1) President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated Andhra Pradesh Fibre Grid project, aimed at providing affordable high-speed internet service to every household in the state at a nominal rate. Fibre Grid project also termed as Triple Play2 Services envisages to provide internet, television and telephone services to more than one lakh households in the state at a nominal price. Key Facts: The Fibre Grid project aims to connect over 1.45 crore households, 60000 schools, 12198 Panchayats, 10000 government offices, 670 mandal Offices, 96 municipalities, 14 corporations, 6000 Public Health Centres (PHCs) with high speed internet. The internet services provided under this project will be available at very high speed of 15Mbps to 100Mbps, television services will provide infotainment with 250 plus channels and telephone services will be completely rental-free. Through the fibre grid, state government will also provide state-wide surveillance, using more than 20,000 closed-circuit cameras and 16 integrated district command control and data centres. It will also power digital classrooms in over 4,000 government schools and offer telemedicine services at over 6,000 public health centres. It will power the smart cities initiative. It has also been proposed to set up cloud-based virtual classroom systems using fibre grid to enhance learning skills and knowledge through qualitative digital and multimedia content in 4,678 government high schools across AP in a phased manner.2) The Lok Sabha has passed the Goods and Services Tax (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017. The Bill amends the GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017 and replaces an Ordinance promulgated in September 2017. The amendment bill increases maximum rate at which Compensation Cess can be levied from 15 to 25% on motor vehicle for transport of not more than 13 persons (mostly luxury vehicles ), including the driver and motor vehicles falling under mentioned sub-headings. GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017: The purpose this law is to provide compensation to state for a period of five years from the date on which the state brings its State GST Act into force. It allows the Union Government to notify rate of the GST Compensation Cess on items such as pan masala, coal, aerated drinks, and tobacco, subject to certain caps. The amount received by levying GST Compensation Cess is used to compensate states for any loss in revenue following the implementation of GST. The receipts from the cess will be deposited to a GST Compensation Fund. The receipts will be used for compensating states for any loss due to the implementation of GST.3) The Parliament has passed The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE) Bill, 2017 after it was adopted by Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha already had passed the bill in August 2017. The Bill establishes the IIPE at Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh as an institution of national importance. Key Facts: The IIPE aims to provide high quality education and research focussing on all aspects and themes of petroleum, hydrocarbons and energy. It will actively pursue research and development in the fields such as liquefied natural gas, biofuels and renewables. The bill set ups key authorities for governance and management of IIPE. They are General Council, Board of Governors, Senate; and any other authorities declared by statutes. The Institute funding includes funds that it receives from central government, fees and money received from any other sources (grants and gifts). Its accounts will be audited by Comptroller and Auditor- General (CAG) of India. Background: The IIPE is being set up at Visakhapatnam as part of a package promised by the Centre to Andhra Pradesh after Telangana was carved out of it. The institute’s development was envisaged by The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 (Telangana), which had divided Andhra Pradesh into two states. Andhra Pradesh Government has provided 200 acre land at Vishakhapatnam and Central government has made a provision of Rs 650 crore for the institute, which was being mentored by IIT, Kharagpur.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 24 December  2017 To 29 December 2017.

4) The second India-Afghanistan air cargo route linking Kabul to Mumbai was officially inaugurated at Hamid Karzai international airport in Kabul. It is expected to boost export of fresh fruits and medicinal plants from Afghanistan. The launch of second route follows the success of the first air corridor between both countries linking Kabul-New Delhi that was inaugurated by President Ashraf Ghani in June 2017. Background: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani had decided on opening direct air corridor in 2016. The purpose of the air connectivity established through air freight corridor is to provide landlocked Afghanistan greater access to markets in India and also allow businessmen from Afghanistan to leverage India’s economic growth and trade networks for its benefit. Since June 2017, after the launch of first corridor, Afghanistan has exported various cargo including medical herbs fruits. So far, it has exported 1,640 tons fresh and dried fruits, carpets and medical herbs worth more than $20 million in 56 flights to India. Significance: This development has assumed significance at backdrop of Pakistan’s denial to use its land for trade between India and Afghanistan. The air freight corridor will be used by private sector in Afghanistan to increase its exports to vast Indian market by air with minimum costs. It will also enable the traders to circumvent the obstacles posed by Pakistan in the land route.

5) BJP’s five-time MLA Jai Ram Thakur (52) was sworn in as the 14th Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Along with him 11 other Ministers were also sworn in. They administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Acharya Dev Vrat as per provisions of Article 164 (3) at the Ridge ground in Shimla. For the first time in the history of the state, Prime Minister had attended an oath taking ceremony. Jai Ram Thakur: Thakur is a veteran politician who earlier had served as Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister in Prem Kumar Dhumal’s government from 2008 to 2012. He was also BJP Himachal Pradesh unit chief from 2006 to 2009. He hails from Tandi village in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. He was born in a farmer’s family and is youngest of five siblings. He had started active political career during his college days by joining BJP’s student wing ABVP and later became its full time activist. He had contested his first Assembly election from Chachiot constituency of Mandi on a BJP ticket in 1993 at the age of 28 but lost. He was fielded again in 1998 state elections and since then he has won five times from Seraj constituency. Background: The 2017 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election was held on 9 November 2017 to elect all 68 members of state legislative Assembly. BJP had emerged victorious by winning 44 out of the 68 seats. It ousted the Congress from power which won 21 seats.

6) The 25th edition of National Children Science Congress (NCSC-2017) was held Gandhinagar, Gujarat from 27 to 31 December, 2017. It was inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in Ahmedabad. The theme of the five-day Congress this was ‘Science and Innovation for Sustainable Development’ with the special focus on persons with disabilities. Key Facts: The NCSC is ideal and innovative programme for children to inspire, empower and expand their minds to world. It is a flagship programme of department of Science & Technology, Union Ministry of Science and Technology. This year 50 children and teachers from Asian nations had participated in the event. Apart from science exhibition, the event also witnessed various activities such as presentations by child scientists, hands-on demonstrations, poster session and cultural programmes.

7) The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed senior IPS officer Abhay as new Director General of Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). He will have tenure till November 18, 2019. The post was lying vacant after R R Bhatnagar took over as DG of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in April this year. He is at present working in CRPF. Narcotics Control Bureau: NCB is the nodal drug law enforcement and intelligence agency of India responsible for fighting drug trafficking and the abuse of illegal substances. It functions under Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It is Headquartered in New Delhi. It was established in March 1986 to enable full implementation of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and fight its violation through Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988. Its mandate is to fight drug trafficking on an all-India level. It works in close cooperation with Customs and Central Excise, State Police Department, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB) and other Indian intelligence and law enforcement agencies both at the national and states level. It also provides resources and training to personnel of India’s law enforcement agencies in fighting drug trafficking. It also monitors India’s frontiers to track down points where smuggling activities take place with foreign traffickers.

