TNPSC GURU March CURRENT AFFAIRS –...Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre inscribed in 2008 Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas, India inscribed in 2009

TNPSC GURU FEBRUARY CURRENT AFFAIRS –www.tnpscguru.in

TNPSC GURU March CURRENT AFFAIRS –www.tnpscguru.in 2018

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March 1.

Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018

Union Cabinet has given its nod for introduction of Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and

Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018 in Parliament.

This bill will address one of the most pervasive yet invisible crimes affecting vulnerable persons

particularly children and women.

Important features about the Bill:

The bill will address the issue of trafficking from the point of view of prevention, rescue and

rehabilitation.

Aggravated forms of trafficking, which includes trafficking for the purpose of forced labour,

begging, trafficking by administering chemical substance or hormones on a person for the

purpose of early sexual maturity, trafficking of a woman or child for the purpose of marriage

or under the pretext of marriage or after marriage etc.

Immediate protection of rescued victims and their rehabilitation. The Victims are entitled to

interim relief immediately within 30 days to address their physical, mental trauma etc. and

further appropriate relief within 60 days from the date of filing of charge sheet.

Designated courts in each district for the speedy trial of the cases.

The Bill creates dedicated institutional mechanisms at District, State and Central Level. These

will be responsible for prevention, protection, investigation and rehabilitation work related

to trafficking. National Investigation Agency (NIA) will perform the tasks of Anti-Trafficking

Bureau at the national level present under the MHA.

Punishment ranges from rigorous minimum 10 years to life and fine not less than Rs. 1 lakh.

Source - Press Information Bureau ,Government of India

2.Anti -Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) NAG

Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) NAG were successfully flight-tested in desert conditions.

It is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

With this test all the trails has been completed and it is now ready for induction.

3.LAMITYE 2018,

India and Seychelles people army’s 8th joint military exercise named LAMITYE (means

friendship) taking place at Mahe Island, Seychelles.




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The aim of exercise is to develop the interoperability between two armies in fighting

counter-insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in semi urban environment under the

United Nations (UN) charter.

4.Pakistan in grey list of FATF

Pakistan to be included in grey list of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) from June.

About FATF

FATF is an inter-governmental body to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

It was established in G-7 summit in 1989, headquartered in Paris, France..

It has 37 member including India, European Union and the Gulf Co-operation Council

About Grey list

Including in Grey list which means the country which not taken enough step to counter

money laundering and terrorist financing.

It will decrease the foreign investment in the country considering the ties to terrorist

activities , also the image of country.

Also very difficult to get the loan from International monetary fund, world bank and other

foreign financial institituion.

5.Aviation Multi Skill Development Centre

India’s first Aviation Multi skill development centre has been launched in Chandigarh.

6.laureus sports award .

Roger Federar won the 2018 laureas sports award and become the most decorated winner

in the history of Laureus World Sports Awards with six statuettes.

Serena Williams won the Sportswoman of the Year Award.




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March 2

1.Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2018.

Union Cabinet has given its nod for the proposal of the ministry of finance to introduce

Fugitive Economic offenders Bill, 2018.

This bill will help to prevent the economic offenders from evading the process of Indian law

by staying outside the jurisdiction of Indian Courts.

The total value of 100 crore or more will come under the purview of this bill.

Features of the Bill.

The bill will force the fugitive to return to India to face the trial.

Confiscation of the property of offender in India, Abroad including benami property.

Fugitive economic offender cannot demand any civil claim.

Separate administrator will appoint to manage and dispose the confiscated property.

This bill will help to improve the financial health of the banking sector because non –payment of

loan will worsen the financial health of the bank.

2.National Financial Reporting Authority

Union Cabinet has given its nod for the proposal for establishing National Financial Reporting

Authority (NFRA).

NFRA will be an independent regulator for the auditing profession, which will investigate CAs

(Chartered accountants) and their audit firms of all listed and large unlisted companies

3.India, Jordan agreements.

India and Jordan has signed 12 agreements during King of Jordan Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein visit to

India.

Important Agreements

Cooperation on Defence sector

Agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders can enter and exit without Visa.

Agreement on Cultural Exchange programmes, Manpower Cooperation, cooperation on

Health and Medicine

Setting up Centre of Excellence (COE) in Jordan

Long term supply of Phosphate and fertilizers

Memorandum of Understanding between University of Jordan (UJ) and Indian Council for

Cultural Relations (ICCR) regarding setting up of a Hindi Chair at UJ.




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4.Shakti Sthala,

Karnataka has inaugurated the first Phase of World’s largest Solar Park Shakti Sthala at

pavagada ,Tumakuru district of Karnataka.

It has capacity of 2,000 MW , the first phase will generate 600 MW

5.Tamil Nadu State Food commission.

Tamil Nadu Government has constituted Tamil Nadu State Food Commission with R.Vasuki

as its Chairperson.

It was constituted as per section 16 of National Food Security act, 2013, which says that

every state should constitute State food Commission to monitor and review things

implement by NFSA.

6.Century is not enough

Former Indian Cricketer Sourav Ganguly launched his book “Century is not enough”.

March 3

1.Rooppur nuclear power plant.

India first time has signed tripartite agreement with Russia, Bangladesh for cooperation to

build Rooppur nuclear power plant in Bangladesh.

India will supply material and equipment’s to the nuclear power plant built by Russia in

Bangladesh.

2.Navjot kaur

Navjoy Kaur becomes the first Indian women wrestler to win 65 kg gold in Senior Asian

Championship in free style category.

Senior Asian wrestling championship held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

3.Vijendra saraswathi

Vijayendra Saraswathi has taken charge as Kanchi Mutt after Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswathi

death.




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March 4

1.Nirbhaya fund

Union Ministry of women and Child development has approved the project worth Rs 2,919

crore under Nirbhaya fund to develop 8 safe cities for Women.

The cities are Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bengaluru, and

Hyderabad

The project will special focus on women safety in public spaces and also focus on creating

quick response team to combat the crime.

Nirbhaya Fund established in 2013 by Ministry of Finance to strengthen the safety and

security of Women in India.

2.India , Vietnam signs agreement

India and Vietnam has signed various agreement during the 3 day visit of Vietnamese President Tran

Dai Quang.

Agreements are :

MoU signed on cooperation in Economic and trade

MoU signed between Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Ministry of

Agriculture and Rural Development of Vietnam for the purpose to transfer technology and

exchange of visits of technical experts in the fields of agriculture and related areas.

And MoU signed for the purpose to strengthen the technical cooperation in the field of atomic

energy for peaceful purposes.

3.Tamil Nadu‟s Non-Performing Assets.

Crif High Mark Credit Information Services Data said that Tamil Nadu‟s Non-Performing

assets (NPAs) is higher than the national average.

As per the report TN had 6 lakh crore worth of housing loans till Dec‟17 and Non-Performing

Assets value is at 2.27% .

The National Average of Non-Performing Asset is 1.96%.

Gujarat has least NPAs with 1.18% followed by Maharashtra with 1.63% .

