CUURENT AFFAIRS- March 2018

A. PERSONS

Neil Basu : Senior Indian-origin Scotland Yard officer Neil Basu became first person of Asian heritage to

be appointed as Counterterrorism Chief. He will take charge as Scotland Yard’s National Lead for

Counter Terrorism (CT) and Head of Met Police’s Specialist Operations.

Balkrishna Doshi: Legendary Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi (90), a pioneer of low-cost housing

design has won the prestigious Pritzker Prize, considered architecture field’s Nobel. He is 45th Pritzker

laureate and first from India to receive it.

The international Pritzker prize was established by Chicago’s Pritzker family in 1979. It is

considered to be one of the world’s premier architecture prizes, and is often referred to as the Nobel

Prize of architecture.

Vineet Joshi

Government has appointed former chairman of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Vineet

Joshi, as the first Director-General (DG) of the National Testing Agency (NTA). He will have tenure of

five years.

Chandra Bhushan Kumar

Government has appointed senior bureaucrat Chandra Bhushan Kumar as Deputy Election

Commissioner. He will have tenure of five years. Bhushan is 1995 batch IAS officer of Union Territories

Cadre.

JS Rajput

The Ministry of Human Resource Development has nominated former NCERT director JS Rajput as

India’s representative to Executive Board (EXB) of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural

Organization(UNESCO).

Satya Pal Malik

President Ram Nath Kovind has given Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik (72) additional charge of Odisha

until regular arrangements are made. He was given additional charge after incumbent governor S C

Jamir completed his five-year tenure.

Bidya Devi Bhandari

Nepal’s first woman President Bidya Devi Bhandari (56) was relected for second term in office. In the

presidential election, she defeated Nepali Congress (NC) leader Kumari Laxmi Rai with overwhelming

majority. Ms. Bhandari was elected with more than a two-thirds majority after she secured 39,275

votes while the Nepali Congress’s Ms. Rai garnered 11,730 votes.

Ashok Gajapathi Raju

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Minister of State for Science and Technology

Y.S. Chowdary of the Telugu Desam Party resigned from the Union Council of Ministers.

INTERNATIONAL

Gary Cohn

White House’s top economic adviser Gary Cohn resigned over his differences with US President Donald

Trump on trade policy.

Michael Bloomberg

Philanthropist Michael Bloomberg launched 20 million US dollars anti-tobacco watchdog to detect and

expose deceptive practices by the tobacco industry.

Steve Smith and David Warner

Cricket Australia has handed a 12-month suspension to Steve Smith and David Warner for their

involvement in the ball-tampering scandal. Cameron Bancroft has been handed a nine-month

suspension.

Smith and Warner also stepped down as captains of Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad

respectively. Smith and Bancroft have also been banned from captaining Australia for at least the next

two years, while Warner will not be considered for any team leadership positions in the future.

B. EVENTS

Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav

‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (RSM) -2018’ a diversified cultural carnival organized by Ministry of

Culture in Madhya Pradesh concluded in Indore. The festival received continuous gratitude for playing

a major role to effectively connect the audience to the rich, diverse and undiscovered culture of India

under the umbrella of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

IJIRA IN KOLKATA

27th Technological Conference of Indian Jute Industries' Research Association on Shaping the Future of

Jute held in Kolkata in March. It was done to promote geo-textile in the northeast region. The

conference also discussed that women-centric employment opportunity in the production of the

sanitary napkin should be encouraged. It was attended by Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani.

International Yoga Festival

29th International Yoga Festival was celebrated on the banks of the holy Ganges river, in the lap of the

sacred Himalayas, the birthplace of yoga at Parmarth Niketan Ashram, Rishikesh, India. Around 80

famous saints, yogacharyas (yoga teachers), presenters and experts from nearly 97 countries around

the world witnessed the event and participated for over 70 hours of Yoga classes.

First Flight In Pakyong Airport (Sikkim)

The first commercial flight of Spicejet landed successfully at newly constructed Pakyong airport in

Sikkim. The plane's landing is seen as a major boost to the state tourism prospect.

Pakyong is about 30 kilometers away from Gangtok. Pakyong Airport is 4,600ft above sea level.

SpiceJet had bid for flying rights from the airport under the Centre's regional connectivity scheme

called UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik).

Wings India 2018

The four-day biennial event ‘WINGS INDIA 2018 ‘, jointly organized by Ministry of Civil Aviation and

Airport Authority of India and FICCI was held in Hyderabad. The theme of the event was ‘India-Global

Aviation Hub’.

WINGS INDIA 2018 is a platform for interactions, forging alliances, investments and air connectivity

between the States and the global aviation players & stakeholders. About 125 exhibitors and 35 CEOs

participated in the event.

