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  • WBCS Current Affairs 15 July 2017 to 23 July 2017 for WBCS Exam
    Posted on July 27th, 2017 in Current Affairs, Weekly Current Affairs
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    WBCS Current Affairs 15/07/2017 to 23/07/2017 for WBCS Exam

    1. Former governor Ram Nath Kovind was elected as India’s 14th President. He will be only the second Dalit leader after RK Narayanan since Independence to occupy India’s highest ceremonial post. In the final vote count, NDA nominee Kovind received 65.6% votes translating into 702,044 electoral college votes, while UPA candidate Meira Kumar managed to get 34.35% (367,314 votes). 522 MPs voted for Kovind, while 225 parliamentarians voted for Meira Kumar. In the last Presidential polls held in 2012, Pranab Mukherjee had defeated PA Sangma by over 69% votes. About Ram Nath Kovind Ram Nath Kovind was born on October 1, 1945, in Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh. He was an advocate by profession and had practiced in Supreme Court and Delhi High Court. Prior to started practising the law, he had cleared Civil Services Examination in third attempt but did not join as he was selected for allied services. He had entered in active politics in 1994 when he became member of Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. He had served as an MP for two consecutive terms till 2006. He also had served as national spokesperson of BJP. He was also former President of the BJP Dalit Morcha (1998-2002) and also President of the All-India Koli Samaj as well as the SC/ST representative at IIM-Calcutta. He also had represented India in United Nations in New York and addressed United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in October 2002. He also had worked as the private secretary of then Prime Minister Morarji Desai in 1977. Kovind also had served as a member of the Board of Management of Dr. BR Ambedkar University, Lucknow. He was also a member of the Board of Governors of Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Kolkata. In August 2015, he was appointed governor of Bihar.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 15 July 2017 to 23 July 2017 for WBCS Exam.

    2. The Union Environment Ministry approved three projects for climate change adaptation in three states viz. Rajasthan, Gujarat and Sikkim for funding under the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC). In this regard, the National Steering Committee on Climate Change (NSCCC) headed by Environment Secretary has approved the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) submitted by these three state governments. Projects approved Sikkim: The investment aims to address the issue of water security which are directly identified as climate resilience building interventions under the SAPCC. Rajasthan: It aims to bolster water security in villages under the Mukhya Mantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan. It aims to enhance the adaptive capacity of villages by making them self-reliant in terms of water requirement. Gujarat: The project seeks enhance the adaptive capacity of natural resource dependent communities to climate change in targeted villages of Kachchh district. About National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) NAFCC is a flagship Scheme of Union Government launched in 2015 to provide 100% central grant to the State Governments for implementing climate change adaptation projects. The Scheme has been designed to fulfill the objectives of National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and operationalize the State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs). The objective of the fund is to assist states/UTs that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change in meeting the cost of adaptation. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is the National Implementing Entity (NIE) responsible for implementation of adaptation projects under the NAFCC. Under this scheme, Union Government encourages States to come up with innovative and scalable projects to develop resilience against climate change and mainstream it in the planning processes.

    3. The Lok Sabha passed the Indian Institute of Information Technology Public Private Partnership (IIIT-PPP) Bill, 2017 to allow 15 IIITs established on a PPP model to grant degrees and get statutory status. The bill also seeks to grant institute of national importance status to IIITs on the lines of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs). Background The Union Government had initiated the opening of 20 IIITs with private partnership of which 15 are already operational. These engineering and tech schools were established at a cost of Rs. 128 crore each. The centre had contributed 50% of the amount, states 35% and private partners remaining 15% (i.e. 50:35:15 ratio). However, these institutes were not been eligible to grant degrees. Salient Features of the Bill Definition of PPP: The bill define PPP as a partnership under a scheme of the centre for establishment of institutes through collaboration between the centre, the state government and industry partners such as individuals, trusts, companies or societies. Establishment of an institute: State government will identify at least one industry partner for collaboration to establish an institute and submit a proposal to the centre. The centre will examine the proposal based on certain criterias. The centre may reject or accept the proposal with modifications. Upon such acceptance, the centre will enter into a MoU with the concerned state government and industry partners to establish proposed institute. Role of the industry partner: It will have powers for co-creating programs as per the requirements of the industry; actively participating in the governance of the institutes; and funding and mentoring startups in the institutions. Board of Governors: It will be the principal policy making and executive body of the institute. The Board of each institute will comprise upto 15 members including Chairman nominated on the recommendation of the centre. Senate: It will be the principal academic body of each institute. It will specify the criteria and procedure for admission to courses of study; recommend to the Board, creation of teaching and other academic posts; and specify academic content of programmes and courses of study. Coordination Forum: It will deliberate on matters of common interest to all the institutes. It will advise the centre to include or exclude an institution from the schedule of the Bill. Funds of the institute: Each institute will maintain a fund consisting of funds from the government and other sources including grants, fees and donations. Further, each institute will create corpus fund of the net income of the institute and donations for its long term sustainability.

