WBCS Current Affairs 26 May 2018 To 01 June 2018

The Importance of Current Affairs in W.B.C.S examinations is immense.Success inW.B.C.S  Prelims and W.B.C.S Mains Exam is mainly subjected to how well an aspirant is aware of the important current affairs. Preparation of current affairs for W.B.C.S is the key to unlock the exam.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 26 May 2018 To 01 June 2018.

1) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully carried out maiden flight test new surface-to-air missile (yet to get formal name) powered by Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR) propulsion Technology. The test also successfully demonstrated technology of nozzle less booster for first time in the country. About Test: SFDR’s technology demonstrator flight test was conducted from Launch Centre-III of Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. The defensive missile flew in its intended trajectory at speed of Mach 3 (thrice the speed of sound) and met all mission objectives. Significance: SFDR technology is jointly developed by India and Russia. It will help both India’s surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles to perform better and enhance their strike range, making them more lethal. With it, India can have fastest long-range missiles in two categories, providing full-fledged and multi-layered aerial protection from hostile attacks. Its successful use in missiles will mark India’s entry into select club of nations that use next-generation missile technology against maneuvering targets, compromising effectiveness of conventional missiles. Difference between SFDR and Conventional Missiles: SFDR is propulsion technology different than that of conventional solid fuelled or liquid fuelled missiles. Present lot of conventional missiles uses booster or sustainer configuration with solid or liquid propellants, which have limitations against maneuvering target. This is because terminal stage of conventional missiles cannot provide enough energy to maintain their speed in order to hit targets. SDFR technology removes this drawback by exceptionally enhancing endgame maneuverability of missile at terminal stage when its seeker is locked onto target.

2) The world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC-2018) will see participation of 26 countries, including India. The exercise will be held from June 27 to August 2, 2018 in and around Hawaiian Islands and Southern California. The theme for this year’s RIMPAC exercise is “Capable, Adaptive, Partners.” Four countries Brazil, Israel, Sri Lanka and Vietnamare are participating for first time. US had withdrawn invitation of Chinese navy in response to China’s continued illegal militarisation of islands in disputed South China Sea. Key Facts: RIMPAC 2018 will see participation of 47 surface ships, five submarines, 18 national land forces, and more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel. New Zealand will be serving as sea combat commander in this edition of exercise, and Chile serving as combined force maritime component commander. This will be for the first time non-founding RIMPAC nation (Chile) will hold component commander leadership position. In this edition, RIMPAC for first time will see participation of land-based unit in the live fire event. It will feature live firing of Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) from US Air Force aircraft, surface-to-ship missiles by Japan Ground Self-Defence Force and Naval Strike Missile (NSM) from launcher on back of Palletized Load System (PLS) by US Army. Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise: RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise. It was held for first time in 1971, since the held biennially near Honolulu, Hawaii (US) during June and July of even-numbered years. It is hosted and administered by United States Navy’s Pacific Fleet (headquartered at Pearl Harbour) in conjunction with Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Hawaii National Guard forces under control of Governor of Hawaii. For this exercise, host country US invites military forces of countries from Pacific Rim and beyond to participate. The biennial exercise seeks to provide unique training opportunity to participants in order foster cooperative relationships to ensure the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s oceans.

3) Trilateral Naval Exercise Malabar 2018 between India, Japan and United States will be held off the coast of Guam in Philippine Sea from June 6-15, 2018. It will be 22nd edition of the naval exercise. The exercise comes at time of increased friction between China and US along with nations bordering resource rich South China Sea (SCS) as China is militarising reclaimed islands in it to further strengthen its claim. Key Facts: This edition of annual exercise will focus on high-end war fighting skillsets, subject matter expert and professional exchanges. It will also include combined carrier strike group operations, surface and anti-submarine warfare, medical operations, maritime patrol and reconnaissance operations, damage control, helicopter operations and visit, board, search and seizure operations. Indian Navy participation in this year’s exercises will include indigenous stealth frigate INS Sahyadri, fleet tanker INS Shakti, anti-submarine corvette INS Kamorta and P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft. Japan is deploying its helicopter carrier JDS Ise along with Kawasaki P-1 aircraft maritime patrol aircraft and Soryu class conventional submarines. US is sending its aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan along with strike complement of destroyers, nuclear attack submarines and support ships in addition to P-8A maritime patrol aircraft. Background: Malabar Exercise was started as Indo-US bilateral naval war drill in 1992. Since then it is held annually. Japan had formally joined the exercise as permanent participant in 2015, making it trilateral exercise. The primary aim of this multilateral exercise is to increase interoperability amongst navies of three countries and develop common understanding of procedures for Maritime Security Operations and deepen defence relations between them. In 2007, the exercise also saw participation of Australia and Singapore. All the participating nations in the exercise have clarified earlier that the Malabar series is not aimed at any specific country.

4) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test-fired upgraded guided version of Pinaka Rocket from Proof & Experiment Establishment (PXE) at Chandipur, Odisha. During the tests, two rounds were conducted and some more rounds have been planned. Upgraded Pinaka: The guided version is Pinaka rocket (Pinaka mark-II) has evolved from earlier version of unguided Pinaka mark-I. The upgraded Pinaka mark-II has been fitted with navigation, guidance and control kit developed by Research Centre, Imarat (RCI). The conversion has helped to enhance range of Pinaka to more than 70 km (from earlier 40 km) and accuracy to 50m (from earlier 500m). Pinaka Missile: It is jointly developed by Pune based Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad and RCI. It is fired using multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) which can fire 12 Rockets loaded with explosives within 44 seconds and destroy target area of 4 sq km at a time. It has capability to incorporate several types of warheads makes it deadly for enemy as it can even destroy solid structures and bunkers. The quick reaction time and high rate of fire of system gives an edge to Army during low amount conflict situation. It already has been inducted into Indian Army.

5) Social networking giant Facebook has partnered with National Commission for Women (NCW) to launch Digital Literacy Programme to train women on safe use of internet and social media. The programme was launched by Facebook in collaboration with Ranchi, Jharkhanda-based Cyber Peace Foundation (CPF), a civil society organisation involved in training related to all aspects of cyber security. Digital Literacy Programme: Under it, awareness training will be conducted for 60,000 women in universities across major cities over a one-year period. These interactive training sessions will provide training on safe and responsible use of internet, social media and email. It will enable trainees to differentiate between credible and questionable information. The training will be conducted in local languages. The digital literacy programme will benefit women in universities across major cities in Haryana, Manipur, Delhi-NCR, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. National Commission for Women (NCW): NCW is a statutory body established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. It was established in January 1992 to review the constitutional and legal safeguards for women. It recommends remedial legislative measures, advise Government on all policy matters affecting women and facilitate redressal of grievances related to women.

