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My Dear Aspirants,
Greetings to all of you! “What we think we become” said Gautama Buddha. We all have dreams. To turn dreams into reality it takes a lot of determination, dedication, self discipline and hard work.
We at VETRII IAS Study Circle are committed to provide the right guidance, quality coaching and help every aspirant to achieve his or her life’s cherished goal of becoming a civil servant.
The class room coaching at VETRII IAS Study Circle is meticulously planned to equip the aspirants with all the relevant facts and fundamentals of the subjects. Further the VETRII IAS Study Circle Study material aim to support the candidate by providing the most relevant study material in a comprehensive manner.
Wishing You All The Very Best !!
M. SHUNMUGAM DIRECTOR Vetrii IAS Study Circle. TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS IRC FEB 2018
CONTENT
SL. NO TITLE PAGE NO
1. Important Days 1 - 2
2. International Affairs 3 – 11
3. National Affairs 12 - 33
4. Defence 34 - 39
5. Appointments 40 - 44
6. Honours & Awards 45 – 48
7. Sports 49 - 58
8. Summit And Conference 59 - 66
9. Schemes 67 – 68
10. State Affairs 69 - 72
11. Economy 73 - 74
12. Science & Technology 75 - 79
13. Personaltiy 80
14. Index 81 - 82
15. General Knowledge 83
16. February Month GK Questions 84 - 87
9600124042/ 9840097666 TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS February 2018
IMPORTANT DAY
INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY 21 FEBRUARY 2018
February, International Mother Language Day has been observed every year since February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. 2018 Theme : Linguistic diversity and multilingualism count for sustainable development
NATIONAL SCIENCE DAY: 28 FEBRUARY
National Science Day is celebrated in India on 28 February each year to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by Indian physicist Sir Chandrashekhara Venkata Raman on 28 February 1928. For his discovery, Sir C.V. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. The theme of the year 2018 is "Science and Technology for a sustainable
future."
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INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ZERO TOLERANCE TO FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION-FEB 06
Purpose : Creation of awareness about female genital mutilation and for promotion of its eradication By : UN Aim : Eradication of FGM by 2030
SAFER INTERNET DAY – FEB 06
Theme : Create, Connect, and share respect A better internet Starts with you. By : In safe Network Purpose : To raise awareness of emerging online safety and security Issues
ALBENDEZOLE TABLET WILL BE GIVEN TO TARGETED CHILDREN
International day of Women and girls in Science By : UN 2018 Theme : Equality and parity in Science for peace and development Purpose: to promote gender equality and encourage girls and women to get involved in Science and research.
NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY WEEK – FEB – 12
By National Productivity Council 2018 Theme: Industry 4.0 hap frog opportunity for India
NATIONAL PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL – 60TH ANNIVERSARY
1. Commeration of formation of National productivity Council 2. Draw the attention of all Concerned towards the Concept and encourage implementation of productivity tools and techniques with contemporary relevant themes
WORLD RADIO DAY – FEB 13
By UNESCO Purpose : To celebrate and remember the uses of radio in human life 2018 Theme: Radio & Sports Also to remember UN radio‟s first call
sign broadcast in 1946.
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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
PM MODI LIKELY TO ANNOUNCE SUPER-SPECIALITY HOSPITAL IN PALESTINE
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a four-day visit to Palestine, the UAE, and Oman, is likely to announce the set-up of a super-speciality hospital in Palestine‟s capital Ramallah. He will also hold discussions with President Mahmoud Abbas and reaffirm India‟s support for the Palestinian people and the development of the state. PM Modi will be the first Indian prime minister to visit Palestine. India is also the first non-Arab nation to recognise Palestine and maintains diplomatic relationships with them.
PM NARENDRAMODI LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR THE FIRST HINDU TEMPLE IN ABU DHABI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially laid the foundation stone for the first Hindu temple in UAE. This is the first stone temple to be built in Abu Dhabi off Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway. It will be completed by 2020, and open to people of all religious backgrounds. Bochasanwasi ShriAkshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), is a socio-spiritual Hindu organisation set up in 1907 that runs more than 1,100 temples and cultural compounds around the world
WORLD‘S LONGEST ZIPLINE OPENS IN UAE WITH SPEEDS OF UP TO 150 KPH The world‘s longest zip line will open in the UAE, propelling thrill-seekers at speeds of up to 150 kilometres an hour. The 2.8 kilometre (1.74 miles) zipline, spanning the equivalent of 28 soccer fields, was certified this week by the Guinness World Records. The zip line can handle as many as 100,000 people a year, and though there are
no age restrictions. The riders must be at least 1.22 metres tall and no heavier than 150 kilograms.
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VENEZUELA, LIBYA LOSE UNGA VOTE FOR THIRD TIME IN 3 YEARS
Venezuela &Libya were suspended from voting in United Nations general assembly (UNGA) in 2018-19 session for not paying dues 193 members world body. It was third time in three years these countries have been suspended from voting for unpaid dues.
UNGA –United Nation General Assembly Founded : 1945 New York
UN Day : 24 October
Permanent members: China Russia
France
United kingdom
United States
BHUTAN OPENS A CONSULATE IN GUWAHATI, ASSAM Bhutan opened a consulate general‟s office in Assam‟s capital Guwahati. It is the second country to set up its consulate general in the Indian subcontinent after Bangladesh. The event coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Bhutan-India relationship. Bhutanese foreign minister Damcho Dorji and Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal opened the consulate in the presence of Bhutanese PM TsheringTobgay. Dorji announced a Bhutan-Guwahati-Singapore flight service would be launched
WORLD‘S TALLEST HOTEL SET TO OPEN IN DUBAI
Gulf metropolis Dubai, on its never-ending quest to break records, announced the opening of the “world‟s new tallest hotel”. The gleaming gold 75-storey Gevora Hotel stands 356 metres, or nearly a quarter of a mile, tall. Dubai is also home to the world‟s tallest
building, the Burj Khalifa, which pierces the city skyline at 828 metres (half a mile) high.
