WBCS Current Affairs 09/01/2016 to 05/02/2016 Part 1

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1. India officially became the Associate Member State of European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO). In this regard, Union Ministry of Science and Technology has signed an agreement to acquire the status of Associate Member of EMBO. India is second country outside the European region to be an Associate Member State of EMBO. First one being Singapore which had signed such agreement with European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC) in 2015. Benefits This move will strengthen interaction and collaborative research between India and Europe in the field of molecular biology. Indian Researchers will now be eligible to participate in all EMBO programmes and activities taking place across the world. Indian scientists now can apply for its programmes, such as long-term fellowships for postdoctoral researchers, courses, short-term fellowships and workshops etc. About European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) EMBO is a professional organization of life scientists in Europe. Presently, it has more than 1700 leading researchers. Founded: 1964 Headquarters: Heidelberg, Germany. Functions: It promotes research in life science and enables international exchange of scientific information between scientists. Support talented researchers at all stages of their careers and also stimulate scientific information exchange. It organizes courses, conferences and workshops, publishes four international scientific journals and supports projects of individual scientists.

2. India has ratified Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC), 1997 which sets parameters on a nuclear operator’s financial liability. In this regard, India has submitted the Instrument of Ratification of the CSC to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and shall come into force after 90 days i.e May 2016. Benefits Facilitate and boost India’s nuclear commerce with international partners. Contribute to strengthen an international convention and global nuclear liability regime. About Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC) Seeks to establish a uniform global legal regime for compensation to victims in the unlikely event of a nuclear accident. It was adopted on 12 September 1997. It can enter into force after ratification by at least 5 countries having minimum of 400,000 units of installed nuclear capacity. It has been framed in consistent with the principles of Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (1963) and the Paris Convention on Third Party Liability in the Field of Nuclear Energy (1960). It provides a uniform framework for channelling liability and providing speedy compensation after the nuclear accident. Seeks to encourage regional and global co-operation to promote a higher level of nuclear safety in accordance with the principles of international partnership and solidarity. All states are free to participate in it regardless of their presence of nuclear installations on their territories or involvement in existing nuclear liability conventions. India had signed it in 2010 for delivering its commitments for stemming the landmark 2005 nuclear agreement with the United States.

3.The World Health Organisation (WHO), a UN Health agency has accorded PQP (Pre-qualification of Medicines Programme) certification to Chennai based GreenSignal Bio Pharma. The Indian pharmaceutical company was accorded this certification for manufacturing a BCG (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) vaccine. With this, it became second Indian company to get PQP certification from WHO. What is PQP certification? PQP certification helps pharmaceutical companies to participate in the global immunisation programme which is facilitated through international procurement agencies such as UNICEF and others. These international institutions prefer WHO list of pre-qualified pharmaceutical products while making a decision on procurement for distribution in resource-limited nations. GreenSignal Bio Pharma The company is headed by former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N. Gopalaswamy. It has a full-fledged BCG vaccine production facility at Thiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu having production capacity of 60 lakh vials. Presently, it is supplying BCG vaccine to the Government of India and Indonesia.

4. A US Senate Armed Services Committee has confirmed the nomination of General John Nicholson to the commander of the NATO forces in Afghanistan. He will succeed outgoing commander US General John Campbell. His appointment comes at a time when serious concerns have been raised about the security situation in Afghanistan. About John Nicholson Prior to this appointment, he was serving as US Army commander of NATO land forces (since October 2014). Previously he served as the commander of the 82nd Airborne Division. Earlier he had held several high-profile Army roles including chief of staff of operations for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and US Forces – Afghanistan. He also had served as director of Pakistan/Afghanistan Coordination Cell for the Joint Staff and Deputy Commander – Stability of ISAF Regional Command – South. Background Currently, there are around 10000 US troops in Afghanistan who advise local security forces and conduct counter-terrorism missions. They are part of NATO Training and Support mission which had replaced the US-NATO led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) combat mission after NATO had formally ended its war in Afghanistan in December 2014.

5. Maharashtra Government has rolled out Deradicalisation Programme for the minority community to counter both home-grown extremism and the global Islamic State (IS) threat. The plan has been chalked out by the State Home Department that includes a 50-point socio-economic strategy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has approved the proposal in this regard and also has passed a government resolution on it. Key features of Programme Aims to bringing youth especially from the minority community into the mainstream and make coordinated efforts and policies in different 13 sectors for their empowerment. It also seeks to create an environment of solidarity and trust among the minority community and envisages that various government schemes to reach out to them. It includes opening of vyayam shalas in minority areas, making National Cadet Corps (NCC), Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG) compulsory in minority schools. It also has provisions for setting up an independent media outlet in order to deliver ‘mainstream thoughts and values’ to the minority youth. Plans to teach religious texts from all sects in minority schools and teaching merits of democratic states and demerits of dictatorships as a separate chapter in the Urdu textbooks. Under it, Urdu language will be taught in 300 Marathi schools. 5 minority areas will be also developed as urban smart clusters.