6) Andhra Pradesh Government notified its new state symbols after four year after bifurcation of undivided Andhra Pradesh in 2014 into two states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. These states symbols were notified by State department of environment, forest, science and technology. New state symbols: State bird: Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri). Locally known as Rama Chiluka. State tree: Neem ( Azadirachta indica). Locally known Vepa Chettu. State animal: Black-buck (Antilope cervicapra). Locally known as Krishna Jinka. State flower: Jasmine (Jasminum officinale). Its adoption will promote jasmine, which is grown commercially in Guntur, Prakasam, Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapur and Chittoor districts of state. State symbols of Telangana- State bird: Indian Roller (coracias benghalensis) or Palapitta. It also state bird of Odisha and Karnataka. State tree: Jammi Chettu (prosopis cineraria). State animal: Jinka or spotted deer. State flower: Tangidi Puvvu (senna auriculata). It is widely used in the state’s famous Bathukamma festival.

7) Scientists from Newcastle University, UK have created world’s first 3D printed human corneas (3D printed thin protective film over eye) that could solve problem of shortage of available eye donors and help millions of blind people gain sight again. Cornea is outermost layer of the human eye. Its key function is to focus vision. It also barricades eyes against harmful dirt and bacteria. Damage to cornea from injury or infection can distort vision or even lead to blindness. Key Facts: The 3D printed human corneas were produced using bio-ink solution consisting of healthy corneal stem mixed together with alginate and collagen. The combination of alginate (a gel derived from seaweed) and collagen helps to keep corneal stem cells alive and produces material of necessary dimensions which is stiff enough to hold its shape and soft enough to be squeezed out nozzle of 3D printer.

8) The Union Ministry of Tourism for first time issued guidelines for Adventure Tourism in India in an effort to make adventure sports safer. These guidelines were launched Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) K. J. Alphons in New Delhi. In past few years, adventure tourism has grown rapidly India. It has been playing vital role in economic growth of the country as well as attracting large number of travellers from across globe to country. Key Facts: The Ministry of Tourism has formulated guidelines on Safety and Quality Norms for Adventure Tourism in India along with Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI). The set of guidelines list out basic minimum standards required for adventure tourism activities in India. The sole aim of these guidelines is to help adventure tour operators understand and execute safety guidelines in better manner. These guidelines cover land, air and water based adventure activities which include mountaineering, bungee jumping, trekking, paragliding, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, river rafting and many other sports.

9) United States has renamed its oldest and largest stragically important military command US Pacific Command (PACOM) to Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). The decision was taken in recognition of growing importance of Indian Ocean in US strategic thinking. The Trump administration already has renamed Asia Pacific as Indo-Pacific and identified India as one bookend of the region. Key Facts: At present, US Pacific Command is responsible for all US military activity in greater Pacific region. It has about 375,000 civilian and military personnel assigned to its area of responsibility, which also includes India. Now renamed INDOPACOM will now extend its reach from Pacific Ocean to Indian Ocean Region. INDOPACOM will help US to stand by its Pacific and Indian Ocean allies and partners and support their sovereign decisions for maintaining regional stability and in turn critical to global peace. The renaming does not to account to additional assets for the region at this time. But it recognizes India’s increasing military relevance for US for countering Chinese economic and military pressure in the region.

10) Ministry of Railways conducted one day workshop Mission Raftaar aimed at raising average speed of freight trains and coaching trains in New Delhi. The workshop was inaugurated by Minister of State (MoS) for Railways Rajen Gohain and Chairman of Railway Board Ashwani Lohani. It was attended by all members of Railway Board along with General Managers of Zonal Railways & Senior Railway officers were present on occasion. Mission Raftar: The mission aims at doubling average speed of freight trains and increasing average speed of coaching trains by 25kmph over a five year period. It was launched as part of strategy of Indian Railways to keep pace with growing competition from competing modes viz. road and airlines etc. Under it, specific actions and policy decisions have been initiated on railways for addressing different factors inhibiting average speeds. Under it, major constraints to rail mobility such as non-uniform sectional speeds have been identified and multi-pronged strategy has been developed to overcome the existing impediments due to fixed infrastructure, movable infrastructure, operational practices and institutional mechanisms. Significance: The mission will help to reduce travel time for passengers, transit time for cargo, reduce operational cost, improve revenues and railway’s market share and also reduce pollution as railways in considered environment friendly and economical mode of transport. Principal routes of railways on Golden Quadrilateral (Delhi-Mumbai-Chennai-Kolkatta) along with diagonals which carry approximately 58% of freight traffic and 52% of coaching traffic has been taken up for initial emphasis of the mission.

11) Union Ministry of Railways has launched new user interface of its Next Generation e-Ticketing (NGeT) System on Indian Railway’s Online Travel Portal (www.irctc.co.in). Through NGeT system, Indian Railways new online ticket booking system provides user-friendly, easy and fast way of booking rail tickets by automating journey planning and purchase of tickets. It was launched as part of Union Government’s Digital India’ initiative to harness power of technology and in making lives easier for citizens of India. Features of New User Interface of NGeT System: Using it user can now enquire and search trains and also check availability of seats without logging in the system, thereby saving time of the users. They also can now change font size of website for comfortable viewing. It will provide enhanced class-wise, train-wise, destination-wise, departure and arrival time wise and quota-wise filters for facilitating customer while planning their journeys. It also arranges information about train including train no, train name, originating and destination station and distances between them, arrival and departure time and journey time on single screen information. It also has new features for payments such as My Transactions which will help user to view their booked tickets based on Booking Date, Journey Date, Upcoming Journey and completed journey. It also has waitlist prediction which will allow user to get probability of wait-listed or RAC tickets getting confirmed. It also has journey planner page, history of all journeys, bookings, cancellation. User can find out availability for entire Advance Reservation Period (of 120 days), except for few trains in improvised page. User can perform multiple activities through booked history with improved interface for cancellation of tickets, printing of tickets, request for additional SMS, selecting alternative train and change of boarding point if required.

12) The Union Ministry of AYUSH has announced that main event of 4th International Yoga Day celebrations (IDY-2018) will be held on 21 June 2018 at Dehradun, capital city of Uttrakhand. Key Facts: The event is going to be Mass Yoga Demonstration that will attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Three places- Forest Research Institute (FRI), Gorkha Training Centre (GTC) and Maharana Pratap Stadium have been identified for the event. On this occasion AYUSH Ministry is also planning to give two Yoga Awards known as PM Yoga Award to national and international participants. International Yoga Day (IYD): The idea of celebrating the International Yoga Day was pitched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2014. Later in December 2014, UNGA unanimously adopted India-led resolution to observe 21st June as ‘International Day of Yoga’. This resolution was adopted under agenda of UN’s ‘Global Health and Foreign Policy’. The date 21st June was selected because it represents one of the two solstices and is the longest day in Northern Hemisphere which has special significance in many parts of the world. The first International Yoga Day (IYD) was celebrated across the world on 21 June 2015.

13) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has implored Centre for granting Special Category Status for the state. He asserted Special Category status to the state will it will enhance availability of resources by lowering state’s contribution in centrally sponsored schemes, improve access to external resources. It will act as catalyst for private investment and will boost employment generation and improve life quality of people in the land locked state. Special Category status: The concept of SCS was first introduced in 1969 by Fifth Finance Commission. It has been not mentioned in Constitution. The rationale for special status was that certain states were historically disadvantaged in contrast to others, because of their inherent features, low resource base and cannot mobilize resources for development. The decision to grant special category status was earlier with former Planning Commission body called the National Development Council (NDC). NITI Aayog, which had replaced Planning Commission has no power to allocate funds for states falling under this category, therefore, now it is discretion of ruling party at Centre to dole out special favours to states. Criteria for Special Category States: Earlier, NDC accorded this status to states having hilly and difficult terrain, low population density or sizeable share of tribal population, strategic location along borders with neighbouring countries, economic and infrastructural backwardness and non-viable nature of state finances. The 14th Finance Commission also had recommended variables such as “forest cover” for devolution, with weightage of 7.5 in criteria to benefit north-eastern States. What Special Category States have in common? They are special in the sense that they have special socio-economic, geographical problems, high cost of production with less availability of useful resources and hence low economic base for livelihood activities. States under this category have low resource base and are not in position to mobilize resources for their developmental needs even though their per capita income may appear high. Which are Special Category Status States? NDC had accorded Special Category Status only to 11 states, out of 29 states to target fund flow for better balanced growth. These states includes are seven states of North-East (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura), Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Other states are referred as General Category States (GCS). Benefits to Special Category Status States: Special Category Status states are given favored treatment in respect of plan financing and financial devolutions as compared to General Category States (GCS). According to Gadgil-Mukherjee formula for devolution of Central assistance for States plan as approved by NDC, 30 % of total funds is earmarked for Special Category States. Special category States receive 90% central assistance as grant and just 10% as loan in composition of Central assistance as compared to central assistance of 30% grant and 70% loan for Special Category States. Moreover, these states get favored treatment from hands of Finance Commission in respect of devolution of Central tax revenues. Present position of Centre: After establishment of NITI Aayog and recommendations of 14th Finance Commission, Central plan assistance to SCS States was subsumed in increased devolution of divisible pool to all States (from 32% in 13th Finance Commission recommendations to 42%). Many states such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha are craving for Special Category State status because of nature of benefits these states are getting. In response to demand of these states, Central Government held that 14th Finance Commission has effectively removed concept of Special Category States after its recommendations were accepted in 2015 and it has restricted it only to north-eastern and three hilly states.

14) The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed senior diplomat Pankaj Saran as Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA). He will have tenure of two years, on deputation basis. In his new role, he will assist NSA Ajit Doval along with Rajinder Khanna who was appointed as Deputy NSA in January 2018. Pankaj Saran: He is Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of 1982 batch officer. He had held various positions in India and abroad including the country’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh. He also served as the joint secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office between 2007 and 2012. Prior to his appointment as Deputy NSA, he was serving as India’s Ambassador to Russia from November 2015. His wife Preeti Saran is Secretary (East) in Ministry of External Affairs. National Security Advisor (NSA): The NSA is the chief executive of National Security Council (NSC) and primary advisor to Prime Minister on national and international security and oversees strategic issues. It is NSA to whom intelligence agencies such as Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) report, rather than directly to Prime Minister. Due to such vested powers, NSA is prominent and powerful office in the bureaucracy. NSA is assisted by a Deputy NSA. The post was created in November 1998 by Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government. Brajesh Mishra was first to be appointed NSA of India. Since the inception of the post, all NSAs appointed belong to Indian Foreign Service (IFS) except M K Narayanan and incumbent, Ajit Doval, who belong to Indian Police Service.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 26 May 2018 To 01 June 2018.

15) The 71st World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland has adopted resolution on Digital Health. The resolution was initiated by India and was co-sponsored by 20 countries. The World Health Assembly is highest decision-making body of World Health Organization (WHO). Its 71st session was attended by delegations from all WHO member states. Features of Resolution on Digital Health: It recognises huge potential of Digital health technology has for supporting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improving accessibility, quality and affordability of health services. It urges WHO member states to prioritise development and greater use of digital technologies in health sector as means for advancing global health agenda and Sustainable Development Goals. It paves way for WHO to establish global strategy on digital health, identify priority areas and engage member states to optimise their health systems in sync with global digital health agenda. It is first step towards mainstreaming digital interventions in health sector. It includes use modern advance technologies such as deep machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) and other emerging disciplines like genomics. It also asks member states to identify priority areas in which they will be benefitted from WHO assistance in digital health services and applications, data security, ethical and legal issues. World Health Organization (WHO): WHO is specialized agency of United Nations that acts as coordinating authority on international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, it succeeded the Health Organization, which was an agency of the League of Nations. It is a member of UN Development Group (UNDP). It is headquartered at Geneva. WHO flag features the Rod of Asclepius as a symbol for healing.

16) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in its draft Telecom Commercial Communication Customer Preference Regulation, 2018 has proposed use of blockchain technology to check menace of Unsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) or spam calls and messages. This will be for first time, any country will deploy blockchain technology to check unwanted calls. Key Facts: The blockchain technology based norms to check menace of UCC will record all communication between subscribers and entities, capturing customer consent for information and authorised telemarketing agencies. It will ensure two things, non- repudiative and confidentiality. It will be safeguarding personal information of the consumers as well as for better check on unsolicited commercial calls. Only those authorised to access details will be able to access subscriber details and only when they need to deliver service. The draft proposes to check misuse of repeated UCC being made even to those subscribers who have given consent. The subscriber will be now able to revoke consent given to entities through TRAI app and other mechanism that will be provided under regulation. Benefits: Using blockchain technology, all information can be recorded and more options can be given to customers regarding commercial communications. The telemarketers will not have access to database of telecom customers and they can only reach out to those, who have opted to receive communication. Moreover, any spammer who uses normal 10-digit number to communicate with people can be tracked immediately after few people report to TRAI as data can be matched.

17) The Union Ministry of Power has launched web portal (www.praapti.in) and app namely PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification And Analysis in Power procurement for bringing Transparency in Invoicing of generators). The webportal and app aims to bring transparency in power purchase transactions between Generators and Discoms. Key Features: The PRAAPTI app and web Portal will capture invoicing and payment data for various long term Power Purchasing Agreements (PPAs) from power generation companies (generators). This will help stakeholders in getting month-wise and legacy data on outstanding amounts of Discoms against power purchase. The PRAAPTI app will also allow users to know the details related to payments made by Discoms to power generators and when they were made. It will also enable consumers to evaluate financial performance of their Discoms in terms of payments being made to generators. The PRAAPTI portal will also help DISCOMs and GENCOs to reconcile their outstanding payments. It will facilitate relative assessment of various State DISCOMs on ease of making payments to various generators and will also help make transactions in power Sector more transparent.

