WBCS Current Affairs 17/07/2016 to 23/07/2016

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1. India has been ranked a low 110th out of 149 countries on Sustainable Development index (SDI). The SDI assesses countries where they stand with regard to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also their progress and ensuring accountability. Key Facts Top 10 Countries: Sweden (1st), Denmark (2nd), Norway (3rd), Finland (4th), Switzerland (5th), Germany (6th), Austria (7th), Netherlands (8th), Iceland (9th) and United Kingdom (10th). Bottom 5 Countries: Chad (145th), Niger (146th), Congo (147th), Liberia (148th) and Central African Republic (149th). India’s neighbours: Pakistan (115th), Myanmar (117th), Bangladesh (118th) and Afghanistan (139th). BIRCS: Russia (47th), China (76th) and India (110th). The countries closest to fulfilling the SDGs are not the biggest economies but comparably small, developed countries. Poor and developing countries score lowest on the SDG Index as they have little resources at their disposal. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries struggle to meet the goals on climate change, inequality, sustainable consumption and ecosystems. Developing countries face major difficulties in providing basic social services and infrastructure access to their populations. For Latin America and the Caribbean countries face challenge of high levels of inequality among the most pressing issues. East and South Asia outperform many other developing regions but unmet challenges mostly persist in health and education. Sub-Saharan Africa which is the world’s poorest region faces major challenges across almost all SDGs, with extreme poverty, hunger and health as major areas. About Sustainable Development index (SDI) The SDI seeks to help countries identify gaps that must be closed in order to achieve SDGS by 2030 and to identify priorities for early action. The new index was launched by Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) and the Bertelsmann Stiftung. Methodology: SDI ranks countries based on their performance across the 17 global SDGs. The index helps countries to identify priorities for early actions. About Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) SDGs are 17 global non-binding goals featuring 169 targets to be implemented from 2015 to 2030. These goals and targets are a set of ambitious objectives across the three dimensions of sustainable development viz. economic development, social inclusion and environmental sustainability, underpinned by good governance.

2. Social networking giant Facebook’s Internet drone named ‘Aquila’ has passed first full-scale test. This was the first time using the full-scale drone. The flight test was undertaken in Yuma, Arizona (US) and was only meant to last for 30 minutes. But the test went so well that the plane was kept flying for up for 96 minutes.

3. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and revival of fertilizer factory plant in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. The fertilizer factory plant belongs to the Fertiliser Corporation India Ltd (FCIL) and was lying idle since 1990s. It would be revived through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) of public sector units (PSUs) at an estimated cost of 6,000 crore Rupees. NTPC, Coal India Limited (CIL) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) have formed a joint venture in this regard. The plant is expected to offer 3,000-4,000 jobs to skilled workforce in the state and will also ensure easy availability of urea to farmers. AIIMS The establishment of new AIIMS in Gaurakhpur will serve the dual purpose of providing super-specialty health care to the population. Besides, it will also create a large pool of doctors and health workers that can be available for primary and secondary level facilities being created under National Health Mission (NHM). The hospital at AIIMS will have a capacity of 750 beds and will also include emergency or trauma and AYUSH sections. The AIIMS will be set up under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) which aims at correcting the regional imbalances in availability of affordable and reliable tertiary level healthcare in the country. PMSSY also seeks to augment facilities for quality medical education in backward states.

4. Senior IAS officer Ajay Bhushan Pandey was appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). His appointment was confirmed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ajay Bhushan Pandey is a 1984 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Maharashtra cadre. Prior to this appointment he was serving as Director General of the UIDAI since August 2015. About Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) UIDAI is nodal statutory organization behind the Aadhaar, a 12 digit unique number. It was founded under the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime in 2009. Former Infosys CEO Nandan Nilekani was its chairman from 2009 to 2014. It was granted statutory status by Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016. Aadhaar is linked with an individual’s demographic and biometric information, which serves as an authentication tool throughout India. Using Aadhaar, Union and State Governments are trying to link many of their major development and subsidy schemes to reduce leakages and duplication.

5. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina jointly inaugurated the Petrapole Integrated Check Post (ICP). It was inaugurated by both leaders through video-conferencing. Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee also had participated in the video-conference. Key Facts Petrapole ICP is located in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Petrapole is the Indian side of Petrapole-Benapole border checkpoint between India and Bangladesh. Its commissioning will foster greater economic integration and connectivity between India and Bangladesh. It is second ICP on India-Bangladesh border after Agartala ICP located at Agartala (India)-Akhaura (Bangladesh) land border. Petrapole ICP is the biggest land port in South Asia and the largest land customs station in Asia. Trade worth more than 15000 crore rupees takes place through the Petrapole ICP. This trade is more than all the other Indian Land Ports and Land Customs Stations put together. The Petrapole ICP will provide better facilities for efficient and effective discharge of functions such as security, customs, immigration, quarantine, etc. It will also provide support facilities for smooth cross-border movement of persons, goods and transport.

