WBCS Current Affairs 29/01/2017 to 05/02/2017

1.Scientists for the first time have successfully implanted world’s smallest pacemaker dubbed as Micra Transcatheter Pacing System (TPS) in a patient in United States. The pacemaker about size of large vitamin capsule is for patients with bradycardia, a condition characterised by a slow heart rate, usually fewer than 60 beats per minute. Key Facts TPS provides the most advanced pacing technology. It was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is one-tenth the size of a traditional pacemaker and is the only leadless (wireless) pacemaker approved for use in the US. It can be delivered through a catheter and implanted directly into the heart Unlike traditional pacemakers, it does not require cardiac wires (leads) or a surgical pocket under the skin to deliver a pacing therapy. It also allows us to automatically adjust pacing therapy based on a patient’s activity levels and another positive is the battery can last up to 10 years. It has unique feature that enables it to be permanently turned off so it can remain in the body and a new device can be implanted without risk of electrical interaction. What is Bradycardia? Patients with bradycardia have lower heart rate and their heart is unable to pump enough oxygen-rich blood to the body during normal activity or exercise, causing dizziness, shortness, fatigue of breath or fainting spells. Pacemakers are the most common way to treat bradycardia to help restore the heart’s normal rhythm and relieve symptoms by sending electrical impulses to the heart to increase the heart rate.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 29/01/2017 to 05/02/2017.

2. Indian Navy has launched an Integrated Underwater Harbour Defence and Surveillance System (IUHDSS) in Mumbai, Maharashtra to enhance the security of valuable naval assets against asymmetric threats. It was inaugurated by Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding- in-Chief, Western Naval Command. It is third IUHDSS to be installed in India.

3.NASA’s solar-powered Juno spacecraft completed closest flyby of Jupiter mysterious cloud tops for the fourth time. All eight of Juno’s science instruments were switched on during the flyby. During its closest approach it was roughly 4,300 km above Jupiter’s cloud tops and travelled at a speed of about 208,000 kmph. Currently, Juno is locked in a 53-day orbit around Jupiter. It is expected to perform three dozen flybys over the next one and a half years. During its flybys, Juno probes beneath the cloud cover of Jupiter and studies Jupiter’s auroras to learn more about its origins, structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere

4. The World Cancer Day (WCD) is observed every year on 4 February across the world to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection, and treatment. The theme (tagline) between 2016 and 2018 WCD is “We can. I can”. It reflects on what everyone can do to raise awareness of cancer and asks to take pledge and action in fight against cancer. Special three-year campaign for the World Cancer Day 2016-2018 seeks to explore how everyone- as individuals or as a collective – can do their part to reduce the burden of cancer globally. About World Cancer Day The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) had instituted World Cancer Day (WCD in 2008 by formally writing the goals of the World Cancer Declaration. The primary goal of observing the day is to reduce illness and death caused by it by 2020. The origin of the day can be traced to 2000 at the first World Summit Against Cancer, which was held in Paris, France. UICC: It is Geneva based leading international non-governmental organisation (NGO) founded in 1933. Its purpose is to help the global health community to accelerate the fight against cancer. It has a membership of over 800 organisations spread across 155 countries.

5. The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) jointly launched India Innovation Index. Besides country’s first innovation index portal was also launched. The index has been jointly developed by NITI Aayog, DIPP and CII in consultation with World Economic Forum (WEF), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Cornell University, UNIDO, ILO, OECD, UNESCO, ITU etc. Key Facts The index’s objective is to rank Indian states on innovations through the portal that will capture data on innovation from all states on innovation and regularly update it in real time. It will provide impetus to state to build their respective innovation ecosystems and spur the innovation spirit among institutions and people to make India an innovation-driven economy It will be structured based on the best practices followed in Global Innovation Index (GII) indicators and additionally by adding India-centric parameters those truly reflect the Indian innovation ecosystem. The pillars of index include the capacity of human capital and research, strength of institutions, supporting infrastructure and the level of business sophistication, among others. The portal will coalesce, disseminate and update periodically GII indicators and India–centric data from various states. It will be hosted on the NITI Aayog website. It will be a one-stop data warehouse and will track progress on each indicator at the National level and the State level on real-time basis. Background The Global Innovation Index (GII) co-published by WIPO, Cornell University and INSEAD ranks world economies including India since 2007 according to their innovation capabilities and outcomes. It uses 82 indicators among a host of other important parameters. It has become a leading reference on innovation and a ‘tool for action’ for policy makers. Currently, India ranks 66th out of 128 countries on the 2016 Global innovation Index (GII).