8) The five-member committee set up for technical and safety standards of India’s first pod taxi project or Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) has invited fresh bids for strictest safety standards on lines of those prescribed in US. In this regard, the committee has recommended issuance of fresh EOI (expression of interest) incorporating automated people mover (APM) standards and specifications in US, along with other general safety parameters with recommendations of NITI Aayog. Key Facts: The pilot project will be taken up on design, build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) basis i.e. on PPP (public-private partnership) basis. It is meant for a 12.3-km stretch from Delhi-Haryana border on NH 8 (near Ambience Mall) to Badshahpur via Rajiv Chowk, IFFCO and Sohna Road. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been mandated to execute this project. The model is in place in London’s Heathrow airport, Morgantown and Masdar city. Earlier, three global companies were picked during initial bids for this project. Personal Rapid Transit (PRT): PRT or pod taxi is an advanced public transport using automated electric pod cars to provide taxi-like demand responsive feeder and shuttle services for small groups of travellers. It is a green mode of uninterrupted transportation. APM standards in US: The automated people mover (APM) standards in US as recommended by the committee for maiden PRT in India have been prepared by American Society of Civil Engineers. These recommendations constitute minimum requirements for acceptable level of safety and performance for the PRT. The APM standards include minimum requirements for design, operation, construction and maintenance of various sub-systems of APM system and are in general relevant for a PRT. These include vehicle arrival audio and video visual warning system, evacuation of misalighted vehicles, platform sloping, audio communication, surveillance/CCTV, emergency call points and fire protection, among other advanced systems.

9) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of NASA are jointly working on the development of NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), a Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging Satellite. Salient Features: NISAR is a dual frequency (L & S Band) Radar Imaging Satellite. It will be the first radar imaging satellite to use dual frequency. It will be the world’s most expensive earth-imaging satellite till date, costing around $1.5 billion. It aims to study global environmental change and natural disasters. The L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar is being developed by JPL, while ISRO is developing S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar. The L and S band microwave. ISRO will be also responsible for design and development Spacecraft Bus ,data transmission system, spacecraft integration & testing. It will be launched using GSLV in year 2021. It will have mission life of 3 years. It is planned to be launched into a Sun-synchronous dawn to dusk orbit. Applications: Data obtained from this satellite will be useful for variety of applications, which include natural resources mapping and monitoring, estimating agricultural biomass over full duration of crop cycle, assessing soil moisture, monitoring of floods and oil slicks, coastal erosion, assessment of mangroves, surface deformation studies, ice sheet collapses and dynamics. Achievements of ISRO in 2017 Record of launches 104 satellites: These satellites were launched in a single launch onboard PSLV-C37 in February 2017. These satellites include two Indian Cartosat-2 series satellites, two Indian Nano-Satellites, one Nano satellite from Indian University and 130 foreign satellites from 19 countries. 31 satellites Launched: These satellites were launched in a single launch on-board PSLV-C38 in June 2017. South Asia Satellite (GSAT-9): The 2230 kg satellite was launched by Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-II (GSLV-F09) into its planned Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) in May 2017. This was the fourth consecutive success achieved by GSLV carrying indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage. First developmental flight of GSLV MkIII-D1: GSLV Mk-III is India’s heavy lift launch vehicle GSLV Mk-III. Its first test was successfully conducted in June 2017 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota with launch of GSAT-19 satellite.

10) The Union Government, Tamil Nadu Government and World Bank have signed $318 million dollar loan agreement for the Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization Project. The $318 million loan from World Bank’s lending arm International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has maturity of 19 years with 5-year grace period. Tamil Nadu Irrigated Agriculture Modernization Project: The project aims to promote climate resilient agriculture technologies, improve water management practices, and increase market opportunities for small and marginal farmers. It will rehabilitate and modernize about 4,800 irrigation tanks and 477 check dams, spread across 66 sub-basins, in delivering bulk water to irrigation systems. It will benefit about 5 lakh farmers of which majority are small and marginal from improved and modernized tank irrigation systems. The project will also coordinate with other World Bank-supported projects in Tamil Nadu and at national level, including the Tamil Nadu Rural Transformation Project, National Groundwater Improvement Project and National Hydrology Project to ensure synergy and enhance long-term project impact. Significant: This project will help Tamil Nadu to scale up its efforts to unlock full potential of its agriculture sector. It will support farmers from water stressed state to improve efficiency of water used in farming, diversify into high value crops, and produce crops that are resilient to increasing threats of climate change. Such efforts will be a win-win for all, also lead to better use of scarce water resources and raising household incomes of farmers.

11) According to recently released report titled 2018 World Economic League Table, India is set to overtake the United Kingdom and France to become the world’s fifth largest economy in 2018. The report was released by Centre for Economics and Business Research, an economics consultancy based in Britain. Key Highlights of Report: India currently ranked seventh will overtake UK and France to become the world’s fifth largest economy in 2018 in US dollar terms and further move to third spot by 2032. Indian economy had hit three-year low in the first quarter of the current financial year 2017 due to demonetisation i.e. scraping high-value banknotes and implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST). The growth had slumped to 5.7% for quarter ending June 2016 but had recovered slightly to 6.3% for quarter ending September 2017. Despite temporary setbacks, India’s economy still caught up with that of France and UK and in 2018 will overtake them. Global economy: Cheap energy and technology prices will boost the global economy in 2018. China is likely to overtake United States as the world’s largest economy by 2032. Britain will lag behind France over the next two years and it will again overtake France in 2020, because effects of Brexit on UK’s economy will be less than feared. Russia will fall to 17th place among world’s largest economies by 2032, from 11th place in 2017, mainly because of low commodity (oil) prices in international market and its excessive reliance on energy sector.

12) China has successfully launched remote sensing satellites to conduct electromagnetic environmental probes. They are part of third batch of the Yaogan-30 project. The number of launched satellites was not disclosed. They launched on board of Long March-2C carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite launch centre in the southwest Sichuan province. It was the 260th mission of the Long March rocket family. Yaogan-30 project: Yaogan-30 is Remote Sensing Satellite programme of China. The electro-optical digital imaging satellites developed under it by China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). China claims that these satellites as intended for “scientific experiments, land survey, crop yield assessment, and disaster monitoring. Western security experts suspect that they are also used for military purposes. Remote sensing: It generally refers to use of sensor technologies to detect objects. The remote sensing satellites collect data by detecting energy reflected from Earth.

13) The Uttar Pradesh Government launched ‘Prakash hai to vikas hai’ Scheme, a free household power connection scheme for the poor in the state. It was launched to mark former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birthday i.e. on the occasion of Good Governance Day (25 December). Initially, two village Lohban and Gausana of Mathura district have been covered under this scheme for 100% electrification. Under the scheme, state government has set ambition target of covering 16 million by the end of 2018. Kisan Uday Yojana: UP government has also launched Kisan Uday Yojana, a scheme for farmers in which existing 5 HP (Horse Power)/7.5 HP submersible and coupling sets of farmers will be replaced free of cost. The scheme will cover 10 lakh farmers by 2022 and will lead to 35% saving on power consumption.

