1) The Union Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with Other Union Ministries and State Governments has launched nationwide ‘Paryatan Parv’ to showcase cultural diversity of country and reinforce the principle of ‘Tourism for All’. Its objective is to draw focus on the benefits of tourism. It was inaugurated at Humayun’s Tomb and will be held across the country from the 5th to 25th October 2017. During this period, ‘Adopt A Heritage’ project launched by Ministry of Tourism will be implemented at key sites. Components of Paryatan Parv: Dekho Apna Desh: It will encourage Indians to visit their own country. It will include video, photograph and blog competitions visited during event, stories of India through Travelers’ Eyes to promote travel to J&K and North Eastern states. Tourism for All: It will promote tourism events at sites across all States in country. These will mainly be People’s events with large scale public participation. ‎The activities at these sites will include Cultural Programmes of Dance, Music, Theatre, Tourism Exhibitions showcasing culture, cuisine and handicrafts and handlooms etc. Tourism & Governance: It will have interactive sessions and workshops with stakeholders on varied themes like Skill Development in Tourism Sector, Innovation in Tourism, Inducting Ex-servicemen as service providers for Taxi Operation and Developing Rural Tourism in locations near established destinations. In the overseas markets, Union Ministry of External Affairs through Indian Missions will be conducting outreach programmes to encourage people to visit India, with special focus on PIOs who have never visited the country.Continue Reading WBCS Current Affairs 30th September to 6th October 2017.
2) Ganga Prasad was sworn in as the 17th Governor of Meghalaya. He was administered oath of office and secrecy by Chief Justice of Meghalaya High Court Justice Dinesh Maheshwari. He succeeds B Purohit who was given additional charge as governor of Meghalaya, a temporary appointment after V Shanmuganathan had resigned on charges of compromising with dignity of gubernatorial office. Ganga Prasad: Ganga Prasad has started his political career in Bihar when he was elected as first-time Member of Legislative Council (MLC) in 1994. He had retained position for 18 years, during which he led Opposition in state Assembly for five years. During the earlier NDA regime, he had served as leader of Bihar Legislative Council for ruling party.3) India and Djibouti have signed an agreement to establish regular Foreign Office-level bilateral consultations between both countries. The agreement was signed during President Ram Nath Kovind’s first leg of his four-day visit to Djibouti and Ethiopia. President Ram Nath Kovind is first Indian leader to visit Djibouti and it was also his maiden trip abroad since taking office. India-Djibouti Relations Djibouti is strategically located at confluence of Red Sea with Indian Ocean in Horn of Africa and crossroads connecting Africa, Middle East and Asia. Contacts between India and Djibouti existed since ancient times. Historically, port of Adulis in Djibouti was hub of maritime trade for Indian seafarers for trading in spices and silk for gold and ivory. Djibouti had opened its embassy in New Delhi in 2004, but India still does not have embassy in Djibouti. India’s relations are based on handful of diaspora and limited trade links from ancient times. In recent times, Djibouti has acquired major significance as result of geopolitical developments and presence of military bases of US and China side by side. Djibouti had supported India during Operation Rahat for evacuating Indians from war-torn Yemen in 2015. Bilateral trade between both countries is on increase and is in India’s favor. In 2014-15, bilateral trade stood at US$ 239.43 million (India’s exports were US $ 237.96 million and India’s imports US $ 1.47 million). Most of trade with Djibouti actually serves growing market in Ethiopia. The main items in Indian exports were iron & steel products, paper and plastic products.4) The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has selected Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank and Richard Henderson for the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. They were selected for developing cryo-electron microscopy for the high resolution structure determination of biomolecules in solution. Chemistry was third of this year’s Nobel Prizes. Contributions of trio: Richard Henderson in 1990 was successful in using an electron microscope to generate a 3D image of a protein at atomic resolution. Joachim Frank made technology more widely applicable. Jacques Dubochet had helped with vitrification of water, which ensured that biological sample retained its natural shape even in vacuum and while frozen. Cryo-electron microscopy: The Cryo-electron microscopy is specific type of electron microscopy based on principle of forming three-dimensional (3D) image by collecting and combining thousands of projections of biomolecules. Using it, researchers can now freeze mid-movement of biomolecules and can visualise processes they have never seen. ‎ It helps to make it possible to see biomolecules in 3D after rapidly freezing them at -150°C (i.e. at cryogenic temperature), preserving their natural shape. It can reveal the structure of the molecules of life in exquisite detail. It is decisive for both basic understanding of chemistry and for development of pharmaceuticals. Significance: Cryo-electron microscopy gives scientists opportunity to look at machinery of life in 3D form. This was not possible with earlier forms of electron microscopes as more powerful beams would destroy biological matter. It allows the study of fine cellular structures, viruses and protein complexes at molecular resolution.5) The Government has constituted a high-level committee for proper management of water resources in North Eastern Region (NER) under Chairmanship of Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog. The Committee is tasked to facilitate optimising benefits of appropriate water management in form of agriculture, bio-diversity conservation, hydro-electric power, reduced flood damage erosion, inland water transport, forestry, fishery and eco-tourism. Composition of Committee: It will include secretaries from the ministries of DoNER, water resources, river development and Ganga rejuvenation, power, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), departments of border management and space and chief secretaries of all eight north eastern states. Terms of reference of Committee: It will appraise existing institutional arrangements (or mechanisms) for management of water resources of NER. It will also identify of gaps in existing institutional arrangements for optimal management of water resources of NER. It will suggest policy interventions required for optimally harnessing water resources for accelerating development in NER. It will also spell out of actionable measures required for optimizing management of water resources in NER. It will chalk out a Plan of Action for dovetailing of schemes and programmes of concerned Union Ministries as well as schemes of respective North-Eastern State Governments. It will submit its report, including Plan of Action, by June, 2018. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) will serve as coordinating point. Background: The Brahmaputra (flows through Assam, Arunachal Pradesh) and Barak river (flows through Assam, Manipur and Mizoram) systems in NER which account for one-third of India’s run off are highly prone to floods. Brahmaputra is one of largest river systems in world and causes considerable distress and costs on NER through frequent flooding and erosion. During review of flood situation with Chief Ministers of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced constitution of High-Level Committee for holistic management of water resources in NER. The meeting noted thatoptimum management of water resources is cross-cutting task which requires multi-sectoral interventions and concerted strategy, including management of catchment areas in upper reaches involving concerned Central Ministries and State Governments.

