WBCS Current Affairs 05/06/2016 to 10/06/2016

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1. The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) has signed a MoU with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) for facilitating investment in India’s infrastructure. Objective of MoU: Facilitate QIA to study investment opportunities in India’s infrastructure sector in order to enable both sides to decide on joint investments. The MoU has been signed for a period of one year during which both signatory parties will discuss and agree on the terms, criteri, principles for investments. Under it, the NIIF with share a pipeline of investment opportunities available in the infrastructure sector in India with QIA. It should be noted that NIIF has signed similar agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in February 2016 to mobilize investments into the Indian infrastructure sector. Qatar Investment Authority: It is the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar which deploys a wide range of investment strategies and invests through a carefully selected network of top-tier fund managers. National Investment and Infrastructure Fund: It is India’s first 40,000-crore rupees sovereign wealth fund, aimed to attract investment in infrastructure sector development in commercially viable projects, both brownfield and greenfield including stalled projects.

2. Axis Bank has launched India’s first internationally-listed certified green bond to finance climate change solutions around the world at London Stock Exchange (LSE). The proceeds of the bond will be invested by Axis Bank in green energy, transportation and infrastructure projects. It will play important role in reinforcing India’s commitment to produce 175,000 MW of renewable power by 2022. The green bonds of Axis Bank were certified by the Climate Bonds Standards Board. It has raised 500 million dollars at the LSE after it launched. This is the first green bond of Axis Bank issued within its 5 billion dollars Medium Term Note (MTN) programme, which has also has been listed entirely on LSE. What are Green Bonds? Bonds basically are debt instruments which help issuer to get capital while the investors receive fixed income in the form of interest. In case of Green Bonds, the issuer gets capital from the investors only if the investment (capital) is being raised to fund green projects relating to renewable energy or emission reductions etc.

3. Major General Per Lodin from Sweden was appointed as chief military observer and head of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). His appointment was approved by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. He will succeed Major General Delali Johnson Sakyi of Ghana whose two-year term completes on July 2, 2016.

4. The multilateral lending agency Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved 100 million dollars loan to strengthen a key irrigation system and improve water management in the Vennar sub-basin of Cauvery Delta in Tamil Nadu. The loan funds seeks to Support both physical improvements and stronger water management to give significant boost to the lives of coastal communities who do not have sufficient irrigation water Strengthen the embankments of six major irrigation water channels in Vennar system to make them more resilient to floods. Upgrade water regulators, pump stations and sluices to boost management so that more community members will be tapped to avail water services. The Cauvery delta is located on the east coast of Tamil Nadu. It is known as the ‘rice bowl’ of the state. Over 70% of the delta population is engaged in farming and fishing. They have unreliable access to water and flooding common during the monsoon season. About Asian Development Bank (ADB) ADB is based in Manila, Philippines. Established: 1966 Members: It is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region including India. It is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration.

5. India and the United States (US) have signed six agreements to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields. These agreements were signed after wide range of bilateral talks between Prime Minster Narendra Modi and US President Barack Obama in Washington. The agreements were signed in Terrorist Screening InformationClean Energy and Climate Change, cooperation on Energy Security among others. Singed Agreements are Arrangement for the exchange of Terrorist Screening Information: Under it both countries will provide each other access to terrorism screening information. MoU on Energy Security, Clean Energy and Climate Change: It seeks to enhance cooperation between both countries on energy security, climate change and clean energy by increasing bilateral engagement. It further seeks to enhance joint initiatives for promoting sustainable growth. MoU on Wildlife Conservation and Combating Wildlife Trafficking: It seeks to enhance cooperation in areas such as Wildlife Forensics and Conservation Genetics, Conservation Awareness, Natural World Heritage Conservation and Nature Interpretation for combating wildlife trafficking, wildlife conservation and management. MoU for the Global Entry Programme: It seeks to grant expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk Indian travelers upon arrival in the United States. Technical Arrangement concerning Unclassified Maritime Information Sharing: It seeks to allow sharing of unclassified information on White Shipping between both countries. MoU for Cooperation in Gas Hydrates: It aims to increase the understanding of the geologic distribution, occurrence and production of natural gas hydrates along the continental margin of US and India. Besides singing these six agreements both countries also finalized two documents. They are Information Exchange Annex (IEA) concerning Aircraft Carrier Technologies: It aims to enhance information and data sharing specific to aircraft carriers technology. Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement: It aims at facilitating mutual logistic support for authorized joint exercises, joint training, port visits and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA-DR).

