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Current Affairs Today: Monthly PDF Compilation [May, 2018]

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Contents......................... . .....................................................................................

Current Affairs – May, 2018: Month Highlights 3 .............................................................................................................................................................. Current Affairs – May, 2018: Datewise Updates 16 ........................................................................................................................................................... May 1, 2018 16 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Sikkim’s Pawan Chamling becomes India’s longest-serving Chief Minister 16 ..................................................................................................... Government launches Pilot scheme Procurement of Aggregate Power of 2500 MW for 3 years 16 ............................................................ 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in Varanasi in January 2019 17 ................................................................................................................ HDFC Bank launches interactive humanoid IRA 2.0 in Bengaluru 17 ................................................................................................................... Harimau Shakti 2018: India and Malaysia joint military exercise begins 17 .......................................................................................................... GOBAR-DHAN Scheme launched to promote wealth and energy from waste 18 ............................................................................................. InSight: NASA to launch its first mission to study deep interior of Mars 18 ........................................................................................................

May 2, 2018 19 ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Government appoints Subhash Chandra Khuntia as new chairman of IRDAI 19 ................................................................................................ NDMA conducts workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction database 19 .................................................................................................................... 9th India-Japan Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi 20 ............................................................................................................................................ President to preside over PM-headed panel on Gandhi 150th birth Anniversary 20 .......................................................................................... 14 of Indian cities figure in World’s 20 most polluted cities list: WHO 20 ............................................................................................................ National Digital Communications Policy 2018: DoT releases draft Telecom policy 21 ...................................................................................... Core sector growth slows to 4.1% in March 2018 22 ............................................................................................................................................... South Western Command conducts Exercise Vijay Prahar in Rajasthan 23 ...........................................................................................................

May 3, 2018 24 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Manufacturing growth improves slightly in April 2018: PMI 24 ............................................................................................................................. Task Force on Establishment of CDRI submits report to MHA 24 ........................................................................................................................ Cabinet approves Restructuring of Indian Bureau of Mines 24 ............................................................................................................................... Cabinet approves accession to WHO protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products 25 ...................................................................... Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandan Yojana: Cabinet doubles investment limit for senior citizens 26 ....................................................................... Global warming driving harmful algae growth: Study 26 ......................................................................................................................................... Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana: Cabinet approves setting up of 20 AIIMS 26 ............................................................................. Cabinet approves ordinance to amend law for speedy disposal of commercial disputes 27 ............................................................................. India, US hold round 3 of Maritime Security Dialogue in Goa 27 .......................................................................................................................... India and France conduct final phase of Varuna naval exercise near Reunion Island 27 ....................................................................................

May 4, 2018 28 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... CCEA approves financial assistance to sugar mills for clearing cane dues of farmers 28 .................................................................................. 3 May: World Press Freedom Day 29 ............................................................................................................................................................................ CCEA renames Multi-sectoral Development Programme as Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram 29 ........................................................ FDI Confidence Index 2018: India ranks 11th 29 ........................................................................................................................................................ Green Revolution-Krishonnati Yojana: CCEA approves continuation of Umbrella Scheme in agriculture sector 30 .................................. CBDT inks 200th Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreement 31 ................................................................................................................................... India emerges as fifth largest military spender in 2017: SIPRI 32 ............................................................................................................................ Meteorological Department issues warning of another dust storm in UP, Rajasthan 33 .................................................................................... EPFO launches View Pension Passbook Service on Umang App 33 .......................................................................................................................

May 5, 2018 34 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... SWAYAM: Government notifies 75 National Resource Centres for Higher Education faculty 34 .................................................................. GST Council constitutes 2 Group of Ministers on digital payments and Cess on Sugar 34 ............................................................................. Namami Gange Programme: NMCG approves used of GIS technology 35 ......................................................................................................... APSTAR-6C: China launches communication satellite 35 ......................................................................................................................................... GST Council approves simplified tax return filing system 35 ................................................................................................................................... Government launches National Water Informatics Centre 36 .................................................................................................................................. GST Council approves converting GSTN into government owned entity 36 ...................................................................................................... First organised census of Indus Dolphins begins in Punjab 37 ................................................................................................................................. NITI Aayog ink SoI with IBM to develop Precision Agriculture using Artificial Intelligence 37 ......................................................................

May 6-7, 2018 37 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... GravityRAT: Malware allegedly designed by Pakistani hackers became stronger 37 ......................................................................................... InSight Mission: NASA launches robotic lander to explore Mars 38 ...................................................................................................................... Scientists identify key peptide to develop a vaccine for leptospirosis 39 ................................................................................................................ Western Ghats’ forests vital for monsoon rainfall in Tamil Nadu: Study 40 ........................................................................................................ Hidden reserves of water ice discovered under surface of moon 40 ...................................................................................................................... India to host 15th Asia Media Summit 41 ...................................................................................................................................................................... Border Roads Organisation celebrates 58th Raising Day 41 .....................................................................................................................................

May 8, 2018 41 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... First Apex Conference for CEOs of Smart Cities held in Bhopal 41 ....................................................................................................................... CBDT notifies Protocol amending DTAA between India and Kuwait 42 ............................................................................................................. NITI Aayog ink SoI with Google to help grow AI ecosystem in India 42 ............................................................................................................ Government to set up additional 100 One Stop Centres for women safety 43 ................................................................................................... Bhupathy’s shieldtail: New species of shieldtail snake discovered in Western Ghats 43 ..................................................................................... 3rd edition of UNPCAP held in New Delhi 43 ............................................................................................................................................................




POSHAN Abhiyaan: India inks $200 million loan agreement with World Bank 44 ........................................................................................... Google launches Android Things for IoT platform 44 .............................................................................................................................................. CSWRI scientists comes up with new sheep insemination technique 44 ............................................................................................................... Government to expand Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in Tribal Districts across country 45 ....................................................................................

May 9, 2018 45 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Business Optimism Index: India slips to 6th position globally in first quarter of 2018 45 ................................................................................. Arun-3 Hydropower Project: Nepal grants license to India’s Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd to generate power 45 ....................................... Naval Commanders’ Conference held New Delhi 46 ................................................................................................................................................ TRAI releases draft of telecom interconnection regulation 46 ................................................................................................................................. Asia Power Index: India ranks fourth in Asia-Pacific region 47 ............................................................................................................................... Madhya Pradesh launches India’s first Integrated Control and Command Centre for its smart cities 47 ..................................................... India, Guatemala ink MoU for expanding cooperation in diplomatic training 48 ............................................................................................... Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission approves modern animal-free testing for drugs 48 ..................................................................................

May 10, 2018 49 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... India’s installed clean energy capacity touched 70 GW: Government 49 ............................................................................................................. India to grow 7.4% in 2018: IMF’s Asia & Pacific Regional Economic Outlook report 49 .............................................................................. 15th Finance Commission forms constitutes advisory council over terms of reference issue 50 ..................................................................... President Donald Trump withdraws US from Iran nuclear deal 50 ....................................................................................................................... Government approves green licence plates for private electric vehicles 52 ........................................................................................................... Government launches Digital India Internship Scheme portal 53 ............................................................................................................................ Vijay Prahar exercise of Indian Army concludes in Suratgarh, Rajasthan 53 ......................................................................................................... Operation Insaniyat: India sends second relief consignment to Bangladesh for displaced Rohingyas 54 ....................................................... India, Panama sign two agreements 54 .........................................................................................................................................................................

May 11, 2018 55 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Stanford University to assist UP in combating chronic diseases 55 ......................................................................................................................... 6th US-India Aviation Summit held in Mumbai 55 ..................................................................................................................................................... IAF for first time successfully conducts online scheduled test for airmen recruitment 55 ................................................................................. May 11: National Technology Day 56 ............................................................................................................................................................................ Atal Tinkering Marathon: Top 30 Innovations showcased 56 ................................................................................................................................. Rythu Bandhu Scheme: Telangana government launches investment support scheme for farmers 57 ......................................................... Bangabandhu Satellite-1: Bangladesh’s first communication satellite to be launched by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 57 ........................................... SCO Tourism Ministers’ conference held in Wuhan, China 57 ...............................................................................................................................

May 12, 2018 58 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... World’s second oldest rock discovered in Odisha 58 ................................................................................................................................................. 12 May: International Nurse Day 58 ............................................................................................................................................................................... India, Nepal flag offs bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya under Ramayan Circuit 58 ....................................................................... India, Peru signs agreement in field of Renewable Energy 59 .................................................................................................................................. RBI puts Dena Bank under prompt corrective action 59 .......................................................................................................................................... Government to expand Buddhist tourism circuit to 21 more states 60 .................................................................................................................. US cancels NASA’s carbon monitoring project 60 .....................................................................................................................................................

May 13-14, 2018 60 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... India was world’s largest remittance-receiving country in 2017: Repot 60 .......................................................................................................... IMD to deploy 30 more doppler radars across India 61 ............................................................................................................................................ Type 001A: China’s first indigenous aircraft carrier begins sea trial 61 ................................................................................................................. ISRO developing environment-friendly propellant 62 ................................................................................................................................................ Indian Army finalises Rs. 15000 crore indigenous ammunition project 63 ........................................................................................................... Nepal to host 2018 BIMSTEC summit 63 .................................................................................................................................................................... UNDP to set up skill development centre in Hyderabad 64 ..................................................................................................................................... Government to link 200 more mandis to eNAM 64 .................................................................................................................................................

May 15, 2018 64 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Gender bias caused excess deaths of girls under 5: Study 64 .................................................................................................................................. Sulabh International founder Dr Bindeshwar Pathak honoured with Nikkei Asia Prize 65 .............................................................................. Three million new jobs by 2030 to offset employment loss due to rising heat: ILO Report 65 ...................................................................... Indian Army flags of Women Officers’ Mountaineering Expedition to Mt. Bhagirathi-Ii 66 ............................................................................ First all-woman Post Office Passport Seva Kendra starts operations in Phagwara, Punjab 66 ......................................................................... More tests required for release of GM mustard: GEAC 66 ...................................................................................................................................... China launches first India-dedicated investment fund 67 .......................................................................................................................................... 4 states, 1 UT sign MoUs for implementation of Ayushman Bharat scheme 67 ................................................................................................. 4th meeting of SAWEN held in Kolkata, India 68 ...................................................................................................................................................... Explained: Samarth Scheme 69 ....................................................................................................................................................................................... Government issues National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy 69 ....................................................................................................................................... Government launches full-fledged Green Skill Development Programme 70 ......................................................................................................

May 16, 2018 70 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... May 15: International Day of Families 70 ...................................................................................................................................................................... NTPC signs MoU with Bihar Government to improve performance of power sector in Bihar 70 ................................................................ India emerges third largest solar market in the world in 2017 71 ........................................................................................................................... Bharat Inclusion Initiative: IIM Ahmedabad unveils $25 million initiative to fund start-ups 71 ........................................................................ President inaugurates Integrated Centre for Crisis Management for CBRN emergencies at BARC 71 ..........................................................




Atal Pension Yojana’s subscriber base crosses 1 crore mark: PFRDA 72 ............................................................................................................... WHO launches REPLACE campaign to eliminate trans-fat in foods by 2023 72 ................................................................................................ First International Rail Coach Expo held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu 72 ....................................................................................................................

May 17, 2018 73 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Microhyla kodial: New frog species discovered in coastal Karnataka 73 ............................................................................................................... Cabinet approves setting up of Central University in Andhra Pradesh 73 ............................................................................................................. Cabinet approves establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation at Bhopal 73 .............................................................. Cabinet approves strengthening commercial disputes resolution mechanism of CPSEs 74 .............................................................................. Cabinet approves setting up of new AIIMS in Deoghar, Jharkhand 74 ................................................................................................................. BSE becomes first Indian stock exchange to get US SEC’s DOSM recognition 75 ............................................................................................ Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: Cabinet approves Micro Irrigation Fund under NABARD 75 ...................................................... Network for Spectrum Project for Defence Services: CCEA approves enhancement of budget 76 ............................................................... Cabinet approves National Policy on Biofuels, 2018 77 ............................................................................................................................................ WHO publishes its first Essential Diagnostics List 77 .................................................................................................................................................

May 18, 2018 78 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... President appoints Uttam Pacharne as Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi 78 ......................................................................................................... RBI tweaks norms for setting up of IFSC Banking Units 78 .................................................................................................................................... India’s economy is projected to grow 7.6% in 2018-19: UN WESP 79 ................................................................................................................ Commerce Ministry establishes Directorate General of Trade Remedies 79 ..................................................................................................... Arsenic Sensor and Removal Media: IISER develops device to detect and remove arsenic from water 80 ..................................................

May 19, 2018 80 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... May 18: International Museum Day 81 .......................................................................................................................................................................... Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar sworn-in as Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur 81 ............................................................................. Government appoints Anil Kumar Jha as CMD of Coal India Limited 81 ............................................................................................................. Sagar cyclonic storm: IMD issues advisory to 5 states and 1 UT 82 ....................................................................................................................... CSTT adopts AYUSH word for scientific and technical purposes 82 .................................................................................................................... Parcel Cargo Express Train connecting northeast to West Coast begins operation 82 ...................................................................................... India’s freshwater stocks in danger: NASA 83 ............................................................................................................................................................. India saw 211 tuberculosis cases per 1,00,000 population in 2016: WHO 83 ...................................................................................................... Supreme Court approves draft Cauvery Management Scheme 84 .........................................................................................................................

May 20, 2018 84 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Emergency Summit of OIC held in Istanbul to discuss Israel-Palestine violence 84 ........................................................................................... PM Narendra Modi inuagrates Kishanganga Hydroelectric project in J&K 85 ..................................................................................................... India drags US to WTO over imposition of duties 85 ................................................................................................................................................ IIT Kanpur sets up India’s first advisory centre for energy 85 ................................................................................................................................. Zojila tunnel: PM Narendra Modi launches construction of Asia’s longest road tunnel 86 ............................................................................... UJALA scheme: EESL distributes over 30 crore LED bulbs across the country 86 ............................................................................................. Akademik Lomonosov: Russia unveils world’s first floating nuclear power plant 87 .........................................................................................

May 21, 2018 88 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... e-Visa Scheme: Government earns Rs.1,400 crore 88 ............................................................................................................................................... Queqiao satellite: China launches relay satellite to explore dark side of Moon 88 .............................................................................................. 26th BASIC Ministerial Meeting of Environment Ministers held in Durban 88 .................................................................................................. CRPF raises Bastariya Battalion to combat Naxals activities in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh 89 ................................................................... India is 6th wealthiest country in the world 89 ........................................................................................................................................................... Explained: Nipah Virus (NiV) Infection 90 ....................................................................................................................................................................

May 22, 2018 91 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Pakistan named among top 3 sources for money laundering in UK 91 ................................................................................................................. Black Panther: Chhattisgarh to get specialised anti-Naxal combat force 91 .......................................................................................................... Gandiv Vijay: Chetak Corps of South Western Command conduct military exercise in Rajasthan 92 .......................................................... BrahMos supersonic cruise missile successfully test-fired to increase life from 10 to 15 years 92 ................................................................... MCX launches India’s first copper options contracts 93 ........................................................................................................................................... Navika Sagar Parikrama: Indian Navy’s all-women crew completes circumnavigating globe expedition 94 ................................................ Strategic Petroleum Reserve: India receives first crude oil cargo from UAE for Mangalore reserve 95 ........................................................ UDAN scheme: First commercial flight of Arunachal Pradesh lands at Pasighat 96 .......................................................................................... 22 May: International Bio-diversity Day 96 ..................................................................................................................................................................

May 23, 2018 97 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Nidaan: Rajasthan Government launches software for disease monitoring 97 ..................................................................................................... GRACE-FO satellites: SpaceX launches NASA satellites to track Earth’s water Cycle 97 ................................................................................. Oumuamua: Alien asteroid discovered in Solar system 97 ....................................................................................................................................... Ministry of Civil Aviation notifies Draft Passenger Charter 98 ................................................................................................................................ Worsening air quality major cause of premature deaths in India: Study 98 .......................................................................................................... Government releases draft Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming Act, 2018 99 ...................................................... Election Commission to launch App to help voters to share malpractice proof 100 ........................................................................................... Habitat loss may have triggered Nipah outbreak: WHO report 100 ....................................................................................................................... DAC approves measures to simplify Defence Procurement Procedure 100 ......................................................................................................... India ranks 145th among 195 countries in healthcare access, quality: Lancet Study 101 ....................................................................................

May 24, 2018 101 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... India-Netherlands-Sweden to collaborate for research programme on HIV/AIDS 101 .....................................................................................




NITI Aayog ink SoI with ABB India to provide AI, big data and connectivity solutions 102 ............................................................................ Cabinet approves proposal to set up 4072 towers in Left Wing Extremism Areas 102 ..................................................................................... Former SC judge CK Prasad appointed as Chairman of Press Council of India 103 .......................................................................................... Cabinet approves USOF scheme for Meghalaya under CTDP 103 ......................................................................................................................... Nepal becomes first country in south-east Asia to eliminate Trachoma: WHO 103 ........................................................................................... Pakistan hosted SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure meeting in Islamabad 104 ........................................................................................... India’s first National Sports University in Manipur: Union Cabinet approves ordinance 104 ............................................................................

May 25, 2018 104 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... INSV Tarini team awarded Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017 104 ..................................................................................................................................... 5th India-CLMV Business Conclave held at Phnom Penh, Cambodia 105 ............................................................................................................. Surya Kiran-XIII: India-Nepal joint battalion level exercise to be held in Uttarakhand 106 ............................................................................... Government reconstitutes FSDC: Includes secretaries from Revenue Department, MeitY, IBC Chairman 106 .......................................... SIDBI, CSC SPV ink MoU to provide financial support to village level entrepreneurs 106 ............................................................................... Government launches Samagra Shiksha scheme to improve quality of school education 107 ......................................................................... 15th Finance Commission constitutes high level group for balanced expansion of health sector 108 ............................................................ Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve wins India Biodiversity Award 2018 108 ................................................................................. UNICEF launches data visualisation app on education scenario in India 108 ........................................................................................................ US withdraws invitation to Chinese navy to participate in 2018 RIMPAC maritime exercise 109 ..................................................................

May 26, 2018 109 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... NIC sets up cloud-enabled National Data Centre in Bhubaneswar 109 ................................................................................................................. India-Netherlands launches Clean Air India Initiative 110 .......................................................................................................................................... May 25: World Thyroid Awareness Day 110 ................................................................................................................................................................ TCS becomes first company to achieve 7 lakh crore market capitalisation milestone 110 ................................................................................ ASEAN India Film Festival held in New Delhi 111 ....................................................................................................................................................... Bangladesh Bhavan inaugurated at Vishwa Bharti University in Santiniketan 111 ................................................................................................. MHA creates Women Safety Division to address issues of women security 111 ................................................................................................... LCU L54: Indian Navy commissions fourth ship of Landing Craft Utility MK-IV 112 ........................................................................................ President appoints new Governors of Odisha and Mizoram 112 .............................................................................................................................. NITI Aayog signs SoI with Sushant Singh Rajput to promote Women Entrepreneurship Platform 113 ......................................................... Patratu Super Thermal Power Project: PM Narendra Modi lays foundation stone in Jharkhand 113 ............................................................. Olga Tokarczuk wins Man Booker International Prize 2018 114 ............................................................................................................................ Rustom-2 drone to be delivered to armed forces by 2020: DRDO 114 .................................................................................................................

May 27-28, 2018 114 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems: India concludes price negotiations with Russia 114 ...................................................................... IMD to team up with BSNL for sending extreme weather warnings 115 .............................................................................................................. Eastern Peripheral Expressway: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates India’s first smart and green highway 115 ................................................ BCCI and UN Environment sign agreement to promote Green Cricket in India 116 ......................................................................................... UNEP recongnises Cochin International Airport as world’s first fully solar energy-powered airport 116 ...................................................... Germany to host first edition of Global Wind Summit 117 ....................................................................................................................................... Tata Trusts signs MoU with Government to provide development support in Naxal-hit districts 117 ........................................................... Colombia joins NATO as global partner 117 ................................................................................................................................................................ NASSCOM establishes India’s second Digital Collaborative Opportunities Plaza in China 118 ........................................................................

May 29, 2018 118 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Ex-Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk named as caretaker PM of Pakistan 118 ................................................................................................................. Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards: Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali ties up with BSNL 118 ............................................................................................... RBI appoints Sudha Balakrishnan as its first Chief Financial Officer 119 ............................................................................................................... Coast Guards of India and Pakistan hold talks in New Delhi 119 ........................................................................................................................... R K Agrawal appointed President of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission 119 ....................................................................... Ruthenium (Ru): Fourth element showing magnetism at room temperature discovered 120 .......................................................................... Gaj Yatra launched in Garo Hills of Meghalaya 120 ...................................................................................................................................................

May 30, 2018 120 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Management of Widows Home: Ministry of WCD signs MoU with UP Government 120 ............................................................................... India, World Bank ink $21.7 million loan agreement for Rajasthan’s Public Financial Management Project 121 ......................................... PRAAPTI App and Web portal launched to bring transparency in electricity payments to Generators 121 .................................................. TRAI proposes use of blockchain technology to curb spam calls, texts 121 .......................................................................................................... WHO adopts resolution on Digital Health proposed by India 122 ........................................................................................................................... Senior diplomat Pankaj Saran as Deputy National Security Advisor 123 ............................................................................................................... Bihar Government implores Centre for granting the Special Category Status for the state 123 ......................................................................

May 31, 2018 125 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4th International Yoga Day Celebrations main event to be held in Dehradun 125 .............................................................................................. IRTC Next Generation e-Ticketing System: Ministry of Railways launches new user interface 125 ............................................................... Mission Raftar: Ministry of Railways organizes one day workshop to raise speed of trains 125 ...................................................................... INDOPACOM: US Pacific Command renamed as Indo-Pacific Command 126 .................................................................................................. Government launches India’s first ever guidelines for Adventure Tourism 126 ................................................................................................... Scientists create world’s first 3D-printed human corneas 126 .................................................................................................................................. Andhra Pradesh notifies new state symbols after bifurcation 127 ............................................................................................................................ Facebook partners with NCW to launch Digital Literacy Programme 127 ........................................................................................................... Upgraded Pinaka rocket successfully test-fired 127 ....................................................................................................................................................




Current Affairs – May, 2018: Month HighlightsPersons in News – Appointments / ElectionsPankaj Saran

The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed senior diplomat Pankaj Saran as DeputyNational Security Advisor (NSA). He will have tenure of two years, on deputation basis. In his new role, he willassist NSA Ajit Doval along with Rajinder Khanna who was appointed as Deputy NSA in January 2018.

R K AgrawalThe Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed former Supreme Court Judge Justice R KAgrawal as President of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC).

Sudha BalakrishnanReserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Sudha Balakrishnan as the first Chief Financial Officer (CFO). She willbe the 12th executive director of the RBI and will have tenure of three years.

Nasirul MulkPakistan’s former Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk was named as country’s caretaker Prime Minister for two-monthperiod ahead of general elections to be held in July 2018. The job of caretaker Prime Minister is to keep countryrunning between dissolution of parliament and new government being sworn in.

Sushant Singh RajputNITI Aayog has signed Statement of Intent (SoI) with noted media personality and entrepreneurr Sushant SinghRajput to collaborate and support its flagship Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) initiative.

Kummanam Rajasekharan and Prof Ganeshi LalPresident Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Kummanam Rajasekharan as Governor of Mizoram and Prof GaneshiLal as Governor of Odisha under Article 153 of the Constitution.

CK PrasadGovernment has appointed former Supreme Court Judge CK Prasad as Chairman of Press Council of India (PCI)for second term. His nomination was approved by three-member committee headed by Vice President VenkaiahNaidu.

Anil Kumar JhaThe Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Anil Kumar Jha as full time Chairman andManaging Director (CMD) of Coal India Limited (CIL). He will be in office till January 31, 2020.

Justice Ramalingam SudhakarJustice Ramalingam Sudhakar was sworn in as fifth Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur after was appointed bythe President Ram Nath Kovind. He was administered the oath of office by Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi as perArticle 219 of Constitution.

Uttam PacharnePresident Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Uttam Pacharne as regular Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi. He willhave tenure of three years from the date on which he assumes the charge of his office.

Subhash Chandra KhuntiaThe Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has appointed former chief secretary of Karnataka, SubhashChandra Khuntia as new chairman of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

Pawan ChamlingSikkim’s Pawan Chamling (68) created history by becoming longest-serving Chief Minister in India. He hascompleted 23 years, four months and 17 days of uninterrupted service in office. He surpassed earlier record held byJyoti Basu, 5-term West Bengal CM who held office for 23 years. Basu was in office from June 21, 1977 toNovember 6, 2000.

Science, Technology & EnvironmentWorld’s first 3D-printed human corneas

Scientists from Newcastle University, UK have created world’s first 3D printed human corneas (3D printed thinprotective film over eye) that could solve problem of shortage of available eye donors and help millions of blindpeople gain sight again.

Blockchain technology to block spamsThe Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in its draft Telecom Commercial Communication CustomerPreference Regulation, 2018 has proposed use of blockchain technology to check menace of UnsolicitedCommercial Communication (UCC) or spam calls and messages. This will be for first time, any country willdeploy blockchain technology to check unwanted calls.

Gaj YatraMinistry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) rolled out ‘Gaj Yatra’, an awareness campaign toprotect elephants from Tura in Garo Hills of Meghalaya. It was organised by the Wildlife Trust of India in




collaboration with the State Forest Department.Ruthenium (Ru)

Scientists from University of Minnesota, US have discovered that chemical element ruthenium (Ru) is fourthelement to have unique magnetic properties (ferromagnetism) at room temperature. So far only three periodictable elements Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), and Nickel (Ni) have been found to be ferromagnetic at room temperature.

Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cardsBaba Ramdev’s Patanjali has tied up with state owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) to launch SwadeshiSamriddhi SIM cards. With this, India’s most trusted Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brand has entered into telecom sector after gaining popularity in the consumer goods market.

Global Wind SummitThe first edition of Global Wind Summit will be held in Hamburg, Germany from September 25 to 28, 2018. Itwill be largest and most important meeting of the wind industry worldwide. The summit will see participation ofspeakers from about 100 countries, including India, China, the US, Spain and Denmark.

Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL)The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has recognised Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) inKerala as the world’s first fully solar energy-powered airport.

Green CricketThe Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has signed Letter of Intent (LoI) with UN Environment topromote green’ cricket in India. The partnership aims to spread greater awareness about key environmentalchallenges India is facing and highlight alternate and more sustainable solutions.

Clean Air India InitiativeIndia and Netherlands launched Clean Air India Initiative in New Delhi. It aims to curb air pollution in Indiancities by promoting partnerships between Indian start-ups and companies from Netherlands. It also aims buildnetwork of entrepreneurs working on business solutions for cleaner air.

Singchung Bugun Community Reserve (SBVCR)Arunachal Pradesh-based NGO Singchung Bugun Community Reserve (SBVCR) won the India BiodiversityAward 2018 in the “Conservation of wildlife species” category. It was awarded for its efforts to conserve rarecritically endangered bird Bugun Liocichla.

Nipah VirusAccording to report by World Health Organisation (WHO), human-triggered factors like habitat loss due todeforestation and climate change set off infectious outbreaks such as recent Nipah cases in Kerala.

OumuamuaScientists have discovered an asteroid named Oumuamua (or (514107) 2015 BZ509) nestling in Jupiter’s orbit thathad migrated from another star system. It makes it first known permanent immigrant to our solar system.

GRACE-FO (Follow-On) SatellitesElon Musk-led SpaceX has successfully launched twin NASA satellites GRACE-FO (Follow-On) that will trackEarth’s water Cycle i.e. water movement and icemelt. It was launched onbaord of SpaceX’s preflown Falcon 9Rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, US.

26th BASIC Ministerial Meeting of Environment MinistersThe 26th BASIC Ministerial Meeting of Environment Ministers was held in Durban, South Africa. The groupingis a bloc of four countries – Brazil, South Africa, India and China.

Queqiao SatelliteChina launched relay satellite named Queqiao (Magpie Bridge) to establish communication link between earth andits planned Chang’e-4 lunar probe (rover) that will explore the dark side of moon. It was launched as part ofChinese Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP) onboard of Long March-4C rocket from Xichang launch centre.

Akademik LomonosovRussia unveiled world’s first floating nuclear power station named Akademik Lomonosov at port city ofMurmansk. It will be loaded with nuclear fuel at Murmansk and will be towed to port of Pevek in autonomousChukotka region in Russia’s far northeast in Arctic Circle region.

Essential Diagnostics ListThe World Health Organisation (WHO) has published its first Essential Diagnostics List, a catalogue of testsneeded to diagnose most common diseases along with number of global priority diseases.

Microhyla kodialScientists have discovered new frog species named Microhyla kodial or Mangaluru narrow-mouthed frog in asmall industrial region in coastal Karnataka. It is christened Microhyla kodial after city of Mangaluru (called kodialin Konkani language) from where they spotted it two years ago.




REPLACE CampaignWorld Health Organization (WHO) has launched comprehensive plan “REPLACE” to eliminate industrially-produced artificial trans-fats from global food supply by 2023. The elimination of trans-fats is key to protectinghealth and saving lives. REPLACE is abbreviated in six strategic actions as Review, Promote, Legislate, Assess,Create awareness and Enforce.

Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP)Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched full-fledged Green Skill DevelopmentProgramme (GSDP). It aims to train over 5.5 lakh workers in environment and forest sectors in the countrythrough 30 courses by 2021 for sustainable conservation and management of natural resources.

South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN)The fourth meeting of South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN), an inter-governmental wildlife lawenforcement agency was in Kolkata, West Bengal (India) from May 8-10, 2018. It was first meeting of SAWEN tobe held in India since its inception in 2011.

Environment-friendly propellantScientists at ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) are developing environment-friendly propellantpropellant blend based on hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) to power satellites and spacecraft. It seeks to replaceconventional hydrazine fuel for future missions.

NASA’s carbon monitoring projectUS President Donald Trump’s administration has cancelled NASA’s Carbon Monitoring System (CMS)programme citing reasons of budget constraints and higher priorities within science budget. It was also in linewith Donald Trump’s latest broad attack on climate science.

World’s second oldest rock discovered in OdishaScientists have discovered world’s second oldest grain of magmatic zircon (a mineral that contains traces ofradioactive isotopes) from Champua from Singhbhum rock sample in Odisha’s Kendujhar district. It is anestimated 4,240 million years old, making it world’s second oldest rock ever to be discovered. It is oldest magmaticzircon on earth.

Bangabandhu-1Bangladesh’s first communication satellite Bangabandhu-1 will be launched by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket fromKennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A. It is designed to provide wide range of broadcast andcommunication services throughout Bangladesh.

Green licence platesMinistry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has approved green licence plates bearing numbers in whitefonts for private e-vehicles and yellow for taxis to promote electric vehicles (e-vehicles) in India. The purposebehind distinctive green number plates is easy identification of electric vehicles for preferential treatment inparking, free entry in congested zones besides other proposed benefits like concessional toll.

India’s installed clean (renewable) energyAccording to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India’s installed clean (renewable) energy capacityhas already touched 70 Gigawatts (GW) and 38 GW is under implementation. This shows that India isprogressing fast in areas of renewable energy and it is committed to meeting target of having 175 GW renewableenergy (100GW Solar, 60 GW Wind, 10 GW Biomass and 5 GW Hydro) by 2022.

Indian Pharmacopoeia 2018Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has in its 2018 edition of Indian Pharmacopoeia approved modern,animal-free tests for drug manufacturers. It will spare animals from suffering due to drug experiments.

Laparascope-assisted insemination technique for sheep breedingScientists at Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), Avikanagar, Rajasthan have come up with newlaparascope-assisted insemination technique for sheep breeding. It is minor invasive laparascopic techniqueinvolves passing rigid fibre-optic laparoscope into abdomen through small incision. Using it, reproductive tract ofsheep is located through camera and frozen semen is deposited into uterus.

Android ThingsAlphabet Inc’s Google launched Android Things (codenamed Brillo), a variant (or spinoff) of Android operatingsystem for Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as smart home appliances and other smart machines. Its goal is toenable IoT machines developers to be built faster, cheaper and more secure.

Bhupathy’s shieldtailScientists have discovered a new species of shieldtail snake named Bhupathy’s shieldtail from the Western Ghats inTamil Nadu. It is presently only known to exist in Anaikatty hills of Tamil Nadu which is dominated by deciduous




type of vegetation.NITI Aayog and Google

The NITI Aayog has signed Statement of Intent (SoI) with search engine giant Google to work together to fostergrowth for India’s nascent artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) ecosystem,

MoganiteScientists from Tohoku University in Japan have found mineral called moganite in lunar meteorite that point topresence of abundant hidden reserves of water ice under the surface of the moon. The mineral discovered in adesert in northwest Africa could be potentially useful for future human exploration of moon.

InSight (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport) Mission

NASA launched first-ever InSight (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and HeatTransport) lander dedicated to exploring the deep interior of Mars. It was launched aboard United LaunchAlliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Therocket also launched two mini-spacecraft called Mars Cube One (MarCO) — MarCO-A and MarCO-B.

Precision Agriculture using AINITI Aayog has signed Statement of Intent (SoI) with IBM to develop crop yield prediction model using ArtificialIntelligence (AI) to provide real time advisory to farmers in Aspirational Districts. The partnership aims to worktogether towards use of technology to provide insights to farmers to improve soil yield, crop productivity, controlagricultural inputs with overarching goal of improving farmers’ incomes.

First organised census of Indus DolphinsPunjab government along World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-India are conducting first organised census of IndusDolphins, one of the world’s rarest mammals found only in India and Pakistan. The organised census aims atconservation of the species.

APSTAR-6CChina successfully launched “APSTAR-6C”, a new communication satellite into orbit. It was launched onboard ofLong March-3B carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center. This was overall 273rd mission of LongMarch rocket series. Both satellite and rocket were developed by China Aerospace Science and TechnologyCorporation.

Interactive Robotic Assistant (IRA) 2.0HDFC Bank has launched Interactive Robotic Assistant (IRA) 2.0, an interactive humanoid at its KoramangalaBranch in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The interactive humanoid aims to enhance user experience for customersvisiting in this branch.

Events & ObservancesMay 25: World Thyroid Awareness Day

The World Thyroid Day is observed every year on May 25 to spread awareness of thyroid health and educatingabout prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases.

22 May: International Bio-diversity DayThe International Bio-diversity Day is observed every year on 22 May to increase understanding and awareness ofbiodiversity issues. The theme this year is ‘Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity’.

May 18: International Museum DayThe International Museum Day is observed on May 18 across the world to raise awareness on how importantmuseums are in the development of society. The 2018 theme was ‘Museums and Hyper Communication – NewApproaches and New Public‘.

International Rail Coach Expo (IRCE)The first-ever International Rail Coach Expo (IRCE) was in Chennai, Tamil Nadu from 17th to 19th May 2018 tofocus on Rail Coaches and train sets. Many reputed rail car and equipment builders showcased their technologyand products in this expo.

May 15: International Day of FamiliesThe International Day of Families is observed every year on 15th of May across world to promote awareness ofissues relating to families and increase knowledge of social, economic and demographic progression that affectsfamilies which are the basic unit of society.

12 May: International Nurse DayThe International Nurse Day (IND) is observed every year on May 12 across world to mark the birth anniversary




of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and also mark contribution of nurses towards the society.May 11: National Technology Day

National Technology Day is being observed across India on May 11 to mark India’s technological advancementsand to promote the development of technology in various fields. The official theme for this year is “Science andTechnology for a Sustainable Future”.

15th Asia Media SummitIndia is going to host 15th Asia Media Summit (AMS-2018) in New Delhi from May 10-12, 2018. The summit isbeing organised by Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) in collaboration with its partnersand international organisations.

May 3: World Press Freedom DayMay 3 is celebrated as World Press Freedom Day every year to celebrate fundamental principles of press freedomas well as to evaluate freedom of press around the world. It serves as occasion to defend media from attacks ontheir independence and to pay tribute to journalists who died while doing their profession.

15th Pravasi Bharatiya DivasThe 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in holy city if Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) from January 21 to January23, 2019. Its theme will be “Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India”. The mega event will be organised byMinistry of External Affairs (MEA) in association with Uttar Pradesh government.

Defence RelatedUpgraded Pinaka Rocket

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test-fired upgraded guided version ofPinaka Rocket from Proof & Experiment Establishment (PXE) at Chandipur, Odisha. During the tests, two roundswere conducted and some more rounds have been planned.

INDOPACOMUnited States has renamed its oldest and largest stragically important military command US Pacific Command(PACOM) to Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). The decision was taken in recognition of growingimportance of Indian Ocean in US strategic thinking. The Trump administration already has renamed Asia Pacificas Indo-Pacific and identified India as one bookend of the region.

S-400 Triumf air defence missile systemsIndia has concluded price negotiations with Russia for deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systemsfor Indian Air Force (IAF). They also have finalised financial component nearly Rs 40,000 crore of the deal.

Rustom-II UAVIndigenously developed Rustom-II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) by Defence Research and DevelopmentOrganisation (DRDO) will be delivered to armed forces by 2020 as per the contract.

LCU L54Indian Navy inducted Landing Craft Utility MK-IV LCU vessel L54 at Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Island. It isfourth of total eighth Mark IV LCU vessels to be inducted into Indian Navy.

RIMPAC 2018United States had withdrawn invitation to Chinese navy to participate in 2018 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC)maritime exercise. The withdrawal was in response China’s continued illegal militarisation of islands in disputedSouth China Sea.

Surya Kiran 2018The thirteenth edition of India-Nepal joint military exercise will be conducted at Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from30 May to 12 June 2018. The joint military exercise aims to further enhance and strengthen level of defencecooperation between the two neighbouring nations.

INSV TariniIndia’s Navy all six women crew of INSV Tarini who completed India’s first all-women circumnavigationexpedition of the globe was conferred prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017.

Defence Procurement ProcedureThe Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has approvedvarious measures to simplify Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP). DAC is Defence Ministry’s highest decision-making body on capital procurement of Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy and Air Force).

BrahMos supersonic cruise missileBrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired from mobile launcher from Integrated Test Range(ITR) at Balasore (Chandipur), Odisha to validate some new features aimed at increasing its life from 10 to 15years.




Gandiv Vijay military exerciseChetak corps of South Western Command of Indian Army conducted military exercise Gandiv Vijay in Mahajanfield firing ranges of Rajasthan. The exercise was conducted two months to validate their operational plans ofChetak corps and concluded on May 23, 2018.

Black PantherChhattisgarh will get specialised anti-Naxal combat force called Black Panther on the lines of the Greyhounds unitof Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It was announced by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh after chairingmeeting on Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). Currently, training is being imparted for personnel who will be part ofBlack Panther elite force.

Bastariya BattalionThe Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has commissioned special unit called Bastariya Battalion (numbered241) to combat Naxals activities in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. This is for first time CRFP has raised specialbattalion that includes local representation to enhance combat capabilities in Naxal-hit area of Bastar district.

Integrated Centre for Crisis Management (ICCM)President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated Integrated Centre for Crisis Management (ICCM) at Bhabha AtomicResearch Centre (BARC) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The ICCM will help nation to respond more effectively tochemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. It will monitor radiological data from anetwork of 504 radiation sensors across the country.

Indigenous ammunition projectIndian Army has finalised Rs. 15,000-crore indigenous ammunition project under which range of ammunition forits critical weapons and tanks will be produced indigenously. It is claimed to be biggest ever initiative forindigenisation of ammunition. It aims to overcome long delays in imports and address problem of dwindlingstockpile.

Type 001AChina’s first domestically manufactured aircraft carrier known only as “Type 001A” started sea trials from Dalianport in Liaoning province. The ship’s engine, propulsion and navigation systems will be tested at sea for first time,a year after it was officially launched.

Vijay Prahar exerciseIndian Army’s month long Vijay Prahar exercise concluded in Suratgarh, Rajasthan. It was conducted by SouthWestern Command of Indian Army. The month-long exercise was aimed to orchestrate wide spectrum of threatsincluding Nuclear, Chemical or Biological (NCB) attack which are planned to be tackled through high tempo jointair and land operation.

Naval Commanders’ ConferenceThe first edition of this year’s bi-annual Naval Commanders’ Conference was held in New Delhi from 8 to 11 May2018. It discussed aspects concerning country’s maritime security, analyse mission-based deployments and largerissues of geo-strategic Indian Ocean Region (IOR), a region witnessing increasing Chinese presence.

UN Peacekeeping Course for African PartnersThe third edition of United Nations Peacekeeping Course for African Partners (UNPCAP) was held in New Delhifrom May 7 to 25, 2018. The course was conducted by Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping in India (CUNPK)in partnership with United States.

Border Roads Organisation (BRO)Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 58th Raising Day on 7 May 2018. BRO is leading governmentorganisation in arena of infrastructural development in the border areas of the country. Since its inception in1960, it has grown from 02 to 19 projects. The works executed by it have ensured territorial integrity and socio-economic upliftment of most inaccessible regions of country.

India emerges as fifth largest military spender in 2017According to recently released report of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), India hasemerged as fifth largest military spender in 2017. India had spent $63.9 billion on defence in 2017, an increase of5.5% compared with 2016, when it was in the sixth spot overall.

Varuna naval exercise 2018Indian and French navies conducted final and third phase of Varuna naval exercise 2018 near Reunion Island inIndian Ocean region (IOR) to enhance their operational coordination. In the final phase, both navies simulateddifferent possible scenarios such as asymmetric warfare and tested their air defence capabilities.

India-US Maritime Security DialogueIndia and United States held the third round of the India-US Maritime Security Dialogue in Goa from April 30 to




May 1, 2018 focussing on cooperation and developments in the Indo-Pacific region.HARIMAU SHAKTI 2018

The first ever bilateral joint military training exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI 2018 between India and Malaysiabegan in dense forests of Sengai Perdik, Hulu Langat, Malaysia. The exercise aims at bolstering cooperation andcoordination between armed forces of both nations.

Finance, Business and EconomyDigital Collaborative Opportunities Plaza (SIDCOP) platform

India’s National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) has established second DigitalCollaborative Opportunities Plaza (SIDCOP) platform in Guiyang, China. It is India’s second IT corridor in Chinato provide Indian IT firms access to growing Chinese software market. The first corridor Digital CollaborativeOpportunities Plaza (SIDCOP) platform was established in Chinese port city of Dalian.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the country’s most valued and largest IT outsourcing company created historyby becoming first Indian company to reach Rs. 7 lakh crore market capitalisation (m-cap) milestone.

Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)The Union Government has reconstituted Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) to includesecretaries from revenue department as well as Ministry of Information Technology (MeitY). It will includeChairman of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI). This decision will make FSDC more broad-based to incorporate changes in economic regulatory framework of the country.

5th India-CLMV Business ConclaveThe 5th India-CLMV (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam) Business Conclave was held at Phnom Penh,Cambodia. It was jointly organised by Ministry of Commerce & Industry along with Ministry of Commerce ofCambodia. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is institutional partner of the event.

India’s first copper options contractsIndia’s largest commodities exchange platform, Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX) launchedcountry’s first copper options contracts. The option contract will provide physical market participants additionalinstrument to hedge their price risk.

India is sixth wealthiest country in the worldAccording to AfrAsia Bank Global Wealth Migration Review, India is the sixth wealthiest country in the worldwith total wealth of $8,230 billion. US is richest nation globally with total wealth of $62,584 billion. Total wealthrefers to private wealth held by all individuals living in each country. It includes all their assets (cash, equities,property, business interests) less any liabilities. It excludes government funds.

Directorate General of Trade RemediesUnion Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued notification for creation of Directorate General of TradeRemedies (DGTR) in Department of Commerce. In this regard amendments were made in Government of India(Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.

BSE LtdBSE Ltd (earlier known as Bombay Stock Exchange) became first Indian exchange to be designated as DesignatedOffshore Securities Market (DOSM) by US Securities and Exchange Commission (US-SEC).

Bharat Inclusion InitiativeIndian Institute of Management Ahmedabad’s (IIMA’s) centre for innovation, incubation and entrepreneurship(CIIE) has launched $25 million ‘Bharat Inclusion Initiative’ to fund start-ups.

India third largest solar market in worldAccording to recently released report by Mercom Communications, India emerged as third largest solar market inworld in 2017 behind China and United States. Mercom Communications India is arm of global clean energyconsulting firm Mercom Capital Group.

China launches first India-dedicated investment fundThe Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), a top state-run Chinese bank has launched China’s firstIndia-dedicated publicly offered investment fund. The fund has been named as Industrial and Commercial BankCredit Suisse India Market Fund. ICBC is the largest in the world with over $3.6 trillion in assets.

India was world’s largest remittance-receiving country in 2017According to recently released report ‘RemitSCOPE – Remittance markets and opportunities – Asia and thePacific’, India was largest remittance receiving country in the world with US $69 billion in 2017.

RBI puts Dena Bank under prompt corrective actionReserve Bank of India (RBI) has put state-run lender Dena Bank under prompt corrective action (PCA)




framework. It has barred Dena Bank from extending fresh credit in view of deteriorating financial health due tomounting non-performing assets (NPAs) and mounting losses. It makes Dena Bank first lender to face curbs onlending under PCA framework.

India to grow 7.4%: IMFThe International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its Asia and Pacific Regional Economic Outlook report has reaffirmedthat India will be the fastest growing major economy in 2018, with growth rate of 7.4% and 7.8% in 2019.

Asia Power IndexIndia was ranked fourth out of 25 nations in Asia-Pacific region in the inaugural Asia Power Index released byAustralian think tank Lowy Institute.

Global Business Optimism IndexIndia was ranked 6th on Global Optimism Index released as part of Grant Thornton’s International BusinessReport (IBR) in the first quarter of 2018. The report was prepared based on the results of a survey of 2,500businesses in 37 economies.

India-Kuwait DTAAThe Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified protocol to amend existing Double Taxation AvoidanceAgreement (DTAA) between India and Kuwait. The DTAA between both countries was signed in June 2006 forthe avoidance of double taxation and for prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

Advance Pricing AgreementThe Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered into 200th Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreement(UAPA) after it singed one in April 2018. With the signing of this, CBDT has achieved another milestone ofhaving signed its 200th UAPA.

FDI Confidence Index 2018India was ranked 11th position in the FDI Confidence Index 2018 released by global consultancy firm A TKearney. It has slipped by three notches in 2018 as it was ranked 8th in 2017 and 9th in 2016. This is first timeIndia fell out of the top 10 since 2015.

Manufacturing growth improves slightly in April 2018: PMIThe Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 51.6 in April 2018 form from 51 inMarch 2018. It indicates faster improvement in health of India’s manufacturing economy than in prior month.

Core sector growth slows to 4.1% in March 2018According to index of eight core industries released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, core sector growth inMarch 2018 slowed to 4.1%, a three-month low due to weak performance in six sectors. These sectors are coal,crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, steel and electricity.

Government Policy and SchemesDigital Literacy Programme

Social networking giant Facebook has partnered with National Commission for Women (NCW) to launch DigitalLiteracy Programme to train women on safe use of internet and social media.

Mission RaftaarMinistry of Railways conducted one day workshop Mission Raftaar aimed at raising average speed of freight trainsand coaching trains in New Delhi. It was attended by all members of Railway Board along with General Managersof Zonal Railways & Senior Railway officers were present on occasion.

Next Generation e-Ticketing (NGeT) SystemMinistry of Railways has launched new user interface of its Next Generation e-Ticketing (NGeT) System onIndian Railway’s Online Travel Portal (www.irctc.co.in). Through NGeT system, Indian Railways new onlineticket booking system provides user-friendly, easy and fast way of booking rail tickets by automating journeyplanning and purchase of tickets.

PRAAPTI App and Web PortalThe Union Ministry of Power has launched web portal (www.praapti.in) and app namely PRAAPTI (PaymentRatification And Analysis in Power procurement for bringing Transparency in Invoicing of generators). Thewebportal and app aims to bring transparency in power purchase transactions between Generators and Discoms.

Rajasthan’s Public Financial Management ProjectUnion Government has signed agreement for IBRD Credit of US $21.7 Million from World Bank forStrengthening of Public Financial Management in Rajasthan Project.

Transformation of aspirational districts ProgrammeTata Trusts has signed MoU with Government to provide development support in eight worst Naxal-affecteddistricts in Chhattisgarh. These eight worst Naxal-affected districts are covered under Transformation of




aspirational districts Programme of NITI Aayog.Women Safety Division

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has created Women Safety Division to address issues related to security ofwomen comprehensively amid rising concerns over women safety. The division will deal with all aspects ofwomen safety in coordination with relevant ministries, departments and state governments.

National Data CentreNational Informatics Centre (NIC) has set up cloud-enabled National Data Centre at Bhubaneswar, Odisha. It willoffer round-the-clock operations with secure hosting for e-governance applications of ministries and departments.It is fourth cloud-enabled National Data Centre of NIC after Delhi, Hyderabad and Pune.

Samagra Shiksha schemeThe Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) launched Samagra Shiksha scheme to improvequality of school education. The scheme aims at improving quality of education, enhancing learning outcomes andusing technology to empower children and teachers.