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CHINA BUILDING HUGE TEST SITE FOR UNMANNED SHIPS
China has started building the world‟s largest test site for unmanned ships technology with both civilian and military applications off a port in the disputed South China Sea. The state Xinhua news agency said the test area is being constructed off the southern port city of Zhuhai bordering Macau.
THREE DAY MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE HELD AT GERMANY
The Munich Security Conference, in its 54th edition, began in Munich, Germany, amidst strict security measures for more than 4,000 security personnel. Three day conference held from 16th Feb to 18th Feb 2018. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterich, began the session.
SAUDI WOMEN CAN NOW START THEIR OWN BUSINESS WITHOUT MALE PERMISSION.
Women in Saudi Arabia can now open their own businesses without the consent of a husband or male relative. The policy change, announced by the Saudi government also marks a major step away from the strict guardianship system that has ruled the country for decades. The ministry of commerce and investment said women can now launch their own businesses and benefit from e-services without having to prove consent from a guardian.
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K.P. SHARMA OLI WAS ELECTED AS PRIME MINSTER OF NEPAL ON FEB-15
Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli Sworn in as 38th Prime Minister of Nepal. K.P. Sharma Oli headed left alliance won the majority of seats in elections conducted in 2017 to elect 275 members of the “4th house of representatives”.
K.P. Sharma Oli 1. Sworn in as PM for Second time. 2. Served as PM in 2015-16 for 1st time. 3. Belonged to party CPN-UML 4. His party secured 121 in 275 seats.
CYRIL RAMAPHOSA WAS ELECTED AS PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICA ON FEB-15 AS JACOB ZUME RESIGNS.
Cyril Ramaphosa was elected as the 5th President (Since the end of the Apartheid System in 1994) of South Africa, after the current President Jacob Zuma resigned over the corruption allegations.
CYRIL RAMAPHOSE :
1. An Anti – Apartheid activist 2. Earlier served as Deputy President of South Africa (2014 – 2018). 3. Played key role with Nelson Mandela to bring democracy in
South Africa 4. Party : African National Congress.
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WORLD ANTI-DOPING AGENCY SUSPENDS ROMANIAN LABORATORY The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has suspended Romania's drug- testing laboratory for six months. WADA has stepped up checks on laboratories around the world ever since uncovering evidence of wide-ranging doping and cover-ups at the Moscow laboratory.
LIST OF MOUS SIGNED DURING THE VISIT OF PRESIDENT OF IRAN TO INDIA
President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani arrived in India on a three-day State visit. He has signed these MoUs with India: Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation MoU on Exemption from Visa requirement for holders of Diplomatic Passports. Exchange of Instrument of Ratification of Extradition Treaty. Lease Contract for ShahidBeheshti Port- Phase 1 of Chabahar during Interim Period between Port and Maritime Organization (PMO), Iran and India Ports Global Limited (IPGL). MoU on Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine. MoU on the establishment of an Expert Group on Trade Remedy Measures to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest. MoU on Cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors. MoU on Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine. MoU on Postal Cooperation.
INDIA'S DEFENCE BUDGET BREAKS INTO WORLD'S TOP 5: UK REPORT
India's defence budget broke into the world's top five, beating the UK for the first time, a new report by a London-based global think-tank. India overtook the UK as the fifth-largest defence spender in the world in 2017 at $52.5 billion, up from $51.1 billion in 2016, according to the 'Military Balance 2018' report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS). In contrast, the UK's defence budget fell from $52.5 billion in 2016 to $50.7 billion last year. World's top five defence spenders are the US, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia
and India.
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CHINA ELECTED AS VICE PRESIDENT OF ‗FATF‘
China has been elected as vice chair of Financial Action Task Force (FATF). FATF is a global body mandated to combat terror financing and money laundering. Now it assumes that as Pakistan is set to be put in the watchdog's grey list, which puts countries under the scanner for not implementing the body's objectives. Three votes from the FATF's 37 members are needed for a country not to be put in the grey-list. Pakistan, which was previously on the grey-list from 2012 to 2015.
SAUDI ARABIA ALLOWS WOMEN TO JOIN MILITARY
Saudi Arabia for the very first time opened applications for women to enlist in the military as the kingdom continues to enact reforms granting females more access to a wide range of previously forbidden careers. Interested candidates can apply for positions with the rank of soldier in the provinces of Riyadh, Mecca, al-Qassim and Medina. A list of requirements says applicants must be Saudi citizens and aged between 25 and 35 with a high school diploma.
EMERGENCY DECLARED IN MALDIVES
Maldives government declared state of emergency for 15 days on Feb 05 Monday. The rift b/w current president Abdulla Yameen and Ex President Mohammed Nasheed, Supreme Court ruling of release of 9 opposition leaders and reinstatement of 12 expelled MP, etc. are considered to be reason for emergency declaration.
• Dubai International airport is ranked No 1 on the bus lest airport for Intl
passengers in 2017. It holds this place for the fourth time consecutively from 2014. In 2017, this airport handled 8.82 Crore international
passengers.
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MODI VISIT TO PALESTINEPALESTINE Modi reached Palestine on Feb 10 from Jordan. Modi arrived in Ramallah Capital of Palestine. 6 agreements signed (MOU – Memorandum of understanding) To set up India – Palestine Super Speciality hospital at Belt Sahour in Belthalehem governed To construct Turathi. India Palestine centre for empowering women. To set up new national printing press at Ramallah To construct a school in Muthalth Alshuhadre village To Construct a school in Tamoon Village To construct a additional floor to Jawaharlal Nehru for Boys at Abu Dces.Total worth : $ 50 million
KEY FACTS:
Modi 1st Indian PM to visit Palestine Modi Hold bilateral talks with Palestine President Mahmoud Abbes Palestine PM : Remi Hamadallah.