6. The Union Government has announced two measures in the Budget 2017-18 to bring in greater transparency in funding of political parties. These include capping cash funding by a single anonymous donor to Rs. 2000 (one tenth of the current limit of Rs 20,000) and introduction of the electoral bonds. It will take effect from 1 April, 2018. Key Facts The finance bill lays out the way ahead for capping cash funding and sale of electoral bonds by proposing amendments in the section 13A of the Income-Tax Act, 1961 and to Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The amendment to I-T Act will provide political party exemption if the donation not exceeding Rs. 2,000 is received through instruments such as cheque, draft, electronic clearing system or electoral bond. The amendment of RBI Act will facilitate introduction of electoral bonds. These bonds will be instrument to donate money to political parties and the RBI will acts as the intermediary. Donors can purchase bonds only through cheque or digital mode, helping to track record of the source of the purchase. These bonds shall be redeemable only in the designated account of a registered political party and within the prescribed time limit from issuance of bond. The bond bearer’s identity will be unlikely revealed in the books of the political party and the recipient party will also remain unknown.

7. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget Speech 2017-18 announced corpus of Rs 500 crore for setting up Mahila Shakti Kendras in the 14 lakh ICDS Anganwadi Centres at village level. These kendras will provide one stop convergent support services for empowering rural women with opportunities for skill development, employment, health, nutrition and digital literacy.

8. The Union Government has singed Financing Agreement for IDA credit of $201.50 million with World Bank for the ‘Third Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme’ (TEQIP III). The agreement was signed by Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and Junaid Kamal Ahmad, Country Director, World Bank India. Key Facts The aim of the TEQIP III programme is to enhance quality and improve efficiency of the Engineering Education System. The objective of agreement is to improve Engineering Education sector in 8 states viz. Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan and UT of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The project has been designed as a disbursement linked one to the effect that the loan will be handed over only on completion of certain fixed outcomes. The closing date of TEQIP III is March 31, 2022. Background The TEQIP was launched by the Government in 2003 with World Bank assistance as a long term programme for transformation of the Technical Education System. It was to be implemented in three phases. TEQIP-I (first phase) commenced in 2003 and ended on March 31st, 2009. It covered 127 institutes across 13 States including 18 Centrally Funded Technical Institutions (CFTIs). TEQIP-II commenced in August 2010. It had covered 23 States/Union Territories (UTs) and 191 Institutes (including 26 CFTIs). It concluded in October, 2016. Both phases of the programme had a positive impact on the infrastructure and educational standards in the technical institutions where they were taken up.

9. The World Wetland Day (WWD) is observed every year on 2 February to raise awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet. Significance of Day: This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands also called as Ramsar Convention on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. 2017 Theme: “Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction”. It seeks to raise awareness and to highlight the vital role of healthy wetlands in reducing the impacts of extreme events such as floods, cyclones and drought on communities, and in helping to build resilience. Mangrove forests for Disaster Risk Reduction Mangrove forests along tropical coastlines and in salt water environments are an important category of wetlands. They are a critical component of marine ecosystems, as they serve as nursery grounds for many aquatic species, including commercially important fish species. Mangroves also serve as excellent buffer zones between coastal lands and open ocean as they reduce the impacts of storms and keep coastal erosion under control. Mangrove forests also had reduced the impact of the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami. These rich mangroves ecosystems are threatened mostly by conversion into agriculture and aquaculture (shrimp farms), urban and resort development and rising sea levels. Background For first time, World Wetland Day was celebrated in year 1997. Since then it is observed every year to spread awareness about Ramsar Convention in particular for conservation of Wetlands. The theme for the world wetland day 2016 was “Wetlands for our Future – Sustainable Livelihoods”.

