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1. Union Government has given in principle approval to work on Loon project of internet search engine giant Google for providing Internet connectivity by using large balloons. The announcement was made by Google CEO Sunder Pichai in New Delhi after meeting Union Communication and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. The project will be started on a pilot basis and state run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will be partner with the project in order to expand Internet connectivity in the country. What is Google’s Loon project? It is Google’s ambitious research and development project that aims at providing low-cost Internet access to rural and remote areas. Under the project, high altitude floating telecom tower balloons are positioned at a height of 20 km, above earth’s surface for transmission of internet services. Each balloon can provide full wireless broadband internet coverage up to an area of 40 km. These balloons are mainly powered though solar panels. These balloons have transceivers which can connect to cell phone networks in order to fill the gaps in their networks especially in remote areas such as mountains and deserts. Google already has successfully tested this technology in New Zealand, California and Brazil. Apart from Project Loon, Google also has partner with the Common Service Centre (CSC) and Internet Sathi programme (ISP) to expand Internet reach in 3 lakh villages particularly for women training. Google is also focusing on bringing its various products in many more Indian languages.

2. The Union Cabinet has approved a policy framework for development of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) in unexplored coal and lignite bearing areas in the country. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet Committee meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. What is Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)? UCG is a clean coal extraction technology for extracting energy from the coal seams and lignite resources which cannot be mined through traditional mining technology. It is mainly an industrial process which converts coal into product gases such as methane, hydrogen, CO and CO2 that are combusted for electricity generation. The gasification process is carried out in non-mined coal seams using injection of oxidants which brings the product gas to surface through production wells drilled from the surface. UCG Policy Framework The UCG policy framework has been framed in line with the existing policy for Coal Bed Methane (CBM) development on revenue sharing basis. Development of UCG has been envisaged to provide for energy security and will be adopted for offering the blocks through competitive bidding. Inter-Ministerial Committee under the Union Ministry of Coal with members from concerned Ministries will be responsible for identification of the areas. Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) will be the nodal agency for all business related proposals and regulations.

3. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa) countries for energy conservation. The MoU provides for Joint scientific and technological research strengthening energy efficiency cooperation among the member countries based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit. Capacity building and technology transfer in the field of Energy Savings and Energy Efficiency along with sharing policies and best practices. Counterparts for strengthening and further developing of energy saving and energy efficiency cooperation. Under the present MoU, the BRICS countries will intend to examine the practicability of development of the comprehensive programme of cooperation in energy saving. It will also include promotion of energy efficiency including specific common projects, applicable methods and instruments of energy saving promotion and energy efficiency increase in their economies.

4. India has raised concerns over massive subsidization of farm sectors by developed (rich) countries. These concerns were raised Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman during the 10th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Nairobi, Kenya. Concerns raised by India Pulled up developed (rich) countries for failing to reduce massive agricultural subsidisation which are generally trade distorting agribusiness subsidies. Agricultural reforms remain the corner stone of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) 2001 negotiations. All member countries must deliver on all three pillars of the negotiations in a balanced and logical manner of the DDA. Pitched for special safeguard mechanism (SSM) to protect legitimate interests of poor farmers and the food security of hundreds of millions in developing countries. Member countries should not continue with the rhetoric of a development agenda without an attempt to address issues which are of primary concern to developing economies. Trade distorting agribusiness subsidies of developed (rich) countries mainly framed by handful of farm lobbies of some countries is worsening destiny of millions of subsistence farmers of the developing countries.

5. Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for introduction Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order Amendment Bill, 2015 in the Parliament. The Bill seeks to amend Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 in order to modify the list of Scheduled Castes in respect of 5 States viz. Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Kerala, Odisha and West Bengal. Key facts The Bill also modifies the Central List of Other Backward Classes of 3 states viz. Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Kerala. Chhattisgarh: Sais, who are also known as Sahis, Sarathi, Soot-Sarathi and Thanwar are eligible for their inclusion in SC category. Haryana: Two castes have been included in the SC list. These are Aheria (also called Aheri, Hari, Heri, Thori and Tur) and Rai Sikh. Kerala: Peruvannan caste has been included the SC list. While, Malayan community area has been extended. Odisha: Bariki and Kummari castes been excluded from the OBC list consequent upon their inclusion in SC list. West Bengal: The area restriction of the inclusion of Chain caste has been removed. After the Bill becomes an Act, the members of these communities will be included in the list of Scheduled Castes. They will be able to derive benefits meant for Scheduled Castes under the existing Government schemes. In addition they will also be entitled to the benefits of reservation in services and admission to educational institutions. Background The Constitution of India provides certain privileges and concessions to the members of Scheduled Castes that are notified under the provisions of Article 341 of the Constitution. Article 341 says that 1st list of Scheduled Castes in relation to a States/UTs has to be issued by a notified Order of the President after consultation with the respective State Government. Clause (2) of Article 341 mentions that any subsequent inclusion or exclusion particular community from the list of Scheduled Castes can be envisaged through an Act of Parliament. Modalities in regard to modifications in the lists of SCs/STs: In 1999, Union Government had approved Modalities for considering proposals in regard to modifications in the lists of SCs/ST. It was amended in June 2002. Under it amending legislation to the concerned Constitution Order is proposed only in respect of such proposals of the concerned State Government/UT Administration. Such proposal must have been agreed to both by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) as well as Registrar General of India (RGI).

6. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully placed six commercial satellites from Singapore in their dedicated orbits. These satellites were launched using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C29) from the first launch pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This successful launch coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore in year 2015. Key facts The PSLV-C29 was launched in the core-alone version. The total lift-off mass was of 227.6 tonne that included 600 kg payload weight. It was overall PSLV’s 32nd space flight and the 31st consecutively successful one. The major payload was TeLEOS-One remote sensing satellite weighing 400 kg. It would be used for urban planning and disaster monitoring of Singapore. The other five satellites included two micro satellites and one nano satellite. These satellites are VELOX-CI (123 kg), VELOX-II (13 kg) 6U-Cubesat technology demonstrator, Athenoxat-1, Kent Ridge-1 (78 kg) and Galassia (3.4 kg) 2U-Cubesat. All of these satellites were successfully launched into a 550 km circular orbit inclined at 150 to the equator. So far Antrix Corporation, the commercial arm of ISRO has successfully launched more than 55 foreign satellites of 20 countries into space. Some of its customer countries are US, UK, Japan, Germany, Switzerland and South Korea.

7. The World Bank has approved a 1.5 billion dollars loan to support the Union government’s flagship cleanliness drive Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM). The loan funds would be used for SBM Support Operation Project and shall support SBM’s rural component known as SBM-Gramin (SBM-G). The loan has a maturity of 18 years including a grace period of 5 years. Key facts SBM Support Operation Project aims at strengthening the implementation of the SBM initiative of the government. The project will support SBM-Gramin over a 5 year period using a new performance-based program. Two important components of this project are incentivising good performance by states and the focus on behavioural changes. Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS) will be nodal agency for overseeing and coordinating role for the programme and support the participating states. The loan funds will be mainly used to develop the capacity of MDWS in program management, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation. Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Aims to ensure that all citizens have access to improved sanitation such as a toilet or latrine. It mainly focuses on changing behaviour of citizens in ending the practice of open defecation by 2019.

8. The Supreme Court has appointed Justice (Retd) Virendra Singh as new Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh. In the first of its kind order, the SC has invoked its constitutional power and appointed retired HC judge as UP Lokayukta after state machinery failed to appoint it.

9. Supreme Court has banned the registration of all diesel SUVs (Sports Utility Vechiles) and luxury cars in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi. The ban will be valid to SUVs, luxury cars with engine capacity of 2000 cc or more till March 31, 2016. The SC ruling aims at curbing the alarming pollution level in Delhi. The Supreme Court ruled that All trucks not bound for Delhi would be not allowed to enter the capital through National Highways 1 and 8. Trucks carrying goods for Delhi will have to shell out a steep environment compensation charge (ECC). EEC will be of 2,600 rupees for big trucks and 1,400 rupees for light commercial vehicles. All the private cabs operating in Delhi should convert into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by March 1, 2016. Commercial vehicles registered before 2005 are banned from entering Delhi. Delhi government and all civic bodies to stop burning of waste. Asked the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to enforce construction norms strictly to stop builders from polluting the NCR region. Presently, over 23 percent (around 8.5 million) of the vehicles on Delhi roads run on diesel and more than 1,400 new cars are added every day. These diesel vehicles produce much more carcinogenic nitrogen oxide than petrol cars and are one main source of Particulate Matters.

