WBCS Current Affairs 11/07/2016 to 16/07/2016

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1. The World Youth Skills Day is observed globally on 15 July every year to raise awareness about the importance of investing in youth skills development. Significance of Day: Create more awareness on training and the development of skills for the youth of today. Create better employment opportunities for the youth. 2016 Theme: “Skills Development to Improve Youth Employment”. On the occasion, United Nations had organised the event facilitated by the UN Envoy on Youth Ahmad Alhendawi. It was co-organized with the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Portugal to the UN along wth UNESCO and the International Labour Organization (ILO). Observances in India President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the first edition of India Skills Competition on the occasion of World Youth Skill Day. The competition commemorate first anniversary of Union Ministry of Skill Development. Besides on this day in 2016, National Skill Development Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to create convergence across sectors and states in terms of skill training activities. Background: The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had established World Youth Skills Day in November 2014 to raise awareness about the importance of investing in youth skills development.

2. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up an inter-regulatory Working Group to study the regulatory issues relating to Financial Technology (Fintech) and Digital Banking in India The inter-regulatory Working Group will be headed by RBI’s Executive Director Sudarshan Sen and consist of 12 members. It will submit its report within six months from date of its first meeting. It was constituted based on the recommendation of sub-committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) in view of the growing significance of Fintech innovations and their interactions with the financial sector as well as financial sector entities. Terms of reference of Working Group Undertake a scoping exercise to gain a general understanding of the major innovations and developments, technology platforms involved in Fintech. Take into consideration how markets as well as the financial sector in particular are adopting new delivery channels, products and technologies. Assess opportunities and risks arising for the financial system from digitisation and use of financial technology. Suggest how these opportunities can be utilised for optimising financial product innovation and delivery for the benefit of customers, users and other stakeholders. Evaluate implications and challenges vis-à-vis various financial sector functions such as clearing, intermediation and payments being under taken up by non-financial entities. Chalk out an appropriate regulatory response with a view to re-aligning and re-orienting statutory provisions and regulatory guidelines for enhancing Fintech and digital banking. Also chalk out associated opportunities and simultaneously ways for managing the evolving challenges and risk dimensions.

3. The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified India as Yaws, Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus free country. In this regard, WHO presented certificates to Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda in New Delhi. India was declared Neonatal and Maternal Tetanus free country in August 2015. Besides, it was also declared yaws-free in May 2016. India was declared yaws-free after a team of WHO experts had found interruption of bacterial disease transmission in the country. India is the first country under the WHO neglected tropical diseases (NTD) roadmap, 2012 to eliminate Yaws. Yaws: It is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the skin, cartilages and bones. It is caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum pertenue. It spreads by direct contact with the fluid from a lesion of an infected person

4. The eleventh edition of Asia-Europe Meeting Summit (ASEM11) or ASEM2016 began in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. The theme of the Summit is ‘Partnership for the Future through Connectivity‘. World leaders including from the leaders of 51 member countries and the representatives of European Union and Asian are attending the two day summit. Indian delegation is led by Vice President Mohmmad Hamid Ansari. India’s agenda for the summit is to push the efforts to boost inter-continental connectivity. Key Facts ASEM2016 is being held in the new world environment following Britain’s exit from the European Union and a global economic slowdown. It is also first major multilateral diplomatic gathering after recent ruling by UN-backed international tribunal which has struck down China’s claims in strategic South China Sea. ASEM2016 will also take into consideration the issue of terrorism during deliberations after recent terror strike in Bangladesh and some European countries. About Asia-Europe Meeting Summit (ASEM) ASEM is an informal process of dialogue and cooperation that brings 53 entities – including 51 countries (including India) from Asia and Europe and two regional bodies European Union (EU) and the ASEAN. It was officially established in March 1996 at the first summit in Bangkok, Thailand. The dialogue addresses political, economic and cultural issues between the two regions. It also seeks to strengthen the relationship between the two regions in a spirit of mutual respect and equal partnership. ASEM represents around 62.3% of the world’s population, 57.2% of the global GDP and almost 60% of the world’s trade.

5. The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully conducted proof firing tests of Armament system for 155 mm x 52 calibre New Advanced Towed Artillery Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). The tests were conducted as part of technical trials at Proof & Experimental Establishment (PXE) in Balasore, Odisha. Key Facts ATAGS is fully indigenously built towed artillery gun system undertaken in mission mode by DRDO as a part of artillery modernisation programme of Indian Army. Pune based Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE) is the nodal laboratory of DRDO for design and development of ATAGS along with collaboration of other DRDO laboratories. The Armament system of ATAGS mainly comprises a barrel, muzzle brake, breech mechanism and recoil mechanism to fire 155 mm calibre ammunitions. It has a longer firing range of 40 Kms with accuracy and precision and provides greater fire power. It is also has night firing capability in direct fire mode. ATAGS has been configured with all electric drive in order to ensure maintenance free and reliable operation over a longer period of time. It also has advanced features in terms of high mobility, quick deployability, auxiliary power mode, advanced communication system, automatic command and control system.