14) The Uttar Pradesh government has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea on to enhance cooperation in the field of tourism, skill development, culture and farming. It was signed after a delegation from South Korea’s Gimhae city met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow and discussed ways to improve cooperation between the two countries. Key Facts: The MoU will go a long way in cementing the bond especially cultural and historical relations between Uttar Pradesh and South Korea. Earlier, in 2000, an agreement was signed to develop Ayodhya and Gimhae as sister cities, following which memorial was constructed in Ayodhya which is visited by large number of tourists from South Korea every year. The people in South Korea believe that 2,000 years ago, Ayodhya princess had married Korean King Kim Suro. At present, members of the ‘Crock Clan’ are considered as their descendants.

15) The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has launched pilot project ‘Blue Flag’ to develop and enhance standards of cleanliness on beaches. This information was given by Minister of State (MoS) in MoEFCC, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, in reply to a written question in Lok Sabha. Key Facts: The ‘Blue Flag’ is a certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) that a beach, Marina or sustainable boating tourism operator, meets its stringent standards. Its purpose is to enhance standards of cleanliness, upkeep and basic amenities at beaches. Under the pilot project, each of coastal state/UT was requested to identify and nominate a beach, which is to be funded through ongoing Integrated Coastal Management Programme (ICMP). Till date, all the coastal states have nominated pilot beaches in their receptive territories including Goa. However, formal nominations are awaited from coastal UTs viz., Daman & Diu, Puducherry, Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar. Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE): The FEE is a non-governmental, non-profit organisation promoting sustainable development through environmental education. It was established in 1981. It is Headquartered at Copenhagen, Denmark. It is active through five programmes; Eco-Schools, Blue Flag, Young Reporters for Environment (YRE), Green Key and Learning about Forests (LEAF).

16) Vijay Rupani (61) was sworn in as the 16th Chief Minister of Gujarat. Besides him, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel and 18 other ministers (9 in cabinet rank and 10 MoS) also took oath. They were administered the oath of post and secrecy by the Gujarat Governor O.P. Kohli as per provision Article 164 (3) at the ceremony held at Sachivalay Ground in state capital Gandhinagar. Cabinet Ministers: Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Kaushik Patel, R.C Faldu, Ganpat Vasava, Saurabh Patel, Jayesh Radadiya and Ishwarbhai R. Parmar. Minister of State: Pradipsinh Jadeja, Jaydrathsinh Parmar, Parbatbhai Patel, Parsottam Solanki, Ramanlal Nanubhai Patkar, Ishwarsinh Patel, Kishor Kanani, Vasanbhai Ahir, Bachubhai Maganbhai Khabad, and Vibhavari Dave (She was only woman minister to take oath). About Vijay Rupani: He was born on August 2, 1956 in Rangoon (now in Myanmar). He has been an active worker of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP since its inception. He had made his political debut as Rajkot Mayor in 1987. He grew up in Rajkot and pursued BA and later LLB. He went to jail during the 1975 National Emergency. He was inducted as minister in first cabinet expansion by Chief Minister Anandiben Patel in November 2014. He had held portfolios of Ministry of transport, water supply, labour and employment in Anandiben Patel Government. He was appointed as Chief Minister in August 2016 after Anandiben Patel was removed from the post. Earlier, he had served as MP of Rajya Sabha for Gujarat from 2006 to 2012. Background: The 14th Gujarat Legislative Assembly election 2017 was held in two phases on 9 December and 14 December 2017. The election was held to elect all 182 members of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly. VVPAT-fitted EVMs were used for first time in entire Gujarat state at 50,128 polling stations. Bharatiya Janata Party had emerged victorious by winning 99 seats (49.1% voteshare), 16 less than its 2012 tally of 115 and retained power in the state for the sixth consecutive term. Indian National Congress had emerged second largest part by winning 77 seats (43.9% voteshare). CM Vijay Rupani had retained his Rajkot West seat against Congress’ Indranil Rajyaguru who was richest candidate in the fray by over 21,000 votes.

17) The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all NGOs, individuals and business entities receiving foreign funds to open accounts in any of 32 designated banks, including one foreign, within a month. The MHA order comes in exercise of the powers conferred under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010. Purpose: These accounts opened in 32 designated banks will be integrated with central government’s Public Financial Management System (PFMS). Its purpose is to provide higher level of transparency and hassle-free reporting compliance. Background: In recent times, Government has tightened rules for NGOs and had taken action against all such entities for violation of various provisions of FCRA 2010 which include non-filing of annual returns as mandated in law. Government had cancelled registrations of 18,868 NGOs between 2011 and 2017 for violating laws. The FCRA 2010 provides for regulation of acceptance of foreign funds/foreign hospitality by certain individuals, associations, organisations and companies. It ensures that such contributions or hospitality is not being utilised for activities detrimental to the national interest. Currently, around 10,000 FCRA-registered NGOs are operating in country. Public Financial Management System (PFMS): The PFMS is an end-to-end solution for processing payments, tracking, monitoring, accounting, reconciliation and reporting. It functions under the Controller General of Accounts in the Ministry of Finance. It provides financial management platform for all plan schemes, database of all recipient agencies, integration with core banking solution of banks handling plan funds. It also provides integration with state treasuries and efficient and effective tracking of fund flow to lowest level of implementation for plan scheme of government. It also provides information across on fund utilisation leading to better monitoring, review and decision support system to enhance public accountability in the implementation of plan schemes. Significance: Its introduction has resulted in effectiveness in public finance management through better cash management for transparency in public expenditure and real-time information on resource availability and utilisation across schemes. It also has resulted in improved programme administration and management, direct payment to beneficiaries, reduction of float in system and greater transparency and accountability in use of public funds.

18) The Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) is going to roll out Condonation of Delay Scheme to provide a three-month window for defaulting companies and their director to submit their annual filings. It will be operational from January 1 to March 31, 2018. It is expected to come as a relief for disqualified directors and only bona fide directors will benefit from the proposed scheme. Background: The MCA had struck off more than 2 lakh companies and disqualified 3 lakh directors of such companies that had failed to file financial statements or annual returns for continuous period of three financial years from 2013-16 as part of ongoing exercise of cleaning up Corporate sector and crackdown on shell companies and on illicit fund flows. Aggrieved by disqualification many disqualified Directors had made representations to MCA and also had approached National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and High Courts for staying order of disqualification. The Condonation of Delay Scheme has been introduced provide a final opportunity for defaulting companies and bonafide Directors to regularise compliance within three-month window. Condonation of Delay Scheme: The scheme will be operational for period of three months only. During this period, DIN (Director Identification Number) of disqualified directors will be re-activated temporarily to facilitate Directors of defaulting companies to file all overdue annual returns. If Director of defaulting company fails to utilise scheme and regularise compliance after the end of the three month window period, his DIN will be deactivate and he will be disqualified for period of 5 years. Annual returns: All registered companies in India are required to file annual return with MCA each year. Under the Companies Act, 2013, Directors of Companies which have defaulted in filing annual return continuously for period of 3 years are liable for disqualification. On disqualification, Director of such companies will be unable to incorporate new company or act as Director of an existing company for a period of three years.

