WBCS Current Affairs 05/11/2016 to 10/11/2016

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1. The first International Agrobiodiversity Congress (IAC) held in New Delhi has adopted New Delhi Declaration on Agrobiodiversity Management. In the declaration, 900 participants from 60 countries have urged researchers and policy-makers to strengthen and promote complementary conservation strategies to conserve and use agrobiodiversity. Key Features of Declaration Agrobiodiversity Conservation: Nations must accord top priority to the agrobiodiversity conservation and their sustainable use towards achieving targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) relating to poverty alleviation, food and nutritional security, good health, gender equity and partnership.

2. The Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has launched of Pradhan Mantri Yuva Yojana (PMYY) to scale up an ecosystem of entrepreneurship for youngsters. The scheme was launched by Union Minister of State(I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy to mark 2nd Foundation Day of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Key Facts PMYY is MSDE’s flagship scheme on entrepreneurship education and training. The scheme spans over five years (2016-17 to 2020-21) with a project cost of 499.94 crore rupees. It will provide entrepreneurship education and training to over 7 lakh students in 5 years through 3,050 institutes. It will provide easy access to information and mentor network, incubator, credit and accelerator and advocacy to create a pathway for the youth. The institutes under the PMYY include 2,200 institutes of higher learning (colleges, universities, and premier institutes), 500 ITIs, 300 schools and 50 entrepreneurship development centres through Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).

3. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched Healthy India Initiative magazine and No More Tension mobile App. It was launched by Union Health Minister J P Nadda for promotion of health and to strengthen the health communications programmes. Key Facts Healthy India Magazine: It will be a quarterly magazine. It will cater to health related information and raise awareness about healthy living. The magazine will cover different aspect of health including women and child health, elderly health, daily nutritional needs, seasonal ailments, safe medication practices and home remedies for healthy living. No More Tension App: It will help users to manage stress and will also provide information regarding stress, symptoms and its management. The application will allow user to measure their stress level and learn various techniques like yoga and meditation to reduce stress from their lives.

4. The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has launched Smart India Hackathon 2017. It is the world’s largest digital national building initiative. Through this initiative, HRD Ministry is keen to reach out to all technology institutions in the country and challenge students to offer innovative solutions to some of the daunting problems faced by our nation. Key Facts The Hackathon aims to find digital solutions by harnessing creativity and technical expertise of over 30 lakh students from technology institutes in remotest parts of India. Besides, it seeks to spark several institute-level hackathons countrywide and help build a funnel for ‘Startup India, Standup India’ campaign. It is joint initiative of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), University Grants Commission (UGC), MyGov, NASSCOM, i4c, Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhiniand Persistent Systems. It will find digital solutions to problems in the areas of education, health, water, power, agriculture, finance, urban & rural development, energy, aviation & shipping, transport, sanitation, law & justice, sports, skill development & entrepreneurship, textiles, tourism, defence etc. The initiative will help to institutionalize a model for harnessing the creativity and skills of youth for nation-building. The Hackathon will have nearly 500 problem statements in all and will be published on innovate.mygov.in. In the first set of 250 problem statements were unveiled.

5. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued the Clarifications on hedging for External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) in a bid to effectively address currency risk at the systemic level. The Clarifications were issued by RBI under section 10(4) and 11(1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999. What are External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)? ECBs are commercial loans borrowed from foreign sources for financing the commercial activities in India. It may be bank loans, securitised instruments, buyers’ credit, suppliers’ credit, foreign currency convertible bonds, etc. It should be noted that ECBs are not FDI. In case of FDI, foreign money is used only to finance the equity Capital. But in case ECBs, foreign money is used to finance any kind of funding other than equity. What hedging means? Hedging is an investment mechanism to cut the risk of adverse price movements in an asset. Usually, a hedge involves taking an offsetting position in a related security. Highlights of the Clarifications The ECB borrower will be required to cover both principal as well as coupon payments through the hedges done, starting from the day of borrowing. The hedging period will be for the entire life of the liability with a minimum 1 year rollover option. It will be ensuring that the total exposure is not unhedged at any point of time. The borrower has to hedge in such a manner that the projected cash flows match the expectation of the borrowers irrespective of the fluctuations in the foreign currency. The designated banks will have the responsibility of verifying that 100% hedging requirement is complied with.

6. Real estate mogul-turned politician and Republican Party candidate Donald Trump (70) was elected as 45th President of United States of America (USA). He will be the first President of USA without political experience since Dwight D. Eisenhower (34th President). Besides, he will oldest first term President of USA. He will succeed Barack Obama and is scheduled to take office as the President of the USA on 20 January 2017. Background In the 2016 Presidential elections, Donald Trump gained 48% of the votes and 279 votes in the Electoral College to defeat Democrat Party opponent Hillary Clinton who gained 47% votes. Hillary Clinton had created history in this election by becoming the first woman to top the presidential ticket of a major US political party. About Donald Trump Born as Donald John Trump on June 14, 1946 in New York City, New York, United States. He is the chairman and president of Trump Organisation, a principal holding company for his real estate ventures and other business interests. He had joined his father’s company in 1968 after graduating in economics from University of Pennsylvania. In 1971, he took control of company and renamed it Trump Organisation. As of 2016, Forbes Magazine had listed him as the 324th wealthiest person in the world and 156th in the US. He owns the Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss USA Teen beauty pageants. In 1987, he had released his book Trump: The Art of the Deal.