Krishi Unnati Mela

The three-day annual Krishi Unnati Mela was held in New Delhi with a focus on doubling the farmers'

income. The objective of the fair was to create awareness among farmers about the latest agriculture-

related technological developments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Jaivik Kheti portal and laid the foundation stone of

25Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

Indian Science Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 105th session of the Indian Science Congress, at

Manipur University in Imphal. Imphal, thus became the second city in the North-East to host this

prestigious event. Around 5000 delegates including three Noble laureates, scientists, scholars and

researchers from all across the country participated in the conference.

C. ECONOMY

India receives first LNG cargo from US

India received its first Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) cargo from United States (US) under long-term supply

deal. The first US-sourced LNG shipment was imported by state-owned GAIL on board of its chartered

LNG ship ‘Meridian Spirit’ from Cheniere Energy’s Sabine Pass LNG export facility in Louisiana.

Bulk export of all edible oils

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved for removal of prohibition on export

of all varieties of edible oils except mustard oil. It will provide additional marketing avenues for edible

oils and oilseeds.

Global Payment Innovation Tracker system

The SWIFT (Society for World Interbank Financial Telecommunication System) platform has expanded

its GPI (Global Payment Innovation) Tracker system to help banks track their global transactions at all

times and keep full vigil on payments activity.

MCX launches world’s first brass futures contracts

India’s largest commodities exchange platform, Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX)

launched world’s first brass futures contracts. It will facilitate brass stakeholders to hedge their price

risk. MCX Brass futures will be the first non-ferrous contract with compulsory delivery option.

WEF Energy Transition Index

India was ranked at 78th among 114 countries on World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Energy Transition

Index (ETI) released as part of report titled Fostering Effective Energy Transition. The index ranks

countries on how well they are able to balance energy security and access with environmental

sustainability and affordability.

World Happiness Index 2018

India was ranked 133rd among 156 countries in World Happiness Index 2018, recently released by the

UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. The index ranked 156 countries based on factors

(parmaters) such as inequality, life expectancy, GDP per capita, social freedom, generosity, public trust

(i.e. a lack of corruption in government and business) and social support.

Relief measures for stressed telecom sector

Union Cabinet has approved two key measures in telecom sector to facilitate investments,

consolidation in the sector and enhancing ease of doing business. These include restructuring Deferred

payment liabilities of spectrum auction of telecom service providers (TSPs) and Revising the limit of the

cap for spectrum holding for TSPs.

Iraq overtakes Saudi Arabia as India’s biggest Oil Supplier

Iraq has overtaken Saudi Arabia to become India’s top crude oil supplier by supplying 38.9 million

tonnes (MT) crude oil in the current financial year. It was fifth of the India’s oil needs. India is 80%

dependent on imports to meet its oil needs.

Subhash Garg Committee

The Union Government has set up 8 member steering committee look into development and

regulation of financial technology (fintech) sector in India. It will be headed by Economic Affairs

Secretary Subhash Garg.

India’s first HeliTaxi

India’s first helicopter shuttle service (HeliTaxi) was launched in IT capital Bengaluru, Karnataka n a bid

to provide last-mile connectivity. The maiden trip of helit axi was between Electronic City and

Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. It was provided by Thumby Aviation.

Services PMI

The Nikkei India Services Business Activity Index contracted at 47.8 in February 2018 compared with

51.7 in January 2018. A reading above 50 implies an expansion while one below 50 denotes a

contraction. The contraction shows that activity and new work in services sector declined for the first

time since November 2017, with rates of contraction the fastest since August 2017.

World-first digital legal tender

Marshall Islands in Pacific Ocean is set to become first country in world to recognize cryptocurrency as

its legal tender and adopt transparent crypto monetary system. The parliament of island has passed

law to create the digital currency called “Sovereign” with symbol SOV to raise some hard cash to pay

bills and boost economy.

Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs)

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has crossed an important milestone of having signed 200

Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs). It was achieved after it entered into seven more APAs in February

2018.

Index of eight core industries

According to index of eight core industries released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Core sector

growth has grown at faster pace of 6.7% in January 2018 against 3.4% in January 2017. The eight core

sectors had grown by 4.2% in December 2017 and 7.4% in November 2017.

Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI)

According to Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), India’s manufacturing

sector activity fell to four-month low in February 2018 as factory output and new business orders rose

at slower pace.

D. STATES

Maharashtra

First Mega Food Park named as M/s Satara Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd was inaugurated in the state of

Maharashtra. Mega Food Parks create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along the

value chain from farm to market with strong forward and backward linkages through a cluster based

approach.