19) The Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions launched the electronic-Human Resource Management System (e-HRMS) on the occasion of Good Governance Day (25 December). The e-HRMS was launched as a step towards the ease of governance and is in lines with Government’s goal of minimum government, maximum governance. 25 applications of five modules of the system were also launched. Key Facts: e-HRMS is an online platform for central government employees to apply for leave and access their service-related information. It will enable these employees to see all their details with respect to service book, leave, salary, GPF, etc. and also apply for different kind of claims and reimbursements, loan and advances, leave, leave encashment, LTC advances, tour etc. on a single platform. The system is designed in such a way to obtain all management-related inputs and reports through its dashboard. It will enable senior authorities to check all pendency of data updating as well as claims, which will in turn instill more responsibility and accountability among all government servants. Significance: The launch of e-HRMS is in the direction of fully automated human resource management system with target to bring all government employees on employee portal. Such automated system will take care of all processes of personnel management from hiring to retiring on digital platform and dispense manual system of management.

20) The Union Government has drawn up action plans for backward district programme to improve socio-economic profiles of 115 identified “most-backward” districts including 35 affected by left-wing extremism. The action plans aims at providing these districts basic services like healthcare, sanitation and education as well as basic physical infrastructure like roads and drinking water supply in a time-bound manner. Selection: These 115 districts were selected on parameters like health & nutrition (institutional delivery, stunting of children and wasting in children), deprivation (extent of landless households), education (elementary dropout rate and adverse pupil-teacher ratio) and infrastructure (un-electrified homes, lack of toilets, villages not connected by road and lack of drinking water). At least one district has been included from each state under backward district programme. Jharkhand with 19 has highest number of districts under this programme, followed by Bihar (13) Chattisgarh (10) and 8 each in Uttar Pradesh, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh. Purpose: The government’s focus under this programme is to work with states to bring transformative change in these selected backward areas through rapid government-anchored programmes and interventions by 2022 i.e. till 75th year of India’s independence. For this purpose, Government has appointed one additional secretary or joint secretary rank officer as “Prabhari” to work in collaborative manner with state and district teams to achieve effective convergence between various Central and state government schemes. The district collectors is nodal chief executors of action programmes in districts, which will be ranked annually based on their performance. Need: In 2016, India was ranked 131 among 188 nations in United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) human development index (HDI) with major inter-state and inter-district variations. Nearly 40% of children born in India are stunted or are underweight while almost 50% of women are anemic. On nutrition, India even lags behind neighbours such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and China.

21) India’s first-ever broad gauge air-conditioned AC EMU suburban train was flagged off from Borivali station on western railway in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The AC train departed from Andheri Station and reached Churchgate. The services of AC local train will replace existing 12 Non AC services. Out of 12 services of AC Local train 8 will run fast and will only halt at major stations. Features of India’s first AC local: The first of its kind air-conditioned suburban local train local was brought to Mumbai from Integral Coach Factory, Chennai in April 2016. Since then it has undergone 65 trial runs at Kurla and Virar car-sheds. It will run on weekdays and on weekends i.e. on Saturday and Sunday it will be not operated for maintenance purpose. Capacity: It has room for total of 5,964 people, with seating capacity for 1,028 and standing space for 4,936. Reserved seats and coaches: The 1st and 12th coaches from Churchgate end are earmarked as ladies coaches. As many as seven seats in second and eleventh coach from Churchgate end are reserved for senior citizens. 10 seats in 4th and 7th coaches from Churchgate end are reserved for physically disabled passengers. Security Features: Its coaches have automatic doors, a first in the suburban system. RPF constables will be present in each coach to ensure proper security. Moreover, each coach is provided with passenger alarm indication lights on both sides, which are integrated with alarm chain pulling system. It also has ‘Emergency Talk Back’ facility in passenger areas (four in each coach) to communicate with motorman during any emergency. Information system: It is also equipped with GPS-based passenger information system with audio-visual indication of stations for guard-driver and passenger communication. It also has facility of announcement from motorman and guard cab to passenger area.

22) The Good Governance Day (GGD) is celebrated every year in India on December 25 to mark the birthday anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The day was established by Central Government in 2014 to honor Vajpayee by fostering awareness among the people of accountability in government. Objectives of GGD: It aims to make people aware about government commitment for providing a transparent and accountable administration in the country. It is also celebrated to enhance the welfare and betterment of the people. It is celebrated to standardise government functioning and make it highly effective and accountable governance for the citizens of the country. It also seeks to implement good and effective policies to complete mission of good governance in India. It also seeks to enhance growth and development in the country through good governance. It also strives to bring citizens closer to government to make them active participants in good governance process. Atal Bihari Vajpayee: Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born on 25 December 1924. He was amongst the founder members of erstwhile Bharatiya Jana Sangh which later became known as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was parliamentarian for over 4 decades and was elected to the Lok Sabha for 9 times, and 2 times to the Rajya Sabha. He was also the Minister of External Affairs (MEA) in the cabinet of Janta Government headed by Morarji Desai i.e. from 1977-79. He is three time Prime Minister of India. For first time he had served as PM for just 13 days in 1996 and second time for 13 months in 1998-1999. In his third term as PM he completed his full five-year term, making him first PM from outside the Congress party to serve a full term. Some of his pet projects launched by him as PM were National Highway Development Project and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. In 2009, he had retired from active politics due to health concerns. In December 2014, Mr Vajpayee, and Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya (posthumously) were awarded Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.

23) India Government Mint (IGM), a unit of Security Printing and Minting Corp of India Ltd has launched India’s first home-grown high purity gold reference standard –Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BND-4201). The BND-4201 is reference material for gold of ‘9999’ fineness (gold that is 99.99% pure with impurities of only 100 parts-per-million). It will be beneficial to the consumers and public at large to ensure purity of gold. Key Facts: BND-4201, the high purity gold reference standard has been developed through collaboration between IGM, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) — Council of Scientific & Industrial Research-National Physical Laboratory (New Delhi) and National Centre for Compositional Characterisation of Materials (Hyderabad). The gold reference standard is indispensable in gold and jewellery hall marking. This reference will also be useful for Collection and Purity Testing Centres to certify purity of gold deposits under gold monetization scheme. Significance: India despites being second largest markets for gold after China, goldsmiths in the country were depended on imported reference gold bars (mostly imported was sourced from Canada and Switzerland) to check purity of their biscuits, coins and jewellery. BND-4201 standard reference material will help to minimise dependency on foreign countries and add to Make in India campaign, saving foreign exchange. The BND-4201 standard gold bar are 25% cheaper than the imported version. It will also help jewellers to move towards more instrumental methods rather than conventional fire assay methods for testing purity of gold, which time consuming and non-environment friendly as poisonous gases are released.

24) Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh are top contributors among states and Union Territories in the first five months since the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime in July 1, 2017. The data was revealed by Minister of State (MoS) for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla in reply to a question in Lok Sabha. Key Facts: State GST (SGST) collections: Maharashtra tops SGST collections with Rs 18,701 crore. Tamil Nadu is at the second spot with Rs 8,739 crore collection followed by Karnataka and Gujarat with SGST collections of Rs 7,736 crore and Rs 7,375 crore, respectively. Cess Collection: Maharashtra garnered Rs 3,702 crore and Uttar Pradesh collected Rs 3,549 crore through cess levied on sin and luxury goods. Karnataka ranks third with cess collection of Rs 3,110 crore, followed by Chhattisgarh that raised Rs 2,288 crore as cess. The Central Government has garnered Rs 30,224 crore as cess from July November 2017 period. Total Collection: In July November 2017 period, government has garnered Rs 30,224 crore as cess. about Rs 59,048 crore as Central GST (CGST) and Rs 87,888 crore as SGST. Integrated GST (IGST): Rs 1.91 lakh crore has been collected as IGST. Out of the total IGST collection, Rs 90,038 crore has been collected through imports. Background: The GST regime implemented from July 1, 2017 has tax four slabs of 0, 5, 12, 18 and 28%. Additional cess ranging from 1 to 290% is levied over and above highest tax rate of 28% on sin and luxury goods such as tobacco, cigarettes and luxury cars. The amount collected through cess flows into compensation fund, which is used to compensate states for revenue losses on account of implementation of GST. As per Section 7 of GST (Compensation to States) Act, 2017, states and UTs with legislatures have to be compensated for revenue losses arising out of implementation of GST during five-year transition period for new indirect tax regime beginning from date on which SGST Act of concerned state has come into force.

25) Karnataka’s Tirthahalli taluk has come under the grip of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as monkey fever. So far, five positive cases, including one death, have been reported in humans. Moreover, deaths of 5 monkeys were reported in the forest of Ghantejanagallu near Suruvinakoppa village. In 2016-17, four persons died of KFD in Tirthahalli and 48 positive cases were reported. Monkey Fever: Kyasanur forest disease or monkey fever is tick-borne viral diseases caused by Kyasanur forest disease virus (KFDV), a member of the virus family Flaviviridae, which also causes dengue and yellow fever. It is endemic to South Asia and was first detected in 1957 in Kyasanur Forest of Karnataka. Monkey fever is so named because it primarily affects black-faced langurs and red-faced bonnet monkeysand result in their death. KFD causes seasonal outbreaks between December and May along Western Ghats mostly striking farmers in Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Transmission: The vector responsible for its transmission is ticks (Hemaphysalis spinigera). These ticks are known to thrive in the Western Ghats and transmit the disease to humans. Humans contract KFD infection from the bite of nymphs of the tick. Symptoms: High fever with headache, followed by haemorrhagic symptoms such as bleeding from nose, throat and gums. It also causes gastrointestinal bleeding, muscle stiffness, tremors, absent reflexes and mental disturbances. Prevention: Its spread can be prevented through vaccination. Moreover, additional preventative measures include using insect repellents and wearing protective clothes in areas where ticks are endemic.

26) Scientists from University of Michigan in US have developed a new type of neural network chip using reservoir computing system to improve efficiency of teaching machines to think like humans. The network developed using this system can predict words before they are said during conversation and help predict future outcomes based on the present. Key Facts: The system has been inspired by brains, neural networks are composed of neurons, or nodes, and synapses, the connections between nodes. It was developed using memristors, a special type of resistive device that can both perform logic and store data. The system used a special memristor that memorises events only in near history. This contrasts with typical computer systems, where processors perform logic separate from memory modules. These memristors required less space and can be integrated more easily into existing silicon-based electronics. Significance: The system was proved to be functional using test of handwriting recognition, a common benchmark among neural networks. Only 88 memristors were used in the system as compared to conventional network that requires thousands for the task and achieved 91% accuracy.

27) China’s home-grown AG600, also known as ‘Kunlong’, the world’s largest amphibious aircraft took off took off from the southern city of Zhuhai and landed after roughly an hour-long flight. Its successful maiden flight makes China among the world’s few countries capable of developing a large amphibious aircraft. It also further strengthens China’s rapidly modernising military. Key Facts: The AG600 amphibious aircraft can land and take off from water. It has wingspan of 38.8 metres. It is powered by four turboprop engines. It has been designed and built by China’s state-owned manufacturer Aviation Industry Corp of China. It is capable of carrying 50 people and can stay airborne for 12 hours. It has operational range of 4,500-km. The aircraft has military applications but will be also used for firefighting and marine rescue. Its flight capabilities put all of China’s artificial island-building projects in disputed South China Sea (SCS) well within its range.

28) Former wicketkeeper of India Saba Karim (50) was appointed as the new General Manager (GM) of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He will report directly to BCCI CEO Rahul Johri. The General Manager’s post was lying vacant since resignation of MV Sridhar in September 2017 over the issue of conflict of interest. In his new administrative role, Saba Karim will be responsible for implementing operational plans, budgeting, monitoring the match playing conditions and administration of Domestic program. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI): BCCI is the national governing body for cricket in India and is considered as world’s richest cricket board. It was established as BCCI in 1928 by replacing Calcutta Cricket Club. It is a private club consortium, registered as a society under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975. It is member of ICC and has authority to select players, umpires and officials to participate in international cricket events and exercises total control over them.

29) China has successfully launched its second Land Surveying Satellite LKW-2 (also known as Yaogan Weixing-32) into a preset orbit from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi desert. The satellite will be used for remote sensing exploration of land resources. It was launched on board of Long March-2D rocket. It was 259th mission of the Long March rocket series. Key Facts: The LKW-2 has been developed by China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). It is probably an electro-optical observation satellite based on the military Jianbing-6 series. Western experts believe that the satellite will be utilized for military purposes apart from remote sensing exploration of land resources. The first Yaogan satellite was launched in 2006, whereas the second generation of the series was inaugurated in 2008. Long March 2D: Long March 2D is a two-stage rocket developed by Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. It is mainly used to launch variety of satellites into low-Earth orbit (LEO) at an altitude of approximately 500 kilometers. The 41.15-meter long rocket can launch payloads of up to 3.9 tons to LEO and has Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) capability of up to 1.4 tons. The rocket was launched for the first time in August 1992.

30) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently had initiated prompt corrective action (PCA) measures against Bank of India (BoI) in the view of its high non-performing assets (NPAs) and insufficient capital. The RBI placed BOI under PCA consequent to the onsite inspection under the risk-based supervision model carried out for year ended March 2017. This was in view of high net NPA, insufficient CET1 Capital and negative ROA (return on asset) of BOI for two consequent years. Prompt Corrective Action (PCA): The RBI under its supervisory framework uses various measures and tools to maintain sound financial health of banks. PCA is one of such supervisory tools used by RBI. It involves monitoring of certain performance indicators of banks as early warning exercise. RBI has defined three kinds of risk thresholds under PCA framework that will depend upon the type of risk threshold that was breached. It is initiated once such thresholds as relating to capital, asset quality and profitability are breached. The objective is to facilitate banks to take corrective measures in timely manner including those prescribed by the RBI in order to restore their financial health. It also provides opportunity to RBI to pay focused attention on such banks by engaging with management more closely in those areas. The PCA framework is intended to encourage banks to eschew certain riskier activities and focus on conserving capital so that their balance sheets can become stronger. Banks are placed under it depending upon audited annual financial results and RBI’s supervisory assessment. If a bank breaches risk threshold under PCA framework, then mandatory actions include restriction on dividend payment and remittance of profits, restriction on branch expansion, restriction on management compensation and director’s fees.

31) The Union Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation has formally launched ‘Ganga Gram’ project at the Ganga Gram Swachata Sammelan held in New Delhi. The project was launched under the clean Ganga mission-Namami Gange Programme for holistic sanitation development in villages on the banks of River Ganga. Ganga Gram Project: Ganga Gram project is an integrated approach for holistic development of villages situated on the banks of the holy River Ganga with active participation of villagers. The objectives of project include solid and liquid waste management, water conservation projects, renovation of ponds and water resources, organic farming, horticulture, and promotion of medicinal plants. Ganga Swachhata Manch: Ganga Swachhata Manch, a forum of individuals, academicians, civil society organisations and the like was also launched on the sidelines of Gram Swachata Sammelan. It has been formed upon initiative of Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation Uma Bharati. This Manch has been created for awareness creation, knowledge sharing, learning and advocacy for Ganga Gram Project. Background: In August 2017, Centre had declared all 4,470 villages on the banks of River Ganga, located in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, open defecation-free (ODF). Of these villages, Centre and state governments have identified 24 villages to be taken up under pilot project to transform them into ‘Ganga Grams’.

32) The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has created National Highways Investment Promotion Cell (NHIPC) for attracting domestic and foreign investment for highways projects. The cell will focus on engaging with global institution investors, developers, construction companies and fund managers for building investor participation in road infrastructure projects. Key Facts: NHIPC’s primary focus will be to promote foreign and domestic investment in road infrastructure. It will work in close co-ordination with various connected Ministries and Departments of Central Government, State Governments, Apex Business Chambers like FICCI, CII, ASSOCHAM, and InvestIndia etc. It will also work in close co-ordination with Foreign Embassies and Missions in India and Indian Embassies and Missions situated in foreign countries. Background: The government has set an ambitious target of construction of 35,000 km of national highways in next 5 years involving an investment of Rs 5,35,000 crore under Bharatmala. The Bharatmala is aimed at speeding up cargo movement and development of multimodal logistics hubs and parks on periphery of major commercial centres. It will include economic corridors (9,000 km), inter-corridor and feeder route (6,000 km), national corridors efficiency improvement (5,000 km), border roads and international connectivity (2,000 km), coastal roads and port connectivity (2,000 km) and greenfield expressways (800 km). National Highways Authority of India (NHAI): NHAI is an autonomous agency of the Union Government, responsible for management of a network of over 70,000 km of national highways in India. It was established through National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988. In February 1995, it was formally made an autonomous body. It is a nodal agency of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It is responsible for the development, management, operation and maintenance of National Highways.

33) Scientists have discovered new scorpion species named Schaller’s wood scorpion (Liocheles schalleri) from at Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura. It has been named in honour of celebrated wildlife biologist George Schaller who has studied wildlife across the world, including the snow leopards of the Himalayas and central India’s tigers. Wood scorpions: Wood scorpions are also called dwarf scorpions. They are smaller than commonly seen large scorpions. They are only about three cm long. They live in small burrows on the ground, making them very difficult to spot. They have fairly large and powerful pincers with which they crush their prey. Schaller’s wood scorpion: Schaller’s wood scorpion is the eleventh wood scorpion species to be discovered in India. 9 of India’s 11 wood scorpions are endemic to the country. India is home to more than 125 species of scorpions. Schaller’s wood scorpion is distinctly different from other recorded wood scorpions. It has large and powerful pincers. The mid-portion of its pincers is differently-shaped as well as placement of its eyes and they were far darker (a glossy black). Schaller’s wood scorpion is found in low elevations in parts of Tripura, including Trishna and Bison National Park. It is likely to be found in Bangladesh too, which is three km away from Tripura border.

34) India has signed agreement with Switzerland for automatic sharing of tax-related information from January 1, 2018 with an aim to combat black money. Prior to it, India had to ask Switzerland for specific bits of information against the Indian account holder in Swiss banks. But due to its earlier secretive laws it could delay or deny information altogether. Background: Switzerland always has been at centre of debate on black money allegedly stashed by Indians abroad. It is infamously known for very strong secrecy walls around its banking practices till few years ago. In recent past, huge global pressure has resulted in Switzerland relenting on tough secrecy clauses its local laws gave to banks. The signing of agreement comes after completion of parliamentary procedure in Switzerland for changing domestic secretive banking laws and signing of mutual agreement between India and Switzerland. Both countries in November 2017 had signed a joint declaration for the implementation of Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI). It provided that both countries will start collecting data in accordance with global standards in 2018 and exchange it from 2019 onwards. The AEOI conforms to norm set by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for tax transparency. Significance: Under the automatic information exchange framework, confidentiality and data protection requirements is to be strictly followed. This process will ensure that signatory always maintains control over its exchange partners and treatment of data exchanged as per OECD norms. The automatic exchange of information will discourage Indians from stashing black money in Swiss banks.

35) India’s first and only design university World University of Design (WUD) has opened its campus at Sonipat, Haryana. The university promoted by Om Parkash Bansal Educational and Social Welfare Trust of Mandi Gobindgarh, Punjab is dedicated to education in creative domain. Key Facts: WUD is India’s first university dedicated to education in creative domain. It underlines movement of design from being purely vocation-oriented to becoming academic-oriented. Its campus is situated on NH1 in Rajiv Gandhi Education City (NCR), Sonipat – the largest planned integrated city for education in India. WUD has International Collaborations with foreign Universities like UWS University of West Scotland, VFS the Vancouver Film School, and IAAD the Italian University of Design. It will offer India’s largest creative course catalogue – 23 specialized UG and PG programs in various design arenas such as design, fashion, visual arts, design, communication and retail management and architecture. It follows unique curriculum that encourages research, industry preparedness, academic excellence and social innovation. It has 1000 capacity open-air theatre and several smaller venues to host and hold cultural performances.