INDIA SIGNS MOU WITH CANADA‘S INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH CENTRE (IDRC)
The Government of India (GoI) and Canada‟s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to usher the “programme based research support” in addressing current and future global and local developmental challenges. Since 1972, IDRC has funded 551 research activities worth CA$159 million in India through institutions, researchers, and NGOs. During the last five years (2012-17), 96 research projects worth CA$ 51 million were funded by the IDRC in India.
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NTPC TO SUPPLY 300 MW ELECTRICITY TO BANGLADESH
India‟s Biggest electricity producer NTPC Ltd has Won tender to supply 300 megawatts of electricity to power – starved Bangladesh for 15 years. The tender was floated by Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) for supply of 500 MW power from India for short term (2018 – 2019) and long term (2020 – 2033)
TELANGANA, TAIWAN SIGN MOU FOR BETTER TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP
Telangana state Govt. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Taoyuan City of Taiwan for better technology partnership in the state, at the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) 2018 in Hyderabad. Taoyuan is one of the fastest growing cities with respect to entrepreneurship, innovation, and the Internet of things (IoT). The state will go forward by using the technology in various sectors including health, education, and agriculture.
The World Congress on Information Technology hosted by the National Association of Software and Services Companies
(NASSCOM)
INDIA AND GERMANY SIGNED AGREEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND SMART CITIES
India & Germany signed an agreement for Sustainable Urban Development programme & Smart Cities in India. The main objective of this agreement is to develop and apply concepts for sustainable urban development about a provision of urban basic services and housing in selected cities and Smart Cities in India.
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INDIA, CANADA INK SIX PACTS
India and Canada have signed six agreements in different fields including nuclear science, energy cooperation, sports, education, science and technology. These agreements were signed after delegation-level talks between Prime Minister NarendraModi and his visiting Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau in New Delhi.
AGREEMENTS SIGNED ARE
MoU on Cooperation in Sport.
MoU for Cooperation in Higher Education.
MoU for Cooperation on Intellectual Property Rights.
Termsof Reference for the India-Canada Ministerial Energy
Dialogue. MoU for cooperation in the Fields of science, Technology and
Innovation.
Joint Declareof Intent on Cooperation in the Field of Information Communications Technology and Electronics.
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NATIONAL AFFAIRS
PM MODI LAUNCHES KHELO INDIA SCHOOL GAMES SHEMES
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the inaugural Khelo India School Games open and said the event will highlight the country‟s sporting talent and its potential to the world. The ceremony showcased the rich „Guru- Shishya‟ tradition of the country in grand style. Modi said the Games will highlight India‟s young sporting talent and showcase India‟s sports potential. Modi urged the youth to take up to sports activities as it is an important tool for the development of the nation.
GOOGLE DOODLE HONOURS KAMALA DASTHE MOTHER OF MODERN ENGLISH POETRY.
Kamala Das, one of India‟s prominent poets and a Malayalam authorwho dared to write about women‟s sexual lives and marital problems was honoured by Google with a doodle today. Born to a Hindu family, she converted to Islam at the age of 68 and was known as Kamala Suraiya. For her vernacular readers, she adopted the pen name MadhaviKutty.
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GOOGLE INSTALLS 150 ‗GOOGLE STATION‘ WI-FI HOTSPOTS IN PUNE
Google, in partnership with Larsen & Toubro, announced that the company has installed 150 ―Google Station‖ hotspots in Pune. The development is part of the Pune Smart City Development Corporation Limited‟s “Smart City” project. This is the first time that the company is deploying “Google Station” a localised captive portal that enables the connection to public Wi-Fi outside of the railways.
INDIA JOINSASHGABAT AGREEMENT
India has joined the Ashgabat agreement, which envisages setting up of an international transport and transit corridor linking central Asia with the Persian Gulf. Turkmenistan, as Depository State of Ashgabat Agreement, informed India today that all the four founding members have consented to the accession of India. Besides Turkmenistan, the other founding members of the agreement are Iran, Oman and Uzbekistan and these countries had signed the pact on April 25, 2011.
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AMAZON BECOMES WORLD'S THIRD MOST VALUABLE COMPANY Amazon‟s market value surpassed Microsoft‟s for the first time, making Amazon the world‟s third most valuable company. Apple and Alphabet stand ahead of Amazon as the most valuable companies in the world. Microsoft now ranked fourth, follows, ahead of Tencent and Facebook.
NOW, PLAYING NATIONAL ANTHEM IN MAHARASHTRACINEMA HALLS NOT MANDATORY. Playing the national anthem in cinema halls before screening films is not mandatory in Maharashtra now. Maharashtra was among the first few states to make the national anthem mandatory in cinema halls in 2003. The state home department issued the order, dated February 1, directing local administrations to comply with the SC orders. The SC on January 9, by modifying its earlier order, made it optional for cinema halls to play the national anthem before screening a film.
KARNATAKA PANEL PROPOSES 3-COLOUR OFFICIAL STATE FLAG
A committee constituted last June by the Kannada and Culture department of the Karnataka government recommending an official three- coloured flag to replace an unofficial two-coloured one currently used to signify local pride. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the issue will be put up for consideration by the state cabinet before it is forwarded to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. If adopted with clearance from the MHA, Karnataka will be the second state
after Jammu and Kashmir to have an official state flag
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PATNA AIRPORT SLIPS 15 PLACES IN GLOBAL RANKINGS
Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport (JPNI), Patna, dropped 15 places from 58th to 73rd position in the global ranking of airports handling 2-5 million passengers in the fourth quarter of 2017. The rating for overall satisfaction of passengers at Patna airport, based on Airports Service Quality (ASQ) survey done by the Airports Council International. Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials said Patna airport‟s performance was still good as it was ranked 73rd among 300 airports.
MAHARASHTRA BECOMES THE FIRST STATE TO CLEAR POLICY TO PROMOTE THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN FINANCIAL SERVICES.