7. The Union Cabinet has approved India-Japan Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for advancement of academic research in the field of Earth Sciences. The MoU will be signed between Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) and the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences. Key facts The prime objective of the MoU is for the advancement of academic research in the field of Earth Sciences for the benefit of the peace and human welfare. It will help to enhance needed exposure and hands-on experience to Indian scientists in the field of atmospheric and climate research, ocean technology observation and hazard mitigation. The cooperation between both countries under this MoU will be pursued primarily through joint survey, exchange of scientific visits, cruise and R&D activities, joint scientific seminars, workshops and meetings or exchange of information and data.

8. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in three districts of Arunachal Pradesh. These districts are Tirap, Changlang and Longding. They have been “disturbed area” under Section 3 of the AFSPA. Why AFSPA has been extended in these districts? The Naga underground factions including National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah)/ NSCN-IM and NSCN (Khaplang)/NSCN-K continue to indulge in extortion, area domination, recruitment of locals and inter-factional rivalry in these districts. Background The NSCN-IM had entered into a ceasefire agreement with India in 1997 after decades of violence. It is the largest group representing the Nagas. It is demanding a “Greater Nagalim” or a contiguous land for Nagas, across the north-eastern states of Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Mizoram. The NSCN-K (now banned ground) had unilaterally abrogated the ceasefire in March 2015 but NSCN-IM continues to be in a ceasefire pact with the Union Government. Earlier in August 2015, the Union Government had signed a ‘framework agreement’ with NSCN-IM to find a final solution to the six-decade-old Naga issue. What is Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)? The Parliament had enacted AFSPA in 1958 to confer special powers upon the armed forces in disturbed areas declared under the Act. It provides army officers and jawans legal immunity for their actions in disturbed areas. Under this act, a member of the Indian armed forces cannot be prosecuted or tried in any criminal or civil court for any act committed by him or her while performing duty in a disturbed area. Moreover, no court or quasi-judicial body can question the government’s decision to declare any area disturbed. Presently, the AFSPA is in force in Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Manipur (except Imphal municipal area), Arunachal Pradesh (in above 3 districts plus a 20-km belt bordering Assam) and Meghalaya ( along 20-km area bordering Assam). Why provisions of AFSPA are objectionable? It is necessary for a part of State to be handed over to the armed forces is for the Governor or the Central Government to notify it to be in a “disturbed and dangerous” condition. Even a non-commissioned officer of the armed forces is free, on the mere suspicion of violation of the law or commission of an offence, to fire upon or otherwise use force, even to the causing of death, against any person. He can also without any warrant, arrest any person and enter and search any premises. No prosecution of anyone indulging in excesses purporting to act under AFSPA is possible except with the previous sanction of the Government.

9. India’s first eco-friendly liquefied natural gas (LNG)-driven bus was launched in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The first pilot run of the eco-friendly bus was jointly flagged off by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Key Facts The LNG-driven bus was rolled out as part of the Centre’s plans to use LNG. Thus, it opens new chapter in the country’s transport sector which moves towards clean fuel. The project has been a joint effort of Petronet LNG Limited (PLL), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOL) and Tata Motors Ltd. As it is a pilot project, the LNG-driven bus will run on a trial basis and later after certification it will be launched for commercial application. Benefits of LNG LNG is considered to be a cleaner and safer fuel which emits 50% less carbon, for mass transportation. It eco-friendly and more economical compared to diesel for public transportation.

10. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued new series of notes for 500 rupees and 2,000 rupees denomination with improved features and newer sizes. These new series of notes was issued following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes now in use will no longer be legal tender. Key Facts Both the designs of 500 rupees and 2,000 rupees notes is very friendly towards the visually-impaired by having features which make it accessible for all sections. 2,000 rupees note: It will be for the first time 2,000 rupees note denomination has been issued. It will be called as the ‘Mahatma Gandhi (New) Series’. The base colour of the note is magenta. Size of the new note is 66mm*166mm. It has a motif of the Mangalayan, the low-cost mission of ISRO to Mars on the reverse side and Mahatma Gandhi on front side. 500 rupee note: It has different colour, size, theme, design and location of security features compared to the old notes. It has portrait and electrotype watermarks. It will be in a stone grey in colour. The motif Delhi’s Red Fort is on reverse side and Mahatma Gandhi on front side. Size of the new note is 63mm*150mm.

11. The Union Government has appointed Praveen Kumar Sharma as the Central Registrar (CR), Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI). He was appointed by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) for the tenure of three years. Prior to this appointment he was Sharma General Manager at State Bank of India (SBI). About Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest of India (CERSAI) CERSAI is a central online security interest registry of India. It is a Government company licensed under section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956. Its headquarters is in New Delhi. It was primarily created to check frauds in lending against equitable mortgages, in which people would take multiple loans on the same asset from different banks CERSAI provides the platform for filing registrations of transactions of securitization, asset reconstruction and security interest by the banks and financial institutions. Any person can also search and inspect the records maintained by the registry on payment of prescribed fees.