6. Seven Indian companies have made it to the latest Fortune 500 list of the world’s biggest corporations in terms of revenue. Fortune 500 list is an annual ranking of the world’s wealthiest companies, compiled and published by the American business magazine Fortune and published globally by Time Inc. In it companies are ranked by total revenues for their respective fiscal year which has ended on or before March 31, 2015. Revenue figures of companies mainly include their consolidated subsidiaries, reported revenues from the discontinued operations and excluding excise taxes. Key Facts 7 Indian companies are: Indian Oil Corporation (161st), Reliance Industries (215th), Tata Motors (226th), State Bank of India (232nd), Bharat Petroleum (358th), Hindustan Petroleum (367th) and Rajesh Exports (423rd). Global top 10 companies: Walmart (1st), State Grid (2nd), China National Petroleum (3rd), Sinopec Group (4th), Royal Dutch Shell (5th), Exxon Mobil (6th), Volkswagen (7th), Toyota Motor (8th), Apple (9th) and BP (10th). The world’s 500 largest companies generated collectively generated 27.6 trillion dollars in revenues and 1.5 trillion dollars in profits in 2015. Together, 2016 Fortune Global 500 companies employ 67 million people worldwide and are represented by 33 countries.

7. The Lok Sabha has passed the National Institute of Technology, Science, Education and Research (Amendment) (NITSER) Bill, 2016. The bill seeks to establish a National Institute of Technology (NIT) in Andhra Pradesh as an institute of national importance under the NITSER Act, 2007 with an effect from August 2015.

8. The Union Cabinet has given its approval for establishment of new All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. It will be established under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) which aims at correcting imbalances in the availability of affordable healthcare facilities in different parts of country and also augmenting facilities for quality medical education in under-served states.

9. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for installation of Ghatampur Thermal Power Project (GTPS) in Ghatampur, Uttar Pradesh. The GTPC project has capacity of 1980 MW (3 X 660 MW) and would be installed through a Joint Venture (JV) Company named Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Limited (NUPPL).

10. The Union Cabinet has approved the incorporation of Sagarmala Development Company (SDC) to give a push to port-led economic development under ambitious Sagarmala project. SDC will be incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, with an initial authorized share capital of 1,000 crore rupees and a subscribed share capital of 90 Crore rupees. About Sagarmala Development Company (SDC) SDC will be under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Shipping. It will provide equity support to the project Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and funding support to the residual projects under the Sagarmala Programme. Implementation of the identified projects will be taken up mainly through private or PPP mode. It will also provide equity support for the project Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs). SDC will mainly identify port-led development projects and assist the project SPVs in project development and structuring activities, bidding out projects for private sector participation. It will also put in place suitable risk management measures for strategic projects cutting across multiple States and Regions and obtaining requisite approvals and clearances. SDC will also undertake the preparation of the detailed master plans for the Coastal Economic Zones (CEZs) identified as part of the NPP (National Perspective Plan). SDC will provide a holistic framework for ensuring the integrated development of Indian maritime sector. It will also manage the coastal community development scheme and fund coastal community development projects identified under the Sagarmala Programme. SDC will raise long term capital as per project requirements by leveraging resources provided by Union Government and also from multi-lateral and bilateral funding agencies. About Sagarmala Project Union Government had launched Sagarmala Project with a view to achieve the broad objective of promoting port-led economic development in India. The ambitious Project seeks to harness vast potential of India’s 7,500 km long coastline, 14,500 km of potentially navigable waterways, and strategic location on key international maritime trade routes. As part of it, a NPP for the comprehensive development of the coastline and maritime sector was prepared. The NPP has identified more than 150 projects across the areas Port Connectivity Enhancement, of Port Modernization & New Port Development, Port-led Industrialization and Coastal Community Development.

11. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched National Electoral Roll Purification (NERP) 2016 across the country. The 2016 motto of the ECI is “No voter to be left behind”. The NERP 2016 programme aims to improve health of electoral rolls (ERs) and optimize the polling station (PS) location and area. Besides, it also seeks to correct errors in electoral rolls and enrolment of all eligible citizens, among other things. The twin objectives of NERP 2016 Improving Health of ERs by-inclusion of all eligible citizens in mission mode Electoral rolls (ERs) to be made Free from errors Every eligible elector will have single ER entry with unique Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number. All Absent (A)/ Dead (D)/ Shifted (S) electors entries and Repeat Entries (REs) will be removed. Provide every elector with Photo Electoral Rolls (PERs) with good quality correct images confirming to ECI standards. Standardization of Sections, PS boundaries & Location and improved PS map by Polling station (PS) boundaries will be optimized with standardization of sections using GIS technology. PS will be relocated with in Part or in adjacent parts and Improved PS Map with part map showing directions to reach PS will be provided. PS building image and dimensioned PS room drawing with Basic Minimum facilities (BMF) details will be provided.

