WBCS Current Affairs 16/10/2016 to 21/10/2016

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1. The Union Ministry of Railways has declared the Okha-Kanalus and the Porbandar-Wansjaliya railway sections of Gujarat as Green Train Corridors. All trains passing on these 175-km long lines (141-km-long Okha-Kanalus route and the 34-km-long Porbandar-Wansjaliya route) are now equipped with bio-toilets. On these routes, about 29 trains consisting of nearly 700 coaches have been equipped with bio-toilets to prevent open discharge free zone on tracks as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission. What are Green Train Corridors? Green Train Corridors are sections of the railways which will be free of human waste discharge on the tracks. Trains running on these corridors will be equipped with bio-toilets. Thus, it will completely stop discharge of human waste from trains onto the ground which in turn would help in improving cleanliness and hygiene. The 114-km long Rameswaram-Manamadurai section of Tamil Nadu was made the India’s first Green Rail Corridor in July 2016 Background The Union Ministry of Railways has taken up a mammoth task of equipping human discharge free bio-toilets in all its coaches by 2021-22 in order to contribute to mission ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’. It aims at completely stopping discharge of human waste from trains onto the ground in order improving cleanliness and hygiene What are Biotoilets? The environment-friendly bio-toilets for passenger coaches were developed jointly by Indian Railways and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). In the bio-toilet fitted coaches, human waste is collected in biodigester tanks below the toilets and is decomposed by a consortium of anaerobic bacteria. By the process of hydrolysis, acetogenesis, acidogenesis and methanogenesis, the anaerobic bacteria converts human faecal matter into water and small amount of gases (including methane).

2. India has signed agreement with Russia to lease second Akula-II class nuclear attack submarine (SSN). The deal is believed to be worth about $2 billion. The lease to transfer a multipurpose Project 971 nuclear submarine to India from the Russian Navy was signed in Goa on the sidelines of 8th BRICS Summit. The second nuclear submarine is expected to arrive in Indian waters in 2020-21. Background India had earlier leased first Akula-II class nuclear attack submarine (SSN) for a period of 10 years from Russia. It was inducted into service as INS Chakra (formerly known as K-152 Nerpa) in April 2012. Its lease expires in 2021. Since then, India had expressed interest in leasing at least one more submarine to train Navy crew in complex submarine operations to have a large fleet of nuclear submarines. Akula-class submarines Akula-class submarines of Project 97 (NATO name Akula-II) weigh around 8,140 tonnes. They are considered one of the most silent SSNs in service and are capable of sailing at speeds up to 35 knots. They are nuclear powered but are armed with conventional land attack missiles. INS Arihant Earlier in August 2016, India had quietly inducted its first indigenously built nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Arihant into service completing its nuclear triad. Besides, follow-on submarines are also planned and at least two are in various stages of construction which will give India strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The second indigenous nuclear submarine of the same class, INS Aridhaman, will be commissioned in 2018. Comment Pakistan does not have a nuclear submarine and lacks a nuclear triad. China has four nuclear-powered submarines in operation and in a couple of years this number that will go up to six. China’s Nuclear-submarines carry a version of the Dong Feng nuclear missile that has a range of up to 7,000 km.

3. India and Myanmar have signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) to boost bilateral relations between two neighbouring nations. These MoUs were signed in New Delhi after delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the visiting State Counsellor of Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi. Signed MoUs are MoU for designing an academic and professional building programme for insurance industry of Myanmar. MoU on Cooperation in the field of Power Sector. Under it India has offered to enhance power supply from Moreh in Manipur to Tamu in Myanmar. MoU on Banking Supervision. It was signed between Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Central Bank of Myanmar. Besides, India extended support to Myanmar for a better connected future. Both countries agreed to cooperate in security and strategic issues. They also agreed to enhance engagement in several areas including to develop a mutually beneficial arrangement for trade in pulses.

4. India and China have conducted second joint military exercise “Sino India Cooperation 2016” in Ladakh region along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The exercise compliments Hand in Hand series of India-China joint military exercises that aims to enhance cooperation and maintain peace and tranquility along border areas of both countries. Key Facts The theme of the day long joint exercise was based on Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR). In it a fictitious situation of earthquake striking an Indian Border village was painted. Thereafter joint teams of both countries carried out rescue operations, evacuation and rendering of medical assistance. The exercise not only refined the drills to provide succor to the border population in case of natural calamity but has also increased the level of trust and cooperation between the border guarding forces of both countries along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh. Background The second edition of the exercise was conducted as part of ongoing initiative between both countries to enhance interaction and cooperation under provisions of Border Defence Cooperation Agreement (BDCA), 2013. The first Joint Exercise under BDCA, 2013 was held in February 2016 in the area of Border Personnel Meeting Hut at Chushul Garrison of Eastern Ladakh, along with Chinese troops of Moldo Garrison. Comment This is for first time both countries have conducted military exercises in state of Jammu and Kashmir in Eastern Ladakh amidst growing uneasiness in the bilateral relationship. The exercise also comes in the backdrop of stalemate over India’s multilateral disagreements with China over blacklisting of Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar at the United Nations and membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