12. The Union Government has announced that Rs. 500, Rs. 1,000 notes will cease to be legal tender. It was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a surprise address to nation. The demonetisation drive of these two currency units was taken to root out the menace of black money, corruption and fake currency from the country. The currency notes of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 rupee will remain unaffected by this decision and remain legal tender. Key Facts Persons holding old 500, Rs. 1,000 notes must deposit these notes in their bank or post office accounts from 10th November till 30th December 2016 without any limit. Those who are not able to deposit 30th December 2016 can go to the specified offices of RBI up to 31st March 2017 and deposit the notes after submitting a declaration form. However, for immediate needs, old 500, Rs. 1,000 notes can be exchanged in any bank, head post office or sub post office by showing identity proof like Aadhaar card, voter card, ration card, passport, PAN card or other approved proofs. The limit for such exchange will be four thousand rupees till 24th November, and will increase from 25th November till 30th December 2016. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will issue new 500 and Rs. 2,000 notes from 10 November 2016. There will no restrictions of any kind on non-cash payments by cheques, demand drafts, debit or credit cards and electronic fund transfer. What is Demonetisation? It is an act of stripping a currency unit of its status as legal tender. Demonetization is mandatory whenever there is a change of national currency. In this process, the new currency unit replaces the old unit of currency which is retired. Demonetisation in India This is not the first time the Government or the RBI has demonetised currency in India. For the first time in January 1946, Rs 1,000 and Rs 10,000 banknotes were demonetised. However, these two denominations were reintroduced in 1954 along with currency notes of Rs 5,000. But all these three denominations were again demonetised in January 1978. The RBI more recently in 2014, had demonetised all banknotes printed before 2005.

13. China has decided to once again block India’s bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership ahead of plenary meet of NSG in Vienna, Austria. Earlier, China along with few other member countries of NSG had blocked India’s membership proposal in the plenary meet of NSG in Seoul, South Korea in June 2016. What is Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)? NSG is an elite group or cartel of countries concerned with reducing nuclear proliferation by controlling the export and re-transfer of materials that may be used for development of nuclear weapons. It was set up in 1974 as a reaction to India’s first successful nuclear tests (code name Smiling Buddha conducted on 18 May 1974) to stop so called misuse of nuclear material meant for peaceful purposes. NSG’s members are allowed to trade in and export nuclear technology. Currently, NSG has 48 members (including China) and works by consensus. What are benefits for India by joining NSG? NSG membership will be a significant boost for India which is seeking to expand its atomic energy sector. It will pave the way for India to access to the advance technology for a range of uses from medicine to building nuclear power plants. With this advance technology, India can commercialize the production of nuclear power equipment which will in turn boost innovation and high tech manufacturing in India. It will give big boost to Make in India programme and exports as India will have ability to offer its own nuclear power plants to the world. It will make domestic nuclear industry companies comply with international norms and make it easier for them to trade in international market. It will help realise India’s commitment to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and reduce burden of oil and gas for energy security. It will also help to realise India’s commitment to reduce dependence on fossil fuels to meet its commitment to tackle the issue of the climate change. Besides, it will recognition to India’s clean record track record in nuclear non-proliferation without being signatory of non-Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) . What is China’s concern? China says that India’s membership and also of Pakistan will be considered only after rules for the entry of non-Nuclear Proliferation Treaty (NPT) countries is finalised by the elite group. It supports the notion of the two-step approach within the NSG to address the question of membership. The first stage includes reaching agreement on a non-discriminatory formula applicable to all the non-NPT states and in second stage to take up country-specific membership issues. Comment China is using India’s membership bid as a bargaining card for its membership to the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) which has been blocked by Western countries over the concerns about China’s export control standards. Even, China had supported Pakistan’s membership bid (applied May 2016) to counter India’s bid. However, many NSG members opposed Pakistan’s membership bid because of its poor track record.

14. Indian archaeologists are planning to use Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology to survey the archaeological evidence, flora and fauna in the ancient Rajgir hills in Bihar.

15. The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has put hold its order imposing a oneday ban on Hindi channel NDTV India. Earlier, the ministry had imposed oneday ban (on November 9) on NDTV India over its live coverage of the Pathankot terror attack, violating Programme/Advertising Code. Opposition parties and media bodies have criticised arbitary punitive decision of the Union Government saying this was tantamount to an assault on media freedom. What is the issue? An Inter-ministerial Committee (IMC) had found that NDTV India channel had violated the provisions of the programme code, specifically, clause (rule) 6 (1) (p) of the code, in its live coverage of the Pathankot terrorist attack on 4 January 2016. The live coverage by the channel may have given away sensitive information and could have helped the terrorists.

16. NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) mission has set the Guinness world record for highest altitude fix of a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal. The four MMS satellites operating in a highly elliptical orbit around Earth has set the record at 70,006.4 kilometres above the surface of the Earth. About Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Mission NASA’s MMS mission is an unmanned space mission to study the Earth’s magnetosphere, using four identical satellites flying in a tetrahedral or pyramid formation. Objectives: The mission launched in March 2015 aims to map magnetic reconnection, a process that occurs as the sun and Earth’s magnetic fields interact. Understanding causes of magnetic reconnection is important for understanding phenomena of auroras on Earth, flares on surface of sun, and areas surrounding black holes. The mission is also designed to gather information about the microphysics of energetic particle acceleration and turbulence, processes that occur in many astrophysical plasmas. Significance: When these satellites are closest to Earth, they move at up to 35,405 km/hour, making them the fastest known operational use of a GPS receiver. These satellites operate in a highly elliptical orbit around Earth and incorporate GPS measurements into their precise tracking systems. This system which require extremely sensitive position and orbit calculations to guide tight flying formations. Achievements: Earlier in 2016, MMS had achieved the closest flying separation of a multi-spacecraft formation with only 7.2 km between the four satellites. The mission still in the first year of its prime mission is giving scientists new insight into Earth’s magnetosphere. What is magnetosphere? Magnetosphere is the region of space surrounding an astronomical object in which charged particles are controlled by that object’s magnetic field. The magnetic field near the surface of many astronomical objects resembles that of a dipole. The field lines of the magnetic field significantly distort the flow of electrically conducting plasma emitted from a nearby star (e.g. In case of Earth, the solar wind from the Sun).