4.IBSF Snooker team World Cup.

India‟s Pankaj Advani and Manan Chandra won the inaugurat IBSF(International Billiards and

Snooker Federation) Snooker Team World cup beating Pakistan in the final held at Doha, Qatar.

5.Indira Gandhi Zoological Park.

Official of Indira Gandhi Zoological Park at Vishakhapatnam has started its summer plan for the

inmates.




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March 5

1.World Wildlife Day.

World Wild life Day has been celebrated on March 3rd

since 2014 to create awareness about

Earth‟s Flora and Fauna.

March 3rd

was chosen as World Wild Life day in 68th session of United Nation General

Assembly, on the day of adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered

Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

It was proposed by Thailand.

The Theme of 2018 is “Big cats - predators under threat”.

March 6

1.Premium Tag for Araku Valley Coffee

Coffee Board of India has applied for Geographical Indications for Araku Valley Coffee to

protect the unique identity of the coffee grown by Tribal Community of Araku Valley.

Araku Valley is in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.

2.UNESCO‟s Intangible Cultural Heritage

13 Intangible Cultural Heritage element from India has been inscribed till now in UNESCO‟s list of

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The 13 Intangible Cultural Heritage list are

Tradition of Vedic Chanting inscribed in 2008

Ramlila, the traditional performance of the Ramayana inscribed in 2008

Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre inscribed in 2008

Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas, India inscribed in

2009

Mudiyettu, ritual theatre and dance drama of Kerala inscribed in 2010

Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan inscribed in 2010

Chhau dance inscribed in 2010

Buddhist chanting of Ladakh: recitation of sacred Buddhist texts in the trans-Himalayan

Ladakh region, Jammu and Kashmir, India inscribed in 2012

Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur inscribed in 2013

Traditional brass and copper craft of utensil making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru,

Punjab, India inscribed in 2014

Yoga inscribed in 2016

Nawrouz, Novruz, Nowrouz, Nowrouz, Nawrouz, Nauryz, Nooruz, Nowruz, Navruz, Nevruz,

Nowruz, Navruz inscribed in 2016

Kumbh Mela inscribed in 2017




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2.HRIDAY Scheme

Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has relased Rs 240 crore under the National Heritage

City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme for 12cities.

HRIDAY Scheme has started in January 2015 with aim to preserving and revitalizing the soul

and the unique character of the heritage cities in the country.

Under this sheme12 cities has chosen namely Ajmer, Amritsar, Amaravati, Badami, Dwarka,

Gaya, Kanchipuram, Mathura, Puri, Varanasi, Velankanni, and Warangal.

3.ENCORE Concludes.

Indian Navy‟s Month long exercise ENCORE (Eastern Naval Command Operational

Readiness )in Eastern Seaboard ,Vishakhapatnam got concludes

The exercise involves more than 40 ships and submarines.

The exercise aim to test the combat capability of Eastern Naval Command and improve

action plans and contingencies for operations during threats

4.Oscars 2018.

90th Annual academy awards has presented at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, USA.

Some important winners are

Shape of Water - Best Picture

Gary Oldman for „Darkest Hour – Best Actor

Frances McDormand for 'Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri' – Best Actress

Guillermo del Toro for „The Shape of Water – Best Director

A Fantastic women – Best foreign film

5.World‟s First Digital Legal Tender.

Marshal Islands will set to launch world‟s first digital(Crypto currency) legal tender.

It was followed by Venezuela's launch of the Petro crypto currency in February

6.Ama Gaon, Ama Vikas

Odisha government has launched “Ama Gaon, Ama Vikas”(Our Village, Our Development)

programme with the aim to strengthen the Panchayati Raj System in Odisha.

It was launched on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Divas, which is observed to mark the birth

anniversary of former Odisha Chief Minister Biju Patnaik




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7.Iraq is top crude oil supplier

Iraq has become the top crude oil supplier to India surpassing Saudi Arabia and Iran is third largest

supplier of crude Oil.

8.K Srinivasan

Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has appointed K Srinivasan as Tamil Nadu Assembly

Secretary.

9.Manu Bhaker

16 year old Manu Bhaker has won women's 10m air pistol gold in the ISSF(International

Shooting Sport Federation) World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico.

She also won Gold in 10m air pistol mixed team title partnering with Om Prakash Mitharval

She is the youngest to win Gold in World cup in India.

10.Roger Bannister

Rogen Bannister the first athlete to ran a mile under four minutes (3:59:4) died.

March 7

1.PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA yojana)

Union Government to allocate Rs 6,000 crore under PMKSY for the period of 2016-2020

(14th Financial cycle).

It is expected to benefit 20 Lakh farmers and generate over 5lakh direct and indirect jobs

during 209-20.

PMKSY is formerly known as SAMPADA (Sector scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and

development of Agro-Processing clusters).

This scheme aims to increase agriculture, modernize processing and reduce Agriculture

waste.

Important schemes implemented under Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana.

Creating Mega Food Parks in various states (Completed 10 and ongoing 32)

Creating Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure (Completed 114 and

Ongoing 124)

Creation / Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities

Infrastructure for Agro-processing Clusters

Creation of Backward and Forward Linkages

Creating Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure

Creating Human Resources and Institutions




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Benefits of PMKSY:

The scheme will modernise infrastructure with efficient supply chain management.

It will help to increase the growth of food processing in Country, better prices, double the

income of farmers and creating employment opportunities.

It also helps to decrease the agriculture waste , increasing the processing level, safe and

convenient processed food with affordable rate to the consumer and also export of processed

food.

2.IMPRINT India Programme.

Union Government has sanctioned Rs 1000 crore for the phase two of Impacting Research Innovation

and Technology (IMPRINT) India programme to boost research and innovation in India.

3.New Panel for Fintech Firms.

Union Government has set up 8 member panel under Subhash Chandra Garg for making regulation

easier for Fintech (Financial technology) firms to do business and promoting financial inclusion.

4.Animal Welfare Board of India.

Animal Welfare Board of India headquarters has been shifted from Chennai, Tamil Nadu to

Ballabhgarh, Haryana.

5.SAPOSHI

Cyber security agency has detected new malicious cyber threat called SAPOSHI.

It is similar to Reaper and Mirai viruses which are detected in 2016 and 2017 respectively.

It will infect electronic devices and make them part of its botnet , which can then use any

purpose liker Distributed Denial Of Service (DDoS) attack without the users permission.

6.Nagaland New CM

Neiphu Rio of People‟s Democratic Alliance has set to become the new Chief minister of Nagaland

7.Tripura New CM

Biplab Kumar Deb of BJP is set to become the next chief Minister of Tripura.




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March 8

1.Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2018

Union Cabinet has approved the introduction of Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment)

Bill, 2018 in Parliament.

It will encourage institutional arbitration for the settlement of disputes also making India a

centre of robust Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism.

The amendment will help to achieve the goal of improving institutional arbitration by

establishing an independent body to lay down standards, make arbitration more friendly, cost

effective with lesser time.