6. All 12 Pacific Rim countries have signed Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement in Auckland, New Zealand making it one of the biggest trade deals in history. These 12 countries are: Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Canada, United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Australia and New Zealand. TPP is Free Trade Area and these member countries across the Pacific Rim are home to 800 million people and account for 40% of global trade. About Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement Objectives of TPP: (i) Lower trade barriers such as tariffs. (ii) Establish a common framework for intellectual property (iii) Enforce standards for labour law and environmental law (iv) Establish an investor-state dispute settlement mechanism. The agreement aims to liberalize trade in nearly all goods and services by eliminating tariff and non-tariff barriers. This will lead to creation of a unified market like in European Union which will help different countries in different manner. Platform for regional integration: It seeks to serve as a common platform for regional economic integration. Inclusive trade: It seeks to create favourable inclusive trade environment so that every member can benefit from trade. Addressing new trade challenges: It seeks to promote innovation, competitiveness and productivity by addressing new issues in global trade such as of intellectual property rights, digital economy, ecommerce etc. Comprehensive market access: It involves reduction or complete elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers in a list of goods, services and investments. Regional approach to commitments: Facilities seamless integration of economies of members facilitating; opening markets, cross border trade and development of production and supply chains. Comment The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement is considered as US-led initiative, part of its so-called “Asia Pivot” or Rebalance doctrine to rebalance its relationships vis-à-vis Asian state actors and a restructuring of priorities for its foreign policy establishment.

7. Hyderabad-based vaccines manufacturer Bharat Biotech has announced a breakthrough in developing the world’s first Zika vaccine by developing two candidates. In this regard, the pharmaceutical company has submitted two vaccine candidates, one each of inactivated and recombinant type to the Government. Key facts These two candidates are in an advanced stage of development and could be ready soon after pre-clinical studies concluded in the next five months. The company already has filed patents for both candidates in July 2015 and is looking to start animal tests soon after getting regulatory approvals for conducting clinical trials. It should be noted that this company was able to achieve this medical breakthrough because it had earlier successfully developed vaccine on vector borne Chikungunya disease which is also transmitted by Aedes mosquito similar to Zika virus. Inactivated vaccine: It consists of the disease-causing microbe which is killed with chemicals, radiation or heat. These microbes are grown under controlled conditions and are rendered non-infectious in order to reduce antigenicity. It is more stable and safer vaccine compared to vaccines using live microbes. Recombinant DNA vaccine: It is produced through the recombinant DNA technology. This technology involves inserting the DNA encoding antigen (such as a bacterial surface protein) that stimulates immune response. It generally uses an attenuated virus or bacterium to introduce microbial DNA to cells of the body.

8. Former IAS officer D J Pandian has been appointed vice-president and chief investment officer (CIO) of Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). He is retired IAS officer of Gujarat cadre and had served as chief secretary of the state. He also had worked on deputation with the World Bank. He was also the MD of Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC). About Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) AIIB is a multi-lateral lender set up to boost lending for infrastructure projects in the Asia-Pacific region. It will fund infrastructural projects such as energy, urban construction, transportation and logistics as well as education and healthcare. It has authorised capital of US 100 billion dollars and subscribed capital of USD 50 billion. China, India and Russia are the three largest shareholders of AIIB, taking 30.34%, 8.52%, 6.66% stake respectively. Their voting shares are 26.06%, 7.5% and 5.92% respectively.

9. The Union Government has constituted two new committees namely Tax Policy Research Unit (TPRU) and Tax Policy Council (TPC) to streamline the taxation policy and administration. These committees have been constituted based on the recommendation of the Tax Administration Reform Commission (TARC) on taxation reform. Tax Policy Research Unit (TPRU) The TPRU will be headed by Revenue Secretary. It will carry out studies on various topics of fiscal and tax policies. It will assist the TPC in taking appropriate policy decisions and shall prepare tax proposal and analysis of legislative intent. It will also take decisions on expected increase or decrease in tax collection and economic impact. It will comprise of officers from CBEC, CBDT as well as economists, researchers, statisticians and legal experts. Tax Policy Council (TPC) The TPC will help the government in identifying key policy decisions for taxation. It shall aim to have a consistent and coherent approach to the issue of tax policy. It will look at all the research findings coming from TPRU and suggest broad policy measures for taxation. The council will be headed by Union Finance Minister. It shall have 9 members – Minister of State for Finance, Commerce Minister, NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman, Chief Economic Advisor and Finance Secretary. It would also have secretaries from the department of Revenue, DEA, DIPP and Ministry of Commerce. Backgroud Presently, taxation policy and administration is handled in the CBDT and the CBEC. But there are also two independent boards Tax Research Unit (TRU) and Tax Policy and Legislation (TPL) wings which are also sending proposals to the Union Finance Minister. TARC in its First Report had identified handling of tax policy and related legislation as one of the areas in need of structural modifications. In order to bring consistency, multidisciplinary inputs and coherence in taxation policy making, it had recommended establishment of Tax Council supported by a common Tax Policy and Analysis (TPA) unit to cater to needs of both direct and indirect taxes.

10. Kerala has won the 61st National School Athletics championship which concluded in Kozhikode. With this, Kerala (host) become champions in the event for the 19th consecutive time. The state also has won 10 meet records out of 20 records which were reported in the meet.

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

12. Principal Adviser (Cost) Mrs. Aruna Sethi has been appointed as head of Indian Cost Accounts Service (ICoAS). With this, she becomes first lady ICoAS officer to the topmost post. Mrs. Aruna Sethi is a 1985 batch ICoAS officer. Earlier she had held important portfolios in the different Union Government ministries including Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Defence etc. About Indian Cost Accounts Service (ICoAS) ICoAS is one of the six Organized Accounting Services of the Union Government. It was constituted in 1978 and is comparatively young Accounting Service. It is a professional body staffed by qualified Cost/ Chartered Accountants. This Office is responsible for advising the Union Ministries and Government Undertakings on matters related to cost accounts and on their behalf undertakes cost investigation work.