10. China has successfully tested a new version of a DF-5C missile that can carry up to 10 nuclear warheads in January 2017. The flight test of the missile was carried using 10 multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles, (MIRVs), from the Taiyuan Space Launch Centre in Shanxi province and to an impact range in the western Taklamakan desert.

11. The Economic Survey 2016-17 tabled in Parliament has advocated for the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI) as an alternative to the various social welfare schemes in an effort to reduce poverty. It suggests that a more efficient way to help the poor will be to provide them resources directly, through a UBI. It will be an efficient substitute for a plethora of existing welfare schemes and subsidies. What is Universal Basic Income (UBI)? A basic income is a form of social security in which all citizens of a country regularly receive an unconditional sum of money, either from a government in addition to any income received from elsewhere. It is based on the principles of universality and unconditionality. However, it forfeits other government aided benefits. Recently, government of Finland announced the introduction of a trial for UBI involving 2,000 unemployed people. In June 2016, Swiss voters in referendum had overwhelmingly rejected proposal to introduce basic income for all. Survey’s justification for introduction of UBI Promoting social justice, reducing poverty, unconditional cash transfer that lets the beneficiary decide how she uses the money, employment generation by promoting labour flexibility. It will bring in administrative efficiency as a direct cash transfer through JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhar-Mobile) platform. It will be more efficient as compared to the “existing welfare schemes which are riddled with misallocation, leakages and exclusion of the poor. It can help to achieve considerable gains in terms of bureaucratic costs and time by replacing many of these with a UBI.

12. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley presented the Union Budget 2017. It was fourth annual budget presented by Arun Jaitley as Finance Minister. This was also first time no separate Railway Budget was presented. The 2017 Union Budget,was broadly focused on 10 themes. They are farming sector, rural population, youth, poor and underprivileged health care, financial sector for stronger institutions, infrastructure, speedy accountability, prudent fiscal management, public services and tax administration for the honest. Highlights Budget speech Demonetisation Demonetisation is expected to have a transient impact on the economy. It will have a great impact on the economy and lives of people . Demonetisation is a bold and decisive measure that will lead to higher GDP growth. The effects of demonetisation will not spillover to the next fiscal. Agriculture sector Farmer credit fixed at record level of Rs10 trillion. It will ensure adequate flow to underserved areas. Government will set up mini labs in Krishi Vigyan Kendras for soil testing. Long-term irrigation fund in NABARD increased from Rs 20,000 crore to Rs40,000 crore. Dairy processing infrastructure fund with a corpus of Rs. 2000 crore will be created. Model law on contract farming will be prepared and shared with the States. Rural population Over Rs 3 lakh crore will be spent for rural India. Government’s Mission Antyodaya targets to bring 1 crore households out of poverty by 2019. MGNREGA: 48,000 crore has been allocated. Participation of women now at 55%. Space technology to be used in a big way to ensure MGNREGA works. 5 lakh farm ponds will be taken up under MGNREGA. Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: 23,000 crore allocated. Government to complete 1 crore houses for those without homes. Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana: 19,000 crore allocated. Along with states, Rs. 27,000 crore will be spent in FY18. Panchayat Raj: Human resource reform programme to be launched. Mason training to be provided for 5 lakh people 100% rural electrification will be archived by May 2018 Swachh Bharat mission: made tremendous progress, sanitation coverage has gone up from 42% to 60%. For youth Education: System of measuring annual learning outcomes will be introduced with emphasis on science. Innovation fund for secondary education. Focus will be on 3,479 educationally-backward blocks. Colleges will be identified based on accreditation. Reforms in UGC: Based on ranking colleges to be identified and given more autonomy. SWAYAM platform: Leveraging information technology platform for virtual learning National testing agency will be established for all entrance exams, freeing up CBSE, AICTE and other bodies. 100 Indian international skill centres will established with courses in foreign languages. Rs. 4,000 crore allocated to launch skill acquisition and knowledge awareness. Special scheme for creating employment in leather/footwear sector. Five special zones to be set up for tourism sector. Poor and underprivileged Sum of Rs. 1,84,632 crore allocated for women and children. 500 crore allocated for Mahila Shakthi Kendras. Affordable housing will be given infrastructure status. Under a nationwide scheme for pregnant women, Rs. 6000 will be transferred to each person. Action plan to eliminate leprosy by 2018, TB by 2025, reduce IMR to 29 in 2019 Owing to surplus liquidity, banks have started reducing lending rates for housing. 5 lakh Health sub centres will be transformed into health wellness centres. Two AIIMS will be set up in Gujarat and Jharkhand and. Structural transformation of the regulator framework for medical education will be undertaken. 52,393 crore allocated for Scheduled Castes. Aadhaar-based smartcards will be issued to monitor health of senior citizens. Infrastructure and railways Railways total capex and development expenditure pegged at Rs. 1.31 trillion Railways: Passenger Safety fund corpus will be set up. Unmanned level crossings to be eliminated by 2020. Railway lines of 3,500km to be commissioned. Dedicated tourism/pilgrimage trains will be launched. 500 stations to be made differently-abled friendly Rail cleanliness: Introduction of Coach Mitra facility; By 2019, biotoilets for all coaches. Competitive ticket-booking facility will be introduced; service charge withdrawn for tickets booked on IRCTC. New metro rail policy will be announced. Roads sector: 64,000 crore allocated for national highways. Airports Authority of India Act will amended to enable monetization of land resources. Total Rs. 2 trillion will be allocated to transport sector. Telecom sector: 10,000 crore will be allocated to Bharat Net programme. Digi-gau initiative will be launched. Export infrastructure: New restructured central scheme will be launched. Total Rs. 3.96 trillion will be allocated for infrastructure. Energy sector: Strategic policy for crude reserves will be set up. Rs. 1.26,000 crore received as energy production based investments. Financial Sector Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to be abolished Commodities market: Panel will be constituted to study legal framework for spot and derivative markets Resolution mechanism for financial firms will be set up. Cyber-security: Computer emergency response team (CERT) to be set up Listing of PSEs to foster public accountability, mechanism for time-bound listing will be revised. New exchange-traded fund (ETF) will be launched Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana: It will have lending target at Rs. 2.44 trillion. Stand-up India scheme: over 16,000 new enterprises will be set up. Digital Economy Government to launch two new schemes to promote BHIM app, including cashback scheme for merchants Aadhaar Pay will be launched for people who don’t have mobile phones. Focus on rural and semi-urban areas. Financial inclusion fund will be strengthened. Panel on digital payments has recommended structural reforms. Payment regulatory board will be created at RBI. Negotiable Instruments Act might be amended. Public Services Head post-office to be used for passport services. Defence: Centralized defence travel system will be developed. Centralized pension distribution system to be established Government recruitment: Two-tier exam system will be introduced. Government to introduce laws to confiscate assets of economic defaulters. High-level panel chaired by PM will be formed to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary Fiscal Management Total budget expenditure: 21 trillion. Defence expenditure: 2.74 trillion (excluding pensions). Fiscal deficit for FY18: Pegged at 3.2% of GDP. Revenue deficit for FY18: Pegged at 1.9% Fiscal situation. Total expenditure: 21, 47,000 crore. Plan, non-plan expenditure is abolished; focus will be on capital expenditure which will be 25.4 %. 3,000 crore under the Department of Economic Affairs for implementing the Budget announcements. Expenditure for science and technology is Rs. 37,435 crore. Total resources transferred to States/UTs is Rs 4.11 lakh crore. Amendment proposed to the RBI Act to enable issuance of electoral bonds. Tax Administration Direct tax collection not commensurate with income/expenditure pattern of India Black money: Cash transactions above Rs. 3 lakh banned. Transparency in political funding: Parties continue to receive anonymous donations; propose system of cleaning up. Political funding: Maximum amount of cash donation that can be received is Rs. 2,000. Political parties can receive donations by cheques or digitally. Every party has to file returns within specified time. Amendment proposed to RBI Act to issue electoral bonds. Personal income tax: Rate reduced to 5% for income bracket of Rs. 2.5-5 lakh; All other categories to get uniform benefit of Rs. 12,500 per person; Surcharge on income bracket Rs. 50 lakh-Rs. 1 crore will be levied Personal income tax: Simple one-page form for taxable income up to Rs. 5 lakh will be implemented. GST: Preparedness of IT system on schedule. Not many changes to excise duties in GST regime. FPI category 1 and 2 investors exempted from indirect transfer provisions. Time period of revising tax returns reduced to 12 months Real estate: Changes will be made in capital gains tax. Concessional withholding rate will be extended to 30 June 2020, rupee-denominated masala bonds to be included. MAT will be not abolished at present and will be carry-forwarded for 15 years. Corporate tax rate: MSMEs’ (annual turnover less than Rs.50crore) rate reduced to 25%. LNG: customs duty reduced to 2.5% Limit of cash donation for charitable trusts reduced to Rs. 2,000.