India’s first national sports universityThe Union Cabinet has approved an ordinance to set up the country’s first national sports university in in Imphal(west), Manipur. The ordinance is on the lines of National Sports University Bill, 2017 which is pending inParliament (introduced in Lok Sabha in August, 2017).

Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP) ProjectUnion Cabinet has approved implementation of Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP) Project forNorth Eastern Region (NER) in Meghalaya to improve mobile services. The project has provision of 2G and 4Gmobile coverage in identified uncovered areas of Meghalaya and seamless mobile coverage along NationalHighways in state.

4072 towers in Left Wing Extremism AreasUnion Cabinet has approved Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA’s) proposal of setting up 4,072 mobile towers toimprove telecom connectivity network in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) Areas. This network would be used bysecurity personnel deployed in LWE affected areas.

Healthcare access and quality (HAQ) indexIndia ranked 145th among 195 countries in terms of Healthcare access and quality (HAQ) index in the year 2016,behind its neighbours like China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. The index was released as part of GlobalBurden of Disease study released by Lancet, one of the world’s oldest and best known peer-reviewed generalmedical journal.

Model Code of Conduct Violation Reporting AppElection Commission of India (ECI) is launching multi-lingual mobile application called Model Code of ConductViolation Reporting App ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The app aims at empowering people across thecountry to share evidence of malpractice by political parties, their candidates and activists directly with ECI.

Draft Passenger CharterThe Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified Draft Passenger Charter defining rights for air passengers. Itaims to improve hassle-free air travel experience of air passengers in the country.

Nidaan SoftwareRajasthan Government has launched new software called Nidaan for disease monitoring and strengthening tele-medicine services in the government hospitals. The software will help for providing presumptive diagnosis andmonitoring of seasonal and non-communicable diseases as well as trends of ailments found in specific areas.

UDAN schemeThe first commercial flight (42-seater ATR aircraft of the Alliance Airlines) of Arunachal Pradesh under UDANscheme landed at Pasighat airport or Advance Landing Ground (ALG) in East Siang district. This historic momentputs border state on the aviation map of the country.

Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)India received first consignment of 2 million barrels of crude oil from United Arab Emirates (UAE) for its strategicpetroleum reserve (SPR) at Mangaluru (on west coast), Karnataka. This first consignment from UAE fill one oftwo strategic reserve caverns at Mangaluru under agreement between Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd(ISPRL) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

e-Visa schemeAccording to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government has earned Rs.1,400 crore as revenue from highlysuccessful e-Visa scheme since its launch in 2014. 19 lakh tourists made use of e-Visa scheme in 2017 and fees aredivided into four slabs of zero, $25, $50 and $75, which were fixed on reciprocity and depending on nationality.




UJALA schemeState run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) has distributed over 30 crore light emitting diode (LED) bulbsacross country under zero-subsidy Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) scheme. The distribution of30 crore LED bulbs has led to energy savings of over 38,952 million kWh, annually, amounting to energy savingsof Rs. 15,581 crore.

Zojila tunnel projectPrime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated construction of Rs 6,809 crore Zojila tunnel project in Jammu andKashmir’s Leh. It will be India’s and Asia’s longest and strategic bi-directional road tunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar, Kargil and Leh.

Kishanganga Hydroelectric ProjectPrime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 300 MW Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project in Bandipora District ofJammu & Kashmir. He also laid foundation stone of 1000 MW capacity Pakal Dul Power Project.

Cauvery Management SchemeSupreme Court has approved Centre’s draft Cauvery Management Scheme for smooth distribution of wateramong four southern riparian states/UT viz. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. It ordered CentralGovernment to notify the scheme before the monsoons.

Parcel Cargo Express TrainNortheast Frontier Railway of Indian Railway has started operating one lease Parcel Cargo Express Train (PCET)connecting northeastern part of the country to West Coast on fortnightly basis. It was launched on line ofGovernment’s priority to provide connectivity to northeast region and empowering local industries of this region.

National Policy on Biofuels, 2018The Union Cabinet has approved National Policy on Biofuels – 2018 in order to promote biofuels in the country.Biofuels in India are of strategic importance as it augers well with ongoing initiatives of Government such as Makein India, Skill Development and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Network For Spectrum (NFS) projectThe Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for enhancement of budget byRs.11,330 crore for Network For Spectrum (NFS) project. It aims at laying alternate communication network forDefence Services.

Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF)The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved initial corpus of Rs.5,000 crore for setting up ofdedicated Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) in NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development)under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).

Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)The Union Cabinet has approved setting up of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Deoghar,Jharkhand under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).

National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR)The Union Cabinet has approved establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) atBhopal, Madhya Pradesh. NIMHR, Bhopal. It will be first of its kind institute in country in area of mental healthrehabilitation.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY)According to Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), the subscriber base of Atal PensionYojana (APY) has crossed 1 crore subscribers mark since its launch in May 2015. Till date, the scheme hascollected Rs. 3,950 crore of contribution from subscribers. It has generated around 9.10% compounded annualgrowth rate (CAGR) since inception till March 2018.

National Wind-Solar Hybrid PolicyMinistry of New and Renewable Energy has issued National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy with an aim to boostrenewable power generation by promoting new projects as well as hybridisation of existing ones. Government isalso going to launch scheme for new hybrid projects under this policy.

Samarth SchemeIt is scheme of Ministry of Textiles, approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in December2017. Its broad objective is to skill the youth for gainful and sustainable employment in textile sector coveringentire value chain of textiles, excluding spinning and weaving.

Ayushman Bharat schemeFour States and one Union Territory have signed first MoU with National Health Mission, Government of Indiafor implementing Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Swasthya Suraksha Mission (PMRSSM). These




states/UTs are Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Chandigarh (UT).eNAM

Union Government is going to link additional 200 wholesale mandis to online trading platform eNAM (electronicNational Agriculture Market) this fiscal (2018-19) and also encourage inter-mandi transactions.

Rythu Bandhu SchemeTelangana government has launched Rythu Bandhu (friend of farmers) Scheme, an investment support scheme tosupport livelihood of farmers. It is first of its kind investment support scheme for farmers to be launched by anystate in India.

Digital India Internship SchemeThe Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) has launched the website of DigitalIndia Internship Scheme. The portal will facilitate students to apply online for internship.

India’s first Integrated Control and Command Centre for smart citiesBhopal Smart City Development Corporation Ltd. (BSCDCL) has launched India’s first cloud-based CommonIntegrated Data Centre, Disaster Recovery Centre and Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC). It ispowered by Hewlett Packard (HP) Enterprise’s Universal Internet of Things (IoT) Platform.

Draft Telecommunication Interconnection (Amendment) Regulations 2018The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued draft Telecommunication Interconnection(Amendment) Regulations 2018 to amend interconnect regulations, proposing certain changes in terms andconditions for operators to seek fresh call connect ports from other telecom operators.

Van Dhan Vikas KendrasThe Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) is going to expand Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in tribal districts across thecountry. About 3000 such kendras are proposed to be set up in two years in all forested Tribal Districts. Initially, itwill be taken up on priority in 39 districts with more than 50% tribal population and then gradually will beexpanded to other Tribal Districts across the country.

POSHAN AbhiyaanThe Union Government has signed $200 million loan agreement with World Bank for National NutritionMission (POSHAN Abhiyaan) for 315 districts across all states and union territories. The loan proceeds will beused for reducing stunting in children 0-6 years of age from 38.4% to 25% by 2022 under POSHAN Abhiyaan.

100 One Stop Centres (OSCs)Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) in its Programme Approval Board (PAB) meeting hasapproved setting up additional 100 One Stop Centres (OSCs) for women affected by violence. These OSCs will beset up in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Naduand Uttar Pradesh.

GST Network (GSTN)The 27th meeting of GST Council chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has approved proposal of convertingGST Network (GSTN) into government entity from current private entity status by taking over stakes held byprivate entities. Following the move, central government will own 50% in GSTN and the remaining will becollectively held by state governments.

Simplified tax return filing systemThe Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council in its 27th meeting chaired by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitleyannounced new and simplified return filing process. It was approved based on recommendations of Group ofMinisters on IT simplification for GST implementation.

Namami Gange programmeNational Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has partnered with board Survey of India, to facilitate the Gangarejuvenation task under Namami Gange programme by using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology.Through the project, NMCG aims to strengthen planning and implementation at national, state and local levels.

SWAYAM PlatformMinistry of Human Resource Development (HRD) launched initiative of online professional development of 1.5million higher education faculty using massive open online course (MOOC) platform SWAYAM. Under its firstphase of implementation, 75 discipline-specific National Resource Centres (NRCs) have been identified.

View Pension Passbook ServiceRetirement fund body Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched View Pension PassbookService for pensioners on Umang App. This facility was launched part of EPFO’s plan to go paperless by Augustthis year and provide all services online.

Green Revolution – Krishonnati YojanaCabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved continuation of Umbrella Scheme, Green




Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana in agriculture sector beyond 12th Five Year Plan from 2017-18 to 2019-20. TheUmbrella scheme comprises of 11 Schemes and Missions.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas KaryakramThe Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved proposal for renaming and restructuring ofMulti-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) as Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK). It also hasapproved its continuation during the remaining period of the 14th Finance Commission.

Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved plan to set up 20 All India Institute ofMedical Sciences (AIIMS) across the country and upgrade 73 medical colleges. The decisions are part of thePradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), which has been extended by two years till 2020 withfinancial outlay of Rs.14,832 crore.

Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)The Union Cabinet has approved doubling of investment limit from Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh under PradhanMantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY). It also extended time limits for subscription from ay 2018 to March,2020. These decisions were taken as part of Government commitment to financial inclusion and social security.

WHO Framework Convention on tobacco controlThe Union Cabinet has given approval to accede to Protocol under World Health Organization (WHO)Framework Convention on tobacco control to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products. It will be applicable toboth smoking and chewing or smokeless tobacco (SLT) forms as negotiated and adopted under Article 15 of WHOFramework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). India is a party to WHO FCTC.

Draft National Digital Communications Policy, 2018The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released draft of new Telecom policy – National DigitalCommunications Policy, 2018. The policy seeks to unlock transformative power of digital communicationsnetworks to achieve the goal of digital empowerment and well-being of the people of India.

GOBAR-Dhan YojanaThe Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation has launched GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) –DHAN scheme at National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) Karnal. It was launched under Swachh Bharat Mission(Gramin) by Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation Uma Bharti.

Pilot Scheme for Procurement of Aggregate PowerMinistry of Power has launched Pilot Scheme for Procurement of Aggregate Power of 2500 MW on competitivebasis for 3 years. The main purpose of scheme is to revive commissioned power plants which are unable to sellelectricity in absence of valid power purchase agreements (PPAs).

AwardsOlga Tokarczuk

Polish author Olga Tokarczuk (56) awarded Man Booker International Prize 2018. It makes her first writer fromPoland to win this prestigious English-language literary award.

Dr Bindeshwar PathakThe founder of Sulabh International, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak was honoured with the Nikkei Asia Prize in Japan forhis contribution to Asia’s development. Dr Pathak was described as Indian social reformer tackling two of hiscountry’s biggest challenges — poor hygiene and discrimination. He was among three who were conferred withthis award.

Miscellaneous Terms and FactsNew state symbols of Andhra Pradesh

State bird: Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri). Locally known as Rama Chiluka.

State tree: Neem ( Azadirachta indica). Locally known Vepa Chettu.

State animal: Black-buck (Antilope cervicapra). Locally known as Krishna Jinka.

State flower: Jasmine (Jasminum officinale).Guidelines for Adventure Tourism

The Union Ministry of Tourism for first time issued guidelines for Adventure Tourism in India in an effort tomake adventure sports safer.

Resolution on Digital HealthThe 71st World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland has adopted resolution on Digital Health. Theresolution was initiated by India and was co-sponsored by 20 countries. The World Health Assembly is highestdecision-making body of World Health Organization (WHO). Its 71st session was attended by delegations from all




WHO member states.Colombia

Colombia has formally joined North Atlantic Treaty Organization as global partner. It makes it first LatinAmerican to join NATO. The announcement came after Organization for Economic Cooperation andDevelopment (OECD) approved Colombia as a new member.

Eastern Peripheral ExpresswayPrime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first smart and green highway-135 km long Kundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal (KGP) Expressway also known as Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE). The expressway wascompleted in record time of about 500 days against target of 910 days at a cost of nearly Rs 11,000 crore.

Patratu Super Thermal Power ProjectPrime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stone for first phase (2400MW) of NTPC’s coal based PatratuSuper Thermal Power Project in Jharkhand. The project is 74: 26 Joint Venture between Government ofJharkhand (GoJ) and Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd. (PVUN), a subsidiary company of NTPC. TheEngineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) contract of project is awarded to BHEL.

Bangladesh BhawanIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina inaugurated BangladeshBhawan at Vishwa Bharti University in Santiniketan.

ASEAN India Film FestivalASEAN India Film Festival was held in New Delhi from May 25 to 30, 2018. It was organised by Ministry ofExternal Affairs (ASEAN Multilateral Division) as part of the series of events to commemorate 25 years of ASEANand India relations.

Data Visualisation AppThe UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund) launched Data Visualisation App to provide user-friendly visual representation of complex analytics of education scenario in India. It was developed with technicalinputs from the UNICEF, in collaboration with National Council for Educational Research and Training(NCERT) and National Institute of Education Planning and Administration (NIEPA).

Model Agriculture Produce and Livestock Contract Farming and Services (Promotion & Facilitation) ActThe Union Ministry of Agriculture and Famers Welfare has unveiled Model Agriculture Produce and LivestockContract Farming and Services (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2018 to ensure better price to farmers. It is aimedat reducing farmers’ risks by creating assured market for their produce at pre-agreed price, while encouraginginvestment from agribusiness and food processing industries by enhancing productivity and cost efficiency.

SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure meetingPakistan hosted its first ever Shanghai Cooperation Organisation-Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS)legal experts meeting in Islamabad. This was the first-ever SCO meeting being held in Pakistan since it became apermanent member of the organisation along with India in June 2017.

AYUSH WordCommission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) adopted word ‘AYUSH’ in Hindi and Englishlanguages for scientific and technical purposes. The decision follows a proposal from Ministry of AYUSH in thisregards. AYUSH word has become popular as acronym for five traditional and complementary systems ofmedicine, namely Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy.

Sagar CycloneThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued advisory to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa,Maharashtra and Lakshadweep archipelago (UT) over cyclonic storm ‘Sagar’. The cyclonic storm was developed aslow pressure area in Arabian Sea which gained strength and intensified into depression and later into a cyclone‘Sagar’.

BIMSTEC summit 2018Nepal is going to host 2018 Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation(BIMSTEC) summit. It was announced by Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli during his meeting with IndianPrime Minister Narendra Modi in Kathmandu (capital city ).

Operation InsaniyatIndia has sent Bangladesh its second relief consignment under Operation Insaniyat to help tens of thousands ofdisplaced Rohingya Muslims who fled Myanmar into Bangladesh following military crackdown in violence-hitRakhine state.

India, Panama sign two agreementsIndia and Panama have signed two agreements on exemption of Visas for holders of Diplomatic and Official




Passports and in the field of Agriculture.Operation Insaniyat

India has sent Bangladesh its second relief consignment under Operation Insaniyat to help tens of thousands ofdisplaced Rohingya Muslims who fled Myanmar into Bangladesh following military crackdown in violence-hitRakhine state.

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)United States President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew US from historic 2015 Iran nuclear deal or JointComprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) deal signed between Iran and P5+1 countries.

India-Guatemala Diplomatic cooperationIndia and Guatemala have signed pact for strengthening diplomatic cooperation through Respective ForeignService Institutes in educational field.

Arun-3 Hydropower ProjectNepal Government has granted power generation licence to Indian government-owned subsidiary Satluj JalVidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL) from a 900-megawatt (MW) Arun-3 Hydropower Project located in eastern Nepal.

9th India Japan Energy DialogueThe 9th India Japan Energy Dialogue was held in New Delhi. Both countries issued Joint Statement at conclusionof the meeting, agreeing to work together for energy security, energy access and climate change issues.

Disaster Risk Reduction databaseThe National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted two-day National Workshop on DataRequirements for Disaster Risk Reduction Database in New Delhi. The workshop was held in collaboration withUnited Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), UN Development Programme (UNDP) andUN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR).

Current Affairs – May, 2018: Datewise UpdatesMay 1, 2018

Sikkim’s Pawan Chamling becomes India’s longest-serving Chief MinisterMay 1, 2018

Sikkim’s Pawan Chamling (68) created history by becoming longest-serving Chief Minister in India.He has completed 23 years, four months and 17 days of uninterrupted service in office. He surpassedearlier record held by Jyoti Basu, 5-term West Bengal CM who held office for 23 years. Basu was inoffice from June 21, 1977 to November 6, 2000.Pawan Chamling

Pawan Chamling was born on September 22, 1950, at Yangang, South Sikkim. He had dropped out ofschool after matriculation. He took his plunge into politics at age of 22 during the time whennegotiations were underway for merger of the kingdom of Sikkim with India. He started his activepolitical career at age of 32. He was elected aspresident of Yangang Gram Panchayat in 1982. In 1985,he was elected to the Sikkim Legislative Assembly for the first time. He had served as Minister forIndustries, Information and Public Relations from 1989 to 1992 in Nar Bahadur Bhandari cabinet inthe state. After a series of political upheavals in Sikkim, he formed Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) in1993. He was sworn in as chief minister of Sikkim for the first time on December 12, 1994 and nowhas been in office for fifth consecutive term.

Government launches Pilot scheme Procurement of Aggregate Power of 2500 MW for 3 yearsMay 1, 2018

Ministry of Power has launched Pilot Scheme for Procurement of Aggregate Power of 2500 MW oncompetitive basis for 3 years. The main purpose of scheme is to revive commissioned power plantswhich are unable to sell electricity in absence of valid power purchase agreements (PPAs).Key Facts

Under this scheme, these plants will be allowed to bid for power supply. Under it, power will beprocured from generators with commissioned projects under medium term but without PowerPurchase Agreement.PFC Consulting Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of state-run Power Finance Corporation) hasbeen appointed as Nodal Agency and PTC India Limited as aggregator.PTC India will sign three-year (mid-term) Agreement for power procurement with successful biddersand Power Supply Agreement with Discoms. Under pilot scheme, a single entity can be allottedmaximum capacity of 600 MW.




The scheme will assure minimum off-take of 55% contracted capacity. The Tariff will be fixed for 3years without any escalation. This scheme is expected to revive power demand which has affectedgenerators not having Power Purchase Agreements.Significance

The scheme will help nearly 12 GW commissioned thermal power plants get medium-term powerpurchase agreement (PPA) which is pre-requisite for getting coal linkage. Presently out of 40 GWstressed coal based power generation capacity, 28 plants of 24 GW worth Rs 1.44 lakh crore arecommissioned. Nearly half of these capacities (12 GW) do not have coal linkage because of no PPAs.

15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in Varanasi in January 2019May 1, 2018

The 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas will be held in holy city if Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) from January 21to January 23, 2019. Its theme will be “Role of Indian Diaspora in building a New India”. The mega eventwill be organised by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in association with Uttar Pradeshgovernment. It will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpartPravind Jugnauth.Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is celebrated every year in India on 9 January. The day also commemoratesreturn of father of nation Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa in Mumbai (then Bombay) on January9, 1915. The day is celebrated to mark contribution of overseas Indian community to the developmentof India.The day was formally established in 2003. Celebrations of the day are sponsored by Ministry ofOverseas Indian Affairs and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI),Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas was held in Bengaluru(Karnataka) with theme “Redefining Engagement with the Indian Diaspora”.

HDFC Bank launches interactive humanoid IRA 2.0 in BengaluruMay 1, 2018

HDFC Bank has launched Interactive Robotic Assistant (IRA) 2.0, an interactive humanoid at itsKoramangala Branch in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The interactive humanoid aims to enhance userexperience for customers visiting in this branch.IRA 2.0

HDFC Bank has developed IRA 2.0 in collaboration with its technology partners Invento Makerspacesand Senseforth Technologies. IRA 2.0 is more advance than first version IRA 1.0. It is blend of IRA 1.0and Electronic Virtual Assistant (EVA), HDFC’s virtual bank assistant with some added features. Itcan interact customers, answer their bank-related queries, frequently asked questions (FAQs) andalso guide them inside branch with voice-based navigation. It design has incorporated learning fromfirst version IRA 1.0 to meet customer expectations.IRA 1.0

HDFC was first bank in India to introduce humanoid IRA 1.0 for customer service at Kamala MillsBranch in Mumbai in January 2o18. Currently, IRA 1.0 is stationed at Palarivattom Branch in Kochi.IRA 1.0 is GPS enabled indoor humanoid. It has speech recognition module that can be trained tounderstand what customers speak and uses ultrasonic sensor to move in inside branch. It has facedetection algorithm for recognition customers.Electronic Virtual Assistant (EVA)

Its virtual assistant launched by HDFC on Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to enable simplicityand convenience of voice conversation to banking transactions. It makes HDFC first bank to offervoice banking experience on Alexa. It is integrated with bank’s chat engine EVA for natural languageprocessing (NLP) to better understand customers’ queries.

Harimau Shakti 2018: India and Malaysia joint military exercise beginsMay 1, 2018

The first ever bilateral joint military training exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI 2018 between India andMalaysia began in dense forests of Sengai Perdik, Hulu Langat, Malaysia. The exercise aims atbolstering cooperation and coordination between armed forces of both nations. It also seeks to shareexpertise of both contingents in conduct of counter insurgency operations in jungle terrain. This isfor first time joint training exercise of this magnitude between Indian and Malaysia is being held on




Malaysian soil.Key Facts

The exercise will be held from 30 April 18 to 13 May 2018. In it, Indian contingent is represented by 4GRENADIERS, one of the oldest infantry battalions having rich operational experience inconventional as well as counter insurgency warfare. Malaysian contingent is represented by soldiersfrom 1 Royal Ranjer Regiment and Royal Malay Regiment, known for their experience in JungleWarfare.The focus of exercise is on tactical operations in jungle warfare. It involves cross training phasefollowed by field training phase of seven days in jungles of Hulu Langat wherein both armies willjointly train, plan and execute series of training activities. Overall, the exercise will provide excellentopportunity to armies of both countries to hone their operational skills and also contribute toenhance strategic partnership between India and Malaysia.

GOBAR-DHAN Scheme launched to promote wealth and energy from wasteMay 1, 2018

The Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation has launched GOBAR (Galvanizing Organic Bio-AgroResources) – DHAN scheme at National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) Karnal. It was launchedunder Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) by Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation UmaBharti.Key Facts

The GOBAR-DHAN Scheme aims to positively impact village cleanliness and generate wealth andenergy from cattle and organic waste. It also aims at creating new rural livelihood opportunities andenhancing income for farmers and other rural people. Under it, villagers will be mobilized to createself-help groups (SHGs) and creative societies that will help in clean energy and green jobs initiative.The scheme focuses on managing and converting cattle dung and solid waste in farms to usefulcompost, biogas and bio-CNG, thus keeping villages clean, increasing income of rural households andgeneration of energy from cattle waste. It is an important element of ODF-plus strategy underSwachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). The scheme envisages implementation of 700 bio-gas units indifferent states of the country in 2018-19.Background

Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin) comprises two main components for creating clean villages. Theyare creating open defecation free (ODF) villages and managing solid and liquid waste in villages. TheMinistry of Drinking Water & Sanitation now is focusing on ODF-plus activities, including measuresto enhance solid and liquid waste management after over 3.5 lakh villages, 374 districts and 16States/UTs of the country were declared ODF.Significance of Scheme

It will be hugely beneficial for country as India is home to highest cattle population in world whichproduces around 3 million tonnes of dung. It will encourage farmers to consider dung and otherwaste not just as waste but as source of income.It will provide many benefits to rural people by keeping villages clean and sanitized, improvinglivestock health and increasing farm yields. Under it, biogas generation will help to increase self-reliance in energy utilized for cooking and lighting.It will augment income of farmers and cattle herders. It will create new opportunities for jobs linkedto waste collection, transportation, biogas sales etc.It will also provide stable fuel supply in market for oil companies and accessible credit in marketthrough government schemes and banks for entrepreneurs.

InSight: NASA to launch its first mission to study deep interior of MarsMay 1, 2018

NASA will launch its first-ever mission InSight (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations,Geodesy and Heat Transport) to study the deep interior of Mars on May 5, 2018. It will be launchedfrom Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California aboard United LaunchAlliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket. The rocket will also launch two mini-spacecraft called Mars Cube One(MarCO) which is NASA’s technology experiment.InSight Mission

InSight is stationary lander that will be first NASA mission since Apollo moon landings to place




seismometer, a device that measures quakes on soil of another planet. It has been envisaged as partof NASA’s Discovery Program mission that aims to place stationary lander equipped withseismometer and heat transfer probe on surface of Mars to study red planet’s early geologicalevolution.InSight is terrestrial planet explorer that will address one of most fundamental issues of planetaryand solar system science. It will help in understanding processes that shaped rocky planets of innersolar system (including Earth) more than four billion years ago. Its instruments include seismometerto detect marsquakes and probe that will monitor flow of heat in planet’s subsurface.The robotic lander will perform a radio science experiment to study internal structure of Mars bydeploying seismometer and a burrowing heat probe. It will measure Mar’s vital signs such as pulse(seismology), temperature (heat flow probe) and reflexes (precision tracking). It will let scientistsunderstand how different its crust, mantle and core are from Earth.MarCO

MarCO consists of two briefcase-sized CubeSats that will fly on their own path to Mars behindInSight. It will be first test of CubeSat technology in deep space or at another planet. They aredesigned to test new communications and navigation capabilities for future missions and may aidInSight communications but is independent of InSight mission. If successful, MarCOs will offer newkind of communication capability to deep space missions to Earth.

May 2, 2018Government appoints Subhash Chandra Khuntia as new chairman of IRDAI

May 2, 2018

The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has appointed former chief secretary of Karnataka,Subhash Chandra Khuntia as new chairman of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority ofIndia (IRDAI). He will succeed TS Vijayan whose five-year term ended in February 2018. He will havetenure of period of three years from the date of joining. Subhash Chandra Khuntia is 1981-cadre IASofficial from Karnataka,Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)

IRDA is an apex statutory body that regulates and develops insurance industry in India. It wasconstituted as per provisions of Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999. Itsheadquarter is in Hyderabad.Functions of IRDA

Protect the rights of insurance policy holders.Provide registration certification to life insurance companiesRenew, modify, cancel or suspend this registration certificate as and when appropriate; promote efficiency inconduct of insurance businessPromote and regulate professional organisations connected with insurance and reinsurance business; regulateinvestment of funds by insurance companiesAdjudication of disputes between insurers and intermediaries or insurance intermediaries.

NDMA conducts workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction databaseMay 2, 2018

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted two-day National Workshop onData Requirements for Disaster Risk Reduction Database in New Delhi. The workshop was held incollaboration with United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), UNDevelopment Programme (UNDP) and UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR).Key Facts

The workshop aimed to develop consensus on disasters, thresholds and develop standardisedtemplates for data collection, updation and validation to ensure accuracy and quality. It helddiscussions on issues such as interoperability and security of the data. It was attended by officialsfrom NDMA and representatives of concerned Central Ministries and Departments, stategovernments, UN agencies, administrative training institutes (ATIs), disaster management institutesand universities.Background

India is one of most disaster-prone countries in the world. Numerous disasters faced by the country




has resulted in loss of lives and livelihoods and also caused significant damage to infrastructure anddisruption of critical services. These socioeconomic losses associated with these disasters havecaused undo years of growth and development, especially affecting most vulnerable andmarginalised populations.Disaster Risk Reduction database

India often refers to global databases and snapshots of disaster events for reporting disaster losses.However, these databases work under various limitations and are not able to produce accurateanalyses. In this background, India is planning to create uniform and credible national-level disasterdatabase. It will consist of locally obtained and validated data which will aid scientific analyses andsuitable policy interventions to reduce disaster risks.Significance of database

It will help in assessing and tracking risks and progress towards disaster resilience without whichIndia will not be able to meet its developmental goals. It will also be step forwards towardsimplementing Prime Minister’s 10-point agenda to address disaster risks, outlined during AsianMinisterial Conference on DRR (AMCDRR) in November, 2016.

9th India-Japan Energy Dialogue held in New DelhiMay 2, 2018

The 9th India Japan Energy Dialogue was held in New Delhi. Both countries issued Joint Statementat conclusion of the meeting, agreeing to work together for energy security, energy access andclimate change issues.The meeting was chaired by Minister of State (MoS) for Power and New & Renewable Energy R.KSingh and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Hiroshige Sekosigned.Key Highlights of Joint Statement

Both India and Japan agree to implement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under aegisof United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). They recognizedimportance of development and deployment of next generation technologies including hydrogen torealize de-carbonization.Both countries agreed to work together for energy security, energy access and climate change issues.They further confirmed their commitment to work together in promoting well-functioning energymarkets and promote transparent and diversified Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) market throughrelaxation of destination clause. They also agreed to initiate discussion on Electric Vehicles (Evs) andcommit to work together in promoting well-functioning energy markets.

President to preside over PM-headed panel on Gandhi 150th birth AnniversaryMay 2, 2018

President Ram Nath Kovind will preside over first meeting of National Committee forCommemoration of 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in 2019. The committee is headedby Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has 114 members on board including Vice President M.Venkaiah Naidu, former Prime Ministers and Chief Justice of India, Lok Sabha Speaker, members ofunion cabinet, political party leaders, chief ministers, Gandhians, spiritual gurus and social workersamong others.Background

The birth anniversary of father of the nation will be commemorated from 2nd October, 2019 to 2ndOctober, 2020. Many events are planned to organised at both national and international level topropagate message of Mahatma Gandhi. In 2018-19 budget proposals, Finance Minister Arun Jaitleyhad earmarked Rs. 150 crore for the celebrations.Key Facts

The 114-member committee will discuss policies, plans and preparatory activities forcommemoration of birth anniversary. Its recommendations will be considered for implementation bygovernment. The Ministry of Culture will be nodal ministry for celebrations. Chief Ministers ofdifferent states, leaders of various political parties, Gandhians, spiritual leaders and social workersare expected to attend the meeting.

14 of Indian cities figure in World’s 20 most polluted cities list: WHOMay 2, 2018

According to Global Urban Air Pollution database released by World Health Organisation (WHO), 14




Indian cities have figured in list of world’s 20 most polluted cities in terms of particulate matterPM2.5 levels in 2016. These 14 cities include Delhi, Varanasi, Kanpur, Faridabad, Gaya, Patna, Agra,Muzaffarpur, Srinagar, Gurgaon, Jaipur, Patiala and Jodhpur. They were followed by Ali Subah Al-Salem (Kuwait) and few cities in China and Mongolia. In terms of PM10 levels, 13 cities in Indiafigured among the 20 most-polluted cities.Background

The database measured levels of fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) from more than 4,300cities in 108 countries. It estimates that around 7 million people die every year from exposure to fineparticles in polluted air that penetrate deep into lungs and cardiovascular system. WHO recognisesair pollution is critical risk factor for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) as it causes diseasesincluding stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and respiratoryinfections, including pneumonia. Since 2016, over 1,000 additional cities are being added to WHO’sdatabase, showing that more countries are measuring and taking action to reduce air pollution thanever before.Key Facts

Pollution related Deaths: According to WHO database, ambient air pollution alone caused some 4.2million deaths in 2016 across the globe, while household air pollution from cooking with pollutingfuels and technologies has caused 3.8 million deaths in same period. It shows that 9 out of 10 peoplein the world breathe air containing high levels of pollutants.Global Scenario: More than 90% of air pollution-related deaths occur in low- and middle-incomecountries (including India), mainly in Asia and Africa. It is followed by low-and middle-incomecountries of Eastern Mediterranean region, Europe and Americas. More than 80% of people living inurban areas are exposed to air quality levels that exceed WHO limits. While all regions of world areaffected, populations in low-income cities are most impacted.South Asia region: It alone accounts for 1.5 million (40%) deaths by household air pollution and 1.3million (30%) global deaths due to ambient air pollution. Member-countries in Southeast Asia Regionneed to aggressively address double burden of household and ambient (outdoor) air pollution.Lack of clean fuel: Around 3 billion people (more than 40% of the world’s population) still do not haveaccess to clean cooking fuels and technologies in their homes, the main source of household airpollution.Since 2016, over 1,000 additional cities have been added to WHO’s database, which shows morecountries are measuring and taking action to reduce air pollution than ever before.

National Digital Communications Policy 2018: DoT releases draft Telecom policyMay 2, 2018

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released draft of new Telecom policy – NationalDigital Communications Policy, 2018. The policy seeks to unlock transformative power of digitalcommunications networks to achieve the goal of digital empowerment and well-being of the peopleof IndiaKey Features of the draft policy

Strategic objectives: Calls for Universal broadband coverage, creating four million additional jobs intdigital communications sector, enhancing contribution of digital communications sector to 8% ofIndia’s GDP from around 6% in 2017, enhancing India’s contribution to global value chains andensuring digital sovereignty. These objectives will be achieved by 2022. It also aims to propel India’srank in ICT development index (published by ITU) to top 50, from 134 in 2017.Improvement in regulatory framework: The policy recognises its importance for attractinginvestments and ensuring fair competition, to serve the needs of the people. It aims to pursueregulatory reforms to ensure that regulatory structures and processes remain relevant, transparent,accountable and forward-looking. It aims to remove regulatory barriers and reduce the regulatoryburden that hampers investments, innovation and consumer interest, the draft said. It also proposesto address woes of Telecom sector by reviewing licence fees, spectrum usage charges, universalservice obligation fund (USOF) levy for enhancing ease of doing business in sector.Rationalising spectrum regulatory regime: It recognises spectrum as key natural resource forpublic benefit to achieve socio-economic goals. It aims optimise availability and utilisation by making




adequate spectrum available to be equipped for the new broadband era. It will be done by regulationand administration of spectrum and rationalising taxes and levies on digital communicationsequipment, infrastructure and services. It calls for simplifying process of obtaining permissions fromvarious agencies such as Standing Advisory Committee on Radio Frequency Allocation (SACFA) and Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) in order to promote efficiency. It also calls fortransparent and fair mode of spectrum allocation and assignments by developing fair, flexible, simpleand transparent method. It proposes identifying and making available new spectrum bands foraccess and backhaul segments for timely deployment and growth of 5G networks and makingavailable harmonised and contiguous spectrum required for deployment of next generation accesstechnologies.National Broadband Mission (Rashtriya Broadband Abhiyan): It will be established to secureuniversal broadband access for implementation of broadband initiatives. It will be funded throughUniversal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) and Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). Its componentsinclude- BharatNet (providing 10 to 10 Gbps to Gram Panchayats), GramNet (connecting all key ruraldevelopment institutions with 10Mbps to 100 Mbps), NagarNet (establish one- million public Wi-FiHotspots in urban areas), JanWiFi (establishing two-million Wi-Fi Hotspots in rural areas) and FibreFirst Initiative (to provide fibre connectivity to home, enterprises and key development institutions intier I, II and III towns and rural clusters).Satellite Communication Technologies: Government would develop an ecosystem for satellitecommunications in India. It will be strengthen by revising licensing and regulatory conditions thatlimit the use of it, such as speed barriers, band allocation.USOF: Its scope and modalities will be reviewed by redesigning USOF and broadening its objectivesto enable universal broadband access and strengthening institutional capacity to ensure effectiverollout of services in uncovered, remote and rural areas.Quality of services: Effective institutional mechanisms will be established to protect consumers’interests including Telecom Ombudsman and centralised web based complaint redressal system.Comprehensive data protection regime: It has been mandated for digital communications thatsafeguards the privacy, autonomy and choice of individuals and facilitates India’s effectiveparticipation in the global digital economy.Use of renewable energy technologies in communications sector: It will be incentivised, includingutilisation of small cell fuel batteries, lithium-ion batteries or other similar technologies. It calls forpromoting R&D of green telecom through active participation of stakeholders across government,industry and academia and rationalising of taxes and levies on manufacture, production and importof such equipment for digital communication technologies.

Core sector growth slows to 4.1% in March 2018May 2, 2018

According to index of eight core industries released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, coresector growth in March 2018 slowed to 4.1%, a three-month low due to weak performance in sixsectors. These sectors are coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, steel and electricity.Cumulatively, the eight core sectors grew 4.2% in 2017-18. The growth was 4.8% in the previousfiscal. The previous low was 3.8% in December 2017.Breakaway of March Performance




Core industries

Core industries can be defined as main industry of the economy. In most countries, there isparticular industry that seems to be backbone of all other industries and it qualifies to be the coreindustry.In India, there are eight core sectors comprising of coal, crude oil, natural gas, petroleumrefinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity. The eight infrastructure sectors,constitute 40.27% of the total index of industrial production (IIP).Revised weightage in core sectors: Petroleum Refinery production (weight: 28.04%), Electricitygeneration (19.85%), Steel production (17.92%), Coal production (10.33%), Crude Oil production (8.98%),Natural Gas production (6.88%), Cement production (5.37%), Fertilizers production (2.63%).

South Western Command conducts Exercise Vijay Prahar in RajasthanMay 2, 2018

South Western Command of Indian Army is conducting ‘Vijay Prahar’ exercise in Mahajan area closeto Suratgarh in Rajasthan. In this exercise, over 20,000 troops are participating with fightingequipment for couple of weeks o fine-tune jointmanship with the Indian Air Force.Key Facts

The month-long exercise is aimed to orchestrate wide spectrum of threats which are planned to betackled through high tempo joint air and land operation. It involves hundreds of aircrafts, thousandsof tanks and artillery pieces supported by real time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance andlogistic support.The exercise is being conducted to practice troops in penetrative manoeuvres across the obstacleridden terrain under a nuclear umbrella. In it, formations of South Western Command will bepractising and operationalising certain innovative concepts of operating in network centricenvironment.It will also deploy integrated employment of modern day sensors with weapon platforms,employment of attack helicopters in air cavalry role and bold offensive of application of the SpecialForces. The formations will refine their drills and procedures for fighting in nuclear environmentduring course of the exercise.South Western Command

The South Western Command of the Indian Army was established in April 2005 and became fullyoperational on 15 August 2005. It is headquartered at Jaipur, Rajasthan. The command’s operationalunits include I Corps, formerly under Central Command, and X Corps transferred from Western




Command.

May 3, 2018Manufacturing growth improves slightly in April 2018: PMI

May 3, 2018

The Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 51.6 in April 2018 formfrom 51 in March 2018. It indicates faster improvement in health of India’s manufacturing economythan in prior month.Key Facts

PMI showed that manufacturing conditions improved for ninth consecutive month in April 2018. Itwas mainly because of faster expansions in output and new orders. Moreover, greater productionrequirements also stimulated job creation and encouraged companies to engage in input buying. TheOutput growth was solid and picked-up from March’s five-month low, but remained slightly belowaverage for current nine-month period of expansion. On the price front, inflationary pressurescontinue to ease in April 2018, with softest increases for input costs and output charges reportedsince September 2017 and July 2017 respectively.Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)

PMI is considered as an indicator of the economic health and investor sentiments about themanufacturing sector. It is published by Japanese firm Nikkei. The PMI is constructed separately formanufacturing and services sector. But the manufacturing sector holds more importance. In PMI, areading above 50 indicates economic expansion, while reading below 50 points shows contraction ofeconomic activities. PMI shows investor sentiment in economy’s manufacturing sector and is seen assentiment tracking index. The variables used to construct India’s PMI are Output, New Orders, InputCosts, Output Prices, Backlogs of Work, Export Orders, Quantity of Purchases, Suppliers and DeliveryTimes, Employment, Stocks of Purchases and Stocks of Finished GoodsHow PMI is different from IIP?Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is popular index that measures growth in industrial sector inIndia is concerned. It is prepared by Central Statistical Office (CSO). IIP shows change in productionvolume or output in major industrial subsectors like manufacturing, mining and electricity. It alsogives use based (capital goods, consumer goods etc,) trends in industrial production. It coversbroader industrial sector compared to PMI. PMI senses dynamic trends because of variable it uses forthe construction of the index. PMI is more dynamic compared to IIP.

Task Force on Establishment of CDRI submits report to MHAMay 3, 2018

The Task Force constituted on “Establishing a Coalition on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)”has submitted its report to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The Task Force was constituted by MHAin August, 2017 and was headed by Preeti Saran, Secretary (East), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).Key Facts

Task force in its report provides step-by-step implementation plan and analysis in order to build andoperationalize CDRI. It includes business case for CDRI, analysis of best practices of internationalpartnerships in disaster risk and other thematic areas lead by India, preliminary design of coalitionand roll-out plan.Background

During Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) held in New Delhi inNovember 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had outlined 10-point Agenda for disaster riskreduction. Under the first agenda, India had committed to work with other partner countries and keystakeholders to build coalition or centre for promoting disaster resilient infrastructure in the region.This was to generate new knowledge for hazard risk assessment, disaster resilient technologies andmechanism for integrating risk reduction in infrastructure financing. With a view to take thisagenda further forward, MHA had constituted Task Force. It was mandated to prepare its report onestablishing CDRI.

Cabinet approves Restructuring of Indian Bureau of MinesMay 3, 2018

The Union Cabinet has approved restructuring of Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) by upgradation,creation and abolition of certain posts of Joint Secretary-level and above. Decision in this regard was




taken at Union Cabinet Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.Background

The Union Ministry of Mines had constituted Committee for comprehensive ‘Review andRestructuring of Functions and Role of IBM’ in the light of ‘National Mineral Policy’ (NMP) 2008. TheCommittee submitted its report in 2012 which was accepted by the Ministry.Key Facts

The restructuring will help IBM to effectively discharge its function to help reform and transformthe regulation of the mineral sector. It will enable IBM to adopt IT and space technology IBM toimprove its effectiveness in mineral regulation and development. Further, it will entail great deal ofdecision-making and accountability in functioning of IBM. The improved and enhanced performanceof IBM through restructuring will benefit the mining sector.Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)

IBM was set up by Central Government in March, 1948 under Ministry of Works, Mines and Power(now Ministry of Mines). It is multi-disciplinary government organisation engaged in promotion ofconservation, scientific development of mineral resources and protection of environment in minesother than coal, atomic minerals, petroleum & natural gas and minor minerals. It is headquartered atNagpur, Maharashtra. It is primarily advisory body to help in formulation of policy and legalframework for mining sector and advising Central and State Governments on development andutilization of mineral resources. It helps states in preparation of auction blocks, publishing of averagesale price, assisting in post auction monitoring and approval process.

Cabinet approves accession to WHO protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco productsMay 3, 2018

The Union Cabinet has given approval to accede to Protocol under World Health Organization(WHO) Framework Convention on tobacco control to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products.It will be applicable to both smoking and chewing or smokeless tobacco (SLT) forms as negotiatedand adopted under Article 15 of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). India is a party to WHO FCTC.Features of Protocol to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products

It lays down obligations on parties and spells out supply chain control measures that must beadopted by parties while licensing manufactures of tobacco products and machinery formanufacturing of tobacco products. It mainly deals with those engaged in production, tracking andtracing regime, record keeping and security. It also spells out measures to be taken by those engagedin e-commerce, manufacturing in free-trade zones and duty free sales. It lists out offences,enforcement measures such as seizures and disposal of seized products. It calls for internationalcooperation in information sharing, maintaining, training, technical assistance and cooperation inscientific and technical and technological matters.Significance

The protocol is path breaking initiative in strengthening global action against tobacco. It is also newlegal instrument in public health. It is comprehensive tool to counter and eventually eliminate illicittrade in tobacco products and strengthen legal dimensions for international health cooperation.The protocol will help in strengthening comprehensive tobacco control, leading to reduction intobacco use which in turn, will result in reduction in disease burden and mortality associated withtobacco use. It will provide India actionable alternatives against such prevailing practices that areaffecting public health at large. It will provide India a platform to influence internationalorganizations including World Custom Organization (WCO) in controlling such illicit trade.Background

The WHO FCTC is the first international public health treaty negotiated under auspices of WHO. Itsobjective is to provide framework for supply and demand reduction measures for tobacco control atnational, regional and global levels. One of the key tobacco supply reduction strategies enshrined inArticle 15 of WHO FCTC envisages elimination of all forms of illicit trade and tobacco products,including smuggling, illicit manufacturing and counterfeiting. The Protocol to eliminate illicit tradein tobacco products was developed and adopted by Conference of Parties (COP) which is governingbody of FCTC. It is divided into 10 parts and contains 47 Articles.




Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandan Yojana: Cabinet doubles investment limit for senior citizensMay 3, 2018

The Union Cabinet has approved doubling of investment limit from Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh underPradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY). It also extended time limits for subscription from ay2018 to March, 2020.These decisions were taken as part of Government commitment to financial inclusion and socialsecurity. It will boost social security initiatives for senior citizens and enable them upto Rs.10,000pension per month.Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)

PMVVY aims to provide social security during old age and protect elderly persons aged 60 years andabove against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions. It isimplemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). The intended beneficiaries of thescheme are elderly persons aged 60 years and above.The scheme provides an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8% per annum forten years, with an option to opt for pension on monthly, quarterly or half yearly and annual basis.The differential return, i.e. difference between return generated by LIC and assured return of 8% perannum is borne by Government as subsidy on annual basis.

Global warming driving harmful algae growth: StudyMay 3, 2018

Scientists have found that global warming is driving proliferation of Noctiluca algae (commonlyknown as sea tinkle), a harmful algae in Arabian Sea responsible for glowing of Mumbai’s beaches indark. The study was jointly conducted by researchers from Indian National Centre for OceanInformation Services (INCOIS), a Ministry of Earth Sciences body and US National Oceanic andAtmospheric Administration (NOAA).Key Facts

Noctiluca algae is parasite and occurs in patches or blooms in northern Arabian Sea. Itsbioluminescence characteristic i.e. glow in dark has earned it name ‘sea sparkle’. The algae competewith fish for food and choke their supply. It devours one of most important planktonic organisms atbase of fish-food chain, namely diatoms. It also excretes large amounts of ammonia, which causesmassive fish mortality.Significance of study

Earlier studies had linked increase in algal patches to coastal pollution from major Indian cities alongwest coast. However, in this study researchers found that global warming conditions are responsibletheir proliferation. Warming of oceans due to global is increasing temperature differences amonglayers of sea water.This temperature differences has slowed the upward transport of nutrients like silicate from oceanbottom, lowering its concentration at surface. Diatoms growing in surface water which need bothsunlight and silicate to build their glass skeletons, fail to thrive when silicate is in short supply. Onother hand, Noctiluca algae remain unaffected by these changes and prey on remaining diatoms.Thus, the study shows that intensifying global warming conditions will disrupt fish-food chain andcause decline of fisheries in the region.

Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana: Cabinet approves setting up of 20 AIIMSMay 3, 2018

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved plan to set up 20 AllIndia Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) across the country and upgrade 73 medical colleges. Thedecisions are part of the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), which has beenextended by two years till 2020 with financial outlay of Rs.14,832 crore.Key Facts

The decision to extend PMSSY is aimed at meeting shortfall in healthcare professionals and facilitiesacross the country. Setting up of new AIIMS in various states under PMSSY will transform healtheducation and training and also help to address shortfall of healthcare professionals. It will lead toemployment generation for nearly 3,000 people in various faculty and non-faculty posts in each ofAIIMS. Six of 20 AIIMS have already been established. The construction of new AIIMS will be fullyfunded by Central government and it will also bear operations and maintenance expenses of these




facilities.Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY)

PMSSY was announced in 2003. Its objectives are correcting regional imbalances in availability ofaffordable and reliable tertiary healthcare services and augment facilities for quality medicaleducation in the country. It establishes AIIMS in various regions of India apart from differentgovernment colleges. It is funded from different centrally sponsored schemes relating to creatinginfrastructure on health.

Cabinet approves ordinance to amend law for speedy disposal of commercial disputesMay 3, 2018

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved promulgation ofOrdinance amend a law for speedy disposal of commercial disputes. This decision aims to improveIndia’s ranking in World Bank’s ease of doing business index. The index takes into considerationdispute resolution environment in country, which facilitates investors in deciding for setting up ofand operation of a business.Key Facts

The ordinance will replace Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial AppellateDivision of High Courts Bill which is pending in Parliament. It will bring down specified value ofcommercial dispute to Rs 3 lakh from the present Rs 1 crore. It also aims to bring down time takenfrom the present 1,445 days in resolution of commercial disputes of lesser value.The amendments through ordinance provides for establishment of commercial courts at districtjudge level for territories over which High Courts Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and HimachalPradesh have ordinary original civil jurisdiction. The ordinance will be given prospective effect sothat authority of the judicial forum presently adjudicating commercial disputes is not affected.