To make Mumbai and its adjoining areas as “Fintech capital of the world”, the cabinet passed a policy to help start-ups in the sector a first in the country. Fintech refers to the use of technology in financial and banking services. Apart from the Fintech policy, the state government cleared policies for defence and aerospace, electric vehicles, logistics, textile, garments, gems and jewellery, and coir etc. To promote defence and aerospace production, the government also plans to set up units in Pune, Nashik, Ahmednagar, Aurangabad and Nagpur.
BENGALURU-VIDYANAGAR FLIGHT EXPECTED TO BOOST INDUSTRY, TOURISM.
People of Ballari district is getting a direct flight service from Vidyanagar (Ballari) to Bengaluru will start on March 1. The direct flight is expected to boost the growth of industries and tourism in the district. A Hyderabad-based private operator is starting the service under UDAN Scheme which offers affordable air tickets to flyers. The flight will depart Vidyanagar Airport at 2.10pm and arrive at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru at 3.10pm.
It will depart from Bengaluru at 3.35pm and arrive in Vidyanagar at 4.35pm
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KERALA TOPS NITI AAYOG HEALTH INDEX, UTTAR PRADESH WORST PERFORMER.
As per NITI Aayog Health Index Kerala, Punjab and Tamil Nadu ranks in the top three. NITI Aayog Health Index report ranks Mizoram as first, followed by Manipur and Goa among the small states. Uttar Pradesh fared the worst among 21 states on an outcomes-based comprehensive health index prepared for the first time by the federal think tank NitiAayog. The think tank‟s CEO Amitabh Kant said they will also announce a ranking of India‟s 730 district hospitals in June.
GOVT LAUNCHES AN APP TO MONITOR FLY ASH FROM THERMAL PLANTS
Union power minister R K Singh launched web-based monitoring system and a mobile application named “ASH TRACK” in Delhi. These two platforms will enable better management of the ash produced by thermal power plants by providing an interface between them and potential ash. ASH TRACK shows coal-based power plants situated within the radius of 100 km and 300 km from the user‟s location. Therefore, any app user can select power station from where he wants to take fly ash.
FIRST ABU DHABI OIL TO FLOW FOR MANGALORE STORAGE BY MAY
India expects the first crude from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to flow for filling half of the Mangalore storage facility by May. ADNOC has indicated its oil shipments are booked for the next two months. ADNOC will send three large ship-full of crude. It would take three very large crude carriers (VLCCs) to fill nearly 6 million barrels of capacity. The ADNOC has hired in the Mangalore storage facility.
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RAILWAYS INTRODUCE REFURBISHED MUMBAI-DELHI RAJDHANI TRAIN
Western Railway‟s premier Rajdhani Express got refurbished coaches under the ministry‟s “Operation Swarn”, a project to improve the aesthetics and comfort levels of passenger trains. The moves comes weeks after the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express got coaches, christened „Anubhuti‟, with aircraft-like interiors. Mukul Jain, Divisional Railway Manager of WR‟s Mumbai division released a special brochure depicting the special features of the newly refurbished Rajdhani Express.
PM MODI OPENS ‗BIGGEST PARTY OFFICE IN THE WORLD‘
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the BJP‟s new headquarters on Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg. The office spread over 1.70 lakh square feet was opened in the presence of party chief Amit Shah, former BJP chiefs, several Union ministers and office-bearers. Former party chiefs L K Advani, MurliManohar Joshi, Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari besides Union minister Sushma Swaraj were on the dais at the event.
MEGHALAYA GOVERNOR INAUGURATES INDIA, BANGLADESH ‗FRIENDSHIP GATE‘.
Meghalaya Governor Ganga Prasad inaugurated the “Friendship Gate” constructed with an aim to have a Wagah-like beating retreat ceremony for the Indian and Bangladesh border guards. The Friendship Gate has been constructed near Integrated Check post, 90 km South of capital Shillong on the border with Bangladesh. The Governor also met Border Guard of Bangladesh‟s Additional Director ZahidHasan, who was present on the occasion and distributed sweets to both the troops at the venue. The Governor also inaugurated a BSF Border outpost at Umsyiem during his visit to the border
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CENTRAL GOVT. TO SET UP 562 MORE EKALAVYA SCHOOLS
Tribal affairs minister Mr.Oram has announced that Govt. will setup 562 schools for tribal children. He also added that “Every block with at least 20 thousand tribal persons, will have an Ekalavyaschool”. The Tribal Affairs Ministry has been allocated an amount of six thousand crore rupees for new financial year. In 2017-18, it received over 5329 crores rupees Ekalavya Model Residential School (EMRS) is a Government of India scheme for model residential school for Indian tribal across India.
PM MODI OPENS RS 7,900 CRORE 4TH TERMINAL AT JNPT
Prime Minister NarendraModi on Sunday dedicated the first phase of the Rs 7,900-crore 4th terminal project of the JNPT to the nation. It will raise the cargo handling capacity of the nation‟s largest container port by 50 percent. The fourth terminal project seeks to double JNPT‟s capacity to nearly 10 million standard container units and will make it the 33rd biggest port globally.
MORE THAN 40 INDIAN LANGUAGES MAY BE HEADING FOR EXTINCTION SAYS, OFFICIALS More than 40 languages or dialects in India are considered to be endangered and is believed to be heading towards extinction. According to a report of the census directorate, there are 22 scheduled languages and 100 non-scheduled languages in the country. However, there are around 42 languages which are spoken by less than 10,000 people. A list prepared by UNESCO has also mentioned about the 42 languages or dialects in India which are endangered and they may be heading towards extinction.
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AIR ODISHA TAKES WINGS, LAUNCHES MAIDEN FLIGHT IN GUJARAT UNDER UDAN.