18) Union Government has signed agreement for IBRD Credit of US $21.7 Million from World Bank for Strengthening of Public Financial Management in Rajasthan Project. The Implementing Entity Agreement for the project was signed by Secretary, Finance (Budget) on behalf of Government of Rajasthan, and Acting Country Director (India) on behalf of World Bank. Key Facts: The size of project is approximately US $31 million, of which US $21.7 million will be financed by World Bank and remaining amount will be funded-out of state Budget. The project’s objective is to contribute to improved budget execution, enhanced accountability and greater efficiency in Revenue Administration in Rajasthan. It also involves strengthening of Strengthening of Expenditure and Revenue Systems, Public Financial Management Framework and Project Management and Capacity Building among others. The project has duration is 5 years.

19) The Union Ministry of Women and Child and Development (WCD) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uttar Pradesh Government for management of Home of Widows at Sunrakh Bangar, Vrindavan. The MoU will be in force for period of 2 years and may be renewed for further period on satisfactory running of shelter homes of widows. Key Facts: Ministry of WCD has constructed this shelter home for widows with a capacity of 1000 inmates. It will be run by Uttar Pradesh Government themselves or by any state government institution or civil society or reputed non-government organization (NGO) to be decided by state government. According to MoU, UP Government of will be responsible for activities including setting up mechanism for identifying beneficiaries, providing residential care to widows, deploying staff as per norms with prescribed qualification and experience. The MoU also includes provisions for facilitating Aadhar Cards for all inmates and medical and geriatric care for inmates. It further states that senior officials of UP Government will visit and check security staff periodically and monitor their performance.

20) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) rolled out ‘Gaj Yatra’, an awareness campaign to protect elephants from Tura in Garo Hills of Meghalaya. It was organised by the Wildlife Trust of India in collaboration with the State Forest Department. Under this campaign, an elephant mascot will be taken across districts frequented by jumbo herds for generating awareness among the people. It was launched to acknowledged good gesture of villagers from Garo Hills who had set aside part of their community-owned land to create village reserve forests for human-elephant harmony. Gaj Yatra: Gaj Yatra is 18-month-long national campaign aimed to protect elephants, India’s national heritage animal in 12 elephant range states. It was launched in August 2017 by Environment and Forest Minister Harsh Vardhan on the occasion of World Elephant Day 2017 (observed on August 12). The campaign is being led by Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). It aims to involve people from all walks of life in conservation of elephants. Under this campaign, WTI is securing 101 elephant corridors across in 12 elephant range states through its Right to Passage project, in partnership with Union government’s Project Elephant, state forest departments and various NGOs. The aim this project is to rehabilitate people affected by man-elephant conflict in corridor areas while ensuring uninterrupted movement of elephants between key habitats.

21) Scientists from University of Minnesota, US have discovered that chemical element ruthenium (Ru) is fourth element to have unique magnetic properties (ferromagnetism) at room temperature. So far only three periodic table elements Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), and Nickel (Ni) have been found to be ferromagnetic at room temperature. Key Facts: Researchers showed that Ru can be fourth single element ferromagnetic material by using ultra-thin films to force ferromagnetic phase. It took them about two years to find right way to grow this material and validate it. The discovery will help to improve sensors, devices in computer memory and logic industry or other devices using magnetic materials. From an application perspective, Ru is interesting because it is resistant to oxidation and additional has high thermal stability – a vital requirement for scaling magnetic memories. Ruthenium: Ruthenium is chemical element with symbol Ru and atomic number 44. It is rare transition metal belonging to platinum group of periodic table. Like other metals of platinum group, it is inert to most other chemicals. It was discovered in 1844 by Russian-born scientist Karl Ernst. It named Ruthenium, after Latin name of Russia. Ruthenium is usually found as minor component of platinum ores. It is used in wear-resistant electrical contacts and thick-film resistors. Its minor application is in platinum alloys and as a chemistry catalyst.

22) The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed former Supreme Court Judge Justice R K Agrawal as President of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC). He will succeed Justice D K Jain, who completed his term. Justice Agrawal was judge of Supreme Court from February 2014 to May 2018 and had served on bench of the apex court for four years. National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC): NCDRC is quasi-judicial commission set up under Consumer Protection Act of 1986. It addresses grievances of aggrieved consumer for goods and services having value over Rs. 1 crore. It was established in 1988 and is headquartered in New Delhi. The commission is headed by sitting or retired judge of Supreme Court of India. Statutory Provisions: Section 21 of Consumer Protection Act, 1986 posits that NCDRC shall have jurisdiction to entertain complaint valued more than Rs. 1 crore and also have appellate and revisional jurisdiction from orders of state commissions or district fora as case may be. Section 23 of Act provides that any person aggrieved by order of NCDRC, may appeal against such order to Supreme Court within period of 30 days.

23) India and Pakistan held meeting of their coast guard officials (Indian Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency) held in New Delhi. They addressed issues pertaining to boundary violations by fishermen from both sides and enhancing cooperation in area of maritime search and rescue and combating pollution at sea. Background: Indian Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) had signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in October 2005 for envisaging cooperation between ICG and PMSA. The MoU was extended for five years in 2016.The MoU envisages cooperation through exchange of information on Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) violations, marine pollution, apprehended vessels, natural disasters and calamities, combating smuggling, illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and piracy and coordination in search and rescue and return sea passage. It also established communication link between coast guards of both counteries which is operational. Under provisions of MoU, directors general of PMSA and ICG meet periodically. This annual meeting is significant link between coast guards of two neighbouring countries for addressing issues pertaining to maritime security.

24) Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Sudha Balakrishnan as the first Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She will be the 12th executive director of the RBI and will have tenure of three years. Balakrishnan is chartered accountant by profession. Prior to this appointment, she was former executive vice president of National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), India’s first and largest depository. Key Facts: The new CFO will be in charge of RBI’s balance sheet to ensure accounting policies and procedures comply with regulations. She will be in charge of government and bank account department, which processes government transactions like payments and revenue collections. She will also oversee RBI’s investments in India and abroad. She will also be in charge of dividend RBI pays to government, which is crucial in final budgetary calculations. Under RBI Act, 1934, RBI is required to pay government its surplus after making provisions for bad and doubtful debts, depreciation in assets and contribution to staff and superannuation fund among others.

25) Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali has tied up with state owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) to launch Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards. With this, India’s most trusted Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brand has entered in to telecom sector after gaining popularity in the consumer goods market. Key Facts: Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards can be recharged for Rs. 144, for which users will get unlimited calls throughout country, 2 GB data and send 100 SMSes. Initially only Patanjali employees and office bearers will get benefits of SIM card. After complete rollout of SIM cards, customers will get a 10% discount on Patanjali products. The SIM card also comes with medical insurance and life insurance covers. The medical insurance cover is for Rs 2.5 lakh, while life insurance costs Rs 5 lakh. The covers can only be availed in event of road accident.