(a) An important decision was taken in Maharashtra in March to ban plastics. According to the

Maharashtra Plastic and Thermocol Products (Manufacture, Usage, Sale, Transport, Handling and

Store) Notification, 2018, the manufacture, usage, sale, storage and transport of products made from

plastic and thermocol will be banned with immediate effect across the state.

The government has proposed fines of Rs 5,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000 for the first three offences.

However, plastic used for packing and packaging will be exempted.

(b) It has been for the first time that Indian Oil promises to deliver diesel at customer’s doorstep.

The services are launched in Pune on pilot basis. Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation

approved the services. Since petrol ignites easily and diesel does not ignite easily without pressure

being applied this makes it easier to handle for home delivery.

Jharkhand

The Union Government has approved to set up a plastic park in Deoghar district of Jharkhand. The

park is being set up at an estimated cost of Rs 120 crore and is spread over 150 acres of land.

The park will provide six thousand direct employments and 30 thousand indirect employments for the

people. The Centre will also set up a plastic refining unit in the same area at the cost of Rs 3.5 crore.

Odisha

The Odisha government launched a programme Ama Gaon, Ama Vikas (Our Village, Our Development)

to reach out to the people in rural areas and involve themselves in the developmental activities.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik flagged off mobile video vans for ‘Ama Gaon Ama Vikas’ programme

that will move across the State to highlight various welfare schemes at villages in the state. Through

these Wi-Fi enabled latest technology video wall vans, people can directly send their grievances to the

Chief Minister’s Office at the Secretariat in Bhubaneswar.

Karnataka

Recently Karnataka has emerged as the third-largest producer of renewable energy in India. It was

decided by Government to inaugurate world’s largest solar park in Karnataka, named as ‘Shakti

Sthala’. Karnataka’s solar park will have 2,000 megawatt capacity and can generate 2000 MW power.

The project will involve 2,300 farmers as these farmers will provide their land for Rs 21,000 per acre

per annum rent. The solar park will involve cost of Rs 165 billion at 13,000 acres spread across five

villages.

Nagaland

NDPP leader Neiphiu Rio took over as Chief Minister of Nagaland for 4th

term. Governor PB Acharya

administered the Oath of Office and Secrecy to the Council of Ministers. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader

Yanthungo Patton was selected as the Deputy Chief Minister. The new Chief Minister proved the majority

and ensured that Nagaland's development will witness a new governance u Meghalaya

Chief of the National People's Party, Conrad Sangma became new Chief Minister of Meghalaya,

replacing Mukul Sangma. He took oath in presence of Governor Ganga Prasad in Shillong. At present,

he is a Lok Sabha MP from the Tura parliamentary constituency in Meghalaya.

Goa

The state celebrated Shigmotsav 2018. The fest is also called as Shigmo. Shigmo fest is a folklore

holiday of the oncoming spring season in Goa. It is one of the several cultural festivals of the coastal

state and is celebrated with the performance of particular songs and dances with exact color of

clothing, performances of significant Epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata etc.

Karnataka

In order to ensure universal health coverage for all citizens of Karnataka state, Karnataka state

unveiled ‘Arogya Karnataka’ programme. It is a health scheme to provide treatment of health at an

affordable cost. It will provide medical cover to both Below Poverty Line and Above Poverty Line

families in the state. The state will bear Rs. 2000 crore cost for ‘Arogya Karnataka’ programme to cover

1.4 crore families.

State government will bear 30% of bills up to Rs 1.5 lakh in case of ABL families and 100% of bills up to

Rs 1.5 lakh for each BPL families.

(b) India's first helicopter taxi service took off for the first time in Bengaluru, which carried nine

passengers from Kempegowda International Airport and to Electronic City in just 12 minutes. It saved

time of about 2 hours. The service will cost Rs 3,500 plus GST to the passengers.

(c) Microsoft has inked its first renewable energy deal in India for powering its new facility in

Bengaluru. As a part of the agreement, Microsoft will purchase 3 megawatts of solar-powered

electricity from Atria Power for its new office building in Bengaluru. It will help meet 80% of the

projected electricity needs at the facility.

(d) India's tallest national flag was hoisted in Belgaum in Karnataka. The 110m tall flag post at Kote

Kere lake front is near the historic Belagavi fort. It is taller than the post in Pune (107 m) and the one

at the Indo-Pak border at Attari (105 m).

Odisha

In order to promote hygiene and empower women, Odisha state launched a scheme named as KHUSHI

scheme, so as to provide free sanitary napkins to school girls across the state. The scheme benefitting

17 lakh girls, will cost 70 crores annually to the health and family welfare department of the state.

Under this scheme, sanitary napkins will be provided at reduced cost to rural women as well.