10. Saudi Arabia has launched Islamic Military Coalition, a new military alliance of 34 nations mainly Muslim nations to fight terrorism. It has been established in pursuance of the objectives and principles of the charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It calls for all member states to cooperate to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. About Islamic Military Coalition The joint operations centre of the coalition will be established in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The coalition includes nations with large and established armies such as Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt as well as war-torn countries such as Libya and Yemen. Member nations: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Turkey, Benin, Togo, Chad, Djibouti, Tunisia, Sudan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Gabon, Somalia, Guinea, Comoros, Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Cote d’Ivoire, Lebanon, Maldives, Libya, Mali, Malaysia, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Yemen. The establishment of coalition comes amid international pressure on the Gulf Arab states to do more in the fight against so-called Islamic State. The new alliance will co-ordinate efforts against extremists in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Afghanistan.

11. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has ended its 12-year investigation into concerns that Iran might be developing nuclear weapons. In this regard, IAEA Board of Governors have passed a resolution ending its long-running inquiry against Ian but allowing inspectors to continue to police the country’s nuclear programme. Earlier IAEA has concluded that Iran had conducted nuclear weapons-related research until 2003 and to a lesser extent until 2009, but found no evidence was found. The move is seen as a key step towards lifting UN, EU and US sanctions and a symbolic victory for Iran. Earlier in July 2015, P5+1 nations and Iran had agreed Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to lift the sanctions. Under the JCPOA, sanctions against the Iran would be lifted over a series of years in exchange for curbing its nuclear programme. However, Iran has strongly denied pursuing a clandestine nuclear weapons programme. It has clearly positioned itself that its nuclear programme civilian purpose and not for military purpose. About International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) IAEA is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. It was established as an autonomous organization in 1957 through its own international treaty, the IAEA Statute. The IAEA has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria. It is independent of the United Nations but reports to both the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Security Council (UNSC).

12. Combined Commanders Conference, an annual tri-services event chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was held on board INS Vikramaditya about 50 kms off Kochi coast. This is the first time when the conference was held outside New Delhi. It was attended by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, all three services chiefs and other senior officers of three armed services.

13. Senior revenue service officer Arun Kumar Jain appointed Chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr Jain is Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officer of a 1978 batch. Prior to this appointment he was serving as acting Chairman of the board following superannuation of Anita Kapur on November 30, 2015. He will have short tenure of two months as Chairman of CBDt till January 2016. Presently, he is also holding additional charge of Member (Personnel and Vigilance) in the CBDT. About Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) CBDT is apex policy making body of Income Tax department in India and is the supreme body for framing policies related to direct taxes. It is a statutory authority established under The Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963. The composition of CBDT includes Chairman and six members.

14. Apurvi Chandela from Rajasthan has won a Gold medal in the 59th National Shooting Championship in Delhi. She won the gold medal in 10-metre Air Rifle event in women’s category by shooting 207.8 score in the finals. She was followed by Geetakshi Dixit (Rajasthan) at second spot and Anjum Moudgil (Haryana) at third spot.

15. India has been placed at 130th position in the 2015 Human Development Index (HDI) among the 188 countries. It was unveiled in the recently released Human Development Report 2015 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Key facts India has been placed at 130th position with 0.609 score in the medium human development category. In 2014 report country’s rank was 135 with 0.586 score. Improvement in India’s 2015 HDI from previous year has been attributed to rise in life expectancy and per capita income. India’s Life expectancy at birth: It has increased to 68 years in 2014 from 67.6 in the previous year and 53.9 in 1980. Gross National Income (GNI) per capita: It has increased to $5,497 in 2014 from $5,180 in 2013 and $1,255 in 1980. India’s GNI per capita increased by about 338 per cent between 1980 and 2014. Access to knowledge: Expected years of schooling have remained stagnant at 11.7 since 2011. The mean years of schooling at 5.4 has not changed since 2010. Gender Development Index (GDI): GDI value of India is 0.795 in 2014. The female HDI value for India is 0.525 in contrast with 0.660 for males. Gender Inequality Index (GII): India rank at 130th position with value of 0.563 out of 155 countries in the 2014. India’s HDI value increased from 0.362 to 0.609 between 1980 and 2014. It indicates an increase of 68.1 per cent or an average annual increase of about 1.54 per cent. India’s life expectancy at birth increased by 14.1 years between 1980 and 2014. The mean years of schooling has increased by 3.5 years and expected years of schooling increased by 5.3 years in the same period. Top Three Countries: Norway (1st rank), Australia (2nd) and Switzerland (3rd). India’s Neighbours: Sri Lanka (73 rank), China (90), Bhutan (132), Bangladesh (142), Nepal (145), Pakistan (147) and Afghanistan (171). BRICS Nations: Russia (50 rank), Brazil (75), China (90), South Africa (116) and India (130). About Human Development Index The HDI is an average measure of basic human development achievements in a country measured by UNDP. It is an average of long-term progress in three basic dimensions of human development viz. a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living.

