Current Affairs Oct 27 to Nov 2nd 2017 http://bulluias ...



India-Afghan ConnectivityIran's key strategic port of Chabahar became operational with the maiden shipment of wheat from India to Afghanistan recently.This is a major push for India's Afghan outreach bypassing Pakistan?for the first time under the 2016 Indo-Afghan-Iran trilateral pact.India is also constructing a railway line between Chabahar and Zahedan to connect the port to rest of the Iranian railway network.It is further to be linked with Delaram-Zaranj road, built by India in Afghanistan that connects at Afghan-Iran border via rail through Zahedan.The port, through Zahedan railway network, could also be linked with the International North South Transport Corridor connecting India with Russia.International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)INSTC is a multi-modal connectivity project via ship, rail and road route for moving freight between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia.INSTC would enhance accessibility to the land locked central Asian nations.The current members are India, Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Belarus, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine, and Bulgaria (observer).Centres for vulnerable victims The Supreme Court has recently ordered the setting up of at least two vulnerable witnesses’ deposition centres in the jurisdiction of every High Court.It is primarily to help witnesses in criminal cases, often minor survivors of rape or victims of sex abuse, to testify without fear or intimidation in a conducive environment.The order upholds the right of vulnerable witnesses to be protected while testifying in court and is in consonance with international norms in these matters.INS ViraatINS Viraat, the second aircraft carrier in the Indian naval fleet is set to become museum which was proposed by the Andhra Pradesh Government.INS Vikrant is India's first aircraft carrier.INS Viraat is the second centaur class aircraft carrier in service.Earlier known as HMS Hermes, it served Royal Navy of UK from 1950 to 1980's and later re-commissioned in Indian Navy in 1987.It holds the Guinness Record for being the oldest-serving warship.It played a pivotal role in the Indian peacekeeping operations in Sri Lanka and the 1999 Kargil War.It also took part in major operations like Op. Parakram – a India Pakistan in the LOC and Op. Pawan by IPKF to take control of Jaffna from the LTTE as part of the Indo-Sri Lankan accord.INS VikramadityaUS team members of joint working group (JWG) on aircraft carrier cooperation have been allowed to visit and operate Russian built Aircraft INS Vikramaditya.INS Vikramaditya is a Kiev class aircraft carrier which was commissioned by Russian Navy in 1987 under the name Baku.It was later renamed as Admiral Gorshkov and later offered to India in 2004.It is the biggest and heaviest ship to be operated by the Indian Navy.INS VishalINS Vishal is a follow up of INS Vikrant class air craft carriers.It is currently being built by Cochin Shipyard limited for the Indian Navy.It is intended to be the first supercarrier to be built in India.It would be a 65,000-70,000 tonne, nuclear-powered vessel that launched aircraft with an "electro-magnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS)".EMALS uses electro-magnetic energy to catapult aircraft to launch speed.India's selection of EMALS would allow the US a place in the design of the ship.Bonn ConventionConvention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is popularly known as Bonn convention.It is an environmental treaty under the aegis of United Nations Environment Programme.It brings together the States through which migratory animals pass (the range states) and lays down conservation measures.Migratory species threatened with extinction are listed on Appendix I of the Convention.CMS Parties strive towards strictly protecting these animals, conserving and mitigating obstacles to their migration.Migratory species that need or would significantly benefit from international co-operation are listed in Appendix II of the Convention.India is a party to this convention whereas China, Russia, US, Canada, Japan are not party to it.Meeting of CMS and its outcomesThe Twelfth Session of the Conference of the Parties to the Bonn Convention (CMS COP12) was held in Manila, the Philippines.It is the first time that the COP has been held in Asia.The slogan for the Conference is “Their Future is Our Future – Sustainable Development for Wildlife & People”, links to the Sustainable Development Goals.Four Asian Vultures such as red-headed vulture, white-rumped vulture, Indian vulture and slender-billed vulture are set to get highest protection by the convention.The whale shark, which inhabits the Indian Ocean, got global protection too.The Caspian seal, the only marine mammal found in the world’s largest inland sea has also been identified for conservation.-580390182880The next edition of the meeting will be held in India in 2020.CholeraAfter the 2010 earthquake in Haiti there was a sudden outbreak of cholera.According to a recent study, bacterial strains similar to those found in Haitian cholera were present in Delhi as early as 2004, showing that the disease may have originated in the Indian subcontinent.Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.Diarrhoea can be so severe that it leads within hours to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It can be successfully treated with oral rehydration solution.Cholera transmission is closely linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities.During the 19th century, cholera spread across the world from its original reservoir in the Ganges delta in India.ExocometsScientists have detected the dusty tails of six exocomets – comets outside our solar system – orbiting a faint star 800 light years from Earth.They are some of the smallest objects yet found outside our own solar system.The discovery marks the first time that an object as small as a comet has been detected using transit photometry, a technique by which astronomers observe a star’s light for revealing dips in intensity.The detection was made using data from NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope, a stellar observatory that was launched into space in 2009.ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus)ADMM-Plus was inaugurated in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2010.It is an annual meeting that brings together the defence ministers of ten ASEAN countries, with those of eight “dialogue partners”.These include India, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States.This year it was recently held in Manila, Philippines.India called for safeguarding freedom of navigation, over flight and commerce in regional waters.Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)ASEAN is a regional organisation comprising 10 Southeast Asian states which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic integration amongst its members.Member nations are: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.ASEAN plus Three was created to improve existing ties with the People's Republic of China, Japan, and South Korea.ASEAN became ASEAN Plus Six with additional countries: Australia, New Zealand and IndiaEven larger East Asia Summit (EAS) was formed which included ASEAN plus Three countries as well as India, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Russia.In 2006, ASEAN was given observer status at the United Nations General Assembly.In response, the organisation awarded the status of "dialogue partner" to the UN.Waning of Arctic sea iceArctic sea ice is a key indicator of climate change.According to the research undertaken by the Cryosphere Climate Research Group, Arctic sea ice could be dwindling faster than predicted.Dwindling ice cover led to reduction in the amount of solar radiation reflected back in to space and increases its absorption.Thereby it hastens the warming of oceans which has an impact on weather phenomena like the El Nino that influences the Asian Monsoon.The thinning ice would make it difficult for animals like polar bears and seals and organisms like phytoplankton to surviveThe researchers have found that satellite measurements over the years have overestimated the thickness of Arctic sea ice by as much as 25% because of the presence of salty snow.This is because of salty snow (brine is expelled upward from the ice surface) does not allow radar waves from satellites to penetrate, leading to skewed measurements.Vikram Class offshore Patrol VesselVikram is the first of a series of seven offshore patrol vessels (OPV).OPV are long-range surface ships capable of coastal and off-shore patrolling, policing maritime zones, control & surveillance, anti-smuggling and anti-piracy operations.It is the country's first-ever such defence craft to be built in a private shipyard (L&T).It is likely to be inducted into the Indian Coast Guard in April 2018.Kala AzarVisceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, is caused by the protozoan Leishmania parasites.It is transmitted to humans through infected sandflies.It is characterized by irregular bouts of fever, weight loss, enlargement of the spleen and liver, and anaemia.The parasite migrates to the internal organs such as the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, and, if left untreated, may result in the death.It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent in 119 districts in four countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal).India itself accounts for half the global burden of the disease.Scientists have recently identified an unknown virus that may be responsible for the persistence of kala-azar.However, scientists are still not clear how the parasites cause the infection and how they manage to hide within the body.Public Financial Management System (PFMS)PFMS, earlier known as Central Plan Schemes Monitoring System (CPSMS), is a web-based online software application.It is developed and implemented by the Office of Controller General of Accounts.It is launched with the objective of tracking funds released under all Plan schemes of GoI, and real time reporting of expenditure at all levels of Programme implementation.In 2013, its scope was enlarged to cover direct payment to beneficiaries under both Plan and non-Plan Schemes.In 2014, it has been envisaged that digitization of accounts shall be achieved through PFMS.The biggest strength of PFMS is its integration with the Core banking system.Union Finance Ministry has recently ascertained the mandatory use of PFMS will help in monitoring the flow of funds to beneficiaries of different government welfare schemes.VARUNARecently, India and France discussed about enhancing the scope of their joint exercises, in particular the VARUNA naval exercise scheduled in early 2018.Both countries will also actively explore additional measures to facilitate operational level interactions between their respective armed forces.'Udyami Mitra' portalSmall Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has revamped its Udyami Mitra with enhanced features.The portal was launched to improve accessibility of credit for the MSMEs.It helps MSMEs for submission of loan applications which can be picked up by multiple lenders.It aims at bringing in transparency in processing of loans by the banks.Now non-banking finance companies and small finance banks are being on-boarded on the platform for enhancing flow of credit to MSMEs.Under the new capitalisation plan banks will have to compete for loans through the revamped udyamimitra portal.Red SandersPterocarpus santalinus (Red sanders) is a species of Pterocarpus with a common name red sandalwood, and saunders wood.It is endemic to the southern Eastern Ghats mountain range of South India.It is listed in the category of “Endangered” by the IUCN because of overexploitation for its timber in South India.It is also listed in the appendix II of the CITES.This tree is valued for the rich red color of its wood and it is highly in demand in China.The wood is not aromatic and it is not to be confused with the aromatic Santalum sandalwood trees that grow natively in South India.Typhoon LanTyphoon Lan, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Paolo was the second largest tropical cyclone in terms of a gale diameter on record.It is the most intense of the Northwest Pacific Ocean in 2017.It made a landfall in Japan as a category 2 equivalent typhoon.The areas affected by this include Caroline Islands, Phillippines, Japan and South Korea.Gale - The most common way of measuring winds is with the Beaufort scale, which defines a gale as wind from 50 to 102 km/h.It is an empirical measure for describing wind speed based mainly on observed sea conditions.Global Investors’ India ForumIt is the global event of investors and investees organized by ASSOCHAM, India’s oldest apex chamber for commerce and industry.The event is officially supported by the Ministry of External affairs and Department of Industrial policy and promotion, Ministry of commerce and Industry.It was started in 2015 and this year it is organized with a theme “Ideate, Innovate, Implement and Invest in India”.Asian Development BankIndia signed a USD 300 million loan pact with ADB for fiscal reforms in West Bengal to improve the quality of public service delivery.ADB is a regional development bank established in 1966, headquartered in Metro Manila, Philippines.ADB now has 67 members of which 48 from within Asia and Pacific while remaining 19 from outside.It admits the members of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and non-regional developed countries.Its voting system was modeled closely on the World Bank where votes are distributed in proportion with members' capital subscriptions..It assists its members by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to promote social and economic development.Ban of Pet coke in NCRThe Supreme Court has recently directed the prohibition of industrial use of pet coke and furnace oil in NCR regions from November 1, 2017.It also imposed a fine of Rs. 2 lakh on the Ministry of Environment for not fixing any emission standards for industries using pet coke and furnace oil in the NCR region.Petroleum coke, abbreviated coke or petcoke, is a final carbon-rich solid material that derives from oil refining.Petcoke is over 90 percent carbon and emits 5 to 10 percent more carbon dioxide (CO2) than coal on a per-unit-of-energy basis when it is burned.It can contain vanadium, a toxic metal which is toxic in tiny quantities, 0.8 micrograms per cubic meter of air.It is sometimes a source of fine dust, which can get through the filtering process of the human airway and lodge in the lungs.Article 32West Bengal Government has recently approached the Supreme Court against the centre’s move to make Aadhar mandatory for availing benefits of welfare schemes.The State had filed this writ petition under Article 32 of the constitution.Article 32 of the constitution confers citizens the right to approach the Supreme Court for enforcement of their fundamental rights.The Supreme Court shall have power to issue directions or orders or writs.It includes writs in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari.In this case, SC does not take up the petition of West Bengal government saying the Article 32 can only be used by individuals to approach the SC against State actions which violate their fundamental rights.SC added that the Article cannot be agitated by a state against the centre or vice versa.WHO report on TBTB is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs.It is curable and preventable and it spread from person to person through the airMulti-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a form of TB which is resistant to treatment with at least two of the most powerful first-line anti-TB medications (drugs), isoniazid and rifampin.According to a report from WHO, death from tuberculosis in India saw a 12% decline from the last year.However, with 1.7 million new cases in 2016, India continued to be the largest contributor to the global burden.India counts for about 32% of the number of people worldwide who succumbed to the disease.The government has committed to achieve a ’90-90-90’ target by 2035.The target is 90% reduction in incidence, mortality and catastrophic health expenditures due to Tuberculosis.World’s longest TunnelChina plans to build a 1000 km-long tunnel, the world’s longest to divert water from the Brahmaputra River in Tibet to Xinjiang region.The plan involves diverting water from Sangri county in Tibet to the Taklamakan desert in Xinjiang.Once the tunnel is approved, it will most likely affect the water flow in the Brahmaputra that could cause droughts.The Brahmaputra, called the Yarlung Tsangpo in China, originates in Tibet and flows downstream into India's northeast.In 2010, China had assured India that it had no plans of building dams in Tibet after New Delhi expressed