6. ndia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a 100 million dollars loan agreement for irrigation projects, drainage system and water management in Vennar sub-basin of Cauvery delta in Tamil Nadu. The project seeks to improve water management and strengthen embankments of 6 major irrigation water channels in Vennar system. Cauvery river basin is a critical source of water for agriculture in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states. The vast majority of the delta’s population is engaged in farming and fishing. Earlier due to lack of investment the left irrigation system was unable to meet user demand and increasingly vulnerable to floods and droughts. Key Facts The project aims to improve existing infrastructure and also provide flood protection and renewed access to irrigation. The loan funds will support Tamil Nadu’s water resources professionals to manage resources better, and with greater involvement of the stakeholders they service. Under it, flood forecasting and warning systems will be also installed. A flood risks map will be also drawn to help communities respond more effectively to extreme events. The loan will be provided from ADB’s ordinary capital resources which has a 25-year term. The project is expected to be completed by December 2020. About Asian Development Bank (ADB) ADB is multilateral lending agency based in Manila, Philippines. It is dedicated to reduce poverty in Asia and the Pacific region through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. It is collectively owned by 67 members – 48 from the region including India.

7. India’s Chess Grand Master Harika Dronavalli has won the Fide Women’s Grand Prix trophy in Chendu, China. It was her maiden career GP title. She won this title by defeating Russia’s Olga Girya. She finished on 7 points in the round robin tournament which had featured world’s top 12 players. On the other hadnd India Grand Master Koneru Humpy too rounded off her campaign with a victory to also finish on 7 points. But Harika was declared winner for finishing with a better tie-break record in the tournament.

8. KVR Murthy was appointed as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of the Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCIL). He will have tenure of five years or till the date of his superannuation, whichever is earlier. Prior to this appointment he was serving as the Chief Commercial Manager of Eastern Railways. About Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCIL) JCIL is a nodal agency of Union Government that assists jute cultivators by providing minimum price support (MSP) and also work as a helping hand in the raw jute sector. Founded: Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal. It operates in the main jute-growing states of West Bengal, Bihar, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Orissa, and Andhra Pradesh.

9. The Union Cabinet has given its approval for allocation of Twelve thousand crore rupees to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). The funds will be used to impart skill training to 60 lakh youths and certify skills of 40 lakh persons acquired non-formally. It is the revamped version of the PMKVY, which includes a mechanism to revive the traditional Guru-Shishya approach to train youth with the help of local craftsmen and trade practitioners. Key Facts Under this scheme, skill training would be done based on industry led standards aligned to the National Skill Qualification Framework. Besides catering to domestic skill needs, the scheme will also focus on skill training aligned to international standards for overseas employment in European and Gulf countries etc. There will be scholarship for student undergoing training in high end job roles. Training centres will be categorised on the basis of their infrastructure and past performance. Third party agencies will be also deployed to validate their training efforts and placement records. Residential programmes will be promoted to youths from north-eastern States, Kashmir Valley, Leh region and Left-wing extremism-affected districts. About Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana PMKVY is the flagship outcome-based skill training scheme of the Union Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. It is skill certification and reward scheme. Objective of the scheme is to enable and mobilize a large number of Indian youth to take up outcome based skill training and become employable and earn their livelihood. Under the scheme, trainees who are successfully trained, assessed and certified in skill courses run by affiliated training providers will be provided with monetary reward.

10. The Union Government has started the operation ‘Sankat Mochan’ to evacuate Indian citizens stranded in South Sudan’s capital Juba. Sankat Mochan in Hindi means reliever from troubles. The operation is being undertaken by Indian Air Force (IAF) and will be headed by Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs General (Retd.) VK Singh. Key Facts Two heavy-lift C-17 military transport aircrafts have been deployed by UIAF in service to make the evacuation. The Indian Ambassador in South Sudan Srikumar Menon and his team is organising this operation on the ground. The Indian Embassy in South Sudan already has alerted stranded Indians in Juba about the evacuation plan. The flight route for evacuation is Juba-Kampala-Trivandrum-Delhi. Passengers can also de-board at Trivandrum.

