WBCS Current Affairs 29/10/2016 to 04/11/2016

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1. Researchers from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Thiruvananthapuram have developed a compound named gelator to scoop out marine oil spills. They had produced gelators using glucose as a starting material and through several other chemical reactions. How it works? The gelator molecule is partly hydrophilic and partly hydrophobic. The hydrophilic part helps in self-assembling to form gelator fibres, while the hydrophobic part is responsible for its diffusion into oil layer. Since outer part of the fibre is hydrophobic, oil tends to gets into spongy network made of fibres. Once inside the fibre network, oil loses fluidity and becomes a gel. The gel was strong enough to be scooped with a spatula. What are the advantages? Gelator has ability to selectively congeal oil, including crude oil from an oil-water mixture. It makes the process of recovering marine oil spills simple, efficient and cost-effective. It is in a powder form and can be easily applied over oil-water mixture. It does not cause any environmental damage. It can be recovered oil from oil-water mixture and can be reused several times. But in the case of crude oil, the gelator can’t be recycled.

2. The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation has inked MoU with Common Services Centre (CSC), a SPV of Ministry of Information Technology for enabling online submission of applications under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister for Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation M Venkaiah Naidu and Union Minister for IT Ravi Shankar Prasad. What is significance of the MoU? It will enable online submission of applications by the urban poor for affordable houses under PMAY (Urban). About 60 thousand CSCs located in urban areas will enable online submission of applications at a nominal cost of 25 rupees per application. CSCs will also facilitate printing of the acknowledgement receipt with beneficiary photograph which helps applicants in tracking application status. About Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Union Government had launched Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in June 2015 in line with its ambitious Housing for All by 2022 Mission. Under this scheme government plans to build two crore houses for the poor in urban areas by year 2022, which coincides with 75 years of Independence. The scheme has four basic components viz. slum rehabilitation, affordable housing, credit linked interest subsidy and beneficiary-led individual house construction or enhancement. Intended beneficiary will be poor people (BPL) and people living under EWS and LIG categories in urban establishments of the country. Under this scheme, the ownership of houses will be in the name of woman or jointly with husband.

3. The Union Ministry of Railways has appointed Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak (73), the founder of Sulabh International as a Brand Ambassador for Swachh Rail Mission of Indian Railway. Indian Railways had tied up with Sulabh International to clean some important railway stations across the country as part of the mission with an aim to promote cleanliness at rail premises/ As a pilot project, Sulabh International had started cleaning and maintenance of five important railway stations Gorakhpur, Old Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Gwalior from September 2016.

4. India born Sarabjit Singh Marwah has become the first Sikh to be appointed to the Canadian Senate (upper house). He was among six people from Ontario who have appointed to Senate by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. With this, he becomes the only Indian-origin member of the Canadian Senate. He is third Sikh person in the Canadian parliament after Defence Minister Harjeet Sajjan and Science Minister Navdeep Bains. There are over 20 MPs of Indian origin the Canadian House of Commons (lower house).

5. The Union Government is developing a National Data Registry (NDR) to compile and serve metadata of different agencies and re-engineer the feature data sets for improving their use. The registry will also serve as a source of authenticated information. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) will be the nodal coordinating agency of the NDR. NDR will require all agencies state, private and academic, collecting and storing geospatial data to provide details of data they store. What is the purpose of such a registry? The registry aims to create a catalogue that will prevent duplication of data sets and to help users locate the right agencies to source information. It will be a ‘meta-data’ repository to only inform about the nature of the data a service provider has. It is not actually be a source of geospatial data. It can operate across a wide range of formats and can source information automatically. Thus, Survey of India can vet it for accuracy and see whether it contains information that contravenes national security.

6. India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Palestine for setting up of Palestine-India Techno Park at Ramallah in Palestine. The decision to set up Techno Park was taken during the visit of President Pranab Mukherjee to Palestine in October 2015.

7. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Saur Sujala Yojana that would provide solar powered irrigation pumps to farmers at a subsidized price. It was launched in Chhattisgarh as part of the state’s 16th foundation day celebrations. With this Chhattisgarh becomes the first state to implement the scheme. Key Facts Under the scheme, solar powered irrigation pumps of 3HP and 5HP capacity will be distributed to the farmers. The beneficiaries would get the pumps at the subsidised price. It is mainly aimed to give priority to those areas where electricity has not reached, so that farmers can utilize them in irrigation and agriculture. Around 51,000 farmers would be benefitted in the state with the launch of the scheme by 2018. Earlier, PM Narendra Modi had dedicated the Jungle Safari in Naya Raipur. It is claimed to be the biggest man-made safari in Asia. The safari is spread across 320 hectares of area.

8. The 15 Asia-Pacific nations including India of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are concern to give greater market access to Chinese goods without gaining in return. All these countries in the RCEP grouping are also worried about agreeing to eliminate tariffs altogether, a move that will mainly help China. What are the concerns? These 15 Asia-Pacific nations including India fear that China may dump its excess capacity in several items including steel, as well as highly subsidised items which may harm local industry of importing countries and distort trade. What is RCEP? RCEP is the proposed mega-regional Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between 16 Asia-Pacific countries. It includes India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and the 10-member ASEAN bloc. The RCEP negotiation process had started in 2013 and is unlikely to be concluded by the end of 2016. The proposed FTA aims to open up trade in goods and services as well as liberalise investment policies. It will cover a market of over 3 billion people in these 16 countries — whose total combined GDP is more than $17 trillion and collectively account for 40% of world trade.

9. Russia has invited India to join in developing next-generation nuclear reactors and to participate in its fast-reactor research project. The multipurpose fast research reactor project known by Russian acronym MBIR is coming up as the International Research Centre (IRC) in Dimitrovgrad located in the Ulyanovsk region. What is purpose of this project? Creation of a new technological platform for nuclear energy, which will be based on the closed fuel cycle with fast neutron reactors It will be used to conduct a large number of reactor studies of Generation 4 nuclear systems, including the fast neutron reactor with closed fuel cycle, as well as small and medium power thermal neutron reactors. What is significance of MBIR? The MBIR project is based on the closed fuel cycle which involves recycling the nuclear waste as new fuel. It essentially signifies research on a sodium-cooled Generation 4 fast reactor to design an advanced fast neutron reactor for use in nuclear power plants. MBIR’s design includes three independent loops that can be used to test different coolants like gas, lead, molten salt, among others. Therefore it makes possible to conduct material testing research in those different environments What is a fast neutron reactor? It is a type in which the nuclear fission chain reaction is sustained by fast neutrons. It also known as a fast reactor. Such a reactor needs no neutron moderator like normal water, which serves such a purpose in thermal reactors. What are advantages of fast neutron reactor? With these types of reactors it is possible to solve the major ecological problem of reprocessing and deactivation of accumulated radioactive waste, at same time provide much needed energy. It will lead to the solution of the five key problems safety, shortage of fuel, competitiveness, reprocessing and refabricating used nuclear fuel and radioactive waste and enforcing non-proliferation of fission materials and weapons technologies.

10. The Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016, designed to curb black money and passed by parliament in August 2016, came into effect. The new law amended the Benami Transactions Act, 1988 and renamed as the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions (PBPT) Act, 1988. The amendment act also to strengthen the parent Act in terms of legal and administrative procedure. What is benami transaction? The benami (without a name) transaction refers to property purchased by a person in the name of some other person. The person on whose name the property has been purchased is called the benamdar and the property so purchased is called the benami property. The person who finances the deal is the real owner. Key Highlights Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016 Persons indulging in benami transactions may face up to 7 years’ imprisonment and fine. Furnishing false information is punishable by imprisonment up to 5 years and fine Properties held benami are liable for confiscation by government without compensation Initiating Officer may pass an order to continue holding property and may then refer case to Adjudicating Authority which will then examine evidence and pass an order. Appellate Tribunal will hear appeals against orders of Adjudicating Authority. High Court can hear appeals against orders of Appellate Tribunal.