13. Researchers have discovered microscopic sea animal Saccorhytus, the earliest known ancestor of humans along with a vast range of other species. The exquisitely well preserved fossilised traces of this 540-million-year-old creature were discovered. This balloon-like sea is the earliest known step on the evolutionary path that led to fish and eventually to humans.

14. India and Russia have held high-level consultations on counter-terrorism issues in New Delhi. Both sides shared views and assessment on the threats posed by increasing terrorist activities including India’s concern on state-sponsored, cross-border terrorism. The Indian delegation was led by Preeti Saran, Secretary (East) in the Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) while the Russian delegation was headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Oleg V. Syromolotov.

15. The Union Ministry of Women & Child Development has clarified that Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (B3P) Scheme has no provision for individual cash transfer component. It has warned the unauthorised websites/organisations, NGOs, individuals that are distributing forms in the name of cash incentives under B3P Scheme. It also has mentioned that it is illegal and serious matter as there is no cash incentive associated in any form. Government’s clarification came following reports that certain unauthorised sites, organisations, NGOs and individuals were found distributing forms in the name of cash incentive under the scheme. About Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (B3P) Scheme The B3P scheme was launched in January, 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Panipat in Haryana. The scheme is aimed at promoting gender equality and the significance of educating girls. It is a social campaign that aims to generate awareness and improve the efficiency of welfare services meant for girls. It focuses on changing mindsets and deep rooted patriarchy in the societal system, advancing education of the girl child, strict enforcement of PC&PNDT Act and on issues of women empowerment. It is targeted at improving the Child Sex Ratio (CSR) through multi sectoral interventions including prevention of gender biased sex selection and promoting girls’ education and her holistic empowerment.

16. The Income Tax Department (ITD) launched Operation Clean Money (Swachh Dhan Abhiyan), an e-platform to analyse large cash deposits made during the demonetisation window (9 November to 30 December 2016). Under it, e-verification of large cash has been done using data analytics for comparing the demonetisation data with information in ITD databases. Key Facts In the first batch of the operation,around 18 lakh persons have been identified in whose case, cash transactions do not appear to be in line with the tax payer’s profile. It comprises account-holders whose deposits did not match their incomes, as per data with the IT department, will be alerted on their e-filing portals. IT department has sent emails and phone text messages to these accountant holders to seek their explanation about the source of funds and a response within 10 days. In absence of a response, they will receive a notice from the tax department or further action. The verification will also be closed if the cash deposit is declared under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna (PMGKY).

