WBCS Current Affairs 24 March 2018 To 30 March 2018

West Bengal Civil Service (Executive), popularly known as W.B.C.S.(Exe), is the civil service of the Indian state of West Bengal. For the W.B.C.S.(Exe) and other comparative posts, Public Service Commission of West Bengal arranges competitive examinations in three phases every year.Knowing the syllabus of W.B.C.S. Examination thoroughly is the first step towards this exam.The mains syllabus of W.B.C.S. is very descriptive.Following the previous years question papers are very important while preparing for this examination.1) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved new Integrated Scheme on School Education for period 2018 to 2020 to be formulated by Department of School Education and Literacy. The new scheme will subsume existing schemes related to education such as Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE). Key Facts: The scheme comes in backdrop of Government’s vision of Sabko Shiksha, Achhi Shiksha and aims to support the States in universalizing access to school education from classes pre-nursery to XII across the country. It will have estimated allocation of Rs 75,000 crore over the said period is 20% increase over current allocations. Features of Scheme: The scheme aims is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education from nursery to senior secondary stage in accordance with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Education. The main emphasis is to improve quality of school education by focussing on the two T’s – Teacher and Technology. Objectives of the Scheme: Provide quality education and enhance learning outcomes of students. Bridge social and gender gaps in School Education. Ensure equity and inclusion at all levels of school education. Ensure minimum standards in schooling provisions. Promote vocationalization of education. Support States in implementing Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009. Strengthen and up-grade State Councils for Educational Research and Training (SCERTs) and State Institutes of Education and District Institutes for Education and Training (DIET) as nodal agencies for teacher training. Significance of Scheme: The Scheme gives flexibility to States/UTs to plan and prioritize their interventions within scheme norms and overall resource envelope available to them. It will help improve transition rates across various levels of school education and aid in promoting universal access to children to complete school education. The Scheme will equip children with varied skills and knowledge essential for their holistic development and prepare them for world of work or higher education in future. It will also lead to optimal utilization of budgetary allocations and effective use of human resources and institutional structures created for erstwhile Schemes. Benefits of Scheme: It provides holistic approach to education. It focuses on inclusion of senior secondary levels and pre-school levels in support for School education for t first time. It calls for integrated administration looking at school as continuum. It will focus on Quality of Education with emphasis on improvement of learning outcomes. It will enhance capacity building of teachers. It will focus on strengthening teacher education Institutions like SCERTs and DIETs to improve the quality of teacher training. It will enhance use of digital technology in education through smart classrooms, digital boards and DTK channels. It has specific provision for swachhta activities with support of ‘SwachhVidyalaya’. It will improve Quality of Infrastructure in Government Schools. It has enhanced commitment to ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’- Upgradation of KGBVs from class VI -VIII to upto class XII. It gives emphasis on ‘Kaushal Vikas’ in schools and supports ‘Khelo India’ for sports and physical equipment. It gives preference to educationally backward blocks (EBBs), Special Focus Districts (SFDs), Left Wing Extremism (LWEs), Border areas and 115 aspirational districts.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 24 March 2018 To 30 March 2018.
2) Union Cabinet has approved certain amendments to National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill considering recommendations of Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee (DRPSC) and general feedback from public. Background: The NMC Bill seeks to replace the Medical Council of India with National Medical Commission as top regulator of medical education in India. It aims to move towards outcome-based regulation of medical education rather than process oriented. It will ensure proper separation of functions within regulator by having autonomous boards, create accountable and transparent procedures for maintaining standards in Medical Education. Amendments approved are: Final MBBS Examination and exit test: The final MBBS examination will be held as common exam throughout country. It will serve as exit test to be called National Exit Test (NEXT). It will ease burden on medical students as they will not have to appear in separate exam after MBBS to get license to practice. NEXT will also serve as screening test for doctors with foreign medical qualifications in order to practice in India. Provision of Bridge course: It removes provision dealing with bridge course for AYUSH practitioners to practice modern medicine to limited extent. Now state governments have been empowered to take necessary measures for addressing and promoting primary health care in rural areas. Fee regulation: The maximum limit of 40% seats for which fee will be regulated in private medical institutions and deemed universities has been increased to 50% seats. The fee will also include all other charges taken by colleges. Number of nominees from States/UTs in NMC: The nominees of States and UTs in National Medical Commission (NMC) have been increased from 3 to 6. TNMC will comprise of 25 members of which at least 21 will be doctors. Monetary penalty for medical colleges: It adds provision providing different options for warning, reasonable monetary penalty, reducing intake, stoppage of admission leading up to withdrawal of recognition on medical college non-compliant with norms. Earlier, wide range of monetary penalty, ranging from one half to ten times annual fee recovered from batch was to be imposed in a graded manner. Stringent punishment for quacks: It provides severe punishment for any unauthorized practice of medicine or by quacks with imprisonment of up to 1 year along with fine extending up to Rs. 5 lakhs.
3) The Union Cabinet has approved signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and South Asian Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) for cooperation on response to Oil and Chemical Pollution in South Asian Seas Region. Key Facts: The MoU intends to promote closer cooperation between India and other maritime nations comprising South Asian seas region namely Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka for protection and preservation of marine environment in the region. Implementation: Indian Coast Guard (ICG) under Defence Ministry will be Competent National Authority and national operational contact point for implementation of Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan under MoU. It will respond to oil and chemical spills on behalf of Government of India. Further, ICG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (MRCCs) will be national emergency response centre for marine incidents. Background: Governments of India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka had established SACEP in 1982 in Sri Lanka. Its purpose was to promote and support protection, management and enhancement of environment in the South Asian region. The SACEP jointly with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) had developed Regional Oil Spill Contingency Plan to facilitate international co-operation and mutual assistance in preparing and responding to major oil pollution incident in seas around SACEP’s maritime states of Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC): SASEC program is project-based partnership to promote regional prosperity by improving cross-border connectivity, boosting trade among member countries and strengthening regional economic cooperation. It was established in 2001. Its seven members are Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka. ADB is secretariat and lead financier of SASEC program. So far, it has supported 46 projects worth $9.17 billion in transport, trade facilitation, energy and information and communications technology (ICT).
4) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved continuation of Credit Guarantee Fund for Education Loans Scheme. It also approved continuation and modification of Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme for period from 2017 to 20. This will provide education loans to 10 lakh students during this period. The restructuring of scheme is in accordance with policy of Government to make good quality education affordable to all. Modifications: Ceiling on loan amount has been refixed at Rs. 7.5 lakhs, considering the average loan size only of Rs. 4 lakhs in order to allow more students to access the benefit. The moratorium period will be course period + 1 year. The scheme will now cover loans for pursuing professional and technical courses from NAAC and NBA accredited Institutions and programmes or Institutions of National Importance or Central Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs) to promote quality education. But this condition will be applicable with prospective effect, and will not apply to current loans. Dashboard will be put in place for better monitoring of the scheme. Coverage: Under the revised scheme, the numbers of loans per year are expected to be at least 3.3 lakhs i.e. 20% increase over previous scheme. The scheme which ran since 2009, average educational loans per year were only 2.78 lakhs. Central Sector Interest Subsidy (CSIS) Scheme: CSIS Scheme was launched in April, 2009. Under it, full interest subsidy is provided for education loan taken from Scheduled Banks under Model Education Loan Scheme of Indian Banks’ Association. It is covering a period of course duration + 1 year. The educational loan under CSIS is made available for all professional and technical courses in India and students with annual gross parental income up to Rs. 4.5 lakhs. The loans are disbursed without any collateral security and third-party guarantee. Credit Guarantee Fund for Education Loans (CGFEL) Scheme: CGFEL Scheme provides guarantee for education loan under Model Education Loan Scheme of Indian Banks’ Association. It is disbursed by banks without seeking any collateral security and third-party guarantee for maximum loan amount of Rs.7.5 Lakhs.
5) The Union Cabinet has approved proposal for restructuring of National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to strengthen their governance, implementation and monitoring framework. The purpose of restructuring is also to ensure better corporate governance, transparency and accountability in operations of NSDC. Besides it will also strengthen oversight role of NSDF. It will also lead to restructuring of composition of Board of NSDF and NSDC to strengthen governance, implementation and monitoring framework. Background: NSDC and NSDF were set up by Ministry of Finance and registered in July 2008 and January, 2009 respectively for implementing coordinated action for skill development. NSDF’s main objective is to enhance, stimulate and develop skills of Indian youth force by various sector specific programmes. It was incorporated as trust to act as receptacle for financial contributions from Governmental sources, bilateral and multilateral and other agencies. NSDF entered into Investment Management Agreement (IMA) with NSDC for utilization of its corpus to meet desired objectives of National Skill Development Mission and encourage skill development in country.
6) The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved for removal of prohibition on export of all varieties of edible oils except mustard oil. The proposal was forwarded by Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The CCEA has also approved empowering Committee, chaired by Secretary, Department of Food & Public Distribution to review the export and import policy on all varieties of edible oils. Key Facts: The empowering committee will consider measures such as quantitative restrictions, prior registration, imposition of Minimum Export Price (MEP) and changes in import duties depending on domestic production and demand, domestic and international prices and international trade volumes. The CCEA has discontinued Inter-Ministerial Committee headed by Commerce Secretary, mandated to review export of edible oils in consumer packs and calibrate MEP from time to time. Impact: Removing of restrictions on export of all edible oils will provide additional marketing avenues for edible oils and oilseeds. It will benefit the farmers by way of better realisation for oilseeds. It will also result in utilization of idle capacity in India’s edible oils industry. It is considered as a step towards Ease of Doing Business by removing confusion arising out of prohibition on export of edible oils and plethora of exemptions. Background: The production of oilseeds in 2016-17 has seen quantum jump in comparison to past two years. It is expected that production of oilseeds in 2017-18 is going to sustain at same levels. At present, only certain edible oils are allowed be exported in bulk and other oils only in consumer packs with MEP. In order to support growing production of oilseeds and to explore additional avenues for marketing of edible oils, allowing bulk export of all edible oils with the exception of mustard oil which is an item of mass consumption in India was seen required step.
7) The Union Cabinet has approved signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and United Kingdom and Northern Ireland regarding cooperation in the field of organised crime. It is exchange of information for purposes of combating international criminality and tackling serious organised crime. Key Facts: The MoU will reinforce collaboration in field of security that will be mutually beneficial. India and UK already have agreement concerning investigation and prosecution of crime and tracing, restraint and confiscation of proceeds and instruments of crime which was signed in 1995. It also includes crimes involving currency transfers and terrorist funds. Both countries desire to further strengthen cooperation in fighting international criminality and serious organized crime.
8) The Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Canada to establish bilateral cooperation activities in field of Intellectual Property (IP). The MoU was signed in February 2018 and is intended to promote innovation, creativity and economic growth in both countries. Key Features of MoU: The MoU establishes broad and flexible framework through which both countries can exchange best practices and work together on training programs and technical exchanges to raise awareness on IPRs and better protect intellectual property rights (IPRs). It will facilitate exchange of best practices, experiences and knowledge on raising IP awareness among public, businesses and educational institutions of both countries. It will allow exchange of experts for interacting with human resources engaged in specialized IP fields. It will facilitate cooperation in development of automation arid implementation of modernization projects, new and existing documentation and information systems in IP and procedures for management of IP. It will assist in protecting traditional knowledge.
9) Scientists using Kepler 2 telescope have discovered hot, metallic, Earth-sized planet named K2-229b orbiting dwarf star located 260 million light years away. They had employed Doppler spectroscopy technique also known as ‘wobble method‘ to discover and characterise this faraway planet. K2-229b: K2-229b planet is almost 20% larger than Earth but has mass which is over two-and-a-half times greater. It is located very close to its host star (0.012 AU, around a hundredth of the distance between Earth and Sun), which itself is medium-sized active K dwarf in Virgo Constellation. K2-229b orbits its star every fourteen hours. Its day side temperature reaches over 2000 degrees Celsius. Scientists calculated size, position and mass of K2-229b by measuring radial velocity of star and finding out starlight ‘wobbles’ during orbit, due to gravitational tug from planet, which changes depending on planet’s size. K2-229b has same high density that of Mercury-like planets. It is also innermost planet in system of at least three planets, though all three orbit much closer to their star than Mercury. Significance: The dense, metallic nature of K2-229b has numerous potential origins. The one hypothesis is that its atmosphere might have been eroded by intense stellar wind and flares, as it is so close to its star. Another possibility is that K2-229b was formed after huge impact between two giant astronomical bodies in space billions of years ago – much like theory that Moon was formed after Earth collided with body size of Mars. K2-229b is similar to Mercury, knowing more about it can potentially give more clues of formation our planets in our own solar system.