5. The Election Commission of India hosted the first ever International Conference on Voter Education in New Delhi. The three day (from 19 to 21 October, 2016) conference was inaugurated by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dr Nasim Zaidi. Key Facts The topic of the first of its kind conference is Voter Education for Inclusive, Informed and Ethical Participation. 27 countries and 5 international organizations are participating in it. It has been organized with an aim to share best practices, initiatives and policies of voter education by election management bodies. It aims at achieving a resolution to strengthen inclusive, ethical and informed electoral participation among member countries with the help of voter education and outreach. It will deliberate upon five topics ranging from Role of Information Communication Technology in Voter Education, Electoral Literacy to Enhanced participation by special categories of voters and Strategies for Informed and Ethical Voting. The Conference will see the launch of the ambitious VoICE.NET project, a Global Knowledge Network on voter education. Besides, an exhibition showcasing Voter Education tools and materials will be also organized on the occasion.

6. Noted British statistician Sir David Cox (92) was awarded inaugural recipient of the International Prize in Statistics. The International Prize in Statistics Foundation has bestowed this award on Sir David Cox in recognition of Survival Analysis Model (or Cox Model) Applied in Medicine, Science, and Engineering. About Sir David Cox Sir David Cox is renowned statistician born on 15 July 1924 in Birmingham, England. He is known for developing the proportional hazards model i.e. Cox Model in 1992. His model is widely used in analysis of survival data which enables researchers to more easily identify risks of specific factors for mortality or other survival outcomes among groups of patients with disparate characteristics. He is a foreign associate of the US National Academy of Sciences and fellow of the Royal Society, an honorary fellow of the British Academy. He has served as President of Bernoulli Society, Royal Statistical Society and International Statistical Institute. Awards and Honours: Copley Medal (2010), he was knighted in 1985. About International Prize in Statistics The prestigious award given by the International Prize in Statistics Foundation. It recognizes a major achievement of an individual or team in the field of statistics. The Prize aims at promoting understanding of the growing importance and diverse ways statistics, probability and data analysis. It carries monetary award of US 75000 dollars.

7. The seven-judge Constitution Bench of Supreme Court has questioned whether the practice of using the mass religious appeal by leaders to canvas votes for candidates amounts to a corrupt electoral practice. The SC bench led by Chief Justice Chief Justice is re-considering its 1995 verdict which had held that canvassing votes in name of ‘Hindutva/Hinduism’ wasn’t a corrupt electoral practice, as Hinduism was not a religion but a way of life in India. Background Recently, the Constitution Bench of SC raised question of using the mass appeal of religious while testing the limits of Section 123 of Representation of the People Act. It was looking into the various means by which misuse of religion or faith of the masses for electoral gains can be categorised as a corrupt practice. It was also looking into electoral practices of political parties and candidates to rope in clerics or priests to flex their religious sway over particular religious community to swing votes. What 1995 verdict says? The Representation of the People Act bars candidates and political parties to appeal appeal in the name of religion. If found guilty for violation, the candidate can be disqualified. The 1995 judgment delivered by Justice JS Verma had seeking votes in the name of Hinduism is not a “corrupt practice” under Section 123 of Representation of the People Act.

8. Indian Navy has commissioned INS Tihayu, a Car Nicobar Class water jet fast attack craft (WJFAC). It was commissioned by the Flag-Officer-Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command Vice-Admiral H.C.S. Bisht in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. About INS Tahiyu INS Tahiyu is the sixth WJFAC Car Nicobar Class vessel to be commissioned and allotted to the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy. It has been built by Kolkata-based shipyard Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE). Overall, INS Tahiyu is the 20th vessel in this class to be built by the shipyard. INS Tahiyu weighs 315-tonne and can achieve a top operating speed of 35 knots per hour. It is an improved version of the earlier vessels. It has been fitted with three water jet propulsion systems, powered by marine diesel engines generating 2720 KW of power. It also has been loaded with an indigenously-built 30 mm CRN gun, an assorted variant of machine guns and shoulder-launched IGLA surface to air missile. What are Car Nicobar Class WJFACs? The Car Nicobar class water jet fast attack crafts are high-speed offshore patrol vessels built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) for the Indian Navy. The class and its vessels are named after Car Nicobar island part of Andaman and Nicobar They are the first water jet propelled vessels of the Indian Navy. The vessels are designed by GRSE as a cost-effective platform for patrol, anti-piracy and rescue operations in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

9. Scientists have developed a novel way using of producing electricity from water hydroelectric cell at room temperature without using any power or chemicals. The major breakthrough was developed by team of scientists led by Dr. RK Kotnala from Delhi’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL). How does it works? In this new method, scientist had used zinc and silver as electrodes to make a cell that produces electricity. They had used nanoporous magnesium ferrite to split water into hydroxide (OH) and hydronium (H3O) ions. As magnesium has high affinity for hydroxide, it spontaneously splits water into hydroxide and hydronium ions. The H3O ions get trapped inside the nanopores of magnesium ferrite and generate an electric field. The electric field helps in further dissociation of water. To further enhance the activity of magnesium ferrite, about 20% of magnesium is replaced with lithium. The substitution of lithium at magnesium site increases the sensitivity of magnesium ferrite. This is helpful in dissociating water at room temperature as the electrons get trapped in the oxygen deficient sites. Significance: The hydroelectric cell using magnesium ferrite of 1 sq. inch size can produce 8 mA current and 0.98 volt. Further if these four cells [of 2-inch diameter] are connected in series the voltage increases to 3.70 volts and can operate a small plastic fan or a LED light of 1 watt.