    4. The Union Cabinet gave its nod to Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) to raise Rs.660 crore in bonds for extra budgetary resources (EBRs) in 2017-18. The proceeds from the bonds will be utilised by IWAI for development and maintenance of National Waterways (NWs) under National Waterways Act, 2016. Moreover, the funds received will be used exclusively for capital expenditure to improve infrastructure funding. Modalities The principal and interest in respect of the EBRs will be financed by the Union Government by making suitable budgetary provisions in the demand of the Union Ministry of Shipping. The interest payment on the bonds will be on semi-annual basis and the principal on maturity. The whole exercise would be undertaken by IWAI through appointment of lead managers and coordination with SEBI. Background Gross budgetary support from the Union Government and external financial support for funding development and maintenance of 106 new National Waterways under National Waterway Act, 2016, is grossly inadequate. So far, the World Bank has sanctioned a loan of $ 375 million (around Rs 2,421 crore) for Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) along with other sources. But still there is funding gap which may be bridged by raising bonds. About Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) IWAI is the statutory body in charge of the waterways in India. Its headquarters is located in Noida, UP. Its main function is to build the necessary infrastructure in the inland waterways, surveying the economic feasibility of new projects and also carrying out administration and regulation.

    5. The Union Cabinet approved promulgation of the Central Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu & Kashmir) Ordinance, 2017 and Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Extension to Jammu & Kashmir) Ordinance, 2017. Both ordinances replace Ordinance by the Central Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and Ordinance by the Integrated Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2017 respectively. The ordinances extend the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 referred to as (CGST Act) and Integrated Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 referred to as (IGST Act) to Jammu & Kashmir to complete rolling out GST regime the Himalayan State. Background The Central government earlier had promulgated ordinances to make the Central GST and Integrated GST (IGST), which deals with inter-state commerce, applicable to all states. However, provisions of these Central laws were not applicable to J&K unlike the rest of India, as the state is having a special constitutional status. Under this different procedure, President Pranab Mukherjee had promulgated two ordinances regarding the introduction of the GST in J&K.

    6. The Union Cabinet has approved signing of Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) in respect of tax matters between India and the BRICS countries namely, Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa Decision in this regard was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Key Facts The MoC aims to promote cooperation amongst BRICS Revenue administrations on common areas of interest in tax matters and capacity building and knowledge sharing. It envisages regular interaction amongst the heads of Revenue administration of BRICS countries to continue discussion on common areas of interest. It also strive towards convergence of views and meeting of the experts on tax matters to discuss the contemporary issues in areas of international tax. MoC will also accord confidentiality and protection to information exchanged under it. The MoC will stimulate effective cooperation in tax matters. Moreover, the collective stand of BRICS countries can prove to be beneficial not only to member countries but also to other developing countries in long run in tax matters steered by the G20. Background The Heads of Revenue of BRICS countries have been meeting regularly to discuss potential areas of cooperation in tax matters. They are also exchanging their opinions and views based on existing commitment to openness, solidarity, equality, mutual understanding, inclusiveness and mutually beneficial cooperation in tax matters. It was also affirmed in the 2016 Goa Declaration of BRICS. The BRICS countries also had identified four areas of mutual interest on which understanding and cooperation can be further strengthened. The heads of Revenue of BRICS countries in their meeting held on sidelines of FTA plenary at Beijing, China in May, 2016 also had decided to sign MoC outlining areas of cooperation in tax matters.

    7. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has launched ‘mAadhaar’, a new mobile application for syncing Aadhaar data on mobile phones. The app allows users to carry their unique Aadhaar information including name, date of birth, gender, address, and the linked photograph, on their smartphones. The app also allows users to lock or unlock biometrics data. Features of mAadhaar The application allows users to have their Aadhaar profile on their mobile as a quick and convenient identification proof. It also lets users lock/unlock their biometric data that’s linked to Aadhaar via the app to secure their personal data. It also allows viewing and sharing updated Aadhaar profile via QR (Quick Response) code and sharing eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) details with service providers such as telecommunications companies. It also has a “Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP)” feature that can be used instead of SMS (short messaging service)-based OTP (one-time password). About UIDAI UIDAI is nodal statutory organization behind the Aadhaar, a 12 digit unique number. It was granted statutory status by Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. Aadhaar number is linked with an individual’s demographic and biometric information, which serves as an authentication tool throughout India. Using Aadhaar, Union and State Governments are trying to link many of their major development and subsidy schemes to reduce leakages and duplication.

    8. Senior Naga People’s Front (NPF) legislator TR Zeliang (65) was sworn in as the 19th chief minister of Nagaland. He was administered oath to office and secrecy by Governor P.B. Acharya. Earlier Governor had dismissed the Shurhozelie Liezietsu government under Clause (I) of Article 164 of the Constitution after he failed to prove majority on the floor of the Assembly. Prior to it, Zeliang had staked claim to form government in Nagaland with a majority support of 47 members in the 60 member Legislative Assembly. TR Zeliang will now have to prove his majority on the floor of the House. This is his second stint as chief minister in a little more than three years. Background Earlier in February 2016, Zeliang was forced out of office following large scale protests over holding of urban local bodies election with 33% reservation for women. After his resignation NPF had made party chairman Shurhozelie (80) as the CM. But recently, he faced rebellion from his party MLAs. The Governor had asked the Speaker to summon an emergent special session of the state assembly for the ousted CM Shurhozelie Liezietsu to seek the confidence vote.