16. Israeli-American violinist Itzhak Perlman (70) has been awarded 2016 Genesis Prize which is also known as Jewish Nobel prize. He has been bestowed with prestigious prize for his accomplishments as a musician, teacher and advocate for the disabled and also for his commitment to his Jewish identity. Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu will present the award to Mr. Perlman at the June 23, 2016 award ceremony to be held in Jerusalem.

17. Rajasthan has become the first state in the country to submit smart city plans for three selected cities to Union Government. In this regard, state government has submitted smart city Proposals of Udaipur, Kota and Ajmer to Union Ministry of Urban Development. Under the proposal the investment outlays proposed by state government for developing these 3 cities as smart cities are Kota 1,493 crore rupees, Ajmer 1,300 crore rupees and Udaipur 1,221 crore rupees respectively. State Government is also forwarding Smart city proposal for Jaipur Cilty with an investment proposed 2,403 crore rupees prior to December 15, 2015 deadline. Overall Rajasthan has proposed a total investment of 6,457 crore rupees for 5 years for developing these four cities as smart cities. About Smart Cities Mission It is flagship scheme of Union Government under which 100 smart cities would be built across the country in different states. Aim of the Mission is to efficiently utilise available resources, assets and infrastructure in order to enhance quality of urban life and provide a clean and sustainable environment. Each state government has been empowered to shortlist a number of aspirant smart cities from the state for which proposals and plans would be forwarded to Union Government. These shortlisted cities would be selected by Union Government on the basis of ‘competition’ to ascertain their ability of cities to achieve mission objectives. Each selected city would get assistance of 100 crore rupees per year for five years from Union Government to implement the scheme. Special emphasis on participation of citizens in planning and prioritising urban interventions will be also considered.

18. An Indian-origin politician, Pravin Gordhan has been appointed as South Africa’s new Finance Minister. With this he becomes country’s third Finance Minister in a week. He replaces David van Rooyen who was appointed on 10 November 2015. Earlier President Jacob Zuma had sacked incumbent Nhlanhla Nene from Finance Ministry.

19. Olympic medallist Vijay Kumar of Indian Army has won gold medal at the 59th National Shooting Championship held in New Delhi. He won the gold medal in the men’s 25-metre centre fire pistol category by shooting a combined score of 588 over the rapid and precision rounds. Gurpreet Singh of Indian Army finished second with a 586 score winning silver medal and Pemba Tamang managed to secure the third place with 582 score winning bronze medal.

20. Powerful Typhoon Melor (also known as Nona) has hit the central Philippines battering the coast with powerful winds with speed of 200 kph followed by intense rainfall. The eye of tropical cyclone (typhoon) Melor made its landfall over the northern tip of the island of Samar. It made landfall after undergoing a rapid intensification forcing over 700,000 people to leave their homes and communities. Hawaii based Joint Typhoon Warning Centre of US military has categorized the typhoon as a Category 3 storm.

21. Union Government has appointed former Chief Justice of Patna High Court Justice L Narasimha Reddy as head judicial committee on One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme. The one member judicial committee will look into the implementation of OROP scheme for retired defence personnel. The Terms of Reference for the Committee The committee will examine and make recommendations on removal of anomalies arising In the implementation of the OROP Scheme as notified by the Union Government on 7th November 2015. Out of inter-services issues of the 3 forces due to implementation of the scheme. Implications on service matters in any other matter referred by the Union Government on implementation of the OROP or other related issues. In making its recommendations, the Committee shall take into account the financial impact of its recommendations. The Committee will have its headquarters in Delhi. All administrative support to the committee will be provided by Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Union Ministry of Defence. It would have a six-month deadline for submission of its recommendations.