10) The Ministry of Human Resources Development (HRD) has approved ‘Study in India’ programme to attract foreign students to pursue higher education in India. Government has approved expenditure of Rs. 150 crores for programme for two years 2018-19 and 2019-20 which will be primarily for brand promotion activities. Study in India programme: Objectives: Encourage more foreign students to choose India as destination for higher education. Double India’s market share of global education exports from less than 1% to 2%. Improve global ranking of Indian educational institutes. Features: The programme will provide meritorious foreign students fee waiver and scholarship. The proposed fee waiver and scholarship will be decided by institute concerned based on the predefined structure. The institutes concerned will bear expenditure on fee waiver based on cross-subsidisation or through its existing funding. Under it, 100% waiver of tuition fees will be only for the top 25% students, 50% waiver of tuition fees only for the next 25% students, 25% waiver of tuition fees only for the next 25% students and no waiver of tuition fee for remaining 25% of students. The programme will not affect number of seats which are meant for Indian students in any educational institute. Background: In past couple of years, premier Indian institutes have not featured in top 100 in any of global rankings. One of the reasons is that global rankings also consider number of foreign faculty and foreign students studying in educational institute. In Times Higher Education Ranking 2018, top spot has gone to University of Oxford where 38% population is of Indian students. On contrary, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru has only 1% population of International students. As per existing Government framework, there is provision of 10-15% supernumerary seats for foreign students in educational institutes.
11) The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has inked line of credit (LoC) agreement with Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) to provide US $500 million credit facility to fund various development projects in 15-member countries of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region in western-south Africa. Key Facts: The LoC of US $500 million to EBID is umbrella limit for financing developmental projects in 15-member countries of EBID in ECOWAS region. These projects entitled to get funding may belong any sector which is of priority of governments of any of member states of EBID. With signing of LoC agreement, Exim Bank till date has extended four LoCs to EBID, with support of government, taking total value of LOCs to US $1,000 million.Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS): The ECOWAS is regional group of 15 West African countries. It was founded in May 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos. Its mandate is to promote economic integration in all fields of activity of the constituting countries. Its 15 member countries are Benin, Cape Verde, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
12) According to National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS) 2017-18, over 93% households in villages who have access to toilets are using them and about 77% homes in rural areas have got toilets. The survey was conducted by Independent Verification Agency (IVA) under World Bank support project to Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G). Background: The survey was conducted between mid-November 2017 and mid-March 2018. It covered 92040 households in 6136 villages across States/UTs of India. It also covered schools, anganwadis and public/community toilets in these villages. It used the PPS (Probability Proportion to Size) sampling methodology and its data was collected using Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) platform. Key findings of NARSS 2017-18: 77% of households were found to have access to toilets. 4% of people who had access to toilets used them. 6% of villages which were previously declared and verified as ODF were confirmed to be ODF. The remaining 4.4% villages also had sanitation coverage of over 95%. 70% of villages surveyed found to have minimal litter and minimal stagnant water. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): SBM was launched in October 2014 to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to put focus on sanitation. The mission aims to achieve Swachh Bharat or make India clean by 2019, as a fitting tribute to 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It world’s largest sanitation program that aimed bring behavioural change of people with respect to toilet access and usage. The SBM consists of two sub-missions Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), implemented in rural areas, and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), implemented in urban areas. SBM-G seeks to eliminate open defecation in rural areas by improving access to sanitation by ensuring use of toilets, besides their construction. It also seeks to generate awareness to motivate communities to adopt sustainable sanitation practices, and encourage the use of appropriate technologies for sanitation. Outcomes: Over 6.5 crore toilets were built across rural India under SBM. Over 3.38 lakh villages and 338 districts were declared ODF, along with 9 ODF States/3 Union Territories, namely Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. Over, 300 million people have stopped defecating in open since launch of SBM.
13) The Ministry of Power has partnered with Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship to train the manpower in six states for speedy implementation of its Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojna (Saubhagya Scheme). These six states are Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh. Key Facts : Under this partnership, around 47,000 Distribution Lineman-Multi Skills and 8,500 Technical Helpers will be trained to meet the requirement of power sector projects under Saubhagya scheme. The training infrastructures will be available with ITI’s at district level as well as infrastructures available with State Power Distribution Utilities will be utilized for skill training of candidates ensuring successful implementation of scheme. Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojna (Saubhagya Scheme): Objective: To achieve universal household electrification in all parts of the country. The scheme primarily benefits rural areas, which have vast majority of households without power connections. Funding: Total outlay of scheme is Rs. 16,320 crore of which Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) is Rs. 12,320 crore. It is being funded to extent of 60% by central grants, 30% by bank loans and 10% by states. Of total outlay of Rs 16,320 crore, rural areas will get Rs 14,025 crore. For urban households outlay is Rs. 2,295 crore. States will be provided with incentive of 50% of their loan being converted to grants, if electrification targets under the scheme are met by 31 December 2018. Identification of beneficiaries: The government will use Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) 2011 data to identify beneficiaries for free electricity connections. Un-electrified households not covered under SECC data will also be provided electricity connections on payment of Rs. 500 which will be recovered by DISCOMs in 10 installments through electricity bill. Implementing agencies: The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited under Ministry of Power is nodal agency for the operationalisation of the scheme throughout the country. To ensure on-the-spot registration, mobile applications will be used. Gram Panchayat and public institutions in rural areas will be authorised to carry out billing and collection tasks. Benefits: Free connections will be provided to below poverty line (BPL) households and even those not covered under this category can avail electricity connection by paying Rs. 500 in 10 instalments with their monthly bill. There will be no subsidy component for monthly electricity consumption. Remote areas: For those household where national electricity grid cannot reach, households will be provided with solar power packs along with battery banks. Remote hamlets will be powered with solar panels along with 5 LED lamps, DC fan and plug point along with repair and maintenance for five years.
14) NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has signed Statement of Intent (SOI) with German tech company SAP to promote culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across 100 Atal Tinkering Labs across India. As part of SOI, SAP will adopt 100 Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL) in 2018 for five years to nurture science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning among secondary school children across India. Key Facts: SAP will select secondary schools from Delhi, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The collaboration will allow SAP to further ignite innovation in India’s large student population by providing right guidance, knowledge and infrastructure. SAP employee volunteers will coach and mentor students in advanced technology topics. Design lab of SAP Labs India, will provide trainings and allow students to gain hands-on experience with technology gadgets. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): AIM is flagship initiative to promote culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in country. Its mandated is to create umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem of country and revolutionize innovation eco-system. Objectives : Develop new programmes and policies for fostering innovation in different sectors of economy. Provide platform and collaboration opportunities for different stakeholders, create awareness. Create umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem of the country. Its sub-schemes include establishing Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and Atal Incubation Centers (AICs), for providing scaling up support to Established Incubation Centres. It also includes finding ultra-low cost solution to India’s most intractable problems through Atal Grand Challenges and Atal Vikas Challenges. Till date, AIM has selected 2441 schools across India to establish ATLs, covering 93% of total districts in India and 98% of upcoming smart cities representing all states and 5 out of 7 UTs.