6) The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Rajnish Kumar (59) as the new chairman of State Bank of India (SBI). His name was recommended by Vinod Rai-led Bank Board Bureau. Rajnish Kumar will be 25th chairman of the country’s largest lender and succeeds Arundhati Bhattacharya who retired from the service. Rajnish Kumar: Kumar joined SBI as probationary officer in 1980. In his banking career spanning three decades he had worked in various departments. Prior to this appointment, he was Managing Director (MD) Compliance and Risk and SBI board member. Before becoming MD, he headed SBI’s merchant banking arm, SBI Capital Markets, as managing director and CEO. Kumar also had worked as Chief General Manager, Project Finance and Leasing Strategic Business Unit. He also had held several key assignments across various business verticals, including two overseas assignments in Canada and United Kingdom. State Bank of India (SBI): SBI is largest commercial bank in India in terms of assets, deposits, branches, profits, customers and employees. It traces its ancestry to British India, through the Imperial Bank of India, to the founding, in 1806, making it oldest commercial bank in Indian subcontinent. On 1 April, 2017, SBI’s five associate Banks (State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala and State Bank of Travancore) and Bharatiya Mahila Bank merged with SBI. With merger, SBI entered in league of top 50 global banks with balance sheet size of Rs.33 trillion, 278,000 employees, 420 million customers and network of more than 24,000 branches and 59,000 ATMs. After the merger, SBI’s market share also had increased to 22% from 17%. It is ranked 232nd on the Fortune Global 500 list of the world’s biggest corporations as of 2016. It has 198 offices in 37 countries; 301 correspondents in 72 countries.

7) The Union Cabinet has approved proposal of Union Ministry of Shipping to rename of Kandla Port in Gujarat as Deendayal Port, Kandla. The port was renamed after BJP ideologue Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay who had dedicated his entire life for public service and was epitome of simplicity, honesty and selfless service for poor and down-trodden. It was renamed as part of Upadhyay’s 101st birth anniversary celebrations. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay: Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay was born in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, on September 25, 1916 and died on 1 February 1968. He was a Bharatiya Jan Sangh leader and Indian politician. He had conceived philosophy on ‘integral humanism’, which was later adopted by Jan Sangh and BJP. Throughout his life, he had worked tirelessly for Indianisation of democracy, honouring public opinion, selflessness and respect for law of the land. All his actions were based on principles of ‘Integral Humanism’ and also upheld values of democracy founded on tolerance, discipline, selflessness and respect for law of land. Kandla Port: Kandla Port is one of twelve major ports in country. It is situated on Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat. It is largest port of India in terms of volume of cargo handled (around 100 million tons freight). It was constructed in 1950s as main seaport to serve in western India, alternative to Karachi port which came under Pakistan’s control after partition. In March 2016, Kandla Port had created history by becoming first Major Port in country to cross 100 million tons freight handling capacity.

8) The Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Ministry of Railways, and Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications of Swiss Confederation on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector. The MoU was signed in August, 2017. The MoU will enable technical cooperation in areas such as traction rolling stock, Traction Propulsion Equipments, Freight and Passenger Cars, EMU and train sets, Railway Electrification Equipments , Train scheduling and operation improvement, Tilting Trains, Railway Station modernization, Multimodal transport and Tunneling technology. Background: The Union Ministry of Railways has signed various MoUs for technical cooperation in ail sector with various foreign Governments and National Railways in areas such as high-speed corridors, raising speed of existing routes, heavy haul operations, development of world-class stations and modernization of rail infrastructure etc. The cooperation under these MoUs is achieved mainly through exchange of information on developments in areas of railways technology and operations, knowledge sharing, technical visits, training & seminars and workshops in areas of mutual interest. These MoUs provide global platform for Indian Railways to interact and share latest developments and knowledge in railway sector. They also facilitate exchange of technical experts, technical documents and reports, training and seminars focusing on specific technology areas and other interactions for knowledge sharing.

9) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Golden Jubilee Year Celebrations (50 years) of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) in New Delhi. The event assumes significance as it comes close on heels of government action of de-registering over 2.1 lakh dormant, shell companies and disqualifying over one lakh directors as part of a cleanup of corporate system and tackling menace of shell companies. Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI): ICSI is the only statutory professional body in India with objective of promoting, regulating and developing the profession of Company Secretaries in India. Its headquarters are located at New Delhi, four Regional Offices at New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and 69 Chapters across India. Originally it was set up as not-for-profit organisation on 4th October, 1968, but later in 1980 the institute was converted into statutory professional body under an Act of Parliament, ‘The Company Secretaries Act 1980’.

10) The six member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to maintain status quo in policy rates by keeping repo rate unchanged at 6.0% under liquidity adjustment facility. It was RBI’s fourth bimonthly policy review for financial year 2017-18. The decision of MPC was consistent with neutral stance of monetary policy in consonance with objective of achieving medium-term inflation target of 4% within a band of +/- 2%, while supporting growth. Policy Rates: Repo rate: It is rate at which RBI lends to its clients generally against government securities. It was unchanged at 6%. Reverse Repo Rate: It is rate at which banks lend funds to RBI. It was unchanged at 5.75%. Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate: It is rate at which scheduled banks can borrow funds overnight from RBI against government securities. It is very short term borrowing scheme for scheduled banks. It was unchanged at 6.25%. Bank Rate: It is rate charged by central bank for lending funds to commercial banks. It was unchanged 6.25%. It influences lending rates of commercial banks. Higher bank rate will translate to higher lending rates by banks. Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR): It is amount of funds that banks have to keep with RBI. It was unchanged at 4%. The RBI uses CRR to drain out excessive money from system. Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): It was changed to 19.5% from 20%. It is amount that banks have to maintain a stipulated proportion of their net demand and time liabilities (NDTL) in form of liquid assets like cash, gold and unencumbered securities, treasury bills, dated securities etc. Key Highlights of 4th bi-monthly policy: RBI has indicated rise in inflation and is expected to rise from its current level and range between 4.2-4.6% in second half of this year. It also has indicated a fall in GVA (Gross Value Addition) growth rate. The projection of real GVA growth for 2017-18 has been revised down to 6.7% from August 2017 projection of 7.3%. According to RBI, various structural reforms introduced in recent period will likely be growth augmenting over medium- to long-term by improving business environment, enhancing transparency and increasing formalisation of economy.

11) Satya Pal Malik (71) was sworn-in as 35th Governor of Bihar. He was administered oath to office by Chief Justice of Patna High Court Rajendra Menon. He succeeds West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi who was holding additional charge of Bihar after the elevation of Ram Nath Kovind as President. Satya Pal Malik: He hails from Baghpat district in western Uttar Pradesh. Prior to this appointment, he was national vice-president of BJP. He had begun his political career in 1970s as member of UP Legislative Assembly between 1974 and 1977. He was elected from Aligarh Lok Sabha constituency on Janata Dal ticket in 1989-90. He also served as a member of Rajya Sabha for two terms of 1980-86 and 1986-1992. He has also served as MoS for Parliamentary Affairs, and Tourism. He has also served in several Parliamentary Committees. Constitutional provisions of Governor: Article 153: It says that there shall be Governor for each state. But 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 facilitated appointment of same person as a governor for two or more states. Article 156: Governor is appointed by President for term of 5 years but usually holds office during pleasure of President. There is no provision of impeachment, as it happens for the president.