12. Turkey has declared three-month state of emergency after a failed military coup to overthrow the democratically elected government. Announcement in this regard was taken by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after a meeting with Cabinet ministers and top security advisers in Ankara. Three-month state of emergency was declared as measure to counter threats to Turkish democracy. The emergency allows officials to set curfews, issue search and arrests warrants and restrict gatherings. 2016 military coup in Turkey The 2016 military coup in Turkey was attempted against the ruling Justice and Development Party Government led by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. However it failed to overthrow ruling democratically elected government and ended one day later. The coup was carried out by a faction within the Turkish Armed Forces under a council calling itself the Peace at Home Council. It had attempted to seize control of several key places in Istanbul, Ankara and elsewhere across the Turkey. It is said that the coup to overthrow government was undertaken due eroding secularism, human rights, democracy and international reputation of Turkey under the current government. The forces loyal to President Erdogan toppled the coup and took control of military factions that tried to overthrow Turkey’s democratically government and military leadership with military rule. The Turkish Government has blamed soldiers linked to the Gülen movement—a group designated as a terrorist organization led by Fethullah Gülen were behind the coup. However, Fethullah Gülen has condemned the coup and denied any involvement. Earlier in 1987, Turkey had imposed martial law-like emergency rule in the southeast of the country and was gradually lifted by 2002. It had allowed officials to set curfews, issue search and arrest warrants and restrict gatherings as the security forces fought Kurdish rebels in the region.

13. The Union Cabinet has given its approval for introducing amendments to the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) (Amendment) Bill, 2015. These amendments seek to strengthen Benami Transaction (Prohibition) Act, 1988 in terms of legal and administrative procedure. The Bill seeks to (i) Amend the definition of benami transactions to widen the scope for legal action (ii) Specify penalties for entering into benami transactions and (iii) establish adjudicating authorities and Appellate Tribunal to deal with benami transactions. Key Facts The main purpose of these amendments is to overcome the practical difficulties that may arise in the implementation of the stringent provisions of the Bill after it becomes an Act. The Bill also intends to effectively prohibit benami transactions and consequently prevent circumvention of law through unfair practices. It empowers the Union Government to confiscate benami property by following due procedure. Therefore it promotes equity across all citizens. The Bill provides immunity under the Benami Act to those who declare their benami properties under income declaration scheme. About Benami Transaction (Prohibition) Act, 1988 The Act prohibits benami transactions and provides legal provisions for confiscating benami properties. It defines a benami transaction as a transaction where a property is held by or transferred to a person, but has been provided for or paid by another person.

14. The Union Cabinet has approved The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2016 to protect transgenders from discrimination. Through this Bill the Union Government has evolved a holistic mechanism for the social, economic and educational empowerment of marginalized transgenders community. Key Facts The Bill will benefit a large number of transgender persons, mitigate the stigma, discrimination and abuse against them and also bring them into the mainstream of society. It will lead to greater inclusiveness and will make the transgender persons productive members of the society. The Bill will make all the stakeholders responsive and accountable for upholding the principles underlying the Bill. It will bring greater accountability on the part of the Union Government and Slate Governments/UT administrations for issues concerning Transgender persons. Background Transgender community is among one of the most marginalized communities in the country because they don’t fit into the stereotypical categories of gender of ‘men’ or ‘women’. They face problems ranging from social exclusion, ostracism and discrimination, as well as verbal, physical and sexual abuse. They also lack of access to education and employment opportunities, ending up into organised groups, forced begging or demanding money.

15. India and Japan have signed a Social Security Agreement (SSA) and will come into force on 1 October 2016. The SSA will benefit Indian and Japanese professionals and skilled workers working in each other’s country and will also boost bilateral business linkages. Key Facts The SSA will help avoid double social security contributions i.e. Indian worker on a short-term contract in Japan will be exempt from making a social security contribution there vice versa. This exemption will be provided to Indian worker, only if he is covered under the social security system of India and continues to pay his contribution during period of overseas contract. Benefits: It will help for easy remittance of benefits in case of relocation. It will favourably impact the competitive position and profitability of Indian and Japanese companies with foreign operations in either country by reducing their cost of doing business abroad. So far, India has so far signed similar comprehensive social security agreements with 15 countries. They are Canada, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Hungary, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, South Korea, Switzerland, Austria, and Australia.

16. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for construction of a new dry dock within the existing premises of Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL). The new dry dock will be set up at an estimated cost of 1799 crore rupees with an objective to augment the shipbuilding and repair capacity of the country.

17. The NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog has signed Statement of Intent (SoI) with tech giant Intel India to set up Atal Tinkering laboratories (ATL) under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). The aim of Atal Tinkering laboratories is to cultivate adaptive learning and innovation skills among young minds in the country. Key Facts Initially 10 laboratories will be established as part of total 500 laboratories. Intel India, subsidiary of US technology company Intel will invest $15 million for building and managing these 500 ATLs. These labs will foster young minds in adaptive learning, physical computing and developing a design mindset among students. They will also build relevant sets of skills among young minds and provide them access to technology that will enable solutions. These labs intend to impart innovation skills and skills for the future to the 2.50 lakh youths across 500 communities and schools. Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) AIM is a flagship Innovation Promotion Platform of NITI Aayog, the think tank of Union Government for promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship in India. It involves academics, entrepreneurs and researchers from national and international levels to foster a culture of innovation, R&D and scientific research in India.