2.Swatantra Sainik Samman Yojana (SSSY)

Union Government has given its nod for continuing Swatantra Sainik Samman Yojana during

2017-2020.

SSSY is a monthly pension plan for the freedom fighters.

3.Preservation of Manuscripts.

Union Ministry of Culture has introduced the National Mission for preservation of Manuscripts with

the Goal to establish a digital National Manuscripts Library at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the

Arts (IGNCA) , New Delhi.

4.European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (EBRD) has approved India‟s

Membership.

It helps to obtain funds for various fields including services and manufacturing which help to

enhance India‟s International profile and promote its economic interest.

India will become 69th member of EBRD.

5.YesIBleed menstrual hygiene

The second phase of YesIBleed menstrual hygiene campaign launched in World Women‟s

Day on March 8.

The campaign aims to create a holistic approach towards the issue of menstruation, which is

an experience that transcends culture, class, and caste

6.Pritzker Prize.

Balkrishna Doshi wins Pritzker prize for his low cost housing design.

Pritzker prize is consider as architecture‟s Nobel Prize.




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He is the first India to win this prize.

7.Sainthood

Former Pope Paul VI and Archbishop Oscar Romero is to be named as Saint by Vatican.

8.Mukesh Ambani

Mukesh Ambani named richest in India by Forbes and he is in 19th position in World‟s Richest.

March 9

1.Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017

Indian President Ram Nath Kovind presented Nari Shakti Puraskar award to 30 eminent

women individuals and 9 institutions on the occasion of International Women‟s Day.

Nari Shakti Puraskar award given to recognise their efforts in rendering distinguished

services to women, especially vulnerable and marginalized women

2.SUVIDHA.

Union Government announced to launch 100 % Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkin named

SUVIDHA under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP).

It aims to provide cheap , affordable, hygienic , easy to use and disposal to the

underprivelleged women in India.

SUVIDHA Napkins will be available for Rs 2.50.

The main feature of this napkin is it will become biodegradable once it reacts with oxygen

after it is used and discarded.

3.Udyam Sakhi Portal

Union government has launched the Udayam Sakhi portal for Women Entrepreneurs to empower

women and make them self-reliant and self-sufficient.

4.Neiphiu Rio

Neiphiu Rio of Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party has taken charge as Nagaland‟s new Chief

Minister.

5. Minerva wins I-league Title.

Minerva Punjab Foot ball Club wins maiden I-League football title




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March 10.

1.Diu-100% on solar power.

Diu becomes the first Union territory in Country to run 100% on solar Power generated Energy.

2.Passive Euthanasia

Supreme Court of India has given its land mark judgement that the Passive Euthanasia is permissible

and also allowed living will with strict guidelines.

A constitution bench says that the fundamental right to live with human dignity under Article 21 also

includes – right to refuse treatment and die with dignity.

About Passive Euthanasia.

Euthanasia means Mercy Killing or Good Death.

Passive Euthanasia which means when you let a patient die , when the patient is in complete

life support or in a vegetative state or in an irreversible Coma and he /she cannot live without

medical treatment.

Background.

In 2011in the Aruana Shanbaug case Supreme court has legalized the passive Euthanasia and

given strict guidelines to follow.

The guidelines is when there is a decision to with draw the treatment or support it must be

taken by parents, spouse or other close relatives or next friend.

In 2014 3 bench judges of supreme court decided that the judgement in Aruna Shangaug case

is inconsistent in itself and referred the case to Constitution Bench.

In March 2018, Constitution Bench given its judgment in Common Cause vs Union of India

case that only passive Euthanasia is permissible under strict guidelines.

3.Milan-2018

The Glorious International City Parade held in Marina Park in Andaman & Nicobar during

Milan 2018.

Andaman & Nicobar to host Milan 2018 , which is a congregation of littoral Navies

conducted biennially by Indian Navies.

This exercise aims to strengthen cooperation among the participating countries.

This year it will held from March 6 to 13 with the Theme “Friendship across the seas”

The theme of this year‟s MILAN International Maritime Seminar is „In Pursuit of Maritime

Good Order - Need for Comprehensive Information Sharing Apparatus”




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This year‟s Exercise will showcase the rich heritage and pristine natural beauty of the

Andaman

& Nicobar Islands to visitors.

Milan Exercise first started in 1995 with four countries navies participated.

Now Milan Exercise has now grown, that not only navies from the Bay of Bengal and South

East Asia but the larger Indian Ocean Region (lOR) also participating.

4.Joint declarations of financial Partnership.

Joint financial partnership Declarations has been signed between The International Solar Alliance

(ISA) and the African Development Bank (AfDb), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asian

Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Green climate fund (GCF), and the New Development

Bank (NDB) .

ISA aims in deployment of over 1000 GW solar Energy by 2030.

5.Fullfilling Bapu‟s Dream

First copy of FUllfulling Bapu‟s Dream which is Prime Minsiter NArendra Modi‟s Tribute to

Mahatma Gandhi received by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind.

March 11

1.Agreements between India and France.

There are 14 agreements signed between India and France during the France President Emmanuel

Macron visit to India.

Agreements are:

Agreements on the Prevention of Illicit Consumption and Reduction of Illicit Traffic in

Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and Chemical Precursors and Related Offences

India-France Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement

Agreement to facilitate Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualification

MoU between Ministry of Railways and SNCF Motilities, France on technical cooperation in

the field of Railways.

Letter of Intent for creation of a permanent Indo-French Railways Forum.

Agreement regarding the provision of reciprocal logistics support between their Armed

Forces

MoU on cooperation in the field of Environment

Agreement on cooperation in the field of Sustainable Urban Development

Agreement regarding the exchange and reciprocal protection of classified or protected

information




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Implementing

Arrangement between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Central National

D‟EtudesSpatiales (CNES) for pre-formulation studies of a Maritime Awareness Mission

Industrial Way Forward Agreement between Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd, and

EDF, France

Bilateral Arrangement on cooperation in the matter of Hydrography and Maritime

Cartography

Credit Facility Agreement of Euros 100 million for funding of the Smart City Projects

through a Challenge Process

MoU on National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Ministry of New & Renewable Energy

and the National Solar Energy Institute (INES), France

Source- Pib

2.Ex Samvedna.

A Multilateral Air Force exercise named Ex Samvedna to be conducted by Southern Air

Command from March 12th -17

2018.

Samvedna means Empathy

3.IREDA sign loan agreement with EIB.

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) Ltd and European Investment

Bank (EIB) has signed a loan of Euro 150 Million for Renewable Energy Financing in India.

The agreement signed with aim of providing clean energy to 1 million Indian Households.

4.Kinzhal missile

Russia successfully launches hypersonic missile called Kinzhal Missile.

It has a range of 2000 km and it can travel 10 times the speed of sound

5.Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2018

Australian Mens hockey team wins Sultan Azlan Shah Cup beating England .

Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2018 hockey tournament held annually in Malaysia on remembrance

of late king Sultan Azlan Shah.

Australia has won 10 times and India won the title 4 times and 1 time shared with South

Korea.