12) The Union Ministry of Water Resources has approved project to set up Turtle sanctuary in Allahabad along with River Biodiversity Park at Sangam in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh under Namami Gange programme. The purpose of the Turtle sanctuary is to protect the rich aquatic biodiversity of river Ganga from escalating anthropogenic pressures. Key Facts: The approved project includes development of River Biodiversity Park at Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Sarasvati Rivers), establishment of Turtle Rearing Centre (Permanent nursery at Triveni Pushp and makeshift annual hatcheries) and awareness about importance of Ganga River and imperativeness of its conservation has been approved. This project will provide platform to make the visitors aware of their place in ecosystem, their roles and responsibilities, improve their understanding of the complexity of co-existence with environment. It will also help to generate awareness for reducing impact of human activities on critical natural resources. Need for such Projects: The sustenance of more than 2000 aquatic species including threatened gharials, dolphins and turtles in river Ganga exemplifies rich biodiversity of River Ganga which is lifeline to over 40% of India’s population. Rivers Ganga and Yamuna at Allahabad are home to some of most endangered fauna like turtles (Batagur kachuga, Batagur dhongoka, Nilssonia gangetica, Chitra indica, Hardella thurjii etc.), Gangetic dolphin- National Aquatic Animal, Gharial and numerous migratory and resident birds.

13) Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu laid foundation stone to develop Muktyal to Vijayawada waterway stretch on River Krishna as part of National Waterway 4 at Amaravati in Andhra Pradesh. The 82-km inland waterway stretch is Phase-1 of National Waterway-4 developed under Sagar Mala project. It will be used mainly for transportation of cement and construction material for new capital city Amaravati. National Waterway 4: NW-4 in Andhra Pradesh has total length of 2890 km. It is proposed to be developed in three phases viz. Phase-I: Muktyala to Vijayawada (Krishna River) (82 Km), Phase-II: Vijayawada to Kakinada (Eluru canal & Kakinada canal) and Rajahmundry to Polavaram stretch of Godavari (233 Km) and Phase-III: Commamur Canal, Buckingham canal and balance stretches of Krishna & Godavari Rivers (573km) In Phase I, three cargo terminals are proposed to be built at Muktyala, Ibrahimpatnam and Harishchandrapur. Besides, four Passenger Terminals will be built at Durga Ghat, Bhawani Island, Vedadari, and Amravati. The Phase I work is expected to be completed by June, 2019. Significance of NW 4: The project will provide efficient logistics solution to boost economic growth of region. It will facilitate development of new capital city Amravati during its early development stage by transporting substantial construction material. ‎It will also help in controlling traffic congestion and pollution. It will help in saving cost of transportation. Moreover, Ro-Ro services on the route will provide intra-city transportation of passengers and vehicles. It will improve connectivity to tourist and pilgrimage places in and around Vijayawada and Amaravati.

14) According to Ministry of Commerce & Industry, eight core sectors grew by 4.9% in August 2017, the highest growth rate since April 2017. It was higher than 3.1% in August 2016 and 2.6% in July 2017. The growth was recorded on account of robust performance of coal, natural gas and electricity segments. But, growth in Crude oil, cement and fertiliser segments declined. Key Facts: Coal production recorded 15.3% growth in August 2017, up from a low base of -9.7% contraction in August 2016. Electricity output grew by 10.3% in August 2017 from a low base of 2.2% growth in August 2016. Steel production registered 3% growth in August 2017, down from 16.7% in August 2016. Cement sector growth fell to -1.3% in August from 3.1% growth in August 2016. Fertilizer output contracted by -0.7% in August 2017 as against 2.5% growth in August 2016. Natural gas registered a 4.2% growth in August 2017 from a low base of -5.9% fall in August 2016. Refinery products output stayed almost at same level with 2.4% growth in August 2017 as against 2.5% growth in August 2016. Crude oil production shrunk by -1.6% in August 2017 from negative growth of -3.9% in 2016. Eight core sectors: Core industry can be defined as the main industry. In most countries, there is particular industry that seems to be the backbone of all other industries and it qualifies to be the core industry. In India, there are eight core sectors comprising of coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity. The electricity has the maximum weight of 10.32% followed by Steel (6.68%), Petroleum Refinery (5.94%), Crude Oil production (5.22 %), Coal production (4.38 %), Cement (2.41%), Natural Gas production (1.71 %) and Fertilizer production (1.25%). Healthy growth in core sectors have positive implications on Index of Industrial Production (IIP) as these segments account for about 40.27 % of the weight of items in the total factory output.

15) The World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Dr. Soumya Swaminathan (58) as one of two deputy directors general. This is first time such second-highest position created within WHO and highest post held by Indian in WHO. Dr Swaminathan will replace Dr Anarfi Asamoa-Baah from Ghana, who joined WHO as senior policy adviser to director-general. Soumya Swaminathan: Dr. Swaminathan is currently Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). She is a paediatrician and clinical scientist and globally-recognised researcher on tuberculosis (TB) and HIV, who has over 30 years of experience in clinical care and research. She did her MBBS and MD from Armed Forces Medical College and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), respectively. She had served as Coordinator of the UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) in Geneva from 2009 to 2011. She was member of several WHO and global advisory bodies, including WHO Expert Panel to Review Global Strategy and Plan of Action on Public Health, Innovation and IP, Strategic and Technical Advisory Group of Global TB Department at WHO. She was also Co-Chair of Lancet Commission on TB. She is one of the three daughters of Dr MS Swaminathan, who is known as the father of green revolution in India. World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO is specialized agency of United Nations that acts as coordinating authority on international public health. It was established in April 1948 and succeeded Health Organization, which was an agency of the League of Nations. It is a member of the United Nations Development Group and its headquarters is located at Geneva. WHO flag features the Rod of Asclepius as a symbol for healing.

16) Russia launched Sibir (Siberia), the world’s largest nuclear-powered icebreaker ship built under Project 22220 into the water at the Baltic Shipyard in St Petersburg. Sibir is second of three icebreakers of new class of biggest nuclear powered icebreakers ever constructed under Project 22220. The first one was Arktika (Arctic) was put in service in June 2016. Third icebreaker Ural is set to be completed in 2019. Sibir: Sibir is powered by two next generation RITM-200 nuclear-reactors. These reactors will be supplied with nuclear be produced by the TVEL fuel company. It is 173 meters long and 34 meters wide. It has displacement capacity of 33500 metric tons. It has dual-draft design that can break through 13 feet (3 metres) thick ice, enabling it to use it in Arctic waters and in estuaries of polar rivers. Sibir is designed to transport cargo along the Northern Sea Passage, a naval route near Artic has which has become recently more accessible due to climate change. It is 12 to 15 days shorter than traditional commercial routes through the Suez canal. It will help Russia to maintain control in Arctic waters due to drilling opportunities, minerals and strategic importance. Russia is only country in world that produces nuclear-powered icebreakers. The new series of icebreakers under Project 22220 are meant to ensure year-round navigation in western Arctic, and their makes possible to use them in Arctic Ocean as well as in rivers.