Air Odisha launched its maiden services under scheme Udan with Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani inaugurating the first flight to Mundra. The Bhubaneswar-based carrier, mandated to fly on 50 regional routes, had received its scheduled commuter operator (SCO) permit from the aviation regulator DGCA. Besides Mundra, the carrier also rolled out services on the Ahmedabad- Jamnagar route. Prime Minister NarendraModi has agreed to inaugurate the Diu flight on February 25, he said.
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SCCL SOLAR POWER PLANT TO COME UP IN RAMAGUNDAM The proposed first solar power plant by the Singarneni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) of 50 MW capacity is likely to come up in the Ramagundam-3 division of the Godavarikhani Coal belt region in Paddapalli district soon.
A RICE MILL TURNS INTO MGR MEMORIAL
It will also showcase the rural culture and traditions of Palakkad. One of the first modern rice mills to come up in Kerala‟s district, Bhama Rice Mill of Vadavannur Village, is being converted into a memorial for iconic Tamil Politician and matinee idol M.G. Ramachandran, whose childhood home is located in the same village. The memorial will also serve as a “Village Heritage Centre” and showcase the culture and agrarian traditions of Palakkad. It is being established by the local chapter of the “Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage” (INTACH) We have named the heritage centre “MAGORA”, an abridged version of “Maruthoor Gopala Menon Ramachandran‖.
ADR : ANDHRA PRADESH‘S CHANDRA BABU NAIDU IS RICHEST CM IN INDIA
Andhra Pradesh „s chief minister Chandra Babu Naidu is the richest CM in India with Rs. 177 crore assets as per Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reports. Arunachal Pradesh CM PemaKhandu is second richest CM in India with Rs. 129 crore assets. Tripura‟s CM ManikSarkar is with assets worth Rs. 27 lakh.
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RADIO UMANG : INDIA‘S Ist ONLINE RADIO STATION LAUNCHED
India‟s 1st online Radio Station „Radio Unmang‟ launched recently in India. Listeners can tune in to this online radio station through web streaming or download app. With 24 hours programming, it has found listeners in Hindi speaking regions of India and in over 60 countries worldwide.
PRESIDENT HOSTS LPG PANCHAYAT AT RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN
President Ramnath Govind hosted an, LPG Panchayat at Rashtrapati Bhavan. It was organised by the Ministry of Petroleum and natural Gas under Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Yojana (PMUY) The LPG Panchayat aims to provide a platform for LPG consumers to interact with each other promote mutual learning and share experience.
Ramnath Govind
- Born : Uttar Pradesh - He is 14th and current president of India - He becoming the second Dalit to be elected to the post of president
- Previously he had served as the Governor of Bihar from 2015 to 2017.
VICE PRESIDENT INAUGURATES 8TH EDITION OF THEATRE OLYMPICS
Vice President M.Venkaiah Naidu has inaugurated the 8th edition of the Theatre Olympics at LalQuila in Delhi. It is for the first time that India is hosting the event and more than 25 thousand foreign artists will participate. The 51-day long nationwide theatre extravaganza will be held in 17 cities, including Ahmadabad, Bhopal, Patna, Kolkata, Mumbai, Guwahati and
Jammu.
The theme of the festival is - "Flag of Friendship".
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NATIONAL LEVEL CONFERENCE ON AGRICULTURE TO BE HELD IN NEW DELHI FOR 2 DAYS ON FEB. 19, 20
Venue - PUSA Campus New, Delhi Purpose - 1. To discuss about Agri and Former Issues 2. To discuss about preparation of short and long term measures for former issues. 3. To discuss about ways to double the former‟s income by 2022. Organised by - Union Ministry of agriculture and formers welfare.
KERALA CM PINARAYI VIJAYAN INAUGRATED THE NEW WEB PORTAL FOR AKSHAYA-E-SERVICES NETWORK
The web portal is designed in such a way to provide more information about Akshaya Services.
Akshaya
1. Kerala ‟s district wise e-literacy project. 2. Part of Kerala State 17 mission project 3. 3-governance initiative to provide services digitally 4. Inaugurated by APJ Abdul Kalam on Nov. 18, 2002.
BBC TO MAKE DOCUMENTARY ON GUNTUR CHILLI AND ITS MARKETS.
Guntur „Mirchi Sannalu”, a global brand of red chilli is world famous one. Mostly traded in Guntur chilli market (Asia‟s largest market) is to be featured in BBC documentary.
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INDIA‘S FIRST RADIO FESTIVAL HELD IN DELHI
India‟s first radio festival was held at the UNESCO house in New Delhi to mark world radio day (Feb13). It was organisation by International Association of Women in Radio & Television (IAWRT) in partnership with United Nations educational, scientific & cultural organization (UNESCO). Theme-World Radio Festival 2018-Radio & Sport
IAWRT- International Association Of Women in Radio & Television IAWRT is global organisation of women in broadcasting industry Established in 1949
HOSTING COUNTRIES
City / Country Year
New Delhi, India 2018
Wrocław, Poland 2016
Beijing, China 2014
M.VENKAIAH NAIDU
Previously, he served as the Minister of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Urban Development and Information and Broadcasting in the Modi Cabinet. He took the oath as Vice-President of India on 11 August 2017 at Darbar Hall, RashtrapatiBhawan, New Delhi.
13th Vice President of India.
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CPA CONFERENCE OF INDIA REGION TO BEGIN IN PATNA
The 6th conference of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) of India Region has been inaugurated by the Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan in Patna. Over one hundred delegates from across the country and abroad including Australia, Britain, Uganda, and Tonga have arrived to participate this conference. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) exists to develop, promote, and support Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and to implement the enduring values of the commonwealth.
CANADA PM JUSTIN TRUDEAU ARRIVED IN INDIA FOR 7DAY TOUR FROM FEB-17.
JUSTIN TRUDEAU 1. 23rd PM of CANADA from 2015 2. Second youngest Canadian “house of commons” from his party for the 1st time. 3. Closed to Sikh community and affectionately called as Justin Singh 4. On May 18, 2016 he gave formed full apology for “Komagatamaru” incident of 1914 in Canadian parliament.