concerns.OROP for HC judgesThe Supreme Court asked the government to respond to a petition for implementation of the One Rank, One Pension (OROP) norm for retired High Court judges.Currently, there is a disparity in the pension paid to judges appointed from the Bar and those promoted from the subordinate judiciary to the High Courts.OROP - same pension, for same rank, for same length of service, irrespective of the date of retirement.Supreme Court in 2014 judgment in Ramakrishnam Raju’s case laid down the norms for OROP.The judgment says that “when persons holding constitutional office retire from service, making discrimination in the fixation of the pensions depending upon the source from which they were appointed is in breach of Article 14 and 16(1) of the Constitution.”UN Convention on TortureThe Law Commission recommended that the government should ratify a UN convention on torture and other inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment.It is ratified by 161 nations including Pakistan, China and Afghanistan.India signed this convention in 1997 but yet to ratify it.India is among the only nine countries worldwide which are yet to ratify this crucial convention.This UN convention will help to tide over difficulties in extraditing criminals from foreign countries due to the absence of a law preventing harsh treatment by authorities.Law Commission also recommended life in jail for public servants convicted of torture.It requires amendment to Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 to accommodate provisions regarding compensation and burden of proof.Law CommissionIt is an executive (non-statutory) body created by the government from time to time.The Commission was originally constituted in 1955 and is re-constituted every three years.Accordingly, 21st law commission was constituted in 2015 headed by Justice Balbir Singh for the period of 2015 to 2018.Law Commission is requested to work upon specific issues and submit its views assigned by the Law ministry and the Supreme Court on various occasions.Rashtriya Ekta DiwasRashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is being celebrated on 31st?october, marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel.He is credited for the integration of over 550 independent princely states into India from 1947-49 by Independence Act (1947).Cartosat-2 SatelliteISRO is set to launch 28 commercial satellites along with CartoSat-2 in the upcoming month.Cartosat is a series of Earth Observation Satellites placed in Polar Sun Synchronous Orbit (PSSO).The objective is to provide high-resolution scene specific spot imagery.The imageries from Cartosat-2 series satellite will useful for cartographic applications, urban and rural applications, coastal land use and regulation, utility management like road network monitoring, water distribution, creation of land use maps.It will also be useful in various other Land Information System (LIS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) applications.International Energy ForumThe International Energy Forum (IEF) consists of 72 member countries, aims to foster greater mutual understanding and awareness of common energy interests among its members.The Member Countries are signatories to the IEF Charter, which outlines the framework of the global energy dialogue through this inter-governmental arrangement.Its member countries are accounting for around 90% of global supply and demand for oil and gas.IEF is unique because it comprises not only countries of the IEA and OPEC, but also other major players outside of IEA and OPEC, including Argentina, China, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa.The Forum's biennial Ministerial Meetings are the world's largest gathering of Energy Ministers.The IEF and the global energy dialogue are promoted by a permanent Secretariat in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable IEF is promoting the Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER) which is a biennial event bringing together Energy Ministers and experts from Asian countries.The seventh AMER is going to be held in Bangkok.India is the current Chair of IEF.It will host the 16th Ministerial Conference of the IEF in April 2018.Exercise Blue FlagBlue Flag is a bi-annual multilateral exercise which aims to strengthen military cooperation amongst participating nations.This year Indian Air Force will be a part of this exercise which is going to be conducted in Israel.This is the first time the Indian Air Force is operating with Israeli Air Force in a multilateral exercise setting.The exercise would provide a platform for sharing of knowledge, combat experience and in improving operational capability of the participating petition Commission of India The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body of the Government of India responsible for enforcing the Competition Act, petition Act, 2002 prohibits anti-competitive agreements.It is the duty of the Commission to eliminate practices having adverse effect on competition, to promote and sustain competition, protect the interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade in the markets of I has recently found All India Film Employees Confederation (AIFEC) and three other producer associations to be in contravention of provisions of Section 3 of the Competition Act, I has rejected the plea of the trade unions’ that they are being governed only the provision of Trade Union Act, 1926.It noted in its order that trade unions enjoy no immunity or exemption for their conduct which contravenes the provisions of the Competition Act.Rashtriya Ekta ShivirRashtriya Ekta Shivir (National Integration Camp) was organized recently as part of Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat by Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS).The objective of the National Integration camp is to target and promote unity in diversity of nation.The most unique feature of this camp is that the students from one state of the country represent the cultural diversity of another state of the country.It represents the socio-economic aspects along with the art and culture of various states.Vidyarthi Vigyan ManthanVidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM) is a nationwide science talent search examination organized by Vigyan Prasar.It is a unique initiative to give a boost to the learning of science, technology and mathematics among the youth-especially the school students.Vigyan Prasar is an autonomous organisation under Department of Science and Technology and NCERT of Ministry of Human Resources and Development and Vijnana Bharati.Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA) is one of the largest science movements in the country led by eminent scientists.It aims to inculcate and generate scientific temper, foster excellence in students and nurture and mentor them for their careers in pure sciences.UNESCO Asia Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage ConservationSri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, has won the UNESCO Asia Pacific Award of Merit 2017 for cultural heritage conservation.It has become the first temple in Tamil Nadu to be given the prestigious award from the UN body.The massive renovation and restoration effort executed through the public-private partnership model since 2014 was the main reason to win this award.Mumbai's Christ Church and Royal Bombay Opera House were the other monuments in India that received the Award of Merit this year.The award is being given to encourage the efforts of all stakeholders and the public in conserving and promoting the monuments and religious institutes with rich heritage in the Asia-Pacific region.The awards are classified under four categories - Award of Excellence, Awards of Distinction, Awards of Merit and Award for New Design in Heritage Context.Sri Ranganathaswamy TempleThe Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple or Thiruvarangam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Hindu deity Vishnu.The temple is situated on an islet between Cauvery and Kollidam rivers. Kollidam is the northern distributary of Cauvery River.It has seven prakaras and 21 towers, including the 236-feet-high Rajagopuram.It is considered as the foremost among the 108 DivyaDesams.A DivyaDesam is one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the works of the Alvars called “NalayiraDivyaPrabandham”.NiveshBandhuNiveshBandhu is an investor facilitation portal which will be launched by the Ministry of Food Processing during World Food India Expo 2017.Its objective is to assist investors to make informed investment decisions. The portal would provide information on Central and State Governments’ investor friendly policies, agro-producing clusters, infrastructure, and potential areas of investment in the food processing sector.World Food India 2017 will provide global businesses a platform to explore Indian market across the value chain in food processing and food retail.It brings together global & Indian leaders across the food value chain for possible partnerships and facilitates investment flow in the food processing sector.RKVY-RAFTAARThe Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the continuation of RashtriyaKrishiVikasYojana (RKVY) as RKVY- Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) for three years i.e. 2017-18 to 2019-20.RKVY is a continuing scheme under implementation from XI Five Year Plan.RKVY – RAFTAAR scheme will incentivize States in enhancing more allocation to Agriculture and Allied Sectors.? It will provide considerable flexibility and autonomy to states in planning and executing programmes for investment in agriculture and allied sectors.The funds would be provided to the States as 60:40 grants between Centre and States (90:10 for North Eastern States and Himalayan States).It will also strengthen farmer’s efforts through creation of agriculture infrastructure that help in supply of quality inputs, market facilities etc.? It will further promote agri-entrepreneurship and support business models that maximize returns to farmers.EESL and GEF partnershipThe Global Environment Facility (GEF) has partnered with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), under Ministry of Power, for the project ‘Creating and Sustaining Markets for Energy Efficiency’.The project will receive a composite funding of $454 million comprised of the GEF grant and loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).The project, one of the largest funding by GEF till date, will mitigate 60 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.EESL proposes Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund (EERF) for sustainable funding mechanism of energy efficiency projects in the country.Click here to know more about GEFUluruUluru is the world’s largest monolith and a giant red rock, located in Central Australia.It is also known as Ayers Rock, a sandstone formation which experiences a hot desert climate.It is considered as sacred to “Anangu”, the Aboriginal people of the region.Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.It is notable for appearing to change colour at different times of the day and year, most notably when it glows red at dawn and sunset.At a meeting of the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park board, a unanimous decision was made to restrict the climbing of rock, which will come into effect from October 2019.It was a proposal by the aboringal tribes for whom the site is petition Commission of India (CCI)After the?Competition Act,2002came into existence a?Competition Commission of India (CCI)?and Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) was established.? This commission was preceded by Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC).Objectives CCIRemove negative competitive practicesPromote sustainable market competitionProtect the rights of the consumerProtect the freedom of trade in Indian marketsProtect the rights of small traders from the large traders to ensure their survivalAdvice and give suggestions to Competition Appellate TribunalRun informative campaigns and create public awareness about fair competitive practices.?‘Ex Blue Flag-17’?A 45 member contingent of the Indian Air Force left for Israel to participate in exercise ‘Blue Flag-17’.Blue Flag is a bi-annual multilateral exercise which aims to strengthen military cooperation amongst participating nations.Indian Air Force is participating with the C-130J special operations aircraft along with Garud commandos.The exercise would provide a platform for sharing of knowledge, combat experience and in improving operational capability of the participating nations.This is the first time the Indian Air Force is operating with Israeli AF in a multilateral exercise setting. 7th Asia Ministerial Energy Roundtable(AMER) in Bangkok, Thailand?India is the current chair of International Energy Forum (IEF) which is promoting the AMER – a biennial event bringing together Energy Ministers and experts from Asian countries.BadRabbit ransomware?On October 24th notifications of mass attacks with ransomware called Bad Rabbit was observed.The BadRabbit attack mainly affected Russia but also caused flight delays at Odessa airport in southern Ukraine and disrupted electronic payments in the Kiev metro.1. The 11th India-United States Trade Policy Forum (TPF) Meeting was held in Washington D.C, capital city of US. It was chaired jointly by Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.Both sides held discussions on issues related to bilateral trade, areas of mutual cooperation, market access in agriculture, non-agricultural goods and services and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).Key FactsConcerns raised by US: Market access issues, import regulations relating to poultry, ground handling operations, export of pork to India and price controls on medical devices.Concerns raised by India: Easing of procedure for export of Indian pomegranates and mangoes and market access for table grapes from India. Problems faced by Indian services companies in obtaining H-1B and L-1 visas. It requested US to ease movement of skilled professionals as Indian IT companies contribute significantly to American economy. Issue of tantalisation i.e. mismatch between US visa and US social security regimes was also raised. In this case, Indian professionals making social security contributions, but they do not receive their due benefits upon their return to IndiaGreater opportunities for US exports to India: National IPR Policy 2016 lays down roadmap for future development in field of IPRs. It is considered as major step towards strengthening IPR ecosystem in India, including improvements in procedures, timelines and resolution of disputes. Draft Pharmaceutical Policy addresses many of US concerns. India desires to address concerns of providing affordable healthcare to its citizens and balancing it with the need to introduce high end technology. US manufacturers of medical devices have been encouraged to establish manufacturing facilities in India.India already has started to import crude oil and new Liquefied Natural Gas exports are expected to commence early next year. Indian aviation companies have placed orders for over 300 aircrafts valued at several billions of dollars.BackgroundBilateral trade between India and US has increased to US $64.51 billion in 2016-17, from US $62.11 billion in previous fiscal. However, foreign direct investment (FDI) from US into India dipped to US $2.37 billion in 2016-17 from US $4.19 billion in 2015-16.2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is set to move a proposal before Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for taking over Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).BCAS, currently under the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is responsible for laying down standards, policies and measures with regard to security of all commercial flights. Multiple security agencies working at airports, including immigration officials, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) security personnel, local police and Intelligence Bureau (IB) are bound by regulations passed by BCAS.Key FactsThe decision is based on security audit conducted by team of experts from MHA, IB, CISF and BCAS which had recommended change. Once CCS gives its approval, CISF will assume larger role in airport security. The new set-up will help in better coordination and monitoring, since CISF, IB and state intelligence all report to MHA.It will also speed up issue of security clearances for airlines and airports as in the past, there have been inordinate delays in granting clearances due to differences between MHA and MoCA on grounds that airlines and airports have not complied with? norms despite guidelines. The move may also result in increase in passenger security fee since CISF will be deployed at all 98 airports across country.Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS)It was set up as a cell in Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in 1978, after an Indian Airlines flight was hijacked in September 1976. BCAS was reorganised as an independent department under MoCA in April 1987, as follow-up to Kanishka bombing in June 1985. It is currently headed by a commissioner of security.3. Scientists from ETH Zurich in Switzerland have successfully created the world’s shortest X-ray laser pulse with duration of just 43 attoseconds (1×10?18 of a second). This laser pulse is the shortest controlled event that has ever been created by humans.LaserLaser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It is highly coherent, unidirectional beam of perfectly monochromatic light. It has greater energy than normal light. It is used in range of application like sensors, optical communication sources etc.ApplicationsUsing this laser pulse, researchers can now observe in high detail how electrons movement within molecule and fully understand dynamics during chemical reaction. This laser can also help in attosecond spectroscopy, by contributing development of more efficient solar cells by observing the process of excitation through sunlight up to the generation of electricity step by step.Moreover, a detailed understanding of charge transfer pathway using it can also help in optimizing the efficiency of next generation of photosensitive elements. Using this laser pulse, chemical reactions can also be directly manipulated by altering course of reaction even chemical bonds can be broken by stopping charge shift at certain location in molecule.4. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced that India will host next Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Conference of Parties 13 (CMS COP13) in year 2020. CMS COP is also known as a Global Wildlife Conference.Key FactsThe announcement was made during 12th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties 12 (COP12) to CMS held in Manila, Philippines. It was held from 23 to 28 October 2017 and was attended by over 500 delegates from more than 91 countries participated in the summit which is held once in three years. The theme of the CMS COP12 was “Their Future is Our Future – Sustainable Development for Wildlife and People”. This was for first time the summit was held in Asia. The CMS COP12 was also the largest-ever meeting in the 38-year history of the convention.Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)CMS is an international treaty concluded under aegis of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), concerned with conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale. It is commonly abbreviated as Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) or the Bonn Convention.CMS aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range. It was signed in 1979 in Bonn (hence the name), Germany and entered into force in 1983. Its headquarters are in Bonn, Germany. Since its entry into force, its membership has grown steadily to include over 120 Parties from Africa, Central and South America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.365760029210CMS is only global and UN-based intergovernmental organization established exclusively for conservation and management of terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species throughout their range.5. Scientists have found that parasite called Leptomonas seymouri hosting virus called Lepsey NLV1 may be also responsible for spread of kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis). Earlier it was believed that parasite Leishmania donovani (sandfly) alone is responsible for spread of the dreaded infection.Key FactsScientists have found that Leptomonas seymouri parasite hosts virus called Lepsey NLV1 which is responsible for spread of kala-azar. However, scientists are still not clear how parasites cause infection and how it manages to hide within body. The discovery portends new kind of treatment regime and may aid attempts to eradicating disease.Kala-azarKala-azar or visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as black fever and Dumdum fever is most severe form of leishmaniasis. It is zoonotic (or parasatic) infection transmitted by sand fly (Leishmania donovani), a blood-sucking pest, which is one-third size of mosquitoes and found in moist (humid) mud and sand and in close proximity to livestock. It signs and symptoms include fever, weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and substantial swelling of liver and spleen. It is treatable and requires a medical diagnosis. If untreated, kala-azar can kill within two years of onset of ailment.Kala-azar belongs to Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) family of diseases which affect poorest populations. It is second-largest parasitic killer in world after Malaria. It is endemic to Indian subcontinent in 119 districts in four countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal). India accounts for half the global burden of Kala-azar disease.6. Public Finance Management System (PFMS)The PFMS scheme has been rolled out by Controller General of Accounts at behest of Union Finance Ministry, Department of Department of Expenditure. It is an electronic fund tracking mechanism compiles, collates and makes available in real-time, information regarding all government schemes.PFMS is poised to develop as one of biggest financial management systems of the world, critical for bringing about transformational accountability and transparency in promoting overall good governance. It aims at providing government real-time information on resource availability and utilisation across schemes.It aims at promoting transparency and bringing about tangible improvements in overall Central Government Financial Management as well as implementation of various Central Government Schemes across the country. PFMS’s ambit of coverage includes Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes as well as other expenditures including Finance Commission Grants.In future, Government aims to transform PFMS to Government-wide Integrated Financial Management System (GIFMIS) as a comprehensive payment, receipt and accounting system.7. The Union Government has inked $65.5 million loan agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) to continue interventions to check coastal erosion on the Western Coast in Karnataka.The loan is second tranche of $250 million financing facility under Sustainable Coastal Protection and Management Investment Program for 20-year term. It will be used for to address immediate coastal protection needs and for strengthening institutional capacity of Karnataka’s Inland Water Transport Department and Public Works, Ports.Sustainable Coastal Protection and Management Investment ProgramIt consist of eight coastal protection subprojects to address issues of medium to severe coastal erosion resulting in protection of about 54 km of coastline in Karnataka. It has already demonstrated benefit of adoption of softer options such as artificial reefs, beach nourishments, and dune management for coastal protection. State Department of Public Works is responsible for implementation of overall program which is due for completion by September 2020.BackgroundKarnataka’s coast supports state’s major economic sectors, which include agriculture, fisheries, tourism, ports and other major transport and communication sectors. Coastal erosion in state poses high risk to human wellbeing, economic developmen, and ecological integrity through loss of land, infrastructure, and business opportunities.Under increasing threat from climate change impacts, coastal protection and management has evolved as major challenge to development. This project is mainly focused for effective and sustainable management of shoreline which is vital for sustainable economic and social development of coastal regions in state.8. The 14th South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation in Law (SAARCLAW) Conference was held in Colombo, capital city of Sri Lanka along with 11th SAARC Chief Justices Conference.The three-day conference was inaugurated by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and saw participation from South Asia’s top Judges, legal practitioners and academics.Key FactsThe SAARCLAW Conference provided platform for legal professionals to meet and discuss issues of mutual interests and emerging legal trends in the South Asian countries. It also discussed issues like artificial intelligence, human trafficking, Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) and environmental protection concerns.Besides, 11th Chief Justices conference was held in a closed-door session and was attended only by Chief Justices or their representatives. It provided Chief Justices of SAARC countries opportunity to consider relevance of judiciaries within South Asia.SAARCLAW ConferenceIt was established in Sri Lanka in 1991. Since then conference has provided a platform for legal professionals from South Asian region to meet and discuss issues of mutual interests pertaining to justice, legal reforms, good governance and enforcement over a span of 25 years.South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation?(SAARC)SAARC is regional intergovernmental organization and geopolitical union of nations in South Asia. Its member states include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It comprises 3% of world’s area, 21% of world’s population and 3.8% of global economy as of 2015.9. The First International Consumer Protection Conference on empowering consumers in new markets for South, South East and East Asian Countries was held in New Delhi from 26 to 27 October 2017. The theme of the conference was “Empowering Consumers in New Markets”. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Key FactsThe two day conference was organised by Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in association with UNCTAD. The conference was attended by 1600 participants that included delegates from 19 countries from East, South and South-East Asia which account for majority of global consumers and share common challenges and experiences participated in it.New Consumer Protection BillDuring inauguration of the conference PM Narendra Modi announced that new consumer protection law is on anvil to crack down on misleading advertisements and simplify grievance redressal mechanism. The main objective of new law will be to protect the rights of consumers.It will replace previous Consumer Protection Act of 1986 by incorporating amended 2015 UN guidelines on consumer protection. It proposes to have Central Consumer Protection Authority with executive powers will be constituted for quick remedial action. It also establishes Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions at every district, state and national levels.United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)UNCTAD is principal organ of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) dealing with trade, investment, and development issues. It was established in 1964 and its permanent secretariat is in Geneva. Its primary objective is to formulate policies relating to all aspects of development including trade, aid, transport, finance and technology. It ordinarily meets once in four years.10. The shortlisted companies will be future ‘Monument Mitras’ who would associate pride with their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) activities.14 adopted monuments include: Jantar Mantar, Purana Quila, Safdarjung Tomb, Agrasen ki Baoli, and Qutub Minar (Delhi), Hampi (Karnataka), Ajanta Caves (Maharashtra), Sun Temple, Raja Rani Temple and Ratnagiri Monuments (Odisha), Leh Palace and Mt. StokKangri (Jammu & Kashmir), Mattancherry Palace Museum (Kerala), Gangotri Temple Area and Trail (Uttarakhand).BackgroundThese companies were selected by Inter-Ministerial Oversight and Vision Committee of Ministry after detailed scrutiny of 57 responses ranging from travel industry, hospitality industry and banking industry for adopting monuments under the Adopt a Heritage Scheme.Adopt a Heritage Scheme (Apni Dharohar Apni Pehchan Project)The scheme was launched by Union Ministry of Tourism on World Tourism Day (27th September). Under it, Private, Public Sector Companies and Corporate individuals were invited to adopt heritage sites and to take up responsibility for making them and promote sustainable tourism through conservation and development under their CSR activities.This scheme was launched by Tourism Ministry in close collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It envisages at developing monuments, heritage and tourist sites across India and making them tourist friendly and enhance their tourism potential and cultural importance in planned and phased manner.The project primarily focuses on development and maintenance of world-class tourist infrastructure and amenities including basic civic amenities and advanced amenities like cleanliness, public conveniences, secure environment, ease of access, illumination and night viewing facilities for inclusive tourist experience to increase both domestic and foreign tourists footfall.11. The Rajasthan Assembly passed Backward Classes (Reservation of Seats in Educational Institutions in State and of Appointment and Posts in Services under State) Bill, 2017 by voice voteThe bill seeks to provide 5% reservation to Gujjars and four other nomadic communities viz. Banjara, Gadia-Lohar, Raika and Gadariya in state government jobs and educational institutions as Other Backward Classes (OBCs). It increases reservation for OBCs from 21% to 26%. It also creates new most backward category within OBCs for providing quota benefit to Gujjars and four other nomadic communities. With passage of bill, reservation in Rajasthan now stands at 54%, exceeding 50% ceiling mandated by Supreme Court.BackgroundEarlier also Rajasthan Assembly had passed Special Backward Classes Act 2015 to provide 5% reservation for these castes by creating a separate Special Backward Castes category. However, Rajasthan High Court had struck down the legislation saying that quota cannot not only exceed 50% limit set by Supreme Court. It also pointed out flaws in government’s process of granting additional 5% reservation for these castes and held that it is not supported by quantifiable data supporting the claim of Gujjars’ backwardness.12. The Infantry Day in observed every year in India on 27 October to commemorate supreme sacrifices made by Indian Army’s infantry against Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in 1947. It was first infantry action by Indian Army after independence. Observance of the day also commemorates infantry’s exceptional courage and dedicated service to nation.BackgroundOn this day in 1947, Indian Army from 1st Battalion of SIKH Regiment had taken bold action to thwart nefarious designs to invade J&K by Pakistani Army supported tribals. The infantry of Indian Army was airdropped after troops were airlifted from Delhi and landed at Srinagar to liberate Kashmir from invaders in order to protect sovereignty and territorial integrity of? nation. The operation was undertaken following orders of then Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru after Maharaja Hari Singh, the ruler of princely state of J&K signed Instrument of Accession on 26 October 1947 to accede or merge state with India13. The International Conference of heads of Metrology Institutes held in Sevres, France has decided that the measure of kilogram will no longer be pegged to cylinder. From 2019 onwards, it will be set by value of Planck constant in combination with definitions of meter and second.Why it was changed?31210252131695Till now, the kilogram is the only one among units of measures pegged to real object. It was pegged to a cylinder (shown in fig) made up of 90% platinum ?and 10% iridium (In India, salt-shaker-sized cylinder weighing exactly a kilogram in National Physical Laboratory was used as ideal measure of kilogram since 1957). It was serving as reference for variety of industries to keep their weights accurate. But this cylinder’s weight in kilogram is known to fluctuate due to surface contamination with time, making it tricky to define its exact mass.?New measure for kilogram?The new measure for kilogram from 2019 will be derived from constants of nature that are all interdependent. ?It will be set by value of Planck constant in combination with definitions of meter and second. Kibble balance will be used to make accurate measures of Planck constant. ?Kibble balance is set of scales, which uses force produced by current-carrying wire in magnetic field to balance weight of mass.Note: In this case, meter and second units themselves are depended on other constants. The second unit is defined by frequency of an atomic transition in cesium-133 and meter depends on second and the speed of light. The Planck constant (denoted h) is a physical constant i.e. quantum of action, central in quantum mechanics.SignificanceThe