13. Maharashtra government has announced Bharatratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Special Collective Incentive Scheme for the economically backward Dalit entrepreneurs. Decision in this regard was taken by state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai. Key features of Scheme Under it, special facilities will be given to Dalit entrepreneurs besides the present Collective Incentive Scheme 2013. 20% plots for small and medium scale industries will be reserved for the Dalits within Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC). The plots in MIDC area will be made available at 30% concessional rate whereas plots in other areas will be available at 20% concessional rate. Businessmen in Service and Commodities sector would be able to avail the benefits of this scheme. It will be limited for only those industries where people from Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have 100% investment. Only one person from each family will be entitled to benefits under the scheme and there will be no cap on income to launch any business.

14. The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has launched the country’s first anti-diabetic ayurvedic drug named BGR-34 for type two Diabetes mellitus. BGR-34 stands for Blood Glucost Regulator and offers effective, safe, patient-friendly solution for managing type two Diabetes. About BGR-34 The drug has been jointly developed by National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) and Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) and CSIR institutes based in Lucknow. It contains 34 identified active phyto-constitutes from herbal resources and works by controlling blood sugar and limiting the harmful effects of other modern drugs. For the purpose of quality commercial production and extended distribution of this drug, CSIR has transferred the rights and technical details to AIMIL Pharmaceuticals (I) Ltds.

15. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar passed away in New Delhi. He was 92. He was elected as the Lok Sabha Speaker for two consecutive terms from 1980 to 1989. As Speaker of Lok Sabha he was instrumental for computerization and automation of Parliamentary works. About Balram Jakhar He was born on 23 August 1923 in Panjkosi, Abohar, Punjab. He was a popular leader who had enriched the Indian Parliamentary democracy in his long political journey. He was elected to the Lok Sabha four times and also served as the Union Agriculture Minister in 1991 in then P. V. Narasimha Rao Ministry. He was elected to the Punjab Legislative Assembly for two terms in 1972 and 1977. He had served as Minister in the state and also Leader of Opposition. Mr Jakhar also had served as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh from 2004 to 2009. He was the first Asian to be elected as Chairman of Commonwealth Parliamentarian Executive Forum. Awards and Honours: Union Government had awarded him with ‘Udyan Pandit’ Award in 1975 for his contribution to Horticulture.

16. Major General Jai Shanker Menon of India has been appointed as the Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). He was appointed by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and succeeds Lt Gen Purna Chandra Thapa of Nepal. In his new role, Maj Gen Menon brings his extensive command experience and knowledge of peacekeeping affairs at the international and national levels. About Major General Jai Shanker Menon Prior to this appointment, Maj. Gen. Menon was serving as Additional Director General (ADG) Equipment Management in the Indian Army. He has held number of command positions in the Indian Army. Earlier from 2012 to 2013, he had served as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of an Infantry Division. He also has served as Commandant of Regimental Training Centre, Brigade Commander and Battalion Commander. At the international level in the United Nations, he had served as a Military Observer in the UN Operation in Mozambique (ONUMOZ) in 1993 and UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from 2007 to 2009. About United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) The UNDOF was established in 1974 by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) following the agreed disengagement of Syrian and Israeli forces in the Golan Heights. Since then, UNDOF has remained in the area to maintain the ceasefire between Syrian and Israeli forces and to supervise the implementation of the disengagement agreement.

17. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005 completes ten years of implementation. On this occasion, Union Ministry of Rural Development had organised MGNREGA SAMMELAN in New Delhi to highlight achievements MGNREGA. Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was Chief Guest in the Sammelan. About Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005 MGNREGA is a flagship rural job guarantee scheme that was announced by the then UPA government headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in February 2006. The scheme aims at providing 100 days wage employment to every household to ensure livelihood security in rural areas. It also aimed at sustainable development to address the cause of drought, deforestation and soil erosion. One third (33 per cent) proposed jobs in the scheme have been reserved for the women. Union Ministry of Rural Development is nodal agency for the implementation of the scheme. Status of Implementation Since its implementation began the total expenditure on the scheme has amounted to over 3 lakh crore rupees. Out of this, 71% has been spent on wage payments to workers. The percentage of Scheduled Caste (SC) workers has consistently been about 20% and Scheduled Tribe (ST) workers has been about 17%. Women participation has rose to 57% well above the statutory requirement of 33%. Over 1,980 crore person-days employment have been generated in the programme. More than 65% of the works taken under MGNREGA are linked to agriculture and allied activities.