6. Russia has honoured UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with Order of Friendship Award. He was bestowed with this award for his special merits in strengthening peace, friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding between peoples. In this regard, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree awarding the Order of Friendship to Ban Ki-moon. About Ban Ki-moon Ban Ki-moon is eighth secretary-general of the United Nations. He had entered into the office for the first time on 1 January 2007. He as re-elected in June 2011 and shall remain in office till 31 December 2016. Prior to becoming Secretary-General of UN, he was working as diplomat in Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea and in the United Nations. He also had served as the foreign minister of South Korea from January 2004 to November 2006.

7. Eminent Indian-origin professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya has been awarded the prestigious Regius Professorship in Manufacturing by Queen Elizabeth II. Bhattacharyya who is founder of Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) has been granted the Regius Professorship for his outstanding contribution in manufacturing.

8. Pakistan has topped in the list of 19 countries figuring in the 2016 Malware Infection Index (MII) in the Asia-Pacific region. The index for the Asia-Pacific region was released by technology giant Microsoft in which India was placed at 8th position. Key Facts The index identifies the key malware threats in the Asia-Pacific region and ranks markets in Asia-Pacific according to how much they are affected. More than 40% of computers in the 19 countries in Asia-Pacific region are infected against the global average being around 20%. Top 10 Countries: Pakistan (1st), Indonesia (2nd), Bangladesh (3rd), Nepal (4th), Vietnam (5th), Philippines (6th),Cambodia (7th), India (8th), Sri Lanka (9th) and Thailand (10th). The index has also identified the top three most encountered malware in this region. They are Gamarue, a malicious computer worm that is commonly distributed via exploit kits and social engineering. Gamarue was prevalent in the ASEAN region and it was the third most commonly encountered malware family worldwide in 2H 2015. Trojans Skeeyah and These trojans can steal personal information, give hackers access to your PC or download more malware. The findings in the index were based on data from the Microsoft Malware Protection Centre (MMPC) and the Microsoft Security Intelligence Report (SIRv20).

9. According to recently released BP Statistical Review of World Energy India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s third-largest oil consumer. With demand of 4.1 million barrels a day (bpd), India is the third-largest consumer behind the United States (19.39 million bpd) and China (11.96 million bpd). Other Highlights of Review India accounted for 4.5% of world oil consumption in 2015 and its oil demand galloped 8.1% in 2015. India’s oil demand growth had surpassed China’s 6.3 per cent expansion. The US oil consumption has grown by 1.6% in 2015 and it demand share accounts for 19.7% of the total world demand of 95 million bpd in 2015. Japan slipped to the fourth spot after its oil usage contracted 3.9% to 4.15 million bpd in 2015. In 2014, Japan had used 4.3 million bpd, ahead of India’s 3.84 million bpd. Oil remained the world’s leading fuel, accounting for 32.9% of global energy consumption. It is gaining market share for the first time since 1999. Coal is the second-largest fuel by market share (29.2%). Natural gas’ market share of primary energy consumption stood at 23.8%. In 2015, the global demand for primary energy grew only 1% which is significantly slower than the 10-year average. It reflected continued weakness in the global economy and lower growth in Chinese energy consumption as the country shifts from an industrial to a service-driven economy.

10. The World Bank in its report on global economic prospects has cut global growth forecast to 2.4% in 2016 and at 2.8% in 2017. The growth rate was lower than its earlier forecast of 2.9% and 3.1% respectively, mainly on account of a slower than expected recovery in advanced economies. Other Highlights of Report The cut in global forecast was due to mediocre growth experienced by advanced economies, while low commodity prices, weak global trade and stilted capital flows also impacted. India will remain one of the fastest growing major economies, ahead of China, for the next three years. India’s growth projections have been marginally lowered by 0.2% to 7.6% for 2016-17 and 7.7% in 2017-18 due to downfall of exports. India has benefitted from the fall in oil prices through a reduction in the import bill, but its exports also have shrunk for 17 consecutive months as of April 2016. India’s domestic risks such as slow progress in structural reform agenda including power sector reforms, land reforms and tax reforms and vulnerabilities in corporate and banking sector balance sheets could impact the economy. Global slowdown and fall in commodity prices have shrunk world trade projections. China’s growth projections are at 6.7% and 6.5% for 2016 and 2017, respectively.