26) Colombia has formally joined North Atlantic Treaty Organization as global partner. It makes it first Latin American to join NATO. The announcement came after Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) approved Colombia as a new member. Background: NATO alliance had reached partnership agreement with Colombia back in May 2017, just after the Latin American signed peace agreement with communist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), ending the longest-running civil conflict in Latin America. The peace deal had earned Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos 2016 Nobel Peace Prize. Key Facts: As a global partner with NATO, Colombia will not necessarily have to take part in active military actions of NATO but will be fully accredited to 29-nation military alliance. It will cooperate on global security areas like cyber and maritime security, terrorism and links to organized crime. Other global partners of NATO include Afghanistan, Australia, Iraq, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, New Zealand and Pakistan. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance between 29 North American and European countries based on the North Atlantic Treaty that was signed on 4 April 1949. It is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, while headquarters of its Allied Command Operations is near Mons, Belgium. NATO system constitutes of collective defence whereby its independent member states agree to mutual defence in response to attack by any external party. The combined military spending of all NATO members constitutes over 70% of the global defence spending.

27) Tata Trusts has signed MoU with Government to provide development support in eight worst Naxal-affected districts in Chhattisgarh. These eight worst Naxal-affected districts are covered under Transformation of aspirational districts Programme of NITI Aayog. Key Facts: The eight worst Naxal-hit districts chosen for programme and will be helped by Tata Trusts are Kanker, Rajnandgaon, Bijapur, Bastar, Kondagaon, Dantewada, Narayanpur and Sukma. Tata Trusts will provide government technical and human resource assistance to Government to special development programme. It will help government in conducting surveys and providing ground level and technical support in raising living standards of citizens and ensuring inclusive growth for all. Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ programme: NITI Aayog had launched this programme in January 2017 with an aim to quickly and effectively transform some of most underdeveloped districts of the country. Over 100 districts from across the country were chosen to implement ambitious programme. The programme envisages rapid development of selected districts on basis of composite index based on health and nutrition, education, financial inclusion, skill development, agriculture and water resources and basic infrastructure. It focuses closely on improving people’s ability to participate fully in burgeoning economy. It seeks to bring these indicators in selected districts at par with the better performing districts in the country.

28) The first edition of Global Wind Summit will be held in Hamburg, Germany from September 25 to 28, 2018. It will be largest and most important meeting of the wind industry worldwide. The summit will see participation of of speakers from about 100 countries, including India, China, the US, Spain and Denmark. Key Facts: The summit combines will have two main conferences, WindEnergy Hamburg and WindEurope, Holinsky. Both events together will witness participation of about 1,400 exhibitors and 250 speakers from all over the world. The summit will provide platform for experts from across globe to discuss innovative and green technologies for harnessing wind energy making. The focus of the conferences will be on three major subjects viz. dynamic markets, cost efficiency and smart energy. It will discuss ways to develop new markets, make product competitive in auctions and use wind power for all energy applications. Note: India with 33GW (installed capacity) is fourth largest country after China, US and Germany in terms of wind energy installation capacity. Government has set ambitious target of achieving 60 GW of wind energy by 2022.

29) The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has recognised Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) in Kerala as the world’s first fully solar energy-powered airport. CIAL is India’s first airport to be constructed in public-private-partnership (PPP) model in 1999. It is the busiest and largest airport in the state of Kerala. It is only PPP airport in the country that has handled more than 5 million passengers in year. The airport has 15 MWp solar power plant near the cargo complex of airport comprising 46,150 solar panels laid across 45 acres. Key Facts: The solar power plant generates 50,000 units of electricity daily. It makes airport absolutely power neutral in terms of energy consumption as it consumes around 50000 to 60000 units of electricity per day. The plant system is without any battery storage as it is directly connected to the grid. The airport’s green power project does not result in any carbon dioxide emissions. It also produces clean source of energy equivalent to non-clean energy produced from coal fired power plants by burning more than 3 lakh metric tonnes of Coals. This plant is also equivalent to planting 30 lakh trees. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): UNEP is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. It was founded as result of United Nations Conference on Human Environment in June 1972. It is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. UNEP also has six regional offices and various country offices. UNEP acts as catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote wise use and sustainable development of global environment. It works with wide range of partners, including UN entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector and civil society.

30) The first edition of Global Wind Summit will be held in Hamburg, Germany from September 25 to 28, 2018. It will be largest and most important meeting of the wind industry worldwide. The summit will see participation of of speakers from about 100 countries, including India, China, the US, Spain and Denmark. Key Facts: The summit combines will have two main conferences, WindEnergy Hamburg and WindEurope, Holinsky. Both events together will witness participation of about 1,400 exhibitors and 250 speakers from all over the world. The summit will provide platform for experts from across globe to discuss innovative and green technologies for harnessing wind energy making. The focus of the conferences will be on three major subjects viz. dynamic markets, cost efficiency and smart energy. It will discuss ways to develop new markets, make product competitive in auctions and use wind power for all energy applications. Note: India with 33GW (installed capacity) is fourth largest country after China, US and Germany in terms of wind energy installation capacity. Government has set ambitious target of achieving 60 GW of wind energy by 2022.

31) The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has recognised Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) in Kerala as the world’s first fully solar energy-powered airport. CIAL is India’s first airport to be constructed in public-private-partnership (PPP) model in 1999. It is the busiest and largest airport in the state of Kerala. It is only PPP airport in the country that has handled more than 5 million passengers in year. The airport has 15 MWp solar power plant near the cargo complex of airport comprising 46,150 solar panels laid across 45 acres. Key Facts: The solar power plant generates 50,000 units of electricity daily. It makes airport absolutely power neutral in terms of energy consumption as it consumes around 50000 to 60000 units of electricity per day. The plant system is without any battery storage as it is directly connected to the grid. The airport’s green power project does not result in any carbon dioxide emissions. It also produces clean source of energy equivalent to non-clean energy produced from coal fired power plants by burning more than 3 lakh metric tonnes of Coals. This plant is also equivalent to planting 30 lakh trees. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): UNEP is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. It was founded as result of United Nations Conference on Human Environment in June 1972. It is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. UNEP also has six regional offices and various country offices. UNEP acts as catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote wise use and sustainable development of global environment. It works with wide range of partners, including UN entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector and civil society.

32) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has signed Letter of Intent (LoI) with UN Environment to promote green’ cricket in India. The partnership aims to spread greater awareness about key environmental challenges India is facing and highlight alternate and more sustainable solutions. Key Facts: Through this SoI, BCCI will endeavor to reduce its environmental impact by greening its operations and engaging cricketers and fans in green initiatives. Partnering with UN Environment will help to make cricket green and sensitise spectators towards minimising waste generation during matches. It will also focus on phasing out single-use plastic across stadiums in the country. Green Cricket Initiatives: Film with messages from captains of various franchises will be aired in stadiums highlighting hazards of plastic pollution during the course of Indian Premier League (IPL). At the four matches played at Holkar Stadium in Madhya Pradesh, a Green Protocol based on concept of 3Rs – to reduce, reuse and recycle was implemented. M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka replaced plastic cups and bottles with environment-friendly alternatives for over 32,000 fans. UN Environment: UN Environment (or UNEP) is leading global environmental authority that sets global environmental agenda, promotes coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as authoritative advocate for global environment. It was established in June 1972. It is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

33) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first smart and green highway-135 km long Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal (KGP) Expressway also known as Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE). The expressway was completed in record time of about 500 days against target of 910 days at a cost of nearly Rs 11,000 crore. PM also inaugurated first phase of Delhi-Meerut Expressway, India’s first 14 lane expressway and spans from Nizamuddin Bridge to Uttar Pradesh border. Both expressways will help to decongest the national capital as they will divert an estimated 2 lakh vehicles passing through national capital daily to this bypass. Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE): Solar power Plants: EPE is India’s first highway to be lit by solar power. It has eight solar power plants, with capacity of 4000 KW (4 megawatt) for lighting of underpasses and running solar pumps for watering plants. Rainwater harvesting: EPE also has arrangement for rainwater harvesting on both sides at every 500 meters and there is drip irrigation for plants all along the expressway. Closed tolling system: EPE has this tolling system in which toll is collected only for the distance travelled and not for the entire length. Toll plazas are equipped with Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system for faster toll collection Weigh-in-Motion (WIMs) equipment: They have been installed at all 30 entry points of the Expressway to stop entry of over-loaded vehicles. Auto Challans: EPE has system for auto challans in which over-speeding will be fined as cameras along the highway will capture speed of vehicles. Intelligent Traffic management: The EPE is equipped with smart and intelligent highway traffic management system (HTMS) and video incident detection system (VIDS). Green cover: Over 2.5 lakh trees have been planted along the expressway including transplant of 8-10 year old trees. It has drip irrigation provision for irrigating these trees.

34) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has teamed up with state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to send extreme weather warnings (alerts) to people. The alerts will be about impending extreme weather conditions such as thunderstorms and heatwave. Key Facts: BSNL and IMD will send area-specific alerts to users if they happen to be at place likely to experience extreme weather conditions, even if their phone numbers do not belong to that particular telecom circle. The exercise is being carried out in an experimental stage, and if successful Ministry of Earth Sciences plans to rope in other weather agencies also. Background: The move comes after IMD came under criticism from several quarters, including some state governments for not sending out specific alerts. Government weather forecasting agencies have limitations in disseminating information, especially in scenarios like thunderstorms where events unfold very quickly. Since these weather forecasting agencies cannot reach every individual, there must an intermediate agency that could pass on the forecast to people. Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) had recently asked IMD to send weather advisories to people.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 26 May 2018 To 01 June 2018.

35) India has concluded price negotiations with Russia for deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for Indian Air Force (IAF). They also have finalised financial component nearly Rs 40,000 crore of the deal. Key Facts: The deal will be announced before annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in October 2018. Now both countries are now trying to find way out to evade provisions of CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act), a stringent US law that seeks to punish countries and entities engaged in transactions with defence or intelligence establishment of Russia. Background: India wants to procure long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularly along its nearly 4,000-km-long border. In 2016, India had signed agreement with Russia on Triumf interceptor-based missile system. But there has been mounting concerns in India over US sanctions against Russian defence majors export as billions of dollars of military purchases may be impacted because of punitive measure. The US had announced sanctions against Russia under CAATSA for its alleged meddling in presidential election in 2016. S-400 Triumf Air Defence System: It is long-range air defence missile system is one of most advanced long-range defence systems in the world. It is referred to as SA-21 Growler by NATO. It is an upgraded version of the S-300 defence system and is manufactured by Almaz-Antey. It has been in service in Russia since 2007. It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets. It has capability to destroy incoming all airborne targets at ranges of up to 400 km. With it, India can destroy Pakistani or Chinese aircrafts even when they are in their airspace. China was first foreign country to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia to procure this lethal missile system in 2014. Russia already has started delivery of unknown number of the S-400 missile systems to China.

36) Indigenously developed Rustom-II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be delivered to armed forces by 2020 as per the contract. At present, its basic system is being perfected and attempts are being made to increase its flight altitude. Its manufacturing will be done by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd. Rustom-II: Rustom-II is part of Rustom line of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) indigenously designed and developed by DRDO that includes Rustom-I, Rustom-H and Rustom-C. It is being developed for use of all three services of Indian Armed Forces, primarily for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. It is a long-endurance UAV that has an 20 hours approximate flight time. Its medium-altitude prototype can fly at over 22,000 feet. It is propelled by two 3-bladed NPO saturn engines (each producing over 450 kg-force thrust). It stands 2.4m tall with wingspan of 20.6m and length of 9.5m. It can fly at around 280 km/h. Several critical systems and components of Rustom-II, like its airframe, flight control, avionics sub-systems, landing gear etc, have been made indigenously and some in collaboration with private manufacturers. Rustom-II can carry variety of payloads like Long Range Electro Optic (LREO), Medium Range Electro Optic (MREO), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Communication Intelligence (COMINT), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) and Situational Awareness Payloads (SAP) that help in performing missions even during the night.

37) Polish author Olga Tokarczuk (56) awarded Man Booker International Prize 2018. It makes her first writer from Poland to win this prestigious English-language literary award. She won prize with English translation of her novel Flights, which charts multiple journeys in time, space and human anatomy. It was first published in Polish language in 2007 and was translated into English in 2017 by Jennifer Croft. Olga Tokarczuk: Olga Tokarczuk is one of most critically acclaimed and commercially successful Polish writers of her generation. She is particularly noted for hallmark mythical tone of her writing. She is trained as psychologist at University of Warsaw. She has published collection of poems, several novels, as well as other books with shorter prose works. Her first novel, The Journey Of The People Of The Book was released in 1993. Her literally work has won several awards, both in her home country Poland and also abroad, including Poland’s most prestigious ‘Nike Literary Award’ twice. She also has co-written screenplay for Polish crime film Spoor, which won the Alfred Bauer Prize at the Berlin film festival in 2017. It was also selected as Poland’s entry for best foreign language film at 2018 Oscars. Man Booker International Prize: Man Booker International Prize is counterpart to Man Booker Prize for English-language novels presented by the Man Group. It is open to books in any language that have been translated into English. It carries monetary award of £50,000 award which is split evenly between writer and translator. The authors are shortlisted by judges from a wide range of disciplines and all with passion for quality fiction.

38) Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stone for first phase (2400MW) of NTPC’s coal based Patratu Super Thermal Power Project in Jharkhand. The project is 74: 26 Joint Venture between Government of Jharkhand (GoJ) and Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd. (PVUN), a subsidiary company of NTPC. The Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) contract of project is awarded to BHEL. Patratu Super Thermal Power Project: NTPC’s PVUNL will develop project in two phases viz. 2,400 MW (3x800MW) in Phase-I and 1,600 MW (2×800 MW) in Phase-II later. The first unit is envisaged to be commissioned in 2022 and subsequently other two units each of 800 MW after interval of six months each from the preceding unit. This project will allocate 85% of power to Jharkhand that will benefit state in the long run and help in economic growth of region. It will ensure providing 24×7 power availability to households in Jharkhand under Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) scheme. The project also complies with new emission norms with high efficiency ESP, FGD and Nox emission control systems. It has dry ash disposable system (second to NTPC Dadri), zero liquid discharge system, air-cooled condenser technology (only second to North Karanpura STPP) and rail loading facility for transportation of ash.

39) NITI Aayog has signed Statement of Intent (SoI) with noted media personality and entrepreneur Sushant Singh Rajput to collaborate and support its flagship Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) initiative. In his new role, actor turned entrepreneur will support NITI’s initiative for women entrepreneurs, to fund women-led startups to establish a vibrant, enabling entrepreneurial ecosystem for women of the country. He will also promote Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) digital payments app for cashless economy by appearing in various video, print and social media campaigns of NITI Aayog. He will also support NITI Aayog in promoting Women Transforming India Awards 2018 with theme ‘Women and Entrepreneurship’. Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP): NITI Aayog had launched Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) in March 2018 on the occasion of the International Women’s Day. Objectives: Build ecosystem for women across India to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations, scale-up innovative initiatives and chalk-out sustainable, long-term strategies for their businesses. Power vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem through enabling network of industry collaborations, partnerships, mentors and peer-to-peer connect. WEP helps aspiring women entrepreneurs in three different ways which is manifested as its three pillars. They are- Ichha Shakti: Motivating aspiring entrepreneurs to start their enterprise. Gyaan Shakti: Providing knowledge and ecosystem support to women entrepreneurs to help them foster entrepreneurship. Karma Shakti: Providing hands-on support to entrepreneurs in setting-up and scaling up businesses.

40) President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Kummanam Rajasekharan as Governor of Mizoram and Prof Ganeshi Lal as Governor of Odisha under Article 153 of the Constitution. Kummanam Rajasekharan will replace Lt. General (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma who completed his tenure on May 28, 2018. Prof Ganeshi Lal will take charge from Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik had been given additional charge of Odisha. Kummanam Rajasekharan: He was state president of Bharatiya Janata Party in Kerala (from 2015–2018). He started his political career as activist of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Sangh Parivar in Kerala in 1970. He was instrumental in spearheading Kerala’s Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Balasadanams, Kshetra Samrakshana Samiti and Ekal Vidyalayas. Prior to entering politics, he was working as journalist as sub-editor of Deepika newspaper and other news-dailies such as Rastravaartha, Kerala Desam, Kerala Bhooshanam, and Kerala Dwani. In 1976, he joined as government employee in Food Corporation of India (FCI). Prof Ganeshi Lal: Ganeshi Lal was a professor of Mathematics before becoming member of RSS. He was minister in HVP-BJP government under Chief Minister Bansi Lal from 1996-99 in Haryana. He was former president of Haryana BJP unit. He was member of Haryana Legislative Assembly (1996-2000) from Sirsa Constituency. Constitutional provisions of Governor: Article 153: It says that there shall be Governor for each state. But 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 facilitated the appointment of the same person as a governor for two or more states. Article 156: Governor is appointed by President and hold office during the pleasure of President. It should be also noted that this article also mentions tenure of Governor. In this regard it says that Governor shall hold office for the term of 5 years from date he enters office.

41) Indian Navy inducted Landing Craft Utility MK-IV LCU vessel L54 at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Island. It is fourth of total eighth Mark IV LCU vessels to be inducted into Indian Navy. Background: The Mark IV LCU vessels are further improved version of Mark III LCU vessels presently being used by Indian Navy. These total 8 vessels under Mark IV category have been ordered by Indian Navy from GRSE. They are amphibious ships with primary role to transport and deploy Main Battle Tanks (MTBs), armoured vehicles, troops and equipment from ship to shore. LCU MK-IV vessels will be based in Andaman and Nicobar Command. It can be deployed for multirole activities like beaching operations, disaster relief operations, search and rescue, supply and replenishment and evacuation from distant islands. They will contribute to the nation’s maritime security needs. The first vessels INS LCU 51 was commissioned in 2016. Moreover, two more LCU ships L52 & L53 have been already delivered to Indian Navy. The remaining four ships of same class are in advanced stages of construction. LCU L54: LCU L54 has been indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata. It has 90% indigenous content. It is 62.8 meters long and 11 meters wide. It is fitted with 2 MTU 16V 4000 M 53 marine Diesel Engines each fitted with one Fixed Pitch Propeller generating 2 X 1840 KW power. It has displacement capacity of around 950 Tons. It has endurance of around 1500 nautical miles at 12 knots speed. It is fitted with 2 X CRN-91 indigenous 30mm Guns, 4 X MMG and 2 X HMG to provide artillery fire to support during attack missions. It also boasts of modern habitability conditions with accommodation for 216 personnel. It is also fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and advanced systems like Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).

42) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has created Women Safety Division to address issues related to security of women comprehensively amid rising concerns over women safety. The division will deal with all aspects of women safety in coordination with relevant ministries, departments and state governments. Women Safety Division: It will deal with subjects like crimes against women, crimes against children, elderly persons, SCs & STs, anti-trafficking cell, matters relating to prison legislation and prison reforms, all schemes under NIRBHAYA fund, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and Crime and Criminal Tracking & Network System (CCTNS). It will focus to enhance capacity of existing administrative, investigative, prosecution and judicial machinery, along with appropriate measures for rehabilitation of victims and bring attitudinal changes in society to address offences against women particularly rape in holistic and time-bound manner. It will create national mission for safety of women, with participation of stakeholder ministries and departments, who will undertake specified actions in time-bound manner. The mission will give credible response to emerging situation of crimes against women, especially minor girls, focus on time-bound implementation of measures with tangible impact on women safety. The specified actions under mission includes setting up of Special Fast Track Courts (FTCs), strengthening of forensic set up and building up of national registry of sexual offenders, appointing additional public prosecutors and providing appropriate medical and rehabilitation facilities to victims. It will also address issues like sensitisation of children through appropriate changes in school curriculum, media campaign for raising awareness, checking proliferation of pornography materials and online contents etc. It will result in giving credible response to emerging situation of crimes against women, especially minor girls, focus on time-bound implementation of measures with tangible impact on women safety.

43) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina inaugurated Bangladesh Bhawan at Vishwa Bharti University in Santiniketan, West Bengal. Bangladesh Bhaban in Santiniketan will house museum and library. It has been divided into four zones. Zone I is dedicated to pre-historic period of undivided Bengal. Zone II includes chronicle phases of the language movement, Zone III is dedicated to 1971 India-Pakistan (Bangladesh Liberation) War. Zone IV will educate visitors about Rabindra in Bangladesh. Visva Bharati University: Visva Bharati is public central university located in Santiniketan, West Bengal. It was founded by Rabindranath Tagore on 23 December 1921 who called it Visva-Bharati, which means communion of the world with India. Until independence it was a college but after independence, it was given status of university and was renamed Visva-Bharati University in 1951. Prime Minister of India is Chancellor of the University. Some of its renowned alumni includes Nobel-winning economist Amartya Sen, globally renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray and leading art historian, R. Siva Kumar. It is West Bengal’s only central university.

44) ASEAN India Film Festival was held in New Delhi from May 25 to 30, 2018. It was organised by Ministry of External Affairs (ASEAN Multilateral Division) as part of the series of events to commemorate 25 years of ASEAN and India relations. Key Facts: The film festival was non-competitive and its tagline was ‘Friendship through Films’. Around 32 films from 11 countries were screened during six days festival. It was aimed to serve as vehicle of Cultural Exchange by providing access to new trends in filmmaking by providing platform for exchange of ideas, culture and experiences in the field of cinema. The film festival provided platform for people from film industries of respective member countries to explore areas of cooperation in domain of cinema and cultural cooperation. It also celebrated excellence of cinema by exhibiting films from various ASEAN countries. ASEAN: ASEAN is regional organisation that aims to promote intergovernmental cooperation and economic integration amongst its members. It consists of 10 member countries- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It came into existence on August 8, 1967, after ASEAN declaration (also known as Bangkok Declaration).

45) Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the country’s most valued and largest IT outsourcing company created history by becoming the first Indian company to reach Rs. 7 lakh crore market capitalisation (m-cap) milestone. M-cap is value of company that is traded on stock market, calculated by multiplying total number of shares by present share price. Key Facts: TCS achieved this milestone, after its stock zoomed to fresh all-time high of Rs. 3,674 in intraday session on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), taking its market valuation to around Rs 7,00,236.83 crore. The m-cap has been calculated from its 52-week high price of Rs 3,674 on BSE. TCS’s market valuation had earlier surged past Rs. 6 lakh crore ($100 billion) mark, making it second company to achieve milestone after Reliance Industries. Now it is country’s most valued firm, followed by Reliance Industries with market capitalisation of Rs. 5,83,908.87 crore, HDFC Bank (Rs 5,19,654.83 crore), HUL (Rs 3,42,244.47 crore) and ITC (Rs 3,30,919.46 crore) in the top five list.

46) The World Thyroid Day is observed every year on May 25 to spread awareness of thyroid health and educating about prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases. Observance of day highlights five major goals to: Increase awareness of thyroid health. Promote understanding of advances made in treating thyroid diseases. Emphasize prevalence of thyroid diseases. Focus on urgent need for education and prevention programs. Expand awareness of new treatment modalities. Thyroid gland: Thyroid gland, often referred to as simply thyroid, is one of the largest endocrine glands. It butterfly-shaped gland located in neck. Thyroid health is extremely important, as hormones produced by it influence critical body functions and regulate metabolism. Thyroid disorders are very common worldwide, they affect people of all ages and have large range of symptoms. The most common thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism (abnormally decreased thyroid activity), yperthyroidism (abnormally increased thyroid activity), thyroiditis or Goitre (inflammation of thyroid gland) and thyroid cancer. They are often caused by iodine deficiency. Background: In 2008, European Thyroid Association (ETA) and American Thyroid Association (ATA) had joined hands to create, for first time ever day devoted globally to Thyroid Gland and its numerous and often ‘invisible’ symptoms. It was observed for the first time in 2009. Since then, it has been celebrated annually round globe together with its extension, International Thyroid Awareness Week, which surrounds main Day.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 26 May 2018 To 01 June 2018.

47) India and Netherlands launched Clean Air India Initiative in New Delhi. It aims to curb air pollution in Indian cities by promoting partnerships between Indian start-ups and companies from Netherlands. It also aims build network of entrepreneurs working on business solutions for cleaner air. Key Facts: Clean Air India Initiative is collaborative project between Get In The Ring, a platform for start-ups of Netherlands Government, Start-up India and INDUS Forum, an online matchmaking platform of Indian and Dutch businesses. It is multi-corporate challenge that will test and scale innovations through collaboration between startups, corporates and governments by providing pilot opportunities for promising innovations that solve problem of pollution. Indo-Dutch Startup Initiative: #StartUpLink: The initiative aims fulfil twin objective of facilitating market expansion for startups in two countries alongside fostering joint sense of innovation and entrepreneurship. It will help startups from both countries that are exploring each other’s markets and offers access to key information, relevant networks, pilot opportunities, and navigators for respective startup ecosystems. Shell E4 Start Hub: Dutch oil major Shell, as a partner for the Indo Dutch #StartUpLink,has come on board with aim of accelerating India’s transition to sustainable energy future. It has established Shell E4 Start Hub to enable and empower energy entrepreneurs in progressing their impactful solutions. It is the first energy focused startup hub in India, offering startups access to infrastructure (labs+co-working space), industry knowledge, subject matter expertise, funding, global connections and brand recognition, combined with world-class accelerator program.

48) National Informatics Centre (NIC) has set up cloud-enabled National Data Centre at Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It will offer round-the-clock operations with secure hosting for e-governance applications of ministries and departments. It is fourth cloud-enabled National Data Centre of NIC after Delhi, Hyderabad and Pune, Key Facts: Bhubaneswar based centre is expected to enhance range of data centre related services offered by government body. It will provide benefits like on-demand access to ICT (Information and Communication Technology) infrastructure for easy availability and quick deployment of applications and standardised platforms of deployment. Centralised cloud environment of this centre has been established to host multiple applications with simplified operations and increased application responsiveness to support new generation of distributed applications. The cloud service offerings of NIC will allow government departments to provision infrastructure and add to computing capacity on demand. National Informatics Centre (NIC): NIC (Rashtriya Suchna Vigyan Kendra) is premier science & technology organisation of Government in informatics services and information and communication technology (ICT) applications. It is part of MeitY’s Department of Electronics & Information Technology. It was established in 1976. It plays a pivotal role in steering e-governance applications in governmental departments at national, state and district levels, thus enabling improvement and wider transparency in government services. Almost all Indian-government websites are developed and managed by NIC.

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