    9. According to recent study, ghost nets (abandoned, lost or dumped fishing nets) have emerged as the greatest killers of the marine ecosystem off Kerala coast. These ghost notes may have long-term implications for marine life if no proper correctives are taken to deal with them. It may become major threat to the natural habitat and breeding ground of underwater fish. Problem Ghost nets have destroyed or threatened many of the underwater reefs identified with flourishing fish stock because of its ‘stifling cover’. Globally, it is estimated that at least 10% of the reduced fish catch can be blamed on ghost nets, some of which have survived deep underwater for decades together. Key Facts There are four types of ghost nets that infest the bottom of the seas. The first are the large fishing vessels that stray into the territorial waters and deploy large nets. These nets get caught in underwater reefs, forcing the fishing vessel to abandon them before leaving the territorial waters. The second type of ghost nets are smaller and are used by fishermen, but are cut off by a passing vessel. They too drift at the bottom of the ocean floor and get attached to the rough features there. The third type of ghost nets are those that get caught in violent currents and swivel down to the ocean floor, where they get stuck. The fourth type are ghost nets are those which get abandoned at sea after three or four uses. These nets remain under water for decades if not centuries.
    10. United States Navy successfully tested the world’s first-ever active Laser Weapons System (LaWS). In the test, the LaWS deployed aboard the USS Ponce amphibious transport ship was able to destroy a drone in flight and moving targets on the Persian Gulf. USS Ponce is first ship in the world to be deployed with such advanced weapons system. Key Facts LaWS operates within an invisible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is absolutely silent and incredibly effective. It strikes are extremely accurate, silent and invisible. It is primarily intended to take on drones, aircraft, and small vessels that could be used in an attack. The system has special materials that release photons at the speed of light. It silently hits the target, burning it to a temperature of thousands of degrees. It can even target a single component of an enemy target and disable or destroy it as necessary. Each strike of the system travels 50,000 times the speed of an incoming ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile). It is a very versatile weapon that can be used against a variety of targets in air or surface targets or ground-based targets. Its precise nature can also limit collateral damage in wartime. Its cost per use is approximately $1 per shot. The system requires electrical power and a three-man team. US is also developing second generation LaWS system which is believed to be intended to take on faster targets such as incoming missiles.

    11. The Supreme Court has allowed the Union Government to replace the oversight committee set up to supervise the functioning of the Medical Council of India (MCI) with a fresh panel of five eminent doctors. The Supreme Court also gave the Government liberty to replace any doctor in the list with another if he does not wish to be a part of the oversight committee. Earlier, Government had proposed the names of five eminent doctors to replace the earlier members of the oversight committee whose term had just expired. Background The Supreme Court using its rare and extraordinary powers under the Article 142 of the Constitution had set up the oversight committee court in May 2016 to oversee the MCI’s functioning for a period of one year or till a suitable mechanism was brought in by the Government to substitute it. The committee was led by former Chief Justice of India R.M. Lodha. About Medical Council of India (MCI) MCI is a statutory body for establishing uniform and high standards of medical education in India. It grants recognition of medical qualifications, gives accreditation to medical schools, grants registration to medical practitioners, and monitors medical practice in India.
    12. The United States has imposed new economic sanctions against Iran over its ballistic missile programme and for contributing to regional tensions. Under the new sanctions, the US Department of Treasury targeted 16 entities and individuals from Iran citing them as illicit Iranian actors or transnational criminal activity. Those sanctioned mainly targets Iran for developing drones and military equipment, producing and maintaining boats, and procuring electronic components. The sanctions were imposed day after US certified that Iran is complying with the 2015 Nuclear Deal and it will continue to receive nuclear-related sanctions relief. This was the second time, Trump administration certified Iran’s compliance to 2015 Nuclear Deal. About 2015 Nuclear Deal The 2015 Nuclear Deal was a preliminary framework agreement signed between Iran and P5+1 countries (United States, United Kingdom, Russia, France, China- plus Germany) and the European Union in July 2015. The deal is also called as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) or Vienna agreement. The deal aims to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon in return for lifting international oil and financial sanctions. Under it, Iran has agreed to give up its most advanced centrifuges and use only its oldest models. But it still allows Iran to continue enrichment in lower quantities for civilian purposes such as power plants. As part of the deal Iran has agreed to reduce its stockpile of uranium by 98%. Under this deal, Iran could keep 300 kg enriched uranium for the next 15 years and it will get rid of extra uranium by shipping it to Russia. The deal also sets up a comprehensive inspections regime that gives inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) extraordinary and robust access to Iranian nuclear facilities. Under this deal, global economic sanctions imposed over Iran nuclear programme will be removed. However sanctions related to other aspects of Iran’s behaviour, such as ballistic-missile programme, human-rights issues, support of terrorism and its will not be affected.