22. The Lok Sabha has unanimously passed the Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill,2015 by voice vote. The bill seeks to amend the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to facilitate and fast track setting up of new nuclear projects in the country. Key provisions of the Bill Redefines paid-up share capital: Expands the definition of paid-up share capital in parent Act to include joint ventures (JV) of public sector undertakings (PSUs). Paid-up share capital is the capital received by a company from the issue of shares. Government company is one in which at least 51% of the paid-up share capital is held by the central government. The whole of the paid up share capital would be held by one or more PSUs and empowers the Union government to constitute its Board of Directors for such JV. Licenses: Henceforth it will only be granted to entities such as a government company or a department of Union Government. Under the parent Act, license is required for acquisition, production, use, export and import of any plant designed for the production and development of atomic energy or research. License granted will be cancelled if it ceases to be a government company for (i) acquiring and using substances or minerals from which atomic energy can be obtained (ii) producing atomic energy etc.

23. Ground breaking ceremony of 1800-kilometre-long Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline project was held at the ancient city of Mary of Turkmenistan. The ground breaking function was attended by Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Pakistan Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif and Indian Vice President Mohd Hamid Ansari. Turkmenistan is believed to have the world’s fourth-largest gas reserves and presently exporting it mainly to China. About TAPI Project TAPI gas pipeline project is a proposed trans-country natural gas pipeline from Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan to India through Afghanistan and Pakistan. Countries involved: The abbreviation TAPI itself indicate its member countries- Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Distance: The pipe line connects central Asia with south Asia covering 1,800 km. Reserves: The pipeline begins from Turkmenistan’s Galkynysh field (formally known as South Yoiotan Osman) that has gas reserves are 16 trillion cubic feet. Project Cost: The estimated construction cost of the project is 10 billion US dollars and is being funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB). Capacity: It has capacity to carry 90 million standard cubic metres a day (mmscmd). Supply Share: Both India and Pakistan will get supply of about 38 mmscmd whereas Afghanistan will get 14 mmscmd supply of natural gas. Supply Life: The life of supply is expected to last for period of 30 years and shall be operational from 2019. Runs through: Galkynysh field (Turkmenistan) – Herat and Kandahar province (Afghanistan) – Multan via Quetta (Pakistan) and ends at Fazilka in Punjab (India). Security: Establishment of an inter-government joint security task force (JSTF) has been recommended to serve as the nucleus of the safety of the pipeline by a security consultant has recommended. Comment The TAPI Project is considered as an important initiative of these four countries to connect energy rich Central Asia with energy starved South Asia. It marks a new dawn of economic engagement through regional connectivity by economically integrating region stretching from the Bay of Bengal to the Caspian Sea. From India’s perspective, TAPI Project will provide an alternative supply source of gas with dependable reserves leading to enhanced energy security. It will further diversify the fuel basket to the benefit of Indian economy as it would be used mainly in power, fertilizer and city gas sectors.

24. Indian-origin writer Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali from Singapore has been awarded prestigious 2015 South East Asia Write Award. The award was bestowed upon him at the annual ASEAN regional award for literary excellence in Bangkok, Thailand.

25. Legendary actor Dilip Kumar (93) has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, country’s second highest civilian award. It was bestowed upon him by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at his residence in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Union Government had selected veteran actor for the Padma Vibhushan on the eve of 66th Republic Day.

26. Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed senior IPS officer Ahmad Javed as India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. His appointment will fill the vacancy of the post of Ambassador in Indian Embassy in Riyadh since April 2015 after retirement of Hamid Ali Rao. He is IPS officer of 1980 batch from Maharashtra Cadre. Prior to this appointment Mr. Ahmad Javed was serving as Mumbai Police commissioner.

27. Conference of the Parties 21 (COP 21) have adopted the historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change. It was adopted by 189 countries of total 196 countries under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that attended the COP 21. Key facts of Paris Agreement on Climate Change Facilitates enforcement of global greenhouse gas emission (GHGs) reduction measures in the post-2020 i.e. in post Kyoto Protocol scenario. Takes into account the principle of equity (climate justice) and common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) and respective capabilities. Based on consensus among the members that have incorporated their respective Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) including India. Mandatory for all Countries to keep global temperature rising below 2°C by 2100 above pre-industrial levels with an ideal target of keeping temperature rise below 1.5°C. Developed countries to provide 100 billion dollars annually to the developing counterparts beginning in 2020 and it would increase with time. Empowers countries to determine how to cut their emissions but mandates that they report transparently on those efforts. Countries will assess their progress every five years for meeting their climate commitments and submit new plans to strengthen.