Tripura

Biplab Kumar Deb became new Chief Minister of Tripura and BJP MLA Jishnu Debbarma was selected

as the deputy chief minister. Gadkari was appointed as observer by BJP president Amit Shah. As per

demands of Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura, the incumbent chief minister is from tribal

community. Biplab Deb is the leader of Bharatiya Janata Party and will be known as 20th chief minister

of Tripura.

Rajasthan (Death Penalty for Rapists)

Rajasthan Assembly approved a bill providing for death penalty to those convicted of raping girls

under 12 years of age. The Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2018, seeks to add section 376-

AA and 376-DD in the Indian Penal Code (IPC)

Telangana

The Government of Telangana has launched Women Entrepreneurship Hub (WE- Hub) in Hyderabad

which is India’s first state-led incubator exclusively for women entrepreneurs. WE Hub will be open for

all kinds of startups led by women.

We-Hub is an entrepreneurial platform for aspiring women from rural and urban backgrounds helping

them achieve being independent.

Haryana

Haryana Assembly passed a bill proposing death penalty and rigorous imprisonment not less than 14

years in respect of rape/gang rape of girls below 12 years.

The punishment of 14 years may be extended to imprisonment for life that is for the remainder of the

person's natural life

Uttar Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron today inaugurated Uttar

Pradesh’s biggest solar power plant (75 MW ) in Mirzapur district’s Chhanvey block.

The project has been built at a cost of Rs 500 crore by a French firm ENGIE at the Dadar Kalan village.

1,18,600 solar panels have been set up in over 380 acres. The plant will generate 15.6 crore units of

electricity annually. Solar Energy Corporation of India has signed a Power purchase agreement for 25

years with the company.

Manipur

The Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Laboratory (IBSD), Imphal has set up a floating

laboratory on Loktak lake to constantly monitor its water quality. Loktak is northeast India's largest

freshwater lake.

Andhra Pradesh

The Andhra Pradesh Government launched, on 22nd March 2018, NAIPUNYA RATHAM or World on

Wheels, a multi-utility vehicle which aims to bring technology to the remote corners. The Government

will roll out 12 more Naipunya Rathams by May 2018.

E. AWARDS

Airport Awards: According to the Airports Council International (ACI) ASQ 2017 rankings, Indira Gandhi

International Airport (IGIA) of Delhi and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

were ranked as the world’s best airports.

The Airports Council International (ACI) had conducted a worldwide programme in which passengers

were surveyed across airports for their feedback on 34 key performance indicators. ACI is a trade

association of 1,953 airports in 176 countries.

World Happiness Index: According to the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s (SDSN)

2018 World Happiness Report, Finland is the world’s happiest country. India was ranked 133 out of

156 nations.

The top 10 nations included Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Netherlands Canada,

New Zealand, Sweden and Australia. USA was 18th while UK was 19th.

Good Governance Rankings: According to the Annual Survey of India’s City-Systems (ASICS) report

released by the Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy, a Bengaluru-based non-profit

organization, Pune has been ranked as the best city in terms of good governance. Pune scored 5.1

points out of 10.

Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram, Bhubaneswar and Surat were the other cities in the top five.

Cost of Living: According to the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Worldwide Cost of Living 2018

survey, Singapore has been dubbed the world's most expensive city to live in for the fifth year running.

The cheapest city this year was found to be Damascus in Syria.

Paris, Zurich, Hongkong, Oslo, Geneva, Seoul, Copenhagen, Tel Aviv and Sydeny are the cities in the

top ten most expensive cities.

Airport Rankings: Skytrax survey rated Singapore Changi Airport as world's best airport for the sixth

consecutive year. The Incheon International Airport in South Korea and Haneda Airport in Japan

secured second and third place in the list. India’s Mumbai airport was placed at 63rd position and the

airports of Bangalore and Delhi were placed at 64th and 66th place respectively.

Robert P. Langlands

Canadian mathematician Robert P. Langlands (81) has won prestigious Abel Prize 2018 for his visionary

programme connecting representation theory to number theory. He will receive the award from

Norway’s King Harald V at an award ceremony in Oslo in May 2018.

Raja Ravi Varma

Renowned Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma’s untitled painting of Tilottama was sold for $795,000

(around Rs 5 crore) at Sotheby’s Modern and Contemporary South Asian art auction in New York. The

winning bid was made

by anonymous private collector.

ICMR

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) was awarded 2017 Kochon Prize for building tradition

of excellence in Tuberculosis (TB) research and development. It had emerged winner from among 18

nominations.

India

India won Best Exhibitor Award at ITB–Berlin World Tourist Meet convened at Berlin, Germany. More

than 100 countries had participated in the mega meet with their respective Tourism Ministers.

Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017

President Ram Nath Kovind presented Nari Shakti Puraskars 2017 to 30 eminent individuals and 9

distinguished institutions at special ceremony held in Rashtrapati Bhavan on occasion of International

Women’s Day. They were felicitated in recognition of their efforts in rendering distinguished services

for cause of women, especially vulnerable and marginalized women.

Balkrishna Doshi

Legendary Indian architect Balkrishna Doshi (90), a pioneer of low-cost housing design has won the

prestigious Pritzker Prize, considered architecture field’s Nobel. He is 45th Pritzker laureate and first

from India to receive it.

F. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Interstitium

Scientists have discovered new organ in human body and have named it as ‘interstitium’. It will be the

80th organ in the human body. It might be might be also the biggest organ in human body.

Rhino population rises marginally

The recent census carried out in Kaziranga National Park, Assam has revealed that there was a marginal

increase in the population of the one-horned rhinoceros here. As per census report, currently there are

2,413 rhinos in Kaziranga National Park registering a marginal increase of 12 rhinos compared to last

census.

GSAT 6A communication satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched GSAT 6A communication satellite

on board of GSLV-F08 rocket from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. GSAT-6A is high power S-band

communication satellite with a mission life of about 10 years.

NASA’s InSight Mission

NASA will send first-ever mission named as InSight (Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations,

Geodesy and Heat Transport) dedicated to exploring the deep interior of Mars. InSight will be

stationary lander that will be launched in May 2018. Under this mission, stationary lander equipped

with seismometer and heat transfer probe will be placed on surface of Mars to study red planet’s early

geological evolution.

Beidou-3MEO satellites

China has successfully sent pair of twin Beidou-3MEO satellites – Beidou-30 and Beidou-31 –into space

as part of its third and final stage of launching its domestic Beidou (Compass) satellite navigation

system.

Oil and Chemical Pollution in South Asian Seas

The Union Cabinet has approved signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and

South Asian Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP) for cooperation on response to Oil and

Chemical Pollution in South Asian Seas Region.

K2-229b Dwarf planet

Scientists using Kepler 2 telescope have discovered hot, metallic, Earth-sized planet named K2-229b

orbiting dwarf star located 260 million light years away. They had employed Doppler spectroscopy

technique also known as ‘wobble method‘ to discover and characterise this faraway planet.

India’s first insect museum

India’s first insect museum with state-of-the-art amenities was unveiled at Tamil Nadu Agricultural

University campus in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. NASA’s TESS Mission

NASA has partnered with private space launching company SpaceX to launch Transiting Exoplanet

Survey Satellite (TESS) to search for exoplanets using the transit method. TESS is designed to carry out

first spaceborne all-sky transiting exoplanet survey.

Brazzaville declaration

The Brazzaville declaration was singed to promote better management and conservation world’s

largest tropical peatlands-Cuvette Centrale region in Congo Basin from unregulated land use and

prevent its drainage and degradation.

Earth Hour

The twelfth edition of Earth Hour was observed across the world on 24 March 2018 to take a global call

on climate change. To mark this day, cities worldwide turned their lights off for one hour from 8:30 pm

to 9:30 pm local time.

Chandrayaan-2 Mission

The Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed launch of India’s second lunar

mission ‘Chandrayaan-2’ from April 2018 to October-November 2018 as experts have suggested more

tests. It will be launched on board of Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk III (GSLV-F10).

Space Grade Lithium-Ion Cells

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has entered into Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) with

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) to transfer technology for manufacturing space grade Lithium-

Ion (Li-Ion) cells.

Fluorimeter

Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology (RRCAT), an Indore-based unit of Department of

Atomic Energy (DAE) has developed instrument called Fluorimeter, to measure traces of uranium in

water. The device is capable of examining traces of uranium in sample of water from 0.1 PPB (Parts-

per-billion) unit to 100 PPB.

Maharashtra Government bans use of plastic

Maharashtra Government has banned complete use of plastic in time-bound manner, citing

environmental and public health concerns. The ban will include plastic bags, thermocol, disposable

cups and plates, cutlery, nonwoven polypropylene bags, plastic pouches and packaging.

Ptilomera Nagalanda

Scientists from Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered new species of water strider named

Ptilomera nagalanda Jehamalar and Chandra in Nagaland. It was found in river Intanki in Peren district

of Nagaland.

Sach-Gaurav

The Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB) has claimed that India’s first cloned Assamese

buffalo male calf named Sach-Gaurav was born in Hisar, Haryana. It was born to Murrah buffalo, at Hi

Tech Sach Dairy Farm, 100 kms from cloning laboratory, making it first buffalo calf to be born in field.