18. The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post-facto approval for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Switzerland for cooperation in skill development. Decision in this regard was taken in the Union Cabinet Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The MoU was signed in June 2016 during the visit of a delegation led by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to Switzerland. Key Features of MoU Focuses on capacity building and exchange of best practices in the area of skill development between both countries. Establish of Joint Working Group (JWG) to create, review and monitor the implementation framework for the MoU. Establish a framework for bilateral cooperation between two countries in the area of skill development and will formalise and deepen this partnership.

19. The Union Cabinet has approved signing of the Air Services Agreement between India and Mozambique. Presently there is no Air Services Agreement between both countries. In order to promote the air connectivity between them, the two sides had initiated the process of consultation in 2011 to finalize the text of Air Services Agreement. The draft text of the Air Services Agreement (ASA) was finalized in consultation with Union Ministry of Finance, Union Ministry of External Affairs and Union Ministry of Law & Justice.

20. The Union Cabinet has apprised of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Tunisia for strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Digital Economy. The MoU was signed between both countries in June 2016 during official state visit of Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari to Tunisia.

21. Researchers from Laval University based in Quebec City, Canada are going to conduct the world’s first Zika vaccine test on humans. They are first international researchers team in the world to complete all of the steps in the regulatory process for the test. The development of the Zika vaccine has been authorized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada. Until now, vaccines have been tested on mice. According to World Health Organization (WHO), more than a dozen pharmaceutical companies, including France’s Sanofi and India’s Bharat Biotech, are working on developing a Zika vaccine. About Zika virus Zika virus is transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The virus is capable of causing serious birth defects. There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available to treat Zika disease. The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites and clearing stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

22. Noted Indian hockey player Mohammed Shahid passed away due to multiple organ failure in Gurugram, Haryana. He was 56. Mohammed Shahid was a member of the V Baskaran-led Indian team that won a Gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. About Mohammed Shahid He was born on April 14, 1960, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. He had made his first appearance for India at international level in the junior team in 1979 at the Junior World Cup held in France. He was considered one of India’s greatest hockey players. He was known for his dribbling skills. He was also a member of the Indian hockey team that had won silver medal at the 1982 Asian Games and bronze medal at the 1986 Asian Games. His biggest contribution to the game of Hockey was the ‘half push- half hit’. It was a stroke he used to hit the ball using the same grip used to dribble the ball. Awards and Honours: Arjuna Award (1981) and Padma Shri (1986).

23. The Rajya Sabha unanimously passed Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2012. The Bill seeks to amend the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 to widen the scope of the law against child labour and stricter punishments for violations. Key Provisions of Bill Prohibition of employment of children below 14 years in all occupations or processes except where child helps his family. Addition of a new category of persons called “adolescent”. They are person between 14 and 18 years of age. Prohibition of employment of adolescents in hazardous occupations as specified (mines, hazardous processes and inflammable substance). Empowers Union Government to add or omit any hazardous occupation from the list included in the Bill. Punishment for employing any child increased i.e. imprisonment between 6 months and two years (from earlier 3 months-one year) or a fine of 20,000 to 50,000 Rupees (from earlier 10,000 to 20,000 Rupees) or both. Proposes penalty for employing an adolescent in a hazardous occupation i.e. imprisonment between 6 months and 2 years or a fine of 20,000 to 50,000 Rupees or both. Empowers the government to make periodic inspection of places at which employment of children and adolescents are prohibited. Government may confer powers on a District Magistrate (DM) to ensure that the provisions of the law are properly carried out and implemented. Comment The Bill is aligned with the statutes of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention. It calls complete ban on child labour so they can get compulsory primary education in light of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009. About Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 Prohibits the engagement of children below 14 years in certain types of occupations and regulates the condition of work of children in other occupations. It prohibits employment of children in occupations such as bidi-making, carpet weaving, automobile workshops, handloom and power loom industry, domestic work and mines.

24. Nigerian journalist and presenter Didi Akinyelure has won the second BBC World News Komla Dumor Award. As part of the award, she will start a three-month placement at the BBC in London in September 2016. It will provide her opportunity to gain skills and experience by attending a course with BBC Academy.

25. Indian actor, model, television personality Rohit Khandelwal won the prestigious 2016 Mr. World title. With this he became first Indian and first Asian to win the Mr. World title. Rohit received a cash prize of 50,000 dollars after winning this covet title. Besides, Fernando Alberto Alvarez Soto (Puerto Rico) was named the first runner-up and Aldo Esparza Ramirez (Mexico) was named the second runner-up. The competition was held in Southport Theatre in Southport, England. In it 47 participants from around the world had participated. About Rohit Khandelwal Born in 1989 in Hyderabad, Telangana. He is also winner of Mr India 2015 contest. Prior to entering the modelling industry, he had served as ground staff for SpiceJet and technical support assistant at the Dell Computers.