6.John Sulston

Noble Prize winning British Scientist John Sulston died at the age 75.

He won Nobel Prize in 2002 for his work revealing how genes control cell division and cell

death in organisms.




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March 12

1.First International Solar Alliance summit.

India and France Co- hosted the First International Solar Alliance Summit in New Delhi.

It was attended by Heads of 23 nations and 10 ministerial representatives of different

countries.

About International Solar Alliance (ISA):

ISA is an Indian Initiative jointly launched by India and France in sideline of COP-21 on

November 30 2015 at Paris, France

International Solar Alliance (ISA) has become treaty –based international Intergovernmental

organization in December 2016 which is headquartered in India located in the campus of

National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurgaon.

ISA aims at addressing obstacles on using solar energy efficiently and will help to utilise

Solar energy efficiently in the solar energy rich countries. .

In simple, it is an association of countries with the aim to increase the production of Solar

Energy.

As of now 44 countries have signed and 15countries ratified the framework agreement of the

ISA.

Most of the member countries are who either fully or partially lay between Tropic of

Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer.

India has taken leadership to share its technology and funds to some African Countries (don‟t

have fund and technology) to harness the solar energy.

2.Tamil Nadu 2nd

in Rural Job scheme.

Tamil Nadu comes 2nd

position in providing Rural job under the Mahatma Gandhi National

Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

West Bengal Tops the list by providing more than 28.21 crore work days .

Tamil Nadu provides 22.17 crore work days and Andhra Pradesh occupied 3rd

Position.

3.Best Exhibitor Award

India Wins Best Exhibitor award at ITB- Berlin World Tourist Meet.

India's Incredible India has presented a short film named "Yogi of the Racetrack " in the meet

which got 3.2 million views in 60 hours.

4.MILES-18:

First ever multi-nation naval exercise called MILES-18 at sea held in Andaman.

It is part of 10th edition of MILAN Exercise.




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11 Foreign Naval Ships and 6 Indian Ships participated in the exercise.




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5.National Academy of Coastal Policing

India‟s First Coastal Policing Academy called National Academy of Coastal Policing to be

setup in Gujarat.

It will train the police forces to effectively safeguard Country‟s shoreline.

6.Samvedna 2018:

Indian Air force first Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise held in

Kearla.

The exercise named Samvedna , the Air forces of Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and the UAE

has participated in exercise.

7.Anindith Reddy

Anindith Reddy has won the motosport person of the year.

March 13

1.IBBI inks MoU with RBI.

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) has signed a memorandum of understanding

with the Reserve Bank of India on cooperation for an effective implementation of the Bankruptcy

Code.

2.Tribunal to solve Mahanadi Water dispute

Union Government has formed Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal to solve the long standing

issue on water sharing between Odisha & Chhattisgarh.

It was formed under Section 4 of Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

3.Chennai corporation sign MoU with Brussels.

Chennai Corporation will sign Memorandum of Understanding with City of Brussels to develop

innovative civic aspects relating to smart city, urban planning and solid waste management.

4.Mirzapur Solar Power Plant

Indian Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the Uttar

Pradesh‟s largest solar power plant in Mirzapur.

It has capacity of 75 MW and was built with the help of France.

5.Pre-Iron age Artefacts




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Pre-Iron Age artefacts excavated in Jalalpur village of Cuttack district in Odisha.

6.Suresh Prabhu

Union Commerce Minister has taken additional charge of Ministry of Civil Aviation.

March 14

1.Foreign law firms

Supreme court has said that Foreign Law firms cannot setup offices and practice in India, but

their lawyers can advice on fly in and fly out‟ mode in temporary basis.

It also gives Bar Council of India to control over the foreign lawyers even if they are India in

temporary assignments.

2.Eradication of TB.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a TB Free India campaign to eradicate Tuberculosis by 2025

at Delhi End – TB Summit.

3.Newton-Bhabha Fund.

India‟s Department of Science and Technology along with Natural Environmnet Research

Council UK has won the Newton-Bhabha Fund.

The fund was given for the work on Groundwater Arsenic Research in Ganga River Basin to

find solution to the challenges faced in arsenic affected Ganga River Basin.

4.2017 Kochon Prize

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) received the 2017 Kochan Prize for TB research

and Development.

$65,000 prize will be given annually by Stop TB Partnership to individual or organisation for

their contribution in eradicating TB.

Kochan Prize was established in 2006 in honour of founder of Chong Kun Dang

Pharmaceutical Corporation and Kochon Foundation in Korea called Chong-Kun Lee.

He committed himself though out his career to improving access to low cost lifesaving and

anti TB Drugs

5.Broadband speed.

Chennai Tops in Bradband speed at 32.67 Mbps in India as per latest report by Ookla.

It was followed by Bengaluru at 31.09 Mbps and Hyderabad with 28.93 Mbps.




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6.C-17 Globemaster:

Indian Air Force has successfully landed its largest Transport aircraft C-17 Globemaster at

Arunachal Pradesh‟s Tuting Airfiels.

It is strategically important for India to strengthen its overall operation in border state which

is only 30 km away from China.

7.Bidya Devi Bhandari:

Bidya Devi Bhandari has re-elected as President of Nepal for 2nd

Term.

She is the first Women President of Nepal.

March 15

1.The India Based Neutrino Observatory.

Union environment ministry‟s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) has given environmental

Clearance to set up The India Based Neutrino Observatory in Theni district of Tamil Nadu.

It will study the atmospheric neutrinos produced by cosmic rays in Atmosphere.

What is Neutrino?

Neutrinos are elementary particle which is like electron but has no electrical charge.

The mass of Neutrino is smaller than the known elementary particle which might even be

zero.

Neutrons are most abundant particle found in universe, because of weak interaction with

matter it is difficult to detect.

Initially it is believed that Neutrinos has no mass but recent study reveals that it has small

mass.

Neutrinos doesn‟t have electric charge but it carries different kind of charge called Flavor.

There are 3 flavor‟s of Neutrinos currently Electron , Muaon and Tau.

Neutrino Oscillation,

Scientist has revealed that neutrino changes from one type to another when they travel.

The Electron Neutrino from sun on its flight to earth which converts into Muaon or Tau

Neutrino is called Neutrino Oscillation.

This discovery reveals that Neutrino has small Mass.

Why inside Mountain.

INO is going to construct the detector inside the mountain to detect the Neutrinos.

Neutrino has small mass which can easily penetrate anything because of its weakly interactive

nature.




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Neutrinos found abundantly in atmosphere but still it is very difficult to detect due to other

particles found in atmosphere which has mass.

So to overcome this difficulty detector is constructing inside the mountain to detect Neutrino

easily.

About Lab.

The lab will be constructed under the 1300 m Deep inside Mountain.

The detector of Neutrino is called Calorimeter, which consisits of Resistive Plate chamber

and 50 k tonnes of Magnetised iron plates arranged in stack layer spaces.

.

2.Urea Subsidy Scheme.