10. The Union Government has proposed a four-slab rate structure for the new indirect tax regime i.e. Goods & Services Tax (GST) ranging from 0 to 26 per cent. It was proposed at the meeting of the GST Council headed by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and included representatives from all states in New Delhi. Outcomes of Meeting based on consensus Compensation of states due to loss of revenue after implementation of GST from 1 April 2017. Secular growth rate of 14% will be taken into consideration for calculating the revenue of each state in the first five years of implementation of the GST. Base year for calculating the revenue of states will be 2015-16. States getting lower revenue will be compensated by the Centre. These states will be compensated fund to be created from the Cess on top of the GST on ultra-luxury items and demerit goods. The rate structure will be revenue-neutral so that there is no need to burden consumers with additional tax. It will not lead to further inflation. Good items along with other 50% items of common usage to be exempted from the tax to keep the inflation under check. Proposed Four GST slabs The GST is proposed to be levied at 6% (lower rate), 12% (Standard 1 rate), 18% (Standard 2 rate) and 26% (Higher rates) on the goods and services. It will be 0% on host of goods and services, including food, health and education services, and 26% on luxury items, such as fast-moving consumer goods and consumer durables. On consumption of ultra-luxury items and demerit goods, such as big cars and tobacco products, cess must be imposed over and above a 26% GST rate. What is GST Council? As per Article 279A of the Constitution, GST Council will be a joint forum of the Centre and the States. It shall consist (i) Union Finance Minister (Chairperson). (ii) The Union Minister of State (MoS) in-charge of Revenue of finance (Member) and (ii) The Minister In-charge of taxation or finance or any other Minister nominated by each State Government (Members). What are the functions of GST Council? The functions of GST Council are mention in Article 279A (4) of the Constitution. The Council will make recommendations to Union and States on important issues related to GST, like (i) Goods and services that may be subjected or exempted from GST. (ii) Model GST Laws. (iii) Principles that govern Place of Supply, threshold limits, GST rates. (iv) GST rates will including the floor rates with bands and (v) Special rates for raising additional resources during natural disasters/ calamities, special provisions for certain States, etc.

11. Ace Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal has been appointed as a member of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Athletes’ Commission. It is rare honour for an Indian sportsperson. In this regard, Saina has received a letter to the effect from the IOC President Thomas Bach mentioning that she has been appointed in consultation with Chair of Athletes’ Commission. The Athletes’ Commission of IOC is chaired by Angela Ruggiero. It comprises nine vice presidents and 10 other members.

12. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National SC/ST hub and the Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED) scheme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) at Ludhiana in Punjab. Besides, he also presented National Awards to MSMEs. He also distributed 500 traditional wooden charkhas (spinning wheels) among women. What is National SC/ST hub? The objective of the SC/ST (Schedule Castes/Schedule Tribes) Hub is to provide professional support to entrepreneurs from the SC/ST. It also seeks to promote enterprise culture and entrepreneurship among the SC/ST population and to enable them to participate more effectively in public procurement. It will work towards strengthening market access/linkage, capacity building, monitoring, sharing industry-best practices and leveraging financial support schemes. Public Procurement Policy, 2012: It specifies that 4% of procurement done by ministries, departments and CPSEs should be done from enterprises owned by SC/ST entrepreneurs. What is Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED) scheme? ZED Scheme aims to rate and handhold all MSMEs to deliver top quality products using clean technology. It will have sector-specific parameters for each industry. MSME sector is crucial for the economic progress of India and this scheme will help to match global quality control standards. The slogan of Zero Defect, Zero Effect (ZED) was first mentioned by PM Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech in 2014. It was given for producing high quality manufacturing products with a minimal negative impact on environment. Comment ZED Scheme is meant to raise quality levels in unregulated MSME sector which is engine of growth for Indian economy. MSME sector drives almost 38% of nation’s GDP and around employs 110 million employees. The scheme will be cornerstone of the Central Government’s flagship Make in India programme, which is aimed at turning India into a global manufacturing hub, generating jobs, boosting growth and increase incomes.

13. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three hydro-electric projects (HEPs) with a generating capacity of 1,732 MW in Himachal Pradesh. All the three power projects are equipped with generating equipment supplied and commissioned by state owned Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). These three hydro-electric projects are Koldam HEP: It is 4×200 MW capacity project executed by National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). Parbati HEP: It is Stage-III project with a capacity of 530 MW of National Hydropower Corporation (NHPC). Rampur HEP: It is 412 MW capacity project of Sutlej Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN). These three projects will collectively play an important role in boosting the Hydro-power sector of Himachal Pradesh. BHEL’s contribution BHEL has a vast experience in hydro-electric projects (HEPs). It has contracted more than 500 hydro-generating sets with a cumulative capacity of more than 29,000 MW of various ratings in India and abroad. BHEL’s hydro installations are in operation in India and also across the world in Bhutan, Malaysia, Azerbaijan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Taiwan, Rwanda and Vietnam. Presently, BHEL is executing HEPs of around 3,300 MW in the country in addition to major hydropower projects in DR Congo and Bhutan. Significance of hydro-projects Hydropower generated by hydro-projects is renewable source of energy as it uses and not consumes the water for generation of electricity. It does not emit greenhouse gas emission and helps in achieving a low carbon path. India has hydropower potential of around 1,45,000 MW and at 60% load factor, it can meet the demand of around 85, 000 MW. So far, around 26% of Hydropower potential has been exploited in India.