26. The Supreme Court has accepted major recommendations of Lodha Committee on reforms in BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), the world’s richest cricketing body. The committee had submitted its recommendations to Supreme Court in January 2016. The committee was constituted by SC to bring structural reforms in the country after it had come under the scanner for its opaque functioning and conflict of interests among its top office-bearers. Approved Recommendations are Barring ministers and civil servants and those above 70 years of age from becoming BCCI members. An office-bearer of BCCI cannot hold a post for more than three years. Parliament to decide whether BCCI should come under the Right to Information Act (RTI). There should be a player’s association in the BCCI Disallowing BCCI office-bearer from holding dual posts simultaneously i.e. in a state cricket association and in the BCCI. Only to team representing the respective states. Each state should have only one vote. Member of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to be included in the BCCI’s governing council.

27. Malcolm Turnbull was sworn as Prime Minister of Australia for second term after a narrow victory in the federal election. He became the 29th Prime Minister of the country. He was administered oath to the office by Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, Queen Elizabeth II’s representative in Australia. Background In the 2016 Australian federal election, Liberal/National Coalition led by Malcolm Turnbull had won a one-seat majority of 76 seats in the 150-seat House of Representatives. While the opposition Labor Party won 69 seats. The 2016 federal election was a double dissolution election to elect members of the 45th Parliament of Australia.

28. The Indian Railways has initiated process to launch the Terrain Imaging for Diesel Drivers- Infrared Enhanced Optical and Radar Assisted (Tri-NETRA) system to avoid train accidents. The system will be installed on locomotives for enhancing the vision of Locomotive Pilots in inclement weather. Key Features of Tri-NETRA system The device uses infrared and radar technology to collect signals up to a distance of 2-3 km and displays the information (composite video image) on a screen fitted inside the locomotive. The Tri-Netra will alert the drivers of any physical obstruction on railway tracks ahead and thus give ample time for the driver to apply the brakes to prevent train accidents. It will be very useful during fog, heavy rain and nights, when drivers have to constantly look outside the locomotive to judge the condition. Three components of the system: It is made of high sensitivity infra-red video camera, high-resolution optical video camera and a radar-based terrain mapping system. These three components shall act as three eyes (Tri-Netra) of the Locomotive Pilot. Background The concept of TRI-NETRA was developed by Development Cell under the guidance of Member Mechanical, Railway Board. Specifications and design of critical components of the system will be approved by the Research Designs & Standards Organisation, the railways research arm. TRI-NETRA system is based on technology employed by fighter aircrafts to see through clouds and operate in pitch darkness. It is also based technology used by naval ships in mapping the ocean floor and navigating in the night.

29. The Parliament has passed the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2016 to provide statutory status to the existing Regional Centre for Biotechnology in Faridabad, Haryana. The Bill seeks to provide legislative backing to the Regional Centre and also confers upon it the status of an institution of national importance. Key Facts Objectives of the Regional Centre: (i) Disseminate knowledge by providing teaching and research facilities in biotechnology and related fields, (ii) create a hub of biotechnology expertise, (iii) facilitate transfer of technology and knowledge in the SAARC region and generally Asia and (iv) Promote cooperation at the international level. Powers: (i) Provide masters, post-graduate diplomas and doctoral degrees in biotechnology and related subjects (eg. Agricultural, medical and engineering sciences) (ii) Institute academic positions like professorships and appoint them (iii) Determine standards of admission to the Regional Centre etc. It will have Board of Governors, Programme Advisory Committee, Executive Committee and Finance Committee etc. as authorities responsible for its administration and functioning. Background In 2006, India had entered into an agreement with the UNESCO regarding establishment of the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Training and Education in India to serve the member countries of UNESCO. In light of this agreement, the Union government had established the Regional Centre for Biotechnology Training and Education in Faridabad, Haryana in 2009 through an executive order.

30. India’s first e-court (paperless court) was opened at High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad which is the common high court for the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It was inaugurated by Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B. Lokur who heads the e-Committee of the Supreme Court. Key Features The purpose of e-court is to ensure speedy justice for the litigants. The e-Courts will ensure easy and better access to justice for public. It will also provide solution for large number of pending cases in the country. It will also make the work of judges, advocates and all those related with judiciary a lot more effective Besides, SC judge also announced that India’s first Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS) will be also launched in High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad. The system will integrate the courts, police stations, prosecution, forensic science laboratories and jails

31. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has signed seven unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) with Indian taxpayers to reduce tax litigation. With this, CBDT has so far entered into 77 APAs. This includes three bilateral APAs and 74 unilateral APAs. These 7 APAs signed pertain to various sectors like banking, information technology and automotives. Some of these APAs have rollback provisions. What is Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs)? APA usually is signed between a taxpayer and the central tax authority (in case of India it is CBDT) on an appropriating transfer pricing methodology for determining the value of assets and taxes on intra-group overseas transactions. It seeks to introduce certainty in tax law by reducing compliance costs and make tax regime investment friendly. It provides certainty to taxpayers regarding transfer pricing that aim to avoid disputes between taxpayer and tax regulator. In India, Advance Pricing Agreement mechanism was introduced in 2012 as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961. In case of Indian context, APAs seeks to give (i) Boost to economy and ease of doing business (ii) Provide alternative path to the investors with rollback provision to reduce litigation (iii) Strengthen Government’s mission of fostering a non-adversarial tax regime. Transfer pricing: It is referred to the fixing of the price for goods and services sold between related legal subsidiaries (entities) within an enterprise.