18. India and Brunei have signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate in the fields of defence, health and youth affairs & sports. These MoUs were signed the representatives of both the countries in presence of the visiting Vice President Mohd Hamid Ansari at capital Bandar Seri Begawan. Three MoUs are MoU in Health Cooperation: Its objective is to establish cooperation in the field of health between the two countries by means of pooling technical, scientific, financial and human resources and pharmaceutical regulatory practices. It also seeks to upgrade the health care, research and medical education. MoU on Defence Cooperation: Its purpose is to enhance and expand the scope of Defence Cooperation between the two countries in various fields. Defence ties between India and Brunei dates back to many decades and already exist in the form of naval ship visits, training of senior military officers in Staff colleges and exchange of experience. MoU on Cooperation in Youth and Sports Affairs: It seeks to provide a framework for exchanges of sports teams and sports persons. It also seeks to facilitate the exchange of expertise in coaching, Sports Management and Administration, Sports talent identification and exchange of information in the field of youth Affairs. The key agenda of Vice President’s visit was to decide upon the specifics of defence cooperation, health sector tie up and establishing a gas-based urea manufacturing unit by India in Brunei. He also met the Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah who has agreed to pay an official visit to India in the near future. Comment The defence agreement between both countries is being considered as a major diplomatic breakthrough since both sides established formal relations in 1984. Currently, oil rich Brunei’s defence responsibilities are handled by the United Kingdom. India’s defence cooperation with Brunei plays significant role in present scenario as the later has territorual disputes with China on the issue of South China Sea.

19. The Union Government has issued detailed guidelines to tackle the outbreak of Zika Virus Disease in the wake of reported cases in Americas. These guidelines were issued by Union Health Ministry and comes after World Health Organisation (WHO) had declared this outbreak as Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Key guidelines are Delhi based National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) would be the nodal agency for investigation of outbreak of Zika Virus in any part of the country. Citizens especially pregnant women must defer or cancel their travel to the affective countries. All international airports and ports in the country will display signage with information on the disease and quarantine facilities will be set up. Travellers must report to customs if they are returning from affected countries and suffering from febrile illness. All travellers present in affected areas should strictly follow individual protective measures, especially during day time to prevent mosquito bite. Rapid Response Teams (RRT) comprising a microbiologist, an epidemiologist and a medical specialist has been set up. Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) through its community and hospital based data gathering mechanism will track clustering of acute febrile illness. So far, 23 countries including Brazil, Bolivia, Barbados and Columbia have reported Zika Virus disease. Among them Brazil is the country worst hit by the outbreak and it is investigating 3,670 suspected cases of microcephaly in babies linked to the Zika virus. No case of the virus has been reported in India.

20. Noted economist and former deputy governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) S.S. Tarapore passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was 80. As an economist, he was well known for his strong views on issues—ranging from inflation to capital account convertibility. About S.S. Tarapore He had started his career with RBI as a research officer in 1961 and demitted office as Deputy Governor in September 1996. He had served as deputy governor of RBI from 1992 and 1996 when C. Rangarajan was the governor. During his stint as deputy governor, Indian economy saw the structural change as government had introduced economic reforms in 1991. He had chaired two eponymous Committees on Capital Account Convertibility and had laid down benchmarks of preconditions essential for India to move to fuller capital account convertibility. Based on the recommendations of the committee, Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) was replaced with Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in June 2000. He was also known as an inflation hawk for his writings and public comments for being too lax on inflation control. He was strong defender of the RBI and its autonomy. He was staunch critic of the Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission (FSLRC).

21. Indian filmmaker Kanu Behl directorial film ‘Titli’ has won the Best First Foreign Film Award conferred by the French Syndicate of Cinema Critics 2016 (FSCC). The film features actors Ranvir Shorey, Amit Sial, Lalit Behl, Shashank Arora and Shivani Raghuvanshi in the lead roles. It has been co-produced by Aditya Chopra under the banner of Yash Raj Films and Dibakar Banerjee Productions Pvt Ltd. Earlier Titli has won many awards at various international film festivals at places like Bordeaux (France), Hawaii (US), New York (US), Turkey and Spain. About French Syndicate of Cinema Critics (FSCC) awards These annual awards are presented in four prestigious categories like Best French Film, Best First Foreign Film, Best International Film and Best Short Film. FSCC is also organiser of the International Critics Week which is the oldest parallel competitive section of the Cannes International Film Festival.

22. Alphabet Inc., the parent company of Google has overtaken Apple as s most valuable company in the world. Alphabet has made a profit of $4.9 billion in the fourth quarter and was valued at 548 billion dollars followed by Apple which was valued 534 billion dollars. The core Google businesses was largest contributor to had revenues of Alphabet which has reported revenues worth 74.5 billion dollars in 2015 and had made a profit of 23.4 billion dollars. Earlier in 2012, Apple had overtooken Exxon Mobil to become the most valuable company in the world and in 2015 Apple became the first company to reach a market value of $700 billion. Alphabet Inc: It came in existence in October 2015, after search engine giant Google had announced Alphabet as its parent company. It was formed as part of Google’s new organisational structure. The parent company encompass all other earlier subsidiaries and products of Google under its umbrella.

23. Saroj Kumar Jha has been appointed Senior Director for the Fragility, Conflict and Violence Group in the World Bank. It is a key position in the World Bank to provide strategic leadership to address the challenge of fragility, conflict and violence.

24. Legendary Urdu fiction writer, novelist, columnist and poet Intizar Husain passed away in Lahore, Pakistan. He was 93. He was the first Pakistani and the first Urdu writer ever to be nominated for the prestigious literally award Man Booker International Prize for fiction. About Intizar Husain Born on December 7, 1923 at Dibai in Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh in India. He had migrated to Lahore in 1947. He did his MA (Urdu) in 1946 from the Meerut College. He worked as journalist in various newspapers and had retired from ‘Daily Mashriq’ in 1988. His famous books are Kankari, Gali Koochay, Shehr-i-afsos, Din Aur Dastan, Kachhuay, Khaimay Say Door, Morenama Khali, Pinjra and Sheharzad Kay Naam. Awards and Honurs: He was conferred the ‘Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters’ by French Government in 2014. In 2013, he became first Pakistani and the first Urdu writer to be nominated among the 10 finalists for the Man Booker International Prize for fiction.

25. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its sixth bi-monthly monetary policy review for year 2016 has maintained status quo in key policy interest rate. The key policy interest rates were kept unchanged on the basis of an assessment of the current and evolving macroeconomic situation in the country. RBI has kept its stance on the credit policy accommodative. Key policy rates are Repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF): unchanged at 6.75 per cent. Reverse repo rate under the LAF: unchanged at 5.75 per cent. Marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate has unchanged at 7.75 per cent. Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks: Unchanged at 4.0 per cent of net demand and time liability (NDTL). Continuation of liquidity under overnight repos at 0.25 per cent of bank-wise NDTL at the LAF repo rate. Continuation of liquidity under 14-day term repos as well as longer term repos of up to 0.75 per cent of NDTL of the banking system through auctions. RBI projections In Financial Year (FY) 2016 growth will be at 7.4% with downward bias and FY17 growth at 7.6 % despite headwinds. Inflation will be around 5% for FY 16-17 due to good monsoon projections that can pull the inflation down. The inflation rate has evolved closely along the trajectory set by the monetary policy stance of RBI.

26. Senior IPS officer Archana Ramasundram (58) was appointed as the Director General of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). With this, she became first woman police officer to lead a central police force that guards the country’s international borders. She will be in office till the date of her superannuation 30 September 2016. Prior to this appointment, she was the Director of New Delhi based National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). She is 1980-batch IPS officer of Tamil Nadu Cadre. About Sashastra Seema Bal SSB is one of India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). It was formerly known as the Special Service Bureau. Established: 1963 following the Sino-Indian War. Motto: Service, Security and Brotherhood. Headquarters: New Delhi. Specialist jurisdictions: National border patrol, security, and integrity. It is entrusted with guarding the country’s frontiers with Nepal and Bhutan. Currently, SSB is under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Note: SSB is often referred to as a paramilitary force but it is not one of the three officially defined paramilitary forces of India. Three forces are Assam Rifles, Special Frontier Force and Indian Coast Guard.

27. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared an international public health emergency over the explosive spread of the mosquito-borne Zika virus. It was announced after WHO’s emergency meeting of independent experts headed by WHO Director-General Margaret Chan. The meeting was convened in Geneva, Switzerland to assess the outbreak of the virus which is linked to birth defects in the Americas. Key facts Deceleration of international emergency means that there is underscoring seriousness of outbreak and needs a coordinated global response and greater attention to stop it. WHO has predicted that around four million people may be infected with Zika virus in the Americas (South and North America). This is the fourth time the WHO has declared an international public health emergency. Earlier, the UN Health agency had declared two emergencies in 2014 for the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa and a resurgence of polio in Syria and other countries. In 2009, the first emergency was declared after the H1N1 swine flu pandemic. About Zika virus Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. It is close cousin of other other vector-borne diseases like Dengue, Chikungunya and Yellow Fever transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes . The virus was first identified in 1947 in Uganda and its name has been derived from Zika Forest. Transmission: Zika virus is not contagious but it is mainly transmitted by daytime-active Aedes aegypti mosquitoes after it bites someone infected with the virus and transmit it by biting another human. Most common symptoms: Headache, muscle and joint pain, mild fever, rash, pinkeye and inflammation of the underside of the eyelid. Linkages: It causes neurological disorders and foetal deformation known as Microcephaly in which infants are born with abnormally smaller heads that can cause brain damage. A possible link between the virus and Guillain-Barré syndrome (a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the nervous system) is also suspected. Treatment and Prevention: There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available. The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites and clearing stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

28. Union Government has appointed senior IPS officer K Durga Prasad has Director General (DG) of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Decision in this regard was taken by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. About K Durga Prasad He is IPS officer of 1981 batch from Andhra Pradesh cadre. Prior to this appointment he was serving as special director general of the CRPF. Earlier he had served as Director of the Special Protection Group (SPG) which is nodal agency responsible to provide security to the Prime Minister, former Prime Ministers and their family members. In another decision, ACC has appointed senior IPS officer K K Sharma as new Director General of Border Security Force (BSF). Prior to this appointment he was serving as Additional Director General (ADG) of BSF. About Central Reserve Police Force (CRFP) CRPF is the largest Central Armed Police Forces in India. It operates under the aegis of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It was established in 1939, under Crown Representative’s Police but after independence it was made statutory Central Reserve Police Force after the enactment of the CRPF Act, 1949. At present CRPF is the world’s largest paramilitary force with 228 battalions and over three lakh personnel. Its function primary role is to assist States/Union Territories (UTs) in police operations to maintain law and order and contain insurgency.

29. Japan’s ShinMaywa Industries is planning to set up manufacturing plant of US-2 amphibious aircraft in India under ‘Make in India’ initiative to cater to international demands. The move comes as Indian Navy plans to procure 6 such aircrafts between 2017 and 2022 by signing a government to government deal i.e. initial purchase being off the shelf.