Union Government has decided to o continue Urea Subsidy Scheme from 2017 upto 2019-20

at estimated cost of Rs. 1,64,935 crores and for disbursement of fertilizer subsidy.

This scheme will ensure the timely payment of subsidy to manufacturer results in timely

available of Urea to farmers in cheap price.

3.World Consumer Rights Day.

World Consumer Rights Day has been celebrated on March 15 with the theme of „Making digital

marketplaces fairer‟

4.Emergency care centre

Mamallapuram to get Emergency Care Centre as part of Tamil Nadu Health Department‟s plan to

speed up its Tamil Nadu Accident and Emergency Care Initiative (TAEI) programme

5.Atulya Misra

State Government has been appointed IAS Officer Atulya Misra to probe wild fire at

Karungani Hills in Theni District.

He is the enquiry office has to probe the incident and submit the report within two months.

6.Angela Merkel

Angela Merkel has been re-elected as German chancellor.

7.Stephen Hawking

Visionary Physicist Stephen Hawking passes away at age 76.

.




Page 21

March 16.

1.Tamil Nadu Budget 2018.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam presented 2018-19 budget in Tamil

Nadu State Assembly.

This is the first budget of Tamil Nadu after implementing GST.

Key highlights of Budget.

Total Revenue receipts estimated at Rs 1,76,251 crore including Central Transfers in period

2018-19.

TN state own tax revenue is estimated at Rs 98,963 crore which expect to grow at rs 1,12,616

crore.

Revenue Expenditure is estimated ar Rs 1,93,742 crore in 2018-19.

Fiscal Deficit of Gross State Domestic product (GSDP) is estimated at 2.79% in 2018-19.

GSDP growth rate is 8.03 % in 2017-18.

There was a flood management plan has been prepared and submitted to Central Government

for North and South Chennai at an estimate of Rs 2,055 crore.

Allocation of Rs 786 crore to State Disaster Response fund.

2.Revenue sharing model

Tamil Nadu State Government has announced that it will abandon the State Advisory Price

and will follow Revenue Sharing model for Sugar cane pricing.

This model is based on the Rangarajan Committee Recommendation.

About Revenue Sharing Model:

Revenue Sharing Model is recommended by Rangarajan Committee .

According to this model, Sugar cane Farmers will get Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) and

share in profits with sugar mills.

The State Advisory Price(SAP) will not be followed from now.

Government also announced that it will pay the difference price during transition from the

present SAP of ₹2,750 per tonne and the price received under new model.

For this Government allocated Rs 200 crore for transitional production incentive.

This model is already implement in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

3.KANCHI

Tamil Nadu State Governor Banwarilal Purohit launched Kisan Advancement through Cashless

Innovation (KANCHI) digital financial inclusion platform developed for farmers.




Page 22

4.Export subsidies complain at WTO

United States has filed a complaint against India‟s Export subsidies programme with World

Trade Organisation.

They said India provides subsidy like giving certain exception in taxes, duties and fees which

benefit Indian exporters and harms American products.

They also added that certain subsidy given for developing countries, but India already

surpassed the developing country tag in 2015 as per its Economy.

5.LaQshya

Union Government has launched new programme to improve quality of care in labour room

and maternity Operation Theatre (OT) called LaQshya.

It will benefit pregnant woman and new-born born in public health institution.

6.KUSUM Scheme:

Union Government is in process of formulating a scheme „Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan

Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) harnessing solar power for rural India.

Benefits:

Installation of grid connected solar pumps which will fullfill the irrigation need of farmers.

Farmers can also sell the surplus solar power generated to DISCOMS .

7.Atal Bhujal Yojana

Union Government has proposed Atal Bhujal Yojana scheme with the aim of sustainable

Ground water management in over exploited and ground water stressed areas in 7 States with

community participation.

Seven states are Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and

Uttar Pradesh.

It is implemented with the help of World Bank.

8.Swadhar Greh Scheme rises to 17291

Union Ministry of Women and Child Development said that number of women beneficiaries

under Swadhar Greh Scheme has been raised to 17291.

This scheme targets the women victims of difficult circumstances, who are in need of support

for rehabilitation and live with dignity.

9.World Happiness Index 2018:

India drops 11 places and ranked 133 in world list of happiness country in latest World

Happiness Index report.

Finland tops the list followed by Norway.




Page 23

10.WEF Energy Transition Index.

India ranked 78th position among 114 countries on the World Economic Forum‟s (WEF)

energy transition index.

Sweden tops the list followed by Norway and Switzerland.

March 17 & 18

1.Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

Union Governmnet said that the beneficiaries enrolled under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana

Yojana (PMMVY) scheme has been increased to 17 lakhs.

PMMVY is an maternity benefit programme, with conditional cash transfers to the pregnant

and lactating women of 19 or above age.

2.INDIA and ADB Sign Loan agreement

India and Asian Development Bank has signed $120 Million Loan to Improve Rail

Infrastructure.

The loan will help in completing double-tracking and electrification of tracks along high-

density corridors to improve operational efficiency

3.ICN 2018:

India to host first time International Competition Network (ICN) annual conference from 21st to 23

rd

March at New Delhi.

4.105th Indian Science Congress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 105th Indian Science Congress at Manipur Central

University in Imphal, Manipur.

The Theme of 105th Science congress is “Reaching the Unreached Through Science &

Technology”.

5.Haryana passed death penalty for child rapists.

Haryana government has passed death penalty for those convicted for raping girl below 12

years of age.

Haryana is the third state to implement this law.

Rajasthan is the first state to implement this law and Madhya Pradesh is second state.

6.Krishi Unnati Mela

Prime Minister NArendra Modi participated KRishi Unnati Mela held in New Delhi.




Page 24

Krishi Unnati Mela held with the aim of creating awareness to farmers about the latest

technology development in the agriculture and allied fields .

7.Pune tops in urban governance

Pune came first in latest Annual Survey of city –systems 2017 in urban governance.

Chennai ranked 19th

position, in 2016 Chennai ranked 8th position.

8.New species of water strider

Scientist have discovered new species of water strider named Ptilomera nagalanda Jehamalar and

Chandra, was found in Intanki river of Nagaland.

9.Weed Atlas.

The Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya will develop Weed Atlas to provide information on the

undesirable plants found in the plains of Chhattisgarh to the farmers.

10.New vehicle scrap policy

Centre given nod for new vehicle scrap policy , as per the policy compulsory disposal of vehicle

which is more than 20 years old from April 2020.

11.Artificial heart.

China developed Artificial heart with using Rocket Technology.

March 19

1.Philippines withdraws ICC

Phillipines has given official notification to United Nation for its intention to withdraw from

International Criminal court.

The decision was taken after ICC has opened probe against 1000 of judicial killing taken

place after war on drugs launched by Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte.

About ICC

International Criminal court is an international tribunal was established in 1998 and came into

force in July 2002.

It headquarters is at Hague, Netherlands.

Currently it has 123 Members ,

Last year Burundi become the first country to leave ICC.

India is not member of ICC




Page 25

2.SATH-E Roadmaps.