32. The fourth tranche of the Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB) scheme opened for subscription. SGB is government securities denominated in grams of gold. It offers an alternative to holding gold in physical form. The scheme was launched by the Union Government in October 2015. Government has fixed 3,119 Rupees per gram as the issue price for the bond in this tranche. The scheme will be open till 22 July 2016. Key Facts The bond can be purchased from the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). Besides, all Bank branches and select Post Offices and Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited will also issue it. In this tranche minimum subscription has been reduced to 1 gram and maximum at 500 gram per person or institution. Earlier, the minimum denomination was 5 gram. The SGB bonds can be converted into demat form and can be used as collateral for availing loans. Redemption of SGB bonds by an individual is exempted from capital gains tax. SGB gives an interest of 2.75 per cent per annum and is payable every six months on initial investment. Government will use the funds raised through these bonds as part of its market borrowing programme. Background Through this scheme Government aims to attract a large number of investors to curb the demand for physical gold, mainly imported in large quantities leading to draining the country’s foreign exchange. Thus it will keep a lid on the country’s current account deficit as gold imports are the second-biggest constituent of the import bill after crude oil. The first 3 tranches of SGB Scheme had attracted an investment of 1,318 crore rupees, equivalent to 4.9 tons of gold at the then prevailing prices.

33. Senior IAS officer Guruprasad Mohapatra was appointed as Chairman of Airports Authority of India (AAI). Prior to this appointment he was working as Joint Secretary in Union Ministry of Commerce from the past two years.

34. Legendary playback singer Mubarak Begum passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra after a prolonged illness. She was 80. She is known for her singing scores of songs, duets and ghazals for Bollywood, mainly during the 1950s-1970s

35. SpaceX successfully launched its Dragon Cargo capsule filled with supplies for astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Dragon Cargo capsule was launched using SpaceX’s workhorse Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. After successful take off, the Falcon 9 rocket separated from cargo after sending in into orbit. Then the first stage of the rocket successfully landed back on the solid ground in Cape Canaveral at the NASA facility.

36. Every year Nelson Mandela International Day (also known as Madela Day) is observed across the world on 18 July to mark birth anniversary of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former South African President Nelson Mandela. 2016 Theme: “Take Action, Inspire Change” Significance of Day: Observance of this day seeks to celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world, the ability to make an impact. It aims to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better. Background In November 2009, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) had officially declared 18 July “Nelson Mandela International Day” in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. It also marks anti-apartheid icon’s commitment to democracy, racial justice and promotion and protection human rights values and his dedication to the service of humanity, in the fields of race relations.

37. Turkish musician Kudsi Erguner was appointed as the UNESCO Artist for Peace by the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova. He was appointed after the opening ceremony of the 40th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Istanbul, Turkey. He was named UNESCO Artist for Peace in recognition of his Efforts to promote the universal values of music, an essential instrument of dialogue between cultures. Contribution to the protection of musical heritage, his support for the International Decade of the Rapprochement of Cultures (2013-2022). Unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Organization.

38. Turkish musician Kudsi Erguner was appointed as the UNESCO Artist for Peace by the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova. He was appointed after the opening ceremony of the 40th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) held in Istanbul, Turkey. He was named UNESCO Artist for Peace in recognition of his Efforts to promote the universal values of music, an essential instrument of dialogue between cultures. Contribution to the protection of musical heritage, his support for the International Decade of the Rapprochement of Cultures (2013-2022). Unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Organization.

39. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has added Sikkim’s Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) and Chandigarh’ Capitol Complex in its list of World Heritage Sites. Decision in this regard was taken by the 40th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) of UNESCO held in Istanbul in Turkey. Khangchendzonga National Park (KNP) KNP was added in the ’mixed’ heritage site category of the list i.e. it exhibits qualities of both natural and cultural significance. With this, it becomes the first ‘mixed’ heritage site from India to make it to the list. KNP covers 25% of Sikkim and is home to a significant number of endemic, rare and threatened plant and animal species including large number of bird and mammal species. Geographically the park includes a unique diversity of plains, valleys, lakes, glaciers and spectacular snow-capped mountains covered with ancient forests. The park combines the religious and cultural practices of Buddhism as well as the ecological significance of the region. It signifies an outstanding example of traditional knowledge and environmental preservation. Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex Chandigarh’s famed Capitol Complex designed by Swiss-French architecture Le Corbusier was added in the list in the Transnational category. The site was added in the list as part of the UNESCO’s recognition of Le Corbusier’s architectural works in different parts of the world. The Capitol Complex includes the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Punjab and Haryana Secretariat and Punjab and Haryana Assembly. The complex was designed by Le Corbusier in the 1950s when the city was constructed as a symbol of independent, modern India. India’s three sites inscribed in Word Heritage List The 40th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) of UNESCO, three sites from India were inducted in Word Heritage List. Earlier Bihar’s Nalanda University was added in the list. With this, India becomes first country to get three sites inscribed in the Word Heritage List at a single session of the committee meeting. With these additions, India now has 35 world heritage sites, including 27 cultural heritage sites, 7 natural sites and 1 mixed site.