30. Every year World Wetland Day (WWD) is observed on 2 February. The theme for the world wetland day for year 2016 is “Wetlands for our Future – Sustainable Livelihoods”. It highlights the value of wetlands in securing local livelihoods through activities as rice farming, tourism, fishing and water provision. Significance of Day: This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands also called as Ramsar Convention on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Each year on this day government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGO’s), and groups of citizens at all levels to raise public awareness of wetland values and their benefits. They also spread awareness about Ramsar Convention in particular for conservation of Wetlands. Background For first time, WWD was celebrated in year 1997 and since then it is observed every year. The theme for the world wetland day 2014 was Wetlands and Agriculture.

31. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has signed two bilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) with United Kingdom (UK). These APAs were signed with two Indian group entities of a UK based Multi-National Company (MNC) as per the terms of Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) process mentioned in the India-UK Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). This is third bilateral APA, India has signed so far. With these 2 agreements, CBDT has signed total 41 APAs, 38 of which are unilateral and three are bilateral. About Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) APA usually is signed between a taxpayer and the central tax authority (in case of India it is CBDT) for multiple years on an appropriating transfer pricing methodology. In India it was introduced in 2012 as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It provides certainty to taxpayers regarding transfer pricing that aim to avoid disputes between taxpayer and tax regulator. It seeks to introduce certainty in tax law by reducing compliance costs and make tax regime investment friendly. In case of Indian context, it seeks to give a boost to economy and ease of doing business as it provide alternative path to the investors with rollback provision to reduce litigation. What is Transfer pricing? It is referred to the fixing of the price for goods and services sold between related legal subsidiaries (entities) within an enterprise. This is to ensure fair pricing of the asset transferred without any manipulation of reduce tax liability. For example, if a subsidiary company sells goods to a parent company, then the cost of those sold goods is deemed as transfer price.

32. India and Afghanistan have signed an agreement for visa-free travel for diplomatic passport holders of the two countries. This agreement was signed after Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Afghanistan Government Abdullah Abdullah met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
CEO of Afghanistan Government It is an extra-constitutional post within the Government of Afghanistan created in 2014 following the disputes that arose in the 2014 Presidential election when both Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani had claimed victory.

33. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) of Union Government has given its final approval to Kerala Government’s approval to set up India’s first Defence Industrial Park at Ottappalam. Proposal in this regard was forwarded by Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Kinfra), a Kerala government owned Public Sector Company. Key facts The proposed defence park will be established as part of Union Government’s flagship Make in India programme and state government’s Make in Kerala project. It will have modern common infrastructure facilities aimed at attracting component manufacturers in the defence industry. Union government also has agreed to bring the park under the Modified Industrial Infrastructure Upgradation Scheme (MIIUS). The park would be established in 60 acres of land at cost of Rs. 231 crore with the financial help of Central and State government. Union government will invest Rs 50 crore in it while the rest of the amount would be met by the State government. Ottappalam was selected for the defence park keeling in view its strategic location in terms connectivity and other common facilities such as dedicated power and water supply along with infrastructure for the research and development centre. Implications: This defence park will play important role bridging the gap related to defence components manufacturing sector. This sector has demand estimated at 700 million dollars a year from India and other countries having friendly relationship with it. It will also provide platform for export of products related to defence from small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMSEs).

34. World Number One tennis player Novak Djokovic from Serbia has won the 2016 Australian Open Title in the men’s singles category for. In the final match played at Melbourne, Australia he defeated Andy Murray of Britain in 7 straight sets by 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 score. With this win, Djokovic retained the title and also equalled the record of Roy Emerson’s record of six Australian Open Singles titles. He had earlier won this title in 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015. It was overall Djokovic’s 11th grand slam title and equalled the totals of other tennis legends like Rod Laver (Australia) and Bjorn Borg (Sweden). Murray has succumbed to his fifth loss in five Australian Open finals and he was defeated by Djokovic for the fourth time in Men’s Singles Grand Slam championships. Mixed Doubles Title Elena Vesnina (Russia) and Bruno Soares (Brazil) has won the 2016 Australian Open title in the mixed doubles category. In the final match, they defeated Coco Vandeweghe (US) and Horia Tecău (Romania) pair by 6–4, 4–6, [10–5] score.

35. Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba took over as Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C) of Mumbai headquartered Western Naval Command (WNC) at a ceremonial parade held at INS Shikra. He took the charge from Vice Admiral SPS Cheema who retired after completing nearly four decades of service to the nation and the Indian Navy. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Lanba was Commander-in-chief of the Southern Naval Command at Kochi and head of the premier operational Command of the Indian Navy.

36. Veteran British TV and radio presenter Sir Terry Wogan passed away in London after long battle with cancer. He was 77. In Britain, he was one of the most popular personalities on both radio and television for several decades and often described his profession as jobbing broadcaster.

37. Brazilian racing driver Pietro Fittipaldi has won the 2015 MRF Challenge Formula 2000 by winning two of the four races. The racing event was held at Madras Motor Racing Track in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. The winning race helped him to earn total 244 points to top among the other racers.

38. Senior IPS officer Datta Padsalgikar has been appointed as the Commissioner of Police of Mumbai. He will be 40th Police Commissioner of Mumbai. He succeeds Ahmed Javed who had retired from service and was appointed as Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia.

