WBCS Current Affairs 12 May 2018 To 18 May 2018

The Importance of Current Affairs in W.B.C.S examinations is immense.Success inW.B.C.S  Prelims and W.B.C.S Mains Exam is mainly subjected to how well an aspirant is aware of the important current affairs. Preparation of current affairs for W.B.C.S is the key to unlock the exam.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 12 May 2018 To 18 May 2018.

1) The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published its first Essential Diagnostics List, a catalogue of tests needed to diagnose most common diseases along with number of global priority diseases. It aims to address people’s inability to access diagnostic services, which results in them from receiving correct treatment. Essential Diagnostics List: The essential diagnostics list concentrates on in-vitro tests like tests of blood and urine. It contain overall 113 products which comprises 58 tests for detection and diagnosis of a wide range of common conditions. Remaining 55 tests for detection, diagnosis and monitoring of ‘priority’ diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and human papillomavirus. For each category of test, list specifies type of test and intended use, format and if appropriate for primary health care or for health facilities with laboratories. It also provides links to WHO guidelines or publications and to pre-qualified products. Some of tests enlisted in it are particularly suitable for primary health care (PHCs) facilities, where laboratory services are often poorly resourced and sometimes non-existent. Updation: WHO will update list on regular basis and will also issue call for applications to add categories to next edition. It is expected to expand significantly over next few years to incorporate other important areas including emerging pathogens, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance and additional non-communicable diseases. Significance: Essential Diagnostics List will provide uniform tool that can be useful to all countries, not only to test and treat health complications better but also to use health funds more efficiently by concentrating on the truly essential tests. It also provides an essential package that can form the basis for screening and management of patients. It similar to WHO’s essential medicines list, which has been in use for four decades and serve as reference for countries to update or develop their own list of essential diagnostics. World Health Organization (WHO): WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that acts as a coordinating authority on international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, it succeeded the Health Organization, which was an agency of the League of Nations. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group and its headquarters is located at Geneva. WHO flag features the Rod of Asclepius as a symbol for healing.

2) The Union Cabinet has approved National Policy on Biofuels – 2018 in order to promote biofuels in the country. Biofuels in India are of strategic importance as it augers well with ongoing initiatives of Government such as Make in India, Skill Development and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. It also offers great opportunity to integrate with ambitious targets of doubling of import reduction, farmers’ income, employment generation, waste to wealth Creation. Salient features of Policy: The policy categorises of biofuels to enable extension of appropriate financial and fiscal incentives under each category. Basic Biofuels: First Generation (1G) bioethanol and biodiesel. Advanced Biofuels: Second Generation (2G) ethanol, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to drop-in fuels, Third Generation (3G) biofuels, bio-CNG etc. Expansion scope of raw material for ethanol production: It allows use of sugarcane juice, sugar containing materials like sweet sorghum, sugar beet, starch containing materials like corn, cassava, damaged food grains like broken rice, wheat, rotten potatoes, unfit for human consumption for ethanol production. Use of surplus food grains: The policy allows use of surplus food grains for production of ethanol for blending with petrol with approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee. This will ensure farmers get appropriate price for their produce during the surplus production phase. Incentives to advanced biofuel: Viability gap funding scheme indicated for 2G ethanol Bio refineries of Rs.5000 crore in 6 years for giving special emphasis to advanced biofuels. It also proposes additional tax incentives, higher purchase price as compared to 1G biofuels. Supply chain mechanisms: The policy encourages setting up of supply chain mechanisms for biodiesel production from non-edible oilseeds, used cooking oil, short gestation crops. Synergising efforts: It predefines roles and responsibilities of all the concerned Ministries and Government Departments with respect to biofuels to synergise efforts. Expected Benefits: Reduce Import Dependency: The ethanol supply will help to reduce import dependency on crude oil which will in turn result in savings of forex. Cleaner Environment: The use of ethanol will reduce CO2 emissions. It will also reduce Green House Gas emissions by reducing crop burning and conversion of agricultural residues and wastes into biofuels. Health benefits: Prolonged reuse of cooking oil for preparing food, particularly in deep-frying causes health hazard and can lead to many diseases. By using cooking oil as a potential feedstock for biodiesel will prevent diversion of used cooking oil in the food industry. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management: Using advance technologies waste and plastic in MSW can be converted in use fuels. One ton of such waste has potential to provide around 20% of drop in fuels. Infrastructural Investment in Rural Areas: Addition of 2G bio refineries across country will spur infrastructural investment in the rural areas. Employment Generation: Setting up one 100klpd 2G bio refinery contributes to 1200 jobs in plant operations, village level entrepreneurs and supply chain management. Additional Income to Farmers: By adopting 2G technologies for producing biofuels, agricultural residues and waste which otherwise are burnt by farmers can be converted to ethanol. Through this process farmers can fetch price for these waste. Moreover, conversion of surplus grains and agricultural biomass can also help in price stabilization for farmers.

3) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for enhancement of budget by Rs.11,330 crore for Network For Spectrum (NFS) project. This is over and above Rs.13,334 crore already approved by Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure in July, 2012. With this, total budget for the network for Defence services has now gone up to Rs. 24,664 crore. Network For Spectrum (NFS) project: The NFS project aims at laying alternate communication network for Defence Services. NFS project will boost the communication capabilities of Defence Forces. In major way, it will lead to enhanced national operational preparedness. It will also have forward linkages to other related industries such as telecom equipment manufacturing and other telecommunication related services. The project is being implemented by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and will be completed in 2 years period. Background: The Union Defence Ministry and Department of Telecommunication (DoT), the highest decision making body in Telecom Ministry had signed an agreement in 2009-10 to set up exclusive defence network for its communication services. Under it, DoT had agreed to vacate 25 MHz of 3G spectrum and 20 MHz of 2G spectrum in phases soley for defence communication purpose.

4) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved initial corpus of Rs.5,000 crore for setting up of dedicated Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) in NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). Key Facts: The allocation of MIF under PMKSY will be made in instalments of Rs 2,000 crore and Rs 3,000 crore in 2018-19 and 2019-20. Under it, NABARD will extend loans to state governments during this period. The lending rate under MIF has been proposed at 3% lower than cost of raising fund by NABARD. States will pay back loans in total seven years period, including grace period of two years. The total financial implication on interest subvention from MIF will be about Rs. 750 crore. Benefits: The dedicated MIF will supplement efforts of Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Component of PMKSY in an effective and timely manner. It will help to bring about 10 lakh ha of land under irrigation through innovative composite, community and cluster based micro irrigation projects with additional investment in MIF. The MIF will facilitate states to mobilise resources for their initiatives, including additional (top up subsidy) in implementation of PMKSY-PDMC to achieve annual target of about 2 Million ha per year during remaining period of 14th Finance Commission under PDMC component of PMKSY as recommended by Group of Secretaries. Implementation Strategy: States may access MIF for innovative integrated irrigation projects, including projects in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. They may also use it for incentivizing micro irrigation through additional (top up) subsidy over and above one available under PMKSY-PDMC Guidelines and for covering additional areas. Farmers Producers Organization (FPO), Cooperatives and State Level Agencies can also access funds with Guarantee of State Government or equivalent collateral. Farmers Co-operatives can also access this fund for innovative cluster based Community Irrigation Projects. Advisory Committee will be constituted to provide policy direction and ensure effective planning, coordination and monitoring projects along with Steering Committee for examining and approving these projects from state governments. Coverage: Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) will have pan India coverage. States lagging behind in adoption of micro irrigation will be encouraged to take advantage of fund for incentivizing farmers. Besides, community driven and innovative projects will be taken up by state will be provided loans to bring additional coverage of micro irrigation. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): PMKSY has been formulated amalgamating ongoing schemes viz. AIBP, Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) and On Farm Water Management (OFWM) component of National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). It is implemented by Ministries of Agriculture, Water Resources and Rural Development. Objectives of PMKSY: Achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level. Expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (har khet ko pani). Enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation and other water saving technologies (More crop per drop). Improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water. Enhance recharge of aquifers. Introduce sustainable water conservation practices.