11. India’s largest hydropower generation company National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has commissioned its 50 MW wind power project (WPP) in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The project has achieved synchronization with the national grid in October, 2016. NHPC has signed a power purchase agreement with Inox wind and Rajasthan government to set up 25 turbines of 2 MW for the project. NHPC is engaged in construction of 5 power projects aggregating to a total installed capacity of 4290 MW including 1000 MW (Pakal Dul hydroelectric project) executed through JV company. Besides, its 10 projects of 7,151 MW are awaiting clearances for their implementation including three projects of 1,186 MW to be executed through subsidiary/joint venture companies. About National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) NHPC is enterprise of Central Government incorporated with an objective to plan, promote and organise an integrated and efficient development of hydroelectric power in all aspects. Established: 1975 Headquarters: Faridabad, Haryana. Besides, hydroelectric power the company has expanded its objects to include other sources of energy like Solar, Geothermal, Tidal, Wind etc. At present, NHPC is a Mini Ratna Category-I Enterprise of the Central Government with an authorised share capital of Rs. 1,50,000 Million.

12. Kerala has become the third Open Defecation Free state in the country after Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) (Gramin).. The announcement in this regard was made by the Drinking Water and Sanitation Secretary Parameswaran Iyer in New Delhi on the occasion foundation day of Kerala (1 November). With this Kerala becomes first high density populated state in the country to achieve Open Defecation Free status. All 14 districts, 152 blocks, 940 Gram Panchayats and 2117 villages of the State have been declared free from open defecation. Freedom from open defecation has been proven to lead to significant health benefits in terms of incidences of water-borne diseases, especially in children, and provide safety and dignity for all, especially women and senior citizens. About Swachh Bharat Mission The Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was launched in October 2014 to accelerate the efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to put focus on sanitation. The mission aims to achieve Swachh Bharat or make India clean by 2019, as a fitting tribute to the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The SBM consists of two sub-missions Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), implemented in rural areas, and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), implemented in urban areas. SBM-G seeks to eliminate open defecation in rural areas by 2019 through improving access to sanitation by ensuring the use of toilets, besides their construction. It also seeks to generate awareness to motivate communities to adopt sustainable sanitation practices, and encourage the use of appropriate technologies for sanitation.

13. India has been ranked 133rd out of 183 countries in the 2016 Global Youth Development Index (YDI) compiled by the Commonwealth Secretariat. The Global Youth Development Index report measures countries’ prospects for young people in employment, education, health, civic and political spheres. Key Facts Top 10 countries in 2016 YDI: Germany (1), Denmark (2), Australia (3), Switzerland (4), UK (5), Netherlands (6), Austria (7), Luxembourg (8), Portugal (9) and Japan (10) India’s neighbours: Sri Lanka (31), Bhutan (69) and Nepal (77). India related facts: India accounts for nearly 20% of the global youth population, with nearly 345 million young people between the ages of 15 and 30 living in the country. India is currently experiencing the most significant “youth bulge” – with nearly 27% of its total population made up of young people. India’s overall rank in 2016 YDU is relatively low, but it has registered an 11% improvement in scores over last five years (from 2010 and 2015). The report highlights need for greater investment to reap so-called demographic dividend. Youth development levels in India lag particularly in the domains of education, health and employment.

14. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have jointly topped the Ease of Doing Business Reforms Ranking 2015-16. The ranking of the states was conducted by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and the World Bank. How states were ranked? States were ranked on their implementation of DIPP-proposed 340-point Business Reform Action Plan in period between July 2015 and June 2016. They were rated based on their score in the per cent scale i.e. implementation rate regarding the 340 reform measures. These 340 reform areas are broadly under six key categories: tax reforms, single-window systems, environment and labour reforms, construction permits, inspection reforms and commercial disputes and paper-less courts. 32 States and UTs had submitted evidence of implementation of 7,124 reforms. These submissions were reviewed by the World Bank team and validated by the DIPP. Key Highlights of the 2016 rankings Top 10 states: Andhra Pradesh (Score 98.78%), Telangana (98.78%), Gujarat (98.21%), Chhattisgarh (97.32%), Madhya Pradesh (97.01%), Haryana (96.95%), Jharkhand (96.57%), Rajasthan (96.43%), Uttarakhand (96.13%) and Maharashtra (92.86). The national implementation average of reforms stands at 48.93%, significantly higher than 2015 national average of 32. This demonstrates the great progress made by States in 2016. Low-income States: Four of seven States with lowest income levels in India had found a place in top 10. All seven such lowest income levels states had an implementation rate of over 75%. These low-income States included Chhattisgarh (97.32%, 4th rank), Madhya Pradesh (97.01%, 5th rank), Jharkhand (96.57%, 7th), Rajasthan (96.43% and 8th), Odisha (92.73%, 11th), Uttar Pradesh (84.52%, 14th), and Bihar (75.82%, 16th rank). 12 states were ranked as leaders with 90-100% implementation record. 17 states and UTs, including Kerala, Goa and most north-eastern states, were ranked as laggards with 0-40% implementation record.