15) The eleventh session of the China-India joint-group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science & Technology was held in New Delhi. The session was co-chaired by Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Suresh Prabhu and China’s Minister of Commerce Mr. Zhong Shan. Key Outcomes of meeting: Both countries reaffirmed and reiterated their commitments to promote balanced and sustainable bilateral trade. They agreed to continue to take forward initiatives identified in Five Year Development Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation (DPETC) signed between both countries in September 2014. China noted India’s concern regarding long existing trade imbalance and requests for market access for Indian products and services. It also expressed its commitment to address these concerns through broad framework provided by successive JEGs and Five Year DPETC. China reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate provision of market access for Indian agricultural products pertaining to non-basmati rice, soya-meals, rape-seed meals, pomegranate and pomegranate arils, okra, banana and other fruits and vegetables and bovine meat expeditiously. Both countries reaffirmed their aim to promote bilateral trade in field of pharmaceuticals including resolution of issues of Indian pharma products exports to Chinese markets. They agreed to draw-up medium and long term roadmap with action points and timelines to increase bilateral trade between in balanced and sustainable manner. They also agreed to strengthen cooperation within WTO and other multilateral and regional frameworks and to maintain their common interest. Both sides reiterated their commitment to rules based multilateral global trade. Background: India and China are the largest emerging economies of world with 35% of the world’s population and around 20% of the world’s GDP but the relative volume of bilateral trade is less than 1% of global trade. India-China bilateral trade has reached $84.44 billion last year, a historic high with 18.63% year-on-year growth rate. India is seventh largest export destination for Chinese products, and 24th largest exporter to China. India’s trade deficit: It continues to remain high at $51.75 billion, registering a growth of 8.55% year-on-year in 2017.
16) Department of Posts under Ministry of Communications has launched Cool EMS Service between India and Japan. It is one-way service from Japan to India which allows customers in India to import Japanese food items for personal use which is allowed under Indian regulations. Cool EMS Service: The Cool EMS Service came into force from March 2018. Initially, it will be available in Delhi only. Food items will be carried by Japan Post in special cool boxes containing refrigerant to preserve quality of food items. The recipient addressee will collect them from Foreign Post office, Kotla Road, New Delhi in-person or through a messenger in prescribed time frame. Cool EMS service also has all other features like track and trace, etc of Express Mail Service (EMS).
17) India’s first insect museum with state-of-the-art amenities was unveiled at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University campus in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. It was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswamy. Key Facts: The museum has been established at an area of 6,691 sqft. It is fully dedicated to insects. It will display insects preserved as specimens as also live ones depicting their different developmental stages. It will provide information about insects through images, videos and models of their unique behaviour, habits and habitats. The lobby of the museum depicts theme “BUGS ARE KINGS”. Its exhibiting area comprises seven radial walls (bay) on right side and an undivided wall on the left side. It also has section on social insect exhibiting termite mounds (whole and sectioned) and bee hives of different kinds and forms. It also has souvenir shop and mini auditorium to screen insect movies and documentary films are available.
18) The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Assam government for sustainable development of human settlements at villages in Kamrup district. Key Facts: As per terms of MoU, AAI will provide financial assistance of Rs. 4.58 crore for Kamrup district under its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) initiative. The estimates of the financial assistance have been prepared by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to improve resilience of communities around Guwahati Airport. The AAI through its CSR policy supports such initiatives for promoting infrastructure for convenience of population with view to improve resilience of communities. Airports Authority of India (AAI): AAI is statutory body under aegis of Ministry of Civil Aviation. It was founded in April 1995 and is headquartered in New Delhi. It is responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining and managing civil aviation infrastructure in India. It also provides Air traffic management (ATM) services over Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas. AAI manages around 125 airports in India, which include 18 International Airport, 7 Customs Airports, 78 Domestic Airports and 26 Civil Enclaves at Defence airfields.
19) NASA has partnered with private space launching company SpaceX to launch Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to search for exoplanets using the transit method. TESS is designed to carry out first spaceborne all-sky transiting exoplanet survey. It is equipped with four wide-angle telescopes and associated charge-coupled device (CCD) detectors. It is planned to be launched in April 2018 on board of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS): The primary mission objective of TESS is to survey brightest stars near Earth for transiting exoplanets over two-year period. It will use array of wide-field cameras to perform all-sky survey. It will create catalog of thousands of exoplanet candidates using transit photometry method. It will provide prime targets for further characterization by James Webb Space Telescope, as well as other large ground-based and space-based telescopes of the future. With TESS, it will be possible to study mass, size, density and orbit of large cohort of small planets, including sample of rocky worlds in habitable zones (goldilocks zone) of their host stars. This will reveal whether planets are rocky (like Earth), gas or jovian giants (like Jupiter) or something even more unusual.
20) NASA has partnered with private space launching company SpaceX to launch Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to search for exoplanets using the transit method. TESS is designed to carry out first spaceborne all-sky transiting exoplanet survey. It is equipped with four wide-angle telescopes and associated charge-coupled device (CCD) detectors. It is planned to be launched in April 2018 on board of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS): The primary mission objective of TESS is to survey brightest stars near Earth for transiting exoplanets over two-year period. It will use array of wide-field cameras to perform all-sky survey. It will create catalog of thousands of exoplanet candidates using transit photometry method. It will provide prime targets for further characterization by James Webb Space Telescope, as well as other large ground-based and space-based telescopes of the future. With TESS, it will be possible to study mass, size, density and orbit of large cohort of small planets, including sample of rocky worlds in habitable zones (goldilocks zone) of their host stars. This will reveal whether planets are rocky (like Earth), gas or jovian giants (like Jupiter) or something even more unusual.