11. The United States has recognised India as a major defence partner which will pave way to bring it closest US allies for defence related trade and technology transfer. Announcement in this regard was made in the joint statement issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with US President Barack Obama in Washington. Under the recognition US will work towards facilitating defence related trade and technology sharing with India to a level commensurate with that of its closest allies and partners. India will receive license-free access to a wide range of dual-use defence technologies in conjunction with steps that India has committed to take to advance its export control objectives. US will continue to facilitate the export of goods and technologies, consistent with the US laws in support of official US-India defence cooperation. It will support of India’s ambitious ‘Make In India’ initiative and also support the development of robust defence industries and their integration into the global supply chain.

12. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has banned former Russian World No. 1 tennis player Maria Sharapova for two years over doping charges The ban was imposed on her Independent Tribunal of ITF appointed under Tennis Anti-Doping Programme found that she had committed an Anti-Doping Rule Violation. It will commence on 26 January 2016. In January 2016 during the Australian Open she was tested positive for banned drug meldonium, a substance that has been added in the forbidden list by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on 1 January 2016. Since then she was provisionally banned. So far in her career, Maria Sharapova has won total 35 singles titles and five Grand Slam titles, two at the French Open and one each title at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. Meldonium: It is a medical drug (also known as Mildronate) given to patients suffering from heart and circulatory conditions for enhancing their physical capacity and mental function. Its use mainly leads to production more red blood cells (RBCs) in the body in order to increase oxygen supply to muscles for enhancing endurance.

13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the joint session of the US Congress on 8 June 2016. Earlier PM Modi was invited to speak at the joint session by House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan. He addressed the congress during his second official bilateral visit to the US after his trip in September, 2014. This was PM Modi’s fourth visit to the US since he assumed office in May 2014. With this PM Narendra Modi became the fifth Indian Prime Minister to address a joint meeting of Congress, and the first since 2005. Earlier, Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi (July 13, 1985), P V Narasimha Rao (May 18, 1994), Atal Bihari Vajpayee (September 14, 2000) and Manmohan Singh (July 19, 2005) had addressed the joint meeting of the US Congress. It should be noted that the tradition of foreign leaders and dignitaries addressing US Congress began with the Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat and military officer. He had addressed the House Chamber on December 10, 1824.

14. The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that Thailand has become the first Asian country to eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission. In this regard, Thailand’s Minister of Health was presented with the certificate of validation during a ceremony, which took place on the eve of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on Ending AIDS in New York. The mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Thailand has been reduced to less than 2% and all pregnant women living with HIV have access to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy to reduce transmission of virus from mother to child during pergrency. Under Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage framework routine screening and universal free medication for pregnant women with HIV was crucial in stopping the virus being passed to new generations. Previously, Cuba was the only other country and first country in the world to eliminate mother-to-child transmission under the WHO’s criteria back in July 2015. The chances of mother-to-child transmission of HIV to their children during pregnancy are 15-45% if they are untreated. The risk of transmission of virus in the new born can reduced with the medication of antiretroviral medicines.

15. The World Oceans Day is being observed globally on 8th June every year to raise global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans. The day also seeks to provide a unique opportunity to honour, protect, and conserve the world’s oceans. 2016 Theme: “Healthy oceans, healthy planet”. The theme highlights main urgent need to curb the plastic pollution. To mark this day variety of activities and actions, such as beach clean-ups special outdoor explorations, educational and action programs and sustainable seafood events et are organised. Importance of Oceans Generate most of the oxygen we breathe Provides food thus help to feed us Regulate climate Help to clean the water we drink Offer a pharmacopoeia of medicines Background The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had designated 8 June as the World Oceans Day in 2008 by passing its resolution 63/111. Prior to it was unofficially celebrated every 8 June. In 1992, Canada had prosed celebration of this day at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Since 2003, the day has been coordinated by The Ocean Project.

16. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its second bi-monthly monetary policy review for year 2016-17 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 Rates are Policy Rates Repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF): unchanged at 6.50 per cent. Reverse repo rate under the LAF: unchanged at 6.0 per cent. Marginal standing facility (MSF) rate: 7.00 per cent. Reserve Ratios Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks: Unchanged at 4.0 per cent of net demand and time liability (NDTL). Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): Unchanged at 21.25 per cent. Other forecast Growth forecast: pegged at 7.6% for the current fiscal. Inflation target: It was kept unchanged at 5% for January 2017 with upward bias Public investment: It is gaining strength and continuing weakness in private investment is a concern.

17. Father of modern Nepali music and composer of the country’s national anthem Amber Gurung passed away in Dhapasi. He was 79 and was suffering from diabetes and Parkinson’s disease. Gurung was composer, lyricist and singer. He had composed Nepal’s National Anthem Sayaun Thunga Fulka Hami (written by Byakul Maila) and more than a 1,000 songs.

18. Union Home Ministry has decided to form new reserve battalion will be raised and it will be named after Maharana Pratap. It will be called Maharana India Reserve Battalion. It was announced by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the occasion of 475th birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap in Gogunda in Udaipur district. He also unveiled statue of Maharana Pratap in the ceremony. About Maharana Pratap He was born in 1540 at Kumbhalgarh Fort, Rajasthan. He was the eldest son of Maharani Jaiwanta Bai and Udai Singh II, founder of Udaipur. He belonged to the Sisodia clan of Rajputs. His reign spanned for 24 years from March 1572 to January 1597. He was known as a brave warrior, successful organizer and ingenious strategist. He had fearlessly fought the Mughals and protected his people until his death for the honour of their motherland. He died of injuries sustained in a hunting accident at Chavand, which served as his capital, on 29 January 1597, aged fifty-seven.

19. The Election Commission (EC) has urged the Union Government to amend the electoral law Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 to empower it to either postpone or countermand elections if evidence emerges of use of money to influence voters. In this regard, EC has asked Union Government to insert a new clause ‘58 B’ in the RPA, 1951 to allow adjournment or countermanding (declaring invalid) of election on the grounds of use of money power (bribery) in the affected polling areas. The provision would also empower the EC to re-schedule the elections in such areas. Present Scenario At present, Clause 58A of RPA empowers EC to cancel polls only if there is an evidence of use of muscle power or booth-capturing to influence votes to change outcome of elections. However in recent time, candidates and political parties are allegedly doling out cash and giving freebies (gifts) to woo the electorate

20. The Lucknow city of Uttar Pradesh is going to host the 2016 Junior Men’s hockey World Cup. Announcement in this regard was made by the International Hockey Federation (FIH). The Junior hockey World Cup would be held from 8th to 18th December 2016. The eleven-day long event will feature 16 teams. They include defending champions Germany, Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Austria, Canada, Egypt, India, England, Japan, Korea, South Africa, Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan and Spain. Besides, Women’s Hockey Junior World Cup will take place shortly beforehand in Santiago, Chile, between November 24 and December 4, 2016. India will not be part of that event. About Hockey Junior World Cup It is an international field hockey competition organised by the FIH. The tournament was started in 1979. It has been held every four years since 1985. Competitors must be under the age of 21. Germany has won this cup for six times i.e. most titles. India, Australia, Argentina and Pakistan have each won the tournament once.

21. Assam’s Guwahati became the first city in the country to have its own city animal after Kamrup metropolitan district administration declared Gangetic River dolphin as its official mascot. Gangetic River Dolphin locally in Guwahati is known as ‘Sihu’ and it is on the verge of extinction. Less than 2,000 Gangetic river dolphins remain in the Brahmaputra River along Guwahati.