15. The tenth edition of Indo-Nepal joint military exercise Surya Kiran commenced at Army Battle School, Saljhandi in Nepal. Its emphasis will be on counter terrorism in mountainous terrain. The two weeks (from 31 October to 13 November 2016) military exercise seeks to boost defence ties between India and Nepal. Key Facts In this edition of Joint Battalion Level Exercise, Indian Army is being represented by elite Kumaon Regiment, while Nepal Army is being represented by Jabar Jung Battalion. The aim of exercise is to conduct battalion level joint training with emphasis on Counter Terrorism in mountainous terrain. Besides, aspects of Disaster Management have also been included in the exercise. It will platform for the contingent of both nations to share their experience and gain mutually. Thus, it will enhance defence co-operation and relations between two nations. Background The Surya Kiran series of military exercises are being conducted annually, alternatively in India and Nepal. Surya Kiran series of military exercises with Nepal is largest in terms of troop’s participation in series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries.

16. Maharashtra has been ranked first state in the country in 2016 Agricultural Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms Index. The first-ever index based on initiatives taken by the states in implementing farm sector reforms was issued by the NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog. What is Agricultural Marketing and Farmer Friendly Reforms Index? The index ranks states based on their initiatives taken in implementing provision of seven farm sector reforms. These reforms have been proposed under model APMC Act, joining eNAM initiative, special treatment to fruits and vegetables for marketing and level of taxes in mandis. States are ranked based on score on the scale ranging from 0 to 100. The minimum score of 0 implies no reforms at all and score of 100 means state is friendliest to farmers. The index identifies three major parameters. They are (i) reforms in agricultural marketing, (ii) land lease and (iii) forestry on private land. What is purpose of the index? The index aims at helping states identify and address problems in farm sector, which suffers from low growth, low incomes and agrarian distress to double farm income. It also seeks to bring reform in agriculture sector by ease of doing agribusiness as well as provide opportunities for farmers to benefit from modern trade and commerce. The various indicators of index showcases the levels of competitiveness, efficiency and transparency in agriculture markets of the states. Key Highlights of 2016 Index Top 5 States are Maharashtra (score 81.7), Gujarat (71.5), Rajasthan (70), Madhya Pradesh (69.5) and Haryana (63.3). Maharashtra has implemented most of the marketing reforms and offers the best environment for doing agribusiness among all states and UTs. Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu performed poorly and not even have reached the halfway score mark of 50. Some states/UTs that have not adopted APMC Act or revoked it are not included in the ranking. They include Bihar, Kerala, Manipur, Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Andaman and Nicobar.

17. According to recently released new 2011 census data, nearly two-thirds of the disabled population in the age-group of 5-19 in 2011 were attending educational institutions. It was mentioned in the table C-22 of census which gives distribution of the disabled population in the age-group 5-19 by their attendance status in educational institution, type of disability, sex, age and residence. Highlights of the table C-22 of census As many as 40.2 lakh (61.2%) out of the total of 65.7 lakh disabled population in the specified age group were attending educational institutions in 2011. Besides, 8.0 lakh (12.1%) had attended educational institutions earlier and 17.5 lakh (26.7%) never had attended any educational institutions. The census shows improvement of 11% points from 2001 when 33 lakh (50%) of the 65.3 lakh differently abled persons had attended educational institutions. The enrolment figure is 10% points lower than that of the total population — 71% attending educational institutions. 27% of the disabled people in the age group of 5-19 have never attended any educational institute. Data show those who reported to have ‘any other disability’ has the highest percentage (71.2%) of the people attending any educational institution. This was followed by those having visual disability (68%) and hearing difficulty (67%), Movement (59.6%), Speech (58.9%), Mental retardation (47.2%), Multiple disability (37.2%) and Mental illness (34.1%).