14. India has completed its nuclear triad by inducting the first indigenously built strategic nuclear submarine INS Arihant into service. With this, India becomes sixth country to have a nuclear triad i.e. capable of delivering nuclear weapons by aircraft, ballistic missiles and submarine launched missiles. Other countries having nuclear triad are Russia, United States, United Kingdom, France and China. INS Arihant was formally commissioned by Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba in August 2016. However, it was kept secret owing to strategic significance. What are features of INS Arihant? INS Arihant is nuclear submarine capable of carrying nuclear tipped ballistic missiles. Thus it belongs to class referred to as Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN). Its design is based on the Russian Akula-1 class submarine. It was built with Russia’s help under Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project started in the 1980s. It weighs 6000 tonnes and is 112 metre long. It is powered by 83 MW pressurised light water nuclear reactor with enriched uranium fuel. It will be armed with the K-15 Sagarika missiles with a range of 750 km. Later it will be armed with much longer range K-4 missiles (3,500 km range) being developed by DRDO. The vessel was launched in 2009 by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Since then, it had undergone extensive sea trials and reactor on board went critical in 2013. What is Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN)? SSBNs are designed to prowl the deep ocean waters and carry nuclear weapons. They provide a nation with an assured second strike capability i.e. capability to strike back after being hit by nuclear weapons first. In case of India, second strike capability is particularly important as it had committed to a ‘No-First-Use’ policy as part of its nuclear doctrine. Nuclear triad capability of India India is fourth Nation in the world to possess Nuclear Triad apart from US, Russia and China. It means that India is capable of delivering nuclear weapons by aircraft, land based ballistic missiles and submarine launched missiles. India Army has strong arsenal of land based ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile). It includes Agni series, Prithvi series, Prahar Missile, Shaurya Missile, supersonic Brahmos and subsonic Nirbhay missiles. Indian Airforce (IAF) operates Jaguars aircrafts which are designed for deep penetration strike and can carry nuclear bomb. Besides, IAF also has SU 30 MKI and Rafale aircrafts which can also be used to deliver nuclear weapons. Indian Navy now has its own nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine INS Arihant capable of delivering nuclear weapons.

15. Conglomerate Hinduja Group’s flagship company Ashok Leyland has unveiled country’s first 100 per cent indigenously made electric bus which are non-polluting and have zero-emissions. These buses were unveiled in lines with National Electric Mobility Plan which aims at a 20% penetration of electric/hybrid (eco-friendly) vehicles by 2020. They enjoy a subsidy under the Central government’s Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid) and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme.

16. Senior IFS officer Amandeep Singh Gill was appointed as the India’s Ambassador to the UN Conference on Disarmament, Geneva. He is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of 1992 batch. He had represented India on the UN Secretary General’s Panel on Missiles from 2007 to 2008. Besides, he was also member of the Indian delegation to the Conference on Disarmament during the negotiations on the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

17. Four Indian wrestlers have won four medals individually including a gold medal, at the sixth edition of the TAFISA World Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia. Wrestler Dalmiya had won gold medal in 60kg category by defeating Azerbaijan’s Muhammad Sahan by 4-1 points in the final match. Other medal winning Wrestlers are Luv Singh: He won the silver medal in the 80 kg category after he was defeated by Muhammad Alim of Azerbaijan by 1-5 points in the final match. Naveen Kumar: He won the bronze medal in 90 Kg category after he defeated Lithuania’s Oleg by 5-2 points. Josil: He won the bronze medal in the super heavyweight category by defeating Mustafa Sultani of Afghanistan by 3-1 points. Besides, Aarti Chaudhari (29), Vishruti Waghmare (16) and Siddhi Jadhav (10) won three gold medals in Jeet Kune-do, a form of martial arts.

18. The BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) countries have expressed commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. In this regard, seven nations of BIMSTEC countries have issues Leaders Retreat Outcome Document emphasising that there can be no justification for acts of terror. Key Highlights of document BIMSTEC countries strongly condemned the recent terror attacks in the region. The states who encourage and support provide sanctuary to terrorists should be identified and held accountable. Strong measures against such states must be taken. They recognised the need for urgent measures to counter and prevent the spread of terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization. They renewed their commitment to the early conclusion of BIMSTEC Free Trade Area negotiations, and direct the Trade Negotiating Committee and Working Groups to expedite the finalization of its constituent Agreements. They agreed to expedite the signing of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters. They also called for early ratification of the BIMSTEC Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organized Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking. They also stressed the necessity of pursuing sustainable development and of the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. They also recognized that cooperation in sustainable development of fisheries in Bay of Bengal region for ensuring food security and improving livelihoods of people. About BIMSTEC BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative on Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) is the sub-regional group of seven countries in South Asia and South East Asia lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity. They are India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka (from South Asia) and Myanmar, Thailand (from South East Asia). Established: 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration. Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh. Objectives: Technological and economical cooperation among south Asian and south East Asian countries along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It also covers cooperation in commerce, technology, investment, agriculture, tourism, human resource development, fisheries, transport and communication, textiles, leather etc.