India, US hold round 3 of Maritime Security Dialogue in GoaMay 3, 2018

India and United States held the third round of the India-US Maritime Security Dialogue in Goa fromApril 30 to May 1, 2018 focussing on cooperation and developments in the Indo-Pacific regionKey Facts

During the third round of dialogue, both sides discussed developments in maritime domain in Indo-Pacific Region and exchanged views on ways to further strengthen bilateral maritime securitycooperation. They also reviewed implementation of decisions taken during the previous MaritimeSecurity Dialogues. the next round of the dialogue will be held in the US on mutually convenientdates.Background

US has been pushing for broader role by India in strategically important Indo-Pacific region. USPresident Donald Trump had laid out his South Asia policy saying critical part of it was to furtherdevelop US’s strategic partnership with India. In June 2016, US had designated India Major DefencePartner intending to elevate defence trade and technology sharing with India to level commensuratewith that of its closest allies and partners.India, US and several other world powers including have been talking about need to ensure free, openand thriving Indo-Pacific in backdrop of China’s rising military maneuvering in the region. InNovember 2017, US, India, Australia and Japan had given shape to long-pending Quadrilateralcoalition to develop new strategy to keep the critical sea routes in Indo-Pacific free of Chineseinfluence.

India and France conduct final phase of Varuna naval exercise near Reunion IslandMay 3, 2018

Indian and French navies conducted final and third phase of Varuna naval exercise 2018 nearReunion Island in Indian Ocean region (IOR) to enhance their operational coordination. In the finalphase, both navies simulated different possible scenarios such as asymmetric warfare and testedtheir air defence capabilities.Varuna Exercise 2018

2018 Varuna naval exercise between Indian and French Navy was conducted in three phases andincluded anti-submarine, air defence and asymmetric engagement exercises. It was aimed to exploremeasures to facilitate operational-level interactions between their armed forces and increase mutual




cooperation, considering common global threats. It was also held at time when Indian Ocean iswitnessing increased Chinese naval presence.The first phase was held in Arabian Sea, second phase was held off the Chennai coast in Bay of Bengaland third near France’s Reunion Island in South Western Indian Ocean. The first phase had focusedon joint anti-submarine combat training off Indian coast in Goa, with participation of French nuclearsubmarine and India’s Kalvari Scorpene-class submarine. The second phase focused on amphibiousoperations.Indian Navy’s destroyer, INS Mumbai, and frigate INS Trikand were the vessels participating in theexercise. Moreover, Indian Navy’s submarine, Kalvari, P8-1 and Dornier maritime patrol aircraft andMiG 29K fighter aircraft also had participated in the exercise.Background

India is major defence partner of France in Indian Ocean region. Maritime security is priority inIndia-France’s defence and security policy, along with fight against terrorism. Indian Navy andFrench Navy have been conducting naval exercises since 1983. These exercises were christened asVaruna in 2001. The last edition of this annual bilateral exercise was conducted off French coast inApril 2017. The Varuna series of naval exercises now has grown in scope and complexity and providesopportunity to naval forces of both countries to increase interoperability and learn from each other’sbest practices. Reunion Island: It is French island strategically located in Indian Ocean east of Madagascar andsouthwest of Mauritius. Around 8,50,000 French citizens reside there. It is most prosperous island inthe Indian Ocean, having the highest GDP per capita in the region.

May 4, 2018CCEA approves financial assistance to sugar mills for clearing cane dues of farmers

May 4, 2018

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved proposal to provide financialassistance of Rs. 5.50 per quintal of cane crushed in sugar season 2017-18. It will help to sugar mills tooffset the cost of cane which will inturn help sugar mills to clear cane dues of farmers.Key Facts

The assistance will be paid directly to farmers on behalf of mills. It will be adjusted against cane pricepayable due to farmers against Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) including arrears relating toprevious years. Moreover it will also credit subsequent balance if any into the mill’s account. Millsfulfilling eligibility conditions as decided by the Government will be given assistance.Background

The sugar prices in domestic market have remained depressed since commencement of the seasondue to higher sugar production against estimated consumption during the current sugar season2017-18. Due to depressed market sentiments and crash in sugar prices, liquidity position of sugarmills also have been adversely affected, leading to accumulation of cane price dues of farmers whichhave reached to more than Rs.19,000 crore. Government has taken various steps in recent times inorder to stabilize sugar prices at reasonable level and to improve liquidity position of mills therebyenabling them to clear cane price dues of farmers.




3 May: World Press Freedom DayMay 4, 2018

May 3 is celebrated as World Press Freedom Day every year to celebrate fundamental principles ofpress freedom as well as to evaluate freedom of press around the world. It serves as occasion todefend media from attacks on their independence and to pay tribute to journalists who died whiledoing their profession.2018 Theme

The theme for year 2018 is ‘Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and The Rule of Law’. It highlightsimportance of enabling legal environment for press freedom and gives special attention to role ofindependent judiciary in ensuring legal guarantees for press freedom and prosecution of crimesagainst journalists. It also addresses role of media in sustainable development, especially duringelections as watchdog fostering transparency, accountability and rule of law. It also explorelegislative gaps with regard to freedom of expression and information online, and risks of regulatingonline speechWorld Press Freedom Day

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) inDecember 1993, following the recommendation adopted at 26th Session of UNESCO’s GeneralConference in 1991. This recommendation was a response to a call given by African journalists who in1991 produced landmark Windhoek Declaration on media pluralism and independence. Since then 3 May,is observed as anniversary of Declaration of Windhoek and is celebrated worldwide as World PressFreedom Day. Observance of day provides opportunity to celebrate fundamental principles of pressfreedom; defend media from attacks on their independence; assess state of press freedom throughoutworld and pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in line of duty.

CCEA renames Multi-sectoral Development Programme as Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas KaryakramMay 4, 2018

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved proposal for renaming andrestructuring of Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) as Pradhan Mantri Jan VikasKaryakram (PMJVK). It also has approved its continuation during the remaining period of the 14thFinance Commission.Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK)

PMJVK aims to address development deficits in identified minority concentration areas. Theidentification of these areas will be done on the basis of presence of substantial population of notifiedMinority Communities based on Census, 2011. It will also provide better socio economicinfrastructure facilities to minority communities particularly in field of education, health and skilldevelopment as compared to present situation. This will lead to lessening of gap between nationalaverage and minority communities with regard to backwardness parameters.PMJVK will be implemented in Minority Concentration District Headquarters, MinorityConcentration Block(MCBs), Minority Concentration Towns(MCTs) falling in 308 districts of 32States/UTs. It will also be implemented in Backward Clusters of Minority Concentration Villages(CoMCV) which will be identified on proposal of States/UTs as per criteria of the scheme.Multi-sectoral Development Programme (MsDP)

MsDP was launched in 2008-09 in 90 identified Minority Concentration Districts (MCDs) having atleast 25% minority population and below national average with objective of developing assets forsocio-economic and basic amenities. It was designed primarily to address developmental gaps anddeficits in identified backward minority concentration areas by topping up of existing CentrallySponsored Schemes of various Central ministries and departments without any change in norms,guidelines and funding pattern. It was one of Core of Core Schemes under National DevelopmentAgenda in Report of Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Rationalization of Centrally SponsoredSchemes constituted by NITI Aayog.

FDI Confidence Index 2018: India ranks 11thMay 4, 2018

India was ranked 11th position in the FDI Confidence Index 2018 released by global consultancy firmA T Kearney. It has slipped by three notches in 2018 as it was ranked 8th in 2017 and 9th in 2016. Thisis first time India fell out of the top 10 since 2015.




Key Facts

Top 10 countries in FDI Confidence Index 2018 are United States (1st), Canada (2nd), Germany (3rd),United Kingdom (4th), China (5th), Japan (6th), France (7th), Australia (8th), Switzerland (9th) andItaly (10th).US has topped spot for the sixth year in a row mainly due to continued confidence result of its largemarket, strong and sustained economic growth and recent corporate tax cuts. Switzerland and Italyhave entered in the top 10 position for the first time in more than decade.Asia Pacific region: Investor preference for the region appears to have declined slightly with onlyseven Asian countries appearing on 2018 FDI Confidence Index.Emerging markets: This year marks an all-time low for the share of emerging markets on index. Justfour emerging markets have appeared among top 25 countries viz. China, India, Mexico, and Brazil.This suggests that confidence in investing in specific emerging markets has declined.India: The fall in India’s rankings may be due some policies such as challenges faced inimplementation2017 nationwide goods and services tax (GST) and 2016 demonetisation initiativewhich disrupted business activity and weighed on economic growth which has deterred investorssentiments in short term. But strong economic performance and sheer size of Indian market areimportant factors likely to attract investors.Investors based in Americas and in industry sector rank India highest in terms of their intention toinvest there. This confidence may be result of Government’s Make in India initiative, which aims toboost investment in India’s manufacturing sector as well as its pursuit of closer ties with US.Moreover, reforms have made positive impact on India’s attractiveness including dismantling ofForeign Investment Promotion Board and liberalisation of overseas investment thresholds for retail,aviation, and biomedical industries.FDI Confidence Index

The index is annual analysis of how political, economic, and regulatory changes will likely affect FDIinflows into countries in coming years. It is constructed using primary data from proprietary surveyadministered to senior executives of world’s leading corporations. Companies participating in surveyhave annual revenues of $500 million or more.

Green Revolution-Krishonnati Yojana: CCEA approves continuation of Umbrella Scheme inagriculture sector

May 4, 2018

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved continuation of Umbrella Scheme,Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana in agriculture sector beyond 12th Five Year Plan from 2017-18to 2019-20. The Umbrella scheme comprises of 11 Schemes and Missions.Key Facts

The 11 schemes and missions were clubbed together under one umbrella scheme ‘Green Revolution –Krishonnati Yojana in 2017-18. They aim to develop agriculture and allied sector in holistic andscientific manner to increase income of farmers by enhancing production, productivity and betterreturns on produce. They primarily focus on creating and strengthening of infrastructure ofproduction, reducing production cost and marketing of agriculture and allied produce. Theseschemes will be now continued for three financial years, i.e., 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 with anexpenditure of Rs.33,269 crore.Schemes part of Green Revolution-Krishonnati Yojana

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH): It aims to promote holistic growth ofhorticulture sector and also enhance horticulture production, improve nutritional security andincome support tofarm Households.National Food Security Mission (NFSM): It aims to increase production of rice, wheat, pulses, coarsecereals and commercial crops, through area expansion and productivity enhancement in suitablemanner in identified districts of country. It will also restore soil fertility and productivity atindividual farm level and enhance farm level economy. It also includes National Mission on Oil Seedsand Oil Palm (NMOOP) which aims to augment availability of vegetable oils and to reduce the importof edible oils.National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): It aims at promoting sustainable agriculture




practices best suitable to specific agro-ecology focusing on integrated farming, appropriate soilhealth management and synergizing resource conservation technology.Submission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE): It aims to strengthen ongoing extension mechanismof State Governments, local bodies etc. in achieving food and nutritional security and socio-economicempowerment of farmers. It also seeks to institutionalize programme planning and implementationmechanism, forge effective linkages and synergy amongst various stake-holders, support HRDinterventions, promote pervasive and innovative use of electronic and print media, inter-personalcommunication and ICT tools, etc.Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material (SMSP): It aims to increase production of certified andquality seed to increase SRR and upgrade the quality of farm saved seeds. Under it, seedmultiplication chain will be strengthen and also new technologies and methodologies in seedproduction, processing, testing etc. will be promoted to strengthen and modernizing infrastructurefor seed production, storage, certification and quality etc. Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM): It aims to increase reach of farmmechanization to small and marginal farmers and to regions where availability of farm power is low.Under it, ustom Hiring Centres to offset adverse economies of scale arising due to small landholdingand high cost of individual ownership will be promoted. Hubs for hi-tech and high value farmequipment, create awareness among stakeholders through demonstration and capacity buildingactivities will be also created under it.Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plan Quarantine (SMPPQ): It aims to minimize loss to qualityand yield of agricultural crops from ravages of diseases, insect pests, nematodes, weeds, rodents, etc.and shield agricultural bio-security from incursions and spread of alien species. It will also facilitateexports of Indian agricultural commodities to global markets and promote good agriculturalpractices, particularly with respect to plant protection strategies and strategies.Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Census, Economics and Statistics (ISACES): It aims to undertakeagriculture census, study of cost of cultivation of principal crops and undertake research studies onagro-economic problems of the country. Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Cooperation (ISAC): It aims to provide financial assistance forimproving the economic conditions of cooperatives, remove regional imbalances and speed upcooperative development in agricultural marketing, computerization, processing, storage andweaker section programmes. It also will help cotton growers fetch remunerative price for theirproduce through value addition besides ensuring supply of quality yarn at reasonable rates todecentralized weavers.Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Marketing (ISAM): It aims to develop agricultural marketinginfrastructure and promote innovative and latest technologies and competitive alternatives inagriculture marketing infrastructure. It also seeks to provide infrastructure facilities for grading,standardization and quality certification of agricultural produce. Under it nationwide marketinginformation network will be established to integrate markets through common online marketplatform to facilitate pan-India trade in agricultural commodities, etc.National e-Governance Plan (NeGP-A): It aims to bring farmer centricity and service orientation toprogrammes. Under it reach & impact of extension services will be enhanced and access of farmersto information &services throughout crop-cycle will be improved. It will also enhance and integrateexisting ICT initiatives of Centre and States and also enhance efficiency and effectiveness ofprograms through making available timely and relevant information to farmers for increasing theiragriculture productivity.

CBDT inks 200th Unilateral Advance Pricing AgreementMay 4, 2018

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered into 200th Unilateral Advance PricingAgreement (UAPA) after it singed one in April 2018. With the signing of this, CBDT has achievedanother milestone of having signed its 200th UAPA. The total number of APAs entered into by CBDTso far has gone up to 220, which include 20 Bilateral APAs. The UAPA entered in April, 2018 pertainsto provision of sourcing support services.




Advance Pricing Agreement

APA scheme launched by Government endeavours to provide certainty to taxpayers in domain oftransfer pricing by specifying methods of pricing and setting prices of international transactions inadvance. Its provision was introduced in Income-tax Act, 1961 in 2012 and Rollback provisions to itwere introduced in 2014.The scheme gives certainty to MNCs that agree on certain principles in valuation of their cross-border transactions. It also provides them with alternate dispute resolution mechanism with respectto transfer pricing. It helps in determining arm’s length price of international transactions inadvance for max period of 5 future years.The scheme aims to strengthen Government’s resolve of fostering non-adversarial tax regime. It hassignificantly contributed towards improving ease of doing business in India and has beenappreciated nationally and internationally for being able to address complex transfer pricing issuesin a fair and transparent manner.

India emerges as fifth largest military spender in 2017: SIPRIMay 4, 2018

According to recently released report of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI),India has emerged as fifth largest military spender in 2017. India had spent $63.9 billion on defence in2017, an increase of 5.5% compared with 2016, when it was in the sixth spot overall.Key Facts

Global defence spending: The world’s five biggest military spenders in 2017 are United States ($610billion), China ($228 billion), Saudi Arabia (69.4 billion), Russia (66.3 billion) and India ($63.9 billion).They together accounted for 60% of global military spending. The total global military expenditure in2017 rose to $1,739 billion, a marginal increase of 1.1% in real terms from 2016. It accounted for 2.2% ofglobal gross domestic product in 2017.

India’s defence spending: It was higher than that of France ($57.8 billion), UK ($47.2 billion) andGermany ($44.3 billion) in 2017. It has grown in past decade for several reasons, including mountingsalary bill for about 1.4 million serving personnel and pensions for more than 2 million veterans,projects worth billions of dollars to induct new warships, combat fighter jets, helicopters, artilleryguns and infantry weapons and to enhance capabilities. India has been world’s largest weaponsimporter in last five years and arms exported by US to India during 2013-17 registered a 557% jumpwhen compared to 2008-12.China: It was second-largest defence spender globally in 2017. It had increased its defence spendingby 5.6% to an estimated $228 billion in 2017. It defence spending share in global military expenditurerose from 5.8% in 2008 to 13% in 2017. It also accounted for 48% of Asian total and was 3.6 times thatof India.Background

In Union Budget 2018-19, Government had allocated Rs. 2.95 lakh crore for military spending during




2018-19, down from Rs 2.74 lakh crore in 2017-18 budget. The military budget had slipped to just1.57% of the GDP. The total figure includes Rs. 99,563 crore for buying new weapons and systems,which is up from Rs. 86,488 crore in previous fiscal. The budget had breached Rs. 4 lakh-crore markafter factoring in defence pensions (Rs. 1.08 lakh crore).

SIPRI

It in international institute based in Stockholm, Sweden. It dedicated to research into conflict,armaments, arms control and disarmament. It was established in 1966. It provides data, analysis andrecommendations, based on open sources to policymakers, researchers, media and interested public.

Meteorological Department issues warning of another dust storm in UP, RajasthanMay 4, 2018

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warning of another dust storm andthunderstorm in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The satellite images have shown windpressure developing in two states leading to thunderstorms, gusty winds and heavy rain. It also hasforecasted thunderstorm accompanied with squall is also likely at isolated places over Uttarakhand,Sikkim, West Bengal and Odisha. The fresh warning comes after two north Indian states were earlierhit severe dust storm, which took lives of over 100 people and left trail of destruction.Reasons for formation of rainstorms and duststorms

Rainstorms (thunderstroms) and duststorms arise from similar meteorological conditions. They arealmost always preceded and caused by spell of intense heat. Thunderstorms occur when atmospherehas moisture and duststorms take place when moisture is not present. Such events take place due tolocal instability arising out of deviation from normal temperature difference between upper andlower atmosphere. Thus, these events themselves are very localised both in time and space.In recent rainstorms and duststorms cases in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, moist easterly windsfrom Bay of Bengal reached up to Himachal Pradesh colluded with dry winds from north-westerlydirection. The two systems destabilised equilibrium temperature difference between upper andlower layers of atmosphere, leading to conducive conditions for thunderstorm and duststroms. Thefinal trigger, however, is development of largescale air-circulation system. Many parts of Indiawitness build-up of surface heat during this time of year. The places that were hit by recent stormshad seen heat-wave like conditions.

EPFO launches View Pension Passbook Service on Umang AppMay 4, 2018

Retirement fund body Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched View PensionPassbook Service for pensioners on Umang App. This facility was launched part of EPFO’s plan to gopaperless by August this year and provide all services online. It will allow pensioners view theirpension passbook on mobile phones with the help of Umang app. EPFO is already providing variouse-services for its stakeholders through Umang.Umang app

UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app aims to build common, unifiedplatform and mobile app to facilitate single point of access for government services (centre, state andutility services) through mobile. It is multi-utility app and integrates with other core governmentservices of Aadhaar, Rapid Assessment System, DigiLocker and Bharat Bill Payment System etc. andsupports 13 Indian languages. It has been developed by Ministry of Electronics and Information




Technology (MeitY) and National e-Governance Division (NeGD). It had won Best m-GovernmentService Award for Accessible Government Category at World Government Summit 2018.Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)

EPFO is a statutory body of Union Government that comes under the aegis of Ministry of Labour andEmployment. It is headquartered in New Delhi. It is one of largest social security organisations inIndia in terms volume of financial transactions undertaken and number of covered beneficiaries. Itadministers compulsory contributory Provident Fund Scheme (1952), Pension Scheme (1995) andInsurance Scheme (1976).

May 5, 2018SWAYAM: Government notifies 75 National Resource Centres for Higher Education faculty

May 5, 2018

Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) launched initiative of online professionaldevelopment of 1.5 million higher education faculty using massive open online course (MOOC)platform SWAYAM. Under its first phase of implementation, 75 discipline-specific National ResourceCentres (NRCs) have been identified.Key Facts

Under this initiative, all in-service teachers, irrespective of their subject and seniority will getopportunity to keep abreast of latest developments in their disciplines through technology basedonline refresher course. The training materials will be uploaded and made available throughSWAYAM platform to all the teachers every year. NRCs will publish list of faculty who have beencertified by December, 2018. UGC will issue order and regulations for the purpose of CareerProgression and APIs.National Resource Centres (NRCs)

These75 discipline-specific NRCS includes varied set of institutions under Ministry’s Pandit MadanMohan Malaviya National Mission on Teachers and Teaching (PMMMNMTT) located in CentralUniversities, IISc, IUCAA, IITs, IISERs, NITs, State Universities, UGC’s Human Resource DevelopmentCentres (HRDCs), National Institutes for Technical Teachers Training (NITTTRs), IIITs, OpenUniversities. These NRCs are tasked to prepare online training material with focus on latestdevelopments in discipline, new and emerging trends, pedagogical improvements and methodologiesfor transacting revised curriculum.SWAYAM (Study Webs of Active –Learning for Young Aspiring Minds) programme

SWAYAM aims to bridge digital divide for students (especially most disadvantaged) who havehitherto remained untouched by digital revolution and have not been able to join mainstream of theknowledge economy. It is an indigenous developed IT platform that facilitates hosting of all thecourses, taught in classrooms from 9th grade till post-graduation. Courses hosted by it can beaccessed by anyone, anywhere at any time at free of cost. It objective is to achieve the three cardinalprinciples of education policy – access, equity and quality. The interactive courses on this platformare prepared by best teachers in the country.

GST Council constitutes 2 Group of Ministers on digital payments and Cess on SugarMay 5, 2018

The GST Council in its 27th meeting has constituted two Group of Ministers (GoM) to consider issuesrelated to Incentivizing digital payments in GST regime & Imposition of Cess on Sugar under GST.Both GoMs will submit their reports within period of 15 days.Key Facts

First GoM: It will consider the issues relating to incentivizing digital payments in GST regime. SushilKumar Modi, (Deputy Chief Minister, Bihar) is its convenor. Other members are Nitinbhai Patel (Dy.Chief Minister, Gujarat), Capt. Abhimanyu (Excise & Taxation Minister, Haryana), Dr. Amit Mitra(Finance Minister, West Bengal) and Shri Manpreet Singh Badal ( Finance Minister, Punjab).Second GoM: It will consider issues relating to imposition of Cess on Sugar under GST. HimantaBiswa Sarma (Finance Minister of Assam) is its convenor. Other members are Rajesh Agrawal(Finance Minister, Uttar Pradesh), Sudhir Mungatiwar (Finance Minister, Maharashtra), D.Jayakumar (Minister for Fisheries and Personnel & Administrative Reforms, Tamil Nadu) and Dr.T.M. Thomas Isaa (Finance Minister, Kerala).




Namami Gange Programme: NMCG approves used of GIS technologyMay 5, 2018

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has partnered with board Survey of India, to facilitate theGanga rejuvenation task under Namami Gange programme by using Geographic Information System(GIS) technology. Through the project, NMCG aims to strengthen planning and implementation atnational, state and local levels.Key Facts

The project includes use of Digital Elevation Model (DEM) technology which ensures accurate datacollection which is important aspect for river basin management planning. DEM technology enablesidentification of entire topography of area. It supports decision-making process by easily makingavailable data for policy makers. Critical hotspots are also easily identified through this technology.Significance of GIS technology for Namami Gange programme

It will also ensure decentralisation. The data collected and subsequent actions can easily be sharedwith local public through geo portals and mobile apps. It will also enable people to send theirfeedback up to national level thereby providing interactive and transparent platform. It will map alltypes of other institutions from the source outlet to the public drainage network for effectivedischarge management. The high resolution GIS enabled data will also help in regulating proposedprotected and regulatory zones along banks of river.

APSTAR-6C: China launches communication satelliteMay 5, 2018

China successfully launched “APSTAR-6C”, a new communication satellite into orbit. It was launchedonboard of Long March-3B carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center. This was overall273rd mission of Long March rocket series. Both satellite and rocket were developed by ChinaAerospace Science and Technology Corporation.APSTAR-6C

The user of APSTAR-6C satellite is Hong Kong-based APT Satellite Co. Ltd. With is successful launch,it joins fleet of four fully operational satellites belonging to APT Satellite Co. It will replace the in-orbit Apstar-6 satellite.The Apstar-6C satellite is based on DFH-4 platform. It is equipped with 45 transponders in C, Ku, andKa bands, with designed service life of 15 years. The satellite will provide TV transmission, Internet,communication and multimedia services to customers across Asia-Pacific region. It will also providehigh-power transponder services for video distribution, broadband internet access, and cellularbackhaul.

GST Council approves simplified tax return filing systemMay 5, 2018

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council in its 27th meeting chaired by Union Finance MinisterArun Jaitley announced new and simplified return filing process. It was approved based onrecommendations of Group of Ministers on IT simplification for GST implementation.Features of simplified return filing process

One monthly return: All taxpayers excluding few exceptions like composition dealer will file onemonthly return. Return filing dates will be staggered based on turnover of registered person tomanage load on IT system. Composition dealers and dealers having nil transaction will have facilityto file quarterly return.Unidirectional flow of invoices: Seller will upload unidirectional flow of invoices on anytime basisduring the month. This will be valid document to avail input tax credit by buyer and allow them tocontinuously see the uploaded invoices during the month. Invoices for B2B transaction will use HSNat four digit level or more to achieve uniformity in reporting system.Simple return design and easy IT interface: Taxpayer will be given user-friendly IT interface andoffline IT tool to upload the invoices. The B2B dealers will fill invoice-wise details of outward supplymade by them, based on which system will automatically calculate his tax liability. The input taxcredit will be also calculated automatically by the system based on invoices uploaded by his sellers.No automatic reversal of credit: There will be no automatic reversal of input tax credit from buyeron non-payment of tax by seller. In case of default in payment of tax by seller, recovery will be madefrom seller but reversal of credit from buyer will be also option available with revenue authorities to




address exceptional situations like missing dealer, closure of business by supplier or supplier nothaving adequate assets.Due process for recovery and reversal: Recovery of tax or reversal of input tax credit will be throughdue process of issuing notice and order. The process will be online and automated to reduce humaninterface.Supplier side control: Analytical tools will be used to identify and block unloading of invoices byseller to pass input tax credit who has defaulted in payment of tax above threshold amount to controlmisuse of input tax credit facility. Similar safeguards will be built with regard to newly registereddealers to prevent loss of revenue.Transition: The new simplified return filing process will be implemented in three-stage transition.The stage I is the present system of filing of return GSTR 3B and GSTR 1. GSTR 2 and GSTR 3 will besuspended in Stage I which will continue for maximum period of 6 months by which time new returnsoftware is ready. In stage 2, new return will have facility for invoice-wise data upload and alsofacility for claiming input tax credit on self-declaration basis, as in case of GSTR 3B now.

Government launches National Water Informatics CentreMay 5, 2018

Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has set up central body –National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC) to maintain a comprehensive water resources data. NWICwill be subordinate office under Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and GangaRejuvenation. It will be headed by joint secretary level officer.Functions of NWIC

Provide single window source of updated data on water resources and allied themes and also valueadded products and services to all stake holders for its management and sustainable development.Empower, inform and enrich every citizen with upto date and reliable water data and information(excluding classified data) through web based India Water Resources Information System (India-WRIS) on GIS platform.Develop value added products and services for all aspects of integrated water resources managementthrough research, capacity building, linkages, outreach and better governance in water resourcessector.Collaborate with leading research institutes nationally as well as internationally to provide technicalsupport to other central and state organizations dealing with water, emergency response forhydrological extremes.

GST Council approves converting GSTN into government owned entityMay 5, 2018

The 27th meeting of GST Council chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has approved proposal ofconvert GST Network (GSTN) into government entity from current private entity status by takingover stakes held by private entities. The council has agreed to buy out stake of private entities inGSTN. Following the move, central government will own 50% in GSTN and the remaining will becollectively held by state governments.Background

Majority of Goods and Services Tax (GST) processes including registration, filing of returns, paymentof taxes, processing of refunds is IT driven and mainly through GSTN. For this, GSTN handles large-scale invoice level data of lakhs of business entities including data relating to exports and imports.Considering nature of state function performed by GSTN, it was felt that the network should beconverted into fully government-owned company.Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN)

GSTN was set up as not for profit, non-Government, private limited company in 2013. It wasestablished primarily to provide IT infrastructure and services to Central and State Governments,tax payers and other stakeholders for implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST). Currently its24.5% is owned by central government and similar percentage is held by state governmentscollectively. The remaining 51% I owned by five private financial institutions- ICICI Bank, NSE, HDFCLtd, HDFC Bank and LIC Housing Finance Ltd. Its revenue model after Goods and Services Tax (GST)was rollout out consisted of User Charge to be paid by stakeholders who will use the system and




making it self-sustaining organization.

First organised census of Indus Dolphins begins in PunjabMay 5, 2018

Punjab government along World Wildlife Fund (WWF)-India are conducting first organised census ofIndus Dolphins, one of the world’s rarest mammals found only in India and Pakistan. The organisedcensus aims at conservation of the species.Key Facts

The first organised census will be conducted over period of five days in 185 km stretch betweenTalwara and Harike Barrage in Beas River in Punjab were riverine fresh water Indus Dolphins areconfined. It will be conducted two joint teams of Department of Forests and Wildlife Preservation,Punjab and WWF-India. Its main objective is to establish accurate population of dolphins in order toplan conservation of species.Indus Dolphin

Indus Dolphin is subspecies of freshwater river dolphin (which also includes Ganges River dolphin)found in Indus river (and its Beas and Sutlej tributaries) flowing through India and Pakistan. It isnational mammal of Pakistan. It is a key indicator species of river’s health. Its presence is consideredas river is healthy. Indus dolphin like Ganges River dolphin is functionally blind and relies onecholocation to navigate, communicate and hunt prey in muddy river water.Only 1,816 Indus dolphins are reported to exist presently in lower parts of Indus River. They arepatchily distributed in five small, sub-populations that are separated by irrigation barrages acrosscourse of Indus river and its tributaries. Their numbers have declined dramatically afterconstruction of irrigation system. It listed by the IUCN as endangered on its Red List of ThreatenedSpecies. Indus Dolphin was also found in Sutlej decades back, but river pollution has caused itsextinction in river.

NITI Aayog ink SoI with IBM to develop Precision Agriculture using Artificial IntelligenceMay 5, 2018

NITI Aayog has signed Statement of Intent (SoI) with IBM to develop crop yield prediction modelusing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide real time advisory to farmers in Aspirational Districts. Thepartnership aims to work together towards use of technology to provide insights to farmers toimprove soil yield, crop productivity, control agricultural inputs with overarching goal of improvingfarmers’ incomesKey Facts

The first phase of project will focus on developing model for 10 Aspirational Districts across states ofMaharashtra, Rajasthan, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. The project willintroduce and make available climate-aware cognitive farming techniques.The project will also identify systems of crop monitoring, early warning on pest and disease outbreakbased on advanced AI innovations. It also includes deployment of weather advisory, rich satellite andenhanced weather forecast information along with IT and mobile applications with focus onimproving crop yield and cost savings through better farm management.IBM will use AI to provide all relevant data and platform for developing technological models forimproving agricultural output and productivity for various crops and soil types in identifieddistricts. NITI Aayog will facilitate inclusion of more stakeholders on ground for effective last mileutilisation using insights generated through these models.

May 6-7, 2018GravityRAT: Malware allegedly designed by Pakistani hackers became stronger

May 7, 2018

According to Maharashtra cybercrime department officials, GravityRAT, a malware allegedlydesigned by Pakistani hackers has recently been updated further and equipped with anti-malwareevasion capabilities. GravityRAT was first detected by Indian Computer Emergency Response (CERT-In), on various computers in 2017.

RAT (Remote Access Trojan) is a program capable of being controlled remotely and thus difficult to trace.

GravityRAT

GravityRAT is designed to infliltrate computers and steal data of users, and relay stolen data to




Command and Control centres in other countries. It infiltrates system in the form of innocuouslooking email attachment, which can be in any format, including MS Word, MS Excel, MSPowerpoint, Adobe Acrobat or even audio and video files.Unlike most malware, which are designed to inflict short term damage, GravityRat lies hidden in thesystem that it takes over and keeps penetrating deeper. Its latest update enables this malware tofunction as Advanced Persistent Threat (APT), which, once it infiltrates system, silently evolves anddoes long-term damage.The updates also have made malware self-aware and evade several commonly used malwaredetection techniques. One such technique is ‘sandboxing’, to isolate malware from critical programson infected devices and provide extra layer of security. GravityRAT now has the ability to mask itspresence evade its detection before it can be sandboxed.GravityRAT is able to work silently on the system it attacks as compared to other malware whoseactivity can be detected by noise it causes inside Central Processing Unit (CPU). It can also gaugetemperature of CPU and ascertain if device is carrying out high intensity activity, like malwaresearch, and act to evade detectionGravityRAT sends data to Command and Control servers based in several countries sent inencrypted format, making it difficult to detect exactly what is leaked.

InSight Mission: NASA launches robotic lander to explore MarsMay 7, 2018

NASA launched first-ever InSight (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy andHeat Transport) lander dedicated to exploring the deep interior of Mars. It was launched aboardUnited Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex-3 at Vandenberg Air ForceBase in California. The rocket also launched two mini-spacecraft called Mars Cube One (MarCO) —MarCO-A and MarCO-B.Key Facts

InSight is solar and battery-powered terrestrial planet explorer (robotic lander) that aims to addressone of most fundamental issues of planetary and solar system science. It will help in understandingprocesses that shaped rocky planets of inner solar system (including Earth) more than four billionyears ago. The lander is expected to land on Mars in November 2018.The mission was envisaged as part of NASA’s Discovery Program mission that aims to placestationary lander equipped with seismometer and heat transfer probe on surface of Mars to studyred planet’s early geological evolution. The lander is designed to operate for 26 Earth months, or oneyear on Mars.The robotic lander will perform a radio science experiment to study internal structure of Mars bydeploying Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (seismometer) and Seismic Experiment forInterior Structure (burrowing heat probe). It will measure Mar’s vital signs such as pulse(seismology), temperature (heat flow probe) and reflexes (precision tracking). It will let scientistsunderstand how different its crust, mantle and core are from Earth.MarCO consists of two briefcase-sized CubeSats that will fly on their own path to Mars behindInSight lander, but is independent of InSight mission. They are first test of CubeSat technology indeep space or at another planet. They are designed to test new communications and navigationcapabilities for future missions and may aid InSight communications. If successful, MarCOs will offernew kind of communication capability to deep space missions to Earth.




Scientists identify key peptide to develop a vaccine for leptospirosisMay 7, 2018

Researchers from Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, Gandhinagar have successfully identifiedkey peptide that can be used to develop a new preventive vaccine against leptospirosis. In theirstudy, researchers had identified peptide sequences that could bind to vaccine for long-lastingimmune response.




Key Facts

The researchers had used bioinformatics (computational biology analysis) approach to study wholeprotein set of bacteria Leptospira interrogans key peptide and narrowed search down to one effectiveimmunogenic protein. This protein was found to be present in almost all serovars (different typeswithin species) of bacteria and can be effective vaccine candidate against most serovars. They hadpredicted antigenicity of peptide i.e. ability to bind to antibody present on T cells and B cells forinducing immune response.Among these proteins, they had further searched to identify outer membrane proteins as these areknown to play important roles in interaction between bacteria and their host. Then they looked forsites on human T cells and B cells where antigen could bind. The identification of target sites is keystep in vaccine design.Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is an emerging tropical infectious bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. Itcaused by corkscrew-shaped bacteria called Leptospira. It causes almost 60,000 deaths every year,globally. The bacteria can be transmitted via exposure to contaminated water or soil or directcontact with reservoirs hosts like wild or domestic animals. In humans, it can cause a wide range ofsymptoms such as mild headaches, muscle pains, and fevers to severe with bleeding from the lungsor meningitis. Currently there is no preventive vaccine for humans that are available in market.

Western Ghats’ forests vital for monsoon rainfall in Tamil Nadu: StudyMay 7, 2018

Researchers have found that dense vegetation in Western Ghats determines amount of rainfall thatTamil Nadu gets during the summer monsoon. The study highlights importance of urgent need tostop deforestation in the Western Ghats.Key Highlights of Study

Researchers had used models to compare contribution of Western Ghats with and without forestcover to study role of vegetation cover in Western Ghats in supplying moisture to southwestmonsoon rainfall. They had selected three years (1993, 1999 and 2002) for their study when TamilNadu had experienced extreme deficit in summer monsoon rainfall.The study found that dense forests of Western Ghats contribute as much as 40% of moisture tosouthwest monsoon rainfall over Tamil Nadu during normal monsoon years. The averagecontribution is 25-30%, but during monsoon deficit years, contribution increases to as high as 50%.The forests of Western Ghats contribute as much as 3 mm per day of rainfall during August andSeptember over majority of locations in Tamil Nadu and 1 mm per day during June and July. Butwhen vegetation cover is removed from Western Ghats, there is significant drop in rainfall in rangeof 1-2.5 mm per day. This translates to average of 25% of total monsoon rainfall over Tamil Nadu.The deforestation of forests in Western Ghats has led to 0.25 degree C increase in surfacetemperature across state. It has reduced rainfall over the State by 40-50% during all three years. Ifthere is no vegetation in Ghats then Tamil Nadu will be severely impacted especially during themonsoon-deficit years. The study shows that Western Ghats acts as capacitor and forest land andvegetation gets recharged with water during wet spell and during break periods moisture is releasedand which contributes to rainfall to state.

Hidden reserves of water ice discovered under surface of moonMay 7, 2018

Scientists from Tohoku University in Japan have found mineral called moganite in lunar meteoritethat point to presence of abundant hidden reserves of water ice under the surface of the moon. Themineral discovered in a desert in northwest Africa could be potentially useful for future humanexploration of moon.Key Facts

Moganite is a crystal of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). It is known to form on earth in specific circumstancesin sedimentary settings from alkaline fluids. It was so far never detected in samples of lunar rock.Researchers believe that mineral formed on surface of moon in area called Procellarum Terrane aswater which was originally present in lunar dirt that had evaporated due to exposure to strongsunlight. But in the subsurface, abundant water remains in the form of ice.




India to host 15th Asia Media SummitMay 7, 2018

India is going to host 15th Asia Media Summit (AMS-2018) in New Delhi from May 10-12, 2018. Thesummit is being organised by Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) incollaboration with its partners and international organisations.Key Facts

The theme of the annual summit is “Telling our Stories- Asia and More”. It aims to provide uniqueopportunity for broadcasters in Asia to share their thoughts on broadcasting and information. It willbe attended by media professionals, scholars, policy makers and stakeholders of news andprogramming from Asia, Pacific, Africa, Europe, Middle East and North America will attend theannual conferenceAsia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD)

AIDB is regional inter-governmental organisation servicing countries of United Nations Economicand Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) in field of electronic media development.It was established in 1977 under auspices of UNESCO. It is hosted by Government of Malaysia and itssecretariat is located in Kuala Lumpur.The AIBD is mandated to achieve vibrant and cohesive electronic media environment in Asia-Pacificregion through policy and resource development. Currently it has 26 full members (countries),represented by 34 organisations and 67 Affiliate Members (organisations) and over 50 partners inAsia, Pacific, Europe, Africa, Arab States and North America.

Border Roads Organisation celebrates 58th Raising DayMay 7, 2018

Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 58th Raising Day on 7 May 2018. BRO is leadinggovernment organisation in arena of infrastructural development in the border areas of the country.Since its inception in 1960, it has grown from 02 to 19 projects. The works executed by it haveensured territorial integrity and socio-economic upliftment of most inaccessible regions of countryBorder Roads Organisation (BRO)

BRO plays pivotal role in construction, maintenance and upgradation of strategic infrastructure inremote and far flung border areas of India. It also develops and maintains road networks in friendlyneighbouring countries. It functions under Defence Ministry. It was established on 7 May 1960 and isheadquartered in New Delhi.Officers from Border Roads Engineering Service (BRES) and personnel from General ReserveEngineer Force (GREF) form parent cadre of BRO. It is also staffed by officers and troops drawn fromIndian Army’s Corps of Engineers, Army Service Corps, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers andarmy personnel on extra regimental employment.

May 8, 2018First Apex Conference for CEOs of Smart Cities held in Bhopal

May 8, 2018

The First Apex Conference for CEOs of Smart Cities was held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. It wasorganised by Union Urban Affairs Ministry and inaugurated by Minister of State (I/C) for Housing &Urban Affairs.The conference aimed to provided single platform for convergence of all best practicesin Smart city missions across country to help city leaders to use collective learning to accelerateprogress of work. It also aimed to provide momentum to cities and platform for cross-learning,sharing and disseminating experience gained over past two and a half years.Key Facts

The two-day conference was organised for providing platform for cross learning and knowledgesharing among Smart City CEOs. It enabled CEOs to learn from experiences of all city leaders tounderstand in greater details both successes and failures.Apart from Smart City CEOs, the conference saw participation of representatives from municipal,State and Central Government and various other stakeholders in Smart City Mission from the civilsociety, academia, industry etc. Background

Since its launch in June 2015, Smart Cities Mission (SCM) has been one of the most transformationalurban missions. Total 99 cities have been selected for development as Smart Cities. Under it, key




projects such as digitally integrated smart city centres, street re-design, installation of solar rooftopon buildings etc. have initiated for the process of urban transformation, enhancing liveability ofcities. So far 3,012 projects worth Rs. 1,38,984 crore have been identified for implementation under SCM.Out of which, over 750 projects of more than Rs 25,000 crore have been completed or are beingimplemented. The CEOs of Smart City Special Purpose Vehicle (SPVs) through their leadership role indriving the implementation of smart city projects have been instrumental in achievingtransformational outcomes envisaged under the Mission.

CBDT notifies Protocol amending DTAA between India and KuwaitMay 8, 2018

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified protocol to amend existing Double TaxationAvoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Kuwait. The DTAA between both countries wassigned in June 2006 for the avoidance of double taxation and for prevention of fiscal evasion withrespect to taxes on income.Key Facts

The said protocol amends existing DTAA was entered into force in March 2018. It updates theprovisions in DTAA for exchange of information as per international standards. Further, it enablessharing of information received from Kuwait for tax purposes with other law enforcement agencieswith authorisation of competent authority of Kuwait and vice versa.Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)

DTAA is a tax treaty signed between countries (or any two/multiple countries) so that taxpayers donot pay double taxes on their income earned from source country as well as their residence country.So far, India has signed double tax avoidance treaties with more than 80 countries around the world.The need for DTAA arises out of imbalance in tax collection on global income of individuals. personaims to do business in foreign country, he may end up paying income taxes in both countries i.e. inthe country where income is earned and country where individual holds his citizenship or residence.DTAA helps to taxpayers to do away issues of paying double taxes.Benefits of DTAA

Tax payers do not have to pay double taxes on the same income. It has lower withholding tax (TaxDeduction at Source or TDS). It provides tax credits, certain exemption from taxes. It also minimisesopportunity for tax evasion for tax payers in either or both of countries between which the bilateraland multilateral DTAA agreement have been signed.

NITI Aayog ink SoI with Google to help grow AI ecosystem in IndiaMay 8, 2018

The NITI Aayog has signed Statement of Intent (SoI) with search engine giant Google to worktogether to foster growth for India’s nascent artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)ecosystem,Key Facts

Under the aegis of this program, Google will train and incubate Indian AI startups in acceleratorprogram. These startups will be mentored and coached by Google and its affiliates to enable them tobetter leverage AI in their respective business models.Moreover, Indian researchers, scholars and university faculty will be funded to help bolster researchecosystem for conducting AI-based research. Further, Google will also bring its online trainingcourses on AI to students, graduates and engineers to numerous cities across India, in form of studygroups and developer-run courses.Google will also conduct hands-on training programs to sensitise policymakers and technical expertsin governments about relevant AI tools, and to use them for streamlining governance. Under thispartnership, NITI Aayog and Google will jointly organize AI/ML hackathon that will be focused onsolving key challenges within healthcare, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, transportationand mobility etc. This hackathon may use Kaggle, a global platform to help facilitate internationalparticipation into these planned hackathon challenges.Background

NITI Aayog has been entrusted to setup national programme to conduct R&D in frontiertechnologies such as AI. In furtherance of this mandate, NITI Aayog has been developing India’s




national strategy on AI along with National Data and Analytics Portal to enable wide deployment anduse of AI.

Government to set up additional 100 One Stop Centres for women safetyMay 8, 2018

Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) in its Programme Approval Board (PAB) meetinghas approved setting up additional 100 One Stop Centres (OSCs) for women affected by violence.These OSCs will be set up in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram,Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.One Stop Centres (OSC) scheme

Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) had launched Centrally Sponsored Scheme forsetting up One Stop Centres (OSC). It is funded from Nirbhaya Fund. The purpose of these OSCs is toprovide integrated services for women affected with violence such as police assistance, medical aid,psycho-social counselling, legal aid and counselling, temporary stay for 5 days etc. under one roof.These Centres are being established across the country to provide integrated support and assistanceunder one roof to women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces in phased manner.So far, Ministry of WCD has set up 182 Centres since April, 2015. These centres have assisted over 1.3lakh women affected by violence in 33 States/UTs. Every OSC is integrated with scheme ofUniversalization of Women’s Helpline (181) of the WCD Ministry which is operational in 30States/UTs.

Bhupathy’s shieldtail: New species of shieldtail snake discovered in Western GhatsMay 8, 2018

Scientists have discovered a new species of shieldtail snake named Bhupathy’s shieldtail from theWestern Ghats in Tamil Nadu. It is presently only known to exist in Anaikatty hills of Tamil Naduwhich is dominated by deciduous type of vegetation.Key Facts

Bhupathy’s shieldtail was named in honour of Dr Subramanian Bhupathy who was a noted Indianherpetologist. Scientifically it is named Uropeltis bhupathyi. It differs from other members of itsgroup as it has a broader and longer head. It also has more number of scales on its belly. The newsspecies is facing threats from habitat loss, road traffic and possible fungal infection that leads todeformed heads. It has been categorised it as ‘data deficient’ in IUCN Red list of threatened species asof now.Background

At present, there are 45 known species of shieldtail snakes around the world, of which 30 areendemic to India and 15 to Sri Lanka. The name ‘shieldtail’ derives from their heavily keeled tails thatterminate in disk-like shields or multiple spines in most species.They are small sized snakes, typically 25 to 50 cm in length. They live in loose soil among plant rootsor under decaying vegetation. They are non-venomous, inoffensive. They come in a variety of colors,mostly dark shades of grayish black or brown. They have short head and mouth and feed onearthworms and arthropods.

3rd edition of UNPCAP held in New DelhiMay 8, 2018

The third edition of United Nations Peacekeeping Course for African Partners (UNPCAP) was held inNew Delhi from May 7 to 25, 2018. The course was conducted by Centre for United NationsPeacekeeping in India (CUNPK) in partnership with United StatesKey Facts

UNPCAP-03 was aimed at building and enhancing capacity of the African Troop ContributingCountries to UN and to further train trainers from these countries. The students who participated inthis two week course included officers who are currently employed in their respective peacekeepingtraining centres. These African military officers will in turn train troops in their respective countries.The first and second editions of the course were held in New Delhi in 2016 and 2017. These coursesare being seen as milestone in many ways at international forum, which also reflect India.India and UN Peacekeeping

India is the largest cumulative troop contributor to UN Peacekeeping Missions mandated tomaintain stability and negotiate peace settlement in turbulent regions across the world. So far India




has provided almost 200,000 troops in nearly 50 of 71 UN peacekeeping missions over past sixdecades, including 13 of current 16 missions.

POSHAN Abhiyaan: India inks $200 million loan agreement with World BankMay 8, 2018

The Union Government has signed $200 million loan agreement with World Bank for NationalNutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan) for 315 districts across all states and union territories. Theloan proceeds will be used for reducing stunting in children 0-6 years of age from 38.4% to 25% by2022 under POSHAN Abhiyaan.POSHAN Abhiyaan

POSHAN Abhiyaan (Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition) was launched inJhunjhunu, Rajasthan in March 2018. It aims to ensure holistic development and adequate nutritionfor pregnant women, mothers and children.It targets to reduce level of under-nutrition and other related problems by ensuring convergence ofvarious nutrition related schemes. It also targets stunting, under-nutrition, anaemia (among youngchildren, women and adolescent girls) and low birth rate. It will monitor and review implementationof all such schemes and utilize existing structural arrangements of line ministries whereveravailable.Its large component involves gradual scaling-up of the interventions supported by ongoing WorldBank assisted Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Systems Strengthening and NutritionImprovement Project (ISSNIP) to all districts in the country by 2022.Work Bank Load

The World Bank loan will be used for improving coverage and quality of ICDS nutrition services topregnant and lactating women and children under 3 years of age. It will be also used for project inimproving skills and capacities of ICDS staff and community nutrition workers, institutingmechanisms of community mobilization and behaviour change communication, strengtheningsystems of citizen engagement and grievance redress.It will be also used for establishing mobile technology based tools for improved monitoring andmanagement of services for better outreach to beneficiaries during critical 1,000 day window fornutrition impact. It will additionally ensure convergence of all nutrition related schemes and provideperformance based incentives to states and community nutrition and health workers, facilitating afocus on results.

Google launches Android Things for IoT platformMay 8, 2018

Alphabet Inc’s Google launched Android Things (codenamed Brillo), a variant (or spinoff) of Androidoperating system for Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as smart home appliances and other smartmachines. Its goal is to enable IoT machines developers to be built faster, cheaper and more secure.Android Things

It is Android-based embedded operating system (OS) platform developed by Google. It is aimed to beused with low-power and memory constrained Internet of Things (IoT) devices, which are usuallybuilt from different microcontroller unit (MCU) platforms.Android Things as an IoT OS it is designed to work as low as 32–64 MB of RAM. It will supportBluetooth Low Energy and Wi-Fi. Google also introduced Weave protocol along with Android Things,which will be used by these devices, will use to communicate with other other. Every Android devicecan automatically recognize any Brillo OS or Weave API based device. Users can choose a device, setit up and use it immediately.