17. Union finance Minister Arun Jaitley tabled the Economic Survey 2016-17 in Parliament budget session. The survey prepared by chief economic adviser in the finance ministry Arvind Subramanian. The survey projects the economy to grow in the range of 6.75% to 7.25% in fiscal year 2017-18 in the post-demonetisation year. It says that the adverse impact of demonetisation on GDP growth will be transitional. Major highlights from the Economic Survey 2016-17 Growth Forecast: Gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2016-17 pegged at 6.5%, down from 7.6% in last fiscal 2015-16. Economic growth to rebound to 6.75 to 7.5% in 2017-18. Farm sector to grow at 4.1% in 2016-17, up from 1.2% in 2015-16. Growth rate of industrial sector estimated to moderate to 5.2% in 2016-17 from 7.4% in 2015-16. Service sector is estimated to grow at 8.9% in 2016-17 GST, other structural reforms should take the growth rate trend to 8-10%. Taxation: Prescribes cut in individual Income Tax rates, real estate stamp duties. IT net could be widened gradually by encompassing all high income earners. Time table for cutting corporate tax should be accelerated. Tax administration could be improved to reduce discretion and improve accountability. Goods and Services Tax (GST): Fiscal gains from GST will take time to realise. Fiscal Deficit: Implementation of muted tax receipts, wage hike to put pressure on fiscal deficit in 2017-18. For fiscal health of the economy fiscal prudence for both centre and states is needed. Fiscal windfall from low oil prices to disappear in 2017-18. Inflation: The average consumer price index (CPI) inflation rate declined to 4.9% in 2015-16 from 5.9% in 2014-15. CPI-based core inflation remained sticky around 5% in the 2016-17. Oil prices, seen rising by one-sixth in 2017-18 over the previous fiscal 2016-17 prices which could dampen India’s economic growth. Monetary Policy: monetary easing headroom may be capped due to sharp rise in prices in 2017-18. Market interest rates seen lower in 2017-18 due to demonetisation. Government Debt to GDP ratio: It was 68.5% in 2016, down from 69.1% in 2015. Banking: Suggests setting up public sector asset rehabilitation agency (PSARA) to take charge of large bad loans in banks. With government backing, PSAR can overcome coordination and political issues on bad loans. Demonetisation: The adverse impact of demonetisation on GDP growth will be transitional. It will affect growth rate by 0.25-0.5%, but to have long-term benefits It may affect supplies of certain agricultural products like sugar, milk, potatoes and onions. Remonetisation will ensure that the cash squeeze is eliminated by April 2017. Universal Basic Income (UBI): Advocates the concept of UBI as an alternative to the various social welfare schemes in an effort to reduce poverty. It will be alternative to plethora of state subsidies for poverty alleviation. UBI would cost between 4 and 5% of GDP

18. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) has launched climate change programme to conduct study to assess the status, distribution and conservation of Pheasants and Finches in Central Himalayas. It is long-term monitoring project funded by Oracle and facilitated by CAF-India. It will focus on their conservation in the context of climate change with the help of community participation. Background The Himalayas hold a rich natural heritage with diverse flora and fauna enhancing the beauty of the region. Indian subcontinent is home to nearly 62 species of finches and 50 species of pheasants, with several species listed in ‘Globally Threatened’ category by IUCN. Both these groups are spread across the Himalayas. Shrinking habitats combined with several biotic factors, along with poaching and trapping pressures in many areas have pushed several of them to near extinction. Besides, climate change is influencing vertical and horizontal distribution of these groups. Those species adapting with it will be able survive, but those species sensitive to temperature rise will suffer. Climate change programme It will help in making an inventory of pheasants and finches, documentation of local specific conservation issues, and designing local as well as species specific conservation action plan with the community participation. The conservation action plan of these sites will be the first step towards the protection of the ecosystem which benefits both biodiversity as well as the people in the system. It also aims to assess the socio-economic activities of local communities and involve them in conservation efforts and sensitize the local forest department staff. About Bombay Natural History Society (BHNS) BNHS is one of the largest non-governmental organisations in India engaged in conservation and biodiversity research. It was founded on 15 September 1883 and headquartered at Hornbill House, Mumbai. It supports many research efforts through grants and publishes the Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society. Department of Science and Technology has designated as a ‘Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’.

19. The Union Finance Ministry has agreed to contribute partially to a new dedicated railway safety fund named as ‘Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh’ in the upcoming Union Budget 2017-18. The proposed safety fund will be utilised for track improvement, bridge rehabilitation, rolling stock replacement, human resource development, improved inspection system and safety work at level crossing, among other things.