21) The SWIFT (Society for World Interbank Financial Telecommunication System) platform has expanded its GPI (Global Payment Innovation) Tracker system to help banks track their global transactions at all times and keep full vigil on payments activity. Key Facts: From November 2018, GPI Tracker system i.e. unique end-to-end transaction reference will be included in all payment instructions carried between all 11,000 customers on SWIFT at all times, across more than 200 countries and territories. The expansion of GPI Tracker will cover all payment instructions sent across the network and give them full visibility over all their payments activity. It will significantly extend transparency and drive more banks to join service to make GPI the new normal in cross-border payments. SWFIT GPI: SWFIT GPI was launched in May 2017 to help banks to track their global transactions at all times, keeping full vigil on payments activity. It covers all payment instructions sent across network, enabling GPI banks to track all their SWIFT payment instructions at all times, and giving them full visibility over all their payments activity. It accounts for 10% of cross border payment traffic on SWIFT network and has enabled more than hundred billion dollars to be transferred across world rapidly and securely every day. Benefits: It improves customer experience by increasing speed, transparency and automatically provides status updates to all GPI banks involved in any GPI payment chain. It allows banks to confirm when payment has been completed. It facilitates more accurate reconciliation of payments and invoices, optimises liquidity with improved cash forecasts and reduces exposure to Foreign exchange risk, with same-day processing of funds in beneficiaries’ time zones. SWIFT (Society for World Interbank Financial Telecommunication System) platform: SWIFT is global financial messaging service that enables financial institutions worldwide to send and receive information about financial transactions in secure, standardized and reliable environment. It is used to transmit messages relating to cross border financial transactions. It was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in La Hulpe, Belgium. It is a cooperative society under Belgian law owned by its member financial institutions with offices around the world. Globally over 11,000 financial institutions in more than 200 countries use services of SWIFT. SWIFT does not facilitate funds transfer, rather, it sends payment orders, that must be settled by correspondent accounts that institutions have with each other. On receiving this message through SWIFT, banks abroad, mostly branches of domestic banks abroad provide funds to the company.
22) The National Conference on Down Syndrome was held in New Delhi. It was organised by the National Trust under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Down Syndrome is a chromosomal condition associated with intellectual and learning disabilities. It leads to delayed development and behavioural problems in children suffering with it. Conference: The objective of conference was to provide excellent opportunities to parents to obtain information about latest development in education and skilling and inclusive living of persons with Down Syndrome. The conference brought intellectuals from all walks of life on one platform to spur ideas and channelized knowledge on Down Syndrome which was very beneficial to enable a positive change in people with Down Syndrome. National Trust: It is statutory body under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. It is headquartered in New Delhi. Its mandate is to discharge two basic duties – legal and welfare for persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities. It fundamental purpose is to create enabling environment, i.e. provide opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) through comprehensive support systems which will lead towards development of inclusive society. It has been running various schemes and programmes for welfare of PwDs. Its major activity is to create awareness amongst general public by organizing various workshops, seminars and conferences on these disabilities and the capabilities of such persons. Objectives: Enable and empower PwD to live as independently and fully as possible within and close to their community as possible. Facilitate realisation of equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation of persons with disability. Extend support to its registered organisations to provide need based services. Evolve procedures for appointments of guardians and trustees for persons with disabilities.
23) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is planning to relax the protected area permit (PAP) regime to enable foreign tourists to access border areas. The move is being initiated to promote tourism, create job opportunities for the locals and generate revenue for the states. Key Facts: The proposal of relaxation of permit regime is being taken into consideration following several requests by states falling under protected areas regime and Ministry of Tourism. MHA will coordinate with other agencies and state governments to identify possible locations for which protected area permit (PAP) regime provisions may be relaxed. However, citizens from Pakistan and China are unlikely to be given these relaxations. Protected areas and Protected area permit: Under Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, all areas falling between Inner line and International Border of some states have been declared as protected areas. The protected areas currently include whole of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland and Sikkim, besides parts of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir. Some parts of Sikkim fall under protected area regime while others under restricted area regime. As per MHA’s December 2010 circular, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland were excluded from protected area regime initially for a period of one year from January 2011, subject to some conditions. Guidelines: Under it, foreign national is not normally allowed to visit protected or restricted area unless Government is satisfied that there are extra-ordinary reasons to justify his or her visit. Every foreigner, except citizen of Bhutan, who desires to enter and stay in protected or restricted area, is required to obtain a special permit from a competent authority having the power to issue such permits to a foreigner, seeking it. Citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and foreign nationals of Pakistani origin are not allowed to enter such areas. Authority issuing such Permits: Necessary powers have been delegated to various authorities to issue such special permits without prior approval of MHA to facilitate foreign tourists subject to certain exceptions. In cases of citizens of Afghanistan, China and Pakistan and foreign nationals of Pakistani origin, no permit can be issued without prior approval of MHA. In cases of foreign diplomats, including members of United Nations and international organisations holding diplomatic or official passports, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issues special permits to visit such protected or restricted areas.
24) The Ministry of Defence has released draft policy on defence production that aims to make India one of the top five manufacturers of defence platforms with active participation of public and private sectors. The ministry has sought comments and suggestions of experts and stakeholders on policy. At present, India is one of the world’s largest importer of military platforms and weapons. Objectives of Policy: Make India self-reliant in defence production as well as fulfil demand of friendly countries. Achieve turnover of Rs.1,70,000 crore in military goods and services by 2025 by promoting domestic defence industry. Make India one of top five manufacturers of defence platforms with active participation of public and private sectors. Achieve export of Rs. 35,000 crore in military equipment and services by 2025 by promoting the domestic defence industry. Attract additional investment of nearly Rs 70,000 crore and create employment for nearly 2 to 3 million people in the country. Features: Identified military platforms: The policy identifies 12 military platforms and weapons systems for production in India to achieve aim of self-reliance. They are fighter aircraft, warships, land combat vehicles, missile systems, medium lift and utility helicopters, gun systems, small arms, ammunition and explosives, electronic warfare (EW) systems, surveillance systems and night fighting enablers, among others. Licensing process for defence industries: It will be liberalised and list of items requiring licences will be reviewed and pruned. Except small negative list, other items will be taken out of purview of licensing. All applications for licences for defence industires will be disposed off in 30 days. No-objection certificates (NOCs) and comments from all agencies must necessarily be received within two weeks of filing of applications by the companies. Tax regime for defence industries: It will be also rationalised to make domestic manufacturing attractive by ensuring that there is no tax inversion. Rationalise taxes on import of capital goods and services, inputs and components used in defence production.