    13. Britain’s first woman Sikh MP Preet Kaur Gill was elected to Home Affairs Select Committee in the UK Parliament. She will be one of 11 MPs on the cross-party home affairs committee. The Home Affairs Select Committee is an influential cross-party panel in the UK Parliament that examines the workings of the Home Office. It investigates the spending, policy and administration of the ministerial department. The committee chooses its own subjects of inquiry within the remit of the home office. Previous inquiries have looked at extremism, immigration, hate crime, asylum, drugs, human trafficking, prostitution, extradition, counter-terrorism and the police. It publishes reports and the Government must respond to its recommendations. Labour party MP Yvette Cooper was recently elected unopposed as chairman of the committee. Earlier it was chaired by Keith Vaz, Britain’s longest-serving Indian-origin MP, who had stepped down in September 2016. Preet Kaur Gill had won the Edgbaston seat for the Labour party in the June 2017 snap general election. She also has been chosen to lead the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for British Sikhs, which promotes the interests of Sikhs in Britain. Gill’s whose family is from Jamsher, in Jalandhar, Punjab. Her father, Daljit Singh, had moved and settled in the UK in 1962.
    14. India’s largest commercial bank State Bank of India (SBI) launched SBI Realty, a dedicated portal that will help home buyers to choose flats from its 3,000 approved projects across the country. SBI Realty will be a one stop integrated website for home buyers. It will help customers to choose their dream home from 3,000 SBI approved projects, which are spread across 13 states/UTs covering 30 cities. Key Facts The SBI Realty portal has been developed by SBICAP Securities in association with PropEquity in terms of data support, project information, etc. At present, the website has 9.5 lakh home units available on it. Using the portal, customers can compare current and past trends of prices for properties in various localities in the city. It will also assist customers in calculating appropriate loan amount a customer should borrow based on income and credit profile. About State Bank of India (SBI) SBI is the largest commercial bank in India in terms of assets, deposits, branches, profits, customers and employees. It has a deposit base of Rs 25.85 lakh crore. It has an extensive network, with over 24 thousand branches in India and 194 overseas offices in 35 other countries.

    15. India’s largest Commercial Vehicles manufacturer Tata Motors has unveiled country’s first Bio-CNG (bio-methane) bus. The bus was rolled out at the Urja Utsav, bio-energy programme, organised by the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. Key Facts In the Urja Utsav, Tata Motors showcased its designed and developed bio-methane engines (5.7 SGI & 3.8 SGI) for LCV, ICV & MCV buses. It also displayed three engines, along with the lead model viz. Tata LPO 1613 with 5.7 SGI NA BS-IV IOBD-II compliant bus. The first of its kind bio-methane bus will provide an alternate fuel technology to cater the need for a greener country. Its use will also contribute in a positive manner to the Smart Cities Mission. It will also serve as a good option for wet garbage management. Biomethane Biomethane is a naturally occurring gas which is produced by anaerobic digestion of organic matter such as dead animal and plant material, manure, sewage, organic waste, etc. This gas gets produced out of natural degradation process, escapes into the atmosphere unused. If it is trapped and used in automobile engines, it reduces the net impact on environment and at the same time produces useful power.

    16. Scientists from ETH Zurich in Switzerland have developed a 3D-printed soft silicone heart that closely resembles and functions like the human organ. It is not exact biological replica of the actual, but can help to save lives of people who suffer from cardiac failure. It can be also used as an artificial heart in cases when patient is awaiting a heart transplant. Key Facts The 3D-printed soft artificial heart is a silicone monoblock with complex inner structure. It weighs 390 grams and has a volume of 679 cubic centimetres. It is made of silicone using a 3D printed mold. It represents one of the most advanced replicas yet created of one of human’s most important organs. The artificial heart has a right and a left ventricle which are not separated by a septum but by an additional chamber. This chamber is inflated and deflated by pressurised air required to pump fluid from the blood chambers. This current model is not yet stable enough to be used in an actual patient. At present, it can only work for several thousand beats, lasting around 30 to 45 minutes. Researchers are planning to develop an advanced model which could conceivably work over a period of years. 3D Printing Technology 3D printing is a process of making 3-D (three dimensional) solid objects from a digital file with extreme precision. This technology is also termed additive manufacturing as the 3D printed object is created us additive processes i.e. by laying down successive layers of manufacturing material on each other until the entire object is created. This technology has limitless possibilities and can create almost anything with just raw material and a computer generated model.
    17. Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) for the first time in its trading history has crossed Rs 5 lakh crore in market capitalisation. The market cap of RIL stood at Rs 5,04,458.09 on BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange. RIL is second firm to cross Rs 5 lakh crore in market capitalisation. It is also RIL’s highest market cap in its lifetime and also currently it is the most valued company on the bourses. Tata Consultancy Service (TCS) was first company to hit Rs 5 lakh crore in market capitalisation milestone in July 2014. Later in November 2014, its market capitalisation had surged to 5.43 lakh crore. Now, it is the second most valuable company in terms of market-capitalisation. About Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) RIL is an Indian conglomerate engaged in energy, petrochemicals, textiles, natural resources, retail, and telecommunications. It is the third most profitable company in India. It is the second largest company in India in terms of revenue after the government-controlled Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). It was ranked 215th on the Fortune Global 500 list of the world’s biggest corporations as of 2016. It was also ranked 8th among the Top 250 Global Energy Companies by Platts as of 2016.