17. The 128th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Bharat Ratna Sir CV Raman was observed on November 7, 2016.His discovery of Raman Effect had earned him the 1930 Nobel Prize for Physics. In 1954, he was honoured him with India’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna. He was the first recipient of the Bharat Ratna along with politician C. Rajagopalachari, philosopher Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. National Science Day is observed every year in India on February to mark the discovery of Raman Effect. What is Raman Effect? Some part of light beam after passing through a transparent medium gets scattered. This phenomenon of scattering of light is termed as Raman Scattering and the cause of scattering is called the Raman Effect. The wavelength of these scattered rays is different from that of the incident rays of light.

18. The 7th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP7) to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) started in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. It is for the first time India is hosting COP meeting of FCTC. It is the world’s biggest convention on tobacco control policy in which 180 countries are participating. It was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J.P Nadda and was attended by Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena. What is WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC)? The FCTC is the world’s first public health treaty under the World Health Organisation (WHO). It provides a new legal dimension for international cooperation in healthcare in combating the tobacco epidemic. It has successfully helped to co-ordinate and energize the global struggle against tobacco. It is considered as one of the most widely embraced treaties in the history of WHO and UN. It is an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms the right of all people to the highest standard of health and was developed in response to globalization of tobacco epidemic. Under it, the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products was adopted to address the increasing illegal trade in tobacco products in November 2012. Currently, it has 13 Parties and shall come in force 90 days after 40 Parties ratify it. What is Conference of the Parties (COP)? The COP is the FCTC’s governing body and is comprised of all 180 Parties. The regular sessions of COP are held at two yearly intervals. It regularly reviews the implementation of the Convention and takes action to promote its effectiveness. India’s challenges Tobacco use kills around 6 million people a year globally and the cost to treat tobacco-related diseases is whopping $22 billion. In case of India, there are nearly 275 million tobacco users and close to one million deaths every year due to its direct or indirect use. Preventive steps taken India is pushing for stricter control on smokeless tobacco. In India, implementation of 85% pictorial warnings on cigarette packets has been mandatory. The new Juvenile Justice Act makes sale of tobacco products to minors punishable offence with 7 years of rigorous imprisonment.

19. World first hydrogen-powered and zero-emission passenger train named as Coradia iLint was unveiled in Germany. The first of its kind ecofriendly train has been developed by French rail company Alstom.

20. Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur have claimed to discover evidence of lost river Chandrabhaga in Odisha. Earlier, KS Valdiya led expert committee had found out that Saraswati River did exist and flowed through India and Pakistan before meeting Arabian Sea through Rann of Kutch. Chandrabhaga River It is an ancient mythical river believed to have existed at a distance of about two km from the 13th century Sun Temple at Konark (built by King Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty in 1255 CE.), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Odisha. It has been mentioned prominently in ancient literature. Besides, almost all lore regarding Konark, including illustrations and photographs, indicate presence of the river in proximity of temple.

21. As per recently released report, India has was ranked second in the global business optimism index during the third quarter (July-September 2016). It was revealed by the Grant Thornton International Business Report. India has improved its ranking by one spot in the index. The report was prepared on the basis of a quarterly conducted global business survey of 2,500 businesses across 36 economies. Earlier in second quarter (April-June 2016) India was ranked third after being on top for two consecutive quarters. Key Facts In the report Indonesia took the top spot and Philippines was placed third after India. India was able to improve its rank because of policy reforms and adaptation of Goods and Services tax (GST). The improvement clearly reflects that the reform agenda of the government and its efforts on improving the climate for doing business are having an impact. Globally, business optimism stands at net 33%, rising 1 percentage point from the previous quarter but has failed by 11 percentage points over the year.

22. India and Sri Lanka have agreed to set up a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Fisheries and hotline between their Coast Guards to address long-standing issue of fishermen from Tamil Nadu. These mechanisms aim to help find a permanent solution to the fishermen issues. The decision in this regard taken during talks between Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera in New Delhi. The JWG on Fisheries will meet every three months beginning January 2017 while the Ministers of Fisheries on both sides would meet every six months along with Naval representatives and Coast Guard to discuss the protracted issue. Terms of reference of the JWG Expediting the transition towards ending the practice of bottom trawling at the earliest. Framing procedures for returning fishermen arrested by both sides . Possibility of joint patrolling. However, both sides failed to resolve the issue of their seized boats which has been an emotive issue in Tamil Nadu. This issue will be discussed at the first JWG meeting. What is the issue? The fishermen issue continues to be a major irritant in the India-Lanka ties. This issue has a socio-economic dimensions, livelihood and humanitarian dimension and wants a long term solution to the problem. Sri Lanka’s Position: It accuses Indian fishermen of straying into its territorial waters. It wants Indian fishermen to immediately end to bottom trawling, a practice that depletes the ocean’s resources. It also has refused to return more than 100 trawlers seized since 2014. India’s Position: Fishermen from Tamil Nadu are only fishing in their traditional areas, especially around Katchatheevu, an islet ceded to Sri Lanka in 1974.

23. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first International Agro-biodiversity Congress in New Delhi. The 4-day Congress (from November 6 to 9, 2016) will be attended by 900 delegates from 60 countries to discuss conservation of genetic resources. What is Agrobiodiversity? Agrobiodiversity is defined as the variety and variability of plant, animals and micro-organism that are used directly or indirectly for food and agriculture. It includes all species that are closely inter-woven in an agricultural ecosystem. India is one of the most diverse countries in the world possessing unique crop and animal diversity. It covers only 2.4% of the world’s land area and yet it harbours 7-8% of all recorded species, including over 45,000 species of plants and 91,000 species of animals. Key Facts The conference has been organised by the Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources and Biodiversity International, a CGIAR Research Centre headquartered in Rome, Italy. It will address the threats imposed by climate change and ways to achieve sustainable agriculture production. It may adopt ‘Delhi Declaration on Agrobiodiversity management and use’. It will lead to discussion and knowledge sharing on issues for efficient management of gene banks, crop diversification, science-led innovations in genetic resources, issues relating to quarantine, intellectual property rights and biosafety and biosecurity. It will also prepare a road map to enhance food, nutrition and health security by optimal utilisation of agrobiodiversity while protecting agro-ecosystems. It also seeks to develop a network of partnerships to strengthen biodiversity management system at national, regional and global levels.

24. The Indian Steel Association (ISA) has asked the Central Government not to impose any anti-dumping duty on Metallurgical Coke (met coke) fearing cost escalation of their products. A levy of anti-dumping duty on met coke will have a cost-push effect on the steel sector. It will fuel further the cost of steel making, resulting in an increase in the cost of finished steel. What is Metallurgical Coke? Metallurgical coke is made from low ash, low sulfur bituminous coal, with special coking properties. It is one of the most important and critical raw materials for the steel industry. The steel industry in India having large blast furnaces requires met coke with high ash content and moisture content of less than 5% to run efficiently. This demand is met through imports from other countries as the domestic met coke has low ash content and high moisture content along high phosphorous and sulpher content. What is the issue? The Union Ministry of Commerce had initiated anti-dumping investigation on import of low ash met coke from Australia and China in the year 2015. It had resulted in the sharp increase in the price of this key raw material with no signs of abating. Besides this, domestic steel industry is getting affected by the unbridled steel imports from countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, Russia at predatory prices.

25. Indian lawyer, Aniruddha Rajput (33) has been elected as a member International Law Commission (ILC), a top body of legal experts of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Rajput is among the 34 individuals elected by the UNGA as members of the ILC. He is India’s first time candidate to the Commission and youngest among the group. He is also the first Indian nominee chosen from outside the close circuit of lawyers of the Union Ministry of External Affairs.

26. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 12th edition of International Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition “Petrotech-2016” in New Delhi on 5 December 2016. The 2016 theme is “Hydrocarbons to fuel the future – Choices and Challenges”. 6000 delegates from about 75 countries are expected to attend the mega event. Key Facts PETROTECH is India’s flagship biennial international oil and gas conference and exhibition. It is Asia’s largest oil and gas event. The main theme of the forum is “Gas for Growth: Improving economic prosperity and living standards”. The forum seeks to increase the dialogue between Governments, Organisations and Companies in the global gas industry.

27. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has constituted a four-member team for conservation and management of Loktak Lake in Manipur. The team will visit Loktak Lake and hold discussions with the State government, its concerned agencies and other stakeholders including people living in the vicinity of the lake. Terms of reference of team are Review implementation of works undertaken with financial assistance provided by Union and State governments so far for the conservation and management of the lake. Suggest further interventions required for conserving the lake in a holistic manner. Enumerate steps required to be initiated for declaring Loktak Lake as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Identify actions and steps to be taken for increasing tourism potential of Loktak Lake. About Loktak Lake Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India and is famous for the phumdis floating over it. Phumdis are the heterogeneous mass of vegetation, soil and organic matter at various stages of decomposition. Keibul Lamjao National Park is also one of Phumdis in the lake. It is only floating national park in world and is last natural refuge of endangered Sangai deer. This ancient lake plays an important role in the economy of Manipur. It serves as a source of water for irrigation, drinking water supply and hydropower generation. Considering the ecological status and its biodiversity values, Loktak lake was initially designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention in 1990. Later it was also listed under the Montreux Record in 1993. Human activity has led to severe pressure on the lake ecosystem.

28. Construction major Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) became India’s first firm to get debt recast under RBI’s new Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A). The RBI-mandated Overseeing Committee (OC) under the S4A has approved HCC’s Rs. 5,000-crore debt recast passed by an ICICI Bank-led joint lender forum in September 2016. Under this debt recast of HCC 52% of the debt (nearly Rs. 2,600 crore) was found to be sustainable and can be serviced as per original terms and conditions, including about interest rate and tenure. Out of the remaining 48% (Rs.2,400 crore) debt, 1,000 crore debt will be converted into equity for banks, which could eventually give them 25% stake in the company’s post-scheme equity capital. The remaining debt of Rs. 1,400 crore would get converted into optionally convertible debentures to be issued to the lenders. These measures would now go for approval from HCC’s shareholders. What is Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets (S4A)? The RBI had launched S4A scheme to help resolve the corporate debt problem and strengthen the lenders’ ability to deal with stressed assets. Under this scheme, a company’s debt is bifurcated into two parts sustainable and unsustainable based on the cash flows of the company’s project. The sustainable debt cannot be less than 50% of existing debt and will have to be serviced over the same terms as that of existing facilities. The unsustainable debt can be converted into equity, Optionally Convertible Debentures or Redeemable Optionally Convertible Preference Share with clearly spelt out terms. Banks can sell this stake or equity to a new owner who will have the advantage of getting to run the business with a more manageable debt. Banks or lenders will formulate the resolution plan and implement the same along with necessary internal approvals. RBI mandated advisory body called Overseeing Committee (OC) will be constituted, which will review the resolution plans submitted by the Banks.