20. India’s first dedicated space observatory, ASTROSAT has captured the rare phenomenon of a small six-billion-year-old vampire star preying on a bigger celestial body. The vampire star phenomenon is observed when smaller star sucks material (mass and energy) out of the bigger companion star, causing its eventual death. It is also called a blue straggler as small star becomes bigger, hotter and bluer, giving it the appearance of being young, while the ageing companion burns out and collapses to a stellar remnant. About ASTROSAT Astrosat is India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory launched in September 2015. It is one of the major scientific missions of ISRO after the highly acclaimed Chandrayaan-I and Mangalyaan. It is placed at low earth equatorial orbit at altitude of 650 km. It has ability to observe celestial bodies like cosmic X-Ray sources and distant stars in different wavelengths simultaneously. It can observe the universe through ultraviolet, optical, low and high energy X-ray components of the electromagnetic spectrum. It has mission life of 5 years. Its successful launch made India member of select elite group of nations comprising US, Japan, Russia and Europe having its own space observatory.

21. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the constitution of eight members Task Force committee for preparing action plan for next three Olympic Games 2020, 2024 and 2028. It has been given three months’ time to submit its report regarding a comprehensive action plan including short, medium and long-term measures for effective participation of Indian sports-persons in the Olympic games. The members of Task force: Pulella Gopichand, Abhinav Bindra, Rajesh Kalra, Om Pathak, Viren Rasquinha, S. Baldev Singh, Prof. G.L. Khanna and Sandeep Pradhan.

22. The Supreme Court has appointed former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Vinod Rai as head of four-member Committee of Administrators to run Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Other three members of the committee are noted historian Ramachandra Guha, former Indian women’s cricket team captain Diana Edulji and managing director of IDFC Limited Vikram Limaye. They will function as the interim bosses of the BCCI and run the day-to-day administration of cricket body till the Lodha Committee reforms are fully implemented and elections held. SC order Committee of Administrators’ first task will be to find out how much the BCCI has complied with the recommendations made by the Justice R.M. Lodha Committee. Named Amitabh Chaudhary, Anirudh Chaudhary of BCCI and Vikram Limaye as representative of BCCI at the ICC meeting to be held in the first week of February, 2017. Declined Centre’s request to appoint Secretary of Sports Ministry as the member of the committee. It referred to its earlier judgement debarring Ministers and Government servants from holding office in BCCI. Dismissed the names to be appointed as BCCI administrators, submitted in a sealed envelope, while asserting that any individual over the age of 70 will not be appointed as BCCI administrators. Background In its earlier order of January 2, 2017 the Supreme Court had removed Anurag Thakur as BCCI president, Ajay Shirke as BCCI secretary and disqualified all the board and its state association office bearers after they had failed to implement new norms set by the Justice Lodha Committee. In its order SC had indicated that it would soon appoint a panel of administrators to carry out the reforms in the BCCI to make its affairs transparent.

23. The Karnataka government has decided to bring an amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (PCA), 1960 for conducting traditional sports of Kambala and bull-cart race in the State.

24. The atomic clocks on the first satellite IRNSS-1A of the NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), the indigenously built satellite-based positioning system, has developed a technical snag. One of the three crucial rubidium timekeepers (atomic clock) on IRNSS-1A satellites failed six months ago and the other two followed subsequently. ISRO will soon launch one of its back up navigation satellites as a replacement to IRNSS-1A satellite.Key Facts Remaining satellites of NavIC constellation (having total 7 satellites) are performing their core function of providing accurate position, navigation and time. Each satellite has three clocks and a total of 27 clocks for the navigation satellite system. These clocks are supplied same foreign vendor. These clocks are important to provide precise data. The troubled IRNSS-1A spacecraft was put in space in July 2013 and has an expected life span of 10 years. The seventh navigation satellite, IRNSS-1G, was launched in April 2016. Atomic clock: It is an extremely accurate type of clock regulated by the vibrations of an atomic or molecular system. Its principle of operation is not based on nuclear physics, but rather on atomic physics. It uses the microwave signal that electrons in atoms emit when they change energy levels. The accuracy of an atomic clock depends on two factors, temperature of the sample atoms and frequency and intrinsic width of the electronic transition (higher frequencies and narrow lines increase the precision). About NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) NavIC also known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS) is similar to the GPS (Global Positioning System) of US, Glonass of Russia and Galileo of Europe as well as China’s Beidou. Starting in July 2013, ISRO had launched all the seven navigation satellites of the IRNSS by April 2016. Each satellite has a life span of 10 years. IRNSS is said to be the “Indian GPS” that will give accurate real-time positioning and timing services over India and the region around it extending to 1,500km. Thus, NAVIC’s reach is regional. Applications of IRNSS: terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation, terrestrial navigation for hikers and travellers, vehicle tracking and fleet management, disaster management, integration with mobile phones, mapping and geodetic data capture and visual and voice navigation for drivers. Apart from the civilian applications, it will be used for defence purposes as well.

