 member countries ratify the agreement domestically. It eliminates some requirements of original TPP demanded by US, including rules to ramp up intellectual property protection of pharmaceuticals. Background: The original 12-member agreement known as Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was thrown into limbo in January 2017 when US President Trump withdrew from deal three days after his inauguration citing reason of protecting US jobs and agreement will be blow for US’s manufacturing. The TTP agreement was originally conceived as counterbalance to China’s increasing economic influence in the region. But after US withdrawal, remaining 11 countries had decided to forge ahead regardless and finalized the agreement in January 2018.

39) The Supreme Court (SC) allowed passive euthanasia and right to give advance medical directives or ‘Living Wills’, stating that human beings have the right to die with dignity as part of fundamental right, but made sure to set out strict guidelines that will govern when it is permitted. The ruling was given by five-judge Constitution Bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. Passive euthanasia is act of withdrawing or withholding medical support to dying patient who has no hope for revival or cure. SC Ruling: Fundamental right to life and dignity under Article 21 of Constitution includes right to die with dignity. Dignity is lost if man is allowed or forced to undergo pain and suffering because of unwarranted medical support. It distinguished passive euthanasia from suicide and active euthanasia. It called passive euthanasia as mere acceleration of inevitable conclusion. It concluded that Active euthanasia is unlawful. It held that suicide involves overt acts which culminate in unnatural death. Valid ‘Living Will’ facilitates passive euthanasia and failure to legally recognise advance medical directive inconveniences right to smoothen dying process. In cases of terminally ill or permanently vegetative state patients, where there is no hope for revival, priority should be given to Living Wills and right of self-determination. It also laid down principles for execution of advance directives and spelt out guidelines and safeguards to give effect to passive euthanasia. The directive and guidelines shall remain in force till Parliament brings a legislation in the field.

40) Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) and European Investment Bank (EIB) have signed loan agreement for second line of credit (LoC) of Euro 150 million on non-sovereign basis for renewable energy financing in India. The LoC has tenure of 15 years including grace period of 3 years. It will be used for financing Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency projects in India. It will benefit more than 1.1 million households especially from clean energy produced with these funds. European Investment Bank (EIB): EIB is long-term lending institution of European Union owned by its member states. It is also engaged in multilateral financing and works closely with other EU institutions to implement EU policy. More than 90% of its activity is in Europe but it is also big investor globally. EIB’s activities focus on four priority areas including innovation and skills, access to finance for infrastructure, smaller businesses and climate & environment. Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA): IREDA is dedicated financing arm of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for financing renewable and energy efficiency projects. It has been spearheading growth of renewable energy in country for over three decades. To meet financing requirement, it has been raising resources from various bilateral and multilateral agencies, Masala bonds and domestic – taxable and tax-free bonds. It has financed renewable and energy efficiency projects of financial value of over Rs. 34,534 crore till date.

41) Diu has become the first and only Union Territory in the country to be fully run on solar energy. The UT generates total of 13 megawatts (MW) of electricity from solar power generating facilities daily. Of this, 3 MW is generated by rooftop solar plants and 10 MW by its other solar power plants. Key Facts: Diu’s peak-time demand for electricity goes up to 7 MW and now it daily generates about 10.5 MW of electricity from solar energy, making it electricity surplus. Despite scarcity of land, solar power plants have been installed over more than 50 acres. The solar power also has come as big relief for local residents as their monthly bill charges have fallen by around 12%. It also has significantly reduced electricity loss. Background: Diu has an area of just 42 square kilometres and population of 56,000. For water and electricity, the Union territory was solely dependent on Gujarat government. The electricity supplied from power grid owned by Gujarat government was causing huge line losses. To overcome this limitation, UT’s administration has decided to set up solar power plants.

42) Rajasthan Assembly has passed Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2018 by voice vote to amend Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 to add provisions providing for death penalty for those convicted of raping girls of 12 years and below. The bill will become a law after it gets Presidential assent. With this, Rajasthan became second state in the country after Madhya Pradesh approving death sentence for those convicted of such rapes. Key facts: The Bill aims at protecting girl child by laying down deterrent punishment, including death sentence, to offenders of child rape of girls below 12. It inserts sections 376-AA and 376-DD in IPC, 1860. These sections provide, that whoever commits rape or gang-rape on a girl upto 12 years of age shall be punishable with death or rigorous imprisonment. The capital punishment under it will be not less than 14 years and 20 years respectively for sections and which may extend to imprisonment for life, which means imprisonment for remainder of offenders’ whole life, and with fine. Background: According to National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) 2016 report, cases of crimes against children have shown a steady rise in Rajasthan. The state has recorded 4,034 such cases in 2016, which is 3.8% of crimes against children (98,344) registered across country. It stands fourth in crime against women category. In 2015, the state had registered 3,689 cases of crime against children, increased by 345 in year under review. State police had registered 728 cases of child rape in 2015, which increased to 858 in 2016.