40. The Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC) has become the first Indian company to issue rupee-denominated bonds “masala bonds” on London Stock Exchange (LSE). The bond will help HDFC, India’s biggest mortgage lender (home finance company) to diversify its borrowing profile and access global investors. With this issuance of masala bonds, HDFC is planning to raise 750 million dollars from the overseas market during the current financial year. Background Earlier in September 2015, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had allowed companies to raise rupee-denominated bonds in order to reduce the risk of borrowing in foreign currencies. Since then Private and public sector companies have lined up plans to issue masala bonds. State-owned NTPC, Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) and India Infrastructure Finance Company (IFC) also have planned to raise funds through masala bonds. What are masala bonds? The Masala bond refers to a rupee-denominated bond through which Indian entities can raise money from foreign markets in rupee, and not in foreign currency. Basically, bonds are instruments of debt that are typically used by corporates to raise money from investors. By issuing bonds in rupees, an Indian entity is protected against the risk of currency fluctuation, typically associated with borrowing in foreign currency. Masala bonds also help in internationalization of the rupee and in expansion of the Indian bond markets. These bonds are usually traded on the LSE and not in India.

41. The Union Railway Ministry has launched a project to install Solar Panels in all Railway Buildings in order to reduce expenditure on electricity As part of the project, Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu laid the foundation stone of one Megawatt (MW) solar power plant at Amritsar Railway station in Punjab.

42. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has listed Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier’s works among its World Heritage Sites list. In this regard, announcement was at the 40th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) of UNESCO held in Istanbul in Turkey. Le Corbusier works were added in the list in recognition of his contribution in spearheading the modern architectural movement after World War I, with an emphasis on functionality, bold lines and materials such as concrete, iron and glass. His 17 sites across spread across seven countries France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Argentina, Japan and India have been added in the World Heritage Sites list.

43. Pema Khandu (36) of Congress Party was sworn in as the 10th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. With this,he became the youngest Chief Minister in the country. He was administered the oath to office and secrecy by Governor Tathagata Roy at the Rajbhavan in Itanagar. Besides, Chowna Mein was sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister. Pema Khandu was selected as CM of Arunachal Pradesh after he had staked claim to power on the basis of the support of 45 party MLAs along with 2 independents in the 60-member House with an effective strength of 58. Now he has to prove his majority in the floor test. He is also supported by the ousted Chief Minister Khaliko Pul, who has returned to the Congress party with 30 dissident Congress MLAs. About Pema Khandu Born on 21 August 1979 in Gyangkar village, Tawang District of Arunachal Pradesh. He is the eldest son of former Chief Minister Dorjee Khandu, who had died in a helicopter crash in May 2011. Following his father’s death, he was elected unopposed from Mukto (ST) constituency and was included in state government as Cabinet Minister of Water Resource Development and Tourism.

44. The Union Commerce Ministry has launched an e-marketplace portal for online purchase of goods and services by various central government ministries and departments. It was launched by the Union Minister of State (MoS) Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. Key Facts The e-marketplace portal has been developed by the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D). The e-marketplace portal aims at bringing in more transparency and streamlining the government procurement of goods and services. Using this, portal all the government departments and ministries can procure goods and services. It will help to aggregate demand which will lead to lower prices, better choices and faster procurement. Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D): It is department under the Union Commerce Ministry and carries out the government procurement.

45. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN cultural agency added nine new sites on its World Heritage List. Decision in this regard was taken at the 40th session of The World Heritage Committee meeting in Istanbul, Turkey. With these inclusions, the recorded sites on the World Heritage now stand at 981 which include both cultural and natural wonders. 9 new World Heritage Sites are Old city of Ani (Turkey): It is Turkish province of Kars. Once it had served as the capital of the Armenian kingdom in the 10th century. Zuojiang Huashan rock art cultural landscape (China): Dates back to the 5th century BC. The landscape straddles steep cliffs in southwest China and represent the only trace left of the Luoyue people. Qanat (Iran): They are ancient aqueducts trapped into alluvial aquifer and transported water underground across vast valleys. It helps in sustaining agricultural life and settlements in the arid areas. Nalanda Mahavihara (India): It is an archaeological site having remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from the 3rd century BC to the 13th century AD. Artificial islets of Nan Madol (Micronesia): They are 99 artificial islets made of basalt and coral boulders. They are home to ruins ranging from temple to tombs dating between 1200 and 1500 AD. Stecci Sites: Located in Bosnia, central and western Montenegro, southern Croatia and western Serbia.They are medieval tombstones and graveyards carved from limestone, they feature decorative motives and inscriptions. Ancient Philippi (Spain): It is Greek archaeological site founded in 356 BC by the Macedonian King Philip II. It is located in the present-day region of eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Antequera Dolmens (Spain): It is comprises of three megalithic monuments as well as two natural mountainous formations. Gorham’s Cave Complex (Britain): They are natural sea caves in the British overseas territory of Gibraltar. The site provides evidence of Neanderthal occupation over a span of more than 125,000 years. About UNESCO World Heritage List The UNESCO World Heritage Site list includes sites of special cultural or physical significance. The list is maintained by the international World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The committee comprises of 21 UNESCO member states which are elected by the General Assembly. Each World Heritage Site included in the list remains part of the legal territory of the state where it is located. But inclusion of sites in the list by UNESCO is in the interest of the international community to preserve each site. Presently, Italy with 50 sites is home to the greatest number of World Heritage Sites.