    18. The Union Ministry of Science and Technology has launched SOHUM, an indigenously developed low-cost hearing screening device for newborns. The innovative medical device has been developed by the School of International Biodesign (SIB) startup Sohum Innovation Labs India Pvt Ltd under Department of Biotechnology (DBT) supported (SIB). Features of SOHUM The Sohum aims to make this battery-operated non-invasive screening device available across the country to minimise or reverse the hearing loss damage. It is a low cost portable device which uses brain-stem auditory evoked response, a best screening choice recommended by the American Association of Pediatrics and National Health Services of UK. It measures auditory brain waves via three electrodes placed on the baby’s head. When stimulated, electrodes detect electrical responses generated by the brain’s auditory system. If there is no response, it indicates child cannot hear. Once it is detected at quite an early age, measures can be taken to prevent other problems such as impaired communication skills and even possible mental illness. It is battery operated device and is non-invasive, it doesn’t require babies to be sedated, which is risky, testing in process at present. It has in-built algorithm that filters out ambient noise from the test signal. This is important because health clinics can be crowded and noisy. School of International Biodesign SIB is a flagship Program of the DBT aimed to develop innovative and affordable medical devices as per India’s unmet clinical needs and to train the next generation of medical technology innovators in India. It is implemented jointly at All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and IIT Delhi in collaboration with International partners. Biotech Consortium India Limited manages techno-legal activities of the Program. It serves as a valuable contribution to the Make in India campaign of the Government.

    19. The Union Health Ministry and Family Welfare for first time has unveiled National Strategic Plan (NSP) for Malaria Elimination (2017-22). It has set malaria elimination deadline as 2027, three years ahead of the global deadline. The NSP is based on 2016 National Framework for Malaria Elimination framed with support of WHO’s Global Technical Strategy for Malaria, 2016-2030. Features of the Plan The NSP is a year-wise roadmap for malaria elimination across the country. The plan aims to achieve universal case detection and treatment services in malaria endemic districts to ensure 100% diagnosis of all suspected cases, and full treatment of all confirmed cases. It seeks to maintain a malaria-free status for areas where transmission has been interrupted. Categorisation of Districts: The plan divides country into four categories, from 0 to 3 based on their annual parasite incidence (API). The first category, Zero has 75 districts having of API of malaria for the last three years. The Category 1 covers 448 districts, in which the API is less than 1 per 1,000 population. The Category 2 covers 48 districts, in which API is one and above, but less than 2 per 1,000 population. The Category 3 covers 107 districts, in which API of two and above per 1,000 population. Targets: The plan aims to eliminate malaria (zero indigenous cases) in all Category 1 and 2 districts by 2022. In Category 3, the target is bring remaining districts under a pre-elimination and elimination programme by 2022. Four components, based on recommendations WHO: Diagnosis and case management; surveillance and epidemic response; prevention — integrated vector management; cross-cutting interventions, which include communication, advocacy, R&D and other initiatives. Funding: The resources required for the elimination of malaria is around Rs 10,653.16 crore over a period of five years (2017-2022). These resources will be managed from government sources, international donors, and the corporate sector as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Significance: This is for the first time, the Union Health Ministry has come up with a roadmap for elimination of malaria in the country. Prior to it, effort was to “control” malaria under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDC). The NSP lays down detailed strategy with operational guidelines for all states towards set targets. It has also given a detailed breakdown of annual budgetary requirements over five years. Background Malaria is a vector borne disease caused by parasitic protozoans belonging to the Plasmodium type. It is most commonly transmitted by an infected female Anopheles mosquito. According to the World Malaria Report 2016, India accounts for 89% of the incidence of malaria in the South-East Asia region. In India, malaria is caused by the parasites Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), found more in the forest areas and Plasmodium Vivax (Pv), more common in the plains. Most malaria cases are mainly concentrated in tribal and remote areas of the country. The majority of malaria reporting districts are in India’s eastern and central parts. Six states — Odisha (40%), Jharkhand (20%), Chhattisgarh (20%), Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram (5-7%) report most of the malaria cases in India. These states, along with tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra account for 90% of India’s malaria burden.