18. The Union Ministry of Housing has notified the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) (General) Rules, 2016, to be applicable to the five Union Territories. These five Union Territories are Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep and Chandigarh. Key Facts These Rules have been notified as stipulated in the Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016 for ensuring timely completion of projects in five Union Territories As per provisions of the Act, Real Estate Regulatory Authorities (RERA) and Real Estate Appellate Tribunals (REAT) have to be set up by the end of April, 2017. The Rules provide for compounding of punishment with imprisonment for violation of the orders of REAT against payment of 10% of project cost in case of developers and 10% of the cost of property purchased in case of allottees and agents. Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Act, 2016 The Real Estate Act that seeks to regulate the housing sector besides bringing transparency and ensuring timely completion of projects. The law is touted as a major reform measure to regulate the vast real estate sector. It requires registration of all projects with state-level Real Estate Regulatory Authorities to ensure protection of the interests of both buyers and builders.

19. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is observed across India on 31 October to commemorate birth anniversary of Independent India’s first Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhai Patel. Observance of the day provides an opportunity to re-affirm inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand actual and potential threats to unity, integrity and security of our country. 2016 Theme: “Integration of India”. To mark this occasion various activities and events are being organised across ministries and departments all over the country. Besides, Run for Unity was organised in New Delhi. The idea of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was mooted by PM Narendra Modi in October 2014 to mark the birth anniversary of country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel He was born on 31 October, 1875 at Karamsand, Gujarat. He is known as the Iron Man of India or Bismarck of India. By profession, he was a barrister and had successfully practiced law. Later he left law practice and joined the Indian national movement under leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. In India’s independence struggle, he played a major role in organizing peasants’ movements on Gandhian principles in Bardoli and Kheda in Gujarat and during the Quit India movement. His biggest contribution to India was his role in the integration of the over 500 princely states with India during 1947-49. He is also remembered as the Patron Saint of India’s civil servants for establishing modern All-India services.

20. The first meeting of National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) was held in New Delhi to discuss ways for developing roadmap for implementation of WTOs trade facilitation agreement. It was headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha and was attended by all 24 members along with secretaries of various ministries and departments like Home, Shipping, Civil Aviation. What is National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF)? The NCTF is a mandatory requirement under the WTOs Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). It is a national level body to facilitate domestic co-ordination and implementation of TFA provisions. It aims to develop the pan-India road map for trade facilitation. It will have three tier structure with main national committee for monitoring implementation of TFA. What is Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA)? TFA is the WTO’s first-ever multilateral accord that contains provisions for expediting the movement, clearance and release of goods, including goods in transit. It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues.

21. The European Union (EU) and Canada have signed Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), a landmark trade deal. The deal was signed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and top European Union officials in Brussels, Belgium. Now all 28 European Union states are required to endorse it. What is Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA)? CETA is a free free-trade agreement (FTA) between Canada and the EC. It aims to revoke roughly 9,000 tariffs, covering many industrial goods and agricultural and food items. It links single European Union market with Canada, world’s 10th largest economy. It will add around €11.6 billion to the EU economy and around €8.2 billion to Canada’s economy It also promises to open up competition and cooperation in the services sector ranging from regulations, to financial services, and telecoms. It remove customs duties, open-up the services market, end restrictions on access to public contracts, offer predictable conditions for investors and help prevent illegal copying of EU innovations and traditional products.

22. The Union Government has reconstituted the Inter State Council (ISC) and the Standing Committee of the ISC under Clause 2 of the Inter State Council order,1990. The Inter-State Council is a constitutional body to facilitate coordination between states and the centre. It will be headed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Composition of reconstituted Inter State Council (ISC) Members: Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories (having legislative Assembly), Six Union Ministers. Besides, administrators of Union Territories which do not have legislative Assembly are also members of the Council. Six Union Ministers: Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Minister for Information and Broadcasting M Venkiah Naidu and Road Transport Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari. The Standing Committee of the Inter State Council will be headed by Union Minister of Home Affairs Rajnath Singh What is the inter-state council? The Inter-State Council is a constitutional body to facilitate coordination between states and the centre. It is a recommendatory body to investigate and discuss subjects, in which some or all of the states or the Central government have a common interest. It is set up on the basis of provisions in Article 263 of the Constitution of India by a Presidential Order, 1990 based on the recommendation of Sarkaria Commission. Not a permanent constitutional body The Inter-state council is not a permanent constitutional body for coordination between the states and Central government. Rather, President can establish it at any time if it appears to him that the public interests would be served by the establishment of such a council. What is the composition of the inter-state council? The Council is headed by Prime Minister (Chairman). Besides, Chief Ministers of all states and UTs (having legislative Assembly) are its members. Six Union ministers of cabinet rank nominated by the Prime Minister are also members.