29. Indian Women’s hockey team has won the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy held in Singapore. It was the maiden win of Indian Women’s hockey team in Asian Champions Trophy. In summit clash held in Singapore, India defeated China by 2-1 goals. The first goal for India was scored by Deep Grace Ekka in the 13th minute which was equalised by China’s Zhong Mengling in the 44th minute. The second and winning goal was scored by Deepika Thakur that gave the India formidable lead to win the tournatment. About Asian Hockey Champions Trophy The Asian Hockey Champions Trophy is held annually by the Asian Hockey Federation since 2011. The tournament features the Asian Games top six field hockey teams competing in a round robin format. In women’s category, South Korea has won most titles for two times in 2010 and 2011.

30. India and United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction signed a Statement of Cooperation (SoC) of the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR). It was signed during the second day of the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) 2016 held in New Delhi. Features of the SoC The cooperation aims to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the SFDRR through Training and capacity building for Asian countries. It also seeks at promoting international and regional cooperation to reinforce political commitment. It facilitates knowledge sharing and strengthens the capacity of UNISDR for monitoring and review of the Sendai Framework. Underlines the guiding principles, objectives and areas of cooperation between India and UNISDR towards effective implementation and monitoring of SFDRR. India will partner with UNISDR to work towards strengthening the capacity of Asian countries in ensuring risk resilient development. It facilitates sharing of knowledge and experiences and collaborative efforts towards addressing critical regional challenges. About Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-30 SFDRR is an international Treaty that was approved by UN member states in March 2015 at the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai, Japan. It is a voluntary and non-binding treaty which recognizes that the UN member State has the primary role to reduce disaster risk. It has framework for 15-year i.e. 2015 to 2020. It calls for sharing the responsibility with other stakeholders including local government, the private sector and other stakeholders. It is successor of the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005–2015), which had been the most encompassing international accord on disaster risk reduction. It sets of common standards, a comprehensive framework with achievable targets, and a legally-based instrument for disaster risk reduction. It calls for adopting integrated and inclusive institutional measures for preventing vulnerability to disaster, increase preparedness for response and recovery and strengthen resilience. Four specific priorities of Sendai Framework: (i) Understanding disaster risk (ii) Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk (iii) Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience (iv) Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation.

31. The Union Government launched Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan (PMSMA) to provide free health check-ups to pregnant women at government health centres and hospitals. The Scheme was launched by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda in New Delhi. It was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat in June 2016. Key Features The national programme aims to provide pregnant ladies free ante-natal services (ANC) and required treatment for free on 9th of every month. Objectives of the scheme are (i) Provide healthy life to the pregnant women. (ii) Lowering the maternity mortality rate. (iii) Making pregnant women aware of their health issues and diseases. (iv) Making sure safe delivery and healthy life of the baby. The scheme is applicable only for the pregnant women in their pregnancy period of 3 to 6 months. It will provide all kinds of medical checkups completely free to pregnant women. These checkups will take place at the medical centres, government and private hospitals and private clinics across the country. These free of cost tests will include blood pressure, sugar level, weight, haemoglobin test, blood test and screening. Women will be marked differently using different colour stickers based on their health problems so that doctors can easily detect the problem. Different colour stickers will be Red Sticker for Serious patients, Blue Sticker for High blood pressure and Yellow Sticker for Other diseases.

32. The seventh edition of India-Bangladesh joint military exercise SAMPRITI-2016 has commenced to practise counter-terrorism and disaster-management operations. The 14-day (from 05 to 18 November 2016) joint military exercise will be held at Shaheed Salauddin Cantonment in Tangail, Dhaka (Bangladesh’s Capital).Earlier six editions of the exercise were hosted alternately by both countries. The first edition of the exercise in this series was held at Jorhat in Assam in 2010.

33. Latvia has become the first country in the Baltic Sea area to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to link up with China’s One Belt and One Road (OBOR) Initiative. The MoU was signed after Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s meeting with his Latvian counterpart Maris Kucinskis in Riga (capital of Latvia). It was Chinese Premier’s first visit to the European Union country. Besides, Latvia and China also singed five agreements on cooperation in such areas as small and medium-sized enterprises, transportation and logistics. What is China’s One Belt and One Road (OBOR) Initiative? OBOR initiative is China’s ambitious development strategy and framework that aims to boost its connectivity and trade across Asia, Africa and Europe. It comprises two components viz. the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. It was proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. OBOR initiative is part of China’s revived 21st century Silk Road diplomacy that seeks to push it to take a bigger role in global affairs as a major global power.

35. The sunrise state Andhra Pradesh has been ranked number one in the World Bank’s ‘Energy Efficiency Implementation Readiness’. The ranking of the states were released in the World Bank’s study report titled: ‘India’s State Level Energy Efficiency Implementation Readiness’. Key Facts Andhra Pradesh topped with overall score of 42.01 followed by Rajasthan (41.89), Karnataka (39.34) and Maharashtra (39.29). Kerala, Gujarat, Delhi (UT), Punjab, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh are the other states in the top ten ranking in that order. Andhra Pradesh topped the list by achieving an energy saving of 1,500 million units (MU) i.e. around 650 MW in two years through use of LED lighting. The World Bank study suggests adoption of achievable energy savings targets against the identified energy efficiency interventions. It also calls upon the states to endeavour to bring sector-specific energy efficiency policies with definite goals and time-bound action plans.