25) The Brazzaville declaration was singed to promote better management and conservation world’s largest tropical peatlands-Cuvette Centrale region in Congo Basin from unregulated land use and prevent its drainage and degradation. It was signed jointly by Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Republic of Congo and Indonesia on the sidelines of Third Partners Meeting of Global Peatlands Initiative held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. Peatlands: Peatlands are wetlands that contain mixture of decomposed organic material, partially submerged in layer of water, lacking oxygen. The complex biodiversity of peatlands means they are home to variety of species. Their high carbon content makes them uniquely vulnerable to incineration if they are drained. They are globally important carbon store. The unregulated exploitation of peatlands can potentially be detrimental to environment and to climate, as it could release carbon emissions that have been locked in for millennia. The Cuvette Centrale region in Congo Basin is world’s largest natural tropical peatlands, which are about size of England. It stores three years equivalent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Brazzaville declaration: It aims to implement coordination and cooperation between different government sectors to protect the benefits provided by peatland ecosystems. It also recognizes the importance of the scientific breakthrough of mapping the world’s largest tropical peatland area. Global Peatlands Initiative: GPI is multi-partner United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) initiative launched at the Global Landscapes Forum in Marrakesh in 2016. It is effort by leading experts and institutions to save peatlands as the world’s largest terrestrial organic carbon stock and to prevent it being emitted into the atmosphere.
26) The Union Ministry of Culture for the first time had organised Madhavpur Mela in Madhavpur Ghed in Porbandar District of Gujarat under the banner of Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat. Its purpose is to bring various parts of country especially the North-East, close to each other. Key Facts: The four day cultural extravaganza saw vibrant cultural trail of art, dance, music, poetry, story-telling and folk drama from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and other north-eastern states with an aim to integrate the rich cultures of two regions. It also witnessed for first time the magnificent performances from north-east, especially Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. Troupes from Assam performed Rukmini-Haran, a popular folk theatre of the region. Musical troupe from Manipur sang songs related to Rukmini in Khullong Ishei and Nat genŕe. Dance-dramas based on Rukmini-Krishna legends from Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur and folk dance of Idu Mishmi tribe from Arunachal were also displayed. Background: Madhavpur Mela of Gujarat shares its connect to Mishmi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The tribe traces its ancestry to legendary King Bhishmak and through him to his daughter Rukmini and Lord Krishna. Madhavpur Ghed is small but culturally significant village. According to folklore, it is place where, Lord Krishna married Rukmini, the daughter of King Bhishmaka. Madhavpur lies on the seashore, close to Porbandar. 15th century Madhavrai temple marks the site. Madhavpur Mela is commemorated b cultural fair held every year, commencing on Ram Navami. As part of the celebrations, a colorful chariot carrying idol of Krishna circumnavigates village and festivities usually continue for five days. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat: It was announced by Government 31st October, 2015 on the occasion of the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Its objective is to strengthen cultural relations of various parts of country and to embolden mutual connection between people dwelling in different in different states. It also aims to celebrate unity in diversity culture of nation and to bolster sentimental bonds between people of different states. It aims to strengthen sentiments for National Unity between citizens of states and states governed by union government by conducting various activities throughout year under this campaign. All States and UTs will be covered under programme. Under it, there will be pairing of states/UTs at national level mainly for one year or till the next round of pairings. The pairings are being utilized for state level activities. There are district level pairings also that are independent of state level pairings.
27) Chhattisgarh was awarded National Water Digest Award for Water Conservation-Diversion and increasing the irrigation capacity in the state. The award was presented to Chhattisgarh Water Resources Department (CWRD) on the occasion ‘World Forestry Day’ (observed on March 21) in New Delhi. Key Facts: This is first time that CWRD was given national Award during the past 17 years. Chhattisgarh bagged this award for increasing irrigation capacity, water management -water diversion, water conservation, community participation and efforts towards inter-linking of rivers, better techniques utilized in irrigation facilities. National Water Digest Award: The Award is presented every year by globally renowned magazine ‘Water Digest’ which focuses mainly on water resources. The award is given in association with Central Water Resources River Development (CWRRD) and Ganga Cleaning Ministry, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Central Water Board (CWB), Central Water Commission (CWC) and Ganga Purification National Mission. The award is recognised by UNESCO.
28) The first-ever International Print Biennale, an International Exhibition of Graphic Prints was held in New Delhi. It was organised by Lalit Kala Akademi. Key Facts: The event comprised displaying of total 200 original prints are created by Indian and international artists of impeccable competence. An exhibition Eminent Printmakers of India showcasing master Indian printmakers was also held on sidelines of it. The international participants from USA, UK, Sri Lanka, Italy, Mexico, China, Israel, Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, Argentina, Greece, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Mauritius also had participated in the event. Total 988 entries at the national level were received of which 127 were chosen for display. Lalit Kala Akademi: It is also called as National Academy of Art. It is India’s national academy of fine arts. It is autonomous organisation It was established in 1954 to promote and propagate understanding of Indian art, in and outside the country. It provides scholarships and fellow program and sponsors and organises exhibitions in India and overseas. It publishes bilingual journal. It is funded by Ministry of Culture. Its headquartered are at Ravindra Bhawan, New Delhi.
29) The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is observed every year on March 25 across the world. Observance of this day honours and remembers those who suffered and died as consequence of transatlantic slave trade. It also aims at raising awareness about dangers of racism and prejudice Transatlantic slave trade which had taken place over span 400 years is considered as worst violation of human rights in history in which more than 15 million men, women and children were victims. The 2018 theme was ‘Remember Slavery: Triumphs and Struggles for Freedom and Equality’. It celebrates freedom of African descent people from slavery. It also acknowledges challenges faced by people in movement towards freedom and equality. Background: The International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting a resolution in 2007. It was first observed in 2008 and since then it is observed annually. Same year, UNGA had established Remember Slavery Programme through its resolution 62/122 to honour memory of victims of slavery and transatlantic slave trade. The programme aims to raise awareness of dangers of racism and prejudice organizing educational activities throughout year such as film screenings, exhibition, tours of the Permanent Memorial, roundtable discussions etc. It is managed by Education Outreach Section of Department of Public Information’s Outreach Division of UN.
30) Chhattisgarh was awarded National Water Digest Award for Water Conservation-Diversion and increasing the irrigation capacity in the state. The award was presented to Chhattisgarh Water Resources Department (CWRD) on the occasion ‘World Forestry Day’ (observed on March 21) in New Delhi. Key Facts: This is first time that CWRD was given national Award during the past 17 years. Chhattisgarh bagged this award for increasing irrigation capacity, water management -water diversion, water conservation, community participation and efforts towards inter-linking of rivers, better techniques utilized in irrigation facilities. National Water Digest Award: The Award is presented every year by globally renowned magazine ‘Water Digest’ which focuses mainly on water resources. The award is given in association with Central Water Resources River Development (CWRRD) and Ganga Cleaning Ministry, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Central Water Board (CWB), Central Water Commission (CWC) and Ganga Purification National Mission. The award is recognised by UNESCO.