11. The Union Government has appointed senior IPS officer Ashok Patnaik as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID). His appointment was approved by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He will continue to hold this post till his superannuation in 2018. He will succeed Raghu Raman, the first CEO of NATGIRD ended in June 2015. The post was under the additional charge of former special secretary Ashok Prasad till January 2016. Patnaik is a 1983-batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre. Currently he is serving as Additional Director in the Intelligence Bureau (IB). He is son-in-law of former PM Manmohan Singh.

12. The Union Cabinet has given its approval for Revised Cost Estimate (RCE) of 7290.62 crore rupees for the ongoing 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (HEP) in Bhutan. The Hydroelectric project seeks to provide surplus power to India and thus augment power availability in the country. The approval of RCE would enable project works to proceed smoothly without interruption and the total cost escalation for the project after RCE at this stage is 3512.82 crore rupees.

13. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the disinvestment of 15% paid up equity of National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC). Decision in this regard was taken by CCEA meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The disinvestment of 15% will done out of Union Government’s 90% shareholding. Key Facts The disinvestment would result in estimated receipts of approximately 1,706 crore rupees to the Government. However, the actual realization amount of receipts will depend upon the market conditions and the investor interest prevailing at the time of actual disinvestment. The disinvestment would further broadbase NBCC’s shareholding and enhance the disinvestment receipts for Government utilization as per Disinvestment Policy. About National Buildings Construction Corporation Limited (NBCC) NBCC was incorporated in November 1960 as a wholly owned Union Government enterprise under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Urban Development. It was incorporated with the objective of becoming a leading company in the field of engineering, construction, and project management consultancy services. Presently, Union Government holds 90% of the equity i.e. 54,00,00,000 shares and the balance 10% of the equity is held by the Public. The NBCC IPO was launched in March, 2012, when the Union Government had divested 10% paid up equity capital of NBCC out of its 100% shareholding.

14. Peru has declared Zika outbreak as a health emergency across the northern half of the country after 102 people were infected with the virus. The 90-day health emergency was declared to prevent the spread of the disease. So far 34 cases of disease (principally transmitted by mosquitos) were detected in pregnant women. A major Zika outbreak in Peru’s neighbouring country Brazil has caused nearly 1,600 birht of babies with the birth defect due to microcephaly i.e. abnormally small heads and brains. In adults and children the disease usually causes only mild, flu-like symptoms and a rash. But it has been linked to neurological problems such as a potentially fatal paralysis known as Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).

15. The Union Cabinet has approved the revival of three fertilizers defunct Fertilizer Units in Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni. The three fertilizers units are: (i) Barauni (Bihar) unit of Hindustan Fertilizers Corporation Limited (HFCL), (ii) Urea unit of Fertilizer Corporation India Limited (FCIL) at Sindri (Jharkhand) and (iii) Urea unit of FCIL at Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh). Key facts These fertilizers units would be revived by means of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of Public Sector Units (PSUs) through ‘nomination route’. The SPV will include Coal India Limited (CIL), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and FCIL/HFCL. Revival of these fertilizers units will help to meet the growing demand of urea of Bihar, West Bengal and Jharkhand. It will also ease the pressure on road and railway infrastructure due to long distance transportation of urea from Western and Central Regions. It will also help in saving Government subsidy on freight. It will also accelerate the economic development of the region and create opportunities for 1200 direct and 4500 indirect employments. Background These three units were lying defunct since their closure during 1990-2002. Therefore, the units and other associated facilities were lying unutilized. There closure had resulted in lack of functional urea unit in the Eastern part of the country except two small units at Namrup (Assam). Earlier in 2015, Union Government had approved revival of these three units through ‘bidding route’. However, the bidding process failed.

16. Conservative party leader Theresa May (59) became Prime Minister of United Kingdom after meeting Queen Elizabeth II. She succeeds David Cameron, who had resigned in the wake of Brexit referendum that ended his six-year-long stint as the Prime Minister of Britain. With this, she became UK’s second-ever female Prime Minister after Margaret Thatcher (in office from 1979-1990). About Theresa May Prior to entering front-line politics, Theresa May has worked with the Bank of England from 1977 to 1983. She had served as a councillor for the London Borough of Merton from 1986 to 1994. She is Member of Parliament for Maidenhead since 1997. In the outgoing Prime Minister David Cameron she had served as home secretary of UK from May 2010 to July 201. She was the longest-serving home secretary of UK in last 50 years.