19. The National Summit on Fortification of Food was recently inaugurated in New Delhi to address interventions in combating micronutrient malnutrition in the country. The two day summit was co-hosted by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in partnership with related central ministries/departments and development partners. The Summit had brought together experts from nutrition and development communities as well as representatives from state governments, technical supporters, academics and donors to beneficiaries. What is Food fortification? Food fortification or enrichment is the process of adding micronutrients i.e. essential trace elements and vitamins into the food. It is an integrated approach to prevent micronutrient deficiencies and complements other approaches to improve health and nutrition. Food fortification does not require changes in existing food habits and patterns nor individual compliance. It does not alter characteristics of food and is socio-culturally acceptable. It can be introduced quickly and can produce nutritional benefits and improve health of people in a short period of time. It also safe and cost effective. This enrichment process has proven as an effective strategy to meet the nutritional needs of a large number of people across various sections of the society, including the poor and underprivileged, pregnant women and young children. What is present status of food fortification in India? The FSSAI has formulated a ‘Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2016’, a comprehensive regulation on fortification of foods in the country. These regulations set standard guidelines for food fortification and encourage the production, manufacture, distribution, sale and consumption of fortified foods. They also assign specific role of FSSAI in promotion for food fortification and to make fortification mandatory.

20. China has successfully launched longest-ever manned mission by taking two astronauts Jing Haipeng (50) and Chen Dong (37) into the orbit. They were launched on board of Shenzhou-11 (heavenly vessel) spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre near the Gobi Desert in northwest China. The spacecraft was put into orbit by a Long March-2F carrier rocket. Key Facts Both astronauts will spend a month aboard an experimental space laboratory Tiangong-2 (Heavenly Palace 2). During the mission, they will conduct aerospace medical experiments, space science experiments and in-orbit maintenance with human participation. They will also undertake ultrasound tests during space travel for the first time, cultivate plants in space etc. The Shenzhou-11 mission is China’s sixth manned spacecraft. It will be first time that Chinese astronauts will stay in orbit for medium term. Earlier in 2013, three Chinese astronauts in a manned space mission had spent 15 days in orbit and were docked with a space laboratory Tiangong 1. Comment Tiangong-2 was launched in September 2016 as part of China’s efforts to set up its own permanent manned space station by 2022. It is China’s second experimental space station module and had upgraded habitat with improved life support systems, power, communications and research equipments. By launching longest-ever manned space mission, China has moved a step closer to establish its permanent space station. After completion, it will make China, only the country to have space station facility is space as the current in-service International Space Station (ISS) retires by 2024.

21. A historic global climate deal was reached in Kigali, Rwanda at the Twenty-Eighth Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP28). The so called Kigali Amendment which amends the 1987 Montreal Protocol aims to phase out Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a family of potent greenhouse gases by the late 2040s. Under Kigali Amendment, in all 197 countries, including India have agreed to a timeline to reduce the use of HFCs by roughly 85% of their baselines by 2045. What are Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)? HFCs are a family of greenhouse gases (GHGs) that are largely used in refrigerants in home, car air-conditioners and air sprays etc. These factory-made gases had replaced CFCs under the 1987 Montreal Protocol to protect Earth’s fragile protective Ozone layer and heal the ozone hole over the Antartica. Why they are harmful? In recent times, it was found that HFCs have several thousand times capacity in retaining heat in the atmosphere compared to carbon dioxide (CO2), a potent GHG. Thus, it can be said that HFCs have helped ozone layer but exacerbated global warming. Currently, HFCs are currently the world’s fastest GHGs, with emissions increasing by up to 10% each year. What is significance of the Kigali Amendment? The Kigali Amendment amends the 1987 Montreal Protocol that was designed to close growing ozone hole in by banning ozone-depleting coolants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Thus, amended Montreal Protocol which was initially conceived only to plug gases that were destroying the ozone layer now includes HFCs responsible for global warming. This move will help to prevent a potential 0.5 degree Celsius rise in global temperature by the end of the century. The Kigali Agreement or amended Montreal Protocol for HFCs reduction will be binding on countries from 2019. It also has provisions for penalties for non-compliance. Under it, developed countries will also provide enhanced funding support estimated at billions of dollars globally. The exact amount of additional funding from developed countries will be agreed at the next Meeting of the Parties in Montreal in 2017. Different timelines under Kigali Amendment All signatory countries have been divided into three groups with different timelines to go about reductions of HFCs. First group: It includes richest countries like US and those in European Union (EU). They will freeze production and consumption of HFCs by 2018. They will reduce them to about 15% of 2012 levels by 2036. Second group: It includes countries like China, Brazil and all of Africa etc. They will freeze HFC use by 2024 and cut it to 20% of 2021 levels by 2045. Third group: It includes countries India, Pakistan, Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia etc. They will be freezing HFC use by 2028 and reducing it to about 15% of 2025 levels by 2047. How it is different from Paris agreement? The Paris agreement which will come into force by 2020 is not legally binding on countries to cut their emissions. The Kigali Amendment is considered absolutely vital for reaching the Paris Agreement target of keeping global temperature rise to below 2-degree Celsius compared to pre-industrial times.