NATIONAL BANANA FESTIVAL, 2018 HELD IN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
The Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressed at the National Banana Festival, 2018 held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. India is the largest producer of banana in the world with 29.7 million tonnes from an area of 0.88 million hectares with a productivity of 37 MT/ha. Although India accounts for only 15.5per cent in area, its contribution in the world‟s production is 25.58per cent.
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SHARAVENABELAGOLA THE JAIN PILGRIMAGE CENTRE IS PREPARING FOR ―MAHAMASTAKABHISHEKA‖CEREMONY STARTED ON FEB-17
MAHAMASTAKABHISHEKA 1. Grand consecration Jain festival 2. To be conducted once in 12years 3. 9-day festival 4. Started from 981 CE. 5. Involves anointment of BahubaliGomateshwara statue [world tallest monolithic statue] Situated in Vindhyagiri hill at Sharavenabelagola, Karnataka.
Historical Importance of Sharavenabelagola th Due to famine in ganges valley in 4 BCE, Jain monks led by Bhadrabagu and Chandragupta maurya went to Sharavenabelagola
GOA GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES MOTORCYCLE AMBULANCE SERVICE
The Goa government has launched a motorcycle ambulance service to provide quick medical help to patients in need in the coastal state. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar unveiled a batch of 20 two-wheeler ambulances which would be deputed in high risk areas like the coastal belt. These motorbikes will be equipped with medical facilities, including oxygen cylinders.
GOVERNMENT SETS UP THE ―NITI FORUM FOR NORTHEAST‖
The Union Government has issued order setting up the „NITI Forum for North- East‟. The forum will be co-chaired by the Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog and Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER). The forum will have its Secretariat in the Ministry of DoNER. The NITI Forum for Northeast is tasked to identify various constraints on the way of accelerated, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the North East Region of the country and to recommend suitable interventions for addressing identified constraints. It will also review the development status in the NER.
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NER‘S FIRST REGIONAL CENTRE FOR AGRICULTURE IN MIZORAM
Israeli Ambassador Mr Daniel Carmon informed that a Centre for Agriculture, with collaboration of Israeli expertise, is going to be inaugurated in Mizoram on 7th March this year. This will be the first such centre in the North East region of India that is being established with Israeli collaboration, he added. Set up with a cost of Rs 8-10 crore, this centre is exclusively for processing of citrus fruits. The project has been set up with the tripartite collaboration of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Government of Israel and State Government of Mizoram.
KERALA MAKES VACCINATION COMPULSORY FOR SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
The CPI(M)-led Left Front government in Kerala has made vaccination compulsory for school admissions from next academic year onwards. Parents will have to show details of shots given to children at the time of enrolment in schools. Earlier the government had constituted a 17-member experts panel headed by Dr.E.Ekbal to chalk out a comprehensive health policy.
CENTRE CONSTITUTES COMMITTEE TO STUDY BRAHMAPUTRA AND FLOOD CONTROL MEASURES IN ASSAM
The Centre has constituted a committee headed by the Vice Chairman of the NITI Aayog Rajiv Kumar to study the Brahmaputra and flood control measures in Assam and neighbouring states. Assam government has submitted required report on flood control measures to the committee. Measures are being taken by the Water Resource department to repair the damaged river embankment due to flood.
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UK, INDIA LAUNCH JOINT RESEARCH PROJECTS ON CLEAN WATER & ENERGY
The UK- India Joint research projects on Water Quality Research and Energy Demand Reduction in Built Environment were launched in New Delhi. The Water Quality Research programme has eight projects and Energy Demand Reduction in Built Environment programme has four projects. The objective of the project to address shared global sustainable development goals of clean water and clean energy. Total joint investment of up to 15 million British Pound.
INDIA 7TH MOST TARGETED NATION FOR WEB APPLICATION ATTACKS
Nearly 40 percent of over 53,000 cyber-attacks in India occurred in the financial services sector during2017, placing it at the seventh spot in the list of targeted countries for Web Application Attacks (WAA), a new report said. Security incidents like phishing, website intrusions and defacements, virus and ransomware targeted the rapidly growing of the Banking, Financial services and Insurance (BFSI) sector in India. The report, titled "Akamai State of the Internet Security Q4 2017," also stated that the Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack frequency in the BFSI sector increased by 50 percent in the fourth quarter of 2017.
AIRTEL, HUAWEI SUCCESSFULLY CONDUCT INDIA‘S FIRST 5G NETWORK TRIAL
Telecom Major Bharti Airtel and Chinese telecom equipment maker Huawei have successfully conducted India‟s first 5G (fifth generation) network trials. It was conducted at Airtel‟s network experience centre in Manesar, Gurugram (Haryana) and
was able to achieve over 3 gigabit per
second (Gbps) data speed.
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REGIONAL CONFERENCE OF SOUTHERN STATES ON WATER RESOURCES TO BE HELD IN HYDERABAD CONFERENCE
The Union Water Resources ministry is holding a regional conference of southern states to resolve the pending inter-state water issues in Hyderabad. Ministers and Principal Secretaries of Water Resources of Six southern states (Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana) are scheduled to take part in the, Resources Arjun Ram Meghwal. The objective of the conference is to the implementation of the latest orders of the Supreme Court on sharing of Cauvery waters, interlinking of rivers like Godavari-Cauvery, notification of jurisdiction of Krishna and Godavari Water Management Boards, Polavaram Project.
JAIPUR'S GANDHI NAGAR BECOMES COUNTRY‘S FIRST ALL-WOMEN RAILWAY STATION
Jaipur‟s Gandhinagar railway station (North Western Railways (NWR) has become the country‟s only non-suburban railway station to be entirely run by women. All 32 posts at the station from the station (superintendent to head ticket collector, point woman to railway protection force (RPF) constable and station master to ticket reservation clerk) were occupied by women. Gandhi Nagar station has a footfall of nearly 7000 passengers daily and of the 50 trains which pass by, 25 trains halt here.