5) BSE Ltd (earlier known as Bombay Stock Exchange) became first Indian exchange to be designated as Designated Offshore Securities Market (DOSM) by United States Securities and Exchange Commission (US-SEC). Key Facts: DOSM status will allow sale of securities to US investors through trading venue of BSE without registration of such securities with US SEC. This will ease trades by US investors in India and also enhance attractiveness of Indian Depository Receipts (IDRs) amongst US investors. The new status is also expected to primarily benefit securities issued in US private placements to institutional investors. Moreover, it will provide liquid resale market which will exempt offerings by BSE-listed companies, making them more attractive to US investors. DOSM status will also provide additional benefits to companies whose securities are traded both in US and on BSE. It will allow certain directors and officers of dual-listed companies to resell their securities on BSE, regardless of any restrictions or holding periods that may apply under US securities laws. Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE): BSE is Indian stock exchange located at Dalal Street, Mumbai (Maharashtra). It was established in 1875 (founded by Premchand Roychand as Native Share & Stock Brokers’ Association), making it Asia’s first stock exchange. It was first Indian stock exchange to be recognized by Government under the Securities Contracts Regulation Act in 1957. It has established India’s first international exchange India INX in December 2016 in GIFT city, Gujarat. BSE’s popular equity index -S&P BSE SENSEX is India’s most widely tracked stock market benchmark index. BSE also provides host of services to capital market participants including risk management, clearing, settlement, market data services and education. BSE is the world’s 12th largest stock exchange with overall market capitalization of more than $ 2 trillion as of July, 2017. It also claims to be world’s fastest stock exchange, with median trade speed of 6 microseconds. It is also a Partner Exchange of United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchange initiative, joining in September 2012. BSE is first exchange in India and second in world to obtain an ISO 9001:2000 certification. It is also first Exchange in India and second in world to receive Information Security Management System Standard BS 7799-2-2002 certification for its On-Line trading System (BOLT).

6) The Union Cabinet has approved setting up of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Deoghar, Jharkhand under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). It will serve dual purpose of providing super speciality health care to population and help to create large pool of doctors and other health workers in this region to be available for primary and secondary-level institutions and healthcare facilities being created under the National Health Mission (NHM). Key Facts: AIIMS at Deoghar will consist of hospital with capacity of 750 beds, trauma centre facilities, medical college with in-take of 100 MBBS students per year and nursing college with an int-ake of 60 B.Sc (Nursing) students per year. It will also have residential complexes and allied facilities and services, broadly on pattern of AIIMS, New Delhi. It will also have 20 Speciality and Super Speciality Departments including 15 Operation Theatres. It will also consists of Ayush Department with 30 beds for providing treatment facilities in the traditional system of medicine. Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana: PMSSY was announced in 2003. Its objectives are correcting regional imbalances in availability of affordable and reliable tertiary healthcare services and augment facilities for quality medical education in country. It establishes AIIMS in various regions of India apart from different government colleges. It is funded from different centrally sponsored schemes relating to creating infrastructure on health. Under PMSSY, Government is planning to set up 20 AIIMS across the country. So far AIIMs have been established in Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Raipur (Chattisgarh), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) and Patna (Bihar). Work of AIIMS Rae Bareli (Uttar Pradesh), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Kalyani (West Bengal) and Mangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh) is in progress. Construction work also has been awarded for AIIMS, Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh). AIIMS have also been sanctioned in Bathinda (Punjab), Guwahati (Assam), Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh).

7) Union Cabinet has approved strengthening commercial disputes resolution mechanism of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) inter se and also between CPSEs and other Government Departments and Organizations. The Cabinet decision is based on recommendations of Committee of Secretaries (CoS). Key Facts: The new strengthened mechanism puts in place institutionalized mechanism within Government for speedy resolution of commercial disputes of CPSEs without matter being referred to the Courts of law. It consists of new two-tier mechanism to resolve commercial disputes between CPSEs outside Courts of law. It replaces existing Permanent Machinery of Arbitration (PMA) mechanism and excludes disputes concerning Railways, Income Tax, Custom and Excise Departments from its ambit. It will promote equity through mutual and collective efforts to resolve commercial disputes thereby reducing number of litigations regarding commercial disputes in Court of Law and also avoid wastage of public money. New two-tier mechanism: First level (tier): Such commercial disputes will be referred to a committee comprising secretaries of the administrative ministries to which the disputing parties belong and Law Secretary. The financial advisors of two ministries concerned will represent issues related to dispute in question before the committee. In case the two disputing parties belong to same ministry, then committee will comprise secretary of administrative ministries concerned, Law Secretary and Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises. In such case, the matter will be represented by financial advisor and one joint secretary of that ministry. For the prompt disposal of disputes, 3 months’ time schedule at this level has been prescribed. Second level (tier): In case dispute remains unresolved, even after consideration by above Committee in first tier, it will be referred to Cabinet Secretary, whose decision will be final and binding on all concerned.

8) The Union Cabinet has approved establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. NIMHR, Bhopal. It will be first of its kind institute in country in area of mental health rehabilitation. Key Facts: NIMHR, Bhopal will be established as society under Societies Registration Act, 1860. It will function under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Its objectives are to provide rehabilitation services to persons with mental illness, capacity development in field of mental health rehabilitation, policy framing and advanced research in mental health rehabilitation. It will serve as institution of excellence to develop capacity building in area of mental health rehabilitation and also help Government to develop models for effective rehabilitation of persons with mental illness. It will have nine departments and centres and will conduct 12 courses to offer diploma, certificate, graduate, post graduate, M.Phil degrees in the field of mental health rehabilitation.

9) The Union Cabinet has given its in-principle approval for establishing Central University by name of Central University of Andhra Pradesh in Janthaluru village of Ananthapur District of Andhra Pradesh. It also approved the proposal for operationalization of Central University in transit campus. Key Facts: Initially, the Central University will be formed as society under Societies Registration Act, 1860 in order to give legal status to it till amendment to Central Universities Act, 2009 is enacted and to enable commencement of academic activities from Academic Year 2018-19. The Central University will be mentored by existing Central University till its governing structure is in place. It will increase access and quality of higher education and help in minimizing the regional imbalances in education facilities. It also gives effect to some provisions of Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 12 May 2018 To 18 May 2018.