17. INS India, the base depot ship of Indian Navy at New Delhi celebrated its 75th anniversary (Platinum Jubilee) on 13 July 2016. As a run up to celebrate this grand occasion, a series of events were organised. A Health Run and a Dream Walk was organised. A blood donation camp was also organised.

18. The Union Government has recently constituted a high-level committee headed by Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian to tackle the shortage of pulses in India. The committee was constituted by the high-level meeting chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi. Terms of References The committee is tasked to study and suggest ways to contain the rising prices of pulses in the country. The committee will consider a reasonable hike in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for pulses and bonus for the farmers to promote pulse cultivation. Frame an appropriate long term policy to promote cultivation of pulses in India and shall also consider the issue of subsidising farmers who wish to grow pulses. Beside this, the Union Government also has decided to increase the buffer stock of pulses from 8 lakh to 20 lakh tonnes.

19. The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in Hague, the Netherlands has rejected China’s claims to economic rights across large swathes of South China Sea. Ruling in this regard was given by a five-member tribunal appointed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Hague in a case brought by the Philippines. The ruling came from an arbitration tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which both China and Philippines have signed. The ruling is binding but the tribunal has no powers for enforcement. Ruling There was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the South China Sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line. China has violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights and also caused severe harm to the coral reef environment by building artificial islands in South China Sea. China’s rights are incompatible with the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) provided in the UNCLOS. Background The current round of tension between Philippines and China began in 2009 after a tense stand-off over Scarborough Shoal, which led to China to gain de facto control of it in 2012. Philippines had lodged its suit against China at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Seain 2013, saying China has violated the UNCLOS to which both countries are signatories. China has boycotted the tribunal ever since Philippines had filed the petition in The Hague international court. Earlier in 2013, China also had set up an ADIZ (Air Defense Identification Zone) over similarly disputed territory in the East China Sea. Disputes in South China Sea Disputes in South China Sea are fight mainly between China, Philippines, Vietnam over the territorial sovereignty in South China Sea along with other atolls, reefs and rocky outcrops. China’s claim: It is saying that major portion of these islands belong to them as part of the historical events and area defined by Nine Dash Line. Under its claim, China already has started and even completed building artificial islands and even strategic runways for mobilising its airforce from these islands. China’s claim overlap the South Chia Sea areas of different claimants countries, that involve Brunei, Vietnam, Philippines, Taiwan and Malaysia. Importance of South China Sea: It is strategically located and major international shipping route as world’s half merchant ships passes through it. The sea rich in energy (reserves of natural resources around them including petroleum), mineral and fishing resources. India’s position: Supports freedom of navigation and flight and unimpeded commerce based on the principals of international law in South China Sea. Believes that states should resolve deputes through peaceful means and exercise self – restraint.

20. The Union Government has notified the UIDAI (Terms and Conditions of Service of Chairperson and Members) Rules, 2016 to give legal status to Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). These rules have been framed as per provisions of Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. Key Facts These rules have detail provisions for appointment of its chairperson and members. The chairperson of UIDAI will be selected on the recommendation of a search-cum-selection committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary. Besides, Secretaries of Department of Personnel and Training, Finance and Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DEITY) and two experts will be its members. The two experts will be nominated by the Union Communications and IT Minister. The Chairperson will draw a salary of the level of a Secretary. Presently over 102 crore persons in the country have unique identity numbers and Aadhaar card. The Aadhaar has been linked to more than 12 crore LPG consumers, 27 crore bank accounts, 13 crore ration cards holders and 7 crore MGNREGA workers. Background Union Government is going to notify the Aadhaar Act in two phases for complete operationalisation of the Act. After the chairperson and members are appointed they will pass the regulations for notifying rest of the Act. Presently, only Sections 11to 20, 22 to 23 and sections 48 to 59 of the Act have been notified for operationalisation.

21. The Supreme Court has ordered the restoration of former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki’s Congress government in Arunachal Pradesh. Verdict in this regard was given by a five-judge constitution bench headed by Justice JS Kehar on a bunch of petitions. These petitions were dealing with discretionary powers of Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa to summon or advance the assembly session. SC Verdict Governor’s decision advancing session of the state assembly by a month is violative of the Constitution and is liable to be quashed. All steps and decision taken by the Legislative Assembly pursuant to Governor’s December 2015 are unsustainable and have been set aside. Struck down removal of speaker Nabam Rebia and he should be restored back as Speaker of the House. Comment The SC judgment means the present Arunachal Pradesh government headed by Chief Minister Kalikho Pul would have to step down and make way for then Congress government headed by Nabam Tuki. It also for the first time in this history, Supreme Court has put back a state government that had been dismissed by the Centre under the President’s rule (under Article 356). Background The north eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh had plunged into political crisis in November 2015 after 21 of the Congress’ legislators of the total 47 had rebelled against then CM Nabam Tuki. The rebellion had reduced the Congress government to 26 legislators (i.e. in minority) in the 60-member assembly. Following the political crisis, the Union Government had imposed President’s rule under Article 356 of Constitution on January 26, 2016. Later the leader of the Congress dissidents’ faction, Kalikho Pul, was sworn in as the 9th Chief Minister in February 2016 with support of twenty rebel Congress legislators and 11 BJP legisators.