Artificial heart with rocket technology

Chinese scientists have developed artificial heart using rocket technology and it is currently undergoing

thorough testing experiments on animals. The artificial heart uses magnetic and fluid levitation from

rocket system. This technology can reduce friction in device to increase working efficiency and extend

life span of power generator.

Neutrino project

The Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has given environmental clearance to India-based

Neutrino Observatory (INO) project to be set up in Bodi West hills in Tamil Nadu. The approval was

given by MoEF’s

Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) after taking up INO project issue as special case.

QOL-2C

The Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has undertaken development of coded

drug AYUSH QOL-2C for improving quality of life in cancer patients.

Illegal cultivation of HT Cotton

The Department of Biotechnology in Ministry of Science and Technology has constituted Field

Inspection and Scientific Evaluation Committee (FISEC) to investigate matter of illegal cultivation of

Herbicide Tolerant (HT) or BG-III cotton in four states viz. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat and

Maharashtra.

Saposhi

Cybersecurity agencies have detected a new malware called Saposhi that can take over electronic

devices and use them for Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Saposhi Malware is capable of

taking over electronic devices and turning them into bots (device taken over by malware) which can

then be used for any purpose, including DDoS attacks which, with enough firepower, can cripple entire

industries.

Cheaper TB drugs

World Health Organization (WHO) has invited pharmaceutical companies around the world to submit

proposals to manufacture affordable versions of newer medicines for treatment of drug resistant

tuberculosis (DR-TB).

Silver copper telluride (AgCuTe)

Researchers have developed silver copper telluride (AgCuTe), a novel compound that exhibits poor

thermal conductivity but shows good electrical conductivity. It was developed by researchers from

Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru.

G. DEFENCE

ICBM RS-28 Sarmat

Russia has successfully test fired its latest nuclear Inter Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) RS-28

Sarmat. This missile can carry an array of warheads capable of dodging missile defenses.

SLCM BABUR

Pakistan Navy successfully test fired indigenously developed Submarine Launched version of Cruise

Missile (SLCM) BABUR.

Offshore Patrol Vessel

The Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) has delivered second Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) to Sri Lanka

Navy. This was overall the fourth Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) delivered in the current financial year.

INS Ganga decommissioned

Indian Navy’s indigenously built warship INS Ganga (F22) was decommissioned in Mumbai,

Maharashtra after over three decades of service.

BrahMos Missile

Supersonic cruise missile BrahMos was successfully flight-tested for first time with indigenously

developed seeker at Pokhran test range, Rajasthan. So far, seeker, a critical technology in missiles was

imported from Russia.

Varuna-18

The Indo-French joint naval exercise Varuna-18 was held in Arabian Sea off Goa coast. It was aimed to

explore measures to facilitate operational-level interactions between their armed forces and increase

mutual cooperation, considering the common global threats.

Gulf Shield – 1 military exercise

The Gulf Shield – 1 military exercise of 23 countries including Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member

states was held in Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. It was organised by Ministry of Defence of Saudi

Arabia. The one month exercise was largest military drill in region as it saw participation of

participation of ground, naval and air forces of participating countries.

ICGS C-437

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has commissioned interceptor boat ICGS C-437 at Porbandar, Gujarat as

part of its efforts to strengthen coastal security. ICGS C-437 shall be based at Jakhau under

administrative and operational control of commander Coast Guard Region (North West).

C17 Globemaster

The Indian Air Force (IAF) for first time flawlessly landed its largest transport US-manufactured aircraft,

C-17 Globemaster at strategic Tuting Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Arunachal Pradesh, which is

close to Chinese border. After the trial landing, C17 carried out operations mission and airlifted 18 tons

of load.

Samvedna 2018

Samvedna 2018, the first multilateral Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise of

Indian Air Force (IAF) in association with South Asian Region nations was held off the coast of Kerala.

The multilateral exercise was spearheaded by IAF and conducted by Southern Air Command (SAC) and

involved representatives from air forces of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and UAE.

MILES-18

The MILES-18, first-ever multi-nation naval exercise at sea was held at the Andaman sea. The three

days exercise was conducted as part of 10th edition of MILAN 2018. Milan 2018, a multi-national mega

event was organised by Andaman Nicobar naval command with theme ‘Friendship Across the Seas’ to

expand regional cooperation and combat unlawful activities in critical sea lanes.

First coastal policing academy set up in Gujarat

India’s first national coastal policing academy, National Academy of Coastal Policing (NACP) to train

police forces in effectively safeguarding country’s shoreline will start functioning from April 2018. It will

be launched from campus of Gujarat’s Fisheries Research Centre located in coastal Okha town in

Devbhumi Dwarka district of Gujrat

Kinzhal Missile

Russia successfully launched high-precision aeroballistic Kinzhal hypersonic missile from a MiG-31

supersonic interceptor jet. During the test, the missile launch was normal and it hit preset target on

the test site. It also met its performance characteristics and time indicators.