22. India has become the co-chair of Working Group on Maritime Situational Awareness (WG-MSA) under Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS). Decision in this regard, was taken through a consensus during the 19th Plenary Session of the CGPCS held in Mahe, Seychelles from 31st May to 3th June 2016. India was selected as co-chair in recognition of its pro-active role in combating the problem of piracy off the Somalian Coast and in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Seychelles is the current chairman of the CGPCS for the biennium 2016-17. About Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) CGPCS is an international governance mechanism established in 2009 to facilitate the discussion and coordination of actions among states and organizations to suppress maritime piracy near Somali. It was established in response to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1851 (2008), later recalled and replaced with UNSC Resolution 1918 (2010). So far more than 60 countries and international organizations have become part of this forum to work collectively for the prevention of piracy off the Somali coast.

23. India has managed to win crucial support from Switzerland for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership. In this regard, Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann has announced his country’s support for India’s membership to the elite NSG. India was able to gain support of Switzerland after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held comprehensive talks with Swiss counterparts during his official state visit. Comment This major diplomatic push for India’s NSG membership comes at the time when the group at its plenary meetings to be held on 9th June 2016 in Vienna and 24th June 2016 in Seoul is going to take India’s application for discussion. Switzerland is a key member of the elite NSG and its support for India’s bid for membership is seen as crucial in the backdrop of China’s stiff opposition. China is opposing India’s bid to membership to NSG on the need for consensus as it is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The NSG works under the principle of unanimity and even one country’s vote against India may scuttle its bid. So far, US, Japan and many other member countries of NSG have strongly supported India’s inclusion in the elite group based on its non-proliferation track record. About Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) NSG is a multinational body concerned with reducing nuclear proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that may be used for development of nuclear weapons. It was set up in 1974 as a reaction to India’s first successful nuclear tests (code name Smiling Buddha conducted on 18 May 1974) to stop so called misuse of nuclear material meant for peaceful purposes. Currently, NSG has 48 members.

24. Bollywood actress Dia Mirza was named as the ambassador for Swachh Saathi (student internship) programme. She was selected because she is an active campaigner and a youth icon for Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission which seeks to make country clean . As the ambassador, she would interact with college and school students from across the country through awareness sessions, motivational videos and community cleaning activities. She would mainly help the programme to reach out to more youngsters as it was aimed to make it youth led cleanliness movement. About Swachh Saathi Programme Swachh Saathi programme is a youth-based programme of Swachh Bharat Mission. Under it, more than 2000 interns will be enrolled to coordinate around 10000 schools across India. They also will ensure that all students in the schools across India take the pledge for Clean India.

25.India has been ranked second position as per 2016 Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) released by London-based business consultancy A T Kearney. India has jumped 13 positions from last year (2015) to rank second among 30 developing countries on ease of doing business. Key Highlights of 2016 GRDI The sharp pick up in GDP growth and better clarity regarding FDI regulations have helped India achieve a second ranking. India’s retail sector has expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 8.8% between 2013 and 2015, with annual sales crossing the US 1 trillion dollars mark. India has also become the world’s fastest growing economy and more attractive market due to its large population base and easing of FDI regulations in retail sector. India’s retail sector has also benefited from the rapid growth in e-commerce. Being world’s second largest internet market and increasing smartphone and internet penetration has contributed to the expansion of e-commerce. About Global Retail Development Index (GRDI) The GRDI is annually published by London-based business consultancy A T Kearney. It analyses 25 retail-specific and macroeconomic variables to help retailers devise successful global strategies to identify emerging market investment opportunities. The study is unique as it identifies the markets that are most attractive in present and also their future potential.

26. Rajasthan Government has launched mobile application RajVayu for sharing information about air quality index of Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. The app was launched by Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje on the eve of World Environment Day (5th June). With this, Rajasthan becomes first state in country to launch such app for sharing information about air quality index of cities.

27. India and United States (US) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate hassle-free entry of Indians into America at selected airports. The hassle-free entry will provide speedy security clearances for pre-approved, low-risk travellers from the country. The MoU was signed as part of US’s International Expedited Traveller Initiative (also known as the Global Entry Programme). India is only the ninth country with which the US has entered into this initiative reflecting growing relationship between the two largest democracies of the world. The expedited entry for the Indian travellers under this programme at the US airports will enable further easing of travel environment. It will also have positive impact on all kinds of people-to-people exchange between our two countries. The US is home to more than 3 million Indian-origin people who continue to maintain deep-rooted links with India. Global Entry Programme: It is available at more than 40 US airports and 12 pre-clearance locations. Approximately 50,000 new applications for the programme are filed every month and more than 1.8 million people are enrolled in Global Entry.