22. The five-nation group of emerging economies BRICS has agreed to set up an independent BRICS Rating Agency in its efforts to challenge western hegemony in the world of finance. It was announced during the 8th BRICS summit held in Goa, India. BRICS comprises five emerging economies — Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Key Facts The BRICS Rating Agency will be based on market-oriented principles to strengthen the global governance architecture. It will be launched as per the shared vision of the BRICS nations for institution-building to transform global financial architecture based on the principles of fairness and equity. It will assist BRICS and other countries to rate infrastructure and sustainable projects in the emerging economies. Thus, it will further bridge the gap in global financial architecture Why there is need to establish BRICS Rating Agency? At present, western developed countries have hegemony in the world of finance. Three global agencies (S&P, Fitch, Moody’s) based in western countries account for 90% of the rating market. Emerging economies claim that western ratings firms are biased, pessimistic on the developing countries and optimistic on developed nations. They also have concerns over methodologies of the three global agencies. BRICS members Russia in particular and China have been perturbed by these western ratings firms. Russia alleges that the western firms had deliberately lowered its rating after the Ukraine (Crimean) crisis.

23. The Japanese Encephalitis has claimed 54 lives in Odisha’s backward Malkangiri district in just a more than a month. The State Government is monitoring and overseeing the measures to check the spread of Japanese Encephalitis. What is Japanese Encephalitis? Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. It belongs to the same genus as dengue, yellow fever and West Nile viruses. The first case of JE was documented in 1871 in Japan. Target: JE primarily affects children. Most adults in endemic countries have natural immunity after childhood infection, but individuals of any age may be affected. Transmission: It is transmitted by rice field breeding mosquitoes (primarily Culex tritaeniorhynchus group). The mosquitoes transmit JE by feeding on domestic pigs and wild birds infected with the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It is not transmitted from person-to-person. Disease outbreaks: Major JE outbreaks occur every 2-15 years. JE transmission mainly intensifies during the rainy season, during which vector populations increase. Signs and symptoms: Most JE infections are mild (fever and headache) or without apparent symptoms, but it may result in severe clinical illness. Severe infection is marked by quick onset, headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, stupor, occasional convulsions (especially in infants) etc. Treatment: There is no specific therapy. Intensive supportive therapy is indicated.

24. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed globally on 17 October for eradication of poverty throughout the world. Significance of Day: It seeks to promote awareness among people to eradicate poverty and destitution around the world particularly in developing countries 2016 Theme: “Moving from humiliation and exclusion to participation: Ending poverty in all its forms”. It highlights importance to recognize and address the humiliation and exclusion suffered by many people living in poverty. Background: The United Nations had declared 17 October as the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty by adopting a resolution on 22 December 1992. For the first time, it was observed in 1993.

25. The eighth BRICS summit was held in Goa from 15 to 16 October 2016. The summit concluded with adaptation of Goa Declaration. The two day summit was attended by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Michel Temer and South African President Jacob Zuma. The theme for the summit was “Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective Solutions”. Key Highlights of Goa Declaration BRICS nations condemns terrorism in all its forms and stressed that there can be no justification for such acts. International terrorism, especially the Islamic State (IS) is an unprecedented threat to international peace and security. BRICS nations reaffirmed the commitment to increase effectiveness of the UN counter terrorism framework. Need for adaptation of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) in the UN General Assembly. Urgent need to reforms of the United Nations, including UN Security Council, to increase representation of developing countries. Resolution of civil war in Syria, in accordance with the “legitimate aspirations of the people of Syria” and action against U.N.-designated terrorist groups like IS and Jabhat al-Nusra. All nations must counter radicalism and block sources of financing international terrorism, dismantling terrorist bases and countering misuse of the Internet including social media. Appreciated progress in implementation of Strategy for BRICS Economic Partnership and emphasise importance of BRICS Roadmap for Trade, Economic and Investment Cooperation until 2020. Welcomed adoption of 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals. Reiterated determination to use all policy tools to achieve the goal of sustainable and inclusive growth. The ninth BRICS Summit will be hosted by China in 2017. Besides, first-ever BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit was also held on side-lines of 2016 BRICS Summit. Leaders from both forums planned to jointly explore possibilities of expanding ties between them on issues such as terrorism, economy, trade and connectivity. BIMSTEC stands for Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation. BIMSTEC member countries are Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. About BRICS BRICS is the acronym for an association of five major emerging national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. It was established in2009. Originally it was known as BRIC before the inclusion of South Africa in 2011. The first formal summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The BRICS members are all developing or newly industrialised countries and all five are G-20 members. They are distinguished by their large, fast-growing economies and significant influence on regional and global affairs.