28. Global software major Wipro has been awarded 2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award for developing a solution for the Internet of Things (IoT). The award has been bestowed upon Wipro’s IoT solution ‘Universal Data Parser’ (UDP). The UDP enables flexible adaptation of data streams from a wide range of end devices to IoT platforms and data stores. Presently, Wipro is India’s third-largest software services firm after Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Infosys.

29. India and Japan have inked fourteen agreements in various fields to enhance bilateral co-operation between both countries. These agreements were signed during ninth annual Indo-Japan summit talks held in New Delhi. The summit was jointly held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. Some important agreements signed are Agreement in transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation: Provides a framework to enhance defence and security cooperation. Agreement on security measures for the protection of classified military information: Ensures the reciprocal protection of classified military information transmitted to each other. Agreement on Amendment Protocol of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement: Amends the Convention between both countries for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, signed in 1989. MoC on Technological Cooperation in Rail Sector: Establishes areas for comprehensive technological cooperation including sharing of information and best practices. MoU on technological cooperation on Rail safety: proposes to cooperate in the areas of safety in train operation and advanced techniques of maintenance along with use of environment friendly technologies, etc. MoC on Medical Products Regulation Dialogue and Cooperation Framework: Seeks to facilitate a constructive dialogue in areas pertinent to raw materials for pharmaceutical use, biological products, medical devices, quasi-drugs, cosmetic products. MoC in the field of forests: Enhance cooperation in sustainable forest management, forest conservation and forest disaster prevention, conservation of biodiversity and effective utilization of forest resources etc. Apart from this, both countries also issued a joint statement on ‘India and Japan Vision 2025: Special Strategic and Global Partnership Working Together for Peace and Prosperity of the Indo-Pacific Region and the World’. India also extended visa an arrival (VoA) facility for Japanese nationals, including businessmen from 1st March 2016.

30. India and Japan have signed historic Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC) to introduce High Speed Rail (HRS) on Mumbai Ahmedabad sector to revolutionize Indian Railways. The MoC was signed in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in New Delhi. This agreement confirms developing of high speed rail corridor using of Japanese high speed rail technologies along with financial and technical assistance from Japan. Under the agreement The HRS project will be India’s first high speed rail line. It is a 508 km line connecting the cities of Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The total project cost is 97,636 crores rupees and will be implemented in 7 years. It will reduce travelling time between the two cities from eight hours to around three. Japan will extend highly concessional loan of 12 billion dollars and technical assistance on easy terms for this project through its Shinkansen Technology. The loan will provided with the interest rate at 0.1 per cent for a period of 50 years with a 15 years moratorium. The cooperation on this project will also be fixed on transfer of technology and Make in India initiative. Japan will also assist India in training of personnel for High Speed Rail. Civil Nuclear agreement India and Japan also have reached substantive Agreement on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Under it both sides have confirmed cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The final deal will be signed after certain technical and legal issues are thrashed out.

31. National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered ban on registration of new diesel-run vehicles in Delhi to curb the growing menace of air pollution in the capital city. This ruling was given by NGT bench headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar and also questioned Delhi government’s odd-even formula for vehicles to check pollution in the city. Key facts The ban on registration of new diesel vehicles will be valid till 6th January 2016 as interim steps i.e. till the next date of hearing of NGT on Delhi pollution. NGT also ordered the central and state government to stop buying diesel cars in Delhi. On Delhi government’s odd-even formula for vehicles, the tribunal mentioned that might encourage people to buy two cars. Background Presently around 23 per cent of the cars registered in Delhi are running on diesel. The cars running are likely to emit 7.5 times more particulate matter (PM) compared to petrol cars. As per WHO, emissions from Diesel cars produce more toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and may cause cancer. Earlier in April 2015, NGT had banned diesel vehicles over 10 years old in the national capital which has been labelled as one of world’s most polluted city. In November 2015, Delhi government had decided that private vehicles with odd and even registration numbers will ply on odd and even dates from 1st January 2016 for two week. About National Green Tribunal NGT is a special fast-track court to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to environmental issues. It has been established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 to assure the right to a healthy environment of the citizens of India enshrined in Article 21 of Constitution.