28. The Delhi government has approved the first Solar Policy which aims at making the Capital an environment-friendly solar city. It was approved by Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as it is part of one of Government’s 70-point agendas. The policy has been prepared by the Government of Delhi in consultation with the Dialogue and Development Commission (DDC) after extensive consultations with local and international experts. Key features of Policy Recommends the installation of 1 GW (1,000 Mega Watts) solar power capacity in Delhi by 2020, which is proposed to be doubled to 2 GW by 2025. Outlines a combination of regulations, mandates, incentives, and tax breaks for the growth of rooftop solar power in the Capital. Supports all models of ownership and maintenance of solar plants, including third-party-owned, self-owned models. Mandatory deployment of solar panels on the government or public institutions. Allows generation based incentive for 3 years and amendment of the building bylaws for rooftop solar installations. Allows concept of virtual net metering in order to give access to the solar net metering facility to the consumers who do not have a suitable roof for installing a solar system. It also allows group net metering to encourage solar plants on rooftops of buildings that cannot consume all of the energy generated locally. Power department’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Management Centre (EE&REM) will be nodal agency responsible for effective implementation of this policy. Comment The policy seeks to lower state’s expenditure on energy by providing clean and green energy. It also seeks to strengthen its energy security and reduces its reliance on unsustainable fossil fuels. It also seeks to reduce the burden on the existing distribution and transmission system to lower expenditure on their maintenance

29. Himachal Pradesh became the first state in the country to have a State Data Centre (SDC), designed using green data centre concept. It was launched by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh in Shimla. Key Facts The SDC will offer 101 people-oriented services online through an integrated data base. It would integrate the websites of various departments and all services can be accessed through the integrated data base. It would help in saving time and money spent on creation of infrastructure as all services would be provided online in digital format thus, giving boost to paperless governance. It is first SDC in the country which has been designed using green data centre concept to minimise power requirement and increase power utilisation efficiency. SDC would help different state government departments to roll out more government-to-citizen-services. It will also enable people these services from anywhere and anytime.

30. The world’s first 3D-printed aircraft THOR was unveiled by European aerospace company, Airbus at the International Aerospace Exhibition held in Schoenefeld, Germany. The THOR is short for Test of High-tech Objectives in Reality. It resembles a large, white model airplane but is windowless. Key features of THOR THOR has just 3 parts. It is lighter, faster and cheaper. It is windowless small pilotless propeller aircraft. It weighs 21 kilo grams and less than 4 metres long. All it parts (except the electrical elements) are 3D printed from a substance called polyamide. THOR’s inaugural flight was conducted near Hamburg, Germany in November 2015. Aerospace companies like Airbus and Boeing already are using 3D printing technology to make parts for their huge passenger jets A350 and B787 Dreamliner. About 3D printing technology 3D printing is a process of making 3-D (three dimensional) solid objects from a digital file with extreme precision. This technology is also termed additive manufacturing as the 3D printed object is created us additive processes i.e. by laying down successive layers of manufacturing material on each other until the entire object is created. This technology has limitless possibilities and can create almost anything with just raw material and a computer generated model.

31. Congress Party leader V Narayanasamy was sworn in as Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Puducherry. He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi at a function held at the historic Gandhi Thidal in Beach Road. Besides him, 5 Congress legislators A Namassivayam, Shah Jahan, M Kandasamy, R Kamalkannan and Malladi Krishna Rao were also sworn in as ministers. About V Narayanasamy V Narayanasamy had represented Puducherry in Rajya Sabha for three terms. He had served as Minister of State (MoS) Parliamentary Affairs in UPA-I. In 2009, he was elected to Lok Sabha and had served as Minister of State (MoS) in Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in UPA II. Earlier in May 2016, Congress-DMK alliance had emerged victorious in 2016general elections. The alliance had won 17 seats (Congress: 15; DMK:2) in the 30 member Territorial Assembly. It should be noted that Narayanasamy is not a member of the house. He need to become member of house by facing election in 6 months.