new measure for kilogram will provide utmost accuracy in work. It will be no longer be subject to wear and tear and thus and thus, there will be no sources of error in actual reference weight measure.BackgroundIn last 60 years, several standard units like second, metre, Kelvin, ampere, mole, candela and kilogram ceased to be defined by physical objects. ?For example, 1 metre earlier was measured by a platinum-iridium bar, but in 1960, it was re-defined as distance travelled by light in vacuum in 1/299,792,458 seconds. From 2018, seven prime units in International System of Units (inner circle) will be defined by seven constants (outer circle).14. Sri Lanka has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India to build 1,200 houses in strategically located southern port city of Hambantota. Of the 1,200 houses to be built, 600 will be constructed in Southern Province, while remaining will be built across Sri Lanka, through one model village in each of country’s 25 districts.BackgroundHambantota port is located right in middle of vital energy supply lines in Indian Ocean, connecting Middle East and East Asia. In recent times, coastal city of Hambantota had gained strategic significance after Sri Lankan government had decided to build massive deep-sea port and airport with huge Chinese loans.In July 2017, Sri Lankan government had signed US $1.1 billion deal to sell 70% stake of strategic Hambantota deep-sea port to China to service outstanding $8-billion debt it owes China. The deal had fanned concerns of countries with competing strategic interests with China, particularly India and US. Local residents of Hambantota are also protesting selling of “national assets to foreign entities” leading to violent clashes.SignificanceThe signing of MoU in Hambantota assumes significance as it takes India’s housing project to Sinhala-majority Southern Province. ?Earlier India had constructed as many as 46,000 homes in Tamil-majority north and east, and 4,000 houses are being built in hill country in Central and Uva provinces, where several thousand Sri Lankans of recent Indian origin live and work. India also is taking steps to protect itself in Indian Ocean by allying itself with US and Japan in a bid to counter growing Chinese influence in IOR.15. Scientists from The Broad Institute and Massachusetts Institute of Technology in US have developed RNA Editing for Programmable A to I Replacement (REPAIR), a new gene editing tool?therapies that can reverse disease-causing mutations in humans.REPAIR gene editing tool can tweak an individual RNA ‘letters’ in human cells without making changes to entire genome? and can have profound potential as a tool for both research and disease treatment.REPAIRREPAIR is based on gene editing tool CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) that can be used to modify DNA in cells. The new tool can change single RNA nucleosides in mammalian cells in a programmable and precise fashion.To create REPAIR, scientists had systematically profiled CRISPR-Cas13 enzyme family for potential editor candidates. They had selected enzyme called PspCas13b from Prevotella bacteria which was most effective at inactivating RNA.Scientists had engineered deactivated variant of PspCas13b enzyme that binds to specific stretches of RNA but lacks its scissor-like activity and fused it to a protein called ADAR2, which changes nucleoside adenosine to inosine in RNA transcripts.SignificanceREPAIR has ability to reverse disease-causing mutations at RNA level, as well as other potential therapeutic and basic science applications. It paves way for therapies that can reverse mutations and has profound potential as tool for both research and disease treatment.REPAIR has ability to target individual RNA letters or nucleosides, switching adenosines to inosines. These letters are involved in single-base changes which are known to regularly cause genetic disease in humans. For ex, in human disease, a mutation from G to A is extremely common and these alterations have been implicated in for cases of focal epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.Thus, it can reverse impact of any pathogenic G-to-A mutation regardless of its surrounding nucleotide sequence, with potential to operate in any cell mentRNA editing using REPAIR offers safer, more flexible way to make corrections in cell unlike permanent changes to genome required for DNA editing using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology.?REPAIR can also fix mutations without tampering with genome as RNA naturally degrades making it potentially reversible fix.16. The first-ever meeting of BIMSTEC Task Force on Traditional Medicine (BITFM) was held at Parvasi Bhartiya Kendra in New Delhi?Key Features:It was organized by Union Ministry of AYUSHIndia being a major stakeholder in the field of Traditional Medicine plays an important role in influencing the policies and strategies related to the Traditional Medicine in the BIMSTEC Forum?Important Agenda:?Implementation of Strategies of BIMSTEC Task Force on Traditional MedicinesIdentification of priority areas in traditional medicine for technical and research collaboration among member statesRegional Strategy for protection of Genetic Resource associated with ???Traditional Medicine Knowledge and Intellectual Property RightsHuman Resource Development and Capacity Building among the BIMSTEC Member StatesNew Initiative, proposals and programmes for cooperation on Traditional Medicine among the BIMSTEC Task Force on Traditional Medicine.?BIMSTEC:Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is international organisation involving a group of countries in the South Asia and South East Asia namely, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, .Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.17. Hon’ble Raksha Mantri complimented all personnel of the Indian Navy for securing the maritime interests of the nation.?Achievements mentioned:Regular deployment of ships, submarines and aircraft in all directions (South China Sea, Sea of Japan, Persian Gulf, the Atlantic Ocean and Australia shores)Deter piracy attempts off the Gulf of Aden.Participation in a number of bilateral exercisesSuccess of the Exercise MALABAR with the US and the Japanese Navy.Lead taken by Indian Navy in indigenisation and self-reliance.Engagement with the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) littorals to build their capacities and enhance their capabilities through practical training of Naval personnel on regular basis?Issues to be addressed:Indian Navy is facing shortfalls in ship-borne multi-role helicopters, conventional submarines and mine counter measure vessels, which need urgent t and Industry should encourage development of equipment and systems in India and to reduce import dependence in the Defence sector.?Upcoming Programmes:Goa Maritime Conclave -Institutionalising a full-fledged regional-forum to help find collective solutions to matters maritime in the IOR and facilitate projection of India’s and Indian Navy’s strategic and operational vision to a wider regional and global audience throughMILAN 2018 at Port Blair early next year would be an excellent forum to get the littoral Navies on a common platform to discuss regional maritime issues and security challenges.?Indian Ocean Region (IOR):The IOR, a large maritime area that extends from coastal Africa through the Middle East and South Asia and on to Australia, is a major conduit for global trade, a littoral zone of developing powers.?Conclusion:Indian Navy – to be strong at sea, and be ever ready and vigilant to counter any challenges in the maritime domain.Maritime interests of a nation have a vital relationship with its economic growth and these shall be protected at all costs by ensuring a strong and credible Indian Navy.18. PM inaugurates International Conference on Consumer Protection for East, South and South-East Asian Countries with the theme of “Empowering Consumers in New Markets” in New Delhi?About Conference:International Conference on Consumer Protection is being organised by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India in association with UNCTAD.This is the first time an international conference on consumer protection is being organised by India for 22 countries from East, South and South-East Asia which account for a majority of the global consumers and share common challenges and experiences.?New Consumer Protection Bill:?Main Objective is to Protect the rights of the consumers.It will replace the Consumer Protection Act of 1986 by incorporating the amended 2015 UN guidelines on consumer protection.It proposes to have Consumer Dispute Redressal Commissions, which will be set up at the district, state and national levelsCentral Consumer Protection Authority with executive powers will be constituted for quick remedial action.New BIS Act with specific emphasis on Hallmarking Scheme for ornaments.Provision of high quality ICT infrastructure at affordable pricesConsumer safety from hazardous goods, complete disclosure of all information for guidance of consumersRegulations against identity theft and provision for data privacy protection.crack down on misleading advertisements?Some Measures Taken:?Increased competition among companies due to the GST will lead to moderation in prices and this will directly benefit poor and middle class consumers.Bureau of Indian Standard Act – commodity or service is brought under compulsory certification. The Act has provisions to order recall of substandard products from the market.Ujala scheme – use of energy-efficient LED bulbs has not just brought down their prices but also helped save Rs. 20,000 crore in electricity billsJan Aushadhi Pariyojna – affordable medicines to people, brought down prices of life-saving heart stent implants as well as knee implants“Give it up’ campaign under which more than one crore beneficiaries surrendered their LPG subsidy. The saved subsidy amount have been used to give free gas connections to 3 crore householdsDirect Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme transferred transferring the money directly into the beneficiaries’ ?prevented leakage of more than Rs. 57,000 crores.Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act has been enacted to protect home buyers and the government is working to achieve the target of housing for all by 2022.?UNCTAD:United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) was established in 1964. UNCTAD is the principal organ of the United Nations General Assembly dealing with trade, investment, and development issues. The primary objective of UNCTAD is to formulate policies relating to all aspects of development including trade, aid, transport, finance and technology. The conference ordinarily meets once in four years; the permanent secretariat is in Geneva.19. Infrastructure investment in India is estimated to have risen to Rs 37 lakh crore or 5.6% of GDP between fiscals 2013 and 2017. India needs to spend at least Rs 50 lakh crore between over the next five years or close to Rs 3000 crore a day to build its infrastructure sustainably.?Challenges:Investments by the private sector and states are likely to remain subdued in the near term.Weak project preparationPoorly structured contracts with inappropriate risk allocationIrrational bidding exuberanceOver reliance on bank-led financing leading to deeply indebted developers and gargantuan stressed assets in banking.The takeover of distribution utility losses under the Ujjwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) and the recent agri-loan waivers have further strained state finances.?Measures to be taken:To resolve the issue of non-performing assets NPAsTo revive stalled projectsTo facilitate easier exitsFront-ending of bankable projectsComprehensive retooling of public-private partnership frameworks – introduce calibrated public-private partnership (PPP) models such as hybrid annuity and toll-operate-transfer in highwayDeepening of the infrastructure financing ecosystem.?CRISIL rating:Crisil launched it infrastructure investability index that tracks, measures and assesses the development, maturity and investment attractiveness of infrastructure sectors.The index is based on four parameters – policy direction, institutional strength and regulatory maturity, financial sustainability, and implementation ease.Being an ascending scale, a score of 1 reflects least investment attractiveness and maturity, and a score of 10 highest investment attractiveness and maturity.The Crisil InfraInvex scores for 2017 show that the power transmission sector in India is the most attractive to invest in currently, followed by roads & highways, and renewable energy. The urban sector, which is the least attractive right now.20. INS Chakra:INS Chakra is a Russia-made, nuclear-propelled, hunter-killer submarine.The Akula class submarine is an SSN, and is to provide escort to INS Arihant, the indigenously constructed ballistic missile submarine that would carry nuclear missiles.INS Chakra has been taken on lease from Russia for 10 years to provide the Navy the opportunity to train personnel and operate such nuclear-powered vessels.21. India’s passport was ranked 75th among 94 countries in recently released Global Passport Power Rank 2017. Singapore has world’s most powerful passport, making it first Asian country to top it. Singapore is followed by Germany, Sweden and South Korea.The Global Passport Power Rank is released by Canada based global financial advisory firm Arton Capital.It has become most popular interactive online tool to display, sort and rank world’s passports.The index ranks national passports by cross-border access they bring, assigning visa-free score according to number of countries passport holder can visit visa-free or with visa on arrival.?Special Centre for Disaster Research was inaugurated at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) by Ministry of state for home affairs?An ancient human skull discovered in Papua New Guinea likely belonged to the world’s oldest-known tsunami victim. The partially preserved Aitape Skull was discovered in 1929 from the northern coast of the Pacific nation. This work reinforces a growing recognition that tsunamis have had a significant influence on coastal populations throughout Pacific prehistory.??Scientists from Florida State University, US – have developed new tool for objectively defining onset and demise of Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) . The new method uses rainfall rates to mark span of ISM at any given location. The new system ties onset of monsoon to location-specific rainfall thresholds and can work to clear confusion and frustration due to lack of clear, granular and objective benchmark for ISM onset and demise for all areas of country.?Vigilance Awareness Week to be observed from 30th October to 4th November, 2017 with theme “My Vision-Corruption Free India”.Purpose of observing Vigilance Awareness Week is to educate the public at large about the corruption related practices and also educating them how to report about it.Activities to be conducted within the organisation include taking of Integrity Pledge by all employees, distribution of pamphlets/handouts on preventive vigilance activities, whistle blower mechanism and other anti-corruption measures, conducting workshops and sensitization programmes for employees and other stake holders on policies/procedures of the organization and preventive vigilance measures“Awareness Gram Sabhas” are being organized for dissemination of awareness in Gram Panchayats (in rural and semi-urban areas) to sensitise citizens on the ill-effects of corruption.A new feature is the establishment of ‘Integrity Clubs’ in schools and colleges as children are the future assets of the country and it is important to cultivate moral values in them.?In a major boost to coastal shipping, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) has received Rs 25 crore from the government for development of coastal berth and another Rs 50 crore to the Karwar port in Karnataka under the Coastal Berth Scheme of its flagship Sagarmala project.Sagar Mala project is a strategic and customer-oriented initiative of the Government of India to modernize India’s Ports so that port-led development can be augmented and coastlines can be developed to contribute in India’s growth.The Coastal Berth Scheme aims to provide financial support to ports or state governments for the creation of infrastructure for movement of cargo and passenger by sea or national waterways.22. Indian Railways shall lead the world by achieving 100 % electrification ?with “an incentive cum penalty” framework scheme to transform Indian Railways truly into a world class, safe and modern transporter?Context:Transport sector is the biggest consumer of energy, especially railway as the single largest consumer with share of about 2% of National energy consumption. Rail being the most energy efficient mode of transport is further working