10) Scientists have discovered new frog species named Microhyla kodial or Mangaluru narrow-mouthed frog in a small industrial region in coastal Karnataka. It is christened Microhyla kodial after city of Mangaluru (called kodial in Konkani language) from where they spotted it two years ago. The frog is seen only in small industrial region which was former timber dumping yards wurrounded by seaport, petrochemical, chemical and refinery industries. Microhyla kodial: Mangaluru narrow-mouthed frog belongs to Microhyla genus which is primarily recorded from south Asia. It is small in size measuring just 2 cm long. It is greyish-brown in colour with thick olive-green band on its head, less-prominent dark green bands on rest of its body. It has very distinct loud, long calls. It is not seen outside urban area and its behavioural observations revealed that it breeds only during monsoon. Its detailed genetic studies show that it is more closely related to Southeast Asian frogs than Indian frogs. The industrial patch where it is currently found used to be depot for timber imported from southeast Asia, therefore, it could have been accidentally introduced with timber that came from Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia. Mangaluru narrow-mouthed frog was the 42nd species belonging to genus Microhyla recorded from south Asia. More than 650 microhylids (frogs belonging to the family Microhylidae) are found across the world’s tropics.

11) The first-ever International Rail Coach Expo (IRCE) was in Chennai, Tamil Nadu from 17th to 19th May 2018 to focus on Rail Coaches and train sets. Many reputed rail car and equipment builders showcased their technology and products in this expo. Key Facts: The three day expo was hosted by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai, under the Ministry of Railways, in coordination with CII (Confederation of Indian Industries) and RITES Ltd. It provided unique platform to bring different suppliers under one roof and create synergy for “Make in India”. It saw participation of train enthusiasts, railway suppliers, designers, developers, and general public. Integral Coach Factory (ICF): ICF is manufacturer of rail coaches located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It was established in 1952. It is owned and operated by Indian Railways. It primarily manufactures rolling stock for Indian Railways and also exports railway coaches to other countries including Thailand, Myanmar, Taiwan, Zambia, Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Nigeria, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Angola and Sri Lanka. It employs about 11,095 people and manufactures about 2000 coaches per year.

12) World Health Organization (WHO) has launched comprehensive plan “REPLACE” to eliminate industrially-produced artificial trans-fats from global food supply by 2023. The elimination of trans-fats is key to protecting health and saving lives. REPLACE is abbreviated in six strategic actions as Review, Promote, Legislate, Assess, Create awareness and Enforce. Key Facts: The campaign provides step-by-step guide in six strategic actions of ‘REPLACE’ package to ensure prompt, complete, and sustained elimination of industrially-produced trans-fats from global food supply. Implementing six strategic actions will help achieve elimination of trans-fat and represent major victory in the global fight against cardiovascular diseases. Six areas of action include: Review dietary sources of industrially produced transfats and landscape for required policy change. Promote replacement of industrially produced transfats with healtier fats and oils. Legislate or enact regulatory actions to eliminate industrially produced transfat. Assess and monitor trans-fat content in the food supply and changes in transfat consumption in the population… Create awareness of the negative health impact of trans-fat among policy makers, producers, suppliers and the public. Enforce compliance with policies and regulations. Background: Industrially-produced trans-fats are contained in hardened vegetable fats such as margarine and ghee, and are often present in snack, baked, and fried foods. Manufacturers often use them as they have longer shelf life than other fats. Increased intake of trans fat (>1% of total energy intake) is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease mortality and events as trans-fats clog arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks. WHO estimates that every year, trans fat intake leads to over 5,00,000 deaths worldwide from cardiovascular diseases. Denmark was first country to mandate restrictions on industrially-produced trans fats.

13) According to Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), the subscriber base of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has crossed 1 crore subscribers mark since its launch in May 2015. Till date, the scheme has collected Rs. 3,950 crore of contribution from subscribers. It has generated around 9.10% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) since inception till March 2018. Top ten states in APY mobilisation are: Uttar Pradesh (1,401,631), Bihar (1,061,660), Tamil Nadu (814,917), Maharashtra (758,695), Karnataka (686,504), Andhra Pradesh (686,504), West Bengal (551,471), Madhya Pradesh (498,111), Rajasthan (497,962) and Gujarat (486,465). Atal Pension Yojana (APY): APY was launched in June 2015 with aim to provide affordable universal access to essential social security protection to unorganized work force of country, which constitute more than 85 per cent of the workforce. It had replaced earlier government-backed pension Swavalamban scheme targeted at the unorganised sector. It is available to all citizens of India in age group of 18-40 years (making minimum period of contribution by subscriber is 20 years). Under scheme, subscriber will receive minimum guaranteed pension of Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000 per month, depending on his contribution, from age of 60 years. There is no exit to scheme before age of 60. In case of death of subscriber, spouse of subscriber is entitled for same amount of pension till his or her death.

14) President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated Integrated Centre for Crisis Management (ICCM) at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The ICCM will help nation to respond more effectively to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. It will monitor radiological data from a network of 504 radiation sensors across the country. Other launches: Multi-leaf collimator system: It has been developed by BARC. It is used radiotherapy as it enables gamma radiation to be exposed only on cancer-affected organs. Trombay Chhattisgarh Dubraj Mutant-1: It is high-yielding dwarf variety of Dubraj mutant rice. It is 43rd high-yielding crop variety developed by BARC. President Kovind also remotely inaugurated three other nuclear facilities of Department of Atomic Energy (DEA). They are Metal fuel pin fabrication facility: It has been jointly developed by BARC and Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research at Kalpakkam, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It will help to increase plutonium production in fast breeder reactors. High-power electron beam melting furnace: It is jointly developed by scientists of BARC and Nuclear Fuel Complex. It will be used for nuclear and strategic applications. Integrated enriched boron tri-fluoride gas generation facility: It was developed by Heavy-water Board in Odisha. It will be used in neutron detectors. Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). BARC is India’s premier nuclear research facility based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is multi-disciplinary research center with extensive infrastructure for advanced research and development. Its R&D covers entire spectrum of nuclear science, engineering and related areas. BARC’s core mandate is to sustain peaceful applications of nuclear energy, primarily for power generation.

15) Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad’s (IIMA’s) centre for innovation, incubation and entrepreneurship (CIIE) has launched $25 million ‘Bharat Inclusion Initiative’ to fund start-ups. CIIE was founded at IIMA to support entrepreneurs and turn business ideas into viable businesses models. It partners with industry experts, mentors, corporates, IIMA community and investors to help incubate early-stage start-ups. Key Facts: CIIE’s ‘Bharat Inclusion Seed Fund’ aims to provide continuum of solutions to inclusion focused tech entrepreneurs across the pre-incubation, seed and scale-up stage and help them jump to the next orbit. It will mentor and invest in start-ups in the early stage and seed segment over the next three-four years. The fund will look at start-ups in areas such as financial inclusion, livelihood, education, agriculture, and health. It has set aside $22.5 million to invest in pre-Series A technology start-ups. The initiative has received initial pledge of $12.5 million from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Michael and Susan Dell Foundation and Omidyar Network.