CSWRI scientists comes up with new sheep insemination techniqueMay 8, 2018

Scientists at Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), Avikanagar, Rajasthan have comeup with new laparascope-assisted insemination technique for sheep breeding. It is minor invasivelaparascopic technique involves passing rigid fibre-optic laparoscope into abdomen through smallincision. Using it, reproductive tract of sheep is located through camera and frozen semen isdeposited into uterus.Significance of new technique

The new technique has resolved difficulties involved in freezing of semen and inability to transit




tortuous reproductive tract of sheep kept as livestock. Earlier, success with frozen semen in sheepwas very low because of its poor freezability.The new technique will also help achieve up to 60% survival in birth of lambs. Moreover, it will haveimmense potential for rapid multiplication of elite germplasm. Using this technique, as many as 40females can be inseminated from a single ejaculate. It will also be of great help in the breedimprovement programmes.

Government to expand Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in Tribal Districts across countryMay 8, 2018

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) is going to expand Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in tribal districtsacross the country. About 3000 such kendras are proposed to be set up in two years in all forestedTribal Districts. Initially, it will be taken up on priority in 39 districts with more than 50% tribalpopulation and then gradually will be expanded to other Tribal Districts across the country.Van Dhan Yojana

It aims at mainstreaming tribal community by promoting primary level value addition to NonTimber Minor Forest Produce (MFP) at grassroots level. It also aims to promote MFPs-centriclivelihood development of tribal gatherers and artisans. Through this initiative, the share of tribals inthe value chain of Non-Timber Forest Produce is expected to rise from present 20% to around 60%.Implementation: It will be implemented through Ministry of Tribal Affairs at Central Level andTRIFED as nodal agency at National Level. At State level, state nodal agency for MFPs and districtcollectors will play pivot role in scheme implementation at grassroot level.Van Dhan Vikas Kendra

TRIFED will facilitate establishment of MFP-led multi-purpose Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in the tribalareas. These kendras will be cluster of 10 SHGs comprising of 30 tribal MFP gatherers each. They willprovide skill upgradation and capacity building training and setting up of primary processing andvalue addition facility. Locally the Kendras will be managed by a Managing Committee (an SHG)consisting of representatives of Van Dhan SHGs in cluster.

May 9, 2018Business Optimism Index: India slips to 6th position globally in first quarter of 2018

May 9, 2018

India was ranked 6th on Global Optimism Index released as part of Grant Thornton’s InternationalBusiness Report (IBR) in the first quarter of 2018. The report was prepared based on the results of asurvey of 2,500 businesses in 37 economies.Key Facts

The top five nations are Austria, Finland, Indonesia, the Netherlands and US. India with a score of 89was ranked at the sixth place in the index. India had topped the chart for four years, but businessoptimism in India deteriorated while entering the last year of the current Government led by PrimeMinister Narendra Modi.Underlying pessimism in India’s Business Optimism is reflected in other parameters as wellincluding revenue, selling prices, profitability, employment and exports expectations. Indianbusinesses have been citing regulations and red tape, availability of skilled workforce, lack of ICTinfrastructure and shortage of finance as biggest growth constraints. Even aftersignificant jump inWorld Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking, India still continues to rank first or second in quotingthese reasons as the key hurdles for growth.

Arun-3 Hydropower Project: Nepal grants license to India’s Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd to generatepower

May 9, 2018

Nepal Government has granted power generation licence to Indian government-owned subsidiarySatluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd (SJVNL) from a 900-megawatt (MW) Arun-3 Hydropower Project locatedin eastern Nepal.The permit was granted in line with the decision of meeting of Investment Board Nepal (IBN) boardof directors chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.Key Facts

IBN also has granted several extensions for financial closure of the project. It includes local share andfree energy to residents of affected area. Nepal government will also receive benefits worth Rs.




(Nepali) 348 billion from project as royalty, income tax, customs tariff and free energy in concessionperiod of 25 years. The project will also provide 21.9% or 197MW s of the generated energy free of costto Nepal.Background

Arun-3 Project is largest capacity project in history of hydroelectricity of Nepa. It is scheduled to beconstructed within next five years on Arun river. It is an export-oriented project and it will sell theelectricity to India. Indian government so far has approved investment of Rs 57.24 billion proposedby SJVN in Arun-3.The project was supposed to be constructed under assistance of World Bank Group some twodecades back. However, protests against reservoir projects back then forced World Bank to drop theproject. The project was later awarded to the Indian company through competitive bidding 10 yearsago.

Naval Commanders’ Conference held New DelhiMay 9, 2018

The first edition of this year’s bi-annual Naval Commanders’ Conference was held in New Delhi from8 to 11 May 2018. It discussed aspects concerning country’s maritime security, analyse mission-baseddeployments and larger issues of geo-strategic Indian Ocean Region (IOR), a region witnessingincreasing Chinese presence.Key Facts

During the conference, top echelons of Indian Navy reviewed its new Mission-Based Deploymentsphilosophy aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the region. The new deployment philosophy is infurtherance of Prime Minister’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). It aimsat sustained, peaceful and yet responsive presence of Indian Naval ships in critical areas and chokepoints.It also examined various measures taken to improve combat efficiency, including new transitioncycle for ships for transition from maintenance periods through training phase and thereon to fullscale operations will be examined at conference. Indian Navy’s focus over past year has been oncombat efficiency and materiel readiness, and upkeep of its large fleet of 131 ships and submarines.It also reviewed measures to ensure safety, continued training, and checks and balances on crewproficiency on-board its frontline warships. It also undertook review of overhaul of trainingstandards of units by revamping ‘Ship Operating Standards (SHOPS)’. The new SHOPS will beunveiled shortly and it focuses on Role-based training in realistic scenarios and sets standards to bemet by units as also targets individual crew proficiency levels.It also deliberated upon steps to improve Teeth-to-Tail ratio and explore niche fields such asArtificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics. Moreover, it also focused on harnessing cutting-edgetechnology, specifically those ‘Made-in-India’, to improve organisational effectiveness and efficiency.Background

Indian Ocean is considered the backyard of Indian Navy. It is critical to India’s strategic interests.Over the years, the region has witnessed increasing Chinese presence. China increased its presencein IOR by constructing deep-sea Gwadar Port in southern Pakistan and naval base in Djibouti inHorn of Africa. The region also has seen increase in deployment of Chinese ships for anti-piracyoperations.

TRAI releases draft of telecom interconnection regulationMay 9, 2018

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued draft Telecommunication Interconnection(Amendment) Regulations 2018 to amend interconnect regulations, proposing certain changes interms and conditions for operators to seek fresh call connect ports from other telecom operators.Key Features of draft rules

Service provider can ask another operator for additional ports or Point of Interconection (POI), incase projected utilisation of capacity is likely to exceed 85% over 60 day period. The time frame forprovisioning of ports for initial interconnection and augmentation is proposed to be increased tomaximum 42 working days.Telecom operator will have to give forecast of outgoing call traffic of busy hours for eachinterconnect point once every six months (April 1 and October 1) to interconnecting service provider.




The first such forecast has to be given within two months from commencement of these amendedregulations.Background

The issue of inter-connectivity had been major flashpoint between Reliance Jio and incumbenttelecom operators like Airtel, Idea Cellular and Vodafone at the time when Jio launched its services in2016. Jio had accused old operators of not providing it sufficient POIs leading to call failures, whileoperators blamed free calls offered by newcomer for tsunami of network traffic. In 2016, TRAI hadalso recommended imposing Rs. 1,050 crore penalty each on Airtel and Vodafone and Rs. 950 croreon Idea Cellular for violating quality of service rules.

Asia Power Index: India ranks fourth in Asia-Pacific regionMay 9, 2018

India was ranked fourth out of 25 nations in Asia-Pacific region in the inaugural Asia Power Indexreleased by Australian think tank Lowy Institute.Asia Power Index

It measures overall power of countries and territories in Asia-Pacific region. A country’s overallpower is its weighted average across eight measures of power – economic resources, militarycapability, diplomatic influence, economic relationships, resilience, future trends, defence networksand cultural influence.Key Facts

Three of the world’s four largest economies are in Asia and United States is Pacific power. By 2025,two-thirds of world’s population will live in Asia, compared to just over a tenth in the West.According to it, US remained to be pre-eminent power in Asia, while China, an emerging superpoweris rapidly closing in on United States.It ranked Russia, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, New Zealand,Vietnam, Taiwan, Pakistan, Philippines and North Korea as middle powers, while Bangladesh,Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Laos and Nepal as “minor powers.”The index held that Japan and India are countries sharing major power status. It labelled Japan assmart power and called India giant of future. India was ranked fourth on parameters of economicresources, military capability and diplomatic influence. It was ranked fifth on resilience. However, onthe parameters of cultural influence and future trends, India scored well by ranking third in both.India also scored low on measure of economic relationships and defence networks, ranking seventhand seventh respectively.

Madhya Pradesh launches India’s first Integrated Control and Command Centre for its smart citiesMay 9, 2018

Bhopal Smart City Development Corporation Ltd. (BSCDCL) has launched India’s first cloud-basedCommon Integrated Data Centre, Disaster Recovery Centre and Integrated Control and CommandCentre (ICCC). It is powered by Hewlett Packard (HP) Enterprise’s Universal Internet of Things (IoT)Platform.Key Facts

ICCC will enable Madhya Pradesh State administration to monitor and administer multiple city civicutilities and citizen services across seven smart cities in state through central cloud. These sevencities include Bhopal, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Indore, Ujjain, Satna, and Sagar.It will also enable state-wide monitoring of these cities from central command view and result insignificant cost savings as compared to deploying full-fledged data and disaster recovery centrealong with command control centres in each of these seven cities.HP has provided an end-to-end solution for BSCDCL that combines its Universal IoT platform,industry leading servers, Edge compute systems, HP Pointnext services and broad ecosystem ofpartners. HP Universal IoT platform is critical to ICCC, as it adapts and integrates thousands ofdiscrete sensors and applications on platform.It will enable state government to remotely manage and control various citizen services via singleplatform. These services include Smart Parking, Smart Lighting, Smart Traffic and Transport, SmartWaste Management and Smart Water.




India, Guatemala ink MoU for expanding cooperation in diplomatic trainingMay 9, 2018

India and Guatemala have signed pact for strengthening diplomatic cooperation through RespectiveForeign Service Institutes in educational field. The agreement was signed after meeting betweenVice President M Venkaiah Naidu and his Guatemala counterpart, Jafeth Cabrera Franco inGuatemala City. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu visit Guatemala as part of his first official foreignvisit to three countries Guatemala, Panama and Peru to strengthen India’s relations with them.Key Outcomes of meeting

Both countries agreed to support each other’s candidature for Non-Permanent Membership inUnited Nations Security Council (UNSC). Guatemala will support India’s candidature for UNSCmembership for 2021-22 while New Delhi will do so for 2031-32 for Guatemala.Indian side also agreed to Guatemala’s request for supplying solar panels to its airports. They alsosigned MoU for training of diplomats and Letter of Intent (LoI) for training Guatemalan EnglishTeachers in India. These agreements will be valid for three years and will be extended thereafter, ifrequired.Guatemala

Guatemala is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to north and west, Pacific Ocean tosouthwest, Belize to northeast, Caribbean to east, Honduras to east and El Salvador to southeast. It isthe most populated state in Central America. Guatemala is largest and capital city of Guatemala. Thediplomatic relations between India and Guatemala were established in 1972. Both nations were partof the Non-Aligned Movement.

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission approves modern animal-free testing for drugsMay 9, 2018

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has in its 2018 edition of Indian Pharmacopoeia approvedmodern, animal-free tests for drug manufacturers. It will spare animals from suffering due to drugexperiments.2018 Indian Pharmacopoeia

It provides guidelines on tests for drugs manufactured and marketed in India. It replaces pyrogentest carried out on rabbits and abnormal toxicity test carried out on guinea pigs and mice with teststhat can be done in test tubes. These guidelines will come into effect from July 1, 2018.The pyrogen test will be replaced by bacterial endotoxin test or monocyte activation test which canbe carried out in test tubes. For abnormal toxicity test, Vaccine manufacturers can apply for waiverby getting compliance certificate from National Control Laboratory.Background

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India was pushing for doing away with cruelmethods of testing on animals for the past several years. It had written to IPC in 2015 with severalsuggestions. These suggestions were discussed in a meeting of expert committee on vaccinestandards that was held in 2016 and few of them have finally approved by IPC.Pyrogen test is carried out to check impurity or substance that can cause adverse side-effects. Forthe test, drug is injected into rabbit and animal is closely observed for feverish symptoms. Theabnormal toxicity test is carried out to check potential hazardous biological contamination in




vaccine formulations. This batch test is done before product is approved for marketing. In this, miceor guinea pigs are injected with vaccine. The scientists observe if there is death of any animal.

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)

IPC is an autonomous institution of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to set standards of drugsin country. Its basic function is to update regularly standards of drugs commonly required fortreatment of diseases prevailing in the region. These set of standards are published under title IndianPharmacopoeia (IP) similar to British Pharmacopoeia and United States Pharmacopeia. IPC publishesofficial documents for improving Quality of Medicines by way of adding new and updating existingmonographs in form of IP. It also promotes rational use of generic medicines by publishing NationalFormulary of India. IPC was established by executive orders in 1945 according to Indian Drugs andCosmetics Act, 1940. It is headquartered in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

May 10, 2018India’s installed clean energy capacity touched 70 GW: Government

May 10, 2018

According to Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), India’s installed clean (renewable)energy capacity has already touched 70 Gigawatts (GW) and 38 GW is under implementation. Thisshows that India is progressing fast in areas of renewable energy and it is committed to meetingtarget of having 175 GW renewable energy (100GW Solar, 60 GW Wind, 10 GW Biomass and 5 GWHydro) by 2022.Key Facts

The 70 GW installed renewable energy capacity in country is double of capacity four year back. Sofar, around 56,000 solar power pumps were installed in FY 2017-18, which is highest ever in singleyear. The renewable energy capacity of 11,788 MW was s added during FY 2017-18, which was thehighest ever in single year. MNRE has bid out 32,500 MW capacities in last fiscal, which is nearly 10times capacity commissioned in 2013-14. It also has boasted about discovering lowest wind and solarpower tariff of Rs 2.43 and Rs 2.44 per unit, respectively, in the last fiscal through tariff basedcompetitive bidding. India also generated 100 billion units of electricity through renewables lastfiscal, which is highest ever so far.

India to grow 7.4% in 2018: IMF’s Asia & Pacific Regional Economic Outlook reportMay 10, 2018

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its Asia and Pacific Regional Economic Outlook report hasreaffirmed that India will be the fastest growing major economy in 2018, with growth rate of 7.4%and 7.8% in 2019.Key Facts

India’s medium-term growth prospects remain positive. India is recovering from effects ofdemonetisation and introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST). The recovery is expected to beunderpinned by rebound from transitory shocks as well as robust private consumption.Medium-term consumer price index inflation is forecasted to remain within but closer to upperbound of Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) inflation-targeting band of 4% with a plus or minus 2% change.Given increased inflation pressure, monetary policy should maintain a tightening bias. India’scurrent account deficit in fiscal year 2017-18 is expected to widen somewhat but will remain modest,




financed by robust foreign direct investment inflowsSouth Asian Region: After India, Bangladesh is projected to be fastest-growing economy in SouthAsia followed by Sri Lanka and Nepal. (Pakistan, which is grouped with Middle East, was not coveredin this report). Overall, South Asia continues will be both fastest-growing region in the world andmain engine of world’s economy.The region contributes more than 60% of global growth and three-quarters of this comes from Indiaand China, which is expected to grow 6.6 % in 2018 and 6.4% in 2019. US Government’s fiscalstimulus is expected to support Asia’s exports and investment.However, in the medium term downside risks dominate for region and these include tightening ofglobal financial conditions, shift toward protectionist policies, and increase in geopolitical tensions.Because of these uncertainties countries in the region need to follow conservative policies aimed atbuilding buffers and increasing resilience and push ahead with structural reforms.

15th Finance Commission forms constitutes advisory council over terms of reference issueMay 10, 2018

The Fifteenth Finance Commission (FCC) headed by NK Singh has constituted Advisory Council toadvise and assist Commission on issue or subject related to Terms of Reference (ToR) to quell strongopposition from some states over 2011 census. The council comprises Arvind Virmani, former chiefeconomic advisor, Surjit S Bhalla, Sajjid Chinoy, Neelkanth Mishra, Sanjeev Gupta, and PinakiChakraborty.ToR of Advisory Council

It will also assist the commission in preparation of any paper or research study which would enhanceCommission’s understanding on issues containing in its ToR. It will also help commission inbroadening its ambit and understanding to seek best national and international practices on matterspertaining to fiscal devolution and improving the quality and reach and enforcement of itsrecommendations.Comment

The council’s role is advisory in nature and it cannot tweak on its own ToR of the 15th Financecommission. Any change in ToR will be made by Central Government with assent of President. Thesetting up of council by FFC will also serve to ease pressure on Centre over ToR. Some southernstates have claimed that progressive states are ones stand to lose if FFC follows its ToR and takes2011 census as basis for the devolution of central funds, instead of 1971, that was adopted earlier.Background

Finance Commission is constitutionally-mandated body established once every five years byPresident to devise a formula for distributing net tax proceeds between centre and states as well asamong states and local bodies. The recommendations of 15th Finance Commission (FFC) will comeinto effect from 1 April 2020.The ToR of 15th Finance Commission have drawn protests from many states, especially fromsouthern ones, over its mandate to use 2011 Census data over 1971 Census data for resourceallocation.The ToR of FFC as decided by centre have been criticized by southern ones, as being against spirit ofcooperative fiscal federalism. The centre has mandated toFFC that population data for determiningstates’ share of tax revenues should be based on the 2011 Census, rather than the earlier practice ofusing the 1971 Census.Issue with 2011 Census: Southern states, as well as states such as Punjab and Odisha have succeededin reducing their population growth rates in recent decades while growth rates of most northernstates including Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have remained high. Southern states allege that if FFC uses2011 Census data, more resources will be transferred to northern states, thus penalizing states thathave succeeded in controlling population.

President Donald Trump withdraws US from Iran nuclear dealMay 10, 2018

United States President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew US from historic 2015 Iran nuclear dealor Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) deal signed between Iran and P5+1 countries. It alsoreimposed sanctions on Iran that were lifted by the JCPOA. Trump administration cited that itcannot prevent Iran nuclear bomb and nuclear deal is defective at its core as it does not target Iran’s




ballistic missile programme, its nuclear activities beyond 2025, and its role in conflicts in Yemen andSyria. However other parties to the deal China, France, Russia, UK, Germany and European Union arestill supporting it, thus avoiding entire collapse of JCPOA.Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)

It is informally called as ‘Iran nuclear deal’. It is multilateral nuclear deal signed between Iran andP5+1 (five permanent members of United Nations Security Council- US, China, France, Russia, andUK), plus Germany and European Union (EU), in Vienna in July 2015.The JCPOA is aimed at preventing Iran from building nuclear weapon, involved lifting ofinternational sanctions in return for Tehran curbing its nuclear programme. This plan ensured thatIran will drastically reduce its uranium enriching capacity and levels, enriched stockpiles andcentrifuges and will allow for stringent inspection and monitoring by international agenciesincluding International International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).In exchange for Iran compliance to deal, economic sanctions that had kept Iran away frominternational banking and the global oil trade were lifted It allowed Iran to make business deals andalso unfroze billions of dollars Iran had overseas before multilateral sanctions were imposed on Iranover its nuclear programme.




India’s Position

India has been extremely supportive of the Iran nuclear deal. It always maintained that Iraniannuclear issue should be resolved peacefully through dialogue and diplomacy by respecting Iran’sright to peaceful uses of nuclear energy. It also held that all parties should engage constructively toaddress and resolve issues that have arisen with respect to JCPOA.Impact on India

Indian interests in Afghanistan and West Asia are at stake after US pulling out of the JCPOA. It mayhave following impactEnergy trade: Iran is India’s third biggest supplier (after Iraq and Saudi Arabia) of crude oil, and anyincrease in prices will hit both inflation levels and rupee. In February 2018, India had committed itselfto increasing its oil imports from Iran, which were expected to double to about 3,96,000 bpd (barrelsper day) in 2018-19 from about 2,05,000 bpd in 2017-18. Both countries have instituted severalmeasures in the past few months.Implications in West Asia: US unilateral move to target Iran and side with its regional rivals SaudiArabia and Israel, could destabilise middle east (west asia) region where over 8 million Indianmigrants live and work.Chabahar port: India is aiming to develop Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar to circumventPakistan’s blocks on trade with landlocked Afghanistan. India has already committed about $85million with plans for total of $500 million for the port. New US sanctions may slow or even bringthose plans to halt.INSTC: India, a founder member of International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) whichstarts from Iran and aims to cut right across Central Asia to Russia over a 7,200-km multi-modenetwork. Plans for INSTC gathered momentum after the JCPOA was signed in 2015 and sanctions onIran were lifted. New US sanctions threatens strictures on countries doing military trade with US’s“adversaries: Russia, North Korea and Iran.SCO membership: India had joined Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and Iran proposal forinduction into eight-member Eurasian security organisation was on the lie. If the proposal isaccepted, India will become a member of bloc that will be seen as anti-American.Rules-based order: India has long been proponent of rules-based order that depends on multilateralconsensus and adherence to commitments made by countries on the international stage. This rules-based multilateral order has been breached by Trump administration by walking out of JCPOA, aswell as earlier from Paris Climate Change agreement. India will have to consider new understandingof its ties with US in this context for its interests.

Government approves green licence plates for private electric vehiclesMay 10, 2018

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has approved green licence plates bearingnumbers in white fonts for private e-vehicles and yellow for taxis to promote electric vehicles (e-




vehicles) in India. The purpose behind distinctive green number plates is easy identification ofelectric vehicles for preferential treatment in parking, free entry in congested zones besides otherproposed benefits like concessional toll.Need

As per estimate, India at present has 1 to 1.5 lakh electric vehicles. It is projected to grow to about 5%of total vehicles in next five years. Of the about 24 million vehicles sold in India in 2017-18, e-vehiclesaccounted for barely about 1%. Government has undertaken various measure aimed at promoting e-vehicle’s use and government is considering exemption from permits for such vehicles.Other Proposals

Besides, MoRTH is also contemplating permitting youth in age group of 16-18 years to drive e-scooters, which are gearless and this will lead to a big demand for e-scooters. Currently, under theMotor Vheicles Act, 1988, those in the age group of 16-18 years are granted licence for below 50 CCgearless scooters.It is also contemplating to ask taxi aggregators to have incremental share of e-vehicles from 2020onwards, which could be 1% of the fleet every year. Similarly, all public transport operators are alsomandated to provide 1% incremental fleet from 2020 onwards.It is also going to request Union Finance Ministry for 50% rate of depreciation on EVs as against therate of 15% for conventional vehicles. The proposals also include bringing down GST on batteries to12% at par with the GST on EVs.Number Plate regime in India

Currently, there are four kinds of number plates in India- white licence plates with numbers on blackfont for private cars, yellow plates with fonts in black for commercial vehicles, black plates with yellowfont letters for self-driven rental vehicles and blue plates with white font letters for Embassies andHigh Commissions. Official vehicles of President and governors have red licence plates with thenational emblem. Army vehicles follow different registration system given by Defence Ministry.

Government launches Digital India Internship Scheme portalMay 10, 2018

The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeITY) has launched the website ofDigital India Internship Scheme. The portal will facilitate students to apply online for internship. Itwas launched by Information Technology Minister Ravi Prasad Shankar in New Delhi.Digital India Internship Scheme

ObjectivesProvide opportunity for student to secure first hand and practical work experience under guidance of qualified andexperienced Supervisor and Mentor.Ensure active participation of students in learning process through experimentation and putting into practice theknowledge acquired in the classrooms.

Under this scheme, 25 interns will be inducted for period of three months. These interns will be paida stipend of Rs. 10, 000 per month.Eligibility: Indian students from recognized universities in India who have secured at least 60% marks in the last held degree or certificate examination. Students pursuing B.E/B.Tech orM.E/M.Tech or dual degrees and are in their course of study can apply for internships on the portal.Duration of Internship: It will be offered two times in year i.e. summer Internship during May andJune an winter Internship during December and January. The minimum duration of internship willbe of two months and extendable up to three months, depending on the performance of thecandidate.Proposed broad areas for Internship: R&D, Cyber Laws & Cyber Security, e-Governance, DigitalLiteracy (HRD), International Cooperation & Industrial Promotion, Hardware Industry and DigitalPayments and Electronic Testing.

Vijay Prahar exercise of Indian Army concludes in Suratgarh, RajasthanMay 10, 2018

Indian Army’s month long Vijay Prahar exercise concluded in Suratgarh, Rajasthan. It was conductedby South Western Command of Indian Army. The month-long exercise was aimed to orchestratewide spectrum of threats including Nuclear, Chemical or Biological (NCB) attack which are planned




to be tackled through high tempo joint air and land operation.Vijay Prahar exercise

In this month long exercise, over 20,000 troops participated with fighting equipment for couple ofweeks to fine-tune jointmanship with Indian Air Force. It involved hundreds of aircrafts, thousandsof tanks and artillery pieces supported by real time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance andlogistic support.The exercise was conducted to practice troops in penetrative manoeuvres across obstacle riddenterrain under a nuclear umbrella. In it, formations of South Western Command practised andoperationalised certain innovative concepts of operating in network centric environment.It also deployed integrated employment of modern day sensors with weapon platforms, employmentof attack helicopters in air cavalry role and bold offensive of application of Special Forces. Theformations refined their drills and procedures for fighting in nuclear environment during course ofthe exercise.South Western Command

The South Western Command of the Indian Army was established in April 2005 and became fullyoperational on 15 August 2005. It is headquartered at Jaipur, Rajasthan. The command’s operationalunits include I Corps, formerly under Central Command, and X Corps transferred from WesternCommand.

Operation Insaniyat: India sends second relief consignment to Bangladesh for displaced RohingyasMay 10, 2018

India has sent Bangladesh its second relief consignment under Operation Insaniyat to help tens ofthousands of displaced Rohingya Muslims who fled Myanmar into Bangladesh following militarycrackdown in violence-hit Rakhine state.Key Facts

Indian Navy Ship INS Airavat carrying 373-tonne relief consignment sailed from Vishakhapatnamand reached Chattogram port (formerly Chittagong) Port. The second consignment mainly contained104 tonnes of milk powder, 102 tonnes of dried fish, 61 tonnes of baby food, 50,000 raincoats and50,000 pairs of gum boots. The relief is in view of specific needs of large number of Rohingya womenand children living in camps and onset of monsoon. Another tranche containing 1 million litres ofkerosene oil and 20,000 cooking stoves will be sent soon.Background

Rohingya are stateless ethnic minority (mostly Muslim) from Rakhine province of Buddhist-majorityMyanmar, who are forced leave their country due to communal violence and repeated militaryoperations. According to UN estimates, over 6 lakh Rohingya Muslims have fled Myanmar’s violencehit Rakhine state into Bangladesh since August 2017 when fresh wave of violence had erupted in thisprovince, triggering one of the world’s worst refugee crises.The violence had started after Rohingya militants belonging to Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army(also known as Harakat al-Yaqeen or Faith Movement) had attacked police posts in Myanmar’snorthern Rakhine state. Following this attack, Myanmar’s military had launched violent crackdownon insurgents from Muslim Rohingya population which led to mass exodus of Rohingya Muslims intoneighboring Bangladesh.Earlier in December 2017, India had announced development assistance of US $25 million for Rakhinestate. It also had sent relief materials for 300,000 Rohingyas in September 2017 under ‘OperationInsaniyat’ to support Bangladesh in its humanitarian efforts.

India, Panama sign two agreementsMay 10, 2018

India and Panama have signed two agreements on exemption of Visas for holders of Diplomatic andOfficial Passports and in the field of Agriculture. These agreements were signed in the presence ofVice President M Venkaiah Naidu and President of Panama Juan Carlos Varela Rodrigues in Panamacity. It was second leg of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu’s his first official foreign visit to threecountries Guatemala, Panama and Peru to strengthen India’s relations with them.Key Facts

India and Panama always had cordial relations. These ties are based on our common values andshared commitment to democracy, pluralism, multi-culturalism, and the rule of law. During Vice




President M Venkaiah Naidu’s visit, both countries resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms andmanifestations. India will set up two centres for Biodiversity and Innovation in Panama worth US $10million and US $15 million each. Both countries have agreed to boost cooperation in key areas bystrengthening cooperation in tax information, economic cooperation, air services, traditionalmedicines, culture and space.

May 11, 2018Stanford University to assist UP in combating chronic diseases

May 11, 2018

United States’ prestigious Stanford University has agreed to assist Uttar Pradesh Government tocombat chronic disease like Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES). Itwas announced by Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Sidharth Nath Singh who had headed high-powered delegation of top state officials to United States. The delegation also met with the officialsfrom US State Department, Department of Commerce and US Agency for International Development(USAID).Japanese encephalitis (JE)

JE is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. It belongs to the same genus as dengue, yellow fever and West Nileviruses. The first case of JE was documented in 1871 in Japan. JE primarily affects children. Mostadults in endemic countries have natural immunity after childhood infection, but individuals of anyage may be affected.It is transmitted by rice field breeding mosquitoes (primarily Culex tritaeniorhynchus group). Themosquitoes transmit JE by feeding on domestic pigs and wild birds infected with the Japaneseencephalitis virus (JEV). It is not transmitted from person-to-person. Signs and symptoms of JEinfections are mild (fever and headache) or without apparent symptoms, but it may result in severeclinical illness.Severe infection is marked by quick onset, headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, stupor,occasional convulsions (especially in infants) etc. There is no specific treatment therapy andintensive supportive therapy is indicated for treatment.

6th US-India Aviation Summit held in MumbaiMay 11, 2018

The 6th United States-India Aviation Summit was held in Mumbai, Maharashtra from 9 to 11 May,2018. It was formally inaugurated by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu.Key Facts

The biennial Summit was jointly organised by Ministry of Civil Aviation and US Trade andDevelopment Agency (USTDA). The summit is a technical, policy and commercial forum. It served toassist India civil aviation agencies and aviation industry representatives, including private sectorairlines and airport operators, to identify advanced US technologies and practices that can supporttheir expansion and modernization efforts. The summit also included sessions on India’s projectedaviation growth in next five years, aviation security and technologies for worldwide airspacemanagement among others.

IAF for first time successfully conducts online scheduled test for airmen recruitmentMay 11, 2018

The Indian Air Force (IAF) for first successfully conducted scheduled test for airmen recruitment(STAR) online, taking forward Digital India Initiative of Government. This makes IAF first of any ofthree services to undertake selection tests online.Key Facts

The first online examination of IAF was conducted successfully through computer based online testsin collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) Pune. It wasconducted at 439 centres spread over 102 cities across the country. This included over 100 centres inthe North Eastern states, J&K and states which have limited representation in IAF.The online test made it easier for candidates across country to appear for selection accommodatingwider choice of candidates, without having to apply for early filtration necessary in earlier selectionprocess. By conducting online tests, IAF stands to gain from larger pool of candidates to choose from,while offering level playing field to all eligible candidates.




Significance

The initiative is part of IAF’s policy to reach out to best talent to man and service technologyintensive platforms that equips it. It will increase transparency and cost reduction and help IAF toreach out to the youth in remote corners of the country and help them participate in the selection.

May 11: National Technology DayMay 11, 2018

National Technology Day is being observed across India on May 11 to mark India’s technologicaladvancements and to promote the development of technology in various fields. The official theme forthis year is “Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future”.Background

The day is being commemorated to celebrate the anniversary of first of the five nuclear tests ofOperation Shakti (Pokhran-II) nuclear test, held from 11 to 13 May 1998 in Pokhran, Rajasthan. Theoperation was led by former President APJ Abdul Kalam, who was then Director of Defence Researchand Development Organisation (DRDO). After conducting nuclear tests as part of Pokhran-II, Indiawas declared as nuclear state by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, making it sixth nation tojoin ‘nuclear club’ of nations as well as first country which was not a part of Non-Proliferation ofNuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT).India also conducted successful test firing of Trishul missile on May 11, 1998. Trishul missile wasdeveloped as part of Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) by DRDO. TrishulMissile got inducted by Indian Army and Indian Airforce. Moreover, Hansa 3, India’s first indigenousaircraft was also first tested on May 11, 1998 in Bangalore. It was first of its kind general aviation two-seater plane used for flight training as well as personal flying.Based on these tremendous, groundbreaking achievements by Indian scientists, engineers, as well astechnicians, May 11 was declared as the National Technology Day. To commemorate this day,Technology Development Board (TDB) has instituted National Award. This award is conferred on tovarious individuals and industries by the President for their successful achievement incommercialization of Indigenous Technology.

Atal Tinkering Marathon: Top 30 Innovations showcasedMay 11, 2018

Atal Tinkering Marathon’s Top 30 Innovations to be supported through industry partnerships wereshowcased on the eve of the National Technology Day. They were showcased through a bookletcompiling the work done by the children, the mentors, teachers and schools.Atal Tinkering Marathon

Atal Tinkering Labs of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) of NITI Aayog had organized an Atal TinkeringMarathon in an effort to identify India’s best student innovators. It was six month long nationwidechallenge across six different thematic areas, namely, clean energy, water resources, wastemanagement, healthcare, smart mobility and agriculture-tech.Under it, Students of top 30 innovations will be trained on business and entrepreneurship skills,including intellectual property, effective communication, making an elevator pitch etc. These top 30innovations have been identified from 20 different States/UTs from across India.Atal Innovation Mission (AIM)

AIM is flagship initiative to promote culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in country. Itsmandated is to create umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem of country andrevolutionize innovation eco-system.Objectives

Develop new programmes and policies for fostering innovation in different sectors of economy.Provide platform and collaboration opportunities for different stakeholders, create awareness.Create umbrella structure to oversee innovation ecosystem of the country.

Its sub-schemes include establishing Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) and Atal Incubation Centers (AICs),for providing scaling up support to Established Incubation Centres. It also includes finding ultra-lowcost solution to India’s most intractable problems through Atal Grand Challenges and Atal VikasChallenges.




Rythu Bandhu Scheme: Telangana government launches investment support scheme for farmersMay 11, 2018

Telangana government has launched Rythu Bandhu (friend of farmers) Scheme, an investmentsupport scheme to support livelihood of farmers. It is first of its kind investment support scheme forfarmers to be launched by any state in India,Key Facts

Under this scheme, farmers will directly get financial support twice every year to maximiseagricultural production and productivity. They will get investment support of Rs 8,000 per acreevery year (Rs. 4000 each for monsoon and Rabi season) as crop investment support. About 58 lakhfarmers who till over 1.42 crore acres of land in the state are expected to be benefitted from theinitiative. The state government has already set aside Rs 12,000 crore in the 2018-19 budgetexclusively for this scheme.

Bangabandhu Satellite-1: Bangladesh’s first communication satellite to be launched by SpaceX’sFalcon 9

May 11, 2018

Bangladesh’s first communication satellite Bangabandhu-1 will be launched by SpaceX’s Falcon 9rocket from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A. It is designed to provide wide range ofbroadcast and communication services throughout Bangladesh.Key Facts

It has been built by Thales Alenia Space, a Franco-Italian aerospace manufacturer. It is named afterBangladesh’s “Father of the Nation”- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. It will provide citizens ofBangladesh Internet connectivity, phone services, radio, backhaul, direct-to-home (DTH) TV servicesand other communication related services. It carries total of 40 Ku and C-band transponders withcapacity of 1600 megahertz and has predicted life span of 15 years. It will expand Ku-band coverageover all of Bangladesh and its nearby waters including Bay of Bengal, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka,Philippines and Indonesia.Significance of satellite

It will make Bangladesh autonomous, in terms of telecommunications and broadcasting services. Sofar, a majority of Bangladesh’s satellite communications was based on rented transponders fromIndia. It will also provide lot of opportunities in terms of revenue generation.

SCO Tourism Ministers’ conference held in Wuhan, ChinaMay 11, 2018

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Tourism Ministers’ conference was held in Wuhan,China. It was first meeting of SCO tourism ministers since the organization was established in 2001in Shanghai. From India Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism K. J. Alphons attendedthe conference.Key Facts

The meeting approved joint action plan that will serve as guideline for tourism cooperation betweenSCO member states for 2019-2020. It specifies cooperation among national tourism administrations,as well as measures member states could take to improve tourist experience and safety, developtourist products and promote smart tourism. ItShanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

SCO is political and security grouping headquartered in Beijing. It was founded in 2001. The fullmembers of organization are China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Indiaand Pakistan. They represent over 40% of humanity and nearly 20% of the global GDP. Afghanistan,Belarus, Iran and Mongolia have observer status at present.SCO is successor of grouping called Shanghai Five, founded by China in 1996. It comprised Russia,Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. In 2001 Uzbekistan was invited to join it and SCO wasofficially born. After Astana Summit Declaration in 2005, SCO has emerged as a regional securityorganizationSCO’s main objective is military cooperation between the members. It also works towardsintelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism operations in Central Asia. It is primarily centred on itsmember nations’ Central Asian security-related concerns, often describing main threats it confrontsas being terrorism, separatism and extremism. The role of China as well as strategic importance of




SCO has increased over period of decade and now address problems like terrorism, separatism andmilitancy in the region.

May 12, 2018World’s second oldest rock discovered in Odisha

May 12, 2018

Scientists have discovered world’s second oldest grain of magmatic zircon (a mineral that containstraces of radioactive isotopes) from Champua from Singhbhum rock sample in Odisha’s Kendujhardistrict. It is an estimated 4,240 million years old, making it world’s second oldest rock ever to bediscovered. It is oldest magmatic zircon on earth.Key Facts

The isotopic analysis of Singhbhum rock sample with magmatic zircon was done used Sensitive HighResolution Ion Microprobe (SHRIMP) at the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing, China.The analyses confirmed the presence of two zircon grains that were 4,240 million and 4,030 millionyears old. The oldest zircon older than this discovery was found in Jack Hill, Western Australia. It is4,400 million years old and is the oldest known rock sample. It is metamorphosed sedimentary rock.Significance

This rock sample was recovered nearly eight years ago and has put India at the forefront ofgeological research in the world. This discovery of great promise to study the earth’s early years. Itwill also add valuable information about presence of water in the first few hundred million years ofEarth’s history. It will also give us clues to when plate tectonics began.

12 May: International Nurse DayMay 12, 2018

The International Nurse Day (IND) is observed every year on May 12 across world to mark the birthanniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and also mark contribution ofnurses towards the society. The theme chosen by International Council of Nurses (ICN) for 2018 INDwas ‘Nurses: A Voice to Lead – Health is a Human Right’.On this occasion, President of India conferredNational Florence Nightingale Awards to nursing personnel from across the country for selflessservices rendered by nurses with devotion, sincerity, dedication and compassion.Background

International Nurses Day was first proposed by Dorothy Sutherland (officer from US Department ofHealth, Education and Welfare) in 1953 and first proclaimed by US President Dwight D. Eisenhower.It was first celebrated by International Council of Nurses (ICN) in 1965. In January 1974, 12th of Maywas declared to be celebrated as birthday anniversary of the founder of modern nursing, FlorenceNightingale. She was born on May 12, 1820.

India, Nepal flag offs bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya under Ramayan CircuitMay 12, 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli jointly inaugurateddirect bus service between Janakpur (Nepal) and Ayodhya (India). Both are sacred cities for Hindusand bus service was launched as part of India’s Ramayan Circuit under Swadesh Darshan Scheme topromote religious tourism in Nepal and India.Key Facts

The bus service was flagged off after PM Modi visited famed 20th century Janaki temple, dedicatedto the Hindu goddess Sita, where he offered special prayers. Janakpur is known as birth place of Sita,the wife of Lord Rama. Janaki temple was built in memory of Sita in 1910. It is three-storey structuremade entirely of stone and marble is 50-metre high and spread over 4,860 sq feet. This was overallthird visit PM Modi to Nepal and first high-level visit from India side since the formation of the newOli Government in Nepal.15 destinations under Ramayan Circuit

The government has identified 15 destinations in India for development under Ramayana Circuittheme under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. They are Ayodhya, Nandigram, Shringverpur andChitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh), Sitamarhi, Buxar and Darbhanga (Bihar), Chitrakoot (Madhya Pradesh),Jagdalpur (Chhattisgarh), Mahendragiri (Odisha), Nashik and Nagpur (Maharashtra), Bhadrachalam(Telangana), Hampi (Karnataka) and Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu).




India, Peru signs agreement in field of Renewable EnergyMay 12, 2018

India and Peru signed agreement in field of Renewable Energy. The pact was signed after bilateralmeeting between Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister of Peru Cesar VillanuevaArevalo in Lima. Vice President’s visited Peru was last leg of his first state visit to three CentralAmerican nations Guatemala, Panama and Peru. This was very important visit as it will help toenhance and strengthen India’s bilateral relations with these nations and will increase trade,investments and cooperation among these countries.Key Facts

During the meeting, India and Peru discussed various bilateral and international issues of mutualinterest. The discussions were held in field of pharmaceuticals, space, defence, supply of LPG, cleanenergy, agriculture and science & technology.They also discussed possibility of collaboration in Quinoa cultivation and processing with Peru. Peruis important country for multilateral issues for India and it supported India’s candidature forpermanent seat in United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Both countries agreed to work togetherto combat menace of terrorism.

RBI puts Dena Bank under prompt corrective actionMay 12, 2018

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has put state-run lender Dena Bank under prompt corrective action (PCA)framework. It has barred Dena Bank from extending fresh credit in view of deteriorating financialhealth due to mounting non-performing assets (NPAs) and mounting losses. It makes Dena Bank firstlender to face curbs on lending under PCA framework.Key Facts

This means Dena bank can disburse loans for credit facilities already sanctioned, but cannot sanctionfresh loans. In addition, RBI also has barred from recruiting more staff. RBI may lift these restrictionsin case the bank improves profitability and reduces the ratio of bad loans.Background

In May 2017, RBI had placed Dena Bank under PCA framework, which had imposed restrictionsincluding ban on dividend payments. Despite earlier restrictions, the financial health of Dena bankhad not shown any signs of improvement, prompting the banking regulator to freeze fresh lending.Dena bank’s loss had widened to Rs. 1,225.42 crore compared with previous year, when the loss wasRs. 575.26 crore. For financial year 2017-18, it had posted a net loss of ₹1,923.15 crore. This was thirdconsecutive year bank has posted a net loss. Moreover, its gross NPAs as percentage of grossadvances, was 22.4% as on end March 2018 as compared with 16.17% year earlier. In absolute terms,bad loans rose to Rs. 16,361.44 crore from Rs. 12,618.73 crore. The bank’s net NPAs were up to 11.95%or Rs. 7,838.78 crore from 10.66% or Rs. 7,735.12 crore.Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework

PCA is process or mechanism to ensure that banks don’t go bust. Under it, RBI has put in place sometrigger points to assess, monitor, control and take corrective actions on banks which are weak andtroubled. It was first introduced after global economy incurred huge losses due to failure of financialinstitutions during 1980s-90s.Parameters for placing under PCA framework are Capital ratios, Asset Quality and Profitability.Indicators to be tracked for these three parameters are CRAR (Capital to Risk weighted AssetsRatio)/Common Equity Tier I ratio, Net NPA (non-performing assets) ratio and Return on Assets(RoA) respectively. If banks breach of any risk threshold mentioned above, it results in invocation ofPCA against them.RBI enforces these guidelines to ensure banks do not go bust and follow prompt measures to puttheir house in order. It has tightened its PCA framework in April 2017 to turn around lenders withweak operational and financial metrics, Depending on the risk thresholds set in PCA rules, banksplaced under it are restricted from expanding number of branches, staff recruitment and increasingsize of their loan book. Other restrictions include higher provisions for bad loans and disbursal onlyto those companies whose borrowing is above investment grades.




Government to expand Buddhist tourism circuit to 21 more statesMay 12, 2018

Ministry of Tourism has decided to expand Buddhist tourism circuit under Swadesh DarshanScheme to 21 more states to make it India’s first trans-national tourist circuit. Earlier it wasenvisaged only to seven major Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.Key Facts

Now, Ministry of Tourism has identified stupas and viharas in these 21 states, around which smallintra-state Buddhist zones will be developed. The states now that will be covered includes MadhyaPradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, West Bengal, Goa, Gujarat and Jammu & Kashmir.The expansion of Buddhist tourism circuit aims to catch new-age Buddhist tourists from the West,besides those from traditional markets in South East Asia. The ministry is in talks with World Bankand Japanese government for funding of infrastructure projects connected with Buddhist tourismcircuit. It also plans to involve the private sector in building tourism infrastructure pertaining to thecircuitSwadesh Darshan Scheme

The Union Ministry of Tourism had launched the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2014-15 with an aimto develop theme based tourist circuits in the country. These tourist circuits will be developed onprinciples of high tourist value, competitiveness and sustainability in an integrated manner. Theywill be developed by synergizing efforts to focus on concerns and needs of all stakeholders to enrichtourist experience and enhance employment opportunities. Under this scheme, 13 thematic circuitshave been identified for development. They are Buddhist Circuit, North-East India Circuit, CoastalCircuit, Himalayan Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, TribalCircuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit and Heritage Circuit.

US cancels NASA’s carbon monitoring projectMay 12, 2018

US President Donald Trump’s administration has cancelled NASA’s Carbon Monitoring System(CMS) programme citing reasons of budget constraints and higher priorities within science budget.It was also in line with Donald Trump’s latest broad attack on climate science.Carbon Monitoring System (CMS) Programme

NASA’s CMS Programme costing $10 million per year was meant to track carbon and methane, keygreenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. It also tracked sources and sinks for carbon andmade high-resolution models of planet’s flows of carbon. It was designed to make significantcontributions in characterizing, quantifying, understanding and predicting evolution of globalcarbon sources and sinks through improved monitoring of carbon stocks and fluxes.The System uses full range of NASA satellite observations, modelling and analysis capabilities toestablish accuracy, quantitative uncertainties and utility of products for supporting national andinternational policy, regulatory and management activities.CMS also maintains global emphasis while providing finer scale regional information, utilizing space-based and surface-based data. It had initiated generation and distribution of products both for userevaluation and to inform near-term policy development and planning.

May 13-14, 2018India was world’s largest remittance-receiving country in 2017: Repot

May 14, 2018

According to recently released report ‘RemitSCOPE – Remittance markets and opportunities – Asiaand the Pacific’, India was largest remittance receiving country in the world with US $69 billion in2017. Top five remittance receiving countries in 2017 in the world were India ($69 billion), China ($64billion) and Philippines ($33 billion), Pakistan ($20 billion), and Vietnam ($14 billion).Key Highlights of Report

Asia-Pacific region: Remittances to Asia-Pacific region amounted to US $256 billion in 2017. Itrepresented 53% of flows worldwide, growing 4.87% since 2008, with rates flattening in recent years.About 70% of remittances sent to Asia and Pacific came from outside region and in particular fromGulf States (32%), North America (26%) and Europe (12%).Remittances contribute to region more than 10 times official development assistance. 400 millionpeople in region i.e. one out of every 10 people, are directly affected by remittances either as sender




or as receiver. It benefits about 320 million family members in the region, most of them in ruralareas.Remittances and Rural Development: Remittances are particularly crucial in rural areas wherepoverty is highest. Worldwide, an estimated 40% of total value of remittances goes to rural areas. InAsia-Pacific region, remittances go disproportionally to countries with majority of rural populationssuch as Nepal (81%), India (67%), Vietnam (66%), Bangladesh (65%), Pakistan (61%) and the Philippines(56%). Remittances to rural areas are generally costlier due to expenses associated with offeringaccess points in distant locations.Usage of Remittances: 70% of remittances in the Asia pacific region are used to meet basic needs,such as food, clothing, healthcare and education. The remaining 30% can be saved and invested inasset-building or income-generating activities, helping families to build livelihoods and their future.Improvement of remittance markets: It still needs to be transformed to ensure that families canbenefit fully from the flows. Technological innovation in remittance marketplace can bring aboutfundamental transformation for hundreds of millions benefiting from these flows. Moreover,outdated regulatory barriers on both sending and receiving ends is resulting in higher and lesstransparent costs which make it less likely and more difficult to convert remittances into savingsand investments. Besides, financial inclusion which has increased in recent times has not fullyrepresented reality of substantial majority of remittance receiving families in Asia-Pacific regionwhere financial exclusion remains predominant.