22. Technocrat D Rajkumar was appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL). He will succeed BPCL’s current chief S Varadarajan who is retiring on September 2016.He has been appointed to the post for five-year term. Presently, D Rajkumar is working as Managing Director of Bharat Petro Resources Ltd, a unit of BPCL focused on exploration and production. Apart from him, Utpal Bora was been appointed as the new Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Oil India Limited (OIL). Bora was selected on the recommendation of a three-member search-cum-selection Committee headed by Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha.

23. Indian Navy has commissioned INS Karna, an independent base of Marine Commandos (MARCOS) at Bheemunipatanam Naval Base, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It was commissioned by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba at the commissioning ceremony held at Bheemunipatanam Naval Base. The commissioning of a new base to the Special Forces of the Indian Navy will play important role to safeguard our nation’s vast maritime interests. Captain Varun Singh will be the Commanding Officer of INS Karna.

24. Bangladesh and India have signed an agreement for the construction of a 1,320 megawatt (MW) coal fired power plant near Sundarbans. The agreement was signed between Bangladesh-India Friendship Power Company (Pvt) Limited (BIFPCL), the joint venture enterprise and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). BHEL was selected under an open international tender for constructing the super thermal plant at Bangladesh’s southwestern Rampal near the Sundarbans. Key Facts This coal fired power plant is the biggest project under bilateral cooperation between both countries that would mark the transition from electricity export to generation level. India’s Exim Bank will provide US 1.49 billion dollars for the project and it is scheduled to start generating power in 2019. The deal came amid concerns by environmental groups that this power plant could affect the delicate ecosystem of the world’s largest mangrove forest in Sundarbans, a world heritage site spreading over both Bangladesh and India. Earlier Bangladesh had earmarked Maitree Super Thermal Power Project (MSTPP) as one of its fast-track projects. It was started under a bilateral agreement between India and Bangladesh signed during Prime Minister Hasina’s India visit in 2010.

25. The State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE) at IIT Bombay to promote innovation by start-ups in the financial sector. The SINE is IIT Bombay’s technology business incubator to promote innovation by startups in the financial sector. Under this agreement SBI andboth the institutes will identify fintech (financial technology) start-ups that have products or applications to cater to the financial sector. These products or applications will identified by SBI and institutes to explore opportunities to enhance the synergy for their banking services SBI will provide a platform for testing or piloting such products and applications and maybe also check for any specific business linkages. SBI will also interact with the entrepreneurial and research community of SINE to understand latest innovations and conduct knowledge sessions for mutual benefit to arrive.

26. The first direct bus service between Pokhara (Nepal) and New Delhi (India) was launched to connect South Asia’s two important cities. The bus service was flagged off by Nepal Home Minister Shakti Bahadur Basnet and India’s ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae from Pokhara (Nepal’s famous tourist spot). Key Facts The bus service was launched as per the Motor Vehicle Agreement (MVA) signed between both countries. The agreement was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Nepal visit in 2014. The new bus service between Pokhara and New Delhi was proposed by the Uttar Pradesh State Road transport Corporation (UPSRTC) as per decision taken in MVA. After the signing MVA, regular buses are being plied from New Delhi- Kathmandu, Kathmandu-Varanasi and Mahendranagar-Delhi and vice versa.

27. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a nationwide Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) to check child diarrhoeal deaths. The IDCF drive was launched by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda in New Delhi. It will be observed from 11th to 23rd July, 2016 across the country. Key Facts The IDCF drive is a very cost -effective intervention to curb the risk of spread of diarrhoea which scales up during monsoon season Intensified community awareness campaigns on hygiene and promotion of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) and Zinc therapy will be conducted at state, district and village levels. Under this initiative, government aims at covering over 80 per cent of children (of the 10 crore children below five years of age) affected by diarrhoea across the country. The importance of this drive is that to make ORS available in the household when needed at the time of diarrhoea. ASHAs will visit all households with children below 5 years of age for pre-positioning the ORS. They will also explain the benefits of these. All health facilities will have ORS corners which will continuously demonstrate the way to prepare the ORS mixture. These corners will also administer ORS and Zinc to children who are in need of these during diarrhoea. Diarrhoea Diarrhoea is caused by various virus, bacteria and protozoa like rotavirus, E.coli etc. The main reasons for diarrhoeal attacks amongst children are contaminated water, inadequate sanitation, poor hygiene, malnutrition and lack of immunisation. The combination of ORS and Zinc is the most cost-effective intervention to prevent deaths due to diarrhoea.