16) According to recently released report by Mercom Communications, India emerged as third largest solar market in world in 2017 behind China and United States. Mercom Communications India is arm of global clean energy consulting firm Mercom Capital Group. Key Highlights of report: India has set new record with 9.6 GW of solar installations in 2017, which was more than double the 4.3 GW installed in 2016. In 2017, India’s solar market had grown at Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 170% since 2010. The robust growth boosted India’s total solar installed capacity to 19.6 GW as of December 2017. As of 2017-end, large-scale solar project development accounted for 92% of the all-time cumulative solar installations in India with 19.6 GW and 2017 alone made up 90% of such installations with 8.6 GW. Of the total 1.6 GW cumulative solar rooftop installations in India by 2017, 995 MW was installed last year.

17) The NTPC Limited has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bihar Government to improve performance of power sector in the state. The MoU envisages transfer of three power generation facilities in Bihar to NTPC. It has been undertake as part of NTPC’s strong capability in turning around under-performing state owned power stations. Key Facts: These three power generation facilities are Barauni Thermal Power Station, Kanti Bijlee Utpadan Nigam Limited (KBUN) and Nabinagar Power Generating Company (Pvt.) Limited (NPGC). All three power generation facilities are envisaged to be transferred to NTPC through Statutory Transfer Scheme. The transfer of these power stations to NTPC will result in their optimal and efficient utilization, bring power tariff down and benefit people of state. Background: NTPC is the largest power generating company of India with total installed capacity of 53651 MW (including JVs) from coal, gas, hydro, solar and wind power projects. It is one of the seven maharatna company in India functioning under the Ministry of Power.

18) The International Day of Families is observed every year on 15th of May across world to promote awareness of issues relating to families and increase knowledge of social, economic and demographic progression that affects families which are the basic unit of society. The theme for this year is “Families and inclusive societies”. It explores role of families and family policies in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) in terms of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. The day was proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1993 by adopting resolution A/RES/47/237 and reflects importance international community attaches to families. Every year, UN secretary-general makes to the particular applicable motto (theme) attention.

19) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched full-fledged Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP). It aims to train over 5.5 lakh workers in environment and forest sectors in the country through 30 courses by 2021 for sustainable conservation and management of natural resources. GSDP-ENVIS mobile application was also launched to provide more information and applying to courses under GSDP programme. Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP): GSDP was launched as pilot project in 2017 by MoEFCC in partnership with National Skill Development Agency (NSDA) to develop green skilled workers having technical knowledge and commitment to sustainable development. Under it, skilling of youth (especially 10th and 12th dropouts) will be undertaken for increasing availability of skilled workforce in environment and forest sector to provide them gainful employment or self-employment. The green skills under it will be imparted in more than 30 programmes in diverse fields identified, which will be conducted in 84 institutions across country. Moreover, vast network and expertise of Environmental Information System (ENVIS) hubs and Resource Partners (RPs) will be utilized for implementation of this programme. In the first stage, pool of master trainers and specialists is being created, who can further train youth across the country. All skilling courses under this programme will be National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant. The MoEFCC will give certificates indicating skilling levels to all successful candidates. Significance: The programme endeavours to develop green skilled workers having technical knowledge and commitment to sustainable development. It will go long way in reaping demographic dividend in the country and filling the skill gaps in environment and forest sector. It will help in attainment of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), National Biodiversity Targets (NBTs) and Waste Management Rules 2016).

20) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy with an aim to boost renewable power generation by promoting new projects as well as hybridisation of existing ones. Government is also going to launch scheme for new hybrid projects under this policy. Features of the Policy: Objectives of policy: Provide comprehensive framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar Photo Voltaic (PV) hybrid system for efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure and land. Reduce variability in renewable power generation and achieving better grid stability. Encourage new technologies, methods and way-outs involving combined operation of wind and solar PV plants. Flexibility in share of wind and solar components: It has been provided in hybrid project, subject to condition that, rated power capacity of one resource be at least 25% of rated power capacity of other resource for it to be recognised hybrid project. Technology front: Policy provides for integration of both energy sources i.e. wind and solar at alternating current (AC) as well as direct current (DC) level. Hybrid projects: The policy seeks to promote new hybrid projects as well as hybridisation of existing wind and solar projects. It allows hybridisation of existing projects (wind or solar) with higher transmission capacity than sanctioned one, subject to availability of margin in existing transmission capacity. Procurement of power: It will be on tariff based transparent bidding process for which Government entities may invite bids. Use of battery storage: The policy permits use of battery storage in hybrid project for optimising output and reduce variability. Standards and regulations: It mandates the regulatory authorities to formulate necessary standards and regulations for wind-solar hybrid systems. Background: The Union government has set ambitious target of achieving 175 GigaWatt (GW) of installed capacity from renewable energy sources by 2022, which includes 100 GW of solar and 60 GW of wind power capacity. The total renewable power installed capacity in the country stood at about 70 GW in financial year 2017-18. There have been significant capacity additions in renewables in recent years and hybrid energy will further help in better utilisation of resources.

21) Recently, a meeting of stakeholders on Samarth Scheme (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector) under Skill India Mission was held in New Delhi to familiarize the stakeholders about scheme and its guidelines. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani. It was attended by the senior officials of Textiles Ministry, institutions and organizations under it, representatives of textile industry, State Governments, training institutions among others. Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector: It is scheme of Ministry of Textiles, approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in December 2017. Its broad objective is to skill the youth for gainful and sustainable employment in textile sector covering entire value chain of textiles, excluding spinning and weaving. The scheme is intended to provide demand driven, placement oriented National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant skilling programmes to incentivize and supplement efforts of industry in creating jobs in textiles sectors. It targets to train 10 lakh persons (9 lakh in organised and 1 lakh in traditional sector) over period of 3 years (2017-20) with an budgetary outlay of Rs. 1300 crore. Biometric process are used under this scheme for selection of candidates for training purpose. Moreover, government is also creating attendance system integrated with centralized Management Information System (MIS) to ensure real time attendance.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 12 May 2018 To 18 May 2018.

22) The fourth meeting of South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN), an inter-governmental wildlife law enforcement agency was in Kolkata, West Bengal (India) from May 8-10, 2018. It was first meeting of SAWEN to be held in India since its inception in 2011. Key Outcomes of meeting: The two-day conference was attended by representatives of seven (excluding Pakistan) out of eight member countries. Six proposals, including tracking of wildlife smuggling route, review of existing laws and structure for the organisation were tabled during the meeting. Participating countries also adopted many resolutions to curb wildlife crime in the region. They agreed on having operational framework for strengthening the regional body to combat wildlife crime. South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN): SAWEN is regional inter-governmental wildlife law enforcement support body of South Asian Countries. It was launched in January, 2011 in Paro, Bhutan during the second meeting of the South Asia Expert Group on Illegal Wildlife Trade. Its secretariat is in Kathmandu, Nepal. Its regional network comprises of eight South Asia countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives. Mandate: SAWEN aims at working collectively as a strong regional inter-governmental body to combat wildlife crime by attainting common mutual goals and approaches for combating illegal trade in the region. It also seeks to control trans-boundary wildlife crime through communication, coordination, collaboration, capacity building and cooperation in the region. Background: South Asia region is very vulnerable to illegal traffic and wildlife crimes due to presence of precious biodiversity and large markets as well as traffic routes for wildlife products in the region. It is mainly due to presence of large markets as well as traffic routes for wildlife products in the region. There was need among South Asian countries for collaboration in harmonising as well as enforcing wildlife protection in region for effective conservation of biodiversity. Establishment of SAWEN provided these eight South Asian Countries common platform for harmonising as well as enforcing wildlife protection in region.