26. The World Food Day is observed globally on 16 October to mark foundation of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945. Significance of Day: It aims to raise public awareness about hunger challenges and encourage people around the world to take action in the fight against hunger. 2016 Theme: “Climate is changing. Food and agriculture must too”. It highlights the issue of food security related to climate change. It calls adopting sustainable practices for growing more food with less area of land and use natural resources wisely. Background: The World Food Day was established in November 1979 by FAO’s Member Countries at the 20th General Conference of FAO to raise awareness of the issues behind poverty and hunger. For the first time it was celebrated on 16 October 1981 and the idea of celebrating the WFD worldwide was mooted by Hungarian Delegation to FAO. About Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) FAO is an agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Its parent organization is UN Economic and Social Council (UNESC). It is neutral forum serving both developed and developing countries where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. Established: 16 October 1945. Headquarters: Rome, Italy. Motto: “Let there be bread“. Members: 194 member states, along with the European Union (member organization) FAO meet the demands posed by major global trends in agricultural development and challenges faced by member nations. It helps countries in transition modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security for all.

27. The K.S. Valdiya committee in its report submitted to the Union Water Resources Ministry has concluded that Saraswati River so far considered mythical, existed. The committee comprising of geologists, archaeologists and hydrologists say that they have found evidence of the course of the river Saraswati. Earlier, River Saraswati was considered as a mythological river and has been mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures like the Rig Veda, Ramayana, Mahabharata and others giving credence that it existed during those times. Committee found that Saraswati River originated in the Himalayas. It was approximately 4,000 km in length and flowed through India and Pakistan before meeting Arabian Sea through Rann of Kutch. Two-third stretch of river measuring nearly 3000 km in length fell in India and reaming one-third of the river stretch fell in present-day Pakistan. The river had two branches viz. (i) Western Branch: It represented by the Himalayan-born Satluj River of the past which flowed through the channels of present-day Ghaggar-Patialiwali rivulets. (ii) Eastern Branch: Palaeochannels (remnants of defunct rivers) Sarsuti-Markanda rivulets in Haryana were courses of eastern branch of river, known as Tons-Yamuna. The confluence of the branches was near Shatrana, 25 km south of Patiala. From this confluence point river flow crossed dessert (Rann of Kutch) and meet gulf of western sea. What is basis for conclusion? The conclusion of the expert committee was based on the six-month research. During the research the committee had came across an unique palaeochannel (path abandoned by river when it changes course) relating to present Sarsuti, Ghaggar, Nara and Hakra rivers They also had studied piles of sediments, their features and shapes which appeared to have been brought by the big river and were considered reminiscent to ones found in present-day Ganga, Ghaggar and Yamuna.

28. India has signed a defence deal worth nearly Rs 39,000 crore with Russia to purchase five state of art S-400 ‘Triumf’ air defence systems. Besides, India also announced to collaborate in making four stealth frigates and setting up a joint production facility for making Kamov helicopters under Make in India. In this regard, inter-governmental agreements (IGAs) were signed between both countries following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the 8th BRICS Summit in Goa. What is S-400 ‘Triumf’ Air Defence System? An S-400 ‘Triumf’ long-range air defence missile system is one of the most advanced long-range defence systems in the world. It is referred to as SA-21 Growler by NATO. It is an upgraded version of the S-300 defence system and is manufactured by Almaz-Antey. It has been in service in Russia since 2007. It is capable of firing three types of missiles. Thus, it creates a layered defence, and simultaneously engaging 36 targets. It has capability to destroy incoming all airborne targets at ranges of up to 400 km. With it, India can destroy Pakistani aircrafts even when they are in their airspace. The five S-400 systems will be operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). India is the second export customer, after China to purchase this most advance defence system. Ka-226T helicopters Kamov 226T is a light multipurpose helicopter designed for work in difficult conditions like high mountains, hot climate and marine areas. It allows for reconnaissance, monitoring, targeting and transportation. It also boasts of incredibly precise hovering ability, excellent maneuverability and high safety standards. The helicopters will be made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with Russian cooperation under Make In India. It will replace the aging Cheetah and Chetak choppers. After induction, Kamov helicopters will operate at 20,000 feet and alsol help to maintain the forward posts on the Siachen glacier. Frigates India and Russia will built four stealth frigates which will be improved versions of Krivak or Talwar class stealth frigates Two frigates will be built in Russia and other two will be constructed at an Indian shipyard with Russian cooperation.