39. Former Army Chief General Kotikalapudi Venkata Krishna Rao, passed away in New Delhi following a cardiac arrest at the military hospital. He was 92. He was the 14th Chief of the Army Staff of Indian Army and had played a key role in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

40. Angelique Kerber from Germany has won the 2016 Australian Open Title of Tennis in the women’s singles category. It was her maiden Grand Slam Tennis title. In the final match played at Melbourne, Australia she defeated defending champion Serena Williams (World No. 1) in three sets 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 score. With this win, Kerber became the first German women tennis player to win a major Grand Slam Tennis title since Steffi Graf in 1999. Men’s Doubles Jamie Murray (United Kingdom) and Bruno Soares (Brazil) pair won the 2016 Australian Open in the men’s doubles category. In the final match, they defeated Daniel Nestor (Daniel Nestor) and Radek Štěpánek (Czech Republic) pair by 2–6, 6–4, 7–5 score.

41. Veteran wildlife filmmaker Naresh Bedi has been conferred with the V Shantaram Life Time Acheivement Award at 14th edition of 2016 Mumbai International Festival (MIFF), Mumbai. He was honoured for his outstanding contribution to wildlife filmmaking and is credited with filming several rare wildlife moments. Bedi’s film ‘Cherub of the Mist’ based on the life of two red pandas was the opening film of this edition of MIFF.

42. Union Government has appointed Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Pandey as the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) for a period of three years. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Pandey was associated with NGO Saksham working in the field of disability. He is a Science Graduate from University of Allahabad and Medical Graduate from Agra University in 1990. He was also associated NGO with Sewa Bharti and there he had worked in rehabilitation of slum dwellers. He was also associated with NGO Akhil Bhartiya Dristihin Kalyan Sangh which is working for visually challenged persons.

43. Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Ajay Kumar Singh has launched the MITRA application to ensure protection of women, children and the elderly in time of distress. MITRA (Mobile Initiated Tracking and Rescue) application has been developed by Puducherry Police department in association with National Informatics Centre (NIC). Features of MITRA application It is smartphone (Android) based application that helps women to end emergency SOS (alert) messages when they are danger or distress. The application gets launched automatically and sends SMS having user’s precise location to the nearest police station and to their 3 registered numbers. It does not require an internet connection and presently is available only in smart phones.

44. Ace Indian tennis player Sania Mirza and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis have won the 2016 Australian Open title of tennis in the women’s doubles category. In the final match played at Melbourne (Australia), the top seeded duo defeated seventh seeded Czech pair of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka by 7-6 (1), 6-3 score. It was overall there 12th title together after they had teamed from 2015. It was also their 36th match win together in a row. It is their and their maiden Australian Open title. Their 11 WTA doubles titles are: Indian Wells, Miami, Charleston, Wimbledon, US Open, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Beijing and the WTA Finals in 2015 and followed by Brisbane (2016) and Sydney (2016).

45. International Monetary Fund’s (IMF’s) long-pending 2010 Quota and Governance Reforms have finally become effective. These proposed reforms are the biggest change in the governance of the IMF (lender of last resort) since it was established after World War II in 1945 after the Bretton Woods Conference. Key facts Gives boost the representation of emerging economies like India, China, Brazil, Russia and increases their power and greater say in IMF. India’s voting rights increased by 0.3% from the current 2.3% to 2.6%. China’s voting rights increased by 2.2% from current 3.8% to 6 %. These reforms shifted more than 6% of the quota shares to emerging and developing countries from the US and European countries. Russia and Brazil also have gained from the reforms. The combined quotas or the capital resources of IMF also have doubled due to reforms to $659 billion from current $329 billion. The doubling of quotas means that the shares (roles) of advanced European and Gulf countries have been reduced and that of emerging nations particularly China has been increased. China will have the 3rd largest IMF quota and voting share after the US and Japan. While, India, Russia and Brazil will also be among the top 10 members of the IMF. The voting power and quota shares of the IMF’s poorest member countries will be protected. Under the reform, for the first time IMF’s Executive Board will consist entirely of elected Executive Directors and it ends the category of appointed Executive Directors. Earlier Scenario: Currently, US, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Canada and Saudi Arabia are among the top ten members of the IMF. While, the member countries with the 5 largest quotas appoint an Executive Director. Background The reforms were agreed upon by the 188 members of the IMF in 2010 in the aftermath of the global financial meltdown. However, there implementations were delayed due to the time taken by the US Congress to approve the changes. But, were finally approved by the US Congress in December 2015.

46. The Union Ministry of Urban Development has shortlisted 20 cities from 11 States and Delhi Union Territory in the list of first batch of Smart Cities Mission. These shortlisted cities were selected from Smart City Challenge competition in which 97 cities and towns had participated from 23 States and UTs. State wise Cities: Among the shortlisted 20 Smart cities, 3 are from Madhya Pradesh, 2 each are from Maharashtra, Rajasthan Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh and 1 each from Odisha, Kerala, Delhi (UT), Assam and Punjab. 20 shortlisted smart cities (Rank wise) are Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Pune, Maharashtra. Jaipur, Rajasthan. Surat, Gujarat. Kochi, Kerala. Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Solapur, Maharashtra. Davangere, Karnataka. Indore, Madhya Pradesh. New Delhi Municipal Corporation. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Belagavi, Karnataka. Udaipur, Rajasthan. Guwahati, Assam. Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Ludhiana, Punjab. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. What is Smart City? A smart city is highly advanced urban region in terms of overall infrastructure, communications, sustainable real estate and market viability. In this city information technology (IT) is the principal infrastructure and the basis for providing essential services to residents. There are many technological platforms involved the principal infrastructure of the smart cities and it is not limited to automated sensor networks and data centres.