36. Technology giant Google has tied up with Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI) for 360 degree virtual tour of 280-odd monuments across the country. ASI has given its permission to Google for creating the virtual tour of the monuments which would be available in the Google maps. Some of the major monuments are Taj Mahal, Victoria Memorial and the ruins of Hampi. Of the total 280 monuments 30 are in West Bengal and eight are from Kolkata. About Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) The ASI is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the country. The prime objection of ASI is to maintain the archaeological sites, ancient monuments and remains of national importance. Headquarters: New Delhi. Established: 1861 by Alexander Cunningham. It regulates all archaeological activities as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It functions under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture. It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

37. The Union Government has announced that the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 which envisages supply of subsidised foodgrains has been implemented across the country. Announcement in this regard was made by Union Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan after last two remaining states Kerala and Tamil Nadu rolled out the NFSA from November 2016. Key Facts With this, now NFSA has been implemented in all States and Union Territories. As a result, 81.34 crore persons will get subsidised wheat at Rs. 2 per kg and rice at Rs. 3 per kg. At the current coverage, the monthly allocation of foodgrains to States and UTs under the Act is about 45.5 lakh tonnes. The subsidy implication of about Rs. 11,726 crore per month and it is overall about Rs. 1,40,700 crore per year. Now Union Government will focus on further reforms in the public distribution system (PDS) including end to end computerization in order to check leakages and diversion of foodgrains. About National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 The NFSA aims to provide subsidized food grains to approximately two thirds of the population (75% in rural areas and 50% in urban areas). It converts into legal entitlements for existing food security programmes of the Central Government. It includes the Midday Meal Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services scheme and the Public Distribution System. Grains like wheat, rice and coarse grain will be distributed at the subsidized price of 3 Rs. 3, Rs. 2 and Rs. 1. Pregnant women and lactating mothers and children are entitled to get meals under the prescribed nutrition by MDM and ICDS. NFSA 2013 will provide high nutrition food to the children from age group of 6 months to 14 years. Pregnant women and lactating mothers will be entitled to get maternity benefit of not less than Rs. 6,000

38. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued Guidelines for transparent bidding process for setting up of 1000 MW Wind Power Project connected to inter-state transmission system (ISTS). The guidelines have been issued for implementation of Scheme launched in June 2016 for providing power purchase agreements for electricity generated from 1,000-MW wind power projects. As per Guidelines Wind Power Projects will be selected through transparent and open competitive bidding followed by e-reverse auction for setting up of 1000 MW Wind Power Projects. The capacity these Wind Power Projects may go higher than 1000 MW, if there is demand from Buying Entities. Under this Scheme, Discoms of non-windy State/UTs and also the bulk consumers of any State/UTs who intend to buy 10 MW or more can buy wind power. The PTC India Ltd, trading company will sign Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with wind projects at bidded tariff and back-to-back Power Sale Agreement (PSA) with Buying Entities at a pooled price of the total bids selected. The term of PSA and PPA will be 25 years. Bidder can bid for a minimum capacity of 50 MW and maximum up to 250 MW. The selected bidder is required to injected wind power at ISTS interconnection point and will be also allowed to install 5% of additional rated capacity that will compensate auxiliary consumption and system losses up to interconnection point. Background The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) had launched a Scheme for setting up of 1000 MW ISTS connected Wind Power Project in June 2016. The objective of the Scheme is to encourage competitiveness through scaling up of project sizes and introduction of efficient and transparent e-bidding and e-auctioning processes. It seeks to facilitate fulfilment of Non-Solar Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO) requirement of non-windy states. Provisions also have been made in the Tariff Policy to waive the inter-state transmission charges and losses in order to facilitate transmission of wind power from these windy states to non-windy states.

39. The GST Council has finalised 4 tier Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate structure with a multiple-slab rates, including the cess for the new indirect tax regime. Thus, GST will be levied at multiple rates ranging from 0% to 28%. Decision in this regard was taken by the GST Council meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi. What are the outcomes of GST Council meeting? The four bands of tax rates have been fixed at 5%, 12%, 18% and 28%. Besides, another category of tax between 40% and 65% will be imposed on luxury goods like pan masala, tobacco products, aerated drinks and high-end cars. Nearly half of the consumer inflation basket goods including food grains, will be zero-rated (i.e. 0% GST) to insulate people from inflationary pressures. The lowest slab of 5% will be for items of common consumption. The bulk of the goods and services including fast-moving consumer goods will be included in two standard rates of 12% and 18%. The highest slab of 28% will include white goods and all those items on which current rate of incidence varies from 30-31%. Ultra luxuries, demerit and sin goods, will attract 28% GST along with a GST cess for a period of 5 years. The quantum of cess on each of these will depend on current incidence of tax. The revenue raised from the cess will be used to finance the compensations to States for the losses. This cess will have a sunset clause of five years. If the revenue raised from the cess is found to be in excess of the sums then GST Council will decide where to use the surpluses. The GST will subsume the multitude of cesses currently in place, including the Swachh Bharat Cess, Krishi Kalyan Cess and the Education Cess. Only the Clean Environment Cess will be retained and revenues from it will also fund the compensations. The GST Council was not able to take a call on the GST rate on gold. It will be finalised after the fitting to the approved rates structure of all items is completed.

40. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has completed the construction of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) after more than 20 years of work. JWST is the largest-ever space telescope is expected to launch in 2018 following the in-depth testing. It is bigger and more powerful than NASA’s operational Hubble Space Telescope. Key Facts James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a space telescope optimized for observations in the infrared. It is a planned to be launched in 2018 on an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana. It is the formal successor to the Hubble Space Telescope and the Spitzer Space Telescope. After its launch it will be the premier observatory of the next decade. JWST has been named after James E. Webb, former administrator of NASA. It was formerly known as the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST).

41. The Paris Agreement to combat climate change officially entered into force after 55 parties to the convention accounting for at least 55% of total GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions ratified it. The threshold for entry into force of the Paris Agreement was achieved on 5th October 2016. At present, 94 parties have ratified the convention. India was 62nd country to ratify it on 2 October 2016. What is Paris Agreement on Climate Change? It is an international climate deal to combat climate change. It facilitates enforcement of global GHGs reduction measures in the post-2020 i.e. in post Kyoto Protocol scenario. Under it, all countries must pursue to keep global temperature rising below 2°C by 2100 above pre-industrial levels with an ideal target of keeping temperature rise below 1.5°C. It forces developed countries to provide 100 billion dollars annually to the developing counterparts beginning in 2020 to deal with climate change. It empowers countries to determine how to cut their emissions but mandates that they report transparently on those efforts. Now what? The first session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA1) will take place in Marrakech (Morocco). It will be in conjunction with the COP 22 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) meeting that is starting from 7 November 2016 . The CMA1 meeting is expected to address matters relating to the implementation of the Paris Agreement like modalities, procedures and guidelines. It will also look at the status of ratification of the Paris Agreement.

42. Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to have a cyber-police station in each district to take on cyber criminals. In this regard, state government is converting 42 state-of-the-art cybercrime labs into cyber police stations simultaneously. Key Facts These cyber police stations will also be set up at police commissionerate and Range IG offices. Any offence related to cybercrime will be registered in these police stations at district level. Besides, additional cyber police stations will also be set up in some cities. Background The cyber-crime wing of Maharashtra government had proposed to set up 51 cyber-crime labs across the state take on cyber criminals. These included 34 labs at the district level, 7 labs at Inspector General’s offices, 9 labs at Commissioner of Police offices and 1 lab at the state police headquarters. Earlier in August 2016, state government had inaugurated 34 well equipped cyber labs in all districts. Why there is need to launch cyber police stations? In last few years, cyber-crime in Maharashtra has risen by a whopping 142.1%. Even cybercrime cases in tier-II cities and also in rural areas also have increased in Maharashtra. For the normal local police stations, tackling cyber-crimes is a daunting task owing to lack technical knowledge and of proper training. However, the cyber labs have trained manpower and modern equipment to deal with the new age crimes in the cyber world.

43. The first titanium project of India has started its test production Ganjam district of Odisha. The project has been established by Saraf Group. This is first of its kind titanium plant and the only one in the country. During the test run, one of its four furnaces became functional. Key Facts After inception, this plant is expected to produce 36,000 tons of titanium slag and 20,000 tons of pig iron per year. The raw material of the plant ilmenite would be procured from Odisha Sands Complex (OSCOM), a unit of Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) in Ganjam district of Odisha as well as a private company which has its unit in Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh. Earlier in August 2015, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had fully commissioned and started commercial production at the first indigenous Titanium Sponge Plant at Chavara in Kerala. This plant had commercially started producing Titanium Sponge exclusively for the space programme and strategic areas especially in aerospace and defence areas. With this commissioning India became the seventh country in the world producing Titanium sponge commercially.

44. Veteran Bollywood actress and Rajya Sabha MP Rekha will be honoured by the upcoming Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) with a Lifetime Achievement Award. She will be honoured for her 40-year career contribution and participation in more than 180 films. 2016 DIFF will commence on 7 December 2016 and will conclude on 14 December 2016.

45. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2016 Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) in New Delhi. The conference has been organised by Union Government in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). Key Facts 2016 AMCDRR will pave the way for implementation of the Sendai framework in the Asian region and will also devise a mechanism for monitoring its progress. About 2,000 foreign delegates, including ministers from 54 Asia Pacific countries will participate in the 2016 AMCDRR. 2016 AMCDRR will focus on consultation, collaboration and partnership with governments and stakeholders to mainstream Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the region. It will adopt the ‘Asian Regional Plan for Implementation of the Sendai Framework’ endorsed by the Asian countries.

46. The Union Government has imposed anti-dumping duty on imports of steel wire rods from China to protect domestic manufacturers from cheap in-bound shipments. In this regard, the Department of Revenue (DoR) has issued a notification mentioning that dumping duty has been imposed for six months. What is the case? The protectionist measures against cheap Chinese imports were taken based on the recommendation of Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties (DGAD). DGAD in its investigation had found that steel wire rods were being exported by China below normal value and the domestic industry suffered material injury because of such cheap imports. What are applications of steel wire rods? Wire rod of alloy or non-alloy steel finds applications in many sectors such as automotive components, fasteners, welding electrodes, binding wires for construction industry and armoured cables. What is anti-dumping duty? Anti-dumping duty is an import duty imposed by government on imported products which have prices less than their normal values or domestic price. Thus, it is protectionist and counter import measure used by a country under the multilateral World Trade Organisation (WTO) regime to protect its domestic producers and market from below-cost/cheap imports. It varies from product to product and from country to country. In India, anti-dumping duty to be levied is recommended by the Union Ministry of Commerce (i.e. by DGAD), while the Union Finance Ministry imposes it. So far, India has initiated maximum anti-dumping cases against “below-cost” imports from China.