36) According to recently released The State of the World’s Children Report of UNICEF, India’s girls and women are at risk of becoming further marginalised in society and at home if they remain digitally illiterate. The theme of this edition of report was Children in a digital world. It provided country-level examples to give a sense of the kinds of barriers girls and women confront. Key Highlights of Report: Digital connection and literacy offer advantages in knowledge-based society, improving children’s lives and their future earning potential. Globally, 12% more men than women used internet in 2017. In India, less than one-third internet users are females. Only 29% of all internet users are female in India. Girls in rural areas of India often face restrictions on their use of ICTs solely because of their gender. India is one place in which digital divide highlights deep chasms of society. Digital divides can mirror broader societal divides between rich and poor, urban and rural areas, between those with or without an education and between women and men. Digital gender divide is caused by number of factors —education levels, lack of technical literacy, social norms and lack of confidence among people. But in India, it is often rooted in parents’ concern for safety of their daughters. Many fear that allowing girls to use internet will lead to liaisons with men, bringing shame on family. For most girls, if they are allowed to use internet, their every move is monitored by their parents or brothers. In a society which is still patriarchal, for girls, traits are like obedience and deference are often valued over curiosity and intelligence. In some households, technology is not seen as necessary or beneficial for girls and women. Bridging gender gap is necessary because if girls and women remain digitally illiterate, they risk of becoming further marginalised at home and in the society in large. Besides, digital literacy and connection offer advantages in knowledge-based society, improving children’s lives and their future earning potential.

37) The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has overwhelmingly adopted resolution declaring United States of America (USA) recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital as ‘null and void’. The resolution was moved by Turkey and Yemen and was adopted with 128 countries voting in favour including major political powers such as India, Japan Britain, France, Germany and 9 against it, while 35 abstained from voting. Key Facts: The UNGA resolution stressed that Jerusalem was final status issue to be resolved through negotiations. It demanded that all States comply with UNSC resolutions regarding Jerusalem, and not recognise any actions or measures contrary to those resolutions. Countries voting in favour of resolution also disregarded US President Trump’s threat to cut off financial aid to countries that backed the draft resolution. The 9 countries that opposed resolution at UNGA included US along with Israel, Guatemala, Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Honduras and Togo. The nations that abstained from voting include US allies such as Canada, Australia, Mexico, Bhutan, Poland, Czech Republic and Romania. Background: The draft resolution rejecting US move was sent to UNGA after it was vetoed by United States at UN Security Council (UNSC), although all other 14 council members voted in favour. The resolution was drafted following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of shifting US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and officially recognising ancient disputed city as capital of Israel.

38) India’s national academy of letters Sahitya Academy has announced names of 24 poets and authors who will be conferred the prestigious 2016 Sahitya Akademi Award in 24 different Indian languages. The award has recognised premier works in 24 Indian languages that includes seven novels, five poetries, five short stories, five literary criticism, and one play and one essay. The awards will be conferred during ceremony to be held on 12 February 2018. The award is given for books published between January 2011 and December 2015. It will include casket containing an engraved copper-plaque, a shawl and a cheque of Rs 1 lakh. Awardees are: Essay: Jagdish Lachhani (Sindhi). Play: Rajen Toijamba (Manipuri) English: Mamang Dai for his novel The Black Hill. Hindi: Ramesh Kuntal Megh for his literary criticism work Vishw Mithak Sarit Sagar. Sanskrit: Niranjan Mishra for his novel Gangaputravadanam. Malayalam: KP Ramanunni for Daivathinte Pusthakam. Punjabi: Nachhattar for his novel Slow Down. Poets: Udaya Narayana Singh (Maithili), Bhujanga Tudu (Santali), Shrikant Deshmukh (Marathi), Inqulab (Tamil) and Devipriya (Telugu). Short Stories: Autar Krishen Rahbar (Kashmiri), Shiv Mehta (Dogri), Gajanan Jog (Konkani), Gayatri Saraf (Odia) and Baig Ehsas (Urdu). Literary Criticism: Ramesh Kuntal Megh (Hindi), Urmi Ghanshyam Desai (Gujarati), TP Ashoka (Kannada), Bina Hangkhim (Nepali) and Neeraj Daiya (Rajasthani). Sahitya Akademi Award: Sahitya Akademi Award is conferred annually on writers of outstanding works in one of the twenty-four major Indian languages (22 eighth Scheduled Languages+ English and Rajasthani). The award consists of a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque, a shawl and a cheque of 1 Lakh rupee.

39) An Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) named ICGS Sujay was recently commissioned into Indian Coast Guard (ICG). It is sixth and last in the series of six 105m OPV built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Limited for ICG. Presently, ICG has fleet of 134 ships and boats and 66 ships and boats are at various stages of construction at different shipyards in India. ICGS Sujay: ICGS Sujay (meaning Great Victory) will based at Paradip, Odisha under operational and administrative control of Commander Coast Guard Region (North-East). It will be deployed extensively for EEZ surveillance and other duties as enshrined in Coast Guard Charter, to safeguard maritime interests of India. It is 105 meter OPV fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machineries. Its features include Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Machinery Control System (IMCS), 30mm CRN 91 Naval Gun, Power Management System (PMS) and High Power External Fire Fighting System. The ship draws 2350 tons(GRT) propelled by two 9100 KW diesel engines to attain a maximum speed of 23 Knots and has endurance of 6000 NM at economical speed. The ship is designed to carry one twin engine Light Helicopter and 5 high speed boats including 2 Quick Reaction Inflatable Boats for swift boarding operations, law enforcement, search and rescue and maritime patrol. It can also carry pollution response equipment to contain oil spill at sea. It has latest and modern equipment and systems that provides ship capability to perform role of Command platform to accomplish all ICG charter of duties. Significance: The commissioning of ICGS Sujay will enhance ICG’s operational capability to discharge multifarious maritime tasks. It will also give fillip to maritime protection of India’s vast coastline of Eastern Seaboard in general and maritime state of Odisha and West Bengal in particular.