32. Renowned agro-economist and veteran leader of farmers Sharad Anantrao Joshi passed away in Pune, Maharashtra. He was 81. He was founder of Shetakari Sanghtana (farmers’ Organisation) an NGO dedicated to the cause of farmers in Maharashtra.

33. Two Indian cities for first time have been designated as members of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Two cities are Varanasi City (Uttar Pradesh): It has been added in the City of Music category of network. Jaipur City (Rajasthan): It has been added in the City of Crafts and Folk Art category of network. It was announced by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. They are among the 47 cities from 33 countries that have been designated as new members of UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

34. The Union Government has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing three Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIITs) in the country. The agreement to this effect was signed between Department of Higher Education (DoHE) and private agencies including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tata Motors, ADCC Infocad and Hubtown.

35. India-born author Salman Rushdie has been awarded the prestigious 2015 Mailer Prize for Lifetime Achievement. He has been bestowed with this award for fully exercising his freedom of creativity and thrived on dialogue and debate. He was presented with this award by Laurie Anderson at a ceremony held at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York City.

36. Union Government has imposed anti-dumping duty on import of cold-rolled flat products of stainless steel for 5 years from 7 countries. The government’s decision comes on the recommendation of Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD) in the wake of rising incidence of dumping. It was hampering the performance of domestic industry and with steel prices on a decline. These countries are China, South Korea, United States, South Africa, Thailand and Taiwan and the European Union. The highest duty has been imposed on steel imports from China at 57.39 per cent, followed by EU at 52.56 per cent. Imports from Thailand will have the least duty imposed at 4.58 per cent. Earlier in September 2015 Government had imposed 20 per cent provisional safeguard duty on a specific hot-rolled imported steel product. Anti-dumping duty: It is counter import measure used by a country under the multilateral World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime to protect its domestic producers and market from below-cost/cheap imports. It varies from product to product and from country to country.

37. India and Japan have signed a Protocol for amending the existing convention for avoidance of double taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to income taxes. The existing Convention for avoidance of double taxation and tax evasion was signed between both countries way back in 1989. The protocol was signed by Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia behalf of India while Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan signed on behalf of the Government of Japan.

38. Veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah has been honoured with the lifetime achievement award at the 12th edition of Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF). Along with him French actress Catherine Deneuve, Egyptian actor Ezzat Al Alayli and French-Tunisian actor Sami Bouajila also won the lifetime achievement award.

39. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released On My Terms: From the Grassroots to the Corridors of Power, an autobiography of former Union Minister Sharad Pawar. It was released on the occasion of 75th birthday of Mr. Pawar at a function held at the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. In his autobiography, Mr Pawar has penned down his detailed experiences of political and social issues spanning 5 decades of his political career.

40. Mexico Government has approved world’s first-ever Dengue fever vaccine branded as Dengvaxia for the public use. Key facts Dengvaxia has been manufactured by French pharmaceutical manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur. It has been designed to protect people in the 9-45 age groups from all four subtypes of the virus. The vaccine was produced as the result of an extensive clinical development programme of the French company than ran for almost two decades. Sanofi Pasteur has requested authorisation to roll out the vaccine in 20 countries.

41. India and South Korea have inked a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) on suspension of collection of taxes during pendency of mutual agreement procedure. This MoU will relieve the burden of double taxation for taxpayers in both the countries during the pendency of Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) proceedings. Besides, both countries also have agreed that transfer pricing dispute cases will be taken up for MAP under the revised Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Korea. What is Mutual Agreement Procedure? MAP is an alternate dispute resolution mechanism that allows competent authorities of particular nation and its treaty partner to negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement. Under it, two signatory sides can negotiate settlement on a case that can subsequently be taken off from the formal legal process. As a resolution process, MAP draws up parameters for taxation in one country for which credit would be available in another. Main advantages: MAP is a preferred way used to settle cross-border tax cases globally. Eliminates of double taxation arising out of transfer pricing tax disputes, characterisation of income and attribution of profits and existence of Permanent Establishment.

42. Mauricio Macri of Republican Proposal Party (RPP) has been sworn in as new President of Argentina after taking oath in the Congress. With this he became Argentina’s first non-Peronist President in 14 years and the third leader elected from outside the “Peronist” movement founded by Juan Peron since the end of the country’s 1976-1983 dictatorship.