47. Gurdeep Singh has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited. His appointment was confirmed by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has been appointed through a search committee route and became the first person to be appointed to the top job at a Maharatna company through this way. About Gurdeep Singh Prior to this appointment he was serving as the managing director (MD) of Gujarat State Electricity Company Limited (GESC). He had spearheaded several key reforms during his tenure at GESC, Singh including innovative solar power programmes such as the solar power plant over the Sardar Sarovar canal He had started his career in NTPC in 1987 and earlier had worked with Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation, IDFC Projects and Powergen in different capacities. About National Thermal Power Corporation Limited NTPC limited is a Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU), operational under the aegis of Union Ministry of Power. It I engaged in the business of generation of electricity and allied activities. Headquarters: New Delhi. Established: 1975 by Union Government which now holds 70% of its equity shares as of May 2015 (after divestment of its stake in 2004, 2010, 2013, and 2015). It is India’s largest power generator company and accounts for 25 per cent of total electricity generated in the country.

48. Micro blogging site Twitter has appointed Leslie Berland as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of the company. Prior to this appointment, she was working at American Express (AmEx) as executive vice-president of global advertising, marketing and digital partnerships. She had joined AmEx in 2005 and had overseen its advertising, sponsorships, media, content and brand identity. She also helped to create AmEx’s first social media strategies. Leslie Berland was placed at 6th position in Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business issue and also was included in Advertising Age’s Creativity 50 list.

49. Justice Sanjay Mishra has been appointed as Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh after his appointment was approved by the Supreme Court. In this regard, the apex court recalled its earlier order of appointing Justice Virendra Singh as Lokayukta of UP after objections were raised against Singh’s appointment.

50. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its in principle approval for the Hybrid Annuity Model for implementing the National Highway Projects. The main objective of this model is to revive highway projects in the country by making it as one more mode of delivery of highway projects. Key features of Hybrid Annuity Model Investment: Government will invest 40 per cent of the construction cost for building highways and the balance 60 per cent will come from the private developer. Government will investment will be based on the targeted completion of the road project in 5 equal installments. Recovery: The private developer will be able to recover his investment from the government by receiving annuity payments over a period of 15 years. Toll collection: There is a separate provision for operation and management payments by the government to the concessionaire. The highway toll tax will be collected by the government i.e. by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) unlike in the build, operate and transfer (BOT) toll model in which the private sector collects it. Thus, private party does not have to bear traffic and inflation risks as the project cost are also inflation indexed. Advantages As there is distribution of risk between the government and private players in this model, it will speed up the construction of highways in the country. It will play revival in highway development sector as it brings long-term infrastructure funds like pension funds into the sector. It will facilitate uplifting the socio-economic condition due to increased connectivity across the length and breadth of the country due to enhanced economic activity. Expertise of private sector will be utilised to operate and maintain the highways and government no longer will be dependent on its limited financial resources.

51. Indigenously-built surface-to-air Akash missile was successfully test fired from complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipuri in Odisha. Test: It was as part of a user trial mission in which 3 rounds of test were carried out by Indian Air Force (IAF) aiming at para-barrel targets. About Akash Missile Akash (in English it means sky) is a mid-range surface-to-air missile (SAM). Indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Integrated Guided-Missile Development Programme (IGMDP). The missile has supersonic speeds ranging from Mach 2.8 to 3.5. It has capability to carry warhead of 60 kg. It can engage aerial targets up to a range of approximately 25 kms. It is powered by Ramjet-rocket propulsion system (RRPS) which renders thrust for the missile to intercept the target at supersonic speed without any retardation. It is capable of neutralising aerial targets like cruise missiles, fighter jets and air-to-surface missiles. The missile was formally inducted into the IAF in July 2015. The first missile was delivered in March 2012 to the IAF.

52. Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has signed cybersecurity agreement with its counterparts in Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. In this regard, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has apprised the Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed between CERT-In and 3 nations. Key facts These MoUs are related to cybersecurity and shall promote closer cooperation for exchange of knowledge and experience. Each signatory country will share knowledge and experience in resolution, detection and prevention of security related incidents between India and the respective country. Malaysia: MoU between CERT-In and its Malaysian counterpart was signed in Kuala Lumpur in November, 2015 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Malaysia. Singapore: MoU between CERT-In and Singapore Computer Emergency Response Team (SingCERT), Cyber Security Agency (CSA) was signed in November, 2015 during Prime Minister’s visit to Singapore. Japan: MoU between CERT-In and Japan Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Center (JPCERT/CC) was signed in December, 2015 through diplomatic exchange. About Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) CERT-In is nodal department under the aegis of Union Ministry of Communications and Information Technology that deals with cyber security threats like hacking and phishing in India. Headquarters: New Delhi. Objective: To protect Indian cyberspace and software infrastructure against destructive and hacking activities. Strengthen security-related defence of the Indian Internet domain. Issue guidelines, vulnerability notes, advisories, and whitepapers regarding to information security practices, prevention,procedures, response and reporting of cyber security incidents.

53. India and Armenia has signed a Protocol to amend the existing Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) to curb instances of tax evasion. The Protocol amends the Article on Exchange of Information for tax in the bilateral DTAC signed between India and Armenia and has been in existence since September 2004. It has been amended to bring it in line with the updated provisions in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Model. Key facts The amendment Protocol will enable both countries to exchange information related to banking and financial transactions under the DTAC. It will facilitate them in addressing tax evasion and help to further strengthen the efforts of Indian Government’s to curb generation of black money.