to change the energy mix towards greener sourcesElectrification is a powerful measure to achieve cost effectiveness.It improves mobility by use of high power energy efficient Locomotives, facilitate shift of traffic from road to rail and also to reduce carbon footprints. In addition electrification will also reduce traction energy bill substantially?Main objective:Bring green power project developers and other stakeholders on a common platform for making Indian Railways (IR) an efficient and Greener mode of transportGreen initiatives including use of renewable energy, shift towards electric traction, development of new locomotive technology, high speed rail traction system and development in generation of Solar/Wind power as well as use of energy in efficient ways.?Action Plan:Electrification of Railway TracksHarnessing Renewable Energy on Indian Railways to reduce energy cost and carbon footprintsProduction of Energy Efficient High Horsepower LocomotivesHead On Generation (HOG) – electrical loads of passenger coaches would be fed directly from electric power drawn by locomotive from grid.?About IREE:??Institution of Railways Electrical Engineer (IREE) registered at Nasik in 1995 is a professional body of Railway Electrical Engineers. It is a technical body under the auspices of Ministry of Railways sharing knowledge and experience of various Railway engineers and others connected with Electrical Engineering.?Indian Railway’s First set of Solar Power Plant of 5MW capacity launched:Indian Railway’s first set of solar plants with total capacity of 5 megawatt peak (MWp) was launched on roof tops of Hazrat Nizamuddin, New Delhi, Anand Vihar and Delhi railway stations.This project was launched under ambitious National Solar Mission in which Indian Railways plans to commission 1000 MWp solar plants across its network.The first set of solar plant will generate 76.5 lakh units of solar power cumulatively per year and will meet about 30% of energy requirement of these ?stations.The project was awarded in 2016 to the developer under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.The developer will maintain it for 25 years and Railways will only pay energy consumed at Rs 4.14 per unit.23. Bharat Net project, which aims to deploy high-speed optical fibre cables across rural areas, will be completed by December this year, thus providing internet access to 100,000 gram panchayats,Context:‘i-Bharat 2017’ conference held in the New Delhi, based on the theme of ‘ICT Elucidations for Unserved and Unsolved’, organised by industry body FICCI in association with the ministry of electronics and information technology.?Challenges:India being the highest consumer of mobile data throws up as many challenges as opportunities.Public and private sector need to join hands in achieving the objective of doubling the reach of telecom fibre network in the country by 2020.Issues such as cyber security, data protection & privacy, regulation of data and, importantly, data monetisation need to be addressed.How India will leverage its Aadhaar and Election Commission data base.How the country will tackle the privacy debate after the Supreme Court ruling on privacy being a fundamental right24. Seven shortlisted companies given ‘Letters of Intent’ for 14 monuments under ‘Adopt a Heritage Scheme’ of Ministry of Tourism?These companies will be the future ‘Monument Mitras’ who would associate pride with their CSR activities.Adopted Monuments are :Jantar Mantar, Delhi.Sun Temple, KonarkRaja Rani Temple, BhubaneshwarRatnagiri Monuments, Jajpur, OdishaHampi, KarnatakaLeh Palace, Jammu & KashmirQutub Minar, DelhiAjanta Caves, MaharashtraMattancherry Palace Museum, KochiSafdarjung Tomb, DelhiGangotri Temple Area and Trail to GaumukhMt. StokKangri, Laddakh, Jammu and KashmirAgrasen ki Baoli, DelhiPurana Quila, Delhi.?Adopt a Heritage Scheme (Apni Dharohar Apni Pehchan Project):Scheme was launched on World Tourism Day i.e. 27th?September, 2017 by Ministry of Tourism in close collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) which envisages developing monuments, heritage and tourist sites across India and making them tourist friendly.Ministry of Tourism invited Private, Public Sector Companies and Corporate individuals to adopt the sites and to take up the responsibility for making our heritage and tourism more sustainable through conservation and development.?Significance:The project primarily focuses on development and maintenance of world-class tourist infrastructure and amenities like Cleanliness, Public Conveniences, Ease of access, secure environment, illumination and night viewing facilities for an overall inclusive tourist experience that will result in more footfall from both domestic and foreign tourists.25. SIDBI revamps portal for easy credit access?Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has revamped its portal?udyamimitra.in?with enhanced features to provide easy access to credit and hand-holding services for micro small medium enterprises (MSME).Key Features:The portal brings transparency and competition among lendersIt removes the need to approach several banks individuallyThe portal is mobile-enabled and provides a self-assessment module.It sends various information on registered MSMEs from time to time.It also allows loan applications to be perused and picked up by multiple lenders.?SIDBI:Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), set up on April 2, 1990 under an Act of Indian Parliament, acts as the Principal Financial Institution for the Promotion, Financing and Development of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector and for Co-ordination of the functions of the institutions engaged in similar activities.26. Spain sacks Catalan government after independence declaration?Background:Catalonia is one of Spain’s most prosperous regions and already has a high degree of autonomy. But it has a series of historic grievances, exacerbated during the 1939-1975 Franco dictatorship, when its culture and politics were suppressed.Catalonia held an Independent referendum on Oct. 1, 2017 which was declared illegal by Madrid and marred by heavy-handed national police tactics to stop it.?Highlights:The Catalan parliament had voted to make a unilateral declaration of independence.Shortly afterwards the Spanish Senate in Madrid approved the imposition of direct rule.It sacked Carles Puigdemont as head of the autonomous region, also fired its police chief and said central government ministries would take over the Catalan administration.A new regional election will be held in Catalonia on Dec. 21Several European countries, including France and Germany, and the United States also rejected the independence declaration and said they supported Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s efforts to preserve Spain’s unity.27. India, France Decide To Boost Co-Operation In Indo-Pacific Region?Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her French counterpart Florence Parly held extensive talks covering a range of issues, including the regional security situation, joint development of defence platforms and expansion of military-to-military ties.Context:France is a major partner for India in developing various key military platforms including the Scorpene submarines. Parly attended foundation ceremony of an aerospace park being set up under a joint venture by French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation and Anil Ambani-promoted Reliance Aerospace Ltd.?Highlights:Resolved to further ramp up the overall defence and security ties.Agreed to expand counter-terror cooperation at maritime sideFrench side explored the possibility of a follow on order of additional Rafale fighter jets by prehensively reviewed developments in defence equipment and industry cooperation between the two countries.28. Arctic sea ice waning faster than predicted, says study?Findings:Arctic sea ice, a key indicator of climate change, could be dwindling faster than predicted.Research undertaken by the Cryosphere Climate Research Group, Canada found that satellite measurements over the years have overestimated the thickness of Arctic sea ice by as much as 25% because of the presence of salty snow.Salty snow formed when brine is expelled upward from the ice surface does not allow radar waves from satellites to penetrate, leading to skewed measurements.?Significance:Dwindling ice cover hastens the warming of oceans, and has an impact on weather phenomena like the El Nino that influences the Asian monsoon.The thinning ice would make it difficult for animals like polar bears and seals and organisms like phytoplankton to survive29. National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) set up under the administrative control of Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) at Gwalpahari Village, Distt. Gurgaon (Haryana).?Establishment of permanent campus of six new IITs at Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Palakkad (Kerala), Dharwad (Karnataka), Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir), Bhilai (Chhattisgarh) and Goa will have a facility for housing 1,200 students from the academic year 2020-2021?The Infantry Day in observed every year in India on 27 October to commemorate supreme sacrifices made by Indian Army’s infantry against Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in 1947. It was first infantry action by Indian Army after independence. Observance of the day also commemorates infantry’s exceptional courage and dedicated service to nation.?President of India launched the Technocity project in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala on October 27, 2017 and laid the foundation stone for the first government building in Technocity.?Burundi on Friday became the First ever nation to leave the International Criminal Court(ICC), the world’s only permanent war crimes tribunal. International Criminal Court, set up in July 2002, headquartered at Hague, Netherlands to prosecute those behind the world’s worst atrocities.?Australian court disqualifies Barnaby Joyce, deputy PM for dual citizenship. Critics have condemned the outdated constitutional ban saying half the people are immigrants or have an overseas-born parent. Critics argued for exemption from the ban because he had not voluntarily acquired or retained citizenship of another country.30. India emerging as a leader among milk producing nations?Context:Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister said India is emerging as a leader among milk producing nations at Pashu Arogya Mela in Semwapur, Motihari. India produces 163.7 million tonne milk in 2016-17 worth over Rs.4 lakh crore. ?There are 19 crore cattle in the country, which amounts to 14% of the total cattle population of the world.?Rashtriya Gokul Mission:Rashtriya Gokul Mission, 2014 is a focussed project under National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development.It’s objective is to conserve and propagate indigenous breeds in an organized and scientific manner.?Progress update:1250 MAITRI centres are being set up to facilitate artificial insemination for cattle on the doorstep.One Gokul Gram (Integrated Indigenous Cattle Centres) ?will have 500 animals with high genetic quality, out of which 300 will be reproductive animals. The Gokul Grams will rear Lal Sindhi, Sahiwal and Gir breeds along with Bachaur.?Indigenous animals:Indigenous animals are more suitable for the country particularly suitable for climate and environment of their reproductive areas. They are endowed with qualities of heat tolerance, resistance to diseases and the ability to thrive under extreme climatic stress and less than optimal nutrition.?Conclusion:Dairy farming has been a traditional source of livelihood and it has a deep connection with the agricultural economy. It is essential to increase productivity of Indigenous breeds in the country through commercial farm management and balanced nutrition.31. India and US Hold 11th Trade Policy Forum Meeting in Washington D.C?Context:The Minister for Commerce and Industry noted that the Trade Policy Forum serves as a robust platform that contributes towards promoting bilateral trade and investment between India and the US. During the meeting, discussions were held on issues related to bilateral trade, areas of mutual cooperation, market access in agriculture, non-agricultural goods and services and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).?Issues Discussed:US concerns:Market access issues ground handling operations, import regulations relating to poultry, export of pork to India.Price controls on medical devices?India concerns:Easing of procedure for export of Indian mangoes and pomegranates and market access for table grapes from India.Problems faced by Indian services companies in obtaining H-1B and L-1 visas. It requested the US to ease the movement of skilled professionals as Indian IT companies contribute significantly to the American economy.Issue of mismatch between U.S. visa and U.S. social security regimes, wherein Indian professionals making social security contributions do not receive their due benefits upon their return to India?Greater opportunities for US exports to India:Draft Pharmaceutical Policy addresses many of the US concerns and sought comments from industry stakeholders on the draft policy.National IPR Policy 2016, lays down the roadmap for future development in the field of IPRs, and is a major step towards strengthening the IPR ecosystem in India, including improvements in procedures, timelines and resolution of disputes.India desires to address the concerns of providing affordable healthcare to its citizens and balancing it with the need to introduce high end technology. American manufacturers of medical devices are encouraged to establish manufacturing facilities in India.?Current Scenario:Trade between the two counties increased to USD 64.51 billion in 2016-17, from USD 62.11 billion in the previous fiscal. However, foreign direct investment from the US into India dipped to USD 2.37 billion in 2016-17 from USD 4.19 billion in 2015-16.India has already started to import crude oil and new Liquefied Natural Gas exports are expected to commence early next yearIndian aviation companies such as Spicejet and Jet Airways have placed orders for over 300 aircrafts valued at several billions of dollars.32. The army is set to launch a fresh hunt for 7 lakh assault rifles, 44000 light machine guns (LMGs) and 44600 carbines to replace its ageing and obsolete weapons.?Reason:fault lines found in the entire range of small arms except the AK-47Our casualties in counter-terror operations can be reduced by half if soldiers are provided better assault rifles?Reason for delay:Army’s failure to finalise the specificationssingle-vendor situation?Significance:Modernisation of the Army must be in tune with the evolving security threat facing the country. All its “deficiencies” will be addressed to strengthen its combat capability.?Some terminologies:RFI (request for information) is a process whose purpose is to collect information about capabilities of various vendors. ?A lightweight rifle developed from the sub-machine gun, which may be set to fire automatically or semi-automatically.A light machine gun (LMG) is a machine gun designed to be employed by an individual soldier, with or without an assistant, as an infantry support weapon. Light machine guns are often used as squad automatic weapons.A carbine is a long arm firearm but with a shorter barrel than a rifle or musket. Many carbines are shortened versions of full-length rifles, shooting the same ammunition, while others fire lower-powered ammunition, including types designed for pistols.33. Set up centres under all High Courts for vulnerable victims: SC?Context:The Supreme Court while lauding the Delhi High Court for setting up vulnerable witnesses deposition complexes has asked other High Courts in the Country to follow suit in consonance with guidelines postulated in Sakshi v. Union of India and Ors.This case pertained to the rape of a deaf, dumb and mentally challenged minor girl.?Reason:Victims often end up being ill-treated by the very system they had approached in the hope of justice. Delay and intimidating questions during trial in a hostile environment lead to fewer convictions.?Guidelines:A screen or some arrangement by which the victim does not see the body or face of the accused.Reducing cross-examination questions to writing and handing them over to the judge to be put to the victim in a language that is clear and not embarrassing.Sufficient breaks for victims of child abuse or rape while testifying.?Significance:Encourages a vulnerable victim to make a statement.Upholds the right of vulnerable witnesses to be protected while testifying in court.Order is in consonance with international norms in these matters.34. Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni visit to India?Background:The period from 2012 to 2016 marked a difficult bilateral phase as the marines issue- fatal shootings of two Indian fishermen in 2012 by Italian marines became a national debate in Italy.The case is now with the International Court of Justice is expected to be completed by 2018.?Issues to be discussed:?India’s global push for the Nuclear Suppliers Group membership and bilateral trade are likely to be on the agendaItaly’s support for India’s candidature at the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016Italian support at the FATF (Financial Action Task Force) meeting that begins on Monday in Buenos Aires, where India has been pushing for stringent measures against Pakistan on terror funding issues.?Significance:Italian supportive role in the EU and NSG will help our cause with the EU-India FTA (Free Trade Agreement) and our bid for NSG membership35. India ships wheat to Afghanistan via Chabahar?The Iranian port of Chabahar processed a maiden shipment of wheat from India’s western seaport of Kandla to Afghanistan on Sunday.?Chabahar port lies outside the Persian Gulf on the Gulf of Oman and can be easily accessed from India’s western coast.Context:The shipment is a part of commitment made by India to supply 1.1 million tons of wheat for free to the people of Afghanistan and is the first shipment to Afghanistan through the Chabahar port since the Trilateral Agreement on Establishment of International Transport and Transit Corridor was signed during a visit to Iran by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May 2016.?Significance:The use of Chabahar port is seen as a major boost to India’s efforts to connect with Central Asia and Russia, and it could facilitate Indian imports of iron ore, sugar and rice as well as crude oil from Iran.India’s development of Chabahar port has been seen as a move to counter China’s presence in the Arabian Sea. China is working with Pakistan to develop Gwadar port which is less than 100 nautical miles from Chabahar by road.India to play a larger role in stabilizing war-torn Afghanistan?INSTC:International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Chabahar-Zahedan-Zaranj corridor would connect South Asia on one hand and Europe on the other, Modi had said. INSTC is an ambitious multimodal transport system established in 2000 by Iran, Russia and India to promote transportation cooperation. It is planned to connect the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea through Iran and then onwards to St. Petersburg and northern Europe through Russia.36. Faster, cheaper urinary tract infection(UTI) test?UTI second most common infectious disease that affects millions of people globally each year.These resistant bacteria not only cause long lasting infection but also reduce effectiveness of the available antibiotics.?Problems with present testing method:Has 48-hour wait for urine test reportIt delays treatmentLeads to inappropriate use of antibioticsGives rise to multidrug-resistant pathogens?The new test strip contains 15 common antibiotics and helps in identifying the antibiotic sensitivity of the bacteria and deciding the most appropriate medicine to be used for the patient.?Advantages:The test does not require any other specialised equipment, dedicated space/lab or trained personnel.As the strip already has the panel of antibiotics, it is easier, faster and cheaper.Minimises the irrational use of antibiotics.37. Valve annuloplasty is a new heart implant that is expandable and stretches out as the child grows.This will stop children requiring more surgeries to repair or replace heart valves as they grow up.?Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P, assumes charge as the ?Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS)?New Railway Line between Bidar – Kalaburagi in Karnataka opened.?Javed Akhtar Receives Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award on 80th birthday of veteran music composer Hridaynath Mangeshkar.?Scientists have developed a novel vaccine candidate that may prevent HIV infection by stimulating an immune response against sugars that form a protective shield around the virus.The protein fragment of the vaccine candidate comes from gp120, a protein that covers HIV like a protective envelope. A sugar shield covers the gp120 envelope, bolstering HIV’s defences. The rare HIV-infected individuals who can keep the virus at bay without medication typically have antibodies that attack gp120.?Scientists have developed a novel smartphone-based portable ultrasound machine that can help detect cancer easily at home. The machine called Butterfly IQ is a pocket-sized ultrasound device, which is the size and shape of an electric razor. works by shooting sound waves into the body and capturing the echoes.?The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced that India will host next Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Conference of Parties 13 (CMS COP13) in year 2020. CMS COP is also known as a Global Wildlife Conference. The announcement was made during 12th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties 12 (COP12) to CMS held in Manila, Philippines in October 201738. A snap election is an election called earlier than expected. Generally it refers to an election in a parliamentary system called when not required (either by law or convention), usually to capitalize on a unique electoral opportunity or to decide a pressing issue. It differs from a recall election in that it is initiated by politicians (usually the head of government or ruling party) rather than voters, and from a by-election in that the winners will serve an entire term as opposed to the remainder of an already established term.-42545571539. Centre gets SC to freeze hearing on Article 35AThe Centre convinced the Supreme Court to defer hearing on petitions challenging the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir.Context:The court is hearing a writ petition filed by NGO, We the Citizens, which challenges the validity of both Article 35A and Article 370.Reason:The government has appointed Dineshwar Sharma, a former IB director, as interlocutor.He has started talks with stakeholders. If the court hears this case, it will affect dialogue process.?Article 35AIt is a provision incorporated in the Indian Constitution giving the Jammu and Kashmir State Legislature to decide ‘permanent residents’ of the State.Grant those permanent resident special right and privileges in State public sector jobs, acquisition of property within the State, scholarships and other public aid and welfare programmes.?What is the issue with Article 35A??Article 35A was incorporated into the Indian Constitution in 1954 by an order of President.The provision mandates that no act of the State legislature coming under the ambit of Article 35A can be challenged for violating the Indian Constitution or any other law of the land.The Presidential Order was issued under Article 370 (1) (d) of the Indian Constitution to add Article 35A.Parliament was not consulted when the President incorporated Article 35A into the Indian Constitution through a Presidential Order issued under Article 370.Whereas, Article 368 (i) of the Constitution mandates that only the Parliament can amend the Constitution by introducing a new Article.40. UNSC 1267 Committee: The UNSC 1267 Committee was established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999). It is also known as the AlQaida and Taliban Sanctions Committee.It was established for the purpose of overseeing the implementation of sanctions measures imposed on Taliban-controlled Afghanistan for its support of Osama bin Laden.However in course of time, the 1267 sanctions regime has been modified and strengthened by subsequent resolutions.If an individual or terrorist organisation is included in this list, it helps in restricting their movement, financial penalties and assets freeze among others.The Committee comprises all 15 members of the UNSC and makes its decision by consensus and secretly. If single member opposes it there is no consensus.That’s why China opposition to India’s bid is not allowing UNSC to designate Masood Azhar as an international terrorist and freeze his assets and travel ban.The committee is being criticised for being non transparent and in recent time there is demand for its reforms to address procedural shortcomings especially from India.41. ICRISAT:The?International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics?(ICRISAT) is an international organization which conducts agricultural research for rural development, headquartered in?Patancheru, Hyderabad.Its charter was signed by the?FAOand the?UNDP.The original goal was to use crop improvement research as the basis to improve food availability in drought-prone areas of the tropics.?ICRISAT performs crop improvement research, using conventional as well as methods derived from biotechnology, on the following crops:?Chickpea, Pigeonpea, Groundnut, ?Pearl millet, Sorghum, Finger Millet and Small millets.42. Xi crowned as ‘linxiu’China’s ruling Communist Party has dusted off a Mao-era honorific for President Xi Jinping, cementing his status as the most powerful ruler.What is linxiu?The term, a honorific for a leader, was once used for MaoThe term “lingxiu” has not been used since the time of Mao’s successor Hua Guofeng.But it has begun to pop up again in state media and in government meetings.43. Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere surged at a record-breaking speed in 2016. Globally averaged concentrations of CO2 reached 403.3 parts per million in 2016, up from 400.00 ppm in 2015.The last time Earth experienced similar CO2 concentration rates was three to five million years ago, when the sea level was up to 20 metres (66 feet) higher than now.Causes:A combination of human activities and a strong El Nino event – as per World Meteorological Organization.Need of the hourDrastic action is needed to achieve targets set by the Paris climate agreementRapid cuts in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions.Issue with Paris climate agreementThe historic agreement approved by 196 countries two years ago is facing renewed pressure following U.S. President’s decision to quit the accord.But nations are set to press on with the task of implementing it at climate talks in Bonn next week.44. The Government of India and World Bank sign $200 Million Loan Agreement for the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project.?Utility:The Project will support the Government of Assam to facilitate agri-business investmentsIncrease agriculture productivity and market accessEnable small farm holders produce crops that are resilient to recurrent floods or droughts in the state.?Fulfils the State’s vision of an agriculture-based rural transformation.?Use of geographic clustering of the production base:The focus on geographic clustering of the production base for certain commodities will help agro-enterprises take advantage of existing and future market opportunities that they may not necessarily achieve alone.The cluster approach will allow for combining efforts, making use of synergies, and pooling resources to increase the competitive advantage of these products, while at the same time share the risks involved in introducing improved products or entering previously untapped markets.Successful clusters will also continuously innovate and adapt ‘best practices’ across agricultural value chainsIBRD:The?International Bank for Reconstruction and Development?(IBRD) is an?international financial institutionthat offers?loans?to middle-income?developing countries.?The IBRD is the first of five member institutions that compose the?World Bank Group.It was established in 1944 with the mission of financing the reconstruction of European nations devastated by World War II.The IBRD provides commercial-grade or concessional financing to?sovereign statesto fund projects that seek to improve transportation and?infrastructure, education, domestic policy,?environmental consciousness, energy investments, healthcare, access to food and?potable water, and access to?improved sanitation.45. MHA gives a boost to “Make in India” in the field of manufacturing of arms?The Ministry of Home Affairs has liberalised the Arms Rules to boost “Make in India” manufacturing policy of the Government as also to promote employment generation in the field of manufacturing of arms and ammunition.The salient features of the liberalised rules are:The licence granted for manufacturing shall now be valid for the life-time of the licensee company. The requirement of renewal of the license after every 5 years has been done away with.Condition that the small arms and light weapons produced by manufacturer shall be sold to the Central Government or the State Governments with the prior approval of the Ministry of Home Affairs has been done away with.Enhancement of capacity up to 15% of the quantity approved under licence will not require any further approval by the Government. The manufacturer will be required to give only prior intimation to the licensing authority in this regard.The licence fee has been reduced significantly. The licence fee will now range from Rs. 5,000/- to the maximum of Rs. 50,000/-.The fee for manufacturing licence shall be payable at the time of grant of license rather than at the time of application.Single manufacturing licence will be allowed for a multi-unit facility within the same State or in different States within the country.?Significance:Will encourage investment in the manufacturing of arms and ammunition and weapon systems as part of the “Make in India” programme.Encourage the manufacturing activity and facilitate availability of world class weapons to meet the requirement of Armed Forces and Police Forces in sync with country’s defence indigenization programme.?To whom rules will applyThe liberalised rules will apply to licences granted by MHA for small arms & ammunitionLicences granted by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), under powers delegated to them, for tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, defence aircrafts, space crafts, warships of all kinds, arms and ammunition and allied items of defence equipment other than small arms.46. India to host UN Summit on Conservation of Migratory Species in 2020The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has announced that India will host next Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) Conference of Parties 13 (CMS COP13) in year 2020.?CMS COP is also known as a?Global Wildlife Conference.?Key FactsAn announcement in this regard was made on the last day of the week-long 12th session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals or CMS COP12, the only international treaty devoted exclusively to migratory animal species held in Philippines.?Outcomes of last summit (COP12)Governments agreed to cooperate on reducing the negative impacts of marine debris, noise pollution, renewable energy and climate change on migratory species.A vulture multi-species action plan to better protect 15 species of Old World Vulture in more than 120 countries, comprising four that are critically endangered in??Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)CMS is an international treaty concluded under aegis of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), concerned with conservation of wildlife and habitats on a global scale.It is commonly abbreviated as Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) or the Bonn Convention.CMS aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian migratory species throughout their range.47. China plans to build gigantic DNA database platform?China?plans to build a $1 billion super-sized DNA sequencing platform in the Jiangsu Province.?Aim:Store genetic information of millions of its ethnic Chinese population?Use:Researchers will use big data created in the database to study genetic mutations related to major diseases,look for the impact of interaction between genes and environmental concerns on human heath,Provide statistical support for diagnosis and treatment of major diseases48. Polavaram ProjectPolavaram Project?is a multi-purpose?irrigation?project which has been accorded national project status by the union government. This dam across the?Godavari River?is under construction located in?West Godavari District?and?East Godavari District?in?Andhra Pradesh?state and its reservoir spreads in parts of?Chhattisgarh?and?Odisha?States also.49. India’s rank rises to 100 in World Bank’s doing Business Report, 2018?The World Bank today released the Doing Business (DB) Report, 2018. The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) is pleased to announce that India ranks 100 among 190 countries assessed by the Doing Business Team.?India has leapt 30 ranks over its rank of 130 in the Doing Business Report 2017.?Key facts about DB Report:The DB Report is an assessment of 190 economies and covers 10 indicators which span the lifecycle of a business.India has improved its rank in 6 out of 10 indicators and has moved closer to international best practices.This edition of the report acknowledges India as a top improver, with an improvement of 30 ranks compared to last year’s report, the highest jump in rank of any country in the DB Report, 2018.?Reason for improvement:The credit for this significant improvement is credited to the mantra of “Reform, Perform, Transform”A strong leadership has provided the political will to carry out comprehensive and complex reforms, supported by a bureaucracy committed to perform.An extensive exercise is also undertaken to increase awareness among users about reforms to ensure extensive use of newly created systems.Historic jump in ‘Ease of Doing Business’ rankings is the outcome of the all-round & multi-sectoral reform push of Team India 50. Threefold rise in domestic budget for fight against tuberculosisAccording to a report from the World Health Organisation (WHO), India’s domestic budget for fighting tuberculosis showed a dramatic jump from about ?700 crore in 2015 to ?2,500 crore last year.38169852540Domestic resources accounted for 74% of the $525 million that was spent in India last year.Typically most of India’s budget to combat the bacterial infection used to be dominated by international funding. But, for the first time this has flipped.Key facts of WHO report 2017 on India’s TB burdenWith 1.7 million new cases in 2016, India still continues to be the largest contributor to the global burden with up to a quarter of the 6.3 million new cases of TB (up from 6.1 million in 2015).Funding Source: 74% domestic funding and 26% international funding.More men above the age of 15 suffer from TB than women.Why is there increase in budget outlay?In 2016, India recorded a 12% dip in the number of TB deaths from the previous year though the incidence dipped marginally by 1%.Deployment of better diagnostics due to jump in number of notified cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) from 79,000 to 84,000 in 2016.?Government’s interventionThe government has committed to achieve a ‘90-90-90 target’ by 2035 (90% reductions in incidence, mortality and catastrophic health expenditures due to TB).This is premised on improved diagnostics, shorter treatment courses, a better vaccine and comprehensive preventive strategies.?Prevailing issue:TB is still stigmatized and under--line drugs are still inadequate to treat people who suffer from the drug-resistant forms of the disease.?MDR-TBThe bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) can develop resistance to the antimicrobial drugs used to cure the disease.Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is TB that does not respond to at least isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most powerful anti-TB drugs.51. The rising popularity of crypto currencies and the increasing number of entities looking at raising funds through Initial Coin Offerings (ICO) has caught the attention of the capital market regulator.The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is mulling whether an ICO can be regulated under the existing legal framework or certain amendments would be required.Crypto currencies like bitcoin, ethereum and such offerings have been under government radar for long and discussions have been held between various bodies, including SEBI and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), on the possible ways in which this segment can be regulated.The central bank is of the view that these instruments are securities and so SEBI should be the regulating body.536448054610Bitcoins are neither ‘commodities derivatives’ nor ‘securities’ under Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956. Initial Coin Offerings (ICO) An ICO, like an equity initial public offer (IPO), is an issuance of digital tokens that can be converted into crypto currencies and are mostly used to raise funds by start-up firms dealing in block chain technology and virtual currencies like bitcoins and ethereum.Unlike an IPO, which is governed by SEBI regulations, there is no regulatory body for ICOs in India.?Concerns related to ICOsChina recently banned such offerings after its central bank said that ICOs are “illegal public finance” mechanism used for issue of securities and money laundering.?Players in BitcoinStart-ups like Zebpay, Unocoin, Coinsecure, Searchtrade, Belfrics and Bitxoxo are some of the well-known players in the bitcoin and blockchain segment in India.Bitcoin-Bitcoin?is a worldwide?crypto currency and digital?payment system called the first decentralized?digital currency, as the system works without a central repository or single administrator.The system is?peer-to-peer, and transactions take place between users directly, without an intermediary.These transactions are verified by network?nodes and recorded in a public?distributed ledger called a?blockchain.52. A new research published by?The Lancet?medical journal talks of the various ways in which?climate change?has started affecting the?health?of people across the planet.Report name: ‘The Lancet Countdown: Tracking Progress on?Health?and?Climate Change’Report says China, Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia are the countries that have registered the highest number of deaths linked to?air pollution.53. Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)To counter corruption and speed up decision- making in military procurement, the government of India in 2001 decided to set up an integrated DAC.It is headed by the Defence Minister.The DAC is responsible to give policy guidelines to acquisitions, based on long-term procurement plans.It also clears all?acquisitions, which includes both imported and those produced indigenously or under a foreign license.The objective of the DAC is to ensure expeditious procurement of the approved requirements of the Armed Forces, in terms of capabilities sought, and time frame prescribed, by optimally utilizing the allocated budgetary resources.54. In a unique initiative to give a boost to the learning of science, technology and mathematics among the youth-especially the school students, Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan (VVM) – a nationwide science talent search examination will be held on?26th November.?This programme has been organized by eminent scientists and academicians associated with Vigyan Prasar (VP) – an autonomous organisation under Department of Science and Technology and National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT) of Ministry of Human Resources and Development .?Significance:The Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan will provide a platform to the India’s generation next to imbibe the values of science and technology for a better future.A record number of?over 91,000 students from 2078 centres across the country are expected to take the test on the same day.One of the unique features of this examination is that the test will be conducted online.Students will attend the exam through the various digital devices like, mobile, tablet, laptop or desktop in line with the vision of Digital India Campaign.?Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA)It is one of the largest science movement in the country led by eminent scientistsIt is to inculcate and generate scientific temper, foster excellence in students and nurture and mentor them for their careers in pure sciences.Through VVM programme, India’s generation next?will be made aware about the India’s Rich Contribution to Science from ancient period to modern times.55. The President of India inaugurated the Global Clubfoot Conference being organised by the CURE India in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.38436553175ClubfootClubfoot is one of the most common orthopaedic birth defects.It can cause permanent disability if not treated early.Clubfoot?is a?birth defect?where one or both feet are?rotated inwards?and?downwards.This affects the child’s mobility and confidence. Inevitably, education and schooling suffer – and the child cannot fulfil his or her potential.56. The Union Government has constituted Alternative Mechanism Panel headed by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to oversee merger proposals of public sector banks (PSBs). The other members of the panel include Railway and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.Key FactsThis alternative mechanism has been set up by the government to fast-track consolidation among public sector banks to create strong lenders. The mechanism will oversee the proposals coming from boards of PSBs for consolidation.The decision comes after government had announced Rs. 2.11 trillion bank recapitalisation plan for public sector banks weighed down by bad loans, seeking to stimulate flow of credit to spur private investment. It was also announced that recapitalisation plan will be accompanied by series of banking reforms over next few months. The constitution of an Alternative Mechanism is move in that direction.The Union cabinet in August 2017 had decided to set up Alternative Mechanism to fast-track PSU bank consolidation.Purpose of PSBs consolidationThe move to create large banks through consolidating PSBs aims at meeting credit needs of growing Indian economy and building capacity in PSB space to raise resources without dependence on the state exchequer. The banking entities formed after merging PSU banks will be able to absorb shocks.BackgroundThe idea of bank mergers was around since 1991, when former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor M. Narasimham had recommended the government merge banks into three-tiered structure, with three large banks with an international presence at top. In 2014, PJ Nayak Committee also had suggested that government either merge or privatize state-owned banks.Significance of?PSBs consolidationReduce their dependence on government for capital.Open up more capital generation avenues, both internally and from market, for the merged entity.From a government point of view, it will increase stream of dividends which forms part of their non-tax revenue.Increase the role of internal and market resources and thus reduce dependence of merged bank on government for the future capital infusionIt will lead to greater concentration of payment and settlement flows as there will be fewer parties in the financial sector.Operational risks could increase post-merger as size of operations grows and distance between management and operational personnel is greater as the administrative systems become more complex.It will help to deal better with their credit portfolio, including stressed assets. Consolidation will also prevent multiplicity of resources being spent in t same area and strengthens banks to deal with shocks,57. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is observed every year across India on 31 October to commemorate birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel who had played important role in unifying the country.Observance of day provides an opportunity to re-affirm inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand actual and potential threats to unity, integrity and security of our country.Sardar Vallabhbhai PatelHe was born on 31 October, 1875 at Karamsand, Gujarat and died on 15 December 1950 in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He is known as Iron Man of India or Bismarck of India. By profession, he was barrister (lawyer) and had successfully practiced law. Later he left law practice and joined the Indian national movement under leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.In India’s independence struggle, he played a major role in organizing peasants’ movements on Gandhian principles in Bardoli and Kheda in Gujarat and during the Quit India movement.His biggest contribution to India was his role in the integration of the over 500 princely states with India during 1947-49. He is also remembered as Patron Saint of India’s civil servants for establishing modern All-India services. ?He was posthumously conferred with Bharat Ratna, India’s highest Civilian honour, in 1991.58. India and Italy have signed six agreements to boost cooperation in the fields of railways safety, energy and promoting mutual investments, among others.Singed Agreements areMoU on cooperation in field of Energy.Executive Protocol on Cultural Cooperation.Joint Declaration of Intent of Cooperation for Safety in Railway sector.MoU for promoting mutual investments between Italian Trade Agency and Invest India.MoU on 70 years of diplomatic relations between Indian Council of Cultural Relations and Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of Italy.MoU between Training Unit of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Government of Italy and Foreign Service Institute of the Ministry of External Affairs, India.India-Italy RelationsIndia and Italy are ancient civilizations and have known, interacted and traded with each other for over 2000 years. Political relations between India and Italy were established in 1947. The two countries enjoy cordial relationship.Italy is India’s fifth largest trading partner in EU with a bilateral trade of US $8.79 billion in 2016-17. India’s exports to Italy were at US $4.90 billion, while its imports were at US $3.89 billion, a trade imbalance of about US $1 billion in favour of India. In the first four months of fiscal 2017-18, bilateral trade had reached US $3.22 billion.India-Italy diplomatic ties took a hit after two Italian marines — Salvatore Girone and Latorre Massimiliano on board ship named Enrica Lexie, were arrested for allegedly killing two Indian fishermen off coast of Kerala in 2012.Italy has supported India’s candidature at Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016 and at FATF (Financial Action Task Force). Italy’s support is also crucial for India’s bid for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership and EU-India FTA (Free Trade Agreement).59. The Union Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) has launched MSME Delayed Payment Portal – MSME Samadhaan.60. Govt gave ex-post facto clearance to implementation of the Special Banking Arrangement (SBA) of Rs10,000 crore for payment of outstanding claims of fertiliser companies towards fertiliser subsidy in 2016-17.?Key Points:?Under the SBA, a total loan of Rs 9,969 crore for settlement of outstanding subsidy bills with SBI was raised by the government. The loan amount, along with interest liability, on the part of the government amounting to Rs 80.9 crore was paid to SBI.?The government is making available urea and 21 grades of P&K (phosphate and potassium) fertilisers to farmers at subsidised prices through fertiliser manufacturers and importers.?Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA):Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) is one of the standing committees of cabinet constituted by government of india.?Functions:The major function of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) is to review economic trends on a continuous basis, as also the problems and prospects, with a view to evolving a consistent and integrated economic policy framework for the country.Matters regarding fixation of prices of agricultural products as well as reviewing progress of activities related to rural development including those concerning small and marginal farmers are in CCEA’s competence.Price controls of industrial raw materials and products, industrial licensing policies including industrial licensing cases for establishment of Joint Sector Undertakings, reviewing performance of Public Sector Undertakings including their structural and financial restructuring are also within the purview of CCEA, as are all matters relating to disinvestment including cases of strategic sale, and pricing of Government shares in Public Sector Undertakings (except to the extent entrusted to an Empowered Group of Ministers).CCEA facilitates finalization of factual reports on the accomplishments of the Ministries, Agencies and Public Sector Undertakings involved in implementation of prioritized schemes or projects for evaluation by the Prime Minister. The CCEA also considers cases of increase in the firmed up cost estimates/revised cost estimates for projects etc. in respect of the business allocated to the CCEA.61. Cabinet gave its approval for introduction of a Bill in Parliament which will amend the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) Act, 1993, namely the National Council for Teacher Education (Amendment) Act, 2017.?Background:The NCTE Act, 1993 enacted by Parliament aims to achieve planned and coordinated development of teacher education system, regulation and ensure proper maintenance of norms and standards in said system. It establishes NCTE to achieve these objectives. It has separate provisions for recognising teacher education courses and to lay down guidelines for compliance by recognized Institutions/Universities?Key Features:?Objective – The amendment will ensure that students studying in these Institutions/Universities, or already passed out from here, find employment as teacher.The amendment will grant retrospective recognition to all such Central/State/Universities which were found to be conducting teacher education courses without NCTE permission.This retrospective recognition is being given only as a onetime measure so not to jeopardize the future of students who have either passed out or are enrolled in these institutions.All institutions running Teacher Education Courses such as B.Ed. and D.El.Ed. have to obtain recognition from the National Council for Teacher Education under section 14 of the NCTE Act. Further, the courses being taught at all such recognised Institutions/Universities have to be permitted under section 15, of the NCTE Act62.EESL launches $454 million ‘Creating and Sustaining Markets for Energy Efficiency’ project in partnership with the GEF?Background:Currently around two-thirds of total power generation capacity in India is based on fossil fuels. By 2030, India is committed to achieve 40% of the installed capacity based on clean energy sources.?Funding:Project will receive a composite funding of $454 million comprised of the GEF grant of $20 million and co-financing of $434 million in the form of loans and equity, including a $200 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). EESL further proposes Energy Efficiency Revolving Fund (EERF) for sustainable funding mechanism of energy efficiency projects in the country.Initiatives:New technologies of super-efficient ceiling fans, tri-generation technologies & smart grid-applications will be financed for proof testingEnergy efficiency programmes like street lighting, domestic lighting, five-star rated ceiling fans and agricultural pumps will be undertaken.EESL has partnered with UN Environment’s District Energy in Cities Initiative, which has already identified $600 million of projects across five cities in India.?Significance:Significant step considering India’s efforts towards a low emission-economy and focusing on energy efficiency programmes,It is imperative to create awareness in the citizens, especially among youth, to encourage energy efficiency measures like use of electric vehicles, energy efficient building codes etcTo facilitate sustainable growth by addressing climate change issues, boosting the economy and generating greater employment in the country.63. Carnivorous plants use CO2 to lure prey3733800117475Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Gardens and Research Institute here have come up with evidence that some carnivorous plants use carbon dioxide (CO2) to attract insects and ants to their prey traps.?Carnivorous plants have been known to employ a variety of techniques like nectar, smell, colour and ultraviolet florescence to lure and capture prey.The Indian pitcher plant (Nepenthes khasiana) uses the gas, both to attract prey and to aid the digestive process. The open Nepenthes pitchers were found to emit CO2 constantly. CO2 inside the pitchers was produced by the respiration of tissues within the cavity.CO2 is found to trigger the release of antifungal compounds into the pitcher fluid, preventing infections from incoming prey. It might also act as a tranquilliser for the trapped preyUnopened pitchers of the plant are carbon dioxide-enriched, with a gas concentration of 2,500 to 5,000 ppm, approximately 10 times that in the earth’s atmosphere.Nepenthes pitchers have the potential to be used as natural models mimicking an anticipated elevated CO2 scenario on earth.64. Centre asks states to speed up trial against tainted politiciansBackground:March 10, 2014 order to complete the trial in all these cases within a year’s time had been complied with or not.?Key Points:The Supreme Court asked the government to frame a central scheme for setting up special courts across the country to exclusively try criminal cases involving ‘political persons.’The Centre has written to the chief ministers and chief justices of high courts to fix responsibility on district administrations to expedite probe and trial of MPs and MLAs facing charges for serious crimes.If for some extraordinary circumstances, the court concerned is not able to conclude the trial within one year from the date of framing of charges, such court shall submit a report to the CJs of high courts indicating reasons for not adhering to the time limit.A report card to be submitted by December on the status of the 1,581 criminal cases pending against Members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies at the time of the 2014 elections.While the trial in cases against MPs/MLAs has to be completed within a year, the investigating officer and the senior superintendent of police may be held personally responsible for any lapse and may be liable for disciplinary proceedings for non-compliance.?Significance:If such trials are delayed, he or she would have served as a minister or legislator several times over.It is a determined effort to cleanse politics of criminality and corruptionIt will make the criminal justice system more responsive and effective.?The law ministry has already started an e-court expansion project and very soon all cases related to undertrials shall be available on the click of a mouse that would help the higher authorities take action against any authority which may be responsible for delay in trial.65. Anti-Microbial Resistance(AMR) Study Report says Mass-bathing in the Ganga during pilgrimages may be contributing to anti-microbial resistance.Travel can be pointed to as one of the reasons for the rise of antibiotic resistance. How large gatherings of people could become hotspots for the spread of the genes that cause resistance.?Context:Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is controlled by naturally occurring genes. These genes are found on plasmids, small rings of DNA that are separate from chromosomes.Plasmids can move easily between bacteria, allowing them to acquire traits, such as antibiotic resistance, very quickly.Many people have some organisms in their gut that contain these genes. Generally, these do not affect a person until they take certain antibiotics.?Summary:When the amount of human waste entering the river rises , the resistant organisms in people’s guts can be washed into the river in faeces.The faecal organisms tend not to live very long, but the plasmids that carry antibiotic resistance genes can be quickly transferred to other organisms in the river.This increases the probability that people will ingest bacteria with antibiotic resistant genes when they drink or bathe in the water.Once they are exposed, they can then carry them back to their own towns and cities in their gut – carrying antibiotic resistance genes to the wider world.?Significance:The spread of the antibiotic resistance genes adds to existing health concerns. This study is important in tackling the spread of antibiotic resistance. They could provide clues to the mechanisms behind its spread.Research helps in understanding the importance of the environment in evolution of antimicrobial resistance.67. India- Bhutan:India and Bhutan enjoy unique ties of friendship, which are characterized by deep understanding and mutual trust.The visit would provide an opportunity to both the sides for reviewing the entire gamut of bilateral cooperation, including plans for befitting celebrations of golden jubilee of establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries in the year 2018 and to advance the special bilateral ties of friendship and cooperation.Bhutan is also key for India’s plans to push subregional cooperation. It will help accelerate regional integration within BIMSTECA transport agreement among Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal was mooted in 2014 but is yet to take shape given Bhutan’s worries about the impact of pollution and loss of businesses if trucks and cars from India, Bangladesh and Nepal roll into the country.The Himalayan country has a hydel power potential of 30,000 megawatt (MW) of which 23,000MW can be tapped. India is involved in developing a number of hydel power projects in Bhutan already and is keen to deepen the cooperation.?Significance:It is a signal that Bhutan’s India first policy is intact against the backdrop of China trying to make inroads into a country seen as firmly within India’s sphere of influence in South Asia.It is significant as it seeks to end speculation over India’s decision to send troops into land caught in a dispute between Bhutan and China.It signals a tacit endorsement of India’s actions during the Doklam crisis, as well as a reaffirmation of ties.68. Cabinet approves agreement on cooperation and mutual assistance between India and Armenia in custom matters?Key Points:This agreement shall enter into force on the first day of the second month after both parties notify each other in through diplomatic channels, that the necessary national legal requirements for entry into force of this agreement have been fulfilled.The agreement will further help in the availability of relevant information for the prevention and investigation of customs offences.It is also expected to facilitate trade and ensure efficient clearance of goods traded between both the countries.?Background?:The Agreement would provide a legal framework for sharing of information and intelligence between the Customs authorities of the two countries and help in the proper application of Customs laws, prevention and investigation of Customs offences and the facilitation of legitimate trade. The draft text of the Agreement has been finalized with the concurrence of the two Customs Administrations. The draft Agreement takes care of Indian Customs’ concerns and requirements, particularly in the area of exchange of information on the correctness of the Customs value declared and authenticity of certificates of origin of the goods traded between the two countries.69. CCEA nod for extending Rs 15,722cr RKVY-RAFTAAR till 2019-20?The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) cleared the continuation of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) as Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied sector Rejuvenation (RKVY-RAFTAAR) for three years till 2019-20.?Aims:It is aimed at making farming a remunerative economic activity through strengthening the farmer’s effort, risk mitigation and promoting agribusiness entrepreneurshipThe scheme will incentivise states in enhancing more allocation to agriculture and allied sectors.This will also strengthen farmer’s efforts through creation of agriculture infrastructure that help in supply of quality inputs and market facilities.This will further promote agri-entrepreneurship and support business models that maximise returns to farmers.?There is allocation for special sub-schemes of RKVY-RAFTAAR of national priorities for 20 percent of the annual outlay; and 10 per cent of annual outlay including two per cent of administrative costs for innovation and agri-entrepreneur development through creating end-to-end solution, skill development and financial support for setting up the agri-enterprise.?Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana:RKVY was launched during 2007-08 to achieve 4% annual growth in agricultural sector by ensuring holistic development. The scheme was under implementation from XI Five Year Plan. It has provided considerable flexibility and autonomy to states in planning and executing programmes for incentivizing investment in agriculture and allied sectors. ?It also has enabled adoption of national priorities without affecting autonomy and flexibility of states availability of appropriate technology and natural resources. DAPs and SAPs ensured accommodation of local needs, cropping pattern, priorities etc.70. There’s a huge gap between the Paris climate change goals and reality1973580146685??Background:In 2015 in Paris, the countries of the world agreed to hold the rise in global average temperatures to “well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.?Industry-related carbon emissions plateaued, mainly due to the remarkable slowdown in Chinese coal consumption and reductions in carbon intensity across the world. But it’s a relatively mild and short-lived trend.?Reasons:New economic growth bring in more burdenMassive, ongoing investment in fossil-fuel technologies and reserves implies emissions far in excess of our global carbon budget.Overall greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise due to the growing contribution of land use, land-use change and forestry, or LULUCF, emissions.?Collectively, the carbon reductions pledged by the world’s countries in Paris are woefully inadequate. Even assuming all countries fulfill their pledges, it would account for only about a third of the needed emission reductions to get to 2 degrees.71. Hadley cell circulates between 0? and 30? latitudes.Ferrel Cell circulates between 30? and 60? latitudes.Polar Cell circulates between 60? and 90? latitudes.As India lies between 8?4’N and 37?6’N latitudes, only Hadley and Ferrel cells come into picture.72. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal that sits in The Hague in the Netherlands. The ICC has the jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The ICC is intended to complement existing national judicial systems and it may therefore only exercise its jurisdiction when certain conditions are met, such as when national courts are unwilling or unable to prosecute criminals or when the United Nations Security Council or individual states refer situations to the Court. The ICC began functioning on 1 July 2002, the date that the Rome Statute entered into force. The Rome Statute is a multilateral treaty which serves as the ICC’s foundational and governing document. States which become party to the Rome Statute, for example by ratifying it, become member states of the ICC. Currently, there are 123 states which are party to the Rome Statute and therefore members of the ICC.73. The bilateral military exercise “PRABAL DOSTYK – 2017” between India and Kazakhstan began at Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. ‘Prabal Dostyk’ means ‘Robust Friendship’It is second edition of the joint military training exercise between both countries. The first edition of exercise was held in Karaganda region of Kazakhstan in September 2016.Key FactsThe fourteen day joint training aims to build and promote bilateral army-to-army relations and exchange skills and experiences between Kazakhstan and the Indian Army. It also aims at enhancing military ties between two countries for achieving interoperability between two armies.The exercise will help in strengthening ties between two countries and would serve as platform for exchange of drills and procedures leading to seamless interoperability. The training contingents comprise of platoon strength from the 11th Gorkha Rifles of Indian Army and similar strength of Kazakhstan Army.The Indian troops participating in joint exercise have undergone extensive training in counter terrorism and low-intensity conflict operations at Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, Vairengte, Mizoram.74. Ethanol BlendingIt is process of mixing petrol with ethanol. The mixture is called as Ethanol Fuel/Gasohol which is considered as quasi-renewable energy. Ethanol is biofuel derived from Sugarcane molasses (by-product in the conversion of sugarcane to sugar), corn, sorghum etc.In India, practice of blending ethanol was started in 2001. It was first time mentioned in the Auto fuel policy of 2003. Later, National Policy on Bio-fuels, 2009 made mandatory for oil companies to sell petrol blended with at least 5% of ethanol.Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) ProgrammeIt was launched by Government in 2003 to promote the use of alternative and environment friendly fuels. It has been extended to notified 21 States and 4 UTs. This intervention aims to reduce import dependency for energy requirements and environment friendly measure to reduce vehicular pollution.75. Researchers from University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada have developed earthquake-proof fibre-reinforced concrete that can dramatically enhance the earthquake resistance of seismically vulnerable structures.Key FactsThe cement material is engineered at molecular scale to be strong, malleable, and ductile similar to steel. It is capable of dramatically enhancing earthquake resistance of seismically vulnerable structure when applied as a thin coating on surfaces.The material is made of eco-friendly ductile cementitious composite (EDCC) which combines cement with polymer-based fibres, flyash and other industrial additives, making it highly sustainable. It was subjected earthquake intensities as high as magnitude 9.09.1 earthquake during simulations. In India, EDCC will be retrofitted in school at Roorkee in Uttarakhand, a highly seismic area for research purpose. ................
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