IMD to deploy 30 more doppler radars across IndiaMay 14, 2018

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is planning to add 30 more doppler radars in the nexttwo-three years across the country. 14 will be located in the northeast, four in Jammu and Kashmirand three each will be Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.Background

The first Doppler radar in India was installed in Chennai, Tamil Nadu in 2002. Its need became morecompelling after 2005 Mumbai floods. There are currently 27 Doppler radars in the country. The hillystates of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and J&K had witnessed erratic patterns like thunderstormsand heavy rains and snowfall, so do north eastern states. In 2013, erratic cloud burst in Uttarakhandhad caused flash floods killing hundreds.Doppler radar

Doppler radar is an observational tool used for precisely monitoring and predicting severe weatherevents such as hailstorms, thunder storms, cyclones and tornados. It uses Doppler effect by bouncingmicrowave signal off desired target to produce velocity data. This data helps in analyzing object’smotion by altered frequency of returned signal. It mainly gives information about wind velocity andprecipitation.Doppler radar has radius of 250 km and helps in issuing forecasts two-three hours prior to severeweather conditions. It can provide area specific rain and storm warnings which are beneficial fordisaster management and emergency response, aviation and related services. It can be used for windspeed measurements during cyclones and thunderstorms which is not possible in conventionalweather radar.India Meteorological Department (IMD)

IMD is the principal agency of Government of India responsible for meteorological observations,weather forecasting and seismology. It functions under Ministry of Earth Sciences. It is headquarteredin New Delhi and operates hundreds of observation stations across India and Antarctica.IMD is one of six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres of World Meteorological Organization(WMO). It has been entrusted with responsibility for forecasting, naming and distribution ofwarnings for tropical cyclones in Northern Indian Ocean region, including Malacca Straits, Bay ofBengal, Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf.

Type 001A: China’s first indigenous aircraft carrier begins sea trialMay 14, 2018

China’s first domestically manufactured aircraft carrier known only as “Type 001A” started sea trials




from Dalian port in Liaoning province. The ship’s engine, propulsion and navigation systems will betested at sea for first time, a year after it was officially launched. The name of the carrier was notrevealed at the launch ceremony, but it is speculated that it will be named Shandong after province ofsame name.Key Facts

The Type 001A carrier was constructed by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation in Dalian. Itsdesign is based on the Soviet Union’s Kuznetsov class and refined and advanced version of Liaoning,China’s first aircraft carrier constructed from incomplete Kuznetsov-class vessel. It is expected to becommissioned by 2020.It measures about 315 metres long, with displacement capacity of about 55,000 tonnes (70,000loaded). The ship is powered by conventional oil-fired boilers driving eight steam turbines, a designcopied from the Soviet TB-12 engines used by its sister ship. It is capable of carrying 38 to 40aircrafts.Comment

The Type 001A was built as part of China’s ambitious plans to modernise its navy as it presses itsclaims in disputed regional waters. It will give China second aircraft carrier as it asserts its claims inSouth China Sea and seeks to deter any independence movements in Taiwan.The possession of home-grown aircraft carrier places China among few military powers with suchvessels, including United States, Russia and Britain. China’s sole operational aircraft carrier, Liaoningis a repurposed USSR (Soviet) ship bought from Ukraine, which went into service in 2012.

ISRO developing environment-friendly propellantMay 14, 2018

Scientists at ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) are developing environment-friendlypropellant propellant blend based on hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) to power satellites andspacecraft. It seeks to replace conventional hydrazine fuel for future missions.Key Facts

HAN-based monopropellant formulation consists of HAN, ammonium nitrate, methanol and water.The methanol was added to reduce combustion instability and HAN was used for its capacity tocontrol burn rate and lower freezing point of propellant.

Monopropellant is chemical propulsion fuel which does not require separate oxidizer. It is used extensively in satellitethrusters for orbital correction and orientation control.

The propellant formulation was tested for compatibility with four metal samples over period of sixmonths. Moreover, variety of tests to investigate its characteristics, like thermal and catalyticdecomposition and compatibility was undertaken with different materials.

Significance




HAN-based monopropellant will replace conventional hydrazine rocket fuel, a highly toxic andcarcinogenic chemical, with greener propellant for future missions. It will also ensure cost effectivere-usable, recoverable, re-startable and reliable space launches of ISRO. Due to its high performancecharacteristics, hydrazine has dominated space industry as choice of propellant for over six decadesdespite hazards.

Indian Army finalises Rs. 15000 crore indigenous ammunition projectMay 14, 2018

Indian Army has finalised Rs. 15,000-crore indigenous ammunition project under which range ofammunition for its critical weapons and tanks will be produced indigenously. It is claimed to bebiggest ever initiative for indigenisation of ammunition. It aims to overcome long delays in importsand address problem of dwindling stockpile.Key Facts

The immediate aim of this project is to create an inventory for all major weapons to enable forces tofight 30-day war while long-term objective is to cut dependence on imports. For this, 11 private firmswill be involved and its implementation will be monitored by the top brass of Indian Army andDefence Ministry.The overall cost of project has been pegged at Rs. 15,000 crore. Indian Army has set specific target fornext 10 years in terms of volume of ammunition to be produced. Initially, ammunition for range ofrockets, air defence system, artillery guns, infantry combat vehicles, grenade launchers and variousother field weapons will be produced under strict timelines. The production targets will be revisedbased on result of first phase of implementation of project.Comment

The project is seen as first serious attempt by Government to address growing concerns voiced overpast many years by Indian Army (world’s second largest standing Army) over fast dwindlingstockpile of key ammunition considering the evolving security threats in the region and a at timewhen China is significantly ramping up its military capability.Background

In July 2017, the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in its report tabled in Parliamenthad mentioned that stock of only 61 types of ammunition out of 152 varieties was available, and thesewill only last for 10 days in event of a war. It was inadequate according to laid down security protocolwhich says that stockpile should be adequate for month-long war. The main reasons cited for theshortages were long delays in negotiations and subsequent procedural hurdles in import ofammunition which had adversely impacted the country’s defence preparedness. To overcome thisshortage Government had initiated indigenisation programme. It also had empowered Indian Armyto directly procure ammunition and spares for 10 types of weapon systems and equipment afterinternal review found optimum level of ‘war stores’ was not being maintained.

Nepal to host 2018 BIMSTEC summitMay 14, 2018

Nepal is going to host 2018 Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and EconomicCooperation (BIMSTEC) summit. It was announced by Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli duringhis meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kathmandu (capital city ).BIMSTEC

BIMSTEC is the sub-regional group of seven countries in South Asia and South East Asia lying in thelittoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity. BIMSTECcountries are India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka from South Asia and Myanmar, Thailandfrom South East Asia. They are collectively home to around 1.5 billion people which constitutearound 22% of global population.BIMSTEC was established on 6 June 1997 through the Bangkok Declaration. It is headquartered inDhaka, Bangladesh. Its prime objectives include technological and economic cooperation amongsouth Asian and south East Asian countries along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. It is sector-drivencooperative organization, starting with six sector including trade, technology, energy, transport,tourism and fisheries. In 2008, it was expanded to embrace eight more sectors including agriculture,public health, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism, environment, culture, people to people contactand climate change.




UNDP to set up skill development centre in HyderabadMay 14, 2018

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is going to set up skill development centre forclients of Bharosa, an integrated support centre for distressed women and children in Hyderabad,Telangana. This initiative is aimed at empowering vulnerable and marginalised women by impartingskills training.Key Facts

This centre will be set up in line with agreement signed between Hyderabad Police and UNDP underDisha project to build capacities and skills of women affected by violence to help make themeconomically self-sufficient. The agreement extends support to enable these women to learnmarketable skills and connect with income opportunities.Bharosa

Bharosa is an initiative of Hyderabad City Police launched in 2016. It is state-of-the-art centre tosupport women and children who are victims of violence. Under one roof, the centre provides 24X7services related to police, medical, legal, prosecution, psycho-therapeutic counselling and relief andrehabilitation services in completely private counselling rooms to maintain confidentiality andprivacy. It is equipped with well-trained staff and modern gadgets, including facilities like videoconferencing, so victims need not go to the court. Since its inception, it has helped total of 3,560victims in range of problems. Of these over 2,600 sought aid with regard to domestic violence.United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP is United Nations’ global development network. It advocates for change and connectscountries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build better life. It provides expertadvice, training and grants support to developing countries with increasing emphasis on assistanceto least developed countries. It promotes technical and investment cooperation among nations. It isheadquartered in New York City, US.

Government to link 200 more mandis to eNAMMay 14, 2018

Union Government is going to link additional 200 wholesale mandis to online trading platformeNAM (electronic National Agriculture Market) this fiscal (2018-19) and also encourage inter-manditransactions. At present, 585 regulated mandis in 14 states are linked with the eNAM. So far, 73.50lakh farmers, 53,163 commission agents and over 1 lakh traders are registered on it from these 14states. Government is ensuring that all wholesale agri-mandis adopt online auction and graduallyallow trading between mandis in state and eventually between mandis outside states, thereby settingup single national agriculture market for benefit of farmers.eNAM

eNAM is pan-India electronic trading portal for farm produce which aims creates unified nationalmarket for agricultural commodities by integrating existing Agriculture Produce Market Committee(APMC) markets. It provides single window service for all APMC related services and information,such as commodity arrivals and prices, provision for responding to trade offers, buy and sell tradeoffers, among other services. It was launched in April 2016. It is being implemented in differentphases to integrate 585 regulated markets across country with common e-market platform by March2018. Small Farmers’ Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is the lead promoter of eNAM. On thisplatform, farmers can showcase their produce online from their nearest market and traders canquote price from anywhere. It aims to foster greater competition among traders and also ensureopen price discovery and better returns to farmers.

May 15, 2018Gender bias caused excess deaths of girls under 5: Study

May 15, 2018

According to recent study of Lancet Global Health, there have been 2,39,000 excess deaths per yearof girls under age of five in India due to gender bias. Excess mortality is difference between observedand expected mortality rates in both genders.Key Findings of Study

The excess mortality accounted for about 2.4 million deaths in decade of study period 2005-2015. Theadditional deaths were found in 90% of districts in the country. 29 out of 35 States and Union




Territories in the country contributed to this mortality.The average level of excess mortality in girls aged 0-4 in study period of 2000-2005 was 18.5 per1,000 live births, compared to expected mortality of girl children aged under 5 in areas of worldwithout known gender discrimination.Four largest states in northern India, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh,accounted for two thirds of the total excess deaths of females under five. In Uttar Pradesh, excessfemale mortality was calculated at 30.5. In Bihar it was 28.5, in Rajasthan it was 25.4, and in MadhyaPradesh it was 22.1.The worst affected areas in India were all rural, agricultural areas with lower levels of education, highpopulation densities, low socio-economic development and high levels of fertility. Many deaths offemales under five were partly due to unwanted child bearing and subsequent neglect.

Sulabh International founder Dr Bindeshwar Pathak honoured with Nikkei Asia PrizeMay 15, 2018

The founder of Sulabh International, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak was honoured with the Nikkei Asia Prizein Japan for his contribution to Asia’s development. Dr Pathak was described as Indian socialreformer tackling two of his country’s biggest challenges — poor hygiene and discrimination. Hewas among three who were conferred with this award.Nikkei Asia Prize

Nikkei Inc. is one of the largest media corporations in Japan. It has been presenting Nikkei Asia Prizesince 1996 to honour people in Asia who have made significant contributions in one of the threeareas: Economic and Business Innovation, Science, Technology and Environment and Culture andCommunity.Dr Bindeshwar Pathak

He had founded Sulabh International in 1970. It is an NGO that works to promote human rights,environmental sanitation among other social services. It has built Sulabh flush composting toiletsthroughout India, contributing to better sanitation, safety for rural women and freedom frommanual labour of removing human waste.

Three million new jobs by 2030 to offset employment loss due to rising heat: ILO ReportMay 15, 2018

International Labour Organization’s (ILO’s) World Employment and Social Outlook Report has thatprojected increase in surface temperature due to global warming will lead to around 2,59,000 joblosses in India by 2030, especially in carbon-and resource-intensive industries.




Key Facts

According to report, global temperature rise of 1.5°C by end of 21st century will result in heat stress,which will reduce total number of working hours by 2030. It will also result in 5.3% rise work loss inpercentage of total hours and productivity loss equivalent to 30.8 million full-time jobs.Environmental degradation will affect job opportunities and also affect productivity, reduce totalnumber of working hours.But the loss of jobs due to global warming will be offset by creation of around 3 million jobs as Indiamoves towards green economy by adopting sustainable practices, including changes in energy mix,projected growth in use of electric vehicles and increase in energy efficiency in existing and futurebuildings.Agricultural workers will be worst affected due to temperature rise, accounting for loss of around64% of working hours lost due to heat stress in India in 2030 in view of physical nature of their work. In India, an estimated 4.2% of total hours worked were lost in 1995 due to high heat levels,representing around 15.1 million full-time jobs. All the sectors except mining industry will experienceincrease in employment. Renewables sector will experience increase 1.5 million jobs, constructionsector will see increase in 466,200 jobs and 285,200 new jobs in services.

Indian Army flags of Women Officers’ Mountaineering Expedition to Mt. Bhagirathi-IiMay 15, 2018

Indian Army has flagged off Women Officers’ Mountaineering Expedition to Mt. Bhagirathi-II toexplore maximum potential of women officers in the field of adventure sports. Mt. Bhagirathi-II (6512metres) is located in the Garhwal Himalayas in Gangotri National Park. The peak rises right abovethe Gangotri glacier.Key Facts

The expedition aims at encouraging women in the field of adventure where dauntless courage, will-power and determination of women officers is put to test. It will test their technical acumen inmountaineering, mental strength and physical courage. The expedition team comprises of ninewomen officers. They are planning to set new world record of practicing Yoga at 21000 ft (6512metres) on the occasion of Yoga Day 2018.

First all-woman Post Office Passport Seva Kendra starts operations in Phagwara, PunjabMay 15, 2018

The Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) run by an all-woman team began its operationsPhagwara, Punjab. It was was inaugurated by Union Minister Vijay Sampla in the local head PostOffice of Phagwara.Key Facts

This kendra was 192nd POPSK in the country and first one to be operated by an all-woman team. Itwas launched as part of Central Government’s initiative for women empowerment. It will caterneeds of people from Kapurthala, Nawandhar and Jalandhar rural districts. It will benefit peopleimmensely in this area as town is NRI hub of Doaba region of Punjab. It will enable people of theregion to get all facilities related to applying for and processing of passport applications.Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK)

POPSK is Government initiative led by Ministry of External Affairs (India) (MEA) and Department ofPosts (DoP),[1] where Head Post Offices (HPO) and post offices are being utilized for delivery ofpassport related services to citizens. It aims to develop passport related services on bigger scale andto ensure wider area coverage for simplifying process to traveling abroad. The first POPSK wasinaugurated at the Mysuru Head Post office in Karnataka on January 25, 2017.

More tests required for release of GM mustard: GEACMay 15, 2018

The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has demanded more tests for geneticallymodified mustard- Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH -11) for “commercial cultivation. It has called for‘field demonstrations’ of GM mustard in an area of 5 acres at two or three different locations acrossthe country to study possible impact transgenic crop could have on honey bees and seeks additionaldata on these and other pollinators and also on soil microbial diversity.Background

The demand for renewed field demonstrations comes year after GEAC had given final clearance for




GM mustard (in May 2017). This clearance was mired in confusion after government held it asinadvertent error. It was put on hold after Environment Minister, who has the final say on matter,held that wider consultations and further tests were needed on the release transgenic mustard tosettle the issue.There has been strong opposition from various organisations and also from within government tothe approval given to GM mustard. Even high-powered panel on Doubling Farmers’ Income (DFI) inrecently released report said Genetic Engineering is ‘powerful’ tool for developing future crop, butfor now it should be adopted only for non-food crops. For transgenic food crops, questions on itssafety must be addressed and settled first before their accepting commercial cultivation.Dhara Mustard Hybrid (DMH -11)

DMH -11 is transgenic mustard had been developed by a team of scientists Centre for GeneticManipulation of Crop Plants at Delhi University led by former Vice-Chancellor Deepak Pental underGovernment sponsored project. It is genetically modified variety of Herbicide Tolerant (HT) mustard.It was created by using “barnase/barstar” technology for genetic modification by adding genes fromsoil bacterium that makes mustard self-pollinating plant. DMH -11 contains three genes viz. Bar gene,Barnase and Barstar sourced from soil bacterium. The bar gene had made plant resistant to herbicidenamed Basta.Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)

GEAC is apex body under Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change for regulatingmanufacturing, use, import, export and storage of hazardous micro-organisms or geneticallyengineered organisms (GMOs) and cells in the country. It is also responsible for giving technicalapproval of proposals relating to release of GMOs and products including experimental field trials.However, Environment Minister gives final approval for GMOs.

China launches first India-dedicated investment fundMay 15, 2018

The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), a top state-run Chinese bank has launchedChina’s first India-dedicated publicly offered investment fund. The fund has been named as Industrialand Commercial Bank Credit Suisse India Market Fund. ICBC is the largest in the world with over $3.6trillion in assets.Key Facts

The ICBC Credit Suisse Indian Market Fund (LOF) will invest in exchange-traded funds listed onmore than 20 exchanges in Europe and US that are based on the Indian market. It will invest infuture of Indian economy and track distribution of industrial structure across Indian market. Forthis, ICBC has listed sectors for investments specifically, in terms of the major industries weighteddistribution of the index. The financial industry accounts for highest proportion, followed byinformation technology, alternative consumption, energy, essential consumption, raw materials,medicine, healthcare and other industries.Signifiance

The fund opens way for Chinese investors and provided good tool for low-threshold investment inIndia. It is also regarded as significant by observers to boost investments in India and comes afterfirst ever informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinpingat Wuhan, where two leaders sought to give a new direction to bilateral ties to tap their economicpotential.

4 states, 1 UT sign MoUs for implementation of Ayushman Bharat schemeMay 15, 2018

Four States and one Union Territory have signed first MoU with National Health Mission,Government of India for implementing Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya SwasthyaSuraksha Mission (PMRSSM). These states/UTs are Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir,Uttarakhand and Chandigarh (UT).These MoUs were signed during Ayushman Bharat Northern Region’s first workshop on PMRSSM atShimla, Himachal Pradesh. Through these MoUs, these four states and UT will formally commit toimplement PMRSSM. The MoU clearly outlines roles of Central and State/UT Governments forimplementation of PMRSSM. Similar regional workshops are also planned in due course of timeacross the country to sign MoU with States/UTs for rolling out of PMRSSM in each region.




Ayushman Bharat scheme

It is Centrally Sponsored health insurance scheme of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoHFW).Beneficiaries: The scheme will target over 10 crore families belonging to poor and vulnerablepopulation based on Socio Economic and Caste Census 2011 (SECC) database. Beneficiaries can availof services anywhere in India. This will help to bring a visible relief to the target families bymitigating financial risk arising out of catastrophic health episodes.Insurance cover: It will provide Rs. 5 lakh insurance cover per family per year, taking care of almostall secondary care and tertiary care procedures. There will be no cap on family size and age in thescheme.Benefits covered: Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses. It also covers all pre-existing conditionsfrom beginning of policy. It will also pay defined transport allowance per hospitalization tobeneficiary. The beneficiaries can avail benefits in both public and empanelled private facilities.Wellness Centres: Under it, government will set up 1.5 lakh wellness centres across the country by2022 that will leverage on comprehensive primary health care for preventive, promotive and curativecare. These centres will provide preventive, promotive, and curative care for non-communicablediseases, dental, mental, geriatric care, palliative care, etc.Mission Council: For giving policy directions and fostering coordination between Centre and Statesfor implementation of scheme, Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission Council (AB-NHPMC) will be set up at apex level. It will be chaired by Union Health and Family Welfare Minister.Role of State Governments: They are allowed to expand scheme both horizontally and vertically.They are also free to choose modalities of its implementation. They can implement throughinsurance company or directly through Trust/ Society or a mixed model.Payments for treatment: It will be done on package rate (to be defined by the Government inadvance) basis. The package rates will include all costs associated with treatment. For beneficiaries, itwill be cashless, paper less transaction. States/ UTs will have the flexibility to modify these rateswithin a limited bandwidth keeping in view their specific requirements.

4th meeting of SAWEN held in Kolkata, IndiaMay 15, 2018

The fourth meeting of South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN), an inter-governmentalwildlife law enforcement agency was in Kolkata, West Bengal (India) from May 8-10, 2018. It was firstmeeting of SAWEN to be held in India since its inception in 2011.Key Outcomes of meeting

The two-day conference was attended by representatives of seven (excluding Pakistan) out of eightmember countries. Six proposals, including tracking of wildlife smuggling route, review of existinglaws and structure for the organisation were tabled during the meeting. Participating countries alsoadopted many resolutions to curb wildlife crime in the region. They agreed on having operationalframework for strengthening the regional body to combat wildlife crime.South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN)

SAWEN is regional inter-governmental wildlife law enforcement support body of South AsianCountries. It was launched in January, 2011 in Paro, Bhutan during the second meeting of the SouthAsia Expert Group on Illegal Wildlife Trade. Its secretariat is in Kathmandu, Nepal. Its regionalnetwork comprises of eight South Asia countries: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan,Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives.Mandate: SAWEN aims at working collectively as a strong regional inter-governmental body tocombat wildlife crime by attainting common mutual goals and approaches for combating illegaltrade in the region. It also seeks to control trans-boundary wildlife crime through communication,coordination, collaboration, capacity building and cooperation in the region.Background

South Asia region is very vulnerable to illegal traffic and wildlife crimes due to presence of preciousbiodiversity and large markets as well as traffic routes for wildlife products in the region. It is mainlydue to presence of large markets as well as traffic routes for wildlife products in the region. Therewas need among South Asian countries for collaboration in harmonising as well as enforcing wildlife




protection in region for effective conservation of biodiversity. Establishment of SAWEN providedthese eight South Asian Countries common platform for harmonising as well as enforcing wildlifeprotection in region

Explained: Samarth SchemeMay 15, 2018

Recently, a meeting of stakeholders on Samarth Scheme (Scheme for Capacity Building in TextileSector) under Skill India Mission was held in New Delhi to familiarize the stakeholders about schemeand its guidelines. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani. It wasattended by the senior officials of Textiles Ministry, institutions and organizations under it,representatives of textile industry, State Governments, training institutions among others.Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector

It is scheme of Ministry of Textiles, approved by Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) inDecember 2017. Its broad objective is to skill the youth for gainful and sustainable employment intextile sector covering entire value chain of textiles, excluding spinning and weaving.The scheme is intended to provide demand driven, placement oriented National Skills QualificationsFramework (NSQF) compliant skilling programmes to incentivize and supplement efforts of industryin creating jobs in textiles sectors. It targets to train 10 lakh persons (9 lakh in organised and 1 lakh intraditional sector) over period of 3 years (2017-20) with an budgetary outlay of Rs. 1300 crore.Biometric process are used under this scheme for selection of candidates for training purpose.Moreover, government is also creating attendance system integrated with centralized ManagementInformation System (MIS) to ensure real time attendance.

Government issues National Wind-Solar Hybrid PolicyMay 15, 2018

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy with an aim toboost renewable power generation by promoting new projects as well as hybridisation of existingones. Government is also going to launch scheme for new hybrid projects under this policy.Features of the Policy

Objectives of policy: Provide comprehensive framework for promotion of large grid connected wind-solar Photo Voltaic (PV) hybrid system for efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure andland. Reduce variability in renewable power generation and achieving better grid stability.Encourage new technologies, methods and way-outs involving combined operation of wind and solarPV plants.Flexibility in share of wind and solar components: It has been provided in hybrid project, subject tocondition that, rated power capacity of one resource be at least 25% of rated power capacity of otherresource for it to be recognised hybrid project.Technology front: Policy provides for integration of both energy sources i.e. wind and solar atalternating current (AC) as well as direct current (DC) level.Hybrid projects: The policy seeks to promote new hybrid projects as well as hybridisation of existingwind and solar projects. It allows hybridisation of existing projects (wind or solar) with highertransmission capacity than sanctioned one, subject to availability of margin in existing transmissioncapacity.Procurement of power: It will be on tariff based transparent bidding process for which Governmententities may invite bids.Use of battery storage: The policy permits use of battery storage in hybrid project for optimisingoutput and reduce variability.Standards and regulations: It mandates the regulatory authorities to formulate necessary standardsand regulations for wind-solar hybrid systems.Background

The Union government has set ambitious target of achieving 175 GigaWatt (GW) of installed capacityfrom renewable energy sources by 2022, which includes 100 GW of solar and 60 GW of wind powercapacity. The total renewable power installed capacity in the country stood at about 70 GW infinancial year 2017-18. There have been significant capacity additions in renewables in recent years




and hybrid energy will further help in better utilisation of resources.

Government launches full-fledged Green Skill Development ProgrammeMay 15, 2018

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched full-fledged Green SkillDevelopment Programme (GSDP). It aims to train over 5.5 lakh workers in environment and forestsectors in the country through 30 courses by 2021 for sustainable conservation and management ofnatural resources. GSDP-ENVIS mobile application was also launched to provide more informationand applying to courses under GSDP programme.Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP)

GSDP was launched as pilot project in 2017 by MoEFCC in partnership with National SkillDevelopment Agency (NSDA) to develop green skilled workers having technical knowledge andcommitment to sustainable development. Under it, skilling of youth (especially 10th and 12thdropouts) will be undertaken for increasing availability of skilled workforce in environment andforest sector to provide them gainful employment or self-employment.The green skills under it will be imparted in more than 30 programmes in diverse fields identified,which will be conducted in 84 institutions across country. Moreover, vast network and expertise ofEnvironmental Information System (ENVIS) hubs and Resource Partners (RPs) will be utilized forimplementation of this programme.In the first stage, pool of master trainers and specialists is being created, who can further train youthacross the country. All skilling courses under this programme will be National Skills QualificationsFramework (NSQF) compliant. The MoEFCC will give certificates indicating skilling levels to allsuccessful candidates.Significance

The programme endeavours to develop green skilled workers having technical knowledge andcommitment to sustainable development. It will go long way in reaping demographic dividend in thecountry and filling the skill gaps in environment and forest sector. It will help in attainment ofNationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), NationalBiodiversity Targets (NBTs) and Waste Management Rules 2016).

May 16, 2018May 15: International Day of Families

May 16, 2018

The International Day of Families is observed every year on 15th of May across world to promoteawareness of issues relating to families and increase knowledge of social, economic and demographicprogression that affects families which are the basic unit of society. The theme for this year is“Families and inclusive societies”. It explores role of families and family policies in advancingSustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16) in terms of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies forsustainable development. The day was proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in1993 by adopting resolution A/RES/47/237 and reflects importance international community attachesto families. Every year, UN secretary-general makes to the particular applicable motto (theme)attention.

NTPC signs MoU with Bihar Government to improve performance of power sector in BiharMay 16, 2018

The NTPC Limited has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bihar Government toimprove performance of power sector in the state. The MoU envisages transfer of three powergeneration facilities in Bihar to NTPC. It has been undertake as part of NTPC’s strong capability inturning around under-performing state owned power stations.Key Facts

These three power generation facilities are Barauni Thermal Power Station, Kanti Bijlee UtpadanNigam Limited (KBUN) and Nabinagar Power Generating Company (Pvt.) Limited (NPGC). All threepower generation facilities are envisaged to be transferred to NTPC through Statutory TransferScheme. The transfer of these power stations to NTPC will result in their optimal and efficientutilization, bring power tariff down and benefit people of state.Background

NTPC is the largest power generating company of India with total installed capacity of 53651 MW




(including JVs) from coal, gas, hydro, solar and wind power projects. It is one of the seven maharatnacompany in India functioning under the Ministry of Power.

India emerges third largest solar market in the world in 2017May 16, 2018

According to recently released report by Mercom Communications, India emerged as third largestsolar market in world in 2017 behind China and United States. Mercom Communications India is armof global clean energy consulting firm Mercom Capital Group.Key Highlights of report

India has set new record with 9.6 GW of solar installations in 2017, which was more than double the4.3 GW installed in 2016. In 2017, India’s solar market had grown at Compound Annual Growth Rate(CAGR) of approximately 170% since 2010. The robust growth boosted India’s total solar installedcapacity to 19.6 GW as of December 2017. As of 2017-end, large-scale solar project developmentaccounted for 92% of the all-time cumulative solar installations in India with 19.6 GW and 2017 alonemade up 90% of such installations with 8.6 GW. Of the total 1.6 GW cumulative solar rooftopinstallations in India by 2017, 995 MW was installed last year.

Bharat Inclusion Initiative: IIM Ahmedabad unveils $25 million initiative to fund start-upsMay 16, 2018

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad’s (IIMA’s) centre for innovation, incubation andentrepreneurship (CIIE) has launched $25 million ‘Bharat Inclusion Initiative’ to fund start-ups. CIIEwas founded at IIMA to support entrepreneurs and turn business ideas into viable businessesmodels. It partners with industry experts, mentors, corporates, IIMA community and investors tohelp incubate early-stage start-ups.Key Facts

CIIE’s ‘Bharat Inclusion Seed Fund’ aims to provide continuum of solutions to inclusion focused techentrepreneurs across the pre-incubation, seed and scale-up stage and help them jump to the nextorbit. It will mentor and invest in start-ups in the early stage and seed segment over the next three-four years. The fund will look at start-ups in areas such as financial inclusion, livelihood, education,agriculture, and health. It has set aside $22.5 million to invest in pre-Series A technology start-ups.The initiative has received initial pledge of $12.5 million from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,Michael and Susan Dell Foundation and Omidyar Network.

President inaugurates Integrated Centre for Crisis Management for CBRN emergencies at BARCMay 16, 2018

President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated Integrated Centre for Crisis Management (ICCM) at BhabhaAtomic Research Centre (BARC) in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The ICCM will help nation to respondmore effectively to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) emergencies. It will monitorradiological data from a network of 504 radiation sensors across the country.Other launches

Multi-leaf collimator system: It has been developed by BARC. It is used radiotherapy as it enables gamma

radiation to be exposed only on cancer-affected organs.Trombay Chhattisgarh Dubraj Mutant-1: It is high-yielding dwarf variety of Dubraj mutant rice. It is 43rd

high-yielding crop variety developed by BARC.President Kovind also remotely inaugurated three other nuclear facilities of Department of AtomicEnergy (DEA). They are

Metal fuel pin fabrication facility: It has been jointly developed by BARC and Indira Gandhi Centre for

Atomic Research at Kalpakkam, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It will help to increase plutonium production in fastbreeder reactors.High-power electron beam melting furnace: It is jointly developed by scientists of BARC and Nuclear Fuel

Complex. It will be used for nuclear and strategic applications.Integrated enriched boron tri-fluoride gas generation facility: It was developed by Heavy-water Board in

Odisha. It will be used in neutron detectors.Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)

BARC is India’s premier nuclear research facility based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is multi-disciplinary research center with extensive infrastructure for advanced research and development.




Its R&D covers entire spectrum of nuclear science, engineering and related areas. BARC’s coremandate is to sustain peaceful applications of nuclear energy, primarily for power generation.

Atal Pension Yojana’s subscriber base crosses 1 crore mark: PFRDAMay 16, 2018

According to Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), the subscriber base ofAtal Pension Yojana (APY) has crossed 1 crore subscribers mark since its launch in May 2015. Tilldate, the scheme has collected Rs. 3,950 crore of contribution from subscribers. It has generatedaround 9.10% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) since inception till March 2018.Top ten states in APY mobilisation are: Uttar Pradesh (1,401,631), Bihar (1,061,660), Tamil Nadu(814,917), Maharashtra (758,695), Karnataka (686,504), Andhra Pradesh (686,504), West Bengal(551,471), Madhya Pradesh (498,111), Rajasthan (497,962) and Gujarat (486,465).Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

APY was launched in June 2015 with aim to provide affordable universal access to essential socialsecurity protection to unorganized work force of country, which constitute more than 85 per cent ofthe workforce. It had replaced earlier government-backed pension Swavalamban scheme targeted atthe unorganised sector.It is available to all citizens of India in age group of 18-40 years (making minimum period ofcontribution by subscriber is 20 years). Under scheme, subscriber will receive minimum guaranteedpension of Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000 per month, depending on his contribution, from age of 60 years.There is no exit to scheme before age of 60. In case of death of subscriber, spouse of subscriber isentitled for same amount of pension till his or her death.

WHO launches REPLACE campaign to eliminate trans-fat in foods by 2023May 16, 2018

World Health Organization (WHO) has launched comprehensive plan “REPLACE” to eliminateindustrially-produced artificial trans-fats from global food supply by 2023. The elimination of trans-fats is key to protecting health and saving lives. REPLACE is abbreviated in six strategic actions asReview, Promote, Legislate, Assess, Create awareness and Enforce.Key Facts

The campaign provides step-by-step guide in six strategic actions of ‘REPLACE’ package to ensureprompt, complete, and sustained elimination of industrially-produced trans-fats from global foodsupply. Implementing six strategic actions will help achieve elimination of trans-fat and representmajor victory in the global fight against cardiovascular diseases.Six areas of action include:

Review dietary sources of industrially produced transfats and landscape for required policy change.Promote replacement of industrially produced transfats with healtier fats and oils.Legislate or enact regulatory actions to eliminate industrially produced transfat.Assess and monitor trans-fat content in the food supply and changes in transfat consumption in thepopulation…Create awareness of the negative health impact of trans-fat among policy makers, producers,suppliers and the public.Enforce compliance with policies and regulations.Background

Industrially-produced trans-fats are contained in hardened vegetable fats such as margarine andghee, and are often present in snack, baked, and fried foods. Manufacturers often use them as theyhave longer shelf life than other fats. Increased intake of trans fat (>1% of total energy intake) isassociated with increased risk of coronary heart disease mortality and events as trans-fats clogarteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks. WHO estimates that every year, trans fat intake leads toover 5,00,000 deaths worldwide from cardiovascular diseases. Denmark was first country tomandate restrictions on industrially-produced trans fats.

First International Rail Coach Expo held in Chennai, Tamil NaduMay 16, 2018

The first-ever International Rail Coach Expo (IRCE) was in Chennai, Tamil Nadu from 17th to 19thMay 2018 to focus on Rail Coaches and train sets. Many reputed rail car and equipment buildersshowcased their technology and products in this expo.




Key Facts

The three day expo was hosted by Integral Coach Factory (ICF) Chennai, under the Ministry ofRailways, in coordination with CII (Confederation of Indian Industries) and RITES Ltd. It providedunique platform to bring different suppliers under one roof and create synergy for “Make in India”. Itsaw participation of train enthusiasts, railway suppliers, designers, developers, and general public.Integral Coach Factory (ICF)

ICF is manufacturer of rail coaches located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It was established in 1952. It isowned and operated by Indian Railways. It primarily manufactures rolling stock for Indian Railwaysand also exports railway coaches to other countries including Thailand, Myanmar, Taiwan, Zambia,Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Nigeria, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Angola and Sri Lanka. Itemploys about 11,095 people and manufactures about 2000 coaches per year.

May 17, 2018Microhyla kodial: New frog species discovered in coastal Karnataka

May 17, 2018

Scientists have discovered new frog species named Microhyla kodial or Mangaluru narrow-mouthedfrog in a small industrial region in coastal Karnataka. It is christened Microhyla kodial after city ofMangaluru (called kodial in Konkani language) from where they spotted it two years ago. The frog isseen only in small industrial region which was former timber dumping yards wurrounded byseaport, petrochemical, chemical and refinery industries.Microhyla kodial

Mangaluru narrow-mouthed frog belongs to Microhyla genus which is primarily recorded from southAsia. It is small in size measuring just 2 cm long. It is greyish-brown in colour with thick olive-greenband on its head, less-prominent dark green bands on rest of its body. It has very distinct loud, longcalls. It is not seen outside urban area and its behavioural observations revealed that it breeds onlyduring monsoon.Its detailed genetic studies show that it is more closely related to Southeast Asian frogs than Indianfrogs. The industrial patch where it is currently found used to be depot for timber imported fromsoutheast Asia, therefore, it could have been accidentally introduced with timber that came fromMyanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia.Mangaluru narrow-mouthed frog was the 42nd species belonging to genus Microhyla recorded fromsouth Asia. More than 650 microhylids (frogs belonging to the family Microhylidae) are found acrossthe world’s tropics.

Cabinet approves setting up of Central University in Andhra PradeshMay 17, 2018

The Union Cabinet has given its in-principle approval for establishing Central University by name ofCentral University of Andhra Pradesh in Janthaluru village of Ananthapur District of AndhraPradesh. It also approved the proposal for operationalization of Central University in transit campus.Key Facts

Initially, the Central University will be formed as society under Societies Registration Act, 1860 inorder to give legal status to it till amendment to Central Universities Act, 2009 is enacted and toenable commencement of academic activities from Academic Year 2018-19.The Central University will be mentored by existing Central University till its governing structure isin place. It will increase access and quality of higher education and help in minimizing the regionalimbalances in education facilities. It also gives effect to some provisions of Andhra PradeshReorganization Act, 2014.

Cabinet approves establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation at BhopalMay 17, 2018

The Union Cabinet has approved establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation(NIMHR) at Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. NIMHR, Bhopal. It will be first of its kind institute in country inarea of mental health rehabilitation.Key Facts

NIMHR, Bhopal will be established as society under Societies Registration Act, 1860. It will functionunder Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. Its objectives are to providerehabilitation services to persons with mental illness, capacity development in field of mental health




rehabilitation, policy framing and advanced research in mental health rehabilitation.It will serve as institution of excellence to develop capacity building in area of mental healthrehabilitation and also help Government to develop models for effective rehabilitation of personswith mental illness. It will have nine departments and centres and will conduct 12 courses to offerdiploma, certificate, graduate, post graduate, M.Phil degrees in the field of mental healthrehabilitation.

Cabinet approves strengthening commercial disputes resolution mechanism of CPSEsMay 17, 2018

Union Cabinet has approved strengthening commercial disputes resolution mechanism of CentralPublic Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) inter se and also between CPSEs and other GovernmentDepartments and Organizations. The Cabinet decision is based on recommendations of Committeeof Secretaries (CoS).Key Facts

The new strengthened mechanism puts in place institutionalized mechanism within Government forspeedy resolution of commercial disputes of CPSEs without matter being referred to the Courts oflaw. It consists of new two-tier mechanism to resolve commercial disputes between CPSEs outsideCourts of law.It replaces existing Permanent Machinery of Arbitration (PMA) mechanism and excludes disputesconcerning Railways, Income Tax, Custom and Excise Departments from its ambit. It will promoteequity through mutual and collective efforts to resolve commercial disputes thereby reducingnumber of litigations regarding commercial disputes in Court of Law and also avoid wastage ofpublic money.New two-tier mechanism

First level (tier): Such commercial disputes will be referred to a committee comprising secretaries ofthe administrative ministries to which the disputing parties belong and Law Secretary. The financialadvisors of two ministries concerned will represent issues related to dispute in question before thecommittee.In case the two disputing parties belong to same ministry, then committee will comprise secretary ofadministrative ministries concerned, Law Secretary and Secretary, Department of PublicEnterprises. In such case, the matter will be represented by financial advisor and one joint secretaryof that ministry. For the prompt disposal of disputes, 3 months’ time schedule at this level has beenprescribed.Second level (tier): In case dispute remains unresolved, even after consideration by above Committeein first tier, it will be referred to Cabinet Secretary, whose decision will be final and binding on allconcerned.

Cabinet approves setting up of new AIIMS in Deoghar, JharkhandMay 17, 2018

The Union Cabinet has approved setting up of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) inDeoghar, Jharkhand under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). It will serve dualpurpose of providing super speciality health care to population and help to create large pool ofdoctors and other health workers in this region to be available for primary and secondary-levelinstitutions and healthcare facilities being created under the National Health Mission (NHM).Key Facts

AIIMS at Deoghar will consist of hospital with capacity of 750 beds, trauma centre facilities, medicalcollege with in-take of 100 MBBS students per year and nursing college with an int-ake of 60 B.Sc(Nursing) students per year. It will also have residential complexes and allied facilities and services,broadly on pattern of AIIMS, New Delhi. It will also have 20 Speciality and Super SpecialityDepartments including 15 Operation Theatres. It will also consists of Ayush Department with 30beds for providing treatment facilities in the traditional system of medicine.Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana

PMSSY was announced in 2003. Its objectives are correcting regional imbalances in availability ofaffordable and reliable tertiary healthcare services and augment facilities for quality medicaleducation in country. It establishes AIIMS in various regions of India apart from differentgovernment colleges. It is funded from different centrally sponsored schemes relating to creating




infrastructure on health.Under PMSSY, Government is planning to set up 20 AIIMS across the country. So far AIIMs havebeen established in Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Raipur (Chattisgarh), Jodhpur(Rajasthan), Rishikesh (Uttarakhand) and Patna (Bihar).Work of AIIMS Rae Bareli (Uttar Pradesh), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Kalyani (West Bengal) andMangalagiri (Andhra Pradesh) is in progress. Construction work also has been awarded for AIIMS,Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh). AIIMS have also been sanctioned in Bathinda (Punjab), Guwahati (Assam),Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh).

BSE becomes first Indian stock exchange to get US SEC’s DOSM recognitionMay 17, 2018

BSE Ltd (earlier known as Bombay Stock Exchange) became first Indian exchange to be designated asDesignated Offshore Securities Market (DOSM) by United States Securities and Exchange Commission(US-SEC).Key Facts

DOSM status will allow sale of securities to US investors through trading venue of BSE withoutregistration of such securities with US SEC. This will ease trades by US investors in India and alsoenhance attractiveness of Indian Depository Receipts (IDRs) amongst US investors.The new status is also expected to primarily benefit securities issued in US private placements toinstitutional investors. Moreover, it will provide liquid resale market which will exempt offerings byBSE-listed companies, making them more attractive to US investors.DOSM status will also provide additional benefits to companies whose securities are traded both inUS and on BSE. It will allow certain directors and officers of dual-listed companies to resell theirsecurities on BSE, regardless of any restrictions or holding periods that may apply under USsecurities laws.Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)

BSE is Indian stock exchange located at Dalal Street, Mumbai (Maharashtra). It was established in1875 (founded by Premchand Roychand as Native Share & Stock Brokers’ Association), making itAsia’s first stock exchange. It was first Indian stock exchange to be recognized by Government underthe Securities Contracts Regulation Act in 1957. It has established India’s first international exchangeIndia INX in December 2016 in GIFT city, Gujarat.BSE’s popular equity index -S&P BSE SENSEX is India’s most widely tracked stock marketbenchmark index. BSE also provides host of services to capital market participants including riskmanagement, clearing, settlement, market data services and education.BSE is the world’s 12th largest stock exchange with overall market capitalization of more than $ 2trillion as of July, 2017. It also claims to be world’s fastest stock exchange, with median trade speed of6 microseconds. It is also a Partner Exchange of United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchangeinitiative, joining in September 2012.BSE is first exchange in India and second in world to obtain an ISO 9001:2000 certification. It is alsofirst Exchange in India and second in world to receive Information Security Management SystemStandard BS 7799-2-2002 certification for its On-Line trading System (BOLT).

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: Cabinet approves Micro Irrigation Fund under NABARDMay 17, 2018

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved initial corpus of Rs.5,000 crore forsetting up of dedicated Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) in NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture andRural Development) under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).Key Facts

The allocation of MIF under PMKSY will be made in instalments of Rs 2,000 crore and Rs 3,000 crorein 2018-19 and 2019-20. Under it, NABARD will extend loans to state governments during this period.The lending rate under MIF has been proposed at 3% lower than cost of raising fund by NABARD.States will pay back loans in total seven years period, including grace period of two years. The totalfinancial implication on interest subvention from MIF will be about Rs. 750 crore.Benefits

The dedicated MIF will supplement efforts of Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Component of PMKSY inan effective and timely manner. It will help to bring about 10 lakh ha of land under irrigation through




innovative composite, community and cluster based micro irrigation projects with additionalinvestment in MIF.The MIF will facilitate states to mobilise resources for their initiatives, including additional (top upsubsidy) in implementation of PMKSY-PDMC to achieve annual target of about 2 Million ha per yearduring remaining period of 14th Finance Commission under PDMC component of PMKSY asrecommended by Group of Secretaries.Implementation Strategy

States may access MIF for innovative integrated irrigation projects, including projects in PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) mode. They may also use it for incentivizing micro irrigation throughadditional (top up) subsidy over and above one available under PMKSY-PDMC Guidelines and forcovering additional areas.Farmers Producers Organization (FPO), Cooperatives and State Level Agencies can also access fundswith Guarantee of State Government or equivalent collateral. Farmers Co-operatives can also accessthis fund for innovative cluster based Community Irrigation Projects.Advisory Committee will be constituted to provide policy direction and ensure effective planning,coordination and monitoring projects along with Steering Committee for examining and approvingthese projects from state governments.Coverage

Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) will have pan India coverage. States lagging behind in adoption of microirrigation will be encouraged to take advantage of fund for incentivizing farmers. Besides,community driven and innovative projects will be taken up by state will be provided loans to bringadditional coverage of micro irrigation.Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

PMKSY has been formulated amalgamating ongoing schemes viz. AIBP, Integrated WatershedManagement Programme (IWMP) and On Farm Water Management (OFWM) component of NationalMission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA). It is implemented by Ministries of Agriculture, WaterResources and Rural Development.Objectives of PMKSY

Achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level.Expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (har khet ko pani).Enhance the adoption of precision-irrigation and other water saving technologies (More crop per drop).Improve on-farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage of water.Enhance recharge of aquifers.Introduce sustainable water conservation practices.

Network for Spectrum Project for Defence Services: CCEA approves enhancement of budgetMay 17, 2018

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for enhancement ofbudget by Rs.11,330 crore for Network For Spectrum (NFS) project. This is over and above Rs.13,334crore already approved by Cabinet Committee on Infrastructure in July, 2012. With this, total budgetfor the network for Defence services has now gone up to Rs. 24,664 crore.Network For Spectrum (NFS) project

The NFS project aims at laying alternate communication network for Defence Services. NFS projectwill boost the communication capabilities of Defence Forces. In major way, it will lead to enhancednational operational preparedness. It will also have forward linkages to other related industries suchas telecom equipment manufacturing and other telecommunication related services. The project isbeing implemented by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and will be completed in 2 yearsperiod.Background

The Union Defence Ministry and Department of Telecommunication (DoT), the highest decisionmaking body in Telecom Ministry had signed an agreement in 2009-10 to set up exclusive defencenetwork for its communication services. Under it, DoT had agreed to vacate 25 MHz of 3G spectrumand 20 MHz of 2G spectrum in phases soley for defence communication purpose.




Cabinet approves National Policy on Biofuels, 2018May 17, 2018

The Union Cabinet has approved National Policy on Biofuels – 2018 in order to promote biofuels inthe country. Biofuels in India are of strategic importance as it augers well with ongoing initiatives ofGovernment such as Make in India, Skill Development and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. It also offersgreat opportunity to integrate with ambitious targets of doubling of import reduction, farmers’income, employment generation, waste to wealth Creation.Salient features of Policy

The policy categorises of biofuels to enable extension of appropriate financial and fiscal incentivesunder each category

Basic Biofuels: First Generation (1G) bioethanol and biodiesel.

Advanced Biofuels: Second Generation (2G) ethanol, Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) to drop-in fuels, Third

Generation (3G) biofuels, bio-CNG etc.Expansion scope of raw material for ethanol production: It allows use of sugarcane juice, sugarcontaining materials like sweet sorghum, sugar beet, starch containing materials like corn, cassava,damaged food grains like broken rice, wheat, rotten potatoes, unfit for human consumption forethanol production.Use of surplus food grains: The policy allows use of surplus food grains for production of ethanol forblending with petrol with approval of National Biofuel Coordination Committee. This will ensurefarmers get appropriate price for their produce during the surplus production phase.Incentives to advanced biofuel: Viability gap funding scheme indicated for 2G ethanol Bio refineriesof Rs.5000 crore in 6 years for giving special emphasis to advanced biofuels. It also proposesadditional tax incentives, higher purchase price as compared to 1G biofuels.Supply chain mechanisms: The policy encourages setting up of supply chain mechanisms forbiodiesel production from non-edible oilseeds, used cooking oil, short gestation crops.Synergising efforts: It predefines roles and responsibilities of all the concerned Ministries andGovernment Departments with respect to biofuels to synergise efforts.Expected Benefits

Reduce Import Dependency: The ethanol supply will help to reduce import dependency on crude oilwhich will in turn result in savings of forex.Cleaner Environment: The use of ethanol will reduce CO2 emissions. It will also reduce Green HouseGas emissions by reducing crop burning and conversion of agricultural residues and wastes intobiofuels.Health benefits: Prolonged reuse of cooking oil for preparing food, particularly in deep-frying causeshealth hazard and can lead to many diseases. By using cooking oil as a potential feedstock forbiodiesel will prevent diversion of used cooking oil in the food industry.Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management: Using advance technologies waste and plastic in MSWcan be converted in use fuels. One ton of such waste has potential to provide around 20% of drop infuels.Infrastructural Investment in Rural Areas: Addition of 2G bio refineries across country will spurinfrastructural investment in the rural areas.Employment Generation: Setting up one 100klpd 2G bio refinery contributes to 1200 jobs in plantoperations, village level entrepreneurs and supply chain management.Additional Income to Farmers: By adopting 2G technologies for producing biofuels, agriculturalresidues and waste which otherwise are burnt by farmers can be converted to ethanol. Through thisprocess farmers can fetch price for these waste. Moreover, conversion of surplus grains andagricultural biomass can also help in price stabilization for farmers.