23) Four States and one Union Territory have signed first MoU with National Health Mission, Government of India for implementing Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Swasthya Suraksha Mission (PMRSSM). These states/UTs are Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Chandigarh (UT). These MoUs were signed during Ayushman Bharat Northern Region’s first workshop on PMRSSM at Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Through these MoUs, these four states and UT will formally commit to implement PMRSSM. The MoU clearly outlines roles of Central and State/UT Governments for implementation of PMRSSM. Similar regional workshops are also planned in due course of time across the country to sign MoU with States/UTs for rolling out of PMRSSM in each region. Ayushman Bharat scheme: It is Centrally Sponsored health insurance scheme of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). Beneficiaries: The scheme will target over 10 crore families belonging to poor and vulnerable population based on Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC) database. Beneficiaries can avail of services anywhere in India. This will help to bring a visible relief to the target families by mitigating financial risk arising out of catastrophic health episodes. Insurance cover: It will provide Rs. 5 lakh insurance cover per family per year, taking care of almost all secondary care and tertiary care procedures. There will be no cap on family size and age in the scheme. Benefits covered: Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. It also covers all pre-existing conditions from beginning of policy. It will also pay defined transport allowance per hospitalization to beneficiary. The beneficiaries can avail benefits in both public and empanelled private facilities. Wellness Centres: Under it, government will set up 1.5 lakh wellness centres across the country by 2022 that will leverage on comprehensive primary health care for preventive, promotive and curative care. These centres will provide preventive, promotive, and curative care for non-communicable diseases, dental, mental, geriatric care, palliative care, etc. Mission Council: For giving policy directions and fostering coordination between Centre and States for implementation of scheme, Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC) will be set up at apex level. It will be chaired by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister. Role of State Governments: They are allowed to expand scheme both horizontally and vertically. They are also free to choose modalities of its implementation. They can implement through insurance company or directly through Trust/ Society or a mixed model. Payments for treatment: It will be done on package rate (to be defined by the Government in advance) basis. The package rates will include all costs associated with treatment. For beneficiaries, it will be cashless, paper less transaction. States/ UTs will have the flexibility to modify these rates within a limited bandwidth keeping in view their specific requirements.

24) The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), a top state-run Chinese bank has launched China’s first India-dedicated publicly offered investment fund. The fund has been named as Industrial and Commercial Bank Credit Suisse India Market Fund. ICBC is the largest in the world with over $3.6 trillion in assets. Key Facts: The ICBC Credit Suisse Indian Market Fund (LOF) will invest in exchange-traded funds listed on more than 20 exchanges in Europe and US that are based on the Indian market. It will invest in future of Indian economy and track distribution of industrial structure across Indian market. For this, ICBC has listed sectors for investments specifically, in terms of the major industries weighted distribution of the index. The financial industry accounts for highest proportion, followed by information technology, alternative consumption, energy, essential consumption, raw materials, medicine, healthcare and other industries. Signifiance: The fund opens way for Chinese investors and provided good tool for low-threshold investment in India. It is also regarded as significant by observers to boost investments in India and comes after first ever informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping at Wuhan, where two leaders sought to give a new direction to bilateral ties to tap their economic potential.

25) The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has demanded more tests for genetically modified mustard- Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH -11) for “commercial cultivation. It has called for ‘field demonstrations’ of GM mustard in an area of 5 acres at two or three different locations across the country to study possible impact transgenic crop could have on honey bees and seeks additional data on these and other pollinators and also on soil microbial diversity. Background: The demand for renewed field demonstrations comes year after GEAC had given final clearance for GM mustard (in May 2017). This clearance was mired in confusion after government held it as inadvertent error. It was put on hold after Environment Minister, who has the final say on matter, held that wider consultations and further tests were needed on the release transgenic mustard to settle the issue. There has been strong opposition from various organisations and also from within government to the approval given to GM mustard. Even high-powered panel on Doubling Farmers’ Income (DFI) in recently released report said Genetic Engineering is ‘powerful’ tool for developing future crop, but for now it should be adopted only for non-food crops. For transgenic food crops, questions on its safety must be addressed and settled first before their accepting commercial cultivation. Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH -11): DMH -11 is transgenic mustard had been developed by a team of scientists Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants at Delhi University led by former Vice-Chancellor Deepak Pental under Government sponsored project. It is genetically modified variety of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) mustard. It was created by using “barnase/barstar” technology for genetic modification by adding genes from soil bacterium that makes mustard self-pollinating plant. DMH -11 contains three genes viz. Bar gene, Barnase and Barstar sourced from soil bacterium. The bar gene had made plant resistant to herbicide named Basta. Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC): GEAC is apex body under Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change for regulating manufacturing, use, import, export and storage of hazardous micro-organisms or genetically engineered organisms (GMOs) and cells in the country. It is also responsible for giving technical approval of proposals relating to release of GMOs and products including experimental field trials. However, Environment Minister gives final approval for GMOs.

26) The Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) run by an all-woman team began its operations Phagwara, Punjab. It was was inaugurated by Union Minister Vijay Sampla in the local head Post Office of Phagwara. Key Facts: This kendra was 192nd POPSK in the country and first one to be operated by an all-woman team. It was launched as part of Central Government’s initiative for women empowerment. It will cater needs of people from Kapurthala, Nawandhar and Jalandhar rural districts. It will benefit people immensely in this area as town is NRI hub of Doaba region of Punjab. It will enable people of the region to get all facilities related to applying for and processing of passport applications. Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK): POPSK is Government initiative led by Ministry of External Affairs (India) (MEA) and Department of Posts (DoP),[1] where Head Post Offices (HPO) and post offices are being utilized for delivery of passport related services to citizens. It aims to develop passport related services on bigger scale and to ensure wider area coverage for simplifying process to traveling abroad. The first POPSK was inaugurated at the Mysuru Head Post office in Karnataka on January 25, 2017.

27) Indian Army has flagged off Women Officers’ Mountaineering Expedition to Mt. Bhagirathi-II to explore maximum potential of women officers in the field of adventure sports. Mt. Bhagirathi-II (6512 metres) is located in the Garhwal Himalayas in Gangotri National Park. The peak rises right above the Gangotri glacier. Key Facts: The expedition aims at encouraging women in the field of adventure where dauntless courage, will-power and determination of women officers is put to test. It will test their technical acumen in mountaineering, mental strength and physical courage. The expedition team comprises of nine women officers. They are planning to set new world record of practicing Yoga at 21000 ft (6512 metres) on the occasion of Yoga Day 2018.