17) The Karnataka Government has launched Mathru Poorna Scheme to meet nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating women in rural areas of state. Under this scheme, pregnant and lactating poor women in rural areas will get one nutritious meal daily for 25 days in a month. Key Facts: The scheme will be implemented through anganwadis in State. Under it, nutritious food will be provided for 15 months, from start of pregnancy up to six months after delivery. Along with meal, Iron Folic Acid (IFA) tablets will be administered and gestational weight monitoring will be ensured for pregnant women. The full meal will consist of rice, dal with vegetables/sambar, one boiled egg and 200ml of milk, will be given to pregnant women. Those who don’t eat eggs would be given two varieties of sprouts. This meal will meet 40-45% of daily calorie, protein and calcium requirement per day of pregnant and lactating mothers.

18) The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has selected three American scientists Rainer Weiss, Barry C. Barish and Kip S. Thorne for the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics. They were selected for their decisive contributions to the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational wave Observatory) detector and the observation of gravitational waves. Dr. Weiss — born in Berlin and now a US citizen received half the prize. The remaining half was shared equally by two Caltech scientists — Dr. Barish, Professor of Physics and Dr. Thorne, Professor of Theoretical Physics ‎Gravitational waves: Gravitational waves are ripples curvature of spacetime which propagate as waves, travelling outward from source at the speed of light. Strongest sources of gravitational waves are among produced by catastrophic events such as colliding black holes. Gravitational waves were first predicted in 1916 by Albert Einstein on basis of his Theory of General Relativity. They were detected for by US LIGO laboratory in 2015. Since then three more examples have been detected. Gravitational waves transport energy as gravitational radiation and pass through matter without interacting with it. Information extracted from gravitational waves may help to address unsolved questions and mysteries of physics and astronomy. ‎LIGO: LIGO is world’s largest gravitational wave observatory. ‎It comprises two enormous laser interferometers located thousands of kilometers apart. ‎It helps to detect and understand the origins of gravitational waves. The Interferometers used in LIGO work by merging two or more sources of light to create interference pattern, which can be measured and analyzed.

19) The Union Government had launched SECURE Himalaya, a six-year project to ensure conservation of locally and globally significant biodiversity, land and forest resources in high Himalayan ecosystem spread over four states viz. Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Sikkim. It was launched by Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in association with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Key Facts: The SECURE project aims at securing livelihoods, conservation, sustainable use and restoration of high range Himalayan ecosystems. It is meant for specific landscapes including Changthang (Jammu and Kasmir), Lahaul – Pangi and Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh), Gangotri – Govind and Darma – Byans Valley in Pithoragarh (Uttarakhand) and Kanchenjunga – Upper Teesta Valley (Sikkim). The key focus areas of the project is protection of snow leopard and other endangered species and their habitats and also securing livelihoods of people in region and enhancing enforcement to reduce wildlife crime. Under it, enhanced enforcement efforts and monitoring will be undertaken to curb illegal trade in some medicinal and aromatic plants which are among most threatened species in these landscapes.

20) Researchers including from India have developed low-cost, rapid diagnostic test consisting of pan-dengue strip for diagnosing Zika and dengue viruses and differentiating four serotypes of dengue virus. Zika and dengue both belong to same viral family, which are called flaviviruses. They are two closely related viruses spread by the same mosquito. Key Facts: The test resembles pregnancy test strip and contains antibodies that react to presence of Zika or dengue virus, and also contains gold nanoparticles that respond to antibody reaction. It does not have cross-reactivity leading to wrong diagnosis as antigens specific to dengue and Zika viruses were identified. To use the test, medical professional dipped strip into a tube of either blood serum or whole blood of patient. If the test is positive, then dot or line was seen on the strip that results from seeing gold nanoparticles that signal antibodies recognising viral protein. The diagnostic test has nearly 100% ability to distinguish between two virus infections. It has nearly 76-100% sensitivity and specificity in case of dengue and in case of Zika, it has 81% sensitivity and 86% specificity.

21) The Global Wildlife Programme (GWP) Conference was recently held in New Delhi. It was jointly hosted by Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), World Bank and United Nations Development Programme. Theme of the Conference was – “Peoples’ participation in wildlife conservation”. GWP Conference: The GWP Conference held discussions on management of wildlife habitat, securing sustainable community livelihood, enhancing enforcement, monitoring, cooperation to reduce wildlife crimes such as poaching and related threats. It also provided an opportunity for India to showcase its conservation efforts through joint forest management, eco-development committees, vana sanrakshan samitis, in and around protected areas. Global Wildlife Programme (GWP): The GWP is World-Bank led global partnership of 19 countries in Asia and Africa to promote the conservation and sustainable development by combating trafficking in wildlife. It was initiated in 2015 by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). It serves as a platform to exchange knowledge and coordinate in on-ground action for combating illegal poaching of wildlife and improve governance on wildlife conservation. It seeks to reduce both supply and demand that drives illegal wildlife trade, and protect species and habitats through integrated landscape planning.

22) The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has unveiled third National Wildlife Action Plan for 2017-2031 to chalk out future road map for wildlife conservation. The plan was unveiled by Environment Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on inaugural day of Global Wildlife Programme (GWP) conference. It is third action plan after first released in 1983 to 2001 and second from 2002 to 2016, that had protected area-centric approach to wildlife conservation. 3rd National Wildlife Action Plan: The plan was initiated in February 2016 by MoEFCC. It was drafted by a 12-member committee chaired by JC Kala, a former secretary to the ministry. The key focus areas of this plan includes integration of climate change into wildlife planning, conservation of coastal and marine ecosystem, mitigation of human-wildlife conflict, focus on wildlife health among others. Climate Change impact: It is first wildlife action plan to recognise concerns related to climate change impact on wildlife. It has stressed on integrating actions for its mitigation and adaptation into wildlife management planning processes. It recommended assisted migration of wildlife and anticipatory planting along ecological gradients, as climate change may result in die-offs of certain tree species that are unable to adapt to newer environmental conditions. Approach: It adopts landscape approach in conservation of all wildlife – uncultivated flora and fauna that have an ecological value to ecosystem and to mankind irrespective of where they occur. It gives special emphasis to recovery to threatened species of wildlife while conserving their habitats which include inland aquatic, coastal and marine ecosystems. Human-animal conflict concerns: It addresses rising human-animal conflict owing to shrinkage, fragmentation and deterioration of habitats generating animosity against wild animals and protected areas. People’s support: It underscores increasing need for people’s support for conservation of wildlife. It recommends eco-development, education, innovation, training, extension, and conservation awareness and outreach programs. Participation of private sector: It underlines increased role of private sector in wildlife conservation. It lays down that Government will ensure that adequate and sustained funding including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds are made available for implementation of plan.