23. The State of Himachal Pradesh was officially declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). Every individual household in the state has functional toilet under the ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’. With this, Himachal Pradesh becomes the second State in the country after Sikkim to achieve the feat. However, among bigger states Himachal Pradesh is the first state to become ODF. Himachal Pradesh has successfully achieved total rural sanitation coverage of 100% in the state. Besides, all 12 districts in state were declared as well as verified as ODF. This status will further entitle Himachal Pradesh to receive World Bank funding under Rs 9,000 crore project to sustain sanitation campaign. What is Open defecation? Open defecation means people defecate in open spaces such as fields, bushes, forests, open bodies of water rather than using the toilet. Hazards of Open Defecation: It is important factor in causing various diseases like intestinal worm infections, diarrhoea, polio, hepatitis etc. Prevention: Creating awareness about adverse impact of open defecation on health, changing behavioural habit of people, building of community toilets etc.

24. The Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises Sunil Bharti Mittal was appointed as Chairman of GSM Association (GSMA). He succeeds Jon Fredrik Baksaas who will step down at the end of 2016. In his new role, Mittal will oversee the strategic direction of the organisation. Besides, Mari-Noëlle Jego-Laveissiere, Executive Vice President, Innovation, Orange Group was re-elected as Deputy Chairman of GSM Association. It also elected the new members of the 26-member Board of the company. About Sunil Bharti Mittal Sunil Mittal is Indian telecom tycoon, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He is the founder, chairman and Group CEO of Bharti Enterprises, which has interests in telecom, financial services, retail and agri business. The Group’s flagship company Bharti Airtel is India’s largest telecom company and world’s third largest mobile operator. It has its presence in 20 countries across Asia and Africa and customer base of over 275 million. Presently, he serves on many international bodies and think-tanks and currently is the Chair of the World Economic Forums (WEF) Telecommunications Steering Committee. He is listed as the eight richest person in India by Forbes with a Net worth of 7 billion dollars. In 2007, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian honour. About the GSM Association The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide. It unites nearly 800 operators with almost 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem. The GSMA Board has 26 members, including 25 operator representatives from world’s largest operator groups as well as smaller, independent operators. It produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Americas and the Mobile 360 Series of conferences.

25. The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has recognized Boxing Federation of India (BFI) as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for Boxing. This decision will give massive fillip to the recently-formed BFI and also give a boost to the sport of boxing which had suffered due to absence of an NSF in the discipline since 2012. The BFI was formed recently and had conducted its elections of its office bearers in September, 2016. AIBA, the International Body for boxing had recognized these newly elected office bearers of BFI. Considering the election report and other documents submitted by BFI, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports granted of recognition as NSF for Boxing

26. India and Russia have agreed to double the range of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile from 290 km to over 600 km. The decision in this regard was taken during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Goa on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. Why this decision was taken? Earlier, India was denied access to the missile technology with range over 300 km as it was not member state of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). But India’s recent accession to MTCR, allowed Russia to provide the critical systems and technology to extend the range of the missile beyond 300km. Benefits of extending range: It will enhance the stand-off capability and the operational radius in striking targets of the missile. It will have major force multiplier due its speed and accuracy. Background India and Russia had teamed up to develop the BrahMos missile in 1998. It is based on the Russian Yakhont anti-ship missile. Its range was limited to 290 km as Russia was a member of MTCR but India was not. Due to restrictions under MTCR, Russia was not able provide the critical systems of the missile to increase its range. What are features of BrahMos Missile? BrahMos is one of its kind supersonic cruise missile. Named from the names of two rivers, India’s Brahmaputra River and Russia’s Moskva River. It operates on fire and forget principal and is capable of being launched from land, sea, sub-sea and air against sea and land targets. It is capable of carrying a warhead of 300 kilogram and has top supersonic speed of Mach 3 (that is, three times the speed of sound). It is two-stage missile, the first one being solid and the second one ramjet liquid propellant. The BrahMos Missile already been deployed by Indian Army and Indian Navy in anti-ship and precision strike roles respectively. The air version is at present undergoing testing. What is Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)? MTCR was established by G-7 countries in 1987. It is only an informal political understanding and not an official treaty with legally binding obligations. The aim of the MTCR is to restrict the proliferation of missiles, unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), complete rocket systems and related technology for those systems capable of carrying a 500 kilogram payload for at least 300 kms, as well as systems intended for the delivery of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