    20. Scientists from the University of Cambridge have developed super-stretchy and strong artificial (synthetic) spider silk, almost entirely composed of water. The synthetic spider silk mimics properties of spider silk, one of nature’s strongest materials for a range of applications such as making eco-friendly textiles and sensors. Composition The fibres of the synthetic spider silk are spun from hydrogel, a soupy material which is 98% water. The remaining 2% of the hydrogel is made of naturally available silica and cellulose. These materials are held together in a network by barrel-shaped molecular “handcuffs” known as cucurbiturils. The chemical interactions between the different components enable to pull long fibres from the gel. The water from hydrogel evaporates after it is stretched for 30 seconds, leaving a strong fibre which is both strong and stretchy. Properties The fibres of the synthetic spider silk are extremely thin threads and are of few millionths of a metre in diameter. They resemble miniature bungee cords and can absorb large amounts of energy. They are sustainable, non-toxic, less energy-intensive and can be made at room temperature. The fibres are capable of self-assembly at room temperature, and are held together by supramolecular host, where atoms share electrons. They can support stresses in the range of 100 to 150 megapascals, which is similar to other synthetic and natural silks.

    21. Scientists from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have discovered the presence of millions of tonnes of precious metals and minerals deep under the waters within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of peninsular India. They have confirmed the presence large amount of lime mud, phosphate-rich and calcareous sediments, hydrocarbons, metalliferous deposits and micronodules. They believe that deeper and more extensive exploration could lead to a larger treasure trove. The presence of lime mud, phosphate-rich sediments was discovered off Karwar, Mangaluru and Chennai coasts, gas hydrate in the channel-levee system of Mannar Basin off the Tamil Nadu coast, icro-manganese nodules around Lakshadweep Sea and cobalt-bearing ferro-manganese crust from the Andaman Sea. Background GSI for first time had identified huge presence of marine resources off Mangaluru, Mannar Basin, Chennai, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and around Lakshadweep in early 2014. After three years of exploration, it had generated 181,025 square kilometres of high-resolution seabed morphological data and established the occurrence of more than 10,000 million tonnes of lime mud within the EEZ of India. GST had carried out the ‘High Resolution Seabed Mapping and Natural Resource Evaluation’ using three state-of-the-art research vessels — Samudra Ratnakar, Samudra Kaustabh and Samudra Saudikama. The main objective of the survey was to identify potential zones of favourable mineralisation and evaluate marine mineral resources. About Geological Survey of India (GSI) The GSI is a government organisation in India, attached to the Ministry of Mines for conducting geological surveys and studies. It is one of the premier organisations of earth science survey and research in the world. The GSI was established in 1851 and is one of the oldest of such organisations in the world and the second oldest survey institution in the country. It is the prime provider of basic earth science information to the government, industry and the general public. Its main functions is related to creation and updation of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment.

    22. The Union Government for the first time has given approval three infrastructure proposals to address the infrastructure problem under the Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES). Decision in this regard was taken at the Inter-Ministerial Empowered Committee (EC) meeting on TIES, chaired by Commerce Secretary. These three proposals include Integrated Cargo Terminal (ICT) at the Imphal International Airport, Modernisation of infrastructure facility for marine exports in Karnataka and construction of a new ‘Standard Design Factory’ building at Cochin Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Background According to Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce March 2016 report, deficient infrastructure severely hurting the competitiveness of India’s exports. Moreover, the manner in which infrastructure is being operated in the country is also obstacles to ensure competitiveness in manufacturing of goods and exports. It is estimated that the logistic cost in India is about 14% of the GDP whereas in advanced economies like United States and European Union, it is 8% and 10% of the GDP respectively. Besides, certain sectors dependent on logistics lose as much as 2% on sales return due to sub-optimal logistic capability. An ASSOCHAM study also shows that due to deficient infrastructure, India runs against a disadvantage of about 11% of its trade. It noted that India can save up to $50 billion if logistics costs are brought down from 14% to 9% of country’s GDP which will also make domestic goods more competitive in global markets. About Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) The scheme replaces Assistance to States for creating Infrastructure for the Development and growth of Exports (ASIDE), a centrally sponsored scheme to address the needs of the exporters. Its objective is to enhance export competitiveness by bridging the gap in export infrastructure, create focused export infrastructure and first-mile and last-mile connectivity. It is being implemented from FY18 till FY20 with budgetary allocation of Rs. 600 crore. The beneficiaries of the scheme will be all central and state agencies including Commodities Boards, Export Promotion Councils, SEZ authorities and Apex Trade Bodies recognised under EXIM policy of Central Government are eligible for financial support. Under the scheme, the cost of projects will be equally shared by the Centre and the states in form of grant-in-aid. In normal cases centre will borne 50% of the total equity in the project. For projects located in north-eastern and the Himalayan region states, Centre may bear 80% of the cost It will provide assistance for setting up and up-gradation of infrastructure projects with export linkages like Land customs stations, quality testing and certification labs, Border Haats, cold chains, trade promotion centres, dry ports, export warehousing and packaging, SEZs and ports/airports cargo terminuses.