23) President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed five-member commission to examine sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). It will be headed by retired Chief Justice of Delhi High Court G. Rohini. Besides, Dr J K Bajaj, Director, Anthropological Survey of India, Registrar General and Census Commissioner and Joint Secretary from Ministry of Social Justice will be ex-officio members of commission. Key Facts: The commission has been established under Article 340 of Constitution under which Mandal commission had recommended 27% reservation for socially and educationally backward classes, was appointed. Sub-categorisation of OBCs aims to ensure more equitable distribution of reservations in government jobs and educational institutions so that dominant groups among OBCs do not corner all benefits. The exercise will involve sub-categorisation of 5,000 castes in central OBC list. Commission’s Terms of reference: The commission will examine extent of inequitable distribution of benefits of reservation among castes included in broad category of OBCs, especially with reference to OBCs included in the Central list. It will also take up exercise of identifying respective castes/sub-castes/communities synonyms in Central List of OBCs and classify them into their respective sub-categories. It will work out mechanism, norms, criteria and parameters, in scientific approach, for sub-categorization within such OBCs. Background: The Supreme Court of India in Indra Sawhney and others vs. Union of India case (1992) had observed that there is no constitutional or legal bar on states for categorizing OBCs as backward or more backward. It had also observed that it is not impermissible in law if state chooses to do sub-categorization. So far, 9 states/UTs viz. Karnataka, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Puducherry, Telangana, Wst Bengal, Bihar, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have carried out sub-categorization of OBCs. So far there was no sub categorisation in central list of OBCs.

24) The Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai (Tamil Nadu) was adjudged as the cleanest iconic place in country under Swachhta Hi Seva (cleanliness is service) programme. The temple earned top slot from among 10 iconic places selected by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation under Swachh Bharath Mission. It has piped other iconic places such as Taj Mahal, Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Golden Temple, Tirupathi temple and Sri Vaishno Devi temple. Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. It is historic Hindu temple located on southern bank of Vaigai River in temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareswar, a form of Shiva. It was built during reign of Pandyas. It houses 14 gopurams (gateway towers), ranging from 45–50m in height and tallest is southern tower, 51.9 metres high. It also has two golden sculptured vimanas, shrines over garbhagrihas (sanctums) of main deities.

25) The World Habitat Day was observed all over the world on 2 October 2017. The purpose of day is to reflect on state of cities and towns and basic human right to adequate shelter. It also aims to remind world of its collective responsibility for habitat of future generations. The theme for this year was ‘Housing Policies: Affordable Homes’. It focuses on promoting implementation of concrete initiatives to ensure adequate and affordable housing in context of implementation of New Urban Agenda, as well as achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. New Urban Agenda: It was adopted at UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (also known as “Habitat III” conference) held in Quito, Ecuador in October 2016. It sets global vision of sustainable urbanization for next 20 years. It is set of 175 commitments that countries need to adhere to tackle challenges of urbanization. It is considered as roadmap for building cities that can serve as engines of prosperity and centres of social and cultural well-being while protecting the environment. It provides guidance for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and provides the underpinning for actions to address climate change. Background: The United Nations has designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/202 in 1985 and was first celebrated in 1986. Since then it is observed each year with new theme to promote sustainable development policies that ensure adequate shelter for all.

26) The 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Jeffrey C. Hall (72), Michael Rosbash (73) and Michael W. Young (68). It was announced by Nobel Assembly at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute. ‎They were awarded for discovering molecular mechanisms controlling circadian rhythm. Their discoveries explain how plants, animals and humans adapt their biological rhythm so that it is synchronized with Earth’s revolutions. Circardian Rhythm: Circardian Rhythm is 24 hour cycle in physiological processes of living beings, including plants, animals, fungi and cyanobacteria. It influences such biological functions as hormone levels, sleep, body temperature and metabolism. These three noble laureates dsing the fruit fly as a model organism, had isolated a gene that controls daily biological rhythm. They had showed that this gene encodes a protein that accumulates in cell during night and is then degraded during the day. Subsequently they identified additional protein components of this machinery, exposing mechanism governing the self-sustaining clockwork inside the cell. They also had raised awareness of importance of proper sleep hygiene. Nobel Medicine Prize: The Nobel award for medicine is given to persons whose discoveries have significantly enhanced understanding of life or practice of medicine. The winners are chosen by Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute. The prestigious award carries prize money of 8 million Swedish kroner or 1.1 million dollars. Medicine is first of the Nobel Prizes awarded each year. It is one of five Nobel Prizes established by Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite in 1895.

27) The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched countrywide Free Eye Check-up Campaign and distribution of spectacles for truck drivers, cleaners and helpers. It was launched by Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping and Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari at Panjari Toll Plaza, Nagpur Bypass, Nagpur in Maharashtra. Eyesight is basic requirement for safe driving. Poor vision increases risk of collisions due to the driver’s inability to recognise and react in time to hazard or behaviour of other road users. Key Facts: The objective of this initiative is to ensure clearer vision and safe travel for truck drivers who are most frequent users of national highways. Under it, 50 free eye check-up camps will be set up on identified national highways on either side. The camps will be manned by eye specialist and support staff volunteers. The cleaners can avail of this facility on condition of producing valid driving license. These camps will distribute free spectacles up to certain power as prescribed by eye specialist. Moreover, other eye defects like cataract will be also identified and medicines will be prescribed. NHAI has roped in Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governments, social enterprises and private businesses for facilitating provision of these facilities. It is one of many innovative programmes undertaken by NHAI to ensure safe travel along national highways. This initiative is expected to reduce number of accidents involving trucks and encourage regional staff and NGOs to set up such camps on regular basis.

28) India received first ever shipment of US crude oil of 1.6 million barrels, purchased by state-run Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) at Paradip Port in Odisha. It was imported on board of MT New Prosperity, a very large crude carrier (VLCC) that had left US Gulf Coast on August 19, 2017 and arrived at Paradip port. Key Facts: IOC will process crude at its refineries located at Paradip, Haldia (in West Bengal), Barauni (in Bihar) and Bongaigaon (in Assam). This was one of first shipments to India since United States stopped oil exports in 1975. With this India, the world’s third-largest oil importer joins other Asian countries like South Korea, Japan, Thailand, China and Taiwan to buy US crude oil as they seek to diversify oil imports from other regions after the OPEC production cuts raised prices of Middle East heavy-sour crude ( grades with a high sulphur content). Background: The delivery of shipment follows recent commitments to US oil purchases by Indian state refiners. State-owned Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) also have placed orders for about 2.95 million barrels and 1 million barrels of US crude respectively for their Kochi and Vizag refineries. Indian companies, both public and private, have invested about $5 billion in US shale assets. They have also contracted 5.8 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from US and the first shipment is expected to be delivered to India in January 2018. India-US Energy relations: The IOC purchase comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in June 2017 when President Donald Trump had assured that US looks forward to export more energy products to India. They had committed to expand and elevate bilateral energy cooperation through strategic energy partnership. Under this partnership, both countries are elevating cooperation in field of energy, including in cleaner fossil fuels, renewables, nuclear, and cutting edge storage and energy efficiency technologies. The first delivery of oil imports is considered as significant milestone in growing partnership between the US and India. US crude oil shipments to India have potential to boost bilateral trade between both countries by up to $2 billion.

29) The Odisha Government is creating 1.2 lakh acre land bank across state for allocation to industrial sector in order to avoid repeat of Posco fiasco. The purpose of the land bank is to cut red tape and avoid local issues in the land acquisition process. Under it, state government is acquiring government land for industrial use. Key Facts: The land bank is based on plug-and-play kind of model wherein facilities related to water, power, roads and all clearances are in place. The companies need to only make payment of base premium upfront for land and annual rent for rest of the 90 years lease period. State government has created huge land bank and has identified areas across state to bring under one umbrella for industrial sector. Its land bank already has reached 57,655 acres. With creation of land bank, state industry department is looking for investment in various sectors including steel, aluminium, agro and food processing units, apparel, IT and plastic units to further create employment potential in the state.