46. The eleventh edition of the Asia-Europe Meeting Summit (ASEM11) or ASEM2016 has issued Ulaanbaatar Declaration. The declaration has reaffirmed ASEM’s commitment for greater partnership through informal political dialogue and initiatives in economic and socio-cultural fields. It also has expressed its commitment for united fight against terrorism and violent extremism. Key Features of Declaration ASEM will enhance its partnership in order to meet the aspirations of the people for peace and stability, sustainable development, economic prosperity and a better quality of life. It will strive to further strengthen Asia-Europe multi-dimensional and people-centered partnership. It will also focus on countering terrorism, maritime security and safety, fighting piracy and armed robbery at sea, as well as drug and human trafficking. ASEM will reaffirm its commitment for cyber security, cyber-crime, security of in the use of information and communication technologies. It will also reaffirm upholding the purpose and principles of the UN Charter, rule of law and enforcement of international law, human rights, anti-corruption, migration, Sustainable Development and climate change. ASEM will reinforce its role as a catalyst for effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order in the shifting geopolitics leading to greater uncertainties and volatility in the world.

47. The ruins of ancient Nalanda Mahavihara (also known as old Nalanda University) of Bihar has been included in the List of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site. Nalanda Mahavihara ruins comprise the archaeological remains of monastic-cum-scholastic from the 5th century BC to the 13th century AD. It located near Patna, state capital of Bihar and is 26th cultural site of India to get prestigious world heritage status. Key Facts Nalanda Mahavihara was founded by Kumargupta I of the Gupta dynasty in 5th century CE. It was the earliest planned university of the Indian subcontinent. It was patronized by various rulers including King Harshavardhana of Kannauj (7th century CE) and the Pala rulers (8th to 12th century CE) as well as various scholars. Nalanda was considered as a rare combination of outstanding achievements in institution-building, site-planning, art and architecture. It had attracted scholars from the Indian subcontinent and beyond and received patronage of local rulers and foreign kings for period of 800 years. Students were admitted in this university after rigorous evaluation only. It imparted knowledge related to Buddhism, contemporary texts and philosophies, logic, grammar, science, and medicine. Presently, it is preserved in number of remains of stupas (temple-like structure), shrines and viharas (residential-cum-scholastic structure) and important art works in stucco, stone and metal. Note: Nalanda University is the second World Heritage site in Bihar after Bodhgaya’s Mahabodhi temple to be accorded UNESCO’s World Heritage Site tag. This status will help in conservation and protection of the site in better way and also increase funds from the UNESCO.

48. Madhya Pradesh became the first state in India to have ‘Happiness Department’ that will work as knowledge resource centre on the subject of happiness on the lines of Bhutan. Decision to set up Happiness Department was taken by the state cabinet meeting presided by chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Key Facts The Happiness Department will will work under a working committee headed by a chairman. The committee will evaluate the state’s gross happiness. The department will prepare guidelines for coordination between different departments like women and child development, health, and sports for propagating happiness in the state. It will prescribe action plan and activities for experiencing happiness by identifying and defining the parameters of happiness and efficiency. It will also undertake constant researches and surveys for expanding means happiness and improve norms to assess them. It will publish reports pertaining to status of happiness. Bhutan is the first country in the world to come up with the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH). It has fixed standards of living, education, good governance, health and psychological happiness among the various parameters that make its citizens happy. The World Happiness Report 2016 published by the United Nations ranks India at 118th position among 156 countries.

49. The Lifeline Express, the world’s first hospital on a train of Indian Railways has completed 25 years of service to the poor and underprivileged masses of rural India. To mark the occasion and celebrate the success of the train a function was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra. About Lifeline Express The Lifeline Express is also known as the Magic Train of India. It was launched on 16 July 1991. The Lifeline Express has the distinction of being the first ever hospital-on-rails in the world. It is equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities and equipment to cater to the needs of the rural patients. The train is a flagship social initiative of Impact India Foundation (IIF) in partnership with the Indian Railways and the Union Health Ministry. It was started with an aim to provide on-the-spot diagnostic, medical and advanced surgical treatment for preventive and curative interventions for disabled adults and children using the Indian Railway Network. So far, the train covered 173 projects in 18 state and also covered 2 lakh kilometres distance and has medically served more than 10,00,000 poor in rural India.