    23. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has notified regulations for inspection and investigation of service providers registered with it. Under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) implemented by IBBI, service providers are insolvency professional agencies, entities, professionals and information utilities. New regulations The investigation authority has to serve a notice intimating the entity concerned about the probe at least 10 days in advance. However, this requirement can be done away with on grounds such as apprehensions that the records of the particular service provider might have been destroyed before the probe starts. About Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) IBBI is the regulator for overseeing insolvency proceedings of service providers like Insolvency Professional Agencies (IPA), Insolvency Professionals (IP) and Information Utilities (IU) in India. It was given statutory powers through the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. It functions under Ministry of Commerce. The Code provides for a market-determined and time-bound resolution of insolvency proceedings. It became operational in December 2016. It covers Individuals, Companies, Limited Liability Partnerships and Partnership firms. It attempts to simplify the process of insolvency and bankruptcy proceedings and speed up the resolution process for stressed assets in the country.
    24. Switzerland’s Roger Federer won 2017 Wimbledon title in the men’s single category. In the final match he defeated Marin Cilic of Croatia by 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 score. It was Federer’s record eighth Wimbledon title and overall 19th Grand Slam. With this victory, 36-year old Federer also became Wimbledon’s oldest champion, succeeding Arthur Ashe, who was 32 when he won in 1976. Federer claimed his 19th Grand Slam title beating Cilic 6-3, 6-1, 6-4. The 36-year old Federer is also Wimbledon’s oldest men’s winner of the modern era, succeeding Arthur Ashe, who was almost 32 when he won in 1976. He also became the first player since Bjorn Borg in 1976 to win Wimbledon without dropping a set in the entire tournament. Other Category winners Women’s single Garbiñe Muguruza (Spain) defeated Venus Williams (United States) by 7–5, 6–0 score to win her first Wimbledon title in the women’s single category. Men’s Doubles Łukasz Kubot (Poland) and Marcelo Melo (Brazil) pair defeated Oliver Marach (Austria) and Mate Pavić (Croatia) pair to win 2017 Wimbledon title in Men’s Doubles category. Women’s Doubles Russian pair Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina defeated Chan Hao-ching (Chinese Taipei) and Monica Niculescu (Romania) to win 2017 Wimbledon title in Women’s Doubles category. Mixed Doubles Jamie Murray (United Kingdom) and Martina Hingis (Switzerland) defeated Henri Kontinen (Finland) and Heather Watson (United Kingdom) to win 2017 Wimbledon title in mixed Doubles category.

    25. India’s Harinder Pal Sandhu (28) won the Victorian Open squash tournament held in Melbourne, Australia. In the final he defeated Rex Hedrick of Australia by 12-14, 11-3, 11-4 score. It was Sandhu’s ninth title at the PSA level and the fourth of this season after winning two in Malaysia. It was his second title in two weeks after he had won South Australian Open by defeating Rhys Dowling of Australia by 11-8 12-10 11-4 score. Harinder Pal Sandhu Harinder Pal Sandhu is a professional squash player. He reached a career-high world ranking of World No. 56 in September 2015. He was a part of the Indian team, which had won the gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games held at Incheon.

    26. The United States House of Representatives has passed an amendment to National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA), 2018, a $621.5 billion defence expenditure bill to advance defence cooperation with India. India related amendment in the bill was adopted by a voice vote in the House by 344-81. Now, NDAA needs to be passed by the US Senate before it can be sent to US President Donald Trump to sign into law. Key Facts The India-related amendment in NDAA 2018, requires the US Secretary of Defence, in consultation with the Secretary of State to develop a strategy for advancing defence cooperation between US and India. The amendment asks the State Department and Pentagon to develop a strategy to addresses common security challenges, the role of US partners and allies in India-US defence relationship, and role of the defence technology and trade initiative. It also asks them to address issues to advance communications interoperability and security memorandum of agreement and the basic exchange and cooperation agreement for geospatial cooperation. National Defense Authorisation Act The NDAA is a United States federal law specifying the budget and expenditures of the United States Department of Defence. Each year’s NDAA also includes other provisions. The US Congress oversees the defence budget primarily through two yearly bills: the NDAA and Defense appropriations bills. They are authorization bill that determines the US agencies responsible for defence, establishes funding levels and sets the policies under which money will be spent. The NDAA-2017 had designated India as a major defence partner of US. This designation had brought India at par with closest partners of US in terms of defence trade and technology transfer.

    27. India’s Sundar Singh Gurjar (21) won gold medal in the men’s javelin throw event at World Para Athletics Championships held in London, United Kingdom. In the F46 category, Sundar recorded his personal best effort of 60.36m ahead of Dinesh Priyantha Herath (Sri Lanka) who emerged second with 57.93m, followed by defending champion Guo Chunliang (China) with 56.14m. Sundar Singh Gurjar Sundar Singh Gurjar hails from the Karauli district in Rajasthan. Till November 2015, he was competing in General Category. But he had lost his left hand in an accident. After accident, he started participating in para-athlete competitions. Sundar was not able to participate in the F46 javelin throw category at the 2016 Rio Paralympics after he was disqualified. But at the same event, India’s Devendra Jhajharia had won the gold medal. In February 2017, at 8th Fazza IPC Athletics Grand Prix held in Dubai, Sundar had won three gold medals, one each in javelin throw, shot put and discus throw.
    28. Raipur’s Swami Vivekananda Airport was ranked first in Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) Survey among 49 airports in the country. It has achieved 4.84 score on a five point scale index. It was followed by Udaipur (2nd), Amritsar (3rd) and Dehradun (4th) airports which have scored 4.75, 4.74 and 4.73 respectively. This is third consecutive time in the past two years, Raipur airport has received this recognition. CSI survey Customer Satisfaction is one of the key performance objectives of Airport Authority of India (AAI) which is evaluated through CSI survey conducted by an independent agency commissioned by AAI. The survey covers a wide range of parameters like transportation, passenger facilities, cleanliness and parking etc. The latest CSI survey was conducted for the period of January-June 2017. Swami Vivekananda Airport Raipur’s Swami Vivekananda Airport is located at Mana between Raipur and Naya Raipur. It is the primary airport in Chhattisgarh. Its integrated terminal building was inaugurated in 2012. It is the 28th busiest airport in India in terms of passenger traffic and 31st busiest by aircraft movement. The airport was renamed from Raipur Airport to present name in 2012 as tribute to Swami Vivekananda who spent 2 years of his teenage in Raipur.