WHO publishes its first Essential Diagnostics ListMay 17, 2018

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published its first Essential Diagnostics List, a catalogueof tests needed to diagnose most common diseases along with number of global priority diseases. Itaims to address people’s inability to access diagnostic services, which results in them from receivingcorrect treatment.




Essential Diagnostics List

The essential diagnostics list concentrates on in-vitro tests like tests of blood and urine. It containoverall 113 products which comprises 58 tests for detection and diagnosis of a wide range of commonconditions. Remaining 55 tests for detection, diagnosis and monitoring of ‘priority’ diseases such astuberculosis, malaria, HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis and human papillomavirus.For each category of test, list specifies type of test and intended use, format and if appropriate forprimary health care or for health facilities with laboratories. It also provides links to WHO guidelinesor publications and to pre-qualified products. Some of tests enlisted in it are particularly suitable forprimary health care (PHCs) facilities, where laboratory services are often poorly resourced andsometimes non-existent.Updation

WHO will update list on regular basis and will also issue call for applications to add categories tonext edition. It is expected to expand significantly over next few years to incorporate otherimportant areas including emerging pathogens, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistanceand additional non-communicable diseases.Significance

Essential Diagnostics List will provide uniform tool that can be useful to all countries, not only to testand treat health complications better but also to use health funds more efficiently by concentratingon the truly essential tests. It also provides an essential package that can form the basis for screeningand management of patients. It similar to WHO’s essential medicines list, which has been in use forfour decades and serve as reference for countries to update or develop their own list of essentialdiagnostics.World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that acts as a coordinating authority oninternational public health. Established on 7 April 1948, it succeeded the Health Organization, whichwas an agency of the League of Nations. It is a member of the United Nations Development Groupand its headquarters is located at Geneva. WHO flag features the Rod of Asclepius as a symbol forhealing.

May 18, 2018President appoints Uttam Pacharne as Chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi

May 18, 2018

President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Uttam Pacharne as regular Chairman of Lalit KalaAkademi. He will have tenure of three years from the date on which he assumes the charge of hisoffice. He will replace ML Srivastava, Joint Secretary (Akademies), Ministry of Culture who wasappointed protem chairman of Akademi in March 2018.Uttam Pacharne

He is eminent artist and sculptor and is widely respected person in field of art. He has held variousimportant positions in various government organisations. He is recipient of National Lalit KalaAward (1985), Maharashtra Gaurav Puraska (1985), Junior National Award (1986) and Jeevan GauravPuraskar (2017). Currently, he is Member of Advisory Committee, Kala Academy, Goa and Member ofAdvisory Committee, P.L. Deshpande State Lalit Kala Academy and Director, Janseva Sahakari BankBorivali.Lalit Kala Akademi

It is India’s national academy to promote and propagate understanding of Indian art, in and outsidethe country. It is also called as National Academy of Art. It is autonomous organisation funded byMinistry of Culture. It was established in 1954. It provides scholarships and fellow program andsponsors and organises exhibitions in India and overseas. It publishes bilingual journal.

RBI tweaks norms for setting up of IFSC Banking UnitsMay 18, 2018

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has modified norms for setting up International Financial ServicesCentres (IFSC) Banking Units (IBUs) by banks in IFSCs. In April 2015, RBI had formulated scheme forsetting up of IFSC IBUs by banks in IFSCs.Key Facts

The modification makes mandatory for parent bank to provide and maintain at all times minimum




capital of US $ 20 million or equivalent in any foreign currency to its IBU. However, minimumprescribed regulatory capital, including for exposures of IBU, should be maintained on on-going basisat parent level.Moreover, parent bank will be also required to provide Letter of Comfort for extending financialassistance, as and when required, in the form of capital/liquidity support to IBU. The guidelines areapplicable to IBUs set up in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) as well as in other IFSCswhich may be set up in India.The modification was made based on suggestions from stakeholders to consider minimumprescribed regulatory capital at parent level rather than at IBU level. The government has set up anIFSC in Gujarat namely Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

India’s economy is projected to grow 7.6% in 2018-19: UN WESPMay 18, 2018

According to UN World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP), India’s economy is projected togrow 7.6% in fiscal year 2018-19, making it fastest growing economy in the world. GDP growth inIndia is expected 7.5 and 7.6% in fiscal years 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively.Key Highlights of report

World economy: It is projected to reach 3.2% both in 2018 and 2019, an upward revision by 0.2 and0.1%, respectively. Global GDP is expected to expand, reflecting strong growth in developed countriesand broadly favourable investment conditions. However rising trade tensions, heighteneduncertainty over monetary policy, increasing debt levels and greater geopolitical tensions canpotentially thwart growth progress.World trade growth: It also has accelerated, reflecting widespread increase in global demand. Manycommodity-exporting countries will also benefit from the higher level of energy and metal prices.The modest rise in global commodity prices will exert some upward pressure on inflation in manycountries. But the inflationary pressures remain contained across most developed and developingregions.India: GDP growth is expected 7.5 and 7.6% in fiscal years 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively. This is asubstantial recovery from 6.7% growth India registered in fiscal year 2017. Growth in India is gainingmomentum, underpinned by robust private consumption, slightly more supportive fiscal stance andbenefits from past reforms. Though capital spending in India has shown signs of revival, morewidespread and sustained recovery in private investment remains crucial challenge in India.China: It is projected to gradually moderate from 6.9% in 2017 to 6.5% in 2018 and 6.3% in 2019. Itsgrowth is expected to remain solid, supported by robust consumer spending and supportive fiscalpolicies followed by ongoing structural reforms.South Asia: GDP growth in region is expected to strengthen to 6.6% in 2018 and 6.8% in 2019,following an expansion of 6% in 2017. It remains favourable, amid robust domestic demand, stronginfrastructure investment and moderately accommodative monetary policies. Moreover, regionalinflation is anticipated to remain stable and at relatively low levels.UN World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP)

The report is joint product of UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN/DESA), UNConference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and five United Nations regional commissions.

Commerce Ministry establishes Directorate General of Trade Remedies May 18, 2018

Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued notification for creation of Directorate General ofTrade Remedies (DGTR) in Department of Commerce. In this regard amendments were made inGovernment of India (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961.Directorate General of Trade Remedies

DGTR will be apex national authority for administering all trade remedial measures including anti-dumping, countervailing duties and safeguard measures. It will bring Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied duties (DGAD), Directorate General of Safeguards (DGS) and Safeguards (QR)functions into its fold by merging them into one single national entity. It will also provide tradedefence support to our domestic industry and exporters in dealing with increasing instances of traderemedy investigations instituted against them by other countries.




It will serve as multi service organization drawing upon the skill-set of various officers from variousministries in the field of International Trade, Customs, Revenue, Finance, Economics, Costing andLaw. Creation of DGTR will result in savings of 49 posts to Government on account of mergingDGAD and DGS. Thus, its establishment will be in line with Government’s goal of “MinimumGovernment Maximum Governance.Background

In recent years, Government had initiated more than 130 anti-dumping, countervailing duty andsafeguard cases to deal with rising incidences of unfair trade practices and provide a level playingfield to domestic industry. The issue of creation of DGTR was pending since 1997 to provide a levelplaying field to domestic industry.

Arsenic Sensor and Removal Media: IISER develops device to detect and remove arsenic from waterMay 18, 2018

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) in collaboration with private company hasdeveloped a new device-Arsenic Sensor and Removal Media to detect and remove arsenic content fromwater and make it safe and usable by households.Arsenic Sensor and Removal Media

The device is very easy to use, very cost effective and anyone can use it to detect arsenic easily. Ituses very simple and household detection sensing methodology. It is capable of sensing solublearsenic (3) which cannot be easily detected and removed.It can show immediate change in colour in arsenic contaminated water. It provides holistic approachin immediate detection of arsenic contamination levels from available water resources and thereafterproduces arsenic-free potable water. It has high sensitivity as it can sense up to parts per billion(ppb) level compared to many currently available techniques which sense parts per million (ppm).Arsenic Pollution

Arsenic is a natural component in the earth’s crust. It is widely distributed throughout theenvironment in the air, water and land. It is highly toxic in its inorganic form. Intake of solubleinorganic arsenic over long period can lead to chronic arsenic poisoning (arsenicosis), diabetes,cardiovascular diseases and cancer. WHO permissible limit of arsenic in groundwater is 0.1 mg perlitre. . In India, it was revised recently by Bureau of Indian Standards from 0.05 mg/l to 0.01 mg/l. InIndia, Arsenic pollution big problem in Bengal and neighbouring states. In Bengal, there are 83 blocksin eight districts where groundwater is arsenic contaminated. Malda, Murshidabad and Nadiadistricts have higher levels of arsenic concentration.

May 19, 2018




May 18: International Museum DayMay 19, 2018

The International Museum Day is observed on May 18 across the world to raise awareness on howimportant museums are in the development of society. The 2018 theme was ‘Museums and HyperCommunication – New Approaches and New Public‘.Significance of theme

Hyperconnectivity term was invented in 2001 to design multiple means of communication, such asface-to-face contact, email, instant messaging, telephone or Internet. This global network ofconnections is becoming more complex day by day, diverse and integrated. In the hyperconnectedworld, museums join this trend being inherent part of their local communities, their culturallandscape and their natural environment.Background

International Museum Day was instituted in 1977 by International Council of Museums (ICOM). Theobjective of day is to raise awareness of museums as an important means of cultural exchange,enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace amongpeoples.International Council of Museum (ICOM)

It is the main and only organisation of museums and museum professionals with global scope,committed to promotion and protection of natural and cultural heritage, present and future, tangibleand intangible. It was created in 1946 and is headquartered in Paris, France. It serves as a network ofmuseum professionals (35,000 members in 137 countries) acting in wide range of museum- andheritage-related disciplines.

Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar sworn-in as Chief Justice of the High Court of ManipurMay 19, 2018

Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar was sworn in as fifth Chief Justice of High Court of Manipur after wasappointed by the President Ram Nath Kovind. He was administered the oath of office by GovernorProf Jagdish Mukhi as per Article 219 of Constitution.Justice Sudhakar

Justice Sudhakar hails from Panapakkam village in Vellore district. He graduated with Bachelors’Degree in Life Sciences from Loyola College and obtained law degree from Madras Law College. Hewas enrolled as advocate in 1983 and started practice as associate of legal luminary and senioradvocate Habibullah Badsha, former Advocate General of Tamil Nadu and Public Prosecutor ofMadras High Court.He was appointed as judge of Madras High Court in 2005 and as judge of High Court of Jammu andKashmir in 2016. In 2018, he was appointed as acting Chief Justice of High Court of J&K.

Government appoints Anil Kumar Jha as CMD of Coal India LimitedMay 19, 2018

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Anil Kumar Jha as full timeChairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Coal India Limited (CIL). He will be in office till January31, 2020. He replaces Coal Ministry’s Additional Secretary Suresh Kumar, who had recently assumedadditional charge of CMD of CIL.Anil Kumar Jha

Prior to this appointment, Anil Kumar Jha was CMD of CIL’s subsidiary Mahanadi Coalfields. Heholds MTech in Mine Planning & Design from Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad, Jharkhand. He hasrich work experience spanning 32 years in field of mine planning, production, managementsupervision, direction and control of underground as well as open cast coal mines. He also hasworked with Central Mine Planning & Design Institute, the exploration arm of CIL, for 14 years,planning both opencast and underground mines.Coal India Limited (CIL)

It is state-controlled coal mining company headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal. Government ofIndia owns CIL and controls operations of CIL through Ministry of Coal. It is largest coal producingcompany in the world. It contributes to around 82% of the coal production in India. It was conferredthe Maharatna status in 2015, making it one of the seven maharatnas companies. Its marketcapitalisation (as of October 2015) was Rs.2.11 lakh crore (US$32 billion) making it India’s 8th most




valuable company by market value.

Sagar cyclonic storm: IMD issues advisory to 5 states and 1 UTMay 19, 2018

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued advisory to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa,Maharashtra and Lakshadweep archipelago (UT) over cyclonic storm ‘Sagar’. The cyclonic storm wasdeveloped as low pressure area in Arabian Sea which gained strength and intensified into depressionand later into a cyclone ‘Sagar’. It is the first cyclonic storm of season to develop in Indian waters.Key Facts

The cyclonic storm lay cantered over Gulf of Aden, about 390 km east-northeast of Yemen’s Aden cityand 560 km west-northwest of Socotra Islands. It will made landfall in coastal Somalia. Gale windsspeed reaching 70-80 kilometers per hour gusting to 90 kmph are very likely around system centrecovering Gulf of Aden and adjoining areas of west central and southwest Arabian Sea for some timeand gradually decrease thereafter.

CSTT adopts AYUSH word for scientific and technical purposesMay 19, 2018

Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) adopted word ‘AYUSH’ in Hindi andEnglish languages for scientific and technical purposes. The decision follows a proposal fromMinistry of AYUSH in this regards. AYUSH word has become popular as acronym for five traditionaland complementary systems of medicine, namely Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha andHomoeopathy.Key Facts

CSTT approved ‘ayush’ word with meaning “Traditional and Non-Conventional Systems of Health Careand Healing which include Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, Homoeopathy etc”.Now the word will be officially used in all Government communications. Following this recognition,ayush word is expected to gain currency in popular usage in a short span of time.Significance of Recognition

The usage of Ayushh word in Hindi and English will underline essential unity of all holistic systemsof tradition healing in India. It will also strength to efforts of the Ministry of AYUSH to developintegrated solutions to manage the public health challenges of country.It will also give boost to India’s efforts to find place for Indian Systems of Healthcare in InternationalClassification of Diseases (ICD) of World Health Organization (WHO). It will lead to theirinternational acceptance, increased rigor of research in them and their over-all development.Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT)

CSTT was established in December 1960 by Government of India resolution under provision Article344(4) of Constitution with objective of evolving and defining scientific and technical terms in Hindiand all Indian languages. It also coordinates with all states to ensure uniformity of scientificterminology in Hindi and other Indian languages. It is headquartered in New Delhi.Functions of CSTT

Preparation and Publication of bilingual and trilingual glossaries involving English and Hindi and other IndianLanguages.Identification of pan Indian terms. Preparation and publication of national terminology.Identification and publication of School Level Terminology and Departmental Glossaries. Preparation ofDefinitional Dictionaries and Encyclopaedias.Preparation of University level textbooks, monographs and journals. Grant-in-Aid to grant academies, textbookboards and university cells for University level books in regional languages.Propagation, expansion and critical review of terms coined and defined through training and orientationprogrammes, workshops, seminars etc.Providing necessary terminology to National Translation Mission.

Parcel Cargo Express Train connecting northeast to West Coast begins operationMay 19, 2018

Northeast Frontier Railway of Indian Railway has started operating one lease Parcel Cargo ExpressTrain (PCET) connecting northeastern part of the country to West Coast on fortnightly basis. It waslaunched on line of Government’s priority to provide connectivity to northeast region and




empowering local industries of this region.Key Facts

The PCET will enable farmers from northeast to market their lucrative products like tea, betal nuts,pineapple, jute, horticulture products, cane furniture etc. at retail markets in Mumbai, Bengaluru,Nagpur, Pune. Its route will cover New Guwahati in Assam to Kalyan in Maharashtra.It will serve as business tool without any additional strain on resources of railways. Moreover, it willhelp to promote industries of northregion by providing them markets and also provide sustainablejob opportunity to local youths including unskilled labour.The leased PCET will also generate substantial revenue to Indian Railways in their contractualperiods of 6 years each. The unit transportation cost through PCET is relatively less than cost of roadtransportation. Thus, benefiting transporters as well as consumers on account of less transportationcost.Single PCET can carry consignment equivalent to 52 trucks. This will ensure less carbon emissionwhich will contribute for Green India and saving of foreign exchange on account of purchasing offuel.

India’s freshwater stocks in danger: NASAMay 19, 2018

According first of its kind study of NASA, India is among hotspots where overuse of water resourceshas caused sharp decline in availability of freshwater. The study was conducted by scientists fromNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Centre by using an array of NASA satellite observations to track globalhydrologic changes.About Study

Scientists had used 14 years of observations from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE)spacecraft mission, a joint project of NASA and German Aerospace Centre, to track global trends infreshwater in 34 regions around the world. This is for first time scientists had used observationsfrom multiple satellites for assessment of how freshwater availability is changing everywhere onEarth.Key Facts

The study revealed that wetter parts of earth’s were getting wetter and dry areas getting drier due tovariety of factors, including human water use, climate change and natural cycles. Areas in northernand eastern India, West Asia, Australia and California (US) are among hotspots where overuse ofwater resources has caused serious decline in availability of freshwater.In northern India, groundwater extraction for irrigation of wheat and rice crops has led to depletion,despite rainfall being normal. The groundwater extractions has already exceed recharge duringnormal precipitation does not bode well for the availability of groundwater during future droughts.

India saw 211 tuberculosis cases per 1,00,000 population in 2016: WHOMay 19, 2018

According to World Health Statistics 2018 released by World Health Organisation (WHO), India sawestimated 211 cases of tuberculosis (TB) per 1,00,000 people in 2016. India has pledged to eradicatetuberculosis by 2025, five years ahead of global target set by WHO. WHO’s annual World HealthStatistics reports present most recent health statistics for WHO Member States.Key highlights of World Health Statistics 2018

Tuberculosis (TB): Globally, incidence of TB registered 19% decline over 16-year period from 173 newand relapse cases per 1,00, 000 population in year 2000 to 140 per 1,00,000 population in 2016. Itremains high-burden disease and progress in fighting it, although impressive, is still not fast enoughto close persistent gaps.Cases reported in India were lower than neighbouring Bangladesh and Myanmar which recorded 221and 361 cases respectively in this category. However, Nepal and Bhutan recorded fewer number of TBcases per 1,00,000 population than IndiaMaternal mortality ratio (MMR) in India: It was 174 per 1,00,000 births in 2015. The SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs) for 2030 is to lower MMR for all countries to less than 70 per 1,00,000births.Air pollution: Deaths due to air pollution was concerned, age-standardised mortality rate attributedto household and ambient air pollution (per 1,00,000 population) in 2016 was 184.3% in India.




Per capita health expenditure in India: It was around US $63 in 2015, way lower than China (US$426), while in Pakistan it was $38.

Supreme Court approves draft Cauvery Management SchemeMay 19, 2018

Supreme Court has approved Centre’s draft Cauvery Management Scheme for smooth distribution ofwater among four southern riparian states/UT viz. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. Itordered Central Government to notify the scheme before the monsoons.SC Order

The apex court also modified Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award of 2007 and made itclear that it will not be extending time for its implementation on any ground. It also raisedKarnataka’s share of Cauvery water by 14.75 tmcft saying that issue of drinking water of SouthernKarnataka region has to be placed on a higher pedestal. At the same time, it reduced Tamil Nadu’sshare, while compensating it by allowing extraction of 10 tmcft groundwater from river basin.Cauvery Management Scheme

The scheme deals with release of water from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry. It willbe implemented by Cauvery Management Authority (CMA). CMA will be sole body to implementCWDT award as modified by Supreme Court. The Central Government will have no say inimplementing of the scheme except for issuing administrative advisories to it.Cauvery River

Cauvery River rises on Brahmagiri Hill of Western Ghats in south-western Karnataka. It flows insouth-easterly direction through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu before emptying into Bay of Bengal. Atits mouth near Bay of Bengal it forms wide delta called garden of southern India. Kaveri’s maintributaries are Kabani (Kabbani), Noyil, Amaravati, Hemavati, Lakshmantirtha and Bhavani rivers.The river is important for its irrigation canal projects in southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu,Kerala and Puducherry.

May 20, 2018Emergency Summit of OIC held in Istanbul to discuss Israel-Palestine violence

May 20, 2018

The 57-member Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held extraordinary summit in Istanbul,Turkey to discuss recent Israeli violence against Palestinian protesters in Gaza Strip. The summitwas convened at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. It condemned massacreof Peaceful Palestinian civilian protestors by the Israeli forces as well as on the official opening of USEmbassy in Jerusalem in defiance of international law, UN Security Council (UNSC) and GeneralAssembly (UNGA) Resolution.Background

Recently violent protests were held in Gaza which coincided with Israel’s 70th anniversary – anevent Palestinians refer to as Nakba or “Catastrophe” and relocation of the US Embassy to Israel fromTel Aviv to Jerusalem. In these protests more than 100 palestinian protesters were killed by Israelisecurity forces deployed along the other side of the border. Turkey had responded to the violence byasking Israeli ambassador to leave the country, while also recalling its ambassadors to US and Israelfor consultations.Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

OIC is international organization that aims to provide collective voice to Muslim world andsafeguard and protect interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peaceand harmony. It was established in 1969 and has administrative centre (headquarters) in Jeddah,Saudi Arabia.OIC consists of 57 member states spread over four continents with collective population of over 1.3billion as of 2009 with 47 countries being Muslim Majority countries. It has permanent delegationsto United Nations and the European Union. Its official languages are Arabic, English, and French. It issecond largest inter-governmental organization after UN.Issues with India: In this organisation, India is a blocked country, though it second largest country(after Indonesia) in terms of Muslim population (It has about 12% of the world’s Muslim population).India has been blocked by Pakistan from joining the OIC over Kashmir issue. OIC regard parts ofKashmir as “occupied by India”.




PM Narendra Modi inuagrates Kishanganga Hydroelectric project in J&KMay 20, 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 300 MW Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project inBandipora District of Jammu & Kashmir. He also laid foundation stone of 1000 MW capacity PakalDul Power Project.Pakal Dul HydroElectric Project

Pakal Dul Dam is proposed 167m concrete-face rock-fill dam (CFRD) on Marusadar River, a tributaryof Chenab River in Kishtwar district of J&K. The primary purpose of the dam is hydroelectric powergeneration. Its underground power house has four units each of 250 MW capacity (total 1000 MW).With 1000 MW capacity, it will be largest Hydro Power Project in J&K on completion. It will be alsofirst storage project in J&K. Its project cost is shared by Government of India as well as theGovernment of J&K. It will have immense benefits for J&K by supplying power and also byimproving water availability during lean season.Kishangana HydroElectric Project

It is 37 m high concrete faced rockfill dam (CFRD) constructed on Kishanganga River in Jhelum Riverbasin in Bandipore in Jammu and Kashmir. Its construction was started in 2007 and completed in2016. It has underground power House with 3 Units of 110 MW capacity each (330 MW). Its all unitswere synchronised in May 2018. It will provide a free power of 13% to the state, which will be aroundRs. 133 crore per year.

India drags US to WTO over imposition of dutiesMay 20, 2018

India has dragged United States (US) to World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) Dispute SettlementMechanism over imposition of import duties on steel and aluminium. India stated that decision willof imposition of import duties impact its exports of these products to US and is not in compliancewith global trade norms.Key Facts

India has sought consultations with US as first step of dispute settlement process under the WTO’sdispute settlement mechanism. If the two nations are not able to reach mutually agreed solutionthrough consultation, India may request for WTO dispute settlement panel to review matter.Background

In March 2018, US President Donald Trump had imposed heavy import tariffs on imported steel andaluminium items, a move that has sparked fears of global trade war. He had signed twoproclamations that levied 25% tariff on steel and 10% tariff on aluminium imported from all countriesexcept Canada and Mexico. India had sought exemptions from the hefty tariffs. US decision had notonly impacted India’s export of these goods but also affected global trade. India’s exports of steel andaluminium products to US stood at about US $1.5 billion every year. India and US are alreadyinvolved in disputes at WTO, a global trade body. The disputes are in the areas of poultry, solar andsteel. US recently had filed dispute against India on export incentives alleging these supportmeasures harm its workers by creating an uneven playing field.

IIT Kanpur sets up India’s first advisory centre for energyMay 20, 2018

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur has set up India’s first Centre for Energy Regulation(CER) with the help of Government of United Kingdom. The first of its kind centre in India aims atproviding independent advisory on policy and regulatory matters in the power and energy sector.Centre for Energy Regulation (CER)

It is initiative of Department of Industrial and Management Engineering of IIT Kanpur to enhanceregulatory research and networking in Indian power sector. CER and identified activities under it arefunded by Department for International Development (DfID), Government of United Kingdom (UK).CER focuses on need for India specific forward-looking research in collaboration of regulatoryinstitutions and relevant stakeholders to provide solutions to issues such as growth of Indianeconomy, increasing energy demand, energy efficiency, security and access to electricity.It encourages interaction between regulatory and academic institutions. It targets to offer researchin emerging areas of power sector regulation and policy. It core research areas comprise regulatoryand policy changes in power and energy sector, energy finance, energy sector modelling and




operative planning in energy markets etc.

Zojila tunnel: PM Narendra Modi launches construction of Asia’s longest road tunnelMay 20, 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated construction of Rs 6,809 crore Zojila tunnel project inJammu and Kashmir’s Leh. It will be India’s and Asia’s longest and strategic bi-directional roadtunnel, which will provide all-weather connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar, Kargiland Leh.Zojila Tunnel

It will be situated at altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway (NH-1A). Itconsists of 14.150 km long two-lane bidirectional single tube tunnel with parallel 14.200 km longegress (escape) tunnel, making it Asia’s longest bidirectional road tunnel.Its objective is to provide safe, fast and cheap all whether connectivity to strategically important Lehregion in J&K which at moment is limited to at best six months because of snow on mountainouspasses and threat of avalanches. It will reduce time taken to cross Zojila pass from present three andhalf hours to just fifteen minutes.The tunnel will have latest safety features like uninterrupted power supply (UPS), tunnel emergencylighting, fully transverse ventilation system, CCTV monitoring, variable message signs (VMS), trafficlogging equipment, over height vehicle detection, tunnel radio system etc.The construction project will be implemented by Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH)through National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) onEngineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) mode. It will be completed in five years.

Significance

The construction of this tunnel will provide all weather safe, fast and cheap connectivity connectivitybetween Srinagar, Kargil and Leh. It will bring about all round economic and socio-culturalintegration of these regions. It also has strategic and socio-economic importance and it will beinstrument for development of economically backward districts in J&K. The project, on completion,will also lead to enormous boost in employment as local businesses get linked to National market andbeautiful region is able to receive round the year tourist traffic. It will also benefit defense forces asthey now have to face hard time ensuring supplies to border posts during winters. The Zogi La passis most strategic for entire Kargil sector of J&K which has seen intrusion and war in past.

UJALA scheme: EESL distributes over 30 crore LED bulbs across the countryMay 20, 2018

State run Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) has distributed over 30 crore light emitting diode(LED) bulbs across country under zero-subsidy Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA)scheme. The distribution of 30 crore LED bulbs has led to energy savings of over 38,952 million kWh,annually, amounting to energy savings of Rs. 15,581 crore.




Key Facts

The implementation of scheme has increased penetration of LED in domestic market to 10% frommere 0.4% earlier. It has also increased India’s share in global LED market to 12% from a mere 0.1%. Ithas increased annual LED domestic production rom 30 lakh bulbs to over 6 crore bulbs,simultaneously creating 60,000 jobs. Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) Scheme

It is zero-subsidy scheme that aims promote efficient lighting, enhance awareness on using efficientequipment which reduce electricity bills and preserve environment. It is LED based DomesticEfficient Lighting Programme (DELP). Its purpose is to help reduce electricity bills of consumers andalso contribute to energy security of India.The scheme was launched in January 2015 and is currently largest LED distribution programme inthe world. It is being implemented by EESL, a joint venture of PSUs under Ministry of Power. Underit, LED Bulbs are distributed. LED bulbs have a very long life, almost 50 times more than ordinarybulbs, and 8-10 times that of CFLs, and therefore provide both energy and cost savings.Benefits: Electricity savings, Reduction of load, Reduction of consumer bills and Greenhouse gasemission reductions. It also serves Government’s mandate of energy efficiency as key mitigationstrategy.

Akademik Lomonosov: Russia unveils world’s first floating nuclear power plantMay 20, 2018

Russia unveiled world’s first floating nuclear power station at port city of Murmansk. It will beloaded with nuclear fuel at Murmansk and will be towed to port of Pevek in autonomous Chukotkaregion in Russia’s far northeast in Arctic Circle region.Akademik Lomonosov

Akademik Lomonosov was constructed by Russian state nuclear power firm Rosatom. It has length of144 metres and width of 30 metres. It has displacement of 21,500 tonnes and crew of 69 people. Forpower generation, it has been fitted with two modified KLT-40 naval propulsion nuclear reactors (eachof 35 MW capacity) together providing up to 70 MW of electricity and 300 MW of heat. It is namedafter Russian Academician Mikhail Lomonosov.It has latest security systems and is considered as one of safest nuclear installations in the world.However, environmentalists have dubbed it as ‘nuclear Titanic’ or ‘Chernobyl on ice’. It will beprimarily used to power oil rigs in remote areas of Artic region where Russia is pushing to drill for oiland gas.

Significance

The low-capacity, mobile (floating) nuclear power plant can produce enough electricity to powertown of 200,000 residents living in Russia’s far-flung northernmost Artic region where large




amounts of electricity is not needed’ and construction of conventional power station based on coal,gas and diesel is complicated and costly. It can save upto 50,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissionsper year.The project is part of Russia’s greater aims to secure rich deposits of oil and gas in North Pole regionin Artic. Due to climate change, new shipping routes are opening up in Russia’s north and as result, itis strengthening its military position in the region.

May 21, 2018e-Visa Scheme: Government earns Rs.1,400 crore

May 21, 2018

According to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government has earned Rs1,400 crore as revenuefrom highly successful e-Visa scheme since its launch in 2014. 19 lakh tourists made use of e-Visascheme in 2017 and fees are divided into four slabs of zero, $25, $50 and $75, which were fixed onreciprocity and depending on nationality.e-Visa scheme

e-Visa scheme provides pre-authorization of visa to foreigners prior to travel to India. The scheme isimplemented by foreigners division of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to improve efficiency andtransparency of various services being provided to foreign nationals. The facility is now available fornationals of 163 countries for entry into India through 25 international airports and five sea ports.Under the scheme, an applicant, when submits online application, receives e-mail authorising him orher to travel to India after approval. The tourist can travel with printout of this authorisation for 30days. It also covers business and medical categories.

Queqiao satellite: China launches relay satellite to explore dark side of MoonMay 21, 2018

China launched relay satellite named Queqiao (Magpie Bridge) to establish communication linkbetween earth and its planned Chang’e-4 lunar probe (rover) that will explore the dark side of moon.It was launched as part of Chinese Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP) onboard of Long March-4Crocket from Xichang launch centre.Queqiao (Magpie Bridge)

Queqiao (meaning bridge of magpies) satellite will serve as communications relay for futureChang’e-4 rover that will explore in South Pole-Aitken Basin in moon’s far side. It will be situated inhalo orbit i.e. Earth-moon Lagrange point L2, a gravitationally stable spot located 64,000 kilometersbeyond lunar far side. It will be world’s first communication satellite operating in this location. It willhelp China to realise its goal of being first country to send probe to soft-land on and rove far side ofthe moon.Need for relay Satellite

Moon is tidally locked to Earth, meaning it always shows same face (near side) to Earth. So, relay linkis necessary to communicate with spacecraft on far side, which will otherwise have to send theirsignals through moon’s rocky bulk.Chang’e program

Chinese Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP) also known as Chang’e program after Chinese moongoddess Chang’e, is ongoing series of robotic Moon missions by conceived by China National SpaceAdministration (CNSA). The program incorporates lunar orbiters, landers, rovers and sample returnspacecraft, launched using Long March rockets. Under it, Chang’e 1 and Chang’e 2 probes alreadyhave reached lunar orbit in 2007 and 2010, respectively. The Chang’e 3 mission is in process to putlander and rover on moon’s near side. China is also planning to laugh Chang’e 5 T1, a mission to sendsample-return capsule around moon and back to Earth to demonstrate technology needed to survivefiery atmospheric entry.

26th BASIC Ministerial Meeting of Environment Ministers held in DurbanMay 21, 2018

The 26th BASIC Ministerial Meeting of Environment Ministers was held in Durban, South Africa. Thegrouping is a bloc of four countries – Brazil, South Africa, India and China. It was attended by fromBASIC countries and Michal Kurtyka of Poland, next president of Conference of Parties (COP-24)under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). India was representedby Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan.




Key Outcomes of Meeting

BASIC countries decided to preserve integrity of historic 2015 Paris Agreement, including principlesof common but differentiated responsibilities and equity. They held that world is at critical stage incombating climate change and response of developed nations to tackle the issue is still not adequate.They reiterated that developed nations should take lead in terms of mitigation and providing meansof implementation to developing countries. They should equally give importance to ambition ofdeveloping countries by providing them supported and sustained, predictable and adequate finance,technology and capacity-building support. Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan reiteratedhis appeal for joint efforts to create societal movement in combating climate change through GreenGood Deeds.BASIC

BASIC countries are bloc (geopolitical alliance) of four large newly industrialized countries – Brazil,South Africa, India and China. It was formed by agreement in November 2009. They are committedto act jointly at Copenhagen climate summit, including possible united walk-out if their commonminimum position was not met by the developed nations during climate talks. It is working to definecommon position on emission reductions and climate aid money and try to convince other countriesto sign up to Copenhagen Accord.

CRPF raises Bastariya Battalion to combat Naxals activities in Bastar region of ChhattisgarhMay 21, 2018

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has commissioned special unit called Bastariya Battalion(numbered 241) to combat Naxals activities in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. This is for first timeCRFP has raised special battalion that includes local representation to enhance combat capabilities inNaxal-hit area of Bastar district.241 Bastariya Battalion

241 Bastariya Battalion comprises total 739 local tribal youths including 198 women combatants (33%female candidates as per government policy) selected from four highly Naxal infested district inChhattisgarh, i.e Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur and Sukma. It will be deployed in SpecialOperation Zone (SOZ) of Chhattisgarh to fight against naxals.To raise this battalion, CRPF had undertaken special recruitment drive to recruit 743 rural STcandidates to give a fair chance to the aspirants. It also had imparted pre-educational and physicaltraining during the recruitment drive to ensure maximum participation and equal opportunities incoordination with state administration.Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

CRPF is the largest central armed police force or paramilitary force in India. It functions under theaegis of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It was established in 1939, under Crown Representative’sPolice but after independence, it was made statutory after enactment of the CRPF Act, 1949. Itsprimary role is to assist States/Union Territories in police operations to maintain law and order andcontain the insurgency. Apart from anti-Naxal operations, CRPF personnel also carries out severaloperations in situations of crisis like terrorist attacks, counter-terrorism operations, rescuingcitizens during terrorist attacks among others.

India is 6th wealthiest country in the worldMay 21, 2018

According to AfrAsia Bank Global Wealth Migration Review, India is the sixth wealthiest country inthe world with total wealth of $8,230 billion. US is richest nation globally with total wealth of $62,584billion. Total wealth refers to private wealth held by all individuals living in each country. It includesall their assets (cash, equities, property, business interests) less any liabilities. It excludesgovernment funds.Key Facts

Top 10 wealthiest countries: US ($62,584 billion), China ($24,803 billion), Japan ($19,522 billion), UK($9,919 billion), Germany




($9,660 billion), India ($8,230 billion), Australia ($6,142 billion), Canada ($6,393 billion), France ($6,649billion) and Italy ($4,276 billion).Global Wealth: Globally, total private wealth held worldwide amounts to around $215 trillion andthere are around 15.2 million High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in world, each with net assets of$1 million or more. There are about 584,000 multi-millionaires in world, each with net assets of $10million or more and 2,252 billionaires in world, each with net assets of $1 billion or more.India: Factors that will help India in wealth creation include, good educational system, large numberof entrepreneurs, robust outlook for Information Technology (IT), business process outsourcing, realestate, healthcare and media sectors which will result in 200% rise 10 year wealth growth forecast.Over the next 10 years, India will overtake Germany and the UK to become the 4th largest wealthmarket worldwide by 2027.China: In the coming decade, it will witness significant rise in total wealth to $69,449 billion by 2027,while wealth of US would be around $75,101 billion.

Explained: Nipah Virus (NiV) InfectionMay 21, 2018

Kerala was on high alert as rare and deadly Nipah Virus (NiV) infection which was detected for thefirst time in the state. Its traces were found in blood and body fluid samples of two persons who diedof viral fever in Kerala’s coastal Kozhikode region. It was confirmed by laboratory results fromNational Institute of Virology, Pune.Nipah Virus (NiV) Infection

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is zoonotic disease that causes severe disease in both animals andhumans. Fruit bats of the Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus are natural host of the virus. It wasfirst identified during outbreak of disease that took place in Kampung Sungai Nipah, Malaysia in1998.Transmission: The virus spread fast and is mostly fatal. Infected bats shed virus in their excretionand secretion. The virus cannot be transmitted through air. But it is transmitted through directcontact with infected bats, pigs. Human to Human transmission from other NiV-infected people isalso reportedSymptoms: NiV infection can cause acute respiratory syndrome, breathing trouble, inflammation ofthe brain, fever, headache, drowsiness, disorientation and delirium. Patient can slip into coma within48 hours. The mortality rate of patients infected with it is reportedly 70%. It is capable of causingdiseases in domestic animals too. TheTreatment: There is no vaccine for disease either for humans or animals. The main treatment forthose infected is intensive supportive care and supportive medicines. In disease prone areas, fruitsstrewn on the ground should not be eaten, for safety.




May 22, 2018Pakistan named among top 3 sources for money laundering in UK

May 22, 2018

United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) in its report has listed Pakistan among top threesources for money laundering in the country. The other two countries are Nigeria and Russia. TheNCA is non-ministerial UK government law enforcement agency.Key Highlights of NCA report

UK is prime destination for foreign corrupt and politically exposed people (PEPs) to launder money. Ithas identified trade misinvoicing as one of the key mechanisms used for such operations. Investmentin UK property, particularly in London, continues to be attractive mechanism to launder funds.The true scale of PEPs’ investment in UK is not known, however source countries that are mostcommonly seen are Russia, Nigeria and Pakistan. Small number of UK-based professional enablers,such as accountants, solicitors, estate agents and trust and company service providers, assist suchcorrupt individuals in laundering their money.The overseas jurisdictions that have most enduring impact on UK across majority of different moneylaundering threats are Russia, China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Some ofthese jurisdictions have large financial sectors which also make them attractive as destinations ortransit points for proceeds of crime.There may be also increase in Brexit-related spike in corrupt activities between UK and countriesoutside European Union (EU). Due to this, UK businesses will come into contact with corruptmarkets, particularly in developing world, raising risk they will be drawn into corrupt practices.Trade misinvoicing

It is a form of trade-based money laundering. It is deliberately misreporting value of commercialtransaction on invoice submitted to customs officials. This practice is adopted by traders to transfermoney illicitly to foreign countries or in other words to keep their money in foreign accounts. It islargest component of illicit financial outflows measured by Global Financial Integrity.

Black Panther: Chhattisgarh to get specialised anti-Naxal combat forceMay 22, 2018

Chhattisgarh will get specialised anti-Naxal combat force called Black Panther on the lines of theGreyhounds unit of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. It was announced by Union Home MinisterRajnath Singh after chairing meeting on Left-Wing Extremism (LWE). Currently, training is beingimparted for personnel who will be part of Black Panther elite force.Greyhounds

Greyhounds is elite commando force force that specialises in anti-insurgency operations againstNaxals and Maoists and also expert in jungle warfare with operational jurisdiction in Telangana andAndhra Pradesh. It was raised in 1989 by IPS officer KS Vyas to combat left wing extremists in thenundivided Andhra Pradesh. It is described as best anti-insurgency force that specialises in anti-




Maoist operations and as experts in jungle warfare, even above CRPF’s CoBRA force which has moremen, budget and better arms than Greyhounds.

Gandiv Vijay: Chetak Corps of South Western Command conduct military exercise in RajasthanMay 22, 2018

Chetak corps of South Western Command of Indian Army conducted military exercise Gandiv Vijayin Mahajan field firing ranges of Rajasthan. The exercise was conducted two months to validate theiroperational plans of Chetak corps and concluded on May 23, 2018.Gandiv Vijay miliarty exercise

The Gandiv Vijay miliarty exercise was based on central role of carrying out offensive operationsthrough joint air-land battle in network-centric environment employing modern intelligence,surveillance and reconnaissance concepts and equipment. It involved multi-mode mobilisation ofthousands of troops from dispersed locations along with array of war fighting equipment in terrainorchestrated on lines of operational responsibility of formation in hot adverse weather conditions ofdeserts of Rajasthan. The participating formations carried out synergistic employment of long-rangevectors along with infantry and mechanised forces and air arm to achieve decisive victory.

BrahMos supersonic cruise missile successfully test-fired to increase life from 10 to 15 yearsMay 22, 2018

BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired from mobile launcher from IntegratedTest Range (ITR) at Balasore (Chandipur), Odisha to validate some new features aimed at increasingits life from 10 to 15 years. The successful test will help in huge savings of replacement cost ofBrahMos missiles held in inventory of Indian armed forces. It makes it first Indian missile whose lifehas been extended from 10 to 15 years.BrahMos Missile

BrahMos is supersonic cruise missile developed by joint-venture between Russia’s Mashinostroyeniaand India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It has been named after tworivers Brahmaputra and Moskva (river in western Russia).It is two-stage missile, the first one being solid and the second one ramjet liquid propellant. It is self-propelled guided missile that sustains flight through aerodynamic lift. It operates on ‘fire and forgetprincipal’. It is capable of being launched from land, sea, sub-sea and air against sea and land targets.It is claimed that missile has strike accuracy rate of 99.99% and it follows a variety of trajectories likehigh, high-low, low, surface-skim etc. It is capable of carrying warhead of 300 kilogram (bothconventional as well as nuclear) and has top supersonic speed of Mach 2.8 to 3 (roughly three timesspeed of sound). It is hailed as world’s fastest anti-ship cruise missile in operation.Its range was initially capped at 290 km as per obligations of Missile Technology Control Regime(MTCR). Since India’s entry into the elite club, its range was extended to 450 km and plan is toincrease it to 600km. It has been already inducted in Indian Army and Navy. The air-launchedversion of missile was test-fired in November, 2017 for first time from modified Su-30MKI aircraft,making it world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile to be fired from a combat jet against a target.




MCX launches India’s first copper options contractsMay 22, 2018

India’s largest commodities exchange platform, Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX)launched country’s first copper options contracts. The option contract will provide physical marketparticipants additional instrument to hedge their price risk. The copper option contracts werelaunched with lot size of 1 tonne in three contracts expiring in June, August and November 2018.Background

Copper is third-most-consumed industrial metal in the world, after iron and aluminium. In last fewyears, world’s refined copper usage has surged, owing to growing demand in sectors like electricaland electronic products, industrial machinery and equipment, building construction, transportationequipment and consumer and general products. Copper ore production in India stood at 3,846thousand tonnes in 2016-17 and its consumption demand for refined copper was 820 thousandtonnes in the FY16.

OptionsOptions are an instrument that gives buyer right to buy or sell an underlined at present price on a future date. They areof two types: puts (right to sell) and calls (right to buy). According to market experts, options are also a much betterhedging instrument as compared to futures for hedgers.




Significance of copper options contracts

It will provide optimal tool for stakeholders to hedge and mitigate price risk in copper. It givescopper industry greater flexibility with alternative opportunities to take on price risk. It will helpcorporates to do better budgeting exercise as premiums will be known. This will help us to procurematerial at prices that have been envisaged specially in situations like tender or open orders. It willalso complement current futures contracts on MCX and bring greater vibrancy to metals marketand give stakeholders opportunity to better manage their price risk.Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX)

MCX is country’s first listed commodity futures exchange that facilitates online trading, and clearingand settlement of commodity futures transactions, thereby providing platform for risk management.It was launched in November 2003 and operates within regulatory framework of Forward ContractsRegulation Act, 1952 (FCRA, 1952) under SEBI. MCX offers futures trading in bullion, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, energy, and a number of agricultural commodities (mentha oil, cardamom, potatoes,palm oil and others). Globally, MCX ranks no. 1 in silver, no. 2 in natural gas, no. 3 in crude oil andgold in futures trading.

Navika Sagar Parikrama: Indian Navy’s all-women crew completes circumnavigating globeexpedition

May 22, 2018

Indian Navy’s six-member all-women Navy crew onboard of INSV Tarini vessel reached Panaji, Goaafter circumnavigating around globe in 254 days under Navika Sagar Parikrama expedition. It wasfirst-ever all women Asian and Indian circumnavigation expedition of globe . The expedition hadstarted on September 10, 2017 in Goa was aimed at promoting women empowerment aligned withGovernment of India’s thrust for ‘Nari Shakti’.Key Facts

Under this expedition, the crew covered 21,600 nautical miles in Indian-built sailing vessel INSVTarini that visited five countries and crossed Equator twice. It sailed across four continents andthree oceans and passed south of the Great Capes – Leeuwin, Horn and Good Hope. The expeditionwas completed in six legs, with five stopovers at Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), PortStanley (Falkland Islands), Cape Town (South Africa) and Port Louis (Mauritius). The vessel wasskippered by Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi, and other crew comprised of LieutenantCommanders Pratibha Jamwal, P Swathi, and Lieutenants S Vijaya Devi, B Aishwarya and PayalGupta.Note: The expedition was originally scheduled to return in April 2018 after stopovers at four ports, but itwas delayed after steering gear was damaged and was forced to take fifth, unscheduled stop at Port Louisfor repair.Navika Sagar Parikrama

The voyage was undertaken in consonance with National policy to empower women to attain theirfull potential. It also aimed to showcase India’s Nari Shakti on world platform and help revolutionizesocietal attitudes and mindset towards women by raising visibility of their participation inchallenging environments.The voyage was also aimed to show case ‘Make in India’ initiative by sailing onboard indigenouslybuilt INSV Tarini. It also encouraged use of environment friendly non-conventional renewableenergy resources as ship harnesses wind, a renewable energy. It also collated and updatedmeteorological, ocean and wave data on regular basis for accurate weather forecast by IndiaMeteorological Department (IMD) and also collected data for monitoring marine pollution on highseas.INSV Tarini

INSV Tarini is 55 foot sailing vessel built indigenously in India by M/s Aquarius Shipyard Pvt Ltd,Goa. It was inducted into Indian Navy in February 2017. It carried suite of six sails, including mainsail, head sails (Genoa and stay sails), downwind sails and storm sail.The boat was named after famous ‘Tara-Tarini’ temple in Ganjam district of Odisha. The word‘Tarini’ means boat and in Sanskrit it means saviour. Tara-Tarini is patron deity for sailors andmerchants and is worshipped for safety and success at sea.




INSV Tarini had advance Raymarine navigation suite and array of satellite communication systemsfor perfect navigation anywhere in world. It is sister vessel of INSV Mhadei which was used byCaptain (Retd) Dilip Donde to successfully undertake India’s first solo circumnavigation (fromAugust 19, 2009 to May 19, 2010). It was also later used by used by Lt Commander Abhilash Tomy forhis own single-handed, unassisted, non-stop circumnavigation (from November 1, 2012 to March 31,2013).

Strategic Petroleum Reserve: India receives first crude oil cargo from UAE for Mangalore reserveMay 22, 2018

India received first consignment of 2 million barrels of crude oil from United Arab Emirates (UAE) forits strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) at Mangaluru (on west coast), Karnataka. This firstconsignment from UAE fill one of two strategic reserve caverns at Mangaluru under agreementbetween Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company(ADNOC).Background

Central Government under phase I of SPR programme had announced to build three undergroundcrude oil storage facilities with total capacity of 5.33 million tonnes at Vishakhapatnam (AndhraPradesh, storage capacity of 1.33 million tonnes), Mangalore (Karnataka, 1.5 million tonnes) and Padur(Kerala, 2.5 million tonnes) to provide energy security of 10 days of consumption in response toexternal supply disruptions. They are maintained by ISPRL, a special purpose vehicle (SPV), which iswholly owned subsidiary of Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB) under Ministry of Petroleum &Natural Gas.

Note: In 2017-18 budget, Government as part of phase 2 of SPR programme had announced to set up two more suchSPR at Chandikhole (Odisha) and Bikaner (Rajasthan). This will take the strategic reserve capacity to 15.33 million tons.

During official visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to UAE in February 2018, ISPRL and ADNOChad signed agreement under which ADNOC will store about 5.86 million barrels of crude oil in India’sSPR facility at Mangalore at its own cost. The agreement made ADNOC first private foreign entity tostore crude oil in Indian SPR facility. The agreement stipulates that during emergency oil shortagesituation Indian government will use entire available crude oil stored by ADNOC in Mangalore SPRfacility for its use. It also allows ADNOC to sell part of crude oil stored at its own cost to Indianrefineries during normal times.India-UAE Hydrocarbon relations

India is 82% dependent on imports to meet its crude oil needs. UAE is 6th largest crude oil source forIndia and supplies around 6% of petroleum requirement. India and UAE recently elevated their




bilateral relationship to comprehensive strategic partnership especially in energy sector,transforming from buyer-seller relations to two-way investment relations. The relationship wasfurther strengthen with recent acquisition of 10% stake in UAE’s Lower Zakhum offshore producingfield by Indian public sector oil and gas companies and investment by ADNOC in Indian SPR facility.