30) The International Day of Non-violence is celebrated every year on 2 October throughout world on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, leader of Indian independence movement and also pioneer of philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa). Observance of this day seeks to promote principles of non-violence through education and public awareness and is observed by all countries of the UN. In India, this day is celebrated as Gandhi Jayanti. International day of Non-Violence: The day was instituted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting resolution A/RES/61/271 in June 2007 to disseminate the message of non-violence, including through education and public awareness. The resolution reaffirmed universal relevance of principle of non-violence and the desire to secure a culture of peace, tolerance, understanding and non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi: Mahatma Gandhi (Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi) is known for playing main role in freeing India from clutches of British. He was born on 2 October 1869 in Porbandar, in Bombay Presidency of British India. He was assassinated on January 30, 1948, by Nathuram Godse. Gandhiji is fondly known as ‘Bapu’ for his selfless contribution towards India’s Independence struggle. He is unofficially called Father of the Nation. He had studied law at University College London. He later returned to India and worked with Indian Firm in South Africa. Gandhiji returned to India in 1915 and joined Indian National Congress. He led nationwide campaigns for various social causes and for achieving Swaraj or self-rule. He led peaceful protests and started creating awareness about oppress rule of British in India. His non-violent methods including Satyagraha and Civil Disobedience is known worldwide. Some of the famous protests led by Gandhiji against British rule include Dandi March and non-cooperation movement that gave severe blows to the British government. Eventually, his fame spread all over India and in year 1921 he became leader of Indian National Congress, He lived modestly in self-sufficient residential community and wore traditional Indian dhoti and shawl, woven with yarn hand-spun on charkha. He also undertook long fasts as a means of both self-purification and political protest. At multiple times he was jailed however he continued his efforts.

31) The International Day of Older Persons (IDOP) is observed every year on October 1 to raise awareness about issues affecting elderly and to appreciate contributions that older people make to society. It also seeks to raise awareness about issues affecting elderly, such as senescence and elder abuse. The theme for this year is “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society”. It aims to explore effective means of promoting and strengthening the participation of older persons in various aspects of social, cultural, economic and civic and political life. Background: The International Day of Older Persons was instituted by United Nations General Assembly by adopting resolution 45/106 in December 1990 for raising awareness about issues affecting the elderly, such as senescence and elder abuse. It is also a day to appreciate the contributions that older people make to society. The observance of the day is also focus of ageing organizations and the United Nations Programme on Ageing.

32) President Ram Nath Kovind appointed Governors in five states viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Meghalaya. Lieutenant Governor for Andaman and Nicobar Islands was also appointed. The appointments will come into effect from the date incumbents assume charge of new posts. Appointed Governors are: Brigadier (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd): He was appointed as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh. He was Commander of NSG (Black Cat Commandos) and was instrumental in successful rescue operation during Indian Airlines plane hijacking at Amritsar in 1993. He has served in China war (1962), Bangladesh liberation operations (1971) and in LTTE operations in Sri Lanka (1987-88). He also volunteered for the Kargil war after retirement. Satya Pal Malik: He was appointed as Governor of Bihar. He had held the profile of MoS, Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism brief period of six months in 1990. He was twice elected as member of Rajya Sabha and once of Lok Sabha. He was a member of Uttar Pradesh Assembly in 1970s. Banwarilal Purohit: He was appointed as Governor of Tamil Nadu. Prior to this appointment, he was Governor of Assam. He is a veteran political leader from Vidarbha. Prof Jagdish Mukhi: He was appointed as Governor of Assam. Previously, he was Lieutenant Governor of Andaman & Nicabar islands. Previously, he had held various profiles in Delhi Government such as Finance, Plannes, Excise & Taxation and Higher Education. In Delhi Assembly, he led Opposition for almost 10 ten years. Ganga Prasad: He was appointed as the Governor of Meghalaya. He was an MLC in Bihar for 18 years. He led the Opposition as MLC for five years. Devendra Kumar Joshi: He was appointed as Lt. Governor of Andaman & Nicobar islands. He had served as Chief of Naval Staff from August 2012 to February 2014. He also had served as Defence Adviser at Indian High Commission in Singapore from 1996-99.

33) Veteran theatre, television and film actor Tom Alter passed away aged 67. He was best known for his performances in “Shatranj Ke Khilari”, “Junoon” and “Kranti”. Tom Alter: He was Indian actor of American descent He was born in 1950 in Mussoorie. He studied at Pune’s Film and Television Institute. He had appeared in over 300 films which included Satyajit Ray’s acclaimed movie Shatranj Ke Khiladi and Junoon apart from numerous TV shows. His first Hindi film to be released was Ramanand Sagar’s Charas in 1976. He also worked in Bengali, Assamese, Gujarati, Telegu, Tamil and Kumaoni films.. Though he was one of finest actors of his era, he was stereotyped in Bollywood as perennial British man. He was cricket enthusiast and was also a sports journalist wrote for several sporting journals. He was first person to interview Sachin Tendulkar for TV, before his debut as cricketer for India. He was published author and had written three books, one non-fiction and two fiction. His last film was “Sargoshiyan” with Alok Nath and Farida Jalal, released in May 2017. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2008 for his services in the field of arts and cinema.

34) Defence Ministry has rolled out ARPAN 3.0 (Army Record Office Process Automation 3.0), a new automation software for Defence Security Corps personnel to ease personal documentation and all issues related to their progression. The software was jointly developed by Army Software Development Centre (ASDC) and Tech Mahindra, using state-of-the-art web-based technology. Key Facts: ARPAN 3.0 will provide over 12 lakh soldiers of Indian Army easy access to their service records including pay and leave details and transfer and postings among others. As of now, all these records are maintained manually, which is a time-consuming exercise. It consists of seven modules facilitating end to end human resource, financial management of Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and Other Ranks with major functional advantages of timely processing of postings, promotions, release of salary, publication of personal occurrences and processing of pension has been rolled out by DCOAS (IS &T) for the Defence Security Corps. The software provides valuable data for decision and policy making for the Defence Security Corps Directorate. It will enable Defence Security Corps to access their service profiles, statement of accounts and adjustment of allowances at par with troops of Indian Army.

35) The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog in partnership with US Government is going to host 8th annual Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES 2017) in Hyderabad (Telangana) from November 28 to 30, 2017. The theme for this year is “Women First, Prosperity for All” to celebrate entrepreneurship in all its strength, diversity and entirety. This is the first time GES is being held in South Asia. Key Facts: GES 2017 aims to empower Indian entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas, build partnerships, secure funding, and create innovative products and services that will transform societies for better future. It will not only bring global best practices to India, but also create irreplaceable place for India in global entrepreneurial ecosystem. The four primary focus areas of GES 2017 are Digital Economy and Financial Technology, Health Care and Life Sciences, Energy and Infrastructure, and Media and Entertainment. The summit will deliberate on four key sectors, focus on critical aspects of entrepreneurship and host interactive sessions between panelists and audience.