27. Antartica’s Ross Sea was declared as world’s largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) to protect the Earth’s most pristine marine ecosystem. It was declared after landmark international agreement among 24 countries and European Union in Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) meeting in Hobart, Australia. Key Facts The Ross Sea is one of the last intact marine ecosystems in the world. It covers 1.6 million square kilometers. MPA status to Ross Sea will bring blanket ban on commercial fishing across about three quarters of its area for 35 years. Ross Sea in the Southern Ocean is home to 38% of the world’s Adelie penguins, 30% of world’s Antarctic petrels and around 6% of world’s population of Antarctic minke whales. It is also home to huge numbers of krill, a staple food for species including whales and seals. What is Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)? The CCAMLR was established by international convention in 1982 with the objective of conserving Antarctic marine life. It is part of the Antarctic Treaty System. It was signed by 14 states and has been ratified by 35 states (including India) and the European Community Headquarters: Tasmania, Australia. Goal: Preserve marine life and environmental integrity in and near Antarctica The CCAMLR was established in response to increasing commercial interest in Antarctic krill resources, a keystone component of the Antarctic ecosystem and over-exploitation of several other marine resources in the Southern Ocean.

28. Technology giant Microsoft has launched its first full-scale Cybersecurity Engagement Center (CSEC) in Delhi. It is first-of-its-kind Cybersecurity Centre in India and overall 7th in the world including in Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Singapore, Berlin and Washington DC. Key Facts The CSEC will bring together Microsoft capabilities to foster deeper Cybersecurity collaborations with public and private sector organisations. The centre will also build a trusted and secure computing environment, a critical enabler for India’s digital transformation. The CESC will offer their expertise and work with partners to detect and take evasive measures to tackle cyber threats in India. The centre is a part of Microsoft Consultancy Services (MCS), a dedicated response team based in India that will offer security consultancy services to business organisations. It will offer services such as cyber monitoring, threat detection using machine learning based technology and take evasive measures to combat cyber threat.

29. The Union Cabinet has given its in-principle approval for strategic sale of over a dozen public sector undertakings (PSUs). This decision was taken based on the recommendation of NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog’s proposal on disinvestment and strategic sale of sick PSUs. Key Facts The strategic disinvestment of such public sector units with the transfer of management control to a private entity will be taken up subsequently on a case-by-case basis. It will be undertaken after consultations with their respective administrative ministries without any timeline. The Union Government had set a target to raise Rs. 20,500 crore in 2017-18 through strategic sales of PSUs and another Rs. 36,000 crore from sale of minority stakes in PSUs. There is no specific timeline set for disinvestment and strategic sale of sick PSUs. Each PSU will be considered on ‘its own merit’ with the timing of the sale to be decided accordingly. Union Government will follow settled valuation procedures in a transparent process for such transactions. What is strategic disinvestment? In Strategic disinvestment the management control and a significant proportion of a PSU’s share goes to a private sector strategic partner. Thus, strategic disinvestment of a PSU is different from the ordinary disinvestment in which management of PSU is retained with Government. According to the Department of Disinvestment, in the strategic disinvestment of a PSU, the transaction has two elements: (i) Transfer of a block of shares to a Strategic Partner and (ii) Transfer of management control to the Strategic Partner.