40) The Union Ministry of Communications has launched DARPAN (The Digital Advancement of Rural Post Office for A New India) to improve quality of service, add value to services and achieve financial inclusion of un-banked rural population. DARPAN is Information Technology (IT) modernisation project aimed at realising financial inclusion of un-banked rural population. It offers core banking services to the account holders. DARPAN Project: The project intends to provide low power technology solution to each branch postmaster (BPM). This will enable each of approximately 1.29 lakhs branch post offices (BOs) to improve service delivery. It aims to increase rural reach of Department of Posts (DoP) and enable BOs to increase traffic of all financial remittances, savings accounts, Rural Postal Life Insurance and Cash Certificates. It also aims to improve mail operations processes by allowing for automated booking and delivery of accountable article. It will also increase revenue using retail post business and provide third party applications and make disbursements for social security schemes such as MGNREGS. The project has an outlay of Rs. 1400 crore and is targeted to complete by March, 2018. IT modernization project: DoP has undertaken an end to end IT modernization project to equip itself with requisite modern tools and technologies. The IT modernization project intends to achieve wider reach to the Indian populace through more customer interaction channels and better customer service. As part of it, the DoP will carry out business process reengineering across various functional areas and has created To-Be processes that will enable it to achieve these objectives. So far DoP has established 991 ATMs across country, which are interoperable with other banks and common people have been directly benefited with wide network of DoP especially in rural areas.

41) The Union cabinet has approved auction of 683 private FM radio frequencies in 236 cities across country under Phase III of FM radio privatization. This decision will usher in new/enhanced experience of FM radio in more cities. The sale of these channels in Phase III is likely to generate direct and indirect employment to more than 10,000 persons on a pan-India basis. It will also yield estimated revenue of more than Rs 1,100 crore. Key Facts: The third batch of FM auctions will cover cities with no private FM radio presence, including cities in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir and north-east states where the population is less than 100,000. With completion of FM Phase III auctions, the government is planning to cover all the 29 states and 6 out of the 7 union territories (Dadra & Nagar Haveli is the exception) by private FM radio broadcasting. Background: Earlier, two batches of electronic auctions under Phase III had taken place in 2015 and 2016. 97 channels in 56 cities were sold in the first batch, 66 channels in 48 cities were sold in the second. The total value of sold channels was Rs.1,187 crore. However, government also made more than Rs. 3,000 crore from these auctions with migration fee from 245 stations that moved from Phase 2 to Phase 3.

42) Scientists from Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered new frog species in the fast flowing streams in Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) in Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. The new species has been named Odorrana arunachalensis after the state Arunachal Pradesh were it was found. It is one of the five frog species discovered in India in recent times and the 59th in the world. Odorrana Arunachalensis: Odorrana Arunachalensis belong to genus Odorrana (commonly known as the odorous frog). Odorrana is a genus of true frogs (Ranidae) from East Asia and surrounding regions including India. There are over 50 species of frogs belonging to the genus Odorrana. Odorrana Arunachalensis is medium-sized green frog adapted for life in torrential waters of Arunachal Pradesh. It dwells in moss and fern covered rocky section along hill streams in mixed wet tropical forest type. It has black band-like mark between the eyes which is its distinguishing character that separates it from all the other frog species of this genus.This new species is majorly sighted during the wet season from April to September. They are not seen in the dry seasons. Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a wildlife sanctuary as well as a bio-diversity hotspot located in Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated at the altitude of 2400 metres with rivers like Pange, Sipu, Karing and Subansiri flowing through the Reserved Forest and Sanctuary. It mainly comprises sub-tropical and alpine forests and has variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endangered. Talley is plateau with dense forest of silver fir trees, pine clad plateau of beautiful grandeur, and vast wasteland. It is home to highly endangered species like clouded leopard. Pleioblastus simone is a bamboo variety only found in Talley Valley.

43) The Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has launched SAMEEP (Students and MEA Engagement Program). It is an outreach mission that aims to take Indian foreign policy and its global engagements to students across country and also to look at diplomacy as a career option. Its name was crowd-sourced through the My Gov portal and out of 550 suggested entries. SAMEEP (Students and MEA Engagement Program): The objective of outreach program is to familiarise school and college students in India about functioning of the MEA. It also seeks to introduce them to key elements of India’s foreign policy and its success stories. It is a voluntary programme for MEA officials, undersecretary and above with option of going back to any school or college in their hometown or to their alma mater. Under it, MEA officials will go to their hometowns and particularly their alma mater while on leave to engage and interact with students in schools and colleges. The officers will convey how MEA works, India’s foreign policy, how they do diplomacy so that student consider about this as a career option. The MEA will provide its officials standardized presentation for this outreach programme and officials will be free to make changes for betterment of it can add their personal experiences.

44) India was selected as Chair of Ad Hoc Committee on Review & Reforms to look into various issues pertaining to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPSC) at recently held KP Plenary Session in Brisbane, Australia. Angola will be the Vice Chair of this Adhoc Committee and will work with India and other members of Committee on reform issues related to changes in core document, expansion of scope of KP. India was appointed as the Kimberly Process (KP) Vice Chair for 2018 & Chair for 2019 in the last plenary of KP held in Dubai in November, 2016. The EU will be KP Chair for 2018. Kimberley Process: Kimberley Process is joint initiative of governments, industry and civil societies to stem flow of ‘conflict diamonds’, rough diamonds used by rebel groups to finance wars against legitimate governments. It is also described in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions. India is one of the founding members of KPCS. At present, KPCS has 54 members representing 81 countries including EU with 28 members. The KPCS came into effect from 1 January, 2003 through a United Nations General Assembly Resolution. It outlines the rules that govern trade in rough diamonds. It has evolved into effective mechanism for stopping trade in conflict diamonds. It sets minimum requirements that each participant must meet. In India, the scheme is administered through Department of Commerce under aegis of the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry. Conflict diamonds: Conflict diamonds or blood diamonds are the rough diamonds used by rebel movements in the third world countries especially in Africa to finance (civil) wars with an aim to topple legitimate governments. The KPCS completely bans import and export of rough diamonds without certification.

45) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS) in order to ensure steady supply of skilled manpower in the labour-intensive textile sector. SCBTS is a new skill development scheme covering the entire value chain of textile sector excluding Spinning & Weaving in organized Sector. It will remain operational for three years ending in 2019-20 with an outlay of Rs. 1300 crore. Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector (SCBTS): The objectives of SCBTS are to provide demand driven, placement oriented skilling programme to incentivize efforts of the textile industry in creating jobs in the organized textile and related sectors. It also seeks to promote skilling and skill up-gradation in traditional sectors through respective Sectoral Divisions/organizations of Ministry of Textiles and also provide livelihood to all sections of society across the country. The scheme will have National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) compliant training courses with funding norms as per Common Norms notified by Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The skilling programmes will be implemented through textile Industry/Units, reputed training institutions and Institutions of Ministry of Textiles/State Governments having placement tie-ups with textile industry/units. The scheme will be implemented for benefit of all sections of the society across country including rural, remote, LWE affected, North East, J&K by imparting skills in identified job roles. It will also give preference to various social groups, SC, ST, differently-abled, minorities and other vulnerable groups. Moreover, under this scheme segment/job role wise requirement of skill needs will be assessed from time to time in consultation with the industry. Besides, it will have web-based monitoring for steering every aspect of implementation of the programme.