36) State-run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) has announced that it will procure 10,000 electric vehicles (EVs) from Tata Motors. It is world’s largest single electric vehicle procurement. EESL had selected Tata Motors through international competitive bidding for this procurement. Other companies, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) and Nissan had also participated in the tender. Key Facts: Tata Motors had quoted lowest price of Rs 10.16 lakh exclusive of GST in the competitive bidding. It will supply EVs in two phases with 500 e-cars in first phase in November 2017 and remaining 9,500 EVs in second phase. The EVs will be provided for Rs 11.2 lakh, inclusive of GST. It will also provide comprehensive 5 year warranty which is 25% below the current retail price of a similar e-car with 3 year warranty. To carry out end-to-end fleet management of the procured vehicles for the concerned government customer, EESL will appoint service provider agency through competitive bidding. EESL will also be responsible for coordination between appointed agencies, monitoring and supervision, reporting, complaint redressal and payments. Comment: EESL’s this move aims to make India’s passenger mobility shared, electric, and connected to cut country’s energy demand by 64% and carbon emissions by 37% in 2030. It will result in reduction of 156 Mtoe (million tonne oil equivalent) in diesel and petrol consumption pear year and net savings of roughly Rs 3.9 lakh crore by 2030. Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL): EESL was set up under Union Ministry of Power to facilitate implementation of energy efficiency projects. It is a Joint Venture of NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation (PFC), Rural Electrification Corporation (REC) and POWERGRID. It also leads market-related actions of the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE). It also acts as the resource centre for capacity building of State DISCOMs.

37) Domestic telecom equipment provider Vihaan Networks Limited (VNL) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to launch Relief 123 service to provide disaster management in India. The Relief 123 service is an integrated disaster response solution for first responders and public safety agencies. It has been designed and manufactured by VNL. BSNL will provide backhaul connectivity to it. Key Facts: The Relief 123 service is based on “ResQMobil”, an integrated portable communication solution which packs in the required hardware into a portable transportable trailer-on-wheels. The comprehensive communication solution aims to bring BSNL and disaster management agencies viz. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) on one platform for better coordination. The service will restore connectivity at disaster sites, help locate affected people and integrate information across platforms for quick relief. Comment: India is prone to natural disasters, availability and quick deployment of such comprehensive communications solution will help disaster management agencies mount faster and more reliable search and rescue operations. This communication model will also be scaled for SAARC countries, wherein BSNL will have roaming agreements with local mobile service operators.

38) The third India International Science Festival (IISF-2017) will be held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu from October 13-16, 2017. It will be organised by Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA). Key Facts: The objective of IISF 2017 is to instil scientific temper among masses and showcase India’s contribution in field of science and technology over years. Top scientists from government are expected to participate in four-day festival at IIT-Chennai. The festival aims to build strategy for rural India through advancement of S&T. It also intends to make innovation beneficial for people and develop technology that is affordable to the masses. The Festival will be held at various venues, which include Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Structural Engineering Research Centre (SERC), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), IIT-Madras and Anna University.

39) The International Translation Day was observed by United Nations for first time on 30 September 2017. The observance of day seeks to recognize contribution of unsung heroes behind international diplomacy who work as language professionals to facilitate dialogue and contribute to development and strengthens world peace and security. It also recognises transposition of literary or scientific work from one language into another language as indispensable to preserve clarity, climate and productiveness in international public communication. Background: The International Translation Day was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in May 2017 by adopting resolution 71/288 after considering importance of role played by language professionals in connecting nations and fostering peace, understanding and development. The date 30 September was chosen to celebrate feast of Bible translator St Jerome, who is considered as patron saint of translators.

40) Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified new Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017 to prohibit range of activities in wetlands. The new rules will replace earlier rules notified in 2010. Wetland: Wetland is transitional land between terrestrial and aquatic eco-systems where water table is usually at or near surface or it may be land covered by shallow water. It supports rich biodiversity and provides wide range of ecosystem services such as water storage, water purification, flood mitigation, erosion control, aquifer recharge etc. There are 115 wetlands officially identified by Central Government and of those 26 are identified as wetlands of international importance under Ramsar Convention (an international intergovernmental treaty for conservation of wetlands to which India is party). Wetlands are threatened by reclamation and degradation due to activities like drainage and landfill, pollution, hydrological alteration, over-exploitation resulting in loss of biodiversity and disruption in ecosystem services provided by them. Highlights of new rules: State Wetlands Authority (SWA): It stipulates setting up of SWA in each State/UTs headed by State’s environment minister and include range of government officials. State government will also nominate one expert each in fields of wetland ecology, hydrology, fisheries, landscape planning and socioeconomics. Functions of SWA: It will develop comprehensive list of activities to be regulated and permitted within notified wetlands and their zone of influence. It will also recommend additional prohibited activities for specific wetlands, define strategies wise use of wetlands and its conservation and undertake measures to enhance awareness within stakeholders and local communities on values and functions of wetlands. In this case, wise use has been defined as principle of sustainable uses that is compatible with conservation. Prohibited Activities: The rules prohibit activities like conversion of wetland for non-wetland uses including encroachment of any kind, setting up and expansion of industries, waste dumping and discharge of untreated wastes and effluents from industries, cities, towns, villages and other human settlements. Digital inventory of all wetlands: Mandatory for state authorities to prepare list of all wetlands and list of wetlands to be notified within six months. Based on it, a comprehensive digital inventory of all wetlands will be created and will be updated every ten years. National Wetlands Committee (NWC): The rules stipulates for setting up of NWC, headed by MoEFCC Secretary, to monitor implementation of these rules and oversee work carried out by States. NCW will also advise Central Government on appropriate policies and action programmes for conservation and wise use of wetlands, recommend designation of wetlands of international importance under Ramsar Convention, advise on collaboration with international agencies on issues related to wetlands etc.

41) According to recently released Sample Registration Bulletin (SRS), India has registered a significant decline of 8% in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in 2016. IMR in India has declined by three points from 37 per 1000 live births in 2015 to 34 per 1000 live births in 2016. Infant mortality rate (IMR) is the number of deaths per 1,000 live births of children under one year of age. Key highlights of SRS: Moreover, India has also recorded major drop in birth cohort, which has for first time came down to below 25 million. India has registered 90000 fewer infant deaths in 2016 as compared to 2015. The total number of estimated infant deaths have come down from 9.3 Lakhs in 2015 to 8.4 lakhs in 2016. The gender gap in India for child survival is also reducing steadily. The gender difference between female and male IMR has reduced to below 10%, giving major boost to Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme. Among Empowered Action Group (EAG) states and Assam, all states except Uttarakhand have reported decline in IMR compared to 2015. The decline is reported as 4 points in Bihar, 3 points in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Assam respectively and two points decline in Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan. Significance: The results signify that strategic approach of Health Ministry has started yielding dividends and also efforts of focusing on low performing States is paying off. These remarkable achievements in short span of time are result of countrywide efforts to increase health service coverage through various initiatives of Government.