28. India’s first Centre of Excellence on Internet of Things (CoE– IoT) was launched in Bengaluru, Karnataka by the National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM). The centre was launched at NASSCOM’s Startup Warehouse in Bengaluru to encourage start-ups to come up with tech solutions centred on Internet of Things (IoT). Key Facts The CoE– IoT has been jointly set up NASSCOM, Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DEITY) and Education and Research Network (ERNET). It is also supported by Cisco, Accenture, HCL Technologies, Intel, TCS, Qualcomm and L&T Technology Services, among others. It has been created as a catalyst for developing the IoT SME/Startup ecosystem of the country to scale for industrial and societal needs. The centre has capacity to incubate 40 startups and allows them to build a prototype and test them. The will also function as an enabler of Accelerating, Funding, Mentoring & Enterprise for the key emerging IoT startups who have been selected for incubation. The centre will focus on building solutions for applications such as agriculture, automobile, telecom, healthcare and consumer goods.

29. Sanjay Gupta has been appointed as chairman and managing director (CMD) of Konkan Railway Corporation Limited (KRCL). He is ex-Indian Railway Services of Mechanical Engineering (IRSME) officer. With this appointment he becomes youngest ever officer to be appointed as CMD of KRCL. Prior to his elevation, he was working as director (operating and commercial) of Konkan Railway from 2013. Besides he was also looking after the post of CMD after superanuation of the previous incumbent B P Tayal in November 2015. About Sanjay Gupta Sanjay Gupta has a rich experience of more than 30 years as a mechanical officer of Indian Railways. He has worked on several prestigious and coveted posts as well as on various assignments over the Railways. Prior to his posting as director (operations and commercial) of Konkan Railway, he has also worked as chief mechanical engineer on Konkan Railway. He has pivotal role in bringing tremendous improvements in all spheres of working on Konkan Railway. About Konkan Railway Corporation (KRC) KRC is a subsidiary of the Indian Railways (IR). It is headquartered at CBD Belapur in Navi Mumbai. It operates the Konkan Railways (741km line connecting western Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka), a subsidiary zone of the Indian Railways. The company started its full operations of trains in January 1998 and the first passenger train on Konkan railway ran in March 1993 between Udupi and Mangalore.

30. The World Population Day is observed across the world on July 11 to attention on the urgency and importance of population issue. 2016 Theme: “Investing in teenage girls”. It focuses on the empowerment of teenage girls. The theme highlights the importance of empowering teenage girls by providing them access to basic information about their health, human rights and reproductive rights so they become agents of positive change in their communities. Many teenage girls around the globe face challenges to get married early and then motherhood under the pressure of their communities or parents. These girls lack access to basic information leaving them vulnerable to illness, injury and exploitation. Background The day was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 1989. It was inspired by the public interest in Five Billion Day on July 11, 1987. On this date world’s approximate population had reached five billion people. Observance of the day aims at increase people’s awareness on various population issues such as the importance of family planning, maternal health, gender equality, poverty and human rights. The world population (as of 1st January 2014) is estimated to be 7,137,661,030.

31. India and Kenya have signed seven agreements to deepen and expand cooperation in a wide range of areas. These agreements were signed in the presence of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nairobi. PM Narendra Modi visited Kenya on the fourth and last leg of his four-nation tour of Africa viz. Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya. Signed Agreements are MoU on Defence Cooperation. MoU in the field of space Technology partnership. Revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). Bilateral agreement on exemption of Visa for holders of Diplomatic passports. MoU on Cooperation in the field of National Housing Policy Development and Management. MoU on Cooperation in the field of expertise sharing, standardisation and mutual trade between Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Bureau of Kenya Standards (BKS). Line of Credit (LoC) Agreement for US $29.95 million to Kenyan Government for upgradation of Rift Valley Textiles Factory (RIVATEX East Africa Limited) in Kenya. LoC Agreement for US $15 million (first tranche of $30 million) to Kenya’s IDB Capital Limited for development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya. Besides, PM Narendra Modi also announced that India will fully finance a cancer hospital in Kenya. India will also donate medicines for AIDS patients in Kenya. India would provide concessional credit of 60 million dollars for power transmission project to Kenya. India is ready to join hands with Kenya for developing efficient and affordable health care system to make it an important regional hub for health services in East African region.