30. The Union Cabinet approved establishment and operationalisation of a National Academic Depository (NAD). Under it all academic degrees, certificates and awards in the country will be made digitally available for verification on single spot. Key Facts The NAD will be established and operationalised within the next three months. It will be rolled out throughout the country in 2017-18. It will be operationalised by NSDL Database Management Limited (NDML) and CDSL Ventures, Limited (CVL). Background The Finance Minister’s Budget Speech (2016) had incorporated commitment to establish a Digital Depository for school learning certificates, degrees and other academic awards of Higher Education Institutions, on the pattern of a Securities Depository. How it will work? Academic institutions will be directed to upload and authenticate all documents in digital form into the NAD system The NAD will register educational institutions/eligibility assessment bodies/boards, students and other users/verifying entities like employer companies, banks, government agencies and academic institutions. It will provide digital or a printed copy of the academic award with security features to the students or other authorized users. Besides, NAD will also verify academic awards online on the same day of request initiated by any authorized user. Requests for access to academic awards will be on basis of consent of the owner. For ex, access from potential employers and academic institutions will be only on the basis of consent of the student. NAD will maintain the authenticity, integrity and confidentiality of its database. It will root out fake degrees.

31. Two Yazidi women Nadia Murad Basee and Lamiya Aji Bashar have been selected for European Union’s prestigious Sakharov Prize for Human Rights for year 2016. Both of them were among thousands of Yazidi girls and women who were abducted by Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq and forced into sexual slavery in 2014. But both survived and had escaped sexual enslavement. Now they campaign for the Yazidi community. They also have become figureheads for effort to protect Yazidis, followers of an ancient religion with more than half a million believers concentrated in northern Iraq. About Sakharov Prize The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is annual award given by the European Parliament. It is bestowed on individuals or organisations who have dedicated their lives to the defence of human rights and freedom of thought. It was established in December 1988 and is named after Soviet scientist (physicist) and dissident Andrei Sakharov. The first prize was jointly awarded to Nelson Mandela and Russian human rights campaigner Anatoly Marchenko. It is awarded annually on or around December 10 (also celebrated as Human Rights Day), day on which UN General Assembly ratified Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.

32. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted startups to raise external commercial borrowings (ECBs) of up to $3 million in a financial year for three year tenure The new rules issued by RBI aims at boosting innovation and promoting job creation in the country. It will apply to startups looking to raise foreign borrowings and restrictions on such funds will be kept minimum. Key Facts Under the ECB route, borrowing of startups should be denominated in any freely convertible currency or in Indian Rupees (INR) or a combination thereof. In case of borrowing in INR, the non-resident lender, should mobilise INR through swaps/outright sale undertaken through bank in India. Under this, Funds can be raised with a minimum maturity of 3 years. There will no cost-ceiling or restriction on the end use of the funds raised. The borrowing can be in form of loans or non-convertible, optionally convertible or partially convertible preference shares and minimum average maturity period will be 3 years. The ECBs can be raised from a country which is either a member of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) or either through FATF-Style Regional Bodies. Overseas branches and subsidiaries of Indian banks and overseas wholly-owned subsidiary or joint venture of an Indian company will not be considered as recognised lender. What is External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)? Any money borrowed from foreign sources for financing the commercial activities in India are called ECBs. The Central Government permits ECBs as a source of finance for Indian Corporates for expansion of existing capacity as well as for fresh investment. Thus, ECBs are defined as money borrowed from foreign resources including the following: (i) Commercial bank loans (ii) Buyers’ credit and suppliers’ credit (iii) Securitised instruments such as Floating Rate Notes and Fixed Rate Bonds etc. (iv) Credit from official export credit agencies and commercial borrowings from the private sector window of Multilateral Financial Institutions such as World Bank, ADB, AFIC, CDC, etc. How ECB is different from FDI? In case of Foreign Direct Investment, the foreign money is used to finance the Equity Capital. But in case ECBs, foreign money is used to finance any kind of funding other than Equity.

33. The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to formation of the Indian Institute of Science Education & Research (IISER) at Berhampur in Odisha. IISER, Berhampur will be established under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and it will start of its 2016-17 academic session from 1 August 2016. It will being its operations from a transit or temporary campus from the Academic Year 2016-17 for the initial three years i.e. till 2016-19. Union Cabinet also gave approval for introduction of National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research (Second Amendment) Bill, 2016. This bill will pave way for inclusion of IISER, Tirupati and IISER, Berhampur in Second Schedule of National Institutes of Technology, Science Education and Research (NITSER) Act, 2007.