NITI Aayog has released the roadmaps for the Sustainable Action for Transforming Human

Capital in Education (SATH-E) Project in partnership with three participating States of

Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.

The aim of the project is to make the governmental school education system responsive,

aspirational and transformational for every child.

The road map was jointly prepared by NITI Aayog, the knowledge partners of the SATH

Initiatives, the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Piramal Foundation For Education

Leadership (PFEL) and the participating 3 states.

3.Bhoodan Board

Tamil Nadu government has reconstituted Bhoodan Board after its expiry of more than 4

years.

Bhoodan Board was reconstituted under the Chairmanship of Hon'ble Minister for Khadhi

G.Baskaran and other 14 other official and non-official members

The aim of the board is to regulate the lands received through donation, transfer the title to the

name of Bhoodan board and to distribute it to the landless poor

About Bhoodan board:

Bhoodan Board is formed after Bhoodhan Yagna Movement started by Acharya Vinoba

Bhave in 1951 at Pochampally,Telangana.

It is also known as Land gift Movement.

Acharya Vinoba Bhava started padha yatra across several disctrict of Tamil Nadu from 1956

to 1957 and received land as donation for movement.

To regulate such lands and transfer of name title to the Bhoodan Board and to distribute the

lands to the landless poor, Tamilnadu Bhoodan Yagna Act, 1958 was enacted .

4.Pobitora wildlife sanctuary

Forest officials conducts Rhinoceros census at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary .

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Moigoan district of Assam.

5.Li keqiang

Li keqiang elected as China‟s Prime Minister for second time.

6.Irani Cup

Vidarbha cricket team wins Irani Cup beating Rest of India.




Page 26

March 20.

1.Informal WTO Ministerial Meet.

The 2 day largest Informal World Trade Oganisation‟s Ministerial Meeting begins in New

Delhi.

Delegations from 52 countries and Director General of WTO Roberto Azevedo are

participated in Meet.

This meet will provide opportunity for participating countries to engage in free and frank

discussion.

It also explores option to reinvigorate the World Trade Organisation.

2.Exercise 'Varuna' .

Indian Navy to host bilateral maritime exercise called Varuna 2018 with French Navy in

India.

In 2017 Varuna is conducted in 3 areas in European waters.

This year also Varuna exercise will be conducted in 3 areas namely, the Arabian Sea, the Bay

of Bengal and South Western Indian Ocean

3.Agreement on Earth Observation Data.

India and European union has signed an agreement on cooperation to share Earth Observation Data

from each other‟s Satellite.

4.First India-Japan Workshop on DRR

First India and Japan workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction inaugurated

Discussion mainly on cooperation on disaster Risk reduction mainly on earthquake Safety.

5.Gulf Shield 1 military exercise .

Saudi Arabia organised Guld Shield 1 military exercise with the aim to raise the military readiness,

modernisation, cooperation and coordination among the participating countries.

6.Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin wins the presidential election again in Russia.




Page 27

March 21

1.POSHAN Abhiyan.

The first National workshop on POSHAN Abhiyan conducted by Ministry of women and

Child development held in New Delhi.

The aim of the POSHAN Abhiyaan is to address the malnutrition through Convergence, Use

of Technology and a Targeted approach

About POSHAN Abhiyaan.

POSHAN Abhiyaan was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on International

Women‟s day (March 8 2018) in Jhunjhunu , Rajasthan, to boost nutrition among children

and women.

It targets to reduce stunting ,under nutrition, anaemia.

It also targets to reduce the low birth weight by 2% per annum.

It also targets to come down stunting among children in 0-6 years from 38.4 % to 25% by

2022.

2.World‟s First Trusted Digital Repository.

National Cultural Audiovisual Archives (NCAA) becomes the first Trusted Digital

Repository in the World as per ISO 16363:2012 standard.

It was granted by Primary Trustworthy Digital Repository Authorisation Body Ltd. (PTAB),

United Kingdom.

It is the project of Ministry of Culture of India implemented by Indira Gandhi National Centre

for the Arts (IGNCA)

The aim of NCAA is to identify and preserve the cultural heritage of India and made available

in Audio visual form through digitization and make accessible to all.

3.Plastic Park

Union Government is planning to set up Plastic Park in Deoghar district of Jharkhand.

It also set up set up Central Institute for Plastic Engineering & Technology (CIPET) and

Plastic Recycling unit at Deoghar district.

4.106th Indian Science Congress.

The next Indian Science Congress to be held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

March 22.




Page 28

1.Parivara and Talawara.

Union Cabinet has given its nod for including Parivara and Talawara community into ST list

of Karnataka.

Parivara and Talawara which means Nayaka.

People belongs to Parivara and Talawara can get Scheduled Tribe Certificate from State

Government of Karnataka.

2.Paramparagat Krishi Vikash Yojana

Minister of Agriculture and Farmers‟ Welfare Radha Mohan Singh has said that government started

Paramparagat Krishi Vikash Yojana scheme to promote organic farming in India.

3.Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM)

Unoin Cabinet has launched the Ayushman Bharat – National Health Protection Mission

(AB-NHPM)

Scheme which will benefit 10 crore families.

It will give health benefit cover of 5 Lakhs per family per year.

This scheme will subsumes RashtriyaSwasthyaBimaYojana (RSBY) and the Senior Citizen

Health Insurance Scheme (SCHIS),

4.18 new missions in Africa by 2021

Union Cabinet has given its nod for opening 18 new missions in Africa by 2021 to implement

commitments of India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-III).

This will help in outreach African continent and engage with Indian diaspora.

It also helps moving towards strengthening cooperation and engagement with Africa.

18 new missions are in Burkina Faso, Chad, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Republic of the Congo ,

Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Rwanda,

Sao Tome& Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Swaziland and Togo

5.World Water Day- March 22

World Water Day has been celebrated across the world on March 22 with the theme as

“Nature for Water”.

It is celebrated focussing attention on the importance of water and to preserve it.

6.Jack fruit as State Fruit.

Kerala Government has announced Jack fruit is Kerala;s State Fruit.

March 23.




Page 29

1.Indigenous Seeker Technology.

India has successfully test fired BrahMos Supersonic cruise missile with indigenous seeker at

the polkhran test range in Rajasthan.

Inigenous seeker have been jointly developed by DRDO and BrahMos Aerospace.

Seeker is one of the important element in Missile which will improve the precision strike

capability of the weapon.

2.Smart India Hackathon 2018

Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has announced that Smart India

Hackathon 2018 to be held on March 30 & 31 .

The aim of the Smart India Hackathon 2018 is to harness creativity and expertise of students,

Builds funnel for „Startup India‟ campaign, crowdsources solutions for improving governance

and quality of life and provide opportunity to citizens to provide innovative solution to India‟s

daunting problems (official statement. Source Pib).

Smart India Hackathon launched in 2017 with aim to provide opportunity to citizens to

identify new and disruptive digital technology innovations for solving the challenges faced by

India.