25. Seven new countries Lithuania, Gabon, Hungary, Indonesia, Malta, Mauritius and Russia – have signed Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement for Country-by-Country Reporting (CbC MCAA). With this, the total number of signatories has increased to 57 including India (signed in May 2015). CbC MCAA is a tax co-operation agreement to enable automatic sharing of country-by-country information. About CbC MCAA The CbC MCAA aims to boost transparency by multinational enterprises (MNEs) by allowing signatories to bilaterally and automatically exchange country-by-country reports. This exchange of information is facilitated as part of Action 13 of the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) Action Plan adopted by the OECD and G20 countries in 2013. The agreement will help to ensure that tax administrations obtain better understanding of how MNEs structure their operations and also ensure that the confidentiality and appropriate use of such information is safeguarded.

26. IndiaPost under Department of Posts (Union Ministry of Communications and Information Technology) received final payments bank licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). With this, India Post became the third entity after Bharti Airtel and Paytm to receive final payments bank licence to roll-out of banking operations commercially under the permit. Key Facts As per the initial road map, each post office in the country will offer the post bank services. The department of post has an existing network of around 1,55,000 post offices currently. IndiaPost plans to open 650 new branches for the payment bank. These branches will be co-located with the existing post offices.Key Facts As per the initial road map, each post office in the country will offer the post bank services. The department of post has an existing network of around 1,55,000 post offices currently. IndiaPost plans to open 650 new branches for the payment bank. These branches will be co-located with the existing post offices. About Payments banks Payments banks are a new model of banks conceptualised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to meet government’s financial inclusion target. It will be set up as a differentiated bank and will confine its activities to acceptance of demand deposits, remittance services, Internet banking and other specified services but cannot undertake lending services. Payments banks can accept deposits up to Rs. 1 lakh per account from individuals and small businesses. They can issue ATM/debit cards but not credit cards. They can also issue other prepaid payment instruments. They can distribute non-risk sharing simple financial products like mutual funds and insurance products. Non-resident Indians (NRIs) are not be allowed to open accounts in payment banks. This new model of banking allows mobile firms, supermarket chains and others to cater to banking requirements of individuals and small businesses.

27. The Union Government has launched nationwide “Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign (SLAC)” on the occasion of Anti-Leprosy Day (observed on the last Sunday of January). The day is observed every year on January 30 in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi who attained martyrdom on this day in 1948, to remember his selfless efforts and care for the people affected with Leprosy. Need for Campaign Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and it usually affects the skin and peripheral nerves. The mode of transmission of leprosy is still not known. According to WHO, the diseased had affected 2,12,000 people globally in 2015. India alone reported 1,27,326 new cases, accounting for 60% of new cases globally. India is among the 22 countries considered as having a “high burden for leprosy” along with high transmission. The other high-burden countries were Brazil and Indonesia. Sparsh Leprosy Awareness Campaign The thrust of SLAC campaign is to promote community participation in diagnosis and treatment of leprosy in its early stages and to spread awareness about the disease to help in early diagnosis and treatment. It seeks to promote decentralised community-based demand-driven approach from present centralised top-down delivery-driven approach to fight the disease. It also seeks to empower local communities to take over the responsibility of sensitising people to not stigmatise and discriminate against those affected.