    29. India and European Union (EU) have established Investment Facilitation Mechanism (IFM) for EU Investments in India. The mechanism will allow for a close coordination between EU and India with an aim to promote and facilitate EU investment in India. Background Trade and Investment are key elements of the EU-India Strategic Partnership launched in 2004. The EU is the India’s first trade partner in goods and services and also largest foreign investor with a stock exceeding US$ 81.52 billion as of March 2017. There are more than 6,000 EU companies currently present in India, providing direct and indirect employment to over 6 million people. The IFM builds on the Joint Statement of the 13th EU-India Summit held in Brussels in March 2016, where the EU had welcomed India’s readiness to establish such a mechanism. Key Facts The key objective of IFM is to pave the way for identifying and solving problems faced by EU companies and investors with regard to their operations in India. It will cover both new investors as well as those already present in India. It will also serve as a common platform for discussing general suggestions from the point of view of EU investors and companies with regard to ease of doing business in India. Invest India, the official Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of India, will also be part of the mechanism. It will create a single-window entry point for EU companies that need assistance for their investments at the central/state level. The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry will also facilitate participation of other relevant ministries and authorities on a case-to-case basis. Under it, the EU Delegation to India and DIPP will hold regular high level meetings to assess and facilitate “ease of doing business” for EU investors in India. It will also include identifying and putting in place solutions to procedural impediments faced by EU companies and investors in establishing or running their operations in India. Significance The establishment of the IFM is considered as a right step in the direction of strengthening the trade and investment ties between the EU and India. This initiative will help ensuring a more robust, effective and predictable business environment for the EU investors.

    30. India has topped in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) Government at a Glance 2017 report. It states that Narendra Modi led NDA coalition has secured 73% trust of people, highest in the world. OECD’s Government at a Glance report presents an index of countries that trust their governments the most. It determines government’s trust levels by whether or not people consider their government stable and reliable, if it’s able to protect its citizens from risk and whether it can effectively deliver public services. Key Highlights Canadian government headed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was ranked second with confidence of 62% citizens. Turkey was in third place with 58% of the populace placing its trust in the Reciep Erdogan government. Russia and Germany were ranked fourth and fifth with confidence levels at 58% and 55% respectively. US government led by President Donald Trump secured only 30% of the peoples’ confidence. United Kingdom led by PM Theresa May secured 41% of the peoples’ confidence. Greece was placed at the bottom of the list with a mere 13% of the people’s confidence. The report states that government spending averaged 40.9% of GDP in OECD countries in 2015, up from 38.8% in 2007. In 2016, government spending as a share of GDP was highest in France with 56.5% followed by Finland (56.1%) and Denmark (53.6%). It was lowest Mexico (24.5%), Ireland (29.5%) and South Korea (32.4%). The number of government jobs as a share of total employment remained at 18.1% in 2015, in comparison to 17.9% in 2007. The highest level of government employment, at nearly 30% of total employment was in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Asian countries accounted only 6 per cent of employment in Japan and 7.6 per cent in Korea. The government jobs in Japan (6%) and South Korea (7.6%) remained lowest. About Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) OCED is an international economic organisation of 34 countries to stimulate economic progress and world trade Founded: 1961. It defines itself as a forum of countries committed to democracy and the market economy. It provides common platform for members to compare policy experiences, seek answers to common problems, identify good practices etc. Most OECD members are regarded as developed countries i.e. high-income economies with very high Human Development Index (HDI). Its headquarter is in Paris, France.

    31. The World Youth Skills Day is observed globally on 15 July every year to raise awareness about the importance of investing in youth skills development. Observance of the day aims to create more awareness on training and the development of skills for the youth of today and also create better employment opportunities for the youth. 2017 Theme is “Skills for All”. It is aimed at creating awareness that everyone should have the opportunity to discover and develop their talents. It also spreads message of creating a more prosperous future through skills. On the occasion, United Nations along with WorldSkills.org have organised campaigns #SkillsForAll and #WYSD. These campaigns aim to raise awareness about the importance of youth developing skills. Background The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had established World Youth Skills Day in November 2014 to raise awareness about the importance of investing in youth skills development.

     

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