3.Okhla Bird Sanctuary

Union Minister Harsh Vardhan lays foundation stone for redevelopment and up gradation of Okhla

Bird Sanctuary located in Noida, border of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

4.Fluorimeter:

Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) developed the device to measure Uranium traces in

water called Fluorimeter.

It has been developed by an Indore based the Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced

Technology (RRCAT), of the DAE.

5.Global carbon emissions.

The International Energy Agency has said that Global energy-related carbon emission has rose to

historic high of 32.5 gigatonnes in 2017.

6.Elavenil Valarivan.

Elavenil Valarivan has wins gold in women‟s air rifle event junior world cup held in Sydney ,

Australia.

Elavenil Valarivan gave India a bright start with a gold in the women‟s air rifle event of the

Junior World CupIndia golden girl

March 24.




Page 30

1.Earth Hour on March 24

Earth Hour to be observed globally today at 8.30 PM by turning off lights for for one hour

from 8.30 Pm to 9.30 PM to create awareness about the Global climate Change.

Earth hour was first started in Australia in 2007 and now observed around 187 countries in

world including India.

This year‟s theme of Earth Hour is the impact of Warming on Biodiversity and Wildlife.

2.First Indian Sign Language (ISL) Dictionary

Union Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot launched India‟s “First Indian Sign Language

Dictionary of 3000 words” .

It was developed by Indian Sign Language Research & Training Centre (ISLR&TC).

The aim of dictionary is to remove the communication barriers between Deaf and hearing

communities s as it is focused on providing more information in Indian sign language ,said by

Union Minister.

Dictionary consists of words of five categories:

1. Everyday Terms – useful for everyday communication.

2. Legal Terms – useful for explaining complicated legal terminology like “Affidavit”,

“Acquittal”, and more.

3. Academic Terms – useful to understand complex academic concepts like explaining nervous

system, Revolution, Rotation, and more.

4. Medical Terms – useful for better understanding medical terminology used in hospitals and in

medical situations.

5. Technical Terms – useful to understand technical terms that are used in vocational training or

in computer courses.

3.Space Grade Lithium-Ion Cells.

Indian Space Research Organisation has entered an agreement with Technology Transfer

Agreement with BHEL(BHARAT Heavy Electricals Limited) to transfer the technology for

manufacture the space Grade Lithium-Ion Cells.

Due to the high energy density, reliablilty and Long life , Lithium –Ion Batteries are used as

the power sources for Satellite and launch vehicle application

4.Chandrayaan-2 Postponed.

Indian Space Research Organisation has said that Chandrayaan -2 launch has been postponed

to Ocotober 2018 due to requirement of more test.

Chandrayaan 2 will be the challenging mission, as it will carry first time an orbiter, a lander

and a rover to the moon.

5.NAIPUNYA RATHAM




Page 31

Andhra Pradesh has launched Multi-utility vehicle Naipunya Ratham or World on Wheels to bring

technology to each corner of rural areas.

6.Abel Prize 2018.

Robert P Langlands from Canada wins the prestigious Abel Prize 2018.

Abel Prize is an annual award given by Norway government to outstanding mathematician

across the world.

7.INS Ganga

Indian Navy‟s war ship INS Ganga have been De-commissioned.

It was commissioned on December 1985

March 25

1.Krem Puri:

World‟s longest sandstone cave have been discovered in Laitsohum in the Mawsynram area

of East Khasi Hills district,Meghalaya.

It has a length of 24,583 meters, which is 6000 m longer than the Cueva El Samán, (18,200m)

in Venezuela.

2.Manu Bhaker wins wins gold.

Manu Bhaker wins 10 M gold in women‟s air pistol in ISSF junior world cup .

3.P.V Sindhu

P.V Sindhu to be a flag bearer of India in Commonwealth Games 2018 Opening Ceremony.

4.World‟s largest Cruise ship.

World‟s Largest Cruise Ship named Symphony of Seas sets sail from shipyard Saint Nazaire in

France.

March 26

1.SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2018

DeendayalAntyodayaYojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) have

organising SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2018 in New Delhi from March 23rd

to April 1st 2018.




Page 32

In this Self Help Group (SHG) of Women from across the country will be participating for

exhibition and sale their products.

It was organised to empower the rural women and increase their income by showcasing their

products in various stalls installed.

It is one of the flagship programmes of the Ministry of Rural Development to remove rural

poverty.

2.„Print Biennale India 2018‟

The first International Exhibition of Graphic Prints „Print Biennale India 2018‟ inaugurated at

Rabindra Bhavan Galleries of the Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi.

3.GSAT-6A

GSAT 6-A , S-band Communication satellite set to be launch on March 29 by ISRO.

It will be put into the orbit with the help of Indian rocket, Geosynchronous Satellite Launch

Vehicle (GSLV-F08).

According to sources from ISRO, It is much like its predecessor GSAT-6, but it is designated

for armed forces and will not add any transponder for normal use.

4.National hockey champion.

Punjab wins National Hockey Championship beating Petroleum Board by 2-1 at Mohd Shahid

Statdium in Lucknow.

5.Sebastian Vettel .

Sebastian Vettel wins Australian Grand prix for the seventh time.

March 27

1.Host Country Agreement with ISA

India has signed Host Country Agreement with International Solar Alliance .

The agreement will give ISA a juridical personality and gives it power to contract, to acquire

and dispose movable and immovable properties also to institute and defend legal proceedings

It also provides privileges, tax concessions and immunities for independently discharge its

function and programmes.

ISA becomes the first international intergovernmental treaty based organization is

headquartered in India (Gwal Pahari, Gurgaon, Haryana).

About International Solar Alliance (ISA):

ISA is an Indian Initiative jointly launched by India and France in sideline of COP-21 on

November 30 2015 at Paris, France




Page 33

International Solar Alliance (ISA) has become treaty –based international Intergovernmental

organization in December 2016 which is headquartered in India located in the campus of

National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurgaon.

ISA aims at addressing obstacles on using solar energy efficiently and will help to utilise

Solar energy efficiently in the solar energy rich countries. .

In simple, it is an association of countries with the aim to increase the production of Solar

Energy.

As of now 44 countries have signed and 15countries ratified the framework agreement of the

ISA.

Most of the member countries are who either fully or partially lay between Tropic of

Capricorn and Tropic of Cancer.

India has taken leadership to share its technology and funds to some African Countries (

which lack in fund and technology) to harness the solar energy.

Currently it has 4 ongoing programmes Scaling Solar Applications for Agricultural Use,

Affordable Finance at Scale, Scaling Solar Mini Grids and Scaling Solar Rooftop.

The founding day of ISA Celebrated on 11th March 2018.

2.SWIFT expands tracking capabilities

Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) has said that it has

expanded the GPI(Global Payment Innovation) Tracker system which helps bank to track its global

transaction at all times and keep vigil on its payment activity.

Recently Reserve Bank of India has asked all banks to link its core banking solution with

SWIFT(Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications) interbank messaging

system by April 30.

About SWIFT.