UDAN scheme: First commercial flight of Arunachal Pradesh lands at PasighatMay 22, 2018

The first commercial flight (42-seater ATR aircraft of the Alliance Airlines) of Arunachal Pradeshunder UDAN scheme landed at Pasighat airport or Advance Landing Ground (ALG) in East Siangdistrict. This historic moment puts border state on the aviation map of the country.Key Facts

Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India, will operate flight services on Kolkata-Guwahati-Pasighat routethrice a week – on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Pasighat airport is on advance landing groundor ALG, meant to support operations of small aircraft and some military planes. This commercialflight connectivity opens up new vistas of economic development in the region and also provideample opportunities for tourism industry of the state as it removes connectivity bottleneck faced bybordering state earlier.Background

Arunachal Pradesh has some 120 helipads and 10 advanced landing grounds, built for defence as wellas civil operations. Under UDAN scheme, eight locations in border state have been selected bybidders. Out of which Pasighat and Tezu have been selected for fixed wing. Ziro, Daporijo, Itanagar,Tuting, Wallong and Yingkiong have been selected for helicopter services.UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam naagrik) Scheme

UDAN RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) was launched in October 2016 to develop the regionalaviation market. It is vital component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016. It aims tomake flying affordable by providing connectivity to un-served and under-served airports of countrythrough revival of existing airstrips and airports so that persons in regional towns are able to takeaffordable flights.It is applicable on flights covering distance between 200 km and 800 km with no lower limit set forhilly, remote, island and security sensitive regions. It seeks to reserve a minimum number of UDANseats i.e. seats at subsidized rates and also cap fare for short distance flights. It has unique market-based model to develop regional connectivity. It has Viability Gap Funding (VDF) mechanism to meetthe VGF requirements under the scheme. Airports Authority of India (AAI) is implementing agency ofthe scheme.

22 May: International Bio-diversity DayMay 22, 2018

The International Bio-diversity Day is observed every year on 22 May to increase understanding andawareness of biodiversity issues. The theme this year is ‘Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity’.It marks 25th anniversary of entry into force of Convention on Biological Diversity (at United NationsEnvironment Progamme Headquarters, Nairobi on 22 May 1992) and to highlight progress made inachievement of its objectives at national and global levels. The day was proclaimed by United NationsGeneral Assembly in 2000 via resolution 55/201Celebrations

On the occasion, National Mission for Clean Ganga and World Wildlife Federation (WWF)-Indiajointly organised workshop Ganga and its Bio-diversity: Developing a Road Map for Habitat and SpeciesConservation in New Delhi. The workshop was aimed at forming integrated approach forconservation of Ganga’s ecology, environment and bio-diversity by restoring Ganga’s ecologicalintegrity.Biodiversity

The term Biological Diversity (or Biodiversity) was first coined by wildlife scientist andconservationist Raymond F. Dasmann in 1968. This term became widespread in use during 1980s.Biodiversity refers to totality of genes, species and ecosystems of a region. There are three levels ofbiodiversity viz. species diversity, ecosystem diversity and genetic diversity. The term biodiveristy isused to address several problems in conservation of environment including loss of species,destruction of habitats, invasive species, genetic pollution, over exploitation and effects of climate




change on biodiversity.Biodiversity is unequally distributed on Earth and it varies across regions on the basis of climatic andgeographical factors. On earth, highest biodiversity is found in tropics. In comparison to Oceans,terrestrial biodiversity is much greater. The terrestrial biodiversity is greater at equator incomparison to poles. Around 90% of world’s biodiversity is found in tropical rainforests whichoccupy less than 10% of Earth’s surface. The marine biodiversity is highest along coasts in WesternPacific which is known for highest sea temperature.Convention on Biological Diversity

CBD (commonly known as Biodiversity Convention) is legally binding document, which cameasoutcome of Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 and entered into force in December 1993.Its objectives are conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of its components and fair andequitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources. The idea is to develop nationalstrategies for conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. 198 countries/territoriesincluding India are parties to CBD. United States has signed but not ratified convention.

May 23, 2018Nidaan: Rajasthan Government launches software for disease monitoring

May 23, 2018

Rajasthan Government has launched new software called Nidaan for disease monitoring andstrengthening tele-medicine services in the government hospitals. The software will help forproviding presumptive diagnosis and monitoring of seasonal and non-communicable diseases as wellas trends of ailments found in specific areas.Nidaan Software

Nidaan Softwarre will facilitate online entries for monitoring of as many as 46 diseases andhealthcare services available for their treatment in different institutions. It is also expected to help informulation of specific action plans for control of diseases. It will help in effective policy formulationin health sector as there will be simultaneous monitoring of programmes run under National HealthMission. It will ensure timely prevention of diseases by ensuring monitoring of activities of DistrictEarly Intervention Centres and also ensure availability of quality healthcare services.

GRACE-FO satellites: SpaceX launches NASA satellites to track Earth’s water CycleMay 23, 2018

Elon Musk-led SpaceX has successfully launched twin NASA satellites GRACE-FO (Follow-On) thatwill track Earth’s water Cycle i.e. water movement and icemelt. It was launched onbaord of SpaceX’spreflown Falcon 9 Rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, US.GRACE-FO (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On)

GRACE-FO is joint project between National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) andGerman Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). It is follow-on mission to original GRACE mission,which had mapped Earth’s water and ice by measuring changes in Earth’s gravity field from 2002 to2017.GRACE-FO will pick up where GRACE left off to continue study of rising sea levels, melting ofglaciers and polar ice caps and other changes in distribution of water on Earth. The two GRACE-FOsatellites will orbit together at 490km altitude near-polar orbit, circling Earth every 90 minutes.To measure Earth’s gravity, two satellites will orbit around Earth together, with one trailing behindother at distance of 220km. The instruments on board of these satellites are so sensitive that theycan detect changes with precision of about 1 micrometer (i.e. about one-tenth of a human hair overlong distance).These satellites have payload called Laser Ranging Interferometer. It can precisely measure gravityfield changes due to change in separation distance between two satellites, revealing informationabout what kinds of features they are flying over. Earth is not perfect sphere) different features, likemountains and oceans, across its surface, so gravitational pull exerted on these satellites is notconsistent. When gravity field changes, separation between two satellites changes slightly.

Oumuamua: Alien asteroid discovered in Solar systemMay 23, 2018

Scientists have discovered an asteroid named Oumuamua (or (514107) 2015 BZ509) nestling inJupiter’s orbit that had migrated from another star system. It makes it first known permanent




immigrant to our solar system. It confirms suspicions of scientists’ that asteroids from other starshave arrived in our solar system. The asteroid Oumuamua was actually first discovered in 2014, butafter four years of tracking it, scientists were able to determine that it had arrived in our solarsystem some 4.5 billion years ago – just as Earth was beginning to form.Key Facts

All planets in our solar system travel around Sun. But this asteroid moves in opposite direction,referred to as retrograde orbit and is in same path as Jupiter. This shows that it is from differentsolar system. If it was native of our solar system, it might have same original direction as all of otherplanets and asteroids, inherited from cloud of gas and dust that formed them.Asteroid immigration from other star systems occurs because Sun initially formed in tightly-packedstar cluster, where every star had its own system of planets and asteroids. The close proximity ofstars, aided by gravitational forces of planets, help these systems attract, remove and captureasteroids from one another solar system.

Ministry of Civil Aviation notifies Draft Passenger CharterMay 23, 2018

The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified Draft Passenger Charter defining rights for airpassengers. It aims to improve hassle-free air travel experience of air passengers in the country.Salient Features of draft

Passenger can cancel air ticket within 24 hours of booking it and if provided travel is to take placeafter 96 hours, then passenger will be able to cancel ticket without any charge. The cancellationcharges will be not more than sum of basic fare and fuel surcharge.Passenger must be informed about flight cancellation between two weeks and 24 hours before flight.The airline must either offer alternative flight that departs within two hours of scheduled departureof flight booked originally or refund ticket cost.If airline doesn’t inform passengers about cancelled flight up to 24 hours ahead, it will have to refundthe full ticket value, with compensation. Similarly, for delays communicated more than 24 hoursbefore scheduled departure, airline must offer option of full refund of ticket cost if the delay is formore than four hours.If delay results in flight departing next day, then airline will have to offer free hotel stay. Thesenorms will be applicable only if delay is due to fault of airline, and not caused by bad weather. If adelay results in a passenger missing a connecting flight, then airline will have to pay Rs.5,000 toRs.20,000.In case of lost baggage, the minimum compensation proposed is Rs.3,000 per kg. If baggage isdelayed or damaged, airline is liable to pay Rs. 1,000 per kg. If passenger doesn’t receive duecompensation, grievances can be filed on Ministry of Civil Aviation’s AirSewa app or at DirectorateGeneral of Civil Aviation (DGCA) portal.Both domestic and international airlines operating in India are now allowed to offer internet andmobile services on-board its aircraft to passengers in Indian airspace. However, airlines, will requirelicence from aviation authorities for providing these services.

Worsening air quality major cause of premature deaths in India: StudyMay 23, 2018

According recent research, worsening air quality in last two decades has emerged as one of majorreasons for high numbers of premature deaths in India. The research was conducted by IndianInstitute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi in collaboration with environmental NGO Centre for Environmentand Energy Development (CEED).Background

The study was conducted 11 north Indian cities i.e. seven in Uttar Pradesh (Allahabad, Kanpur,Lucknow, Meerut, Varanasi and Gorakhpur), three in Bihar (Patna, Muzaffarpur and Gaya) and one inJharkhand (Ranchi). It calculated annual mortality burden through averages of recorded deathscaused due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Acute Lower Respiratory Infection(ALRI), coronary disease, stroke, and lung cancer in these 11 cities. It also used satellite-based high-resolution PM2.5 database to generate particulate matter statistics for past 17 years.Key Findings of Research

The annual mortality linked to air pollution was in range of 150-300 persons per 1 lakh population.




Kanpur recorded highest number of premature deaths per year (4,173) due to chronic exposure to airpollution, followed by Lucknow (4,127), Agra (2,421), Meerut (2,044), Varanasi (1,581), Allahabad (1,443)and Gorakhpur (914).COPD was largest cause of deaths (at 29.7%) and lung cancer the lowest (0.6%). The largest share intotal burden was attributed to ALRI in Agra and Meerut and to COPD in Allahabad, Gaya, Gorakhpur,Kanpur, Lucknow, Patna, Muzaffarpur and Varanasi.The estimates were not instant deaths, but represented premature (earlier than expected lifetime ofIndian population) deaths due to chronic exposure from pollution. This premature mortality burdenwill be reduced by 14 to 28% annually if these cities achieve of Indian air quality standards.The mean annual ambient fine particulate matter (PM) concentration was 75-120% higher thanIndian annual air quality standard in 10 of 11 cities. The residential (cooking, heating and lighting)sources are largest contributors to annual ambient PM2.5 concentration (73.8%). Moreover, analysisof aerosol composition indicates higher percentage of sulphates, organic carbons and black carbonemitted primarily from anthropogenic sources.

Government releases draft Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming Act, 2018May 23, 2018

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Famers Welfare has unveiled Model Agriculture Produce andLivestock Contract Farming and Services (Promotion & Facilitation) Act, 2018 to ensure better priceto farmers. It is aimed at reducing farmers’ risks by creating assured market for their produce at pre-agreed price, while encouraging investment from agribusiness and food processing industries byenhancing productivity and cost efficiency.Contract farming

Under contract farming, agricultural production (including livestock and poultry) can be carried outbased on pre-harvest agreement (contract) between buyers (such as food processing units andexporters), and producers (farmers or farmer organisations). The producer can sell agriculturalproduce at specific price in future to buyer as per agreement. Under contract farming, producer canreduce risk of fluctuating market price and demand. The buyer can reduce risk of non-availability ofquality produce.Salient features

The draft Model Act seeks to create regulatory and policy framework for contract farming andservives. Based on this draft Act, states legislatures can enact law on contract farming as agriculturefalls under state list of Constitution. It is promotional and facilitative Act and not regulatory in itsstructure. It not only covers contract farming in agriculture crops but also in livestock, dairy and poultryproducts.The Model Act lays special emphasis on protecting interests of farmers, considering them as weakerof two parties entering into a contract. It also takes into consideration services contracts all alongthe value chain including pre-production, production and post-production in addition to contractfarming.It has provision for Registering and Agreement Recording Committee (Officer) for purpose atdistrict, block, taluka level for online registration of sponsor and recording of agreement. It makesmandatory for covering contracted produce under crop and livestock insurance in operation.It keeps contract framing outside ambit of Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act. Under it,no permanent structure can be developed on farmers’ land or premises. It does not vest right, title ofinterest of the land on sponsor.It provides for promotion of Farmer Producer Organization (FPOs) or Farmer Producer Companies(FPCs) to mobilize small and marginal farmers. Under it, FPO/FPC can be contracting party if soauthorized by farmers. No rights, title ownership or possession can be transferred or alienated orvested in contract farming sponsor etc.It assures market safety to contract farming producer by ensuring buying of entire pre-agreedquantity of one or more of agricultural produce, livestock or its product of as per contract. Itestablishes Contract Farming Facilitation Group (CFFG) for promoting contract farming and servicesat village or panchayat at level. It provides accessible and simple dispute settlement mechanism atthe lowest level possible for quick disposal of disputes.




Election Commission to launch App to help voters to share malpractice proofMay 23, 2018

Election Commission of India (ECI) is launching multi-lingual mobile application called Model Code ofConduct Violation Reporting App ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. The app aims at empoweringpeople across the country to share evidence of malpractice by political parties, their candidates andactivists directly with ECI.Key Facts

Through this mobile app, ECI intends to encourage larger public participation in checking corruptpractices in elections and ensure free and fair election process. The app will be launched across thecountry as part of steps taken by ECI to prevent abuse of money and muscle power.The app allows sharing of photos and short audio and video clips related to electoral malpracticesfrom spot itself. It also records geo-location of reported incidents and the officials concerned willimmediately receive the alerts. This will ensure an effective response.The app was made available for first time in Bengaluru (capital of Karnataka) in run-up to recentlyconcluded state assembly elections. It had registered total of 780 downloads and complaints werereceived from users. Accordingly, officials concerned in all the cases had taken actions.Election Commission of India (ECI)

ECI is permanent and independent constitutional body established directly by Constitution of Indiato ensure fair and fair elections in the country. It is multi-member body and currently has threemembers including Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) appointed by President of India.

Habitat loss may have triggered Nipah outbreak: WHO reportMay 23, 2018

According to report by World Health Organisation (WHO), human-triggered factors like habitat lossdue to deforestation and climate change set off infectious outbreaks such as recent Nipah cases inKerala. Due to habitat destruction by human activity, flying fox (fruit bat), a natural host of Nipahvirus get stressed and hungry, which weakens its immune system, increasing virus load. It results inlot of virus spilling from urine and saliva of bats.Findings of Study

There is strong evidence that emergence of bat-related viral infections can be attributed to loss ofanimal’s natural habitats. Reproductive and nutritional stress are potential role players in Nipah andHendra (Nipah equivalent in Australia) viruses spillover. Nutritional stress is mainly due to loss offood resources which is direct consequence of habitat loss and climate change brings bats closer tourban areas.Forest fragmentation and hunting bats for food also bring them closer to humans and is often animportant cause of disease transmission. It can be seen from rapid urbanisation of bat-richrainforests contributed to the emergence of Nipah virus in Malaysia.Nipah virus

Nipah virus (NiV) infection is zoonotic disease (disease transmitted to humans from animals) thatcauses severe disease in both animals and humans. The organism which causes Nipah Virusencephalitis is RNA or Ribonucleic acid virus of family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus, and isclosely related to Hendra virus.Fruit bats or flying foxes of Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus are natural host of Nipah virus. Thevirus is present in bat urine and potentially, bat faeces, saliva, and birthing fluids. It was firstidentified in 1999 during outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. It gets its namefrom Sungai Nipah, a Malaysian village, where pig farmers became ill with encephalitis.

DAC approves measures to simplify Defence Procurement ProcedureMay 23, 2018

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hasapproved various measures to simplify Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP). DAC is DefenceMinistry’s highest decision-making body on capital procurement of Indian Armed Forces (Army,Navy and Air Force).Key Facts

These measures will be incorporated in DPP-16, the manual governing defence procurementprocedure. The changes include devolution of powers within Ministry of Defence and Service




Headquarters, deletion of repetitive processes, concurrent running of acquisition process instead ofsequential stage clearance, aligning of various documents with revised financial guidelines, amongstothers.Comment

These amendments form part of ongoing Business Process Re-engineering in Defence Capitalprocurements of armed forces. It is in line with continuation of Defence Ministry’s efforts tostreamline DPPs and reduce timelines so as to ensure timely delivery of equipment to Armed Forces.These measures will also obviate undue procedural delays and hasten activities besides shrinkingprocurement timelines.Background

The Union Government so far has cleared proposals worth Rs 4 lakh crore of military procurementinvolving close to 135 proposals as part of its efforts to modernise armed forces. But most of theseproposals are yet to be implemented due to procedural delays hampering speed of modernisation ofarmed forces.

India ranks 145th among 195 countries in healthcare access, quality: Lancet StudyMay 23, 2018

India ranked 145th among 195 countries in terms of Healthcare access and quality (HAQ) index in theyear 2016, behind its neighbours like China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan. The index wasreleased as part of Global Burden of Disease study released by Lancet, one of the world’s oldest andbest known peer-reviewed general medical journal.Healthcare access and quality (HAQ) Index

The study used index to measure quality and accessibility of healthcare, based on 32 causes of deathwhich should be preventable with effective medical care. Each of 195 countries and territoriesassessed were given score between 0 (lowest)-100 (highest). For the first time, it also analysedhealthcare access and quality between regions within seven countries: Brazil, China, India, England,Japan, Mexico, and US.Key Facts

Top five countries with highest levels of healthcare access and quality in 2016 are Iceland (rank-1st,score-97.1 points), Norway (2nd, 96.6), Netherlands (3rd, 96.1), Luxembourg (4th, 96.0), and Finlandand Australia (5th, each with 95.9).The global average healthcare access and quality score in 2016 was 54.4, increasing from 42.4 pointsin 2000. The countries with lowest scores are Central African Republic (18.6), Somalia (19.0), Guinea-Bissau (23.4), Chad (25.4), and Afghanistan (25.9).India’s Neighbours: India lags behind China (48th), Sri Lanka (71st), Bangladesh (133rd) and Bhutan(134th) in terms of levels of healthcare access and quality. But it is better than Nepal (149th), Pakistan(154th) and Afghanistan (191st).India related Facts

India has seen improvements in healthcare access and quality since 1990. In 2016, India’s healthcareaccess and quality scored at 41.2 (up from 24.7 in 1990). India performed poorly in tackling cases ofrheumatic heart diseases, Ischaemic heart diseases, stroke, tuberculosis, testicular cancer, coloncancer and chronic kidney disease among others. Though, India’s improvements on HAQ index hashastened from 2000 to 2016, but gap between country’s highest and lowest scores widened (23·4-point difference in 1990, and 30·8-point difference in 2016). Goa and Kerala have highest HAQ indexscores in 2016, each exceeding 60 points, whereas Assam and Uttar Pradesh have lowest, each below40.

May 24, 2018India-Netherlands-Sweden to collaborate for research programme on HIV/AIDS

May 24, 2018

Governments of India, Netherlands and Sweden launched first-of-its-kind collaborative researchprogramme on HIV/AIDS. It is aimed at harnessing complementary research strengths and diverseexpertise across three nations to catalyze development of better tools to understand and addressburgeoning global epidemic of HIV.Key Facts

The collaborative research programme will focus on accessing relevant populations of research




interest, and leveraging next-generation technologies and advanced predictive analytics to betterunderstand geographic diversity and different clades of HIV/AIDS virus. It will also focus ondivergent human immune responses based on genetic, immunological and behavioural determinants.This information will be key in developing new and improved tools for treatment, prevention andpossible cure for HIV in near future.

NITI Aayog ink SoI with ABB India to provide AI, big data and connectivity solutionsMay 24, 2018

NITI Aayog and ABB India have signed Statement of Intent (SoI) to help India leverage power ofadvanced technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence. Under it, two parties will worktowards making key sectors of Indian economy ready for digitalised future and realise potential of AI,big data and connectivity.Key Facts

NITI Aayog will work with ABB across various sectors of economy, such as power and water utilities,industries like food, heavy industries and transport (rail and metro), electric mobility andinfrastructure to suggest solutions for digitalization, incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) and AItechnologies.Through this SoI, NITI Aayog will facilitate participation of policymakers and governmentfunctionaries in workshops and training programs organized by ABB India. Such programs will aimto sensitize policymakers and officials about relevant AI capabilities, and explore ways they can beused for revolutionizing manufacturing productivity.NITI Aayog and ABB will jointly work with government ministries, solicit feedback for areas criticalto them and discuss solutions using industrial automation, and digitalization technologies. Based onthe interactions with ABB India, NITI Aayog will also make recommendations to governmentministries for guidelines and policies regarding development and adoption of AI technology in suchsectors.ABB

It is Zurich-based technology company with presence across 100+ countries and over 1.3 lakhemployees. It is pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion,industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport &infrastructure globally.

Cabinet approves proposal to set up 4072 towers in Left Wing Extremism AreasMay 24, 2018

Union Cabinet has approved Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA’s) proposal of setting up 4,072 mobiletowers to improve telecom connectivity network in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) Areas. This networkwould be used by security personnel deployed in LWE affected areas.Key Facts

These towers will be set up at cost of Rs. 7,330 crore in 96 districts of 10 naxal affected states throughUniversal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) of Department of Telecommunications (DoT). These statesare Jharkhand (1,054 towers will be installed), Chhattisgarh (1,028), Odisha (483), Andhra Pradesh (429),Bihar (412), West Bengal (207), Uttar Pradesh (179), Maharashtra (136), Telangana (118) and MadhyaPradesh (26).The project will also provide mobile services to help residents in unconnected inhabited villageswhich will improve economic activities in region. It will give impetus to e-Governance activities inbackward and LWE affected area with availability of digital mobile connectivity.Background

In the phase-I of the telecom connectivity network project, budget for providing mobile servicesusing 2G technology in LWE areas was sanctioned at cost of Rs. 4080.78 crore. It is on completionstage and there are 2,335 tower sites functioning of total 2,355 approved.In phase-II, MHA in consultation with concerned states had identified 4,072 tower locations forcommunication need of security personnel deployed in 10 states and provided to DoT in October2017. It has upgraded telecommunications technology from 2G and 4G according to the requirementof stakeholders.




Former SC judge CK Prasad appointed as Chairman of Press Council of IndiaMay 24, 2018

Government has appointed former Supreme Court Judge CK Prasad as Chairman of Press Council ofIndia (PCI) for second term. His nomination was approved by three-member committee headed byVice President Venkaiah Naidu. He was earlier appointed to post in November 2014 after JusticeMarkanday Katju stepped down.Press Council of India (PCI)

PCI is a statutory body with mandate to act as watchdog to oversee conduct of the print media. Itderives its mandate from Press Council Act, 1978.Composition: It consist of Chairman (who has by convention, been a retired judge of Supreme Court)and 28 other members off whom 20 represent press, five are nominated from two Houses ofParliament and three represent cultural, literary and legal fields.Functions: It is statutory, quasi-judicial body acting as watchdog of press. It adjudicates complaintsagainst and by the press for violation of ethics and for violation of the freedom of the pressrespectively.

Cabinet approves USOF scheme for Meghalaya under CTDPMay 24, 2018

Union Cabinet has approved implementation of Comprehensive Telecom Development Plan (CTDP)Project for North Eastern Region (NER) in Meghalaya to improve mobile services. The project hasprovision of 2G and 4G mobile coverage in identified uncovered areas of Meghalaya and seamlessmobile coverage along National Highways in state. It will be funded by Universal Service ObligationFund (USOF). Cabinet also approved enhanced cost of CTDP Project for NER for amount of Rs8,120.81 crore. It already has approved Rs 5,336.18 crore on September2014 for the project.Benefits

CTDP aims to strengthening of telecom network that will result in increase in penetration of mobileconnectivity in Meghalaya. It will provide affordable and equitable access of communication,information and governance to people. Connecting unreached people of Meghalaya through publicmobile network will empower citizens with benefits of ICTs for furthering socio-economicdevelopments. It will also increase innovative skill of uncovered areas of the state through broadbandand internet access.Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF)

USOF was formed by Central Government to help fund projects to boost connectivity in rural areas.The money for this fund comes through ‘Universal Access Levy,’ charged from telecom operators aspercentage of various licenses fees being paid by them.

Nepal becomes first country in south-east Asia to eliminate Trachoma: WHOMay 24, 2018

World Health Organization (WHO) has validated Nepal for having eliminated trachoma, a contagiousbacterial infection of the eye. It makes Nepal first country in WHO’s South-East Asia Region to defeattrachoma, world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. The eye disease was second leading cause ofpreventable blindness in Nepal in 1980s. Its prevalence in Nepal has fallen by 40% followingimplementation of sustained control activities including national trachoma programme whichprovided incentives to local communities and districts to build and maintain latrines, measures thatwere crucial to improve sanitation and reduce disease carrying flies.WHO Criteria used to assess country’s claim for having eliminated trachoma as a public healthproblem

Less than 5% of children aged 1–9 years have signs of active trachomaLess than 0.2% of people aged 15 years and older have trachomatous trichiasis.Health system which can identify and manage new cases of trachomatous trichiasis.

Trachoma

It is an eye disease caused by infection with bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Infection isparticularly common in young children. It causes inflamed granulation on inner surface of eye lids. Itspreads through contact with infective eye or nose discharges. Ocular or nasal discharge can betransmitted directly from person to person or be mediated by flies which have been in contact witheyes and noses of infected people. Trachoma transmission is associated with poor sanitation and




hygiene, which increase availability of eye discharges and encourage breeding of flies. It can betreated with antibiotics in case of children. Older people infected with it require eyelid surgery tocure it.

India had self-declared itself free from infective Trachoma in December 2017 after it met goal of trachoma elimination asspecified by WHO under its GET2020 (Global Elimination of Trachoma by the year 2020) program.

Pakistan hosted SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure meeting in IslamabadMay 24, 2018

Pakistan hosted its first ever Shanghai Cooperation Organisation-Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure(SCO-RATS) legal experts meeting in Islamabad. This was the first-ever SCO meeting being held inPakistan since it became a permanent member of the organisation along with India in June 2017.Key Facts

The three day meeting saw participation of legal advisors from eight SCO member states includingChina, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan as well asrepresentatives of the SCO-RATS executive committee.The main agenda of the meeting was to discuss issues related to terrorist threats in the region andhow to overcome them. They discussed terrorist threats being faced by region and ways and meansto enhance regional cooperation in fighting terrorism, drug trafficking and organised crime betweenSCO member states.SCO-Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS)

Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) is permanent organ of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO). It serves to promote cooperation of member states against three evils of terrorism, separatismand extremism. It is headquartered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The Head of RATS is elected to three-year term. Each member state also sends permanent representative to RATS.

India’s first National Sports University in Manipur: Union Cabinet approves ordinanceMay 24, 2018

The Union Cabinet has approved an ordinance to set up the country’s first national sports universityin in Imphal (west), Manipur. The ordinance is on the lines of National Sports University Bill, 2017which is pending in Parliament (introduced in Lok Sabha in August, 2017).Key Facts

The specialised university will be the first of its kind in the country and adopt best internationalpractices. Manipur government has already allocated land for the proposed university. The proposalto set up national sports university in Manipur was initially announced by Prime Minister NarendraModi. The was approved in 2014-15 budget with Rs. 100 crore allocation.The proposed university isexpected to bridge gap that exists in sports environment of country in various areas such as sportsscience, sports technology, high performance trainingNational Sports University Bill, 2017

The Bill establishes National Sports University in Manipur. It is mandated to promote sportseducation in areas of sports sciences, sports technology, sports management, and sports coaching. Itwill function as national training centre for select sports disciplines. It also empowers the Universityto grant degrees, diplomas and certificates. It also allows Government to establish campuses andstudy centres in other parts of the country.Objectives of National Sports University

Research, development and dissemination of knowledge in physical education and sports sciences.Strengthening physical education and sports training programmes.Generating knowledge capabilities, skills and competence at various levels.Training talented athletes to help them to evolve into international level athletes.

May 25, 2018INSV Tarini team awarded Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017

May 25, 2018

India’s Navy all six women crew of INSV Tarini who completed India’s first all-womencircumnavigation expedition of the globe was conferred prestigious Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017. Thecrew included Lt Commander Vartika Joshi, Lt Commander Swathi Patarpalli, Lt CommanderPratibha Jamwal, Lt Aishwarya Bodapatti, Lt SH Vijaya Devi and Lt Payal Gupta. These six women




were among recipients of Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017 who were presented with award by PresidentRam Nath Kovind on occasion of International Women’s Day (March 8). However, the award was notbe presented to them, as they were sailing then.Navika Sagar Parikrama

The six women crew of INSV Tarini undertook task of circumnavigating globe, as part Indian navy’sNavika Sagar Parikrama expedition. It was first ever circumnavigation of globe by all-women Indiancrew. It was aimed to demonstrate thrust of India’s Nari Shakti or women power on global platform.The six-member crew was led by Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi. The expedition lasted for 254days, which included 199 days at sea, covering a total of 21600 nautical miles. It was extremelychallenging expedition as they encountered rough seas, high stormy conditions and severely coldtemperatures.Besides, circumnavigating the globe, the crew also collected and updated meteorological, ocean andwave data on regular basis for accurate weather forecast by Indian Meteorological Department(IMD). It also reported marine pollution on high seas. The women crew during port halts, alsointeracted with local populace, especially children to promote ocean sailing and spirit of adventure.Nari Shakti award

The award aims to acknowledge achievement of women by bestowing awards on eminent womenand institutions in recognition of their service towards the cause of women empowerment. It wasestablished in 1991 and since then it is conferred annually by President on occasion of InternationalWomen’s Day on March 8 every year. It carries cash award of Rs. 1 lakh and certificate for individualsand institutions. The Ministry of Women and Child Development announces this national levelaward for eminent women, organisations and institutions.

5th India-CLMV Business Conclave held at Phnom Penh, CambodiaMay 25, 2018

The 5th India-CLMV (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam) Business Conclave was held atPhnom Penh, Cambodia. It was jointly organised by Ministry of Commerce & Industry along withMinistry of Commerce of Cambodia. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is institutionalpartner of the event.Key Facts

The business conclave provided opportunity for developing better understanding of CLMVeconomies which have untapped potential for development and offer more scope for enhancement ofeconomic engagement with India. It saw participation of ministerial and business delegations fromIndia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos consisting of about 400 delegates.The conclave called for collaboration of CLMV countries and India on agriculture, health, tourism,education and connectivity to promote regional integration and creation of value chain andemphasised need for strengthening India-CLMV business and trade relations.The sessions of conclave focussed on sectors such as SME, manufacturing, agriculture, plantation,fisheries and related industries, healthcare, education, information technology and skill development.It also highlighted need for greater connectivity, promoting small and medium enterprises,harnessing opportunities in service sector especially health care, tourism, transportation andlogistics. It also stressed upon need to promote productivity and value addition in agriculture toaddress livelihood and employment issues.India proposed setting up of India-Cambodia Chamber of commerce with institutional partnershipbetween CII and Cambodian Chamber of Commerce. Such similar bilateral business forums will bealso setup in Vietnam and Laos to institutionalize bilateral business to business engagements ofIndia with each of CLMV countries.Background

CLMV region is considered as India’s gateway to entire ASEAN and provides access to huge marketsof these countries. These four countries represents rapidly growing economy with risingconsumption, strategic location and access, rich natural resources (oil, gas, copper, teak andgemstones), biodiversity and industrious workforce with low wages. They also offer significantopportunities for trade in goods and services, investment and project exports. India seeks to invest inCLMV countries (which are part of 10-member ASEAN group) to take advantage of free trade




agreements they have with various countries such as China.

Surya Kiran-XIII: India-Nepal joint battalion level exercise to be held in UttarakhandMay 25, 2018

The thirteenth edition of India-Nepal joint military exercise will be conducted at Pithoragarh,Uttarakhand from 30 May to 12 June 2018. The joint military exercise aims to further enhance andstrengthen level of defence cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.Key Facts

Surya Kiran-XIII exercise will see participation of nearly 300 soldiers from both Indian and NepalArmy. They will share their experiences gained during conduct of various counter insurgency andcounter terrorism operations in the past. The aim of this edition of exercise is to conduct battalionlevel joint training with emphasis on counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain under theUnited Nations mandate. It also includes various aspects of disaster management and joint efforttowards relief work.SURYA KIRAN Exercise

Surya Kiran series of bilateral military exercises are conducted bi-annually, alternatively in India andNepal. It is largest exercise in terms of troop’s participation in series of military training exercisesundertaken by India with various countries. It aims at promoting military relations and increasinginteroperability armies of both countries. 12th edition of this exercise was held at Nepal Army BattleSchool (NABS) in Saljhandi, Nepal in September 2017.

Government reconstitutes FSDC: Includes secretaries from Revenue Department, MeitY, IBCChairman

May 25, 2018

The Union Government has reconstituted Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) toinclude secretaries from revenue department as well as Ministry of Information Technology (MeitY).It will include Chairman of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI). This decision willmake FSDC more broad-based to incorporate changes in economic regulatory framework of thecountry.Key Facts

Inclusion of MeitY Secretary in FSDC becomes significant given massive digitisation push in countryand rising apprehensions around safety of personal data as both public and private sectors arecollecting and using personal data on an unprecedented scale and for multiple purposes. Moreover,inclusion of revenue secretary in follows increasing safeguards being put in place by Department ofRevenue to check tax evasion (both direct and indirect taxes).Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)

FSDC is super regulatory body for regulating financial sector which is vital for bringing healthy andefficient financial system in economy of the country. Its mandate is to strengthen andinstitutionalise mechanism of maintaining financial stability, financial sector development, inter-regulatory coordination along with monitoring macro-prudential regulation of economy. UnionFinance Minister is chairman of FSDC. Its members are heads of financial sector regulatoryauthorities (i.e, RBI, SEBI, IRDA, PFRDA), Finance Secretary and Secretary, Department of EconomicAffair; Secretary, Department of Financial Services, and Chief Economic Adviser. FSDC was set up in2010 by then Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee to strengthen and institutionalise mechanism formaintaining financial stability, enhancing inter-regulatory coordination and promoting financialsector development.

SIDBI, CSC SPV ink MoU to provide financial support to village level entrepreneursMay 25, 2018

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and Common Service Centres (CSC) SpecialPurpose Vehicle (SPV) signed MoU for providing financial support village level entrepreneurs inCSCs. Through the MoU, SIDBI will extend financial support to VLEs of CSCs, with minimum oneyear of operation, under its Direct Financing Window.Key Facts

Through the MoU, both CSC SPV and SIDBI seek to work together to bring more citizens underambit of financial inclusion. Moreover, it will also aim to enhance financial viability of CSCs byincluding additional services in their bouquet of products.




Under Direct Financing Window, CSC SPV will approve list of VLEs, within 25 km distance of SIDBIBranch Offices, who require financial support. To avail loan, VLEs need to submit their CSC project,with maximum project outlay of Rs. 3.50 lakh and term loan requirement not exceeding Rs. 2 lakh perproject.Common Service Centres (CSC)

CSC is an initiative of Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY). It is strategic cornerstone of the DigitalIndia programme. It is pan-India network catering to regional, geographic, linguistic and culturaldiversity of country, thus enabling Government’s mandate of a socially, financially and digitallyinclusive society.There are as many as 2.91 lakh CSCs operate in the country today. They are mostly ICT enabled frontend service delivery points at village level for delivery of government and private services. TheseCSCs serve as access points for delivery of essential public utility services, social welfare schemes,financial, healthcare, education and agriculture services, apart from host of B2C services to citizensin rural and remote areas of the country.Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI)

SIDBI is principal development financial institution for promotion, financing and development ofMicro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector in India. It was established on April 2, 1990through an Act of Parliament (thus, it is statutory body). It is headquartered in Lucknow, UttarPradesh. It facilitates and strengthens credit flow to MSMEs and address both financial anddevelopmental gaps in MSME eco-system across the country.

Government launches Samagra Shiksha scheme to improve quality of school educationMay 25, 2018

The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) launched Samagra Shiksha scheme toimprove quality of school education. The scheme aims at improving quality of education, enhancinglearning outcomes and using technology to empower children and teachers. The scheme subsumesthree existing schemes: Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shikskha Abhiyan(RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE) to treat school education holistically, from pre-school to ClassXII.Samagra Shiksha scheme

Samagra Shiksha Scheme aims at unifiying learning from pre-school to class 12 levels by treatingeducation holistically as continuum from pre-school to class 12. It encapsulates elements of previousscheme and focuses on digital education by giving emphasis on integration of two Ts – Teacher andTechnology.Objectives of scheme

Provision of quality educationEnhancing learning outcomes of studentsBridging social and gender gaps in school educationPromoting vocationalisation of educationStrengthening teacher education institutions like SCERTs and Diets to improve quality of teachersProviding annual grant of Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000 per school for strengthening of libraries

Significance

Samagra Shiksha is first integrated scheme extending unified support to states from pre-school tosenior secondary levels. It is paradigm shift in conceptual design of school education by treatingschool holistically as continuum from pre-school, primary, upper primary, secondary and seniorsecondary levels.The scheme builds on grade-wise, subject-wise Learning Outcomes and largest NationalAchievement Survey (NAS)-2017-18 to strategize district level interventions for improving quality ofeducation. It will help to shift focus of student learning from content to competencies.The scheme envisages active participation of all stakeholders especially parents, school managementcommittee (SMC) members, community and state functionaries towards efforts to ensure qualityeducation to children.It also extends benefits of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya scheme, under which girls fromdisadvantaged sections are provided education with hostel facility from class 6-8 to class 6-12.




The scheme focuses on strengthening teachers, the crucial pillar of education system by makingSCERTs and DIETs nodal agencies for teacher training. These institutions will be strengthened toemphasize integration of in-service and pre-service training structures in states to make it need-focused and dynamic. This will strengthen quality of teaching in schools across levels.

15th Finance Commission constitutes high level group for balanced expansion of health sectorMay 25, 2018

The Fifteenth Finance Commission has constituted high level group to explore and giverecommendations for a balanced expansion of the health sector. It will be headed by Dr.RandeepGuleria, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi and shall consist of eminent experts in health sectorfrom across the country.Functions of High Level Group

It will evaluate existing regulatory framework in health sector and examine its strength andweaknesses for enabling balanced and faster expansion keeping in view India’s demographic profile.It will suggest ways and means to optimize use of existing financial resources and to incentivizestate governments’ effort on fulfilment of well-defined health parameters in India. It will alsoholistically examine best international practices for health sector and seek benchmark frameworksto these practices for optimizing benefits keeping in mind local issues.

Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve wins India Biodiversity Award 2018May 25, 2018

Arunachal Pradesh-based NGO Singchung Bugun Community Reserve (SBVCR) won the IndiaBiodiversity Award 2018 in the “Conservation of wildlife species” category. It was awarded for itsefforts to conserve rare critically endangered bird Bugun Liocichla.India Biodiversity Award

The award is joint initiative of Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC), National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and United Nations Development programme(UNDP). It recognises contribution of a range of stakeholders towards the conservation ofbiodiversity. It is given in four categories viz. Conservation of Threatened Species, Sustainable use ofbiological resources, Successful models for access and benefit sharing and Biodiversity ManagementCommittees.Singchung Bugun Community Reserve

Singchung Bugun Community Reserve is 17 square km biodiversity hotspot in Arunachal Pradesh. Itwas instituted under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It is home to critically endangered bird speciesBugun Liocichla, which is not reported anywhere else in world. It lies right next to EaglesnestWildlife sanctuary, a biodiversity hotspot, which is also home to the bird species.Bugun LiocichlaThe bird was identified as a new species in 2006 and is reportedly only new bird species to have beendiscovered in India since 1947. It has been named after Bugun tribe because of their conservationefforts. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified Liocichla as CriticallyEndangered (CR). There are only about 20-24 pairs which live in the area.Community Reserve

It is established under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It enables any state government to declarecommunity-owned forest area as “community reserve” if locals are willing to participate inconservation efforts for same. Under it, community reserve receives same legal protection asNational Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.

UNICEF launches data visualisation app on education scenario in IndiaMay 25, 2018

The UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund) launched Data Visualisation App toprovide user-friendly visual representation of complex analytics of education scenario in India. It wasdeveloped with technical inputs from the UNICEF, in collaboration with National Council forEducational Research and Training (NCERT) and National Institute of Education Planning andAdministration (NIEPA).Key Facts

The app uses UDISE (Unified District Information System for Education), NAS (National Assessmentsurvey) and demographic data. It can be used as visual tool by policy makers, academia, senior




government officials, and researchers to address gaps and monitor programs in field of education.Shiksha Mela Education Open Day

UNICEF India in partnership with Ministry of Human Resource Development organised ShikshaMela Education Open Day to demonstrate case stories showcasing holistic and equitable qualityeducation achieved through convergent programming across 17 states.

US withdraws invitation to Chinese navy to participate in 2018 RIMPAC maritime exerciseMay 25, 2018

United States had withdrawn invitation to Chinese navy to participate in 2018 Rim of the Pacific(RIMPAC) maritime exercise. The withdrawal was in response China’s continued illegal militarisationof islands in disputed South China Sea. RIMPAC 2019 is the 26th exercise of its type, after first beingheld in 1971. More than 25,000 naval officers from 29 countries are expected to take part in it.Background

China claims almost entire strategic South China Sea (SCS), where Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines,Taiwan and Vietnam have conflicting claims. China has built strategic runaways and ports on theartificial islands in the SCS. It also has deployed weapons such as surface-to-air missiles to contestedfeatures in Spratly (Nansha) Islands and its landing of bomber aircraft on Woody (Yongxing) Island.US has conducted freedom of navigation operations close to China-claimed areas to challenge what itsees as China’s excessive claims. China had participited in the last two Rimpac exercises (2014 and2018). Notably, Chinese and US Navies also had conducted joint submarine rescue drill aboardChinese vessel during 2016 exercise.Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise

The RIMPAC is the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise. It is held biennially nearHonolulu, Hawaii (US) during June and July of even-numbered years. It is hosted and administeredby the United States Navy’s Pacific Fleet (headquartered at Pearl Harbor) in conjunction with MarineCorps, Coast Guard, and Hawaii National Guard forces under control of Governor of Hawaii. For thisexercise, host country US invites military forces of countries from Pacific Rim and beyond toparticipate. The biennial exercise seeks to provide a unique training opportunity to participants inorder foster cooperative relationships to ensure the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’soceans.

May 26, 2018NIC sets up cloud-enabled National Data Centre in Bhubaneswar

May 26, 2018

National Informatics Centre (NIC) has set up cloud-enabled National Data Centre at Bhubaneswar,Odisha. It will offer round-the-clock operations with secure hosting for e-governance applications ofministries and departments. It is fourth cloud-enabled National Data Centre of NIC after Delhi,Hyderabad and Pune,Key Facts

Bhubaneswar based centre is expected to enhance range of data centre related services offered bygovernment body. It will provide benefits like on-demand access to ICT (Information andCommunication Technology) infrastructure for easy availability and quick deployment ofapplications and standardised platforms of deployment.Centralised cloud environment of this centre has been established to host multiple applications withsimplified operations and increased application responsiveness to support new generation ofdistributed applications. The cloud service offerings of NIC will allow government departments toprovision infrastructure and add to computing capacity on demand.National Informatics Centre (NIC)

NIC (Rashtriya Suchna Vigyan Kendra) is premier science & technology organisation of Governmentin informatics services and information and communication technology (ICT) applications. It is partof MeitY’s Department of Electronics & Information Technology. It was established in 1976.It plays a pivotal role in steering e-governance applications in governmental departments atnational, state and district levels, thus enabling improvement and wider transparency in governmentservices. Almost all Indian-government websites are developed and managed by NIC.




India-Netherlands launches Clean Air India InitiativeMay 26, 2018

India and Netherlands launched Clean Air India Initiative in New Delhi. It aims to curb air pollutionin Indian cities by promoting partnerships between Indian start-ups and companies fromNetherlands. It also aims build network of entrepreneurs working on business solutions for cleanerair.Key Facts

Clean Air India Initiative is collaborative project between Get In The Ring, a platform for start-ups ofNetherlands Government, Start-up India and INDUS Forum, an online matchmaking platform ofIndian and Dutch businesses. It is multi-corporate challenge that will test and scale innovationsthrough collaboration between startups, corporates and governments by providing pilotopportunities for promising innovations that solve problem of pollution.Indo-Dutch Startup Initiative: #StartUpLink

The initiative aims fulfil twin objective of facilitating market expansion for startups in two countriesalongside fostering joint sense of innovation and entrepreneurship. It will help startups from bothcountries that are exploring each other’s markets and offers access to key information, relevantnetworks, pilot opportunities, and navigators for respective startup ecosystems.Shell E4 Start HubDutch oil major Shell, as a partner for the Indo Dutch #StartUpLink,has come on board with aim ofaccelerating India’s transition to sustainable energy future. It has established Shell E4 Start Hub toenable and empower energy entrepreneurs in progressing their impactful solutions. It is the firstenergy focused startup hub in India, offering startups access to infrastructure (labs+co-workingspace), industry knowledge, subject matter expertise, funding, global connections and brandrecognition, combined with world-class accelerator program.

May 25: World Thyroid Awareness DayMay 26, 2018

The World Thyroid Day is observed every year on May 25 to spread awareness of thyroid health andeducating about prevention and treatment of thyroid diseases.Observance of day highlights five major goals to:

Increase awareness of thyroid health.Promote understanding of advances made in treating thyroid diseases.Emphasize prevalence of thyroid diseases.Focus on urgent need for education and prevention programs.Expand awareness of new treatment modalities.

Thyroid gland

Thyroid gland, often referred to as simply thyroid, is one of the largest endocrine glands. It butterfly-shaped gland located in neck. Thyroid health is extremely important, as hormones produced by itinfluence critical body functions and regulate metabolism. Thyroid disorders are very commonworldwide, they affect people of all ages and have large range of symptoms. The most commonthyroid disorders include hypothyroidism (abnormally decreased thyroid activity), yperthyroidism(abnormally increased thyroid activity), thyroiditis or Goitre (inflammation of thyroid gland) andthyroid cancer. They are often caused by iodine deficiency.Background

In 2008, European Thyroid Association (ETA) and American Thyroid Association (ATA) had joinedhands to create, for first time ever day devoted globally to Thyroid Gland and its numerous and often‘invisible’ symptoms. It was observed for the first time in 2009. Since then, it has been celebratedannually round globe together with its extension, International Thyroid Awareness Week, whichsurrounds main Day.

TCS becomes first company to achieve 7 lakh crore market capitalisation milestoneMay 26, 2018

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the country’s most valued and largest IT outsourcing companycreated history by becoming the first Indian company to reach Rs. 7 lakh crore market capitalisation(m-cap) milestone. M-cap is value of company that is traded on stock market, calculated bymultiplying total number of shares by present share price.




Key Facts

TCS achieved this milestone, after its stock zoomed to fresh all-time high of Rs. 3,674 in intradaysession on Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), taking its market valuation to around Rs 7,00,236.83 crore.The m-cap has been calculated from its 52-week high price of Rs 3,674 on BSE.TCS’s market valuation had earlier surged past Rs. 6 lakh crore ($100 billion) mark, making it secondcompany to achieve milestone after Reliance Industries. Now it is country’s most valued firm,followed by Reliance Industries with market capitalisation of Rs. 5,83,908.87 crore, HDFC Bank (Rs5,19,654.83 crore), HUL (Rs 3,42,244.47 crore) and ITC (Rs 3,30,919.46 crore) in the top five list.

ASEAN India Film Festival held in New DelhiMay 26, 2018

ASEAN India Film Festival was held in New Delhi from May 25 to 30, 2018. It was organised byMinistry of External Affairs (ASEAN Multilateral Division) as part of the series of events tocommemorate 25 years of ASEAN and India relations.Key Facts

The film festival was non-competitive and its tagline was ‘Friendship through Films’. Around 32 filmsfrom 11 countries were screened during six days festival. It was aimed to serve as vehicle of CulturalExchange by providing access to new trends in filmmaking by providing platform for exchange ofideas, culture and experiences in the field of cinema.The film festival provided platform for people from film industries of respective member countries toexplore areas of cooperation in domain of cinema and cultural cooperation. It also celebratedexcellence of cinema by exhibiting films from various ASEAN countries.ASEAN

ASEAN is regional organisation that aims to promote intergovernmental cooperation and economicintegration amongst its members. It consists of 10 member countries- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia,Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It came into existence onAugust 8, 1967, after ASEAN declaration (also known as Bangkok Declaration).