29. Russian consortium led energy giant Rosneft Oil Company has agreed to acquire India’s second biggest private oil firm Essar Oil in an all-cash deal valued at about US $13 billion. The consortium includes Rosneft Oil Company, Netherlands-based commodities trader Trafigura and private investment group United Capital Partners. The business transaction was announced in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 8th BRICS Summit in Goa. Under this deal Rosneft bought a 49% stake in Essar Oil’s refinery, port and petrol pumps, while Trafigura Group Pte and United Capital Partners split 49% equity equally. It includes $10.9 billion for Essar Oil’s Vadinar refinery (India’s second-largest refinery with a capacity of 20 million tonnes) and $2 billion for a port terminal that helps feed refinery. It also includes Essar Oil’s debt of $4.5 billion and about $2 billion debt with the Port Company and power plant. What is significance of the deal? This acquisition is the largest ever foreign acquisition in India and also is the single largest foreign investment in the Indian refining sector It is Russia’s largest outbound or foreign acquisition deal. It significant milestone for Rosneft as it is entering India, one of the most promising and fast-growing world markets. With this, Rosneft becomes third international player after Royal Dutch and Shell and British Petroleum to enter Indian fuel retailing market. It also proves the attractiveness of the Indian energy market to foreign investors as India is one of the fastest growing fuel consuming economies in the world How India and Russia will benefit? It will also help to strengthen the existing ties between Russia, one of world’s largest oil producer and India, one of the world’s fastest growing fuel consumer. Russia is keen to deepen its Soviet-era economic ties with India at a time when its own economy is stagnant and is hit by Western sanctions over the Crimean crisis. About Essar Group Essar Group is an Indian conglomerate led by Shashi Ruia and Ravi Ruia. It controls number of world-class assets diversified across the core sectors of Energy, Metals & Mining, Infrastructure and Services. It also occupies a strategic position in the global oil market and owns world-class refining and infrastructure assets.

30. India and Russia have signed 16 agreements across diverse sectors including in defence, infrastructure, energy, space, ship building sectors etc. They were signed following delegation-level talks co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 17th India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit in Goa. Some of the signed agreements are Agreement on cooperation in International Information Security. MoU for expansion of bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Shareholder agreement for establishing a Joint Venture to manufacture Ka-226T helicopter in India. MoU for developing smart cities in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana and for developing transport logistics systems for such cities. MoU between Gazprom and Engineers India Limited (EIL) for the joint study of a gas pipeline to India from Russia and other areas of cooperation. Cooperation Agreement between Rosneft Oil Company and ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) in the area of Education and Training. MoU for setting up an investment fund of $1 billion by the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). MoU for Cooperation between Russian and Indian Railways in increasing the speed of trains between Nagpur- Hyderabad/ Secundrabad. MoU between ROSCOSMOS and ISRO on Mutual Allocation of Ground Measurement Gathering Stations for NAvIC and GLONASS. Inter-governmental agreements (IGAs) for the procurement of S-400 Air Defence System and construction of 1135.6 series of frigates. MoU between India’s Department of Science and Technology and Russia’s Federal Agency for Scientific Organisations.

31. Union Government has launched Mining Surveillance System (MSS), a pan-India surveillance network to check illegal mining using latest satellite technology. MSS is a satellite-based monitoring system which aims to check illegal mining activity through automatic remote-sensing detection technology in order to establish a regime of responsive mineral administration. Mining Surveillance System (MSS) Developed by Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) in coordination with Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG), Gandhinagar. One of the first such surveillance systems developed in the world using space technology. It has been developed under the Digital India Programme. Why there is need of such system? There are in total 3843 mining leases of major minerals across India, out of which 1710 are working mines and 2133 are non-working mines. Presently, there is absence of robust mechanism of monitoring of illegal mining activity. Current system of monitoring is completely based on local complaints and unconfirmed information which is not transparent and quicker response and action. How MSS works? In the MSS, Khasra maps of mining leases have been geo-referenced and are superimposed on latest satellite remote sensing scenes obtained from CARTOSAT & USGS. It has capacity to check any unusual activity such illegal mining at a region of 500 meters around the existing mining lease boundary. It has been incorporated with automatic software which leverages image processing technology to generate automatic triggers of unauthorized activities. These automatic triggers will be studied at a Remote Sensing Control Centre of IBM and then transmitted to the district level mining officials for field verification. Besides, a user-friendly mobile app also has been created for these officials to submit compliance reports of their inspections. The mobile app aims to establish a participative monitoring system in which the citizens also can use this app and report unusual mining activity. MSS also has an executive dashboard to work as a decision support system. Using it officials at all levels can track the current status of mapping of the mining leases, status of inspections and penalty levied etc. for all major mineral mining leases across the country. Advantages of remote sensing technology based monitoring system Transparent as public will be provided an access to the system. Deterrence Effect as continues monitoring will be from space. Bias-free and Independent as the system is based on technology evidences and has no human interference. Quicker Response and Action as the mining areas will be monitored regularly and the sensitive areas will be monitored more frequently. Effective Follow-up as action will be taken on triggers that will be followed-up and monitored at various levels

32. Brazil has won the inaugural BRICS U-17 Football Tournament 2016 held at Goa on the occasion of the 8th BRICS hosted in India. In the final match, Brazil defeated South Africa by 5-1 goals. For Brazil goals were scored by Paulo Henrique Samapaio Filho (24th Minute), Vinicius de Oliveira (34th minute), Victor de Oliveira (40th & 61st minute). For South Africa only goal was scored by S’miso Bophela . Earlier in the match for the third place between Russia and China, Russia had defeated China by 2-1 goals.

33. The second edition of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (RSM)-2016 was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts in New Delhi. The 10-day event aims to showcase the rich cultural heritage of India in all its rich and varied dimensions.