SWIFT is a messaging networks that financial institution use to securely transmit information

and instructions through an identification codes.

SWIFT Codes mostly used for international wire transfers which consists of 8 to 11

alphanumeric characters.

It is founded in 1973, headquarters in La Hulpe, Belgium.

International Organisation of Standardization which approves the creation of SWIFT Codes.

3.Brazzaville declaration on largest Peatland.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo and Indonesia jointly signed the

Brazzaville declaration to protect the world‟s largest Peatland from unregulated land use,

exploitation, degradation.

This is world‟s largest tropical Peatland, which stored equivalent of 3 years of global

greenhouse emission in Congo Basin.

The exploitation could result in release of 3 years equivalent Global Greenhouse emission in

shorter period.




Page 34

About Peatlands

Peatlands are wetlands that contains mixture of decomposed plants that has accumulated in

water saturated environment in absence of oxygen.

Peatlands contains largest natural terrestrial carbon store.

It is grown in course of more than 10,000 years and it can be destroyed in a few days if it is

not protected.

4. “E-Tribes India”

The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India, (TRIFED), has launched the “e-

Tribes India website and app to sell all the products produced by tribes.

5.National Water Digest Award

Chhattisgarh wins the National 'Water Digest Award' for Water Conservation-Diversion and for

increasing the irrigation capacity.

March 28

1.Skill India to support Saubhagya Scheme.

Ministry of Power joined with Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship to train

the manpower in six states chosen for speedy implementation SAUBHAGYA scheme.

SAUBHAGYA (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojna) aims to achieve household

electrification across the country by December 2019

About Soubhagya scheme and its benefits.

SAUBHAGYA Scheme aim to achieving electrification to the entire willing household of

rural and urban in the country by December 2019

The beneficiaries for the scheme will identify using SECC (Socio Economic and Caste

Census 2011 data.

If the households not covered under SECC will be provided free electricity under scheme on

payment of Rs 500 in 10 instalments which will be recovered by DISCOMs .

The main objective of the scheme is, it will be substitution to Kerosene which helps to meet

India‟s commitment towards global Climate change , helps in improvement in education

services, health services, connectivity , economic activities and jobs, also improvement in

quality of life especially women.

The Rural Electrification Corporation Limited (REC) is the nodal agency for the

operationalization of the scheme.




Page 35

2.National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP)

Madhya Pradesh tops in providing drinking water supply to 55,770 tribal habitation in

country under National Rural Drinking water programme.

Madhya Pradesh was followed by Odisha by 52427 , Jharkhand 53476 providing drinking

water supply.

3.Cool EMS Service

Union ministry of communication launched Cool EMS Service from Japan to India.

Cool EMS Service is one way service from Japan to India which allows customer to import

Japanese food items.

4.Bhikhaji cama decommissioned

Indian Coast Guard Ship Bhikhaji Cama Decommissioned by coast guard in Chennai.

It is a fourth ship of Priyadharshini class of Fast Patrol Vessel.

5.Manu Bhaker wins third gold

Manu Bhaker and Anmol of India won Gold in mixed 10 m air pistol event in ISSF Junior

World Cup.

It was Manu Bhaker‟s Third gold in this event.

March 29.

1.MoU with South Asian Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP)

Union Cabinet has given its nod for signing Memorandum of Understanding between India and South

Asia Cooperative Environment Programme for Co-operation on the response to Oil and Chemical

Pollution in the region of South Asian Seas.

The main objective for the MoU is to protect and preserve the marine environment in South Asian sea

by promoting closer cooperation between India and other maritime nation namely Bangladesh,

Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

About SACEP.

SCEP is an intergovernmental Organisation established in 1982.




Page 36

The main objective is to promote and support protection, management and enhancement of

the environment in the South Asian region including India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan,

Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

It also developed jointly with with Interntional Maritime Organisation a Regional Oil Spill

Contingency Plan" to facilitate international co-operation and mutual assistance in preparing

and responding to a major oil pollution incident in the seas around the Maritime States.

2.Restructuring NSDF and NSDC.

Union Cabinet has given its nod for re-structuring of National Skill Development Fund (NSDF) and

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to strengthen governance, implementation and

monitoring framework

3.Continuation of KrishiVigyanKendras

Union Cabinet has given its nod for continuation and strengthening of 669 Krishi Vigyan

Kendras upto 2019-20.

Krishi Vigyan Kendras act as knowledge and resource centre and also technology uptake and

farmers empowerment in the district to support government‟s initiative of doubling farmers

income.

4.Indus Water Treaty Talk.

114th meeting of Permanent Indus commission between India and Pakistan on sharing of

Indus waters held today.

India and Pakistan has signed Indus Water treaty in 1960 which was brokered by World

Bank.

As per the treaty, it covers the sharing and distribution of six rivers including Indus, Beas,

Ravi, Sutlej, Chenab and Jhelam.

3 western rivers Indus, Jhelum and Chenab are reserved for Pakistan.

3 Eastern rivers Ravi, Sutlej and Beas reserved for India.

5.Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK).

Union cabinet has allocated Rs lakh crore under Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) for ensuring

safety in Railways.

March 30.

1.GSAT-6A Satellite.




Page 37

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSAT-6A

communication satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh.

It was launched in Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit(GTO) by India's Geosynchronous Satellite

Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F08).

GSAT -6A is an communication satellite designed to provide mobile communication service

via multi beam coverage.

GSAT-6A Satellite was fixed with S and C band transponders .

2.NASA‟s InSight Mission

NASA is set to launch Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat

Transport (InSight) a stationary lander to explore Mars deep interior.

3.Kadaknath chicken

Kadaknath Chicken from Madhya Pradesh gets Geographical Indication tag.

4.BeiDou-3

China Launched twin BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite into Space.

5.Hindon Elevated Road:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister inaugurated India‟s longest elevated road in Ghaziabad , Uttar

Pradesh.

It was 10 km long which will connect National Highway 24(Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border)

directly to Raj Nagar extension in UP.

March 31

1.Interstitium:

Scientists have discovered a new organ in human body called Interstitium.

It is the 80th organ and probably the biggest organ in human body.

It is a series of fluid-filled compartment found beneath the skin as well as lining the gut,

lungs, blood vessels and muscles.

It act as shock absorber for vital tissues

2.Naitwar Mori Hydro Electric Project

Union Minister R K Singh laid foundation stone to 60 MW Naitwar Mori Hydro Electric

Project in Uttarkahsi, Uttarakhand.

It is located in Tons River which is a tributary of Yamuna River.




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3.Chandra Bhushan Kumar

Chandra Bhushan Kuamar has been appointed as Deputy Election Commissioner of India.

4.First LNG consignment

India received first consignment of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from United States landed

at Dabhol terminal in Maharashtra.

It is received based on long term contract with US-based Cheniere Inc.

Documents

TNPSC GURU March CURRENT AFFAIRS –...Kutiyattam, Sanskrit theatre inscribed in 2008 Ramman, religious festival and ritual theatre of the Garhwal Himalayas, India inscribed in 2009