28) International Labour Organization’s (ILO’s) World Employment and Social Outlook Report has that projected increase in surface temperature due to global warming will lead to around 2,59,000 job losses in India by 2030, especially in carbon-and resource-intensive industries. Key Facts: According to report, global temperature rise of 1.5°C by end of 21st century will result in heat stress, which will reduce total number of working hours by 2030. It will also result in 5.3% rise work loss in percentage of total hours and productivity loss equivalent to 30.8 million full-time jobs. Environmental degradation will affect job opportunities and also affect productivity, reduce total number of working hours. But the loss of jobs due to global warming will be offset by creation of around 3 million jobs as India moves towards green economy by adopting sustainable practices, including changes in energy mix, projected growth in use of electric vehicles and increase in energy efficiency in existing and future buildings. Agricultural workers will be worst affected due to temperature rise, accounting for loss of around 64% of working hours lost due to heat stress in India in 2030 in view of physical nature of their work. In India, an estimated 4.2% of total hours worked were lost in 1995 due to high heat levels, representing around 15.1 million full-time jobs. All the sectors except mining industry will experience increase in employment. Renewables sector will experience increase 1.5 million jobs, construction sector will see increase in 466,200 jobs and 285,200 new jobs in services.

29) The founder of Sulabh International, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak was honoured with the Nikkei Asia Prize in Japan for his contribution to Asia’s development. Dr Pathak was described as Indian social reformer tackling two of his country’s biggest challenges — poor hygiene and discrimination. He was among three who were conferred with this award. Nikkei Asia Prize: Nikkei Inc. is one of the largest media corporations in Japan. It has been presenting Nikkei Asia Prize since 1996 to honour people in Asia who have made significant contributions in one of the three areas: Economic and Business Innovation, Science, Technology and Environment and Culture and Community. Dr Bindeshwar Pathak: He had founded Sulabh International in 1970. It is an NGO that works to promote human rights, environmental sanitation among other social services. It has built Sulabh flush composting toilets throughout India, contributing to better sanitation, safety for rural women and freedom from manual labour of removing human waste.

30) According to recent study of Lancet Global Health, there have been 2,39,000 excess deaths per year of girls under age of five in India due to gender bias. Excess mortality is difference between observed and expected mortality rates in both genders. Key Findings of Study: The excess mortality accounted for about 2.4 million deaths in decade of study period 2005-2015. The additional deaths were found in 90% of districts in the country. 29 out of 35 States and Union Territories in the country contributed to this mortality. The average level of excess mortality in girls aged 0-4 in study period of 2000-2005 was 18.5 per 1,000 live births, compared to expected mortality of girl children aged under 5 in areas of world without known gender discrimination. Four largest states in northern India, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, accounted for two thirds of the total excess deaths of females under five. In Uttar Pradesh, excess female mortality was calculated at 30.5. In Bihar it was 28.5, in Rajasthan it was 25.4, and in Madhya Pradesh it was 22.1. The worst affected areas in India were all rural, agricultural areas with lower levels of education, high population densities, low socio-economic development and high levels of fertility. Many deaths of females under five were partly due to unwanted child bearing and subsequent neglect.

31) Union Government is going to link additional 200 wholesale mandis to online trading platform eNAM (electronic National Agriculture Market) this fiscal (2018-19) and also encourage inter-mandi transactions. At present, 585 regulated mandis in 14 states are linked with the eNAM. So far, 73.50 lakh farmers, 53,163 commission agents and over 1 lakh traders are registered on it from these 14 states. Government is ensuring that all wholesale agri-mandis adopt online auction and gradually allow trading between mandis in state and eventually between mandis outside states, thereby setting up single national agriculture market for benefit of farmers. eNAM: eNAM is pan-India electronic trading portal for farm produce which aims creates unified national market for agricultural commodities by integrating existing Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC) markets. It provides single window service for all APMC related services and information, such as commodity arrivals and prices, provision for responding to trade offers, buy and sell trade offers, among other services. It was launched in April 2016. It is being implemented in different phases to integrate 585 regulated markets across country with common e-market platform by March 2018. Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is the lead promoter of eNAM. On this platform, farmers can showcase their produce online from their nearest market and traders can quote price from anywhere. It aims to foster greater competition among traders and also ensure open price discovery and better returns to farmers.

32) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is going to set up skill development centre for clients of Bharosa, an integrated support centre for distressed women and children in Hyderabad, Telangana. This initiative is aimed at empowering vulnerable and marginalised women by imparting skills training. Key Facts: This centre will be set up in line with agreement signed between Hyderabad Police and UNDP under Disha project to build capacities and skills of women affected by violence to help make them economically self-sufficient. The agreement extends support to enable these women to learn marketable skills and connect with income opportunities. Bharosa: Bharosa is an initiative of Hyderabad City Police launched in 2016. It is state-of-the-art centre to support women and children who are victims of violence. Under one roof, the centre provides 24X7 services related to police, medical, legal, prosecution, psycho-therapeutic counselling and relief and rehabilitation services in completely private counselling rooms to maintain confidentiality and privacy. It is equipped with well-trained staff and modern gadgets, including facilities like video conferencing, so victims need not go to the court. Since its inception, it has helped total of 3,560 victims in range of problems. Of these over 2,600 sought aid with regard to domestic violence. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP): UNDP is United Nations’ global development network. It advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build better life. It provides expert advice, training and grants support to developing countries with increasing emphasis on assistance to least developed countries. It promotes technical and investment cooperation among nations. It is headquartered in New York City, US.

33) Nepal is going to host 2018 Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit. It was announced by Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kathmandu (capital city ). BIMSTEC: BIMSTEC is the sub-regional group of seven countries in South Asia and South East Asia lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity. BIMSTEC countries are India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka from South Asia and Myanmar, Thailand from South East Asia. They are collectively home to around 1.5 billion people which constitute around 22% of global population. BIMSTEC was established on 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration. It is headquartered in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Its prime objectives include technological and economic cooperation among south Asian and south East Asian countries along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is sector-driven cooperative organization, starting with six sector including trade, technology, energy, transport, tourism and fisheries. In 2008, it was expanded to embrace eight more sectors including agriculture, public health, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, environment, culture, people to people contact and climate change.

34) Indian Army has finalised Rs. 15,000-crore indigenous ammunition project under which range of ammunition for its critical weapons and tanks will be produced indigenously. It is claimed to be biggest ever initiative for indigenisation of ammunition. It aims to overcome long delays in imports and address problem of dwindling stockpile. Key Facts: The immediate aim of this project is to create an inventory for all major weapons to enable forces to fight 30-day war while long-term objective is to cut dependence on imports. For this, 11 private firms will be involved and its implementation will be monitored by the top brass of Indian Army and Defence Ministry. The overall cost of project has been pegged at Rs. 15,000 crore. Indian Army has set specific target for next 10 years in terms of volume of ammunition to be produced. Initially, ammunition for range of rockets, air defence system, artillery guns, infantry combat vehicles, grenade launchers and various other field weapons will be produced under strict timelines. The production targets will be revised based on result of first phase of implementation of project. Comment: The project is seen as first serious attempt by Government to address growing concerns voiced over past many years by Indian Army (world’s second largest standing Army) over fast dwindling stockpile of key ammunition considering the evolving security threats in the region and a at time when China is significantly ramping up its military capability. Background: In July 2017, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in its report tabled in Parliament had mentioned that stock of only 61 types of ammunition out of 152 varieties was available, and these will only last for 10 days in event of a war. It was inadequate according to laid down security protocol which says that stockpile should be adequate for month-long war. The main reasons cited for the shortages were long delays in negotiations and subsequent procedural hurdles in import of ammunition which had adversely impacted the country’s defence preparedness. To overcome this shortage Government had initiated indigenisation programme. It also had empowered Indian Army to directly procure ammunition and spares for 10 types of weapon systems and equipment after internal review found optimum level of ‘war stores’ was not being maintained.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 12 May 2018 To 18 May 2018.