31) The first-ever International Print Biennale, an International Exhibition of Graphic Prints was held in New Delhi. It was organised by Lalit Kala Akademi. Key Facts: The event comprised displaying of total 200 original prints are created by Indian and international artists of impeccable competence. An exhibition Eminent Printmakers of India showcasing master Indian printmakers was also held on sidelines of it. The international participants from USA, UK, Sri Lanka, Italy, Mexico, China, Israel, Sweden, Lithuania, Poland, Argentina, Greece, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Mauritius also had participated in the event. Total 988 entries at the national level were received of which 127 were chosen for display. Lalit Kala Akademi: It is also called as National Academy of Art. It is India’s national academy of fine arts. It is autonomous organisation It was established in 1954 to promote and propagate understanding of Indian art, in and outside the country. It provides scholarships and fellow program and sponsors and organises exhibitions in India and overseas. It publishes bilingual journal. It is funded by Ministry of Culture. Its headquartered are at Ravindra Bhawan, New Delhi.
32) The world’s longest sandstone cave named Krem Puri was discovered near Laitsohum village in Mawsynram area in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The cave is 24,583 metres (24.5 km) in length and is known for its complex cave systems hidden under its undulating hills. It was discovered in 2016 but its actual length was found during expedition to measure and map it by Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association (MAA). Krem Puri: Krem Puri underground cavern is more than 6,000 metres longer than world record-holder Cueva Del Saman in Edo Zulia, Venezuela, a quartzite sandstone cave measuring 18,200 metres (18.2km). This sandstone cave is also India’s second longest cave in general category after limestone Krem Liat Prah-Umim-Labit system measuring little over 31 km in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Krem Puri cave system also has fossils of dinosaurs, especially Mosasaurus, a giant reptile that lived 66-76 million years ago. Background: There are whereabouts of more than 1,650 caves and cave locations in Meghalaya, of which over 1,000 have been explored or partially explored. According to official data, the northeastern state has 491km of surveyed caves and many more are waiting to be discovered. Krem in Khasi language means cave. Mawsynram is known as wettest place on earth for its record-breaking rainfall.
33) The Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed launch of India’s second lunar mission ‘Chandrayaan-2’ from April 2018 to October-November 2018 as experts have suggested more tests. It will be launched on board of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III (GSLV-F10). Chandrayaan 2: Chandrayaan 2 is India’s second mission to Moon and is advanced version of previous Chandrayaan-1 mission (launched in 2008). It has been developed indigenously by ISRO. It consists of Orbiter, Lander and Rover configuration. In this mission, ISRO will for first time attempt to land a rover on moon’s south pole. The spacecraft (orbiter) weighs around 3,290 kg and it will orbit around moon and perform objectives of remote sensing moon. Once GSLV-F10 putspacecraft in 170 km x 20,000 km elliptical orbit, orbiter will be manoeuvred towards 100-km lunar orbit by firing thrusters and then lander housing the rover will separate from orbiter. The six wheeled rover will move on lunar surface and collect soil or rock samples for on-site chemical analysis to gather scientific information on lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, lunar exosphere and signatures of hydroxyl and water-ice. The data will be relayed to Earth through orbiter. The rover will move around landing site in semi-autonomous mode as decided by the ground commands. Note: The soft-landing on the lunar surface of the moon will be most complex part of Chandrayaan 2 mission. Only the US, Russia and China have been able to soft-land spacecraft on lunar surface.
34) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has entered into Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to transfer technology for manufacturing space grade Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) cells. The technology transfer will enable BHEL to produce space grade Li-Ion cells which can meet country’s space programme requirements. It can also be adopted to cater Li-Ion cell requirement for other national needs. Key Facts: The ISRO uses Li-Ion batteries as power sources for satellite and launch vehicle applications due to their high energy density, reliability and long cycle life. ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) at Thiruvananthapuram has successfully developed technology to produce space grade Li-ion cell. It also has demonstrated performance of cell under various testing conditions and established its cycle life characteristics in accelerated mode. These Li-Ion cells are currently being used for various satellite and launch vehicle applications. Li-Ion battery: Lithium-ion battery or Li-ion battery is type of rechargeable battery that contains several cells. Each cell consists of cathode, anode and electrolyte, a separator between electrodes and current collectors. In it, lithium ions move from negative electrode to positive electrode during discharge and back when charging. Li-ion battery use intercalated lithium compound as one electrode material. Benefits of Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery: The lithium-ion battery is light weighted and is one-third the weight of lead acid batteries. It is nearly 100% efficient in both charging and discharging as compared to lead battery which has 70% efficiency. It completely discharges i.e. 100% as compared to 80% for lead acid. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery has life cycle of 5000 times or more compared to just 400-500 cycles in lead acid. It also maintains constant voltage throughout the entire discharge cycle whereas voltage in lead acid battery drops consistently throughout its discharge cycle. It is much cleaner technology and is safer for environment as it does not have environmental impact as lead acid battery.