Matunga railway station of Mumbai is also managed by women and it
is in the suburban category while our station is first in the mainline
category
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FIRST INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE ON MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS FOR NORTH EAST.
The first meeting of Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) for North East Region (NER) is scheduled to be held in March 2018 It will be co-chaired by Secretaries of Ministry of Development of North-East Region (MDoNER) and AYUSH It will comprise members from various Ministries, Departments and several organisations in relevant fields.
UIDAI INTRODUCES SPECIAL BLUE COLOURED 'BAAL AADHAAR'
Aadhaar is increasingly becoming mandatory to make use of most of the government schemes and other activities such as getting a new SIM card or opening a new bank account.
Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has now introduced a blue coloured 'Baal Aadhaar' card for children below the age of 5 years. All children below the age of 5 don't need to give biometric details for getting an Aadhaar card
WORLD‘S TALLEST WAR MEMORIAL TO COME UP AT AMARAVATI
India‟s first and world‟s largest war memorial with a 250 feet statue of a soldier of the Indian Army to built-in Amaravati. There is other a 200-feet bronze ring to be constructed around a huge Buddha statue. Connecting the two statues would be a 2-km-long and 80-feet-wide traffic-free stretch along the Krishna River on approximately 130 acres. The MoU for the 6,100 crore project stated that it would be the first-of-its-kind
street tourism destination to attract national and international tourists.
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PM MODI TO LAUNCH NATIONAL NUTRITION MISSION SCHEMS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the National Nutrition Mission (NNM) at Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan. In December last year, the Cabinet approved the NNM with a budget of Rs 9,046.17 till 2020. The mission has a target to reduce under-nutrition and low birth weight by 2 percent each per annum. The total contribution of the Centre will be Rs 2,849.54 crore and nearly Rs 1,700 crore will be contributed by the state governments.
SRIJAN IDEA COMPETITION FOR 635 STATIONS DEVELOPMENT LAUNCHED AT MYGOV PORTAL
Ministry of Railways has launched SRIJAN (Station Rejuvenation through Joint Action), an idea competition for development of 635 railway stations. It was launched at MyGov portal by Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Limited (IRSDC).
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UMABHARTI LAUNCHES 2ND PROJECT OF SWAJALYOJANA IN RAJASTHAN
Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti, launched the Swajal pilot project at Village Bhikampura, Karauli, Rajasthan. Besides ensuring the availability of clean drinking water to every household round the year, the project would also generate employment. She inaugurated the pilot Swajal Project at Bhikampura with a budget of more than 54.17 lakh rupees.
LITERACY RATE OF DIFFERENTLY ABLED POPULATION Highest - Kerala (70.8%) Lowest - Arunachal Pradesh (38.7%)
―PELICAN BIRD FESTIVAL – 2018‖
Organised for 1st time in Atapake Bird Sanctuary on “Kolleru” lake in Andhra Pradesh Organised by Andhra Pradesh tourism Authority and Krishna district administration.
Kolleru Lake – 1 one of the largest freshivater Lake in India present in Andhra Pradesh 1. Declared as wildlife sanctuary in 1999. Under wildlife protection act 1972 2. Designated wetland of international importance in Nov 2002 under Ramses Convention
NATIONAL WOMEN ENTREPRENEUERSHIP COUNCIL TO BE LAUNCHED BY GOVT (NWEC)
Union ministry of women and child development is planning to form NWEC Role Act as Umbrella organisation for Socio-economic gender parity financial inclusion economic empowerment of women. To promote entrepreneurship among women
Advice to govt on issues related to women entrepreneurship
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1. UP launched Campaign to eradicate Japanese encephalitis. 2. UP government Launched “DASTAK” Campaign for eradication of “Acute encephalitis syndrome and Japanese encephalitis” 3. Campaign launched in association with UMCEF 4. Includes door to door campaign, awareness creation, provision of clean drinking water, sanitation drive, etc.,
INDIA & ADB SIGNED A LOAN AGREEMENT FOR WATER SUPPLY IN BIHAR
Indian government and Asian Development Bank has signed an $84 million loan agreement for Improvement and Expansion of Water Supply in in Bihar. The program aims to provide sustainable urban infrastructure and services in four towns in Bihar –Gaya, Bhagalpur, Darbhanga and Muzaffarpur.
44TH KHAJURAHO DANCE FESTIVAL HELD IN MADHYA PRADESH
The 44th edition of Khajuraho Dance Festival 2018 was held at Khajuraho temple, a UNESCO world heritage site in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh. It was inaugurated by Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel and was organised by culture department of state government.
KHAJURAHO DANCE FESTIVAL
Khajuraho Dance Festival is annual cultural festival that highlights richness of various Indian classical dance styles. The 6-day festival showcased classical dances including Kathak, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Mohiniattam.
KHAJURAHO TEMPLE It is a group of Hindu and Jain Temples in Madhya Pradeshbuild
byChandelaDynasty between 950 and 1050 AD. They are UNESCO World heritage Site. The temples are famous for their nagara-style architectural symbolism and their erotic Sculptures. The temples at Khajuraho are all made of Sandstone.
The largest temple at Khajuraho is the KandariyaMahadeva temple
which is attributed to king Ganda
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FESTIVAL OF ARUNACHAL STARTED WITH CELEBRATION OF THE 32 ND STATEHOOD DAY CONCLUDES The three-day „Festival of Arunachal‟, started with the celebration of the 32nd Statehood Day of the state, concluded. During the festival various tribes of the state and from outside showcased their cultural and traditional identity. Various artists, like Singer Lucky Ali, Hans Raj Hans, comedian RajuSrivastavaetc performed during the festival.
„Festival of Arunachal‟ was aimed at showcasing the symbol of
multi-dimensional cultural identity, communal harmony and propagating the spirit of national integration.