32. President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the 51st Jnanpith Award on renowned Gujarati writer and litterateur Dr. Raghuveer Chaudhari at a function in New Delhi. He was awarded with the India’s highest literary honour carrying a cash prize, a citation plaque and a bronze replica of Goddess Saraswati for the year 2015. About Raghuveer Chaudhary He was born on 5 December 1938 in Bapupura near Gandhinagar, Gujarat. He is novelist, poet, critic and a Gandhian. He was a teacher at the Gujarat University until his retirement in 1998 His literary work has been influenced by works of Gowardhan Ram Tripathi , Kaka Kalelkar and Suresh Joshi. His work: He has authored more than 80 books and some of his notable novels include Amrita, Venu Vatsala, Uparvas, Purvarang and Laagni Samjyaa Vinaa Chuuta Padvanu. He also had worked as a columnist for numerous newspapers such as Sandesh, Janmabhumi, Nirikshaka and Divya Bhaskar. Awards and Honours: He has received numerous accolades including Sahitya Acadmi Award for his novel Trilogy Uparvaas in 1977. Note: Mr. Chaudhary is the fourth Gujarati litterateur to bag this prestigious award after Uma Shankar Joshi (1967), Pannalal Patel (1985) and Rajendra Shah (2001). About Jnanpith Award Jnanpith Award is India’s highest literary honour. Its name has been taken from Sanskrit words Jnana and Pitha which means knowledge-seat. It was instituted in 1961 and is presented annually by Bharatiya Jnanpith trust founded by the Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain family that owns the Times of India newspaper group. The award is bestowed upon any Indian citizen who writes in any 22 official languages of India mentioned in VIII Schedule of Constitution of India. Prior to 1982, the award was only given for a single work by a writer. But after 1982, the award is given for lifetime contribution to Indian literature. The award carries cash prize of 11 lakh rupees, a citation plaque and a bronze replica of Saraswati.

33. Sushila Karki has become the first woman Chief Justice of Nepal after taking oath of office and secrecy at a special programme organised at the Presidential Residence, Sheetal Niwas. She will head the judiciary till June 6, 2017. The oath was administered by President Bidya Devi Bhandari. Beside Karki, President Bhandari has also administered oath of office and secrecy to newly appointed Chief Election Commissioner Dr Ayodhi Prasad Yadav.

34. India and Tanzania have signed five agreements to accelerate bilateral ties between both nations. These agreements were signed in Dar-es-Salaam in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli. PM Narendra Modi visited Tanzania on the third leg of his four-nation tour of Africa viz. Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya. Signed Agreements are MoU for Establishment of Vocational Training Centre at Zanzibar MoU on Visa waiver agreement for Diplomatic/Official passport holders MoU on Cooperation in the field of water resource management and development Line of Credit (LoC) of US 92 million dollars for rehabilitation and improvement of water supply system in Zanzibar Agreement on Joint Action Plan (JAP) between National Small Industries Corporation of India (NSIC) and Small Industries Development Organization Tanzania (SIDO). Besides, PM Narendra Modi and Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli held wide-ranging talks. They agreed to Cooperate in a number of areas, including food security and natural gas sector. Deepen overall defence and security partnership, especially in the maritime domain. Deepen bilateral trade and investment partnership by encouraging greater industry to industry ties. Work closely, bilaterally, regionally and globally to combat the twin threats of terrorism and climate change.

35. Portugal has won the 2016 UEFA European football championship (Euro Cup 2016) by defeating host France. It was Portugal’s first UEFA European Championship title. In the final match, played at Stade de France (Paris, France) Portugal defeated France by 1-0 goal score. The only goal for the Portugal team was scored by Éder at 109 minute in the 11 minutes of extra time. With this victory, Portugal has earned the right to compete at the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup hosted by Russia. Awards Golden Boot: Antoine Griezmann (France) – 6 goals, 2 assists. Silver Boot: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 3 goals, 3 assists. Bronze Boot: Olivier Giroud (France) – 3 goals, 2 assists. Young Player of the Tournament: Renato Sanches (Portugal) – aged 18. Background Euro 2016 was the 15th edition of UEFA European football championship 2016. For the first time, the final tournament was contested by 24 teams. Under this new format, the finalists has contested in a group stage consisting of six groups of four teams, followed by a knockout stage including three rounds and the final.