32. Every year World Environment Day (WED) is observed on 5 June to raise global awareness to take positive environmental action to protect nature and the planet Earth. 2016 Theme: Go Wild for Life (Zero tolerance for the illegal trade in wildlife) This year’s theme seeks to encourage conservation of all those species under threat and calls for taking action to help safeguard them for future generations. 2016 Host Country: Angola. The African country is seeking to restore its elephant’s herds, conserve biodiversity-rich wildlife. It also seeks to safeguard the environment as it continues to rebuild after more than a quarter-century of civil war. Observing this day is global initiative of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). To mark this day Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off Tiger Express from Safdarjung station, New Delhi. It is a semi-luxury tourist train launched with an aim to spread awareness among people on tiger conservation. About World Environment Day (WED) WED was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of United Nations Conference on the Human Environment 1972 which began in Stockholm. The first World Environment Day was observed in 1973 and since then it is being held every year with a different themes.

33. India and Qatar have signed seven bilateral agreements in various fields to boost bilateral ties. These agreements were signed in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Qatar Emir Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha. It was PM Narendra Modi’s second stop to Qatar after he had visited to Afghanistan as part of his five- nation tour which will also take him to Switzerland, US and Mexico. Signed agreements are MoU for investment in National investment & infrastructure fund: It aims at establishing framework for facilitating participation of Qatari institutional investors in Infrastructure projects in India under NIIF. MoU on cooperation in tourism: Aims at enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of planning and developi ng of tourism. It will be done through promotion and marketing to support cooperation between private sector stakeholders. Agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance in custom matters: It promotes mutual assistance and cooperation on matters pertaining to customs administration through exchange of information and intelligence between the two countries. MoU on Finance Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) and Qatar Financial Information Unit (QFIU): Facilitate exchange of intelligence related to terrorism-financing, money laundering and related crimes and persons connected thereto. MoU in the field of youth and sports: It provides exchanges and cooperation in sports activities, exchange visits of leaders and officials and training camps for sports teams etc. between the two countries. MoU on cooperation in skill development & recognition of qualifications: MoU on cooperation in the field of health: Provides cooperation in areas of health, including in environmental and occupational health, pharmaceuticals, medical education. It also seeks to exchange of the best practices in the field of primary healthcare, technology, research in the field of health care, health care system and exchange of medical scientists and experts. Besides, PM Narendra Modi and Qatar Emir Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani had wide-ranging talks. They highlighted the need to isolate the supporters and sponsors of terrorism. They also decided to constitute an inter-ministerial high-level joint committee to regularly review all bilateral matters, as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.

34. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani jointly inaugurated the Afghan-India Friendship Dam in Herat province in Western Afghanistan. The dam was inaugurated during PM Narendra Modi’s first stop to Afghanistan as part of his five- nation tour which will also take him to Qatar, Switzerland, US and Mexico. Key facts The Afghan-India Friendship Dam was earlier known as Salma Dam. It is built on Hari River in Chishti Sharif District of Herat Province neighbouring Iran and is earth and rock fill dam. It is a multipurpose project built to generate 42 MW of power, irrigate 75000 hectares of land, water supply and other benefits to the people of Afghanistan. By irrigating 75000 hectares of land it is expected to significantly boost the agricultural economy of the province. Central Public Sector Unit M/s. WAPCOS under the aegis of Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. The height of the Dam is 104.3 metres, length 540 metres and width at the bottom is 450 metres. The gross capacity of the dam is 633 Million M3. All equipment and material required for the dam were transported from India to Iran’s Bander-e-Abbas port via sea route. It was further transported by road to Islam Kila border post at Iran-Afghanistan border and then further 300 km by road from the border post to the site. Comment India has a strategic partnership with Afghanistan and is implementing number of infrastructure projects worth 2 billion dollars to help rebuild the country’s infrastructure. As part of India’s goodwill diplomacy it has been supporting an Afghanistan-led, Afghanistan-owned, broad-based and inclusive process of peace and reconciliation. India is also advocating the need for a sustained and long-term commitment to Afghanistan by the international community. Herat province: It lies on the ancient trade routes of the Middle East, Central and South Asia. Roads from Herat to Turkmenistan, Iran, and other parts of Afghanistan are considered strategically important.

35. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Amir Amanullah Khan Award, the highest civilian honour of Afghanistan. The award was bestowed upon him at the inaugural function of the Afghan-India Friendship Dam (Salma Dam) by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. The award is named after Afghan national hero Amanullah Khan who championed the cause of Afghanistan’s freedom. About Amanullah Khan He was the ruler of the Emirate of Afghanistan from 1919-1929. Born on June 1, 1892 in Paghman, Afghanistan. Died on April 25, 1960 (aged 67) in Zürich, Switzerland. After the third Anglo-Afghan War (1919), he was able to pursue an independent foreign policy free from the influence of the Britain. His rule was marked by dramatic political and social change. He was the first Afghan ruler who attempted to modernize Afghanistan on Western designs. However, he did not succeed in this because of a popular uprising by Habibullah Kalakani and his followers. In 1929, Amanullah abdicated from throne and fled to neighbouring British India while Afghanistan fell into a civil war.

36. World Number One tennis player Novak Djokovic from Serbia has won the 2016 French Open title in the men’s singles category. In the final match, Djokovic defeated Britain’s Andy Murray by 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 score. It is his first French Open title and completed the career Grand Slam. It was Djokovic’s 12th major title and he became the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to hold all four Grand Slams at once. He also becomes only the eighth man in history of tennis to have won all four of the sport’s major singles prizes. Other category winners Women’s singles Garbine Muguruza (Spain) won the Women’s singles title of 2016 French Open. In the final she defeated Serena Williams (United States) by 7–5, 6–4 score. Men’s doubles Spanish pair of Feliciano López and Marc López won the Men’s doubles title of 2016 French Open. In the final, they defeated Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan pair from US by 6–4, 6–7(6–8), 6–3 score. Women’s doubles French pair of Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic won the Women’s doubles title of 2016 French Open. In the final, they defeated Russian pair of Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina by 6–3, 2–6, 6–4 score. Mixed doubles Leander Paes (India) and Martina Hingis (Switzerland) pair won the Mixed doubles title of 2016 French Open. In the final, they defeated Sania Mirza (India) and Ivan Dodig (Croatia) pair by 4–6, 6–4, [10–8] score.

37. India’s first Mr Universe and eelebrated body-builder Manohar Aich passed away in Kolkata, West Bengal age-related ailments. He was 104. Manohar Aich had won the Mr. Universe title in 1952 and was nicknamed ‘Pocket Hercules’ due to his 4-feet, 11-inch frame. He was also nicknamed “Bahubali”. About Manohar Aich Born onMarch 17, 1912 in Tipperah, Bengal in then British India (now in Bangladesh). He had joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1942 under British colonial rulers. He took up Body building after he was encouraged by British officers to do so. He was first Indian to win the title post-independence. He had won the 1952 NABBA Universe Championships. In 1950, he had won Mr. Hercules contest at the age of 36. In 1991, he unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha elections as a BJP candidate. He had finished third, collecting over 1.63 lakh votes.

38. South Asian Games gold medallist Indian judoka Avtar Singh has qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games scheduled to be held in August 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He has qualified under 90kg weight category under the continental quota. His current world Ranking is 79 with 182 points.

39. NASA scientists using a new satellite-based method have located 39 unreported and major human-made sources of toxic sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions that cause pollution. The unreported emission sources were found in the analysis of satellite data from 2005 to 2014. These sources are clusters of coal-burning power plants, oil and gas operations and smelters notably found in West Asia, Mexico and parts of Russia. SO2 is a known health hazard and cause of acid rain. Currently, SO2 monitoring activities include the use of emission inventories that are derived from ground-based measurements and factors, such as fuel usage. Key facts The satellite-based estimates of the emissions were 2 or 3 times higher than those reported from known sources in these regions. The unreported and under-reported sources account for about 12% of all human-made emissions of SO2. This discrepancy can have a large impact on regional air quality. Researchers using a new satellite also have located 75 natural sources of SO2 in the form of non-erupting volcanoes that are slowly leaking the toxic gas. The satellite-based data is the first to provide regular annual information on these volcanic emissions as they are located remote locations and not monitored.