Bangladesh Bhavan inaugurated at Vishwa Bharti University in SantiniketanMay 26, 2018

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina inauguratedBangladesh Bhawan at Vishwa Bharti University in Santiniketan, West Bengal. Bangladesh Bhaban inSantiniketan will house museum and library. It has been divided into four zones. Zone I is dedicatedto pre-historic period of undivided Bengal. Zone II includes chronicle phases of the languagemovement, Zone III is dedicated to 1971 India-Pakistan (Bangladesh Liberation) War. Zone IV willeducate visitors about Rabindra in Bangladesh.Visva Bharati University

Visva Bharati is public central university located in Santiniketan, West Bengal. It was founded byRabindranath Tagore on 23 December 1921 who called it Visva-Bharati, which means communion ofthe world with India. Until independence it was a college but after independence, it was given statusof university and was renamed Visva-Bharati University in 1951. Prime Minister of India isChancellor of the University. Some of its renowned alumni includes Nobel-winning economistAmartya Sen, globally renowned filmmaker Satyajit Ray and leading art historian, R. Siva Kumar. It isWest Bengal’s only central university.

MHA creates Women Safety Division to address issues of women securityMay 26, 2018

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has created Women Safety Division to address issues related tosecurity of women comprehensively amid rising concerns over women safety. The division will dealwith all aspects of women safety in coordination with relevant ministries, departments and stategovernments.Women Safety Division

It will deal with subjects like crimes against women, crimes against children, elderly persons, SCs &STs, anti-trafficking cell, matters relating to prison legislation and prison reforms, all schemes underNIRBHAYA fund, National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and Crime and Criminal Tracking &Network System (CCTNS).It will focus to enhance capacity of existing administrative, investigative, prosecution and judicial




machinery, along with appropriate measures for rehabilitation of victims and bring attitudinalchanges in society to address offences against women particularly rape in holistic and time-boundmanner.It will create national mission for safety of women, with participation of stakeholder ministries anddepartments, who will undertake specified actions in time-bound manner. The mission will givecredible response to emerging situation of crimes against women, especially minor girls, focus ontime-bound implementation of measures with tangible impact on women safety.The specified actions under mission includes setting up of Special Fast Track Courts (FTCs),strengthening of forensic set up and building up of national registry of sexual offenders, appointingadditional public prosecutors and providing appropriate medical and rehabilitation facilities tovictims.It will also address issues like sensitisation of children through appropriate changes in schoolcurriculum, media campaign for raising awareness, checking proliferation of pornography materialsand online contents etc. It will result in giving credible response to emerging situation of crimesagainst women, especially minor girls, focus on time-bound implementation of measures withtangible impact on women safety.

LCU L54: Indian Navy commissions fourth ship of Landing Craft Utility MK-IVMay 26, 2018

Indian Navy inducted Landing Craft Utility MK-IV LCU vessel L54 at Port Blair, Andaman & NicobarIsland. It is fourth of total eighth Mark IV LCU vessels to be inducted into Indian Navy.Background

The Mark IV LCU vessels are further improved version of Mark III LCU vessels presently being usedby Indian Navy. These total 8 vessels under Mark IV category have been ordered by Indian Navy fromGRSE. They are amphibious ships with primary role to transport and deploy Main Battle Tanks(MTBs), armoured vehicles, troops and equipment from ship to shore.LCU MK-IV vessels will be based in Andaman and Nicobar Command. It can be deployed for multiroleactivities like beaching operations, disaster relief operations, search and rescue, supply andreplenishment and evacuation from distant islands. They will contribute to the nation’s maritimesecurity needs.The first vessels INS LCU 51 was commissioned in 2016. Moreover, two more LCU ships L52 & L53have been already delivered to Indian Navy. The remaining four ships of same class are in advancedstages of constructionLCU L54

LCU L54 has been indigenously designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers(GRSE), Kolkata. It has 90% indigenous content. It is 62.8 meters long and 11 meters wide. It is fittedwith 2 MTU 16V 4000 M 53 marine Diesel Engines each fitted with one Fixed Pitch Propellergenerating 2 X 1840 KW power.It has displacement capacity of around 950 Tons. It has endurance of around 1500 nautical miles at 12knots speed. It is fitted with 2 X CRN-91 indigenous 30mm Guns, 4 X MMG and 2 X HMG to provideartillery fire to support during attack missions. It also boasts of modern habitability conditions withaccommodation for 216 personnel. It is also fitted with state-of-the-art equipment and advancedsystems like Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS).

President appoints new Governors of Odisha and MizoramMay 26, 2018

President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Kummanam Rajasekharan as Governor of Mizoram andProf Ganeshi Lal as Governor of Odisha under Article 153 of the Constitution. KummanamRajasekharan will replace Lt. General (Retd.) Nirbhay Sharma who completed his tenure on May 28,2018. Prof Ganeshi Lal will take charge from Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik had been givenadditional charge of Odisha.Kummanam Rajasekharan

He was state president of Bharatiya Janata Party in Kerala (from 2015–2018). He started his politicalcareer as activist of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Sangh Parivar in Kerala in 1970. He wasinstrumental in spearheading Kerala’s Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Balasadanams, KshetraSamrakshana Samiti and Ekal Vidyalayas. Prior to entering politics, he was working as journalist as




sub-editor of Deepika newspaper and other news-dailies such as Rastravaartha, Kerala Desam, KeralaBhooshanam, and Kerala Dwani. In 1976, he joined as government employee in Food Corporation ofIndia (FCI).Prof Ganeshi Lal

Ganeshi Lal was a professor of Mathematics before becoming member of RSS. He was minister inHVP-BJP government under Chief Minister Bansi Lal from 1996-99 in Haryana. He was formerpresident of Haryana BJP unit. He was member of Haryana Legislative Assembly (1996-2000) fromSirsa Constituency.Constitutional provisions of Governor

Article 153: It says that there shall be Governor for each state. But 7th Constitutional AmendmentAct, 1956 facilitated the appointment of the same person as a governor for two or more states.Article 156: Governor is appointed by President and hold office during the pleasure of President. Itshould be also noted that this article also mentions tenure of Governor. In this regard it says thatGovernor shall hold office for the term of 5 years from date he enters office.

NITI Aayog signs SoI with Sushant Singh Rajput to promote Women Entrepreneurship PlatformMay 26, 2018

NITI Aayog has signed Statement of Intent (SoI) with noted media personality and entrepreneurSushant Singh Rajput to collaborate and support its flagship Women Entrepreneurship Platform(WEP) initiative. In his new role, actor turned entrepreneur will support NITI’s initiative for womenentrepreneurs, to fund women-led startups to establish a vibrant, enabling entrepreneurialecosystem for women of the country. He will also promote Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) digitalpayments app for cashless economy by appearing in various video, print and social media campaignsof NITI Aayog. He will also support NITI Aayog in promoting Women Transforming India Awards2018 with theme ‘Women and Entrepreneurship’.Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)

NITI Aayog had launched Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) in March 2018 on the occasionof the International Women’s Day.Objectives

Build ecosystem for women across India to realize their entrepreneurial aspirations, scale-up innovative initiativesand chalk-out sustainable, long-term strategies for their businesses.Power vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem through enabling network of industry collaborations, partnerships,mentors and peer-to-peer connect.

WEP helps aspiring women entrepreneurs in three different ways which is manifested as its threepillars. They are

Ichha Shakti: Motivating aspiring entrepreneurs to start their enterprise.

Gyaan Shakti: Providing knowledge and ecosystem support to women entrepreneurs to help them foster

entrepreneurship.Karma Shakti: Providing hands-on support to entrepreneurs in setting-up and scaling up businesses

Patratu Super Thermal Power Project: PM Narendra Modi lays foundation stone in JharkhandMay 26, 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation stone for first phase (2400MW) of NTPC’s coal basedPatratu Super Thermal Power Project in Jharkhand. The project is 74: 26 Joint Venture betweenGovernment of Jharkhand (GoJ) and Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd. (PVUN), a subsidiarycompany of NTPC. The Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) contract of project isawarded to BHEL.Patratu Super Thermal Power Project

NTPC’s PVUNL will develop project in two phases viz. 2,400 MW (3x800MW) in Phase-I and 1,600MW (2×800 MW) in Phase-II later. The first unit is envisaged to be commissioned in 2022 andsubsequently other two units each of 800 MW after interval of six months each from the precedingunit.This project will allocate 85% of power to Jharkhand that will benefit state in the long run and help ineconomic growth of region. It will ensure providing 24×7 power availability to households inJharkhand under Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya) scheme.




The project also complies with new emission norms with high efficiency ESP, FGD and Nox emissioncontrol systems. It has dry ash disposable system (second to NTPC Dadri), zero liquid dischargesystem, air-cooled condenser technology (only second to North Karanpura STPP) and rail loadingfacility for transportation of ash.

Olga Tokarczuk wins Man Booker International Prize 2018May 26, 2018

Polish author Olga Tokarczuk (56) awarded Man Booker International Prize 2018. It makes her firstwriter from Poland to win this prestigious English-language literary award. She won prize withEnglish translation of her novel Flights, which charts multiple journeys in time, space and humananatomy. It was first published in Polish language in 2007 and was translated into English in 2017 byJennifer Croft.Olga Tokarczuk

Olga Tokarczuk is one of most critically acclaimed and commercially successful Polish writers of hergeneration. She is particularly noted for hallmark mythical tone of her writing. She is trained aspsychologist at University of Warsaw. She has published collection of poems, several novels, as wellas other books with shorter prose works. Her first novel, The Journey Of The People Of The Book wasreleased in 1993. Her literally work has won several awards, both in her home country Poland andalso abroad, including Poland’s most prestigious ‘Nike Literary Award’ twice. She also has co-writtenscreenplay for Polish crime film Spoor, which won the Alfred Bauer Prize at the Berlin film festival in2017. It was also selected as Poland’s entry for best foreign language film at 2018 Oscars.Man Booker International Prize

Man Booker International Prize is counterpart to Man Booker Prize for English-language novelspresented by the Man Group. It is open to books in any language that have been translated intoEnglish. It carries monetary award of £50,000 award which is split evenly between writer andtranslator. The authors are shortlisted by judges from a wide range of disciplines and all with passionfor quality fiction.

Rustom-2 drone to be delivered to armed forces by 2020: DRDOMay 26, 2018

Indigenously developed Rustom-II Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) by Defence Research andDevelopment Organisation (DRDO) will be delivered to armed forces by 2020 as per the contract. Atpresent, its basic system is being perfected and attempts are being made to increase its flightaltitude. Its manufacturing will be done by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and Bharat Electronics Ltd.Rustom-II

Rustom-II is part of Rustom line of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) indigenously designed anddeveloped by DRDO that includes Rustom-I, Rustom-H and Rustom-C. It is being developed for use ofall three services of Indian Armed Forces, primarily for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance(ISR) operations.It is a long-endurance UAV that has an 20 hours approximate flight time. Its medium-altitudeprototype can fly at over 22,000 feet. It is propelled by two 3-bladed NPO saturn engines (eachproducing over 450 kg-force thrust). It stands 2.4m tall with wingspan of 20.6m and length of 9.5m.It can fly at around 280 km/h.Several critical systems and components of Rustom-II, like its airframe, flight control, avionics sub-systems, landing gear etc, have been made indigenously and some in collaboration with privatemanufacturers.Rustom-II can carry variety of payloads like Long Range Electro Optic (LREO), Medium Range ElectroOptic (MREO), Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), Communication Intelligence (COMINT), ElectronicIntelligence (ELINT) and Situational Awareness Payloads (SAP) that help in performing missions evenduring the night.

May 27-28, 2018S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems: India concludes price negotiations with Russia

May 28, 2018

India has concluded price negotiations with Russia for deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defencemissile systems for Indian Air Force (IAF). They also have finalised financial component nearly Rs40,000 crore of the deal.




Key Facts

The deal will be announced before annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi andRussian President Vladimir Putin in October 2018. Now both countries are now trying to find wayout to evade provisions of CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act), astringent US law that seeks to punish countries and entities engaged in transactions with defence orintelligence establishment of Russia.Background

India wants to procure long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism, particularlyalong its nearly 4,000-km-long border. In 2016, India had signed agreement with Russia on Triumfinterceptor-based missile system. But there has been mounting concerns in India over US sanctionsagainst Russian defence majors export as billions of dollars of military purchases may be impactedbecause of punitive measure. The US had announced sanctions against Russia under CAATSA for itsalleged meddling in presidential election in 2016.S-400 Triumf Air Defence System

It is long-range air defence missile system is one of most advanced long-range defence systems inthe world. It is referred to as SA-21 Growler by NATO. It is an upgraded version of the S-300 defencesystem and is manufactured by Almaz-Antey. It has been in service in Russia since 2007.It is capable of firing three types of missiles, creating layered defence, and simultaneously engaging36 targets. It has capability to destroy incoming all airborne targets at ranges of up to 400 km. Withit, India can destroy Pakistani or Chinese aircrafts even when they are in their airspace.China was first foreign country to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia to procure thislethal missile system in 2014. Russia already has started delivery of unknown number of the S-400missile systems to China.

IMD to team up with BSNL for sending extreme weather warningsMay 28, 2018

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has teamed up with state-run Bharat Sanchar NigamLimited (BSNL) to send extreme weather warnings (alerts) to people. The alerts will be aboutimpending extreme weather conditions such as thunderstorms and heatwave.Key Facts

BSNL and IMD will send area-specific alerts to users if they happen to be at place likely to experienceextreme weather conditions, even if their phone numbers do not belong to that particular telecomcircle. The exercise is being carried out in an experimental stage, and if successful Ministry of EarthSciences plans to rope in other weather agencies also.Background

The move comes after IMD came under criticism from several quarters, including some stategovernments for not sending out specific alerts. Government weather forecasting agencies havelimitations in disseminating information, especially in scenarios like thunderstorms where eventsunfold very quickly. Since these weather forecasting agencies cannot reach every individual, theremust an intermediate agency that could pass on the forecast to people. Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)had recently asked IMD to send weather advisories to people.

Eastern Peripheral Expressway: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates India’s first smart and green highwayMay 28, 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first smart and green highway-135 km longKundli-Ghaziabad-Palwal (KGP) Expressway also known as Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE). Theexpressway was completed in record time of about 500 days against target of 910 days at a cost ofnearly Rs 11,000 crore.PM also inaugurated first phase of Delhi-Meerut Expressway, India’s first 14 lane expressway andspans from Nizamuddin Bridge to Uttar Pradesh border. Both expressways will help to decongest thenational capital as they will divert an estimated 2 lakh vehicles passing through national capital dailyto this bypass.Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE)

Solar power Plants: EPE is India’s first highway to be lit by solar power. It has eight solar powerplants, with capacity of 4000 KW (4 megawatt) for lighting of underpasses and running solar pumpsfor watering plants




Rainwater harvesting: EPE also has arrangement for rainwater harvesting on both sides at every500 meters and there is drip irrigation for plants all along the expressway.Closed tolling system: EPE has this tolling system in which toll is collected only for the distancetravelled and not for the entire length. Toll plazas are equipped with Electronic Toll Collection (ETC)system for faster toll collection Weigh-in-Motion (WIMs) equipment: They have been installed at all30 entry points of the Expressway to stop entry of over-loaded vehicles.Auto Challans: EPE has system for auto challans in which over-speeding will be fined as camerasalong the highway will capture speed of vehicles.Intelligent Traffic management: The EPE is equipped with smart and intelligent highway trafficmanagement system (HTMS) and video incident detection system (VIDS).Green cover: Over 2.5 lakh trees have been planted along the expressway including transplant of 8-10year old trees. It has drip irrigation provision for irrigating these trees.

BCCI and UN Environment sign agreement to promote Green Cricket in IndiaMay 28, 2018

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has signed Letter of Intent (LoI) with UNEnvironment to promote green’ cricket in India. The partnership aims to spread greater awarenessabout key environmental challenges India is facing and highlight alternate and more sustainablesolutions.Key Facts

Through this SoI, BCCI will endeavor to reduce its environmental impact by greening its operationsand engaging cricketers and fans in green initiatives. Partnering with UN Environment will help tomake cricket green and sensitise spectators towards minimising waste generation during matches.It will also focus on phasing out single-use plastic across stadiums in the country.Green Cricket Initiatives

Film with messages from captains of various franchises will be aired in stadiums highlightinghazards of plastic pollution during the course of Indian Premier League (IPL). At the four matchesplayed at Holkar Stadium in Madhya Pradesh, a Green Protocol based on concept of 3Rs – to reduce,reuse and recycle was implemented. M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka replacedplastic cups and bottles with environment-friendly alternatives for over 32,000 fans.UN Environment

UN Environment (or UNEP) is leading global environmental authority that sets global environmentalagenda, promotes coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainabledevelopment within the United Nations system, and serves as authoritative advocate for globalenvironment. It was established in June 1972. It is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

UNEP recongnises Cochin International Airport as world’s first fully solar energy-powered airportMay 28, 2018

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has recognised Cochin International AirportLtd (CIAL) in Kerala as the world’s first fully solar energy-powered airport. CIAL is India’s firstairport to be constructed in public-private-partnership (PPP) model in 1999. It is the busiest andlargest airport in the state of Kerala. It is only PPP airport in the country that has handled more than5 million passengers in year. The airport has 15 MWp solar power plant near the cargo complex ofairport comprising 46,150 solar panels laid across 45 acres.Key Facts

The solar power plant generates 50,000 units of electricity daily. It makes airport absolutely powerneutral in terms of energy consumption as it consumes around 50000 to 60000 units of electricityper day. The plant system is without any battery storage as it is directly connected to the grid.The airport’s green power project does not result in any carbon dioxide emissions. It also producesclean source of energy equivalent to non-clean energy produced from coal fired power plants byburning more than 3 lakh metric tonnes of Coals. This plant is also equivalent to planting 30 lakhtrees.United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

UNEP is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. It was founded as result ofUnited Nations Conference on Human Environment in June 1972. It is headquartered in Nairobi,Kenya. UNEP also has six regional offices and various country offices.




UNEP acts as catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote wise use and sustainabledevelopment of global environment. It works with wide range of partners, including UN entities,international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, private sectorand civil society.

Germany to host first edition of Global Wind SummitMay 28, 2018

The first edition of Global Wind Summit will be held in Hamburg, Germany from September 25 to 28,2018. It will be largest and most important meeting of the wind industry worldwide. The summit willsee participation of of speakers from about 100 countries, including India, China, the US, Spain andDenmark.Key Facts

The summit combines will have two main conferences, WindEnergy Hamburg and WindEurope,Holinsky. Both events together will witness participation of about 1,400 exhibitors and 250 speakersfrom all over the world. The summit will provide platform for experts from across globe to discussinnovative and green technologies for harnessing wind energy making.The focus of the conferences will be on three major subjects viz. dynamic markets, cost efficiency andsmart energy. It will discuss ways to develop new markets, make product competitive in auctions anduse wind power for all energy applications.Note: India with 33GW (installed capacity) is fourth largest country after China, US and Germany interms of wind energy installation capacity. Government has set ambitious target of achieving 60GW of wind energy by 2022.

Tata Trusts signs MoU with Government to provide development support in Naxal-hit districtsMay 28, 2018

Tata Trusts has signed MoU with Government to provide development support in eight worst Naxal-affected districts in Chhattisgarh. These eight worst Naxal-affected districts are covered underTransformation of aspirational districts Programme of NITI Aayog.Key Facts

The eight worst Naxal-hit districts chosen for programme and will be helped by Tata Trusts areKanker, Rajnandgaon, Bijapur, Bastar, Kondagaon, Dantewada, Narayanpur and Sukma. Tata Trustswill provide government technical and human resource assistance to Government to specialdevelopment programme. It will help government in conducting surveys and providing ground leveland technical support in raising living standards of citizens and ensuring inclusive growth for all.Transformation of Aspirational Districts’ programme

NITI Aayog had launched this programme in January 2017 with an aim to quickly and effectivelytransform some of most underdeveloped districts of the country. Over 100 districts from across thecountry were chosen to implement ambitious programme.The programme envisages rapid development of selected districts on basis of composite index basedon health and nutrition, education, financial inclusion, skill development, agriculture and waterresources and basic infrastructure. It focuses closely on improving people’s ability to participate fullyin burgeoning economy. It seeks to bring these indicators in selected districts at par with the betterperforming districts in the country.

Colombia joins NATO as global partnerMay 28, 2018

Colombia has formally joined North Atlantic Treaty Organization as global partner. It makes it firstLatin American to join NATO. The announcement came after Organization for EconomicCooperation and Development (OECD) approved Colombia as a new member.Background

NATO alliance had reached partnership agreement with Colombia back in May 2017, just after theLatin American signed peace agreement with communist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia(FARC), ending the longest-running civil conflict in Latin America. The peace deal had earnedColombian President Juan Manuel Santos 2016 Nobel Peace Prize.Key Facts

As a global partner with NATO, Colombia will not necessarily have to take part in active militaryactions of NATO but will be fully accredited to 29-nation military alliance. It will cooperate on global




security areas like cyber and maritime security, terrorism and links to organized crime. Other globalpartners of NATO include Afghanistan, Australia, Iraq, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, New Zealandand Pakistan.North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance between 29 North American and European countriesbased on the North Atlantic Treaty that was signed on 4 April 1949. It is headquartered in Brussels,Belgium, while headquarters of its Allied Command Operations is near Mons, Belgium.NATO system constitutes of collective defence whereby its independent member states agree tomutual defence in response to attack by any external party. The combined military spending of allNATO members constitutes over 70% of the global defence spending.

NASSCOM establishes India’s second Digital Collaborative Opportunities Plaza in ChinaMay 28, 2018

India’s National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) has established secondDigital Collaborative Opportunities Plaza (SIDCOP) platform in Guiyang, China. It is India’s second ITcorridor in China to provide Indian IT firms access to growing Chinese software market. The firstcorridor Digital Collaborative Opportunities Plaza (SIDCOP) platform was established in Chineseport city of Dalian.Key Facts

The Guiyang corridor will focus on Big Data, whereas earlier launched Dalian corridor focused onInternet of Things (IoT). The Guiyang corridor intends to create online and offline presence topromote co-create culture between two large neighbours in Big Data space. It is aimed at setting uplocal offices and assisting companies from Guiyang to establish software and IT units in India. Thisinitiative will give big impetus to cooperation between India and China in IT-enabled services (ITES)sector. Soon after launch of second IT corridor, Indian IT companies signed agreement worth US $6million with Chinese customers. The pilot projects launched on SIDCOP platform will be executedover next year.Background

Indian IT firms have presence in more than 70 countries in the world, generating employment for upto 12 million people worldwide. In China, Indian IT companies are present in 10 cities with totalwork-force of around 25,000 employees. In 2013, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology ofChina had valued country’s IT market at over US $493 billion. For India, getting access to China’s ITmarket is important to address massive trade deficit which has now spiralled to over US $51 billion.India has been demanding China to provide market access to Indian IT and pharmaceutical firms forseveral years to reduce bilateral trade deficit.

May 29, 2018Ex-Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk named as caretaker PM of Pakistan

May 29, 2018

Pakistan’s former Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk was named as country’s caretaker Prime Minister fortwo-month period ahead of general elections to be held in July 2018. The job of caretaker PrimeMinister is to keep country running between dissolution of parliament and new government beingsworn in. The present ruling government will complete tenure in May 2018 and caretakergovernment will remain in office until new government is set up through elections. The interimcaretaker administration usually does not make any major decisions until new government iselected, though it may act to shore up economy in case of worsening macro-economic outlook.Nasirul Mulk

Mulk was born on August 17, 1950 in Mingora, Swat, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He hadworked as lawyer and judge for several years before becoming 22nd Chief Justice of Pakistan (fromJuly 2014 to August 2015). Earlier, he served as acting Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan (fromNovember 2013 to July 2014).

Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards: Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali ties up with BSNLMay 29, 2018

Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali has tied up with state owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) to launchSwadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards. With this, India’s most trusted Fast Moving Consumer Goods(FMCG) brand has entered in to telecom sector after gaining popularity in the consumer goods




marketKey Facts

Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards can be recharged for Rs. 144, for which users will get unlimited callsthroughout country, 2 GB data and send 100 SMSes. Initially only Patanjali employees and officebearers will get benefits of SIM card. After complete rollout of SIM cards, customers will get a 10%discount on Patanjali products. The SIM card also comes with medical insurance and life insurancecovers. The medical insurance cover is for Rs 2.5 lakh, while life insurance costs Rs 5 lakh. The coverscan only be availed in event of road accident.

RBI appoints Sudha Balakrishnan as its first Chief Financial OfficerMay 29, 2018

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has appointed Sudha Balakrishnan as the first Chief Financial Officer(CFO). She will be the 12th executive director of the RBI and will have tenure of three years.Balakrishnan is chartered accountant by profession. Prior to this appointment, she was formerexecutive vice president of National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), India’s first and largestdepository.Key Facts

The new CFO will be in charge of RBI’s balance sheet to ensure accounting policies and procedurescomply with regulations. She will be in charge of government and bank account department, whichprocesses government transactions like payments and revenue collections. She will also overseeRBI’s investments in India and abroad.She will also be in charge of dividend RBI pays to government, which is crucial in final budgetarycalculations. Under RBI Act, 1934, RBI is required to pay government its surplus after makingprovisions for bad and doubtful debts, depreciation in assets and contribution to staff andsuperannuation fund among others.

Coast Guards of India and Pakistan hold talks in New DelhiMay 29, 2018

India and Pakistan held meeting of their coast guard officials (Indian Coast Guard and PakistanMaritime Security Agency) held in New Delhi. They addressed issues pertaining to boundaryviolations by fishermen from both sides and enhancing cooperation in area of maritime search andrescue and combating pollution at sea.Background

Indian Coast Guard and Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) had signed Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MoU) in October 2005 for envisaging cooperation between ICG and PMSA. The MoUwas extended for five years in 2016.The MoU envisages cooperation through exchange of informationon Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) violations, marine pollution, apprehended vessels, naturaldisasters and calamities, combating smuggling, illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and piracy andcoordination in search and rescue and return sea passage. It also established communication linkbetween coast guards of both counteries which is operational. Under provisions of MoU, directorsgeneral of PMSA and ICG meet periodically. This annual meeting is significant link between coastguards of two neighbouring countries for addressing issues pertaining to maritime security

R K Agrawal appointed President of National Consumer Disputes Redressal CommissionMay 29, 2018

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed former Supreme Court JudgeJustice R K Agrawal as President of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC).He will succeed Justice D K Jain, who completed his term. Justice Agrawal was judge of SupremeCourt from February 2014 to May 2018 and had served on bench of the apex court for four years.National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC)

NCDRC is quasi-judicial commission set up under Consumer Protection Act of 1986. It addressesgrievances of aggrieved consumer for goods and services having value over Rs. 1 crore. It wasestablished in 1988 and is headquartered in New Delhi. The commission is headed by sitting orretired judge of Supreme Court of India.Statutory Provisions

Section 21 of Consumer Protection Act, 1986 posits that NCDRC shall have jurisdiction to entertaincomplaint valued more than Rs. 1 crore and also have appellate and revisional jurisdiction from




orders of state commissions or district fora as case may be. Section 23 of Act provides that anyperson aggrieved by order of NCDRC, may appeal against such order to Supreme Court within periodof 30 days.

Ruthenium (Ru): Fourth element showing magnetism at room temperature discoveredMay 29, 2018

Scientists from University of Minnesota, US have discovered that chemical element ruthenium (Ru)is fourth element to have unique magnetic properties (ferromagnetism) at room temperature. So faronly three periodic table elements Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co), and Nickel (Ni) have been found to beferromagnetic at room temperature.Key Facts

Researchers showed that Ru can be fourth single element ferromagnetic material by using ultra-thinfilms to force ferromagnetic phase. It took them about two years to find right way to grow thismaterial and validate it. The discovery will help to improve sensors, devices in computer memoryand logic industry or other devices using magnetic materials. From an application perspective, Ru isinteresting because it is resistant to oxidation and additional has high thermal stability – a vitalrequirement for scaling magnetic memories.Ruthenium

Ruthenium is chemical element with symbol Ru and atomic number 44. It is rare transition metalbelonging to platinum group of periodic table. Like other metals of platinum group, it is inert to mostother chemicals. It was discovered in 1844 by Russian-born scientist Karl Ernst. It named Ruthenium,after Latin name of Russia. Ruthenium is usually found as minor component of platinum ores. It isused in wear-resistant electrical contacts and thick-film resistors. Its minor application is inplatinum alloys and as a chemistry catalyst.

Gaj Yatra launched in Garo Hills of MeghalayaMay 29, 2018

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) rolled out ‘Gaj Yatra’, an awarenesscampaign to protect elephants from Tura in Garo Hills of Meghalaya. It was organised by the WildlifeTrust of India in collaboration with the State Forest Department.Under this campaign, an elephant mascot will be taken across districts frequented by jumbo herdsfor generating awareness among the people. It was launched to acknowledged good gesture ofvillagers from Garo Hills who had set aside part of their community-owned land to create villagereserve forests for human-elephant harmony.Gaj Yatra

Gaj Yatra is 18-month-long national campaign aimed to protect elephants, India’s national heritageanimal in 12 elephant range states. It was launched in August 2017 by Environment and ForestMinister Harsh Vardhan on the occasion of World Elephant Day 2017 (observed on August 12).The campaign is being led by Wildlife Trust of India (WTI). It aims to involve people from all walks oflife in conservation of elephants. Under this campaign, WTI is securing 101 elephant corridors acrossin 12 elephant range states through its Right to Passage project, in partnership with Uniongovernment’s Project Elephant, state forest departments and various NGOs. The aim this project isto rehabilitate people affected by man-elephant conflict in corridor areas while ensuringuninterrupted movement of elephants between key habitats.

May 30, 2018Management of Widows Home: Ministry of WCD signs MoU with UP Government

May 30, 2018

The Union Ministry of Women and Child and Development (WCD) has signed Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MoU) with Uttar Pradesh Government for management of Home of Widows atSunrakh Bangar, Vrindavan. The MoU will be in force for period of 2 years and may be renewed forfurther period on satisfactory running of shelter homes of widows.Key Facts

Ministry of WCD has constructed this shelter home for widows with a capacity of 1000 inmates. Itwill be run by Uttar Pradesh Government themselves or by any state government institution or civilsociety or reputed non-government organization (NGO) to be decided by state government.According to MoU, UP Government of will be responsible for activities including setting up




mechanism for identifying beneficiaries, providing residential care to widows, deploying staff as pernorms with prescribed qualification and experience.The MoU also includes provisions for facilitating Aadhar Cards for all inmates and medical andgeriatric care for inmates. It further states that senior officials of UP Government will visit and checksecurity staff periodically and monitor their performance.

India, World Bank ink $21.7 million loan agreement for Rajasthan’s Public Financial ManagementProject

May 30, 2018

Union Government has signed agreement for IBRD Credit of US $21.7 Million from World Bank forStrengthening of Public Financial Management in Rajasthan Project. The Implementing EntityAgreement for the project was signed by Secretary, Finance (Budget) on behalf of Government ofRajasthan, and Acting Country Director (India) on behalf of World Bank.Key Facts

The size of project is approximately US $31 million, of which US $21.7 million will be financed byWorld Bank and remaining amount will be funded-out of state Budget. The project’s objective is tocontribute to improved budget execution, enhanced accountability and greater efficiency in RevenueAdministration in Rajasthan. It also involves strengthening of Strengthening of Expenditure andRevenue Systems, Public Financial Management Framework and Project Management and CapacityBuilding among others. The project has duration is 5 years.

PRAAPTI App and Web portal launched to bring transparency in electricity payments to GeneratorsMay 30, 2018

The Union Ministry of Power has launched web portal (www.praapti.in) and app namely PRAAPTI(Payment Ratification And Analysis in Power procurement for bringing Transparency in Invoicing ofgenerators). The webportal and app aims to bring transparency in power purchase transactionsbetween Generators and Discoms.Key Features

The PRAAPTI app and web Portal will capture invoicing and payment data for various long termPower Purchasing Agreements (PPAs) from power generation companies (generators). This will helpstakeholders in getting month-wise and legacy data on outstanding amounts of Discoms againstpower purchase.The PRAAPTI app will also allow users to know the details related to payments made by Discoms topower generators and when they were made. It will also enable consumers to evaluate financialperformance of their Discoms in terms of payments being made to generators.The PRAAPTI portal will also help DISCOMs and GENCOs to reconcile their outstanding payments. Itwill facilitate relative assessment of various State DISCOMs on ease of making payments to variousgenerators and will also help make transactions in power Sector more transparent.

TRAI proposes use of blockchain technology to curb spam calls, textsMay 30, 2018

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in its draft Telecom Commercial CommunicationCustomer Preference Regulation, 2018 has proposed use of blockchain technology to check menace ofUnsolicited Commercial Communication (UCC) or spam calls and messages. This will be for firsttime, any country will deploy blockchain technology to check unwanted calls.Key Facts

The blockchain technology based norms to check menace of UCC will record all communicationbetween subscribers and entities, capturing customer consent for information and authorisedtelemarketing agencies. It will ensure two things, non- repudiative and confidentiality.It will be safeguarding personal information of the consumers as well as for better check onunsolicited commercial calls. Only those authorised to access details will be able to access subscriberdetails and only when they need to deliver service.The draft proposes to check misuse of repeated UCC being made even to those subscribers who havegiven consent. The subscriber will be now able to revoke consent given to entities through TRAI appand other mechanism that will be provided under regulation.Benefits

Using blockchain technology, all information can be recorded and more options can be given to




customers regarding commercial communications. The telemarketers will not have access todatabase of telecom customers and they can only reach out to those, who have opted to receivecommunication. Moreover, any spammer who uses normal 10-digit number to communicate withpeople can be tracked immediately after few people report to TRAI as data can be matched.

WHO adopts resolution on Digital Health proposed by IndiaMay 30, 2018

The 71st World Health Assembly held in Geneva, Switzerland has adopted resolution on DigitalHealth. The resolution was initiated by India and was co-sponsored by 20 countries. The World




Health Assembly is highest decision-making body of World Health Organization (WHO). Its 71stsession was attended by delegations from all WHO member states.Features of Resolution on Digital Health

It recognises huge potential of Digital health technology has for supporting Universal HealthCoverage (UHC) and improving accessibility, quality and affordability of health services.It urges WHO member states to prioritise development and greater use of digital technologies inhealth sector as means for advancing global health agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.It paves way for WHO to establish global strategy on digital health, identify priority areas andengage member states to optimise their health systems in sync with global digital health agenda.It is first step towards mainstreaming digital interventions in health sector. It includes use modernadvance technologies such as deep machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things(IoT) and other emerging disciplines like genomics.It also asks member states to identify priority areas in which they will be benefitted from WHOassistance in digital health services and applications, data security, ethical and legal issues.World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO is specialized agency of United Nations that acts as coordinating authority on internationalpublic health. It was established on 7 April 1948, it succeeded the Health Organization, which was anagency of the League of Nations. It is a member of UN Development Group (UNDP). It isheadquartered at Geneva. WHO flag features the Rod of Asclepius as a symbol for healing.

Senior diplomat Pankaj Saran as Deputy National Security AdvisorMay 30, 2018

The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed senior diplomat Pankaj Saran asDeputy National Security Advisor (NSA). He will have tenure of two years, on deputation basis. In hisnew role, he will assist NSA Ajit Doval along with Rajinder Khanna who was appointed as DeputyNSA in January 2018Pankaj Saran

He is Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of 1982 batch officer. He had held various positions in Indiaand abroad including the country’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh. He also served as the jointsecretary in the Prime Minister’s Office between 2007 and 2012. Prior to his appointment as DeputyNSA, he was serving as India’s Ambassador to Russia from November 2015. His wife Preeti Saran isSecretary (East) in Ministry of External Affairs.National Security Advisor (NSA)

The NSA is the chief executive of National Security Council (NSC) and primary advisor to PrimeMinister on national and international security and oversees strategic issues. It is NSA to whomintelligence agencies such as Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) and Intelligence Bureau (IB) report,rather than directly to Prime Minister. Due to such vested powers, NSA is prominent and powerfuloffice in the bureaucracy. NSA is assisted by a Deputy NSA. The post was created in November 1998by Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government. Brajesh Mishra was first to be appointed NSA of India. Since theinception of the post, all NSAs appointed belong to Indian Foreign Service (IFS) except M KNarayanan and incumbent, Ajit Doval, who belong to Indian Police Service.

Bihar Government implores Centre for granting the Special Category Status for the stateMay 30, 2018

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has implored Centre for granting Special Category Status for thestate. He asserted Special Category status to the state will it will enhance availability of resources bylowering state’s contribution in centrally sponsored schemes, improve access to external resources.It will act as catalyst for private investment and will boost employment generation and improve lifequality of people in the land locked state.Special Category status

The concept of SCS was first introduced in 1969 by Fifth Finance Commission. It has been notmentioned in Constitution. The rationale for special status was that certain states were historicallydisadvantaged in contrast to others, because of their inherent features, low resource base and cannotmobilize resources for development.The decision to grant special category status was earlier with former Planning Commission bodycalled the National Development Council (NDC). NITI Aayog, which had replaced Planning




Commission has no power to allocate funds for states falling under this category, therefore, now it isdiscretion of ruling party at Centre to dole out special favours to states.Criteria for Special Category StatesEarlier, NDC accorded this status to states having hilly and difficult terrain, low population density orsizeable share of tribal population, strategic location along borders with neighbouring countries, economicand infrastructural backwardness and non-viable nature of state finances. The 14th Finance Commissionalso had recommended variables such as “forest cover” for devolution, with weightage of 7.5 incriteria to benefit north-eastern States.What Special Category States have in common?They are special in the sense that they have special socio-economic, geographical problems, high costof production with less availability of useful resources and hence low economic base for livelihoodactivities. States under this category have low resource base and are not in position to mobilizeresources for their developmental needs even though their per capita income may appear high.Which are Special Category Status States?NDC had accorded Special Category Status only to 11 states, out of 29 states to target fund flow forbetter balanced growth. These states includes are seven states of North-East (Arunachal Pradesh,Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura), Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, HimachalPradesh and Uttarakhand. Other states are referred as General Category States (GCS).

Benefits to Special Category Status StatesSpecial Category Status states are given favored treatment in respect of plan financing and financialdevolutions as compared to General Category States (GCS). According to Gadgil-Mukherjee formulafor devolution of Central assistance for States plan as approved by NDC, 30 % of total funds isearmarked for Special Category States.Special category States receive 90% central assistance as grant and just 10% as loan in composition ofCentral assistance as compared to central assistance of 30% grant and 70% loan for Special CategoryStates. Moreover, these states get favored treatment from hands of Finance Commission in respectof devolution of Central tax revenues.

Present position of CentreAfter establishment of NITI Aayog and recommendations of 14th Finance Commission, Central plan




assistance to SCS States was subsumed in increased devolution of divisible pool to all States (from32% in 13th Finance Commission recommendations to 42%).Many states such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha are craving for Special Category State statusbecause of nature of benefits these states are getting. In response to demand of these states, CentralGovernment held that 14th Finance Commission has effectively removed concept of Special CategoryStates after its recommendations were accepted in 2015 and it has restricted it only to north-easternand three hilly states.

May 31, 20184th International Yoga Day Celebrations main event to be held in Dehradun

May 31, 2018

The Union Ministry of AYUSH has announced that main event of 4th International Yoga Daycelebrations (IDY-2018) will be held on 21 June 2018 at Dehradun, capital city of Uttrakhand.Key Facts

The event is going to be Mass Yoga Demonstration that will attended by Prime Minister NarendraModi. Three places- Forest Research Institute (FRI), Gorkha Training Centre (GTC) and MaharanaPratap Stadium have been identified for the event. On this occasion AYUSH Ministry is also planningto give two Yoga Awards known as PM Yoga Award to national and international participants.International Yoga Day (IYD)

The idea of celebrating the International Yoga Day was pitched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi atthe United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2014. Later in December 2014, UNGAunanimously adopted India-led resolution to observe 21st June as ‘International Day of Yoga’. Thisresolution was adopted under agenda of UN’s ‘Global Health and Foreign Policy’. The date 21st Junewas selected because it represents one of the two solstices and is the longest day in NorthernHemisphere which has special significance in many parts of the world. The first International YogaDay (IYD) was celebrated across the world on 21 June 2015.

IRTC Next Generation e-Ticketing System: Ministry of Railways launches new user interfaceMay 31, 2018

Union Ministry of Railways has launched new user interface of its Next Generation e-Ticketing(NGeT) System on Indian Railway’s Online Travel Portal (www.irctc.co.in). Through NGeT system,Indian Railways new online ticket booking system provides user-friendly, easy and fast way ofbooking rail tickets by automating journey planning and purchase of tickets. It was launched as partof Union Government’s Digital India’ initiative to harness power of technology and in making liveseasier for citizens of India.Features of New User Interface of NGeT System

Using it user can now enquire and search trains and also check availability of seats without loggingin the system, thereby saving time of the users. They also can now change font size of website forcomfortable viewing.It will provide enhanced class-wise, train-wise, destination-wise, departure and arrival time wise andquota-wise filters for facilitating customer while planning their journeys. It also arrangesinformation about train including train no, train name, originating and destination station anddistances between them, arrival and departure time and journey time on single screen information.It also has new features for payments such as My Transactions which will help user to view theirbooked tickets based on Booking Date, Journey Date, Upcoming Journey and completed journey. Italso has waitlist prediction which will allow user to get probability of wait-listed or RAC ticketsgetting confirmed.It also has journey planner page, history of all journeys, bookings, cancellation. User can find outavailability for entire Advance Reservation Period (of 120 days), except for few trains in improvisedpage. User can perform multiple activities through booked history with improved interface forcancellation of tickets, printing of tickets, request for additional SMS, selecting alternative train andchange of boarding point if required.

Mission Raftar: Ministry of Railways organizes one day workshop to raise speed of trainsMay 31, 2018

Ministry of Railways conducted one day workshop Mission Raftaar aimed at raising average speed offreight trains and coaching trains in New Delhi. The workshop was inaugurated by Minister of State


http://www.irctc.co.in



(MoS) for Railways Rajen Gohain and Chairman of Railway Board Ashwani Lohani. It was attended byall members of Railway Board along with General Managers of Zonal Railways & Senior Railwayofficers were present on occasion.Mission Raftar

The mission aims at doubling average speed of freight trains and increasing average speed ofcoaching trains by 25kmph over a five year period. It was launched as part of strategy of IndianRailways to keep pace with growing competition from competing modes viz. road and airlines etc.Under it, specific actions and policy decisions have been initiated on railways for addressing differentfactors inhibiting average speeds.Under it, major constraints to rail mobility such as non-uniform sectional speeds have beenidentified and multi-pronged strategy has been developed to overcome the existing impediments dueto fixed infrastructure, movable infrastructure, operational practices and institutional mechanisms.Significance

The mission will help to reduce travel time for passengers, transit time for cargo, reduce operationalcost, improve revenues and railway’s market share and also reduce pollution as railways inconsidered environment friendly and economical mode of transport. Principal routes of railways onGolden Quadrilateral (Delhi-Mumbai-Chennai-Kolkatta) along with diagonals which carryapproximately 58% of freight traffic and 52% of coaching traffic has been taken up for initialemphasis of the mission.

INDOPACOM: US Pacific Command renamed as Indo-Pacific CommandMay 31, 2018

United States has renamed its oldest and largest stragically important military command US PacificCommand (PACOM) to Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). The decision was taken in recognitionof growing importance of Indian Ocean in US strategic thinking. The Trump administration alreadyhas renamed Asia Pacific as Indo-Pacific and identified India as one bookend of the region.Key Facts

At present, US Pacific Command is responsible for all US military activity in greater Pacific region. Ithas about 375,000 civilian and military personnel assigned to its area of responsibility, which alsoincludes India. Now renamed INDOPACOM will now extend its reach from Pacific Ocean to IndianOcean Region.INDOPACOM will help US to stand by its Pacific and Indian Ocean allies and partners and supporttheir sovereign decisions for maintaining regional stability and in turn critical to global peace. Therenaming does not to account to additional assets for the region at this time. But it recognizes India’sincreasing military relevance for US for countering Chinese economic and military pressure in theregion.

Government launches India’s first ever guidelines for Adventure TourismMay 31, 2018

The Union Ministry of Tourism for first time issued guidelines for Adventure Tourism in India in aneffort to make adventure sports safer. These guidelines were launched Minister of State for Tourism(Independent Charge) K. J. Alphons in New Delhi. In past few years, adventure tourism has grownrapidly India. It has been playing vital role in economic growth of the country as well as attractinglarge number of travellers from across globe to country.Key Facts

The Ministry of Tourism has formulated guidelines on Safety and Quality Norms for AdventureTourism in India along with Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI). The set ofguidelines list out basic minimum standards required for adventure tourism activities in India.The sole aim of these guidelines is to help adventure tour operators understand and execute safetyguidelines in better manner. These guidelines cover land, air and water based adventure activitieswhich include mountaineering, bungee jumping, trekking, paragliding, kayaking, scuba diving,snorkeling, river rafting and many other sports.

Scientists create world’s first 3D-printed human corneasMay 31, 2018

Scientists from Newcastle University, UK have created world’s first 3D printed human corneas (3Dprinted thin protective film over eye) that could solve problem of shortage of available eye donors




and help millions of blind people gain sight again.

Cornea is outermost layer of the human eye. Its key function is to focus vision. It also barricades eyes against harmful dirtand bacteria. Damage to cornea from injury or infection can distort vision or even lead to blindness.

Key Facts

The 3D printed human corneas were produced using bio-ink solution consisting of healthy cornealstem mixed together with alginate and collagen. The combination of alginate (a gel derived fromseaweed) and collagen helps to keep corneal stem cells alive and produces material of necessarydimensions which is stiff enough to hold its shape and soft enough to be squeezed out nozzle of 3Dprinter.

Andhra Pradesh notifies new state symbols after bifurcationMay 31, 2018

Andhra Pradesh Government notified its new state symbols after four year after bifurcation ofundivided Andhra Pradesh in 2014 into two states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. These statessymbols were notified by State department of environment, forest, science and technology.New state symbols

State bird: Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri). Locally known as Rama Chiluka.State tree: Neem ( Azadirachta indica). Locally known Vepa Chettu.State animal: Black-buck (Antilope cervicapra). Locally known as Krishna Jinka.State flower: Jasmine (Jasminum officinale). Its adoption will promote jasmine, which is growncommercially in Guntur, Prakasam, Kurnool, Kadapa, Anantapur and Chittoor districts of state.State symbols of Telangana

State bird: Indian Roller (coracias benghalensis) or Palapitta. It also state bird of Odisha andKarnataka.State tree: Jammi Chettu (prosopis cineraria).State animal: Jinka or spotted deer.State flower: Tangidi Puvvu (senna auriculata). It is widely used in the state’s famous Bathukammafestival.

Facebook partners with NCW to launch Digital Literacy ProgrammeMay 31, 2018

Social networking giant Facebook has partnered with National Commission for Women (NCW) tolaunch Digital Literacy Programme to train women on safe use of internet and social media. Theprogramme was launched by Facebook in collaboration with Ranchi, Jharkhanda-based Cyber PeaceFoundation (CPF), a civil society organisation involved in training related to all aspects of cybersecurity.Digital Literacy Programme

Under it, awareness training will be conducted for 60,000 women in universities across major citiesover a one-year period. These interactive training sessions will provide training on safe andresponsible use of internet, social media and email. It will enable trainees to differentiate betweencredible and questionable information. The training will be conducted in local languages. The digitalliteracy programme will benefit women in universities across major cities in Haryana, Manipur,Delhi-NCR, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.National Commission for Women (NCW)

NCW is a statutory body established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. It wasestablished in January 1992 to review the constitutional and legal safeguards for women. Itrecommends remedial legislative measures, advise Government on all policy matters affectingwomen and facilitate redressal of grievances related to women.

Upgraded Pinaka rocket successfully test-firedMay 31, 2018

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test-fired upgradedguided version of Pinaka Rocket from Proof & Experiment Establishment (PXE) at Chandipur,Odisha. During the tests, two rounds were conducted and some more rounds have been planned.Upgraded Pinaka

The guided version is Pinaka rocket (Pinaka mark-II) has evolved from earlier version of unguided




Pinaka mark-I. The upgraded Pinaka mark-II has been fitted with navigation, guidance and controlkit developed by Research Centre, Imarat (RCI). The conversion has helped to enhance range ofPinaka to more than 70 km (from earlier 40 km) and accuracy to 50m (from earlier 500m).Pinaka Missile

It is jointly developed by Pune based Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE),Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad and RCI. It is fired using multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) which can fire 12 Rockets loaded with explosives within 44 secondsand destroy target area of 4 sq km at a time. It has capability to incorporate several types ofwarheads makes it deadly for enemy as it can even destroy solid structures and bunkers. The quickreaction time and high rate of fire of system gives an edge to Army during low amount conflictsituation. It already has been inducted into Indian Army.


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Current Affairs Today: Monthly PDF Compilation [May, 2018] MAY ENGLISH MAGAZINE CA.pdf · 15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas to be held in Varanasi in January 2019 ... First all-woman Post