35) Scientists at ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) are developing environment-friendly propellant propellant blend based on hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) to power satellites and spacecraft. It seeks to replace conventional hydrazine fuel for future missions. Key Facts: HAN-based monopropellant formulation consists of HAN, ammonium nitrate, methanol and water. The methanol was added to reduce combustion instability and HAN was used for its capacity to control burn rate and lower freezing point of propellant. Monopropellant is chemical propulsion fuel which does not require separate oxidizer. It is used extensively in satellite thrusters for orbital correction and orientation control. The propellant formulation was tested for compatibility with four metal samples over period of six months. Moreover, variety of tests to investigate its characteristics, like thermal and catalytic decomposition and compatibility was undertaken with different materials. Significance: HAN-based monopropellant will replace conventional hydrazine rocket fuel, a highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical, with greener propellant for future missions. It will also ensure cost effective re-usable, recoverable, re-startable and reliable space launches of ISRO. Due to its high performance characteristics, hydrazine has dominated space industry as choice of propellant for over six decades despite hazards.

36) China’s first domestically manufactured aircraft carrier known only as “Type 001A” started sea trials from Dalian port in Liaoning province. The ship’s engine, propulsion and navigation systems will be tested at sea for first time, a year after it was officially launched. The name of the carrier was not revealed at the launch ceremony, but it is speculated that it will be named Shandong after province of same name. Key Facts: The Type 001A carrier was constructed by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation in Dalian. Its design is based on the Soviet Union’s Kuznetsov class and refined and advanced version of Liaoning, China’s first aircraft carrier constructed from incomplete Kuznetsov-class vessel. It is expected to be commissioned by 2020. It measures about 315 metres long, with displacement capacity of about 55,000 tonnes (70,000 loaded). The ship is powered by conventional oil-fired boilers driving eight steam turbines, a design copied from the Soviet TB-12 engines used by its sister ship. It is capable of carrying 38 to 40 aircrafts. Comment: The Type 001A was built as part of China’s ambitious plans to modernise its navy as it presses its claims in disputed regional waters. It will give China second aircraft carrier as it asserts its claims in South China Sea and seeks to deter any independence movements in Taiwan. The possession of home-grown aircraft carrier places China among few military powers with such vessels, including United States, Russia and Britain. China’s sole operational aircraft carrier, Liaoning is a repurposed USSR (Soviet) ship bought from Ukraine, which went into service in 2012.

37) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is planning to add 30 more doppler radars in the next two-three years across the country. 14 will be located in the northeast, four in Jammu and Kashmir and three each will be Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Background: The first Doppler radar in India was installed in Chennai, Tamil Nadu in 2002. Its need became more compelling after 2005 Mumbai floods. There are currently 27 Doppler radars in the country. The hilly states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and J&K had witnessed erratic patterns like thunderstorms and heavy rains and snowfall, so do north eastern states. In 2013, erratic cloud burst in Uttarakhand had caused flash floods killing hundreds. Doppler radar: Doppler radar is an observational tool used for precisely monitoring and predicting severe weather events such as hailstorms, thunder storms, cyclones and tornados. It uses Doppler effect by bouncing microwave signal off desired target to produce velocity data. This data helps in analyzing object’s motion by altered frequency of returned signal. It mainly gives information about wind velocity and precipitation. Doppler radar has radius of 250 km and helps in issuing forecasts two-three hours prior to severe weather conditions. It can provide area specific rain and storm warnings which are beneficial for disaster management and emergency response, aviation and related services. It can be used for wind speed measurements during cyclones and thunderstorms which is not possible in conventional weather radar. India Meteorological Department (IMD): IMD is the principal agency of Government of India responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismology. It functions under Ministry of Earth Sciences. It is headquartered in New Delhi and operates hundreds of observation stations across India and Antarctica. IMD is one of six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres of World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It has been entrusted with responsibility for forecasting, naming and distribution of warnings for tropical cyclones in Northern Indian Ocean region, including Malacca Straits, Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf.

38) According to recently released report ‘RemitSCOPE – Remittance markets and opportunities – Asia and the Pacific’, India was largest remittance receiving country in the world with US $69 billion in 2017. Top five remittance receiving countries in 2017 in the world were India ($69 billion), China ($64 billion) and Philippines ($33 billion), Pakistan ($20 billion), and Vietnam ($14 billion). Key Highlights of Report: Asia-Pacific region: Remittances to Asia-Pacific region amounted to US $256 billion in 2017. It represented 53% of flows worldwide, growing 4.87% since 2008, with rates flattening in recent years. About 70% of remittances sent to Asia and Pacific came from outside region and in particular from Gulf States (32%), North America (26%) and Europe (12%). Remittances contribute to region more than 10 times official development assistance. 400 million people in region i.e. one out of every 10 people, are directly affected by remittances either as sender or as receiver. It benefits about 320 million family members in the region, most of them in rural areas. Remittances and Rural Development: Remittances are particularly crucial in rural areas where poverty is highest. Worldwide, an estimated 40% of total value of remittances goes to rural areas. In Asia-Pacific region, remittances go disproportionally to countries with majority of rural populations such as Nepal (81%), India (67%), Vietnam (66%), Bangladesh (65%), Pakistan (61%) and the Philippines (56%). Remittances to rural areas are generally costlier due to expenses associated with offering access points in distant locations. Usage of Remittances: 70% of remittances in the Asia pacific region are used to meet basic needs, such as food, clothing, healthcare and education. The remaining 30% can be saved and invested in asset-building or income-generating activities, helping families to build livelihoods and their future. Improvement of remittance markets: It still needs to be transformed to ensure that families can benefit fully from the flows. Technological innovation in remittance marketplace can bring about fundamental transformation for hundreds of millions benefiting from these flows. Moreover, outdated regulatory barriers on both sending and receiving ends is resulting in higher and less transparent costs which make it less likely and more difficult to convert remittances into savings and investments. Besides, financial inclusion which has increased in recent times has not fully represented reality of substantial majority of remittance receiving families in Asia-Pacific region where financial exclusion remains predominant.

39) US President Donald Trump’s administration has cancelled NASA’s Carbon Monitoring System (CMS) programme citing reasons of budget constraints and higher priorities within science budget. It was also in line with Donald Trump’s latest broad attack on climate science. Carbon Monitoring System (CMS) Programme: NASA’s CMS Programme costing $10 million per year was meant to track carbon and methane, key greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. It also tracked sources and sinks for carbon and made high-resolution models of planet’s flows of carbon. It was designed to make significant contributions in characterizing, quantifying, understanding and predicting evolution of global carbon sources and sinks through improved monitoring of carbon stocks and fluxes. The System uses full range of NASA satellite observations, modelling and analysis capabilities to establish accuracy, quantitative uncertainties and utility of products for supporting national and international policy, regulatory and management activities. CMS also maintains global emphasis while providing finer scale regional information, utilizing space-based and surface-based data. It had initiated generation and distribution of products both for user evaluation and to inform near-term policy development and planning.