36. The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) has conferred rare and singular species genetic recognition tag to the threatened breed of Kendrapara sheep found in Odisha. It has received registration number INDIA_SHEEP_1500_KENDRAPADA_14042. It became the 42nd sheep breed in India to receive such tag. The genetically rare status will help to boost conservation effort to protect these domesticated threatened sheep. Previously, two buffalo and four cattle breeds’ native to Odisha were registered at national level by NBAGR.

37. The second unit of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP), India’s largest nuclear power plant in Tamil Nadu became operational. The 1,000 Megawatt (MW) capacity plant attained criticality after the second unit became operational. Now the power generation of Unit 2 will be stepped up to full capacity of 1000 MW in phases and will be synchronized with the grid. The criticality process of the Unit 2 was undertaken by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCI), a PSU under the Department of Atomic Energy which manages the plant. Earlier, Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) had given its consent to the NPCI to begin the criticality process. Already, the first unit of the plant is generating 1000 MW power. So far it has generated 10,006 million units of electricity. About Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP) KNPP is a nuclear power station located in Koodankulam in Tamil Nadu. It has capacity of generating 2000 MW with 2 reactors. The nuclear reactors of the plant have been built with Russian expertise. The construction on the plant began in 2002. The Unit 1 of the plant was synchronised with the southern power grid in October 2013. The work on third and fourth reactors will be started 2017. Both Unit 1 and 2 are The power generated from the plant will provide electricity to Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and Karnataka.

38. Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy has sworn in as the acting Governor of Arunachal Pradesh. With this he becomes 18th Governor to be sworn in as Governor of Tripura. He has been given the additional charge of Governor of Arunachal Pradesh during the leave of absence of incumbent Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa. Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court Ajit Singh had administered the oath of office to Tathagata Roy as per the provisions of Article 159 of Constitution of India. About Tathagata Roy Tathagata Roy was born on 14 September 1945 in Kolkata, West Bengal. He is veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from West Bengal and was president of the state unit of the party from 2002 till 2006. He is also a writer and has written both in English and in his native Bengali language. He has authored two books. They are The Life and Times of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee and My People, Uprooted: A Saga of the Hindus of Eastern Bengal. Constitutional provisions of Governor Article 153: It says that there shall be Governor for each state. The 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 has facilitated the appointment of the same person as a governor for two or more states. Article 156: Governor is appointed by President and hold office during the pleasure of President. It should be also noted that this article also mentions tenure of Governor. In this regard it says that Governor shall hold office for the term of 5 years from date he enters upon his office.

39. The 2016 Wimbledon Championships was a tennis tournament held from 27 June to 10 July 2016. It was the 130th edition of the championships and the 49th edition in the Open Era. The tournament had taken place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom. Men’s Singles Title Britain’s Andy Murray won the 2016 Wimbledon title in men’s singles category. It was his second Wimbledon title after he had won it for first time in 2013. In final match he defeated Canada’s Milos Raonic by 6–4, 7–6(7–3), 7–6(7–2) score. Women’s Singles Title Serena Williams of United States has won 2016 Wimbledon title in women’s singles category. In the final match played she defeated Germany’s Angelique Kerber by 7–5, 6–3 score. It is Williams’ seventh Women’s Singles Wimbledon title (2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2015) and overall 22nd Grand Slam title. Men’s Doubles Title French pair of Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut won the 2016 Wimbledon title in the men’s doubles category. In the final match they defeated French pair Julien Benneteau and Édouard Roger-Vasselin by 6–4, 7–6(7–1), 6–3 score. Women’s Doubles US pair of Serena Williams and Venus Williams won the 2016 Wimbledon title in the women’s doubles category. They defeated Tímea Babos (Hungary) and Yaroslava Shvedova (Kazakhstan) pair by 6–3, 6–4 score. Mixed Doubles Title Henri Kontinen (Finland) and Heather Watson (United Kingdom) pair won the 2016 Wimbledon title in the mixed doubles category. They defeated Robert Farah (Colombia) and Anna-Lena Grönefeld (Germany) pair by 7–6(7–5), 6–4 score.

40. Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton from Great Britain has won the 2016 British Grand Prix title of Formula One. It his overall fourth British Grand Prix title after winning it in 2008, 2014 and 2015. It was also his fourth title of the 2016 season after Monaco Grand Prix (May 2016), Canadian Grand Prix (June 2016) and Austrian Grand Prix (July 2016). British Grand Prix was the tenth race of the 2016 season and was held at the Silverstone Circuit near the village of Silverstone in Northamptonshire in England.