43) The director generals of Border Security Force (BSF), India and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) have declared 8.3 km stretch of Indo-Bangladesh border as first ‘crime-free zone’. The stretch covers Gunarmath and Kalyani Border Out Posts (BOPs) in India and Puthkhali and Daulatpur BOPs in Bangladesh across border. Key Facts: Bangladesh and India share 4,156 km long international border. It is longest international border shared by India with its neighbours. It passes through five states viz. Assam (262 km), Tripura (856 km), Mizoram (180 km), Meghalaya (443 km) and West Bengal (2,217 km). The first ‘crime-free zone’ stretch is one of most vulnerable to crimes like cattle smuggling and others. Both border guarding forces with help of civil administrations of two countries, NGOs and local populance will help in ensuring that no crime takes place along stretch. Both forces will work together to ensure that no crime or anti-social activity occurs along this stretch. This is pilot project that will be reviewed after 5-6 months. It will be extended to other trouble-prone areas to target more difficult areas along 913 km of Indo-Bangladesh border under BSF’s South Bengal Frontier.

44) Karnataka Government has decided to accept state flag proposed and designed by 9-member committee constituted by state Kannada and Culture department. It will be official flag in place of an unofficial red and yellow flag that is currently used in the state to signify local pride. Key Facts: The committee has recommended new tricolour having yellow (at top), white (in middle) and red (at bottom) colorus, with state’s emblem Gandaberunda (a two-headed mythological bird) in centre. The white colour in new flag symbolizes peace and captures Karnataka’s image the best, while other two colours are synonymous with Kannada identity. Now state government will make formal application to Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) under whose purview issue falls to amend Flag Code 2002 to included state flag. The amendment will add provisions of including Karnataka flag as one of the symbols in the Flag Code. Comment: If adopted with clearance from MHA, Karnataka will be the second state after Kashmir to have an official state flag. Karnataka has had unofficial state flag since mid-1960s when pro-Kannada groups were agitating against the screening of non-Kannada films in the state. The earlier red and yellow unofficial flag was created by Kannada writer and activist Ma Ramamurthy for pro-Kannada political party called Kannada Paksha. This unofficial flag is flown every year on November 1, Karnataka’s foundation day, and is a common sight at public spaces in the state. Karnataka already has official state song and there is feeling that there is nothing wrong in having state flag.

45) The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog has launched Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) on the occasion of International Women’s day (March 8, 2018). WEP’s theme song ‘ Naari Shakti’ composed and sung by renowned singer Kailash Kher was also released. Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP): Objective- Build vibrant ecosystem for women across country to help realise their entrepreneurial aspirations, scale-up innovative initiatives and chalk-out sustainable, long-term strategies for their businesses. Power vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem through an enabling network of industry collaborations, partnerships, mentors and peer-to-peer connect. Address bottlenecks faced by both aspiring and established women entrepreneurs by streamlining information across government and private sector schemes and initiatives with informative, interactive website as a dedicated resource and knowledge base. Key Features- WEP aspires to substantially increase number of women entrepreneurs to create and empower dynamic new India by opening up avenues of growth and opportunity for women entrepreneurs. These aspirations of women entrepreneurs are manifested in three pillars on which WEP is built: Ichha Shakti: Motivating aspiring entrepreneurs to start their enterprise. Gyaan Shakti: Providing knowledge and ecosystem support to women entrepreneurs to help them foster entrepreneurship. Karma Shakti: Providing hands-on support to entrepreneurs in setting-up and scaling up businesses. The WEP platform will operate within broader framework of industry collaborations and partnerships, which cut across sectors in economy. It will provide unique services such as credit evaluation of women-led startups by CRISIL and potential equity investments through an Rs. 10 crore fund established by DICE Districts. Partners of WEP : ShopClues.com will provide internship and dedicated mentorship and Mann Deshi Foundation to provide digital and financial literacy to aspiring women entrepreneurs. Moreover, several other leading corporates and industry bodies such as NASSCOM, CII, FICCI, SIDBI and Facebook will provide business acceleration, mentorship and other start-up support for women entrepreneurs.

46) World Health Organization (WHO) has invited pharmaceutical companies around the world to submit proposals to manufacture affordable versions of newer medicines for treatment of drug resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). It has now requested drug makers to submit Expression of Interest (EoI) for Bedaquiline and Delaminid, two new-generation drugs, recommended for DR-TB. The aim of this proposal is to replicate success of addressing HIV epidemic. Under WHO norms, drugs submitted upon such requests and complying with its standards will be included in list for procurement by UN and other organisations. Background: India has nearly 1.3 lakh DR-TB patients, most in the world. Currently Health Ministry gets only 10,000 doses of Bedaquiline and 400 doses of Delaminid. These medicines are obtained as donations from Janssen (US) and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals (Japan), their respective manufacturers. Significance: EoI considered by WHO for two drugs will be key compounds to address challenges of DR-TB. It will encourage generic competition to start finding ways to make these medicines available in countries where they are not yet registered. It will also allow generics manufacturers interested in producing these two drugs and currently facing technical challenges. The pre-qualification will ensure greater numbers of manufacturers are supplying quality medicines, which, in turn, means a more competitive market and more affordable prices.

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