40) Ministry of Tourism has decided to expand Buddhist tourism circuit under Swadesh Darshan Scheme to 21 more states to make it India’s first trans-national tourist circuit. Earlier it was envisaged only to seven major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Key Facts: Now, Ministry of Tourism has identified stupas and viharas in these 21 states, around which small intra-state Buddhist zones will be developed. The states now that will be covered includes Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, West Bengal, Goa, Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir. The expansion of Buddhist tourism circuit aims to catch new-age Buddhist tourists from the West, besides those from traditional markets in South East Asia. The ministry is in talks with World Bank and Japanese government for funding of infrastructure projects connected with Buddhist tourism circuit. It also plans to involve the private sector in building tourism infrastructure pertaining to the circuit. Swadesh Darshan Scheme: The Union Ministry of Tourism had launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2014-15 with an aim to develop theme based tourist circuits in the country. These tourist circuits will be developed on principles of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner. They will be developed by synergizing efforts to focus on concerns and needs of all stakeholders to enrich tourist experience and enhance employment opportunities. Under this scheme, 13 thematic circuits have been identified for development. They are Buddhist Circuit, North-East India Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit.

41) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has put state-run lender Dena Bank under prompt corrective action (PCA) framework. It has barred Dena Bank from extending fresh credit in view of deteriorating financial health due to mounting non-performing assets (NPAs) and mounting losses. It makes Dena Bank first lender to face curbs on lending under PCA framework. Key Facts: This means Dena bank can disburse loans for credit facilities already sanctioned, but cannot sanction fresh loans. In addition, RBI also has barred from recruiting more staff. RBI may lift these restrictions in case the bank improves profitability and reduces the ratio of bad loans. Background: In May 2017, RBI had placed Dena Bank under PCA framework, which had imposed restrictions including ban on dividend payments. Despite earlier restrictions, the financial health of Dena bank had not shown any signs of improvement, prompting the banking regulator to freeze fresh lending. Dena bank’s loss had widened to Rs. 1,225.42 crore compared with previous year, when the loss was Rs. 575.26 crore. For financial year 2017-18, it had posted a net loss of ₹1,923.15 crore. This was third consecutive year bank has posted a net loss. Moreover, its gross NPAs as percentage of gross advances, was 22.4% as on end March 2018 as compared with 16.17% year earlier. In absolute terms, bad loans rose to Rs. 16,361.44 crore from Rs. 12,618.73 crore. The bank’s net NPAs were up to 11.95% or Rs. 7,838.78 crore from 10.66% or Rs. 7,735.12 crore. Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework: PCA is process or mechanism to ensure that banks don’t go bust. Under it, RBI has put in place some trigger points to assess, monitor, control and take corrective actions on banks which are weak and troubled. It was first introduced after global economy incurred huge losses due to failure of financial institutions during 1980s-90s. Parameters for placing under PCA framework are Capital ratios, Asset Quality and Profitability. Indicators to be tracked for these three parameters are CRAR (Capital to Risk weighted Assets Ratio)/Common Equity Tier I ratio, Net NPA (non-performing assets) ratio and Return on Assets (RoA) respectively. If banks breach of any risk threshold mentioned above, it results in invocation of PCA against them. RBI enforces these guidelines to ensure banks do not go bust and follow prompt measures to put their house in order. It has tightened its PCA framework in April 2017 to turn around lenders with weak operational and financial metrics, Depending on the risk thresholds set in PCA rules, banks placed under it are restricted from expanding number of branches, staff recruitment and increasing size of their loan book. Other restrictions include higher provisions for bad loans and disbursal only to those companies whose borrowing is above investment grades.

42) India and Peru signed agreement in field of Renewable Energy. The pact was signed after bilateral meeting between Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister of Peru Cesar Villanueva Arevalo in Lima. Vice President’s visited Peru was last leg of his first state visit to three Central American nations Guatemala, Panama and Peru. This was very important visit as it will help to enhance and strengthen India’s bilateral relations with these nations and will increase trade, investments and cooperation among these countries. Key Facts: During the meeting, India and Peru discussed various bilateral and international issues of mutual interest. The discussions were held in field of pharmaceuticals, space, defence, supply of LPG, clean energy, agriculture and science & technology. They also discussed possibility of collaboration in Quinoa cultivation and processing with Peru. Peru is important country for multilateral issues for India and it supported India’s candidature for permanent seat in United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Both countries agreed to work together to combat menace of terrorism.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 12 May 2018 To 18 May 2018.

43) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli jointly inaugurated direct bus service between Janakpur (Nepal) and Ayodhya (India). Both are sacred cities for Hindus and bus service was launched as part of India’s Ramayan Circuit under Swadesh Darshan Scheme to promote religious tourism in Nepal and India. Key Facts: The bus service was flagged off after PM Modi visited famed 20th century Janaki temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita, where he offered special prayers. Janakpur is known as birth place of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Janaki temple was built in memory of Sita in 1910. It is three-storey structure made entirely of stone and marble is 50-metre high and spread over 4,860 sq feet. This was overall third visit PM Modi to Nepal and first high-level visit from India side since the formation of the new Oli Government in Nepal. 15 destinations under Ramayan Circuit: The government has identified 15 destinations in India for development under Ramayana Circuit theme under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. They are Ayodhya, Nandigram, Shringverpur and Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh), Sitamarhi, Buxar and Darbhanga (Bihar), Chitrakoot (Madhya Pradesh), Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh), Mahendragiri (Odisha), Nashik and Nagpur (Maharashtra), Bhadrachalam (Telangana), Hampi (Karnataka) and Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu).

44) The International Nurse Day (IND) is observed every year on May 12 across world to mark the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and also mark contribution of nurses towards the society. The theme chosen by International Council of Nurses (ICN) for 2018 IND was ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Health is a Human Right’.On this occasion, President of India conferred National Florence Nightingale Awards to nursing personnel from across the country for selfless services rendered by nurses with devotion, sincerity, dedication and compassion. Background: International Nurses Day was first proposed by Dorothy Sutherland (officer from US Department of Health, Education and Welfare) in 1953 and first proclaimed by US President Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was first celebrated by International Council of Nurses (ICN) in 1965. In January 1974, 12th of May was declared to be celebrated as birthday anniversary of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. She was born on May 12, 1820.

45) Scientists have discovered world’s second oldest grain of magmatic zircon (a mineral that contains traces of radioactive isotopes) from Champua from Singhbhum rock sample in Odisha’s Kendujhar district. It is an estimated 4,240 million years old, making it world’s second oldest rock ever to be discovered. It is oldest magmatic zircon on earth. Key Facts: The isotopic analysis of Singhbhum rock sample with magmatic zircon was done used Sensitive High Resolution Ion Microprobe (SHRIMP) at the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, China. The analyses confirmed the presence of two zircon grains that were 4,240 million and 4,030 million years old. The oldest zircon older than this discovery was found in Jack Hill, Western Australia. It is 4,400 million years old and is the oldest known rock sample. It is metamorphosed sedimentary rock. Significance: This rock sample was recovered nearly eight years ago and has put India at the forefront of geological research in the world. This discovery of great promise to study the earth’s early years. It will also add valuable information about presence of water in the first few hundred million years of Earth’s history. It will also give us clues to when plate tectonics began.
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