India-France Strategic pact

India and France have inked strategic pact providing for use of each other’s military facilities including

opening naval bases to warships. The agreement reflects growing depth between both countries in

defence ties and comes amid China’s growing military expansionism in Indo-Pacific region.

M777 ultra-light howitzers

Joint investigation committee (JIC) comprising US and Indian officials has test-fired M777 ultra-light

howitzers (ULH) at Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan. The test was conducted in the wake of accident

during its trial in September 2017.

ICG C-162

Bharati Defence and Infrastructure Ltd (BDIL) delivered high-speed interceptor boat ICG C-162 to

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) at BDIL jetty in Mangaluru, Karnataka. It is fifth interceptor boat delivered by

BDIL’s Mangaluru shipyard to ICG. The sixth boat will be delivered after three-and-a-half months of the

delivery of the fifth boat.

Liaoning aircraft carrier

The China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) has announced to build its first nuclear-powered

aircraft carrier Liaoning by the middle of the next decade. It was announced as part of its list of

ambitions hope to achieve in weaponry and technical developments for People’s Liberation Army

(PLA)-Navy by 2025.

Paschim Lehar

Tri-service maritime exercise Paschim Lehar conducted by Indian Navy concluded off western coast in

Arabian Sea. The objective of the exercise was to build interoperability between Indian Navy, Indian

Army, Indian Air Force and Coast Guard.

ATGM Nag

Indigenously developed Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) Nag was successfully test-fired in desert

conditions against two tank targets at different ranges and timings. With this, the developmental trials

of Nag missile have been completed and it is now ready for induction.

H. SPORTS

2018 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

World champions Australia won 27th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah cup 2018 for record 10th time. In

the final match held in Ipoh, Malaysia, Australia defeated defending champion England by narrow 2-1

goal margin.

India B wins Deodhar Trophy 2018

India B won 45th edition of the Deodhar Trophy 2018 by defeating Karnataka in final match by 6

wickets at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

Navjot Kaur

Ace wrestler Navjot Kaur won gold medal in the 65kg freestyle wrestling category of Senior Asian

Championships held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. With this, she created history by becoming first Indian

woman wrestler to win gold medal in Senior Asian Championships.

I. MISCELLANEOUS

Kadaknath chicken

Chennai based Geographical Indication Registry and Intellectual Property India has awarded

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag to Madhya Pradesh’s Kadaknath chicken.

Hindon Elevated Road

Hindon Elevated Road, India’s longest elevated road was inaugurated in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh by

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. It connects UP Gate to Rajnagar Extension and will make it easier to

commute between Delhi and Ghaziabad.

National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill

Union Cabinet has approved certain amendments to National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill

considering recommendations of Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee (DRPSC) and

general feedback from public.

Surat

Surat district in Gujarat become first in country to have 100% solar powered Primary Health Centers

(PHCs). All 52 PHCs in the district are now powered by solar system.

Krem Puri

The world’s longest sandstone cave named Krem Puri was discovered near Laitsohum village in

Mawsynram area in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The cave is 24,583 metres (24.5 km) in length

and is known for its complex cave systems hidden under its undulating hills.

African Continental Free Trade Area

The 44 African countries from total 55 members of African Union (AU) have signed agreement to

create African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), one of the world’s largest free trade blocs. The

agreement was signed at a summit held in Kigali, Rwanda.

Surrogacy (Regulation) Bill, 2016

The Union Cabinet has approved proposal for moving official amendments in Surrogacy (Regulation)

Bill, 2016. Once the Bill is enacted by Parliament, National Surrogacy Board (NSB) will be constituted at

central level. The States/UTs will constitute State Surrogacy Boards (SSBs) and State Appropriate

Authorities within 3 months of notification by Central Government.

Parivara and Talawara

The Union Cabinet has given its in principle approval for inclusion of communities, namely ‘Parivara

and Talawara’ as synonym of Nayaka at in the list of Scheduled Tribes (STs) of Karnataka.

International Criminal Court

Philippines has announced to withdraw from International Criminal Court (ICC) citing reason of

international bias and held that ICC was being utilised as a political tool against it.

Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES)

The Odisha government will collaborate with Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System

(RIMES) for strengthening its early warning services and enhancing preparedness for management of

hazards in state. The partnership will be in field of drought monitoring and early warning for different

natural disasters. RIMES is already working with the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority.

Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017

The Lok Sabha has passed Specific Relief (Amendment) Bill, 2017 to further ease procedures for doing

business in the country. The Bill seeks to amend the Specific Relief Act, 1963.