42) An expert committee headed by former Lok Sabha secretary general TK Viswanathan to deal with cybercrimes especially online hate speech has submitted its report to Union Home Ministry. The committee was formed after Supreme Court struck down Section 66 A of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 in Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India. Section 66 A of IT Act was added to criminalize sending of offensive messages through a computer or other communication devices. Recommendations: The committee has recommended appointing cybercrime coordinators in all states and establishing cybercrime cells in each district. They will deal with those fomenting trouble or spreading hate against anybody on rounds of religion, race, caste or community, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, language, place of birth or residence, disability or tribe through any means of communication. It has suggested replacing some clauses of the IT Act, 2000 and amending some sections of IPC like 153 (want only giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 505A (false and mischievous reports intended to upset public tranquillity) to deal with online hate crimes. It has recommended punishment under amended clause dealing with prohibiting incitement to hatred of two years imprisonment or fine of Rs 5,000 or both. It has suggested that offences under amended Section 505A be punishable with imprisonment of up to one year or fine or Rs 5,000 or both. The committee suggested that state cybercrime coordinator should be an officer not below the rank of Inspector General of Police (IGP). The district cybercrime cell should be headed by an officer not below the rank of sub-inspector of police. Background: The Union Home Ministry had constituted committee under chairmanship of former Law Secretary TK Viswanathan to assist government in establishing effective legal framework to deal with cybercrimes related to hate speech on internet. It was having members from Law Ministry, CBI and Ministry of Home Affairs. It was tasked to study and examine existing domestic cyber laws and international cyber legislations and propose measures, amendments to present laws. It was also mandated to recommend amendments to Information Technology Act, 2000 and corresponding provisions in IPC, CrPC and Evidence Act to facilitate establishment of strong legal framework to fight cybercrimes. It was also mandated to draw a roadmap taking into account the need of legal competence and expertise on cyber laws from investigation, prosecution and judiciary angles.

43) The Union Government is finalising electoral bonds scheme in order to bring greater transparency in funding of political parties. The scheme was announced in 2017-18 Union Budget as part of certain electoral funding reforms. It will make India first country in the world to have such unique bonds for electoral funding. Need for such Scheme: According to Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), most political parties use lax regime on donations to accept cash donations from anonymous sources. Nearly 70% of Rs. 11,300 crore in party funding over an 11-year period came from unknown sources. The electoral bonds will prompt donors to take banking route to donate, with their identity captured by the issuing authority. Electoral Bonds Scheme: Under the scheme, proposed electoral bonds will resemble promissory note and not an interest-paying debt instrument. These bonds will only be issued by notified authorised bank and can only be bought using cheques or digital payments. These bonds purchased by donor will be given to political party for fixed period of time. The electoral bonds will not carry name of donor and routing of money through banks will ensure that only tax paid money comes into political system. To avail benefit of this scheme, it is mandatory for all political parties to notify their bank account to the Election Commission of India. Political party using their notified bank account can convert these donated electoral bonds into money.

44) India has signed Letter of Intent (LoI) with Norway to extend cooperation within health sector through Norway India Partnership Initiative (NIPI) for period of three years starting from 2018. Through this LoI, cooperation between both countries will continue to be aligned with development goals of India as outlined in its National Health Policy, 2017 for achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Key Facts: The cooperation will also focus on global health issues of common interest. It will include areas related to reproductive, maternal, child, new-born, adolescent health and health system strengthening to be build based on experiences from NIPI phase I and II. The cooperation will continue to focus on innovative, catalytic and strategic support, taking India’s Intensification Plan for Accelerated Maternal and Child Survival in country as starting point. Background: The Governments of Norway and India had agreed in 2006 to collaborate towards achieving MDG 4 to reduce child mortality. The partnership was based on India’s health initiative, National Health Mission (NHM) and aimed at facilitating rapid scale-up of quality child and maternal health services in four high focus states – Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan. The main activities in NIPI Phase I (2006-2012) were home-based new born care (HBNC), establishing Sick Newborn Care Units (SNCU), Yashoda through State health system, techno managerial support and providing strategic support for immunization and Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives. India and Norway had decided to extend the partnership to coincide with Phase II of NHM plan for period of five years (2013-17). Besides four states supported by NIPI, Jammu & Kashmir was added as fifth state with NIPI. NIPI through its work in last decade (2007-2017) has resulted in newer initiatives. It has also supported NHM by providing credible technical support in five states and at national level. It has resulted in development and release of multiple policies and guidelines for NHM.

45) Gujarat will become first big state to use Electronic Voting Machine (EVMs) equipped with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in coming Assembly elections to make election process more transparent. It was announced by Election Commission of India. Gujarat will be second state after Goa to use VVPAT system for the Assembly elections in entire state. The VVPATs will cover all 50,128 polling booths during 2017 Gujarat Assembly elections. As many as 70,182 VVPAT machines will be used during election elections. Earlier, VVPATs were used on pilot basis in limited polling booths of state in 2012 elections. Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT): The VVPAT is a method that provides feedback to voters after they cast their votes in EVMs. It is independent verification printer machine attached to EVMs. It allows voters to verify if their vote has gone to the intended candidate. Thus, ensure free and fair elections. In the VVPAT system, when voter presses button for candidate of his choice in EVM, a paper slip containing serial number, name of candidate and poll symbol will be printed for voter. The paper slip will be only visible to voter from glass case in VVPAT for seven seconds, after that slip will be cut and dropped into drop box in VVPAT machine. VVPAT machines can be accessed by polling officers only. Purpose of VVPAT: VVPAT is intended as an independent verification system for EVM designed to (i) allow voters to verify that their votes are casted correctly, (ii) detect possible election fraud or malfunction and (iii) Provide a means to audit the stored electronic results.

46) The World Maritime Day (WMD) is observed every year on September 28 to highlight importance of shipping safety, maritime security and marine environment and to acknowledge maritime industry. The 2017 theme of the day is ‘Connecting Ships, Ports and People’. It was chosen to provide an opportunity to focus on many diverse actors involved in shipping and logistics industry. It aims to focus on helping International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states to develop and implement maritime strategies to invest in a joined-up, interagency approach that addresses whole range of issues, including facilitation of maritime transport, increasing efficiency, navigational safety, protection of marine environment, and maritime security. Background: The World Maritime Day marks date of adaptation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) Convention in 1958. The day was first observed in 1978. The IMO’s original name was the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) but it was changed to IMO in 1982. International Maritime Organization (IMO): IMO is a specialised agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping. It was established in 1948 in Geneva as ICMO and came into force in 1959. Its headquarters are in London, United Kingdom. IMO has 171 member states and 3 associate members. India was one of the earliest members of the IMO and had joined it as a member-state in 1959. Its functions are to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping and its remit. This framework addresses various areas like safety, legal matters, environmental concerns, technical co-operation, maritime security and efficiency of shipping.

 

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