35) The Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) has delivered second Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) to Sri Lanka Navy. This was overall the fourth Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) delivered in the current financial year. Key Facts: The vessel is the largest and most advanced ship in Sri Lankan Navy fleet. This is the fourth Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) delivered by GSL in current financial year. The keel of the vessel was laid in May 2015 and was launched in May 2017. It was completed and delivered vessel 25 Days ahead of contractual schedule. With this, GSL has succeeded in reducing build period of 2,500 Tonnes OPV to nearly three years from over five years taken till about three years ago. SLOPV Project: The SLOPV Project for building two large size ships is one of the most significant defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. The project is one of the largest export contracts being executed by India’s state-owned shipbuilder GSL for any friendly country. SLNS Sayurala was the first AOPV of the series delivered by GSL in July 2017 ahead of contractual schedule. Sri Lanka Navy’s Maritime Strategy envisages 20 naval ships including OPVs by year 2025. According to plan, Sri Lankan Navy will purchase two more OPVs, two fast missile vessels, two frigates, and two corvettes. With the acquisition of two AOPV from India, Sri Lankan Navy now has five vessels, of similar type, namely SLNS Sayura (Sukanya class P 620), SLNS Samudura (formerly of US Coast Guard P 621), SLNS Sagara (Vikram class P622) and SLNS Sayurala (P 623). Four other naval ships including two fast missile vessels and two fast patrol boats received from Australia are also in service with Sri Lankan Navy. Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL): GSL is one of India’s best shipyards and designated mini-Ratna by the Union Government. It is located in Vasco da Gama, Goa. It was established in 1957, originally by colonial government of Portuguese in India, as the “Estaleiros Navais de Goa” to build barges to be used in Goa’s growing mining industry. In the wake of Portugal’s defeat and unconditional surrender to India following 1961 Indian annexation of Goa, GSL was requisitioned to manufacture warships for Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
36) The Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed launch of India’s second lunar mission ‘Chandrayaan-2’ from April 2018 to October-November 2018 as experts have suggested more tests. It will be launched on board of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III (GSLV-F10). Chandrayaan 2: Chandrayaan 2 is India’s second mission to Moon and is advanced version of previous Chandrayaan-1 mission (launched in 2008). It has been developed indigenously by ISRO. It consists of Orbiter, Lander and Rover configuration. In this mission, ISRO will for first time attempt to land a rover on moon’s south pole. The spacecraft (orbiter) weighs around 3,290 kg and it will orbit around moon and perform objectives of remote sensing moon. Once GSLV-F10 putspacecraft in 170 km x 20,000 km elliptical orbit, orbiter will be manoeuvred towards 100-km lunar orbit by firing thrusters and then lander housing the rover will separate from orbiter. The six wheeled rover will move on lunar surface and collect soil or rock samples for on-site chemical analysis to gather scientific information on lunar topography, mineralogy, elemental abundance, lunar exosphere and signatures of hydroxyl and water-ice. The data will be relayed to Earth through orbiter. The rover will move around landing site in semi-autonomous mode as decided by the ground commands. Note: The soft-landing on the lunar surface of the moon will be most complex part of Chandrayaan 2 mission. Only the US, Russia and China have been able to soft-land spacecraft on lunar surface.
37) Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has entered into Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to transfer technology for manufacturing space grade Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) cells. The technology transfer will enable BHEL to produce space grade Li-Ion cells which can meet country’s space programme requirements. It can also be adopted to cater Li-Ion cell requirement for other national needs. Key Facts: The ISRO uses Li-Ion batteries as power sources for satellite and launch vehicle applications due to their high energy density, reliability and long cycle life. ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) at Thiruvananthapuram has successfully developed technology to produce space grade Li-ion cell. It also has demonstrated performance of cell under various testing conditions and established its cycle life characteristics in accelerated mode. These Li-Ion cells are currently being used for various satellite and launch vehicle applications. Li-Ion battery: Lithium-ion battery or Li-ion battery is type of rechargeable battery that contains several cells. Each cell consists of cathode, anode and electrolyte, a separator between electrodes and current collectors. In it, lithium ions move from negative electrode to positive electrode during discharge and back when charging. Li-ion battery use intercalated lithium compound as one electrode material. Benefits of Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery: The lithium-ion battery is light weighted and is one-third the weight of lead acid batteries. It is nearly 100% efficient in both charging and discharging as compared to lead battery which has 70% efficiency. It completely discharges i.e. 100% as compared to 80% for lead acid. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery has life cycle of 5000 times or more compared to just 400-500 cycles in lead acid. It also maintains constant voltage throughout the entire discharge cycle whereas voltage in lead acid battery drops consistently throughout its discharge cycle. It is much cleaner technology and is safer for environment as it does not have environmental impact as lead acid battery.
38) Canadian mathematician Robert P. Langlands (81) has won prestigious Abel Prize 2018 for his visionary programme connecting representation theory to number theory. He will receive the award from Norway’s King Harald V at an award ceremony in Oslo in May 2018. Robert Phelan Langlands: He was born on October 6, 1936 at New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. He is best known as founder of Langlands program, a vast web of conjectures and results connecting representation theory and automorphic forms to study of Galois groups in number theory. He is emeritus professor and occupies Albert Einstein’s office at Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton. Abel Prize: It is awarded annually by Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters to one or more outstanding mathematicians. The award was established by Government of Norway in 2001 and awarded annually since 2003. It is named after 19th century Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel. It is one of world’s top prizes in mathematics and is considered to be maths equivalent of Nobel Prize, which has no prize for mathematics. It carries monetary award of 6 million Norwegian kroner (NOK) (around 600,000 Euros). Indian American mathematician R. Srinivasa Varadhan was bestowed with this award in 2007 for his fundamental contributions to probability theory and for creating a unified theory of large deviation.
39) Indian Navy’s indigenously built warship INS Ganga (F22) was decommissioned in Mumbai, Maharashtra after over three decades of service. The warship was commissioned in December 1985 and had represented big step forward in India’s indigenous warship building capability. The decommissioning ceremony was attended by several officers and men, many now retired, who had served on board ship. INS Ganga: INS Ganga (F22) was a Godavari-class guided-missile frigate of the Indian Navy. It was built by Mazagon Dock Limited, Mumbai and was commissioned into Indian Navy on 30 December 1985. The Godavari class was first indigenous warship design and development initiative of Indian Navy. The warship along with Shakti and INS Godavari were deployed to Somalian capital Mogadishu in December 1994 to support withdrawal of Indian Army’s 66 Brigade, including the 2nd Battalion, Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (2 JAKLI).
40) The first-ever National Conference on Drug Law Enforcement was held in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir. The 2-day conference was organized by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Ministry of Home Affairs. Key Facts: More than 50 State and Central law enforcement agencies involved in combating drug trafficking had participated in this Conference. The working sessions of conference focused on various topics such as ‘Wider context of drug trafficking in India’, ‘Financial Investigations’ and ‘Foreign & Cyber Investigations’. During these sessions various agencies gave presentations. United Nations (UN) and other foreign law enforcement agencies also shared their experiences. Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): NCB is nodal drug law enforcement and intelligence agency of India. It is responsible for fighting drug trafficking and the abuse of illegal substances. It functions under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and 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. Mandate: Fight drug trafficking on all-India level. Provide resources and training to personnel of India’s law enforcement agencies in fighting drug trafficking. Monitor India’s frontiers to track down points where smuggling activities take place with foreign traffickers. Work 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.
41) The External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) launched ‘Videsh Aaya Pradesh ke Dwaar’, an engagement programme with regional media in Hyderabad, Telangana. The initiative aims enhance public diplomacy outreach of MEA and its commitment to take objectives of foreign policy to people at grassroot-level. Videsh Aaya Pradesh ke Dwaar: The initiative involves MEA’s engagement with regional media based in different cities across the countru to communicate foreign policy priorities in simple terms. It also seeks to highlight benefits accruing to common people through its diplomatic efforts and bring domain of foreign policy closer to people. It is also intends to create pool of media professionals interested in foreign policy and guide them on connecting with MEA.
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