Delhi End TB Summit Statement of Action

The Member Countries of World Health Organization-Regional Office for South-East Asia (WHO-

SEARO), participating in Delhi End Tuberculosis (TB) Summit have adopted ‘Delhi End TB Summit

Statement of Action’. The summit was co-hosted by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, WHO-

SEARO and Stop TB Partnership in New Delhi.

Newton-Bhabha Fund

India-United Kingdom (UK) Joint Team has won Newton-Bhabha Fund for project on Groundwater

Arsenic Research in Ganga River Basin. The project was undertaken by Department of Science and

Technology (DST) in collaboration with Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), UK to find

solutions to water challenges faced in pervasively arsenic-affected Ganga River Basin.

World Hindi Secretariat

President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated World Hindi Secretariat building in Port Louis, Mauritius. He

also launched secretariat’s logo, an Early Digital Learning Programme as well unveiled foundation

stones of social housing project and large ENT hospital being built with Indian assistance.

International Solar Alliance summit

India, France co-hosted first International Solar Alliance (ISA) Summit at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Convention Centre in New Delhi. The aim of the summit was to deliberate on finance mechanism for

promotion of solar energy in member countries, crowd-funding and technology transfer.

Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2018

The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly has passed The Criminal Laws (Rajasthan Amendment) Bill, 2018

providing for death penalty for convicts involved in rape of girls below 12 years of age.

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership

11 Pacific Rim countries have formally entered into Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for

Trans-Pacific Partnership or CP TPP or TPP11 in Santiago, Chile. It is revised version of Trans-Pacific

Partnership (TPP) proposed by US, that was finalized after US withdrew from it.

Passive euthanasia, living will

The Supreme Court (SC) allowed passive euthanasia and right to give advance medical directives or

‘Living Wills’, stating that human beings have the right to die with dignity as part of fundamental right,

but made sure to set out strict guidelines that will govern when it is permitted.

Diu

Diu has become the first and only Union Territory in the country to be fully run on solar energy. The UT

generates total of 13 megawatts (MW) of electricity from solar power generating facilities daily. Of

this, 3 MW is generated by rooftop solar plants and 10 MW by its other solar power plants.

Karnataka state flag

Karnataka Government has decided to accept state flag proposed and designed by 9-member

committee constituted by state Kannada and Culture department. It will be official flag in place of an

unofficial red and yellow flag that is currently used in the state to signify local pride.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

The shareholders of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have given their nod

to India’s candidature to international financial institution. With this, India will become 69th member

of EBRD.

Rooppur atomic plant

India, Bangladesh and Russia have signed tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) for

cooperation in construction of Rooppur nuclear power plant near Dhaka, Bangladesh. It is first

initiative under India-Russia nuclear deal to undertake atomic energy projects in third countries. It will

also be India’s first atomic energy venture abroad.

Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018

The Union Cabinet has approved introduction of Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018 in Parliament.

The bill proposed by Finance Ministry aims to curb practice of evading criminal prosecution by

economic offenders (willful defaulters) who flee from country to evade clutches Indian law by

remaining outside jurisdiction of Indian courts.

Grey list of FATF

Pakistan has confirmed that it will be added on ‘grey list’ of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in June

2018, once an action plan is mutually negotiated. But it has disputed claims of being put on ‘black list’

from ‘grey list’, which are mainly non-cooperative countries. Earlier, Pakistan was on FATF grey-list

from 2012 to 2015.

J. JHARKHAND

Dr Arvind Prasad Chairman, Jharkhand Electricity regulatory Authority

Kamal Khan Chairman, Minority Commission

Kalyani Sharan Chairperson, Jharkhand Women Commission

Usha Pandey Chairperson, Social Welfare Board

Amit Kaushik Actor of Agni Fera

Raviraj Mahto Director of Agni Fera

Sunil Sahu President, Jharkhand Busu Association

Global Summit A Global Summit of investors was held in Ranchi in 2017 (Feb) in which several

MOUs were signed for making investments in the field of agriculture, energy,

health and medical education, mines and geology, information technology,

tourism art and culture, transport, etc

Chas Chas Municipal Corporation became the first municipal corporation in Jharkhand

to be declared Open Defecation Free (ODF).

U-14 Football Jharkhand became U-14 football champions in Khelo India Football Tournament.

Govt dental College It has been started in the campus of RIMS, Ranchi

New block Saryu This block has been created in Latehar district making the total number of blocks

to 264. Total number of anchals is 267.

New astro turf stadium The union sports Ministry has sanctioned a new astro turf stadium in

Hazaribagh .

New second languages The state government has approved three new languages as the Second

language of the state namely – Bhojpuri, Magahi and Angika