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DEFENCE
RUSSIA LAUNCHES 11 SPACE SATELLITES
Russia successfully launched 11 satellites from its Vostochnycosmodrome, in the third rocket liftoff from the new spaceport. The country‟s first orbital launch of 2018 came after a similar liftoff from the cosmodrome in eastern Russia ended in embarrassment. The Soyuz rocket carried two Russian Earth-monitoring satellites as its primary payload and nine US and German piggyback satellites.
INDIA TO BEGIN TALKS TO ACQUIRE ISRAELI ANTI-TANK MISSILES
The Narendra Modi government will begin talks to buy Israeli anti-tank guided missile Spike, with a meeting between Israel‟s visiting defence secretary Major General (retired) Udi Adam. The defence ministry will negotiate to buy at least 3,000 Spike missiles manufactured by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems through a government-to- government (G2G) route. This will meet the army‟s urgent requirements and fill the gap before the indigenous Nag anti-tank missile system is inducted
WESTERN COMMAND CONDUCTS TRI – SERVICE MARITIME EXERCISE PASCHIM LEHAR. Around 40 ships, submarines and fighter aircraft participated in Pashcim Lehar, a tri-service Maritime exercise of India‟s Western coast. An official spokesperson said the objective of the exercise, which commenced on Feb.12, is to build interoperability.
This exercise includes the participation of a large number of ship, submarines
and aircraft from the Western Navel command for the Indian navy.
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INDIAN, US AIR FORCES TO EXPAND COOPERATION TO COMBAT CHALLENGES IN INDO-PACIFIC
The Indian and the US air forces will significantly step up operational cooperation to complement the strategic interests of the two countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Chief of US Air Force General David L Goldfein has said, he is concern over China‟s rising military influence over the area. Goldfein, who held extensive talks with Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa and the top brass of the defence set-up during his three-day India visit.
SPACE-X ROCKET LAUNCHES LUXEMBOURG‘S COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITE FOR NATO
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Florida on Wednesday carrying into orbit a Luxembourg-made communications satellite. It is designed in part to expand NATO‟s surveillance reach and its capability to deter cyber-attacks on alliance members. It marked the second rocket launch this year for billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk and his privately-owned Space Exploration Technologies. The so-called GovSat-1 satellite will provide, among other things, greater cyber protection for Luxembourg‟s European Union partners and NATO allies.
INDIA & INDONESIA JOINT MILITARY DRILL ―GARUDA SHAKTI‖ BEGINS IN BANDUNG
The Indian and Indonesian armies began the sixth edition of their annual military exercises in the West Java province of the archipelago country The exercises will include experience sharing in counter-terrorism operations, close quarter combat, and other areas of special operations, an official statement said. The first edition bilateral exercise was conducted on a reciprocal basis in 2012 in India. 2013-Indonesia 2014-india 2016-indonesia
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INDIA SUCCESSFULLY TEST-FIRES DHANUSH MISSILE India successfully test-fired the nuclear-capable surface-to-surface Dhanush ballistic missile. It has a strike range of 350 km from a naval ship off Odisha coast. This naval variant of the indigenously-developed Prithvi-II missile was test- fired from the ship positioned near Paradip in the Bay of Bengal. It is developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation. „ Dhanush‟ missile is capable of carrying a payload of 500 kg and hitting both land and sea-based targets
DHANUSH MISSILE The Missile was test-fired successfully on 5 October 2012, 23 November 2013, 9 April 2015, and 24 November 2015 from Indian Navy ship INS Subhadra (P51) in the Bay of
Bengal off the Orissa coast. A successful user trial was conducted from a naval ship on 23 February 2018 by the Strategic Forces Command off the Odisha coast.
INDIA TO LAUNCH FRESH HUNT FOR FIGHTER AIRCRAFT, TWIN-ENGINE PLANES ON RADAR.
The Centre is preparing to launch a fresh hunt for fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force while widening the scope of its search, an official familiar with the development said. The NDA government is in the process of laying the groundwork for a new global tender for warplanes. It would be built in India in collaboration with a foreign aircraft maker. US defence contractor Lockheed Martin and Swedish firm Saab were the only two companies exploring opportunities to build F-16s and Gripens in India.
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DRDO SUCCESSFULLY CARRIES OUT A TEST FLIGHT OF RUSTOM 2 DRONE IN KARNATAKA.
India‟s premier defence research institute DRDO carried out “successful” test flight of its Rustom 2 drone. Rustom 2 is being developed along the lines of predator drones of the US to carry out surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) roles. DRDO successfully flew its Rustom 2 at its Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) at Chalakere at Chitradurga.
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR COMMAND TO HOST MILAN 2018
The second week of March will witness Andaman & Nicobar Command hosting a multinational mega event MILAN 2018. MILAN is a congregation of littoral navies conducted biennially by Indian Navy at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command. Besides fostering co-operation through naval exercises and professional interactions, MILAN also provides an excellent opportunity to the participating navies to come together in a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding to nurture stronger ties
ISRO‘S NEW COMMUNICATION SATELLITES TO USHER IN THE HIGH- SPEED INTERNET ERA
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is planning to usher in an age of high-speed internet connectivity in the country. ISRO chairman Dr K Sivan said we will launch GSAT-11 in April or May. Around the same time in May, Isro will launch Gsat-29 through our GSLV Mk III rocket from Sriharikota.
CHINESE FIGHTER AIRCRAFT ―J – 20‖ INDUCTED FOR COMBAT SERVICE. ―J – 20‖ 4th Generation Stealth Fighter Maiden Flight – 2011 Developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation. With this, Chine became The Second Country In World to Commissioned
Domestically Developed Stealth Aircraft After USA.
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JAMMU KASHMIR GOVERNMENT ASKED CENTRE TO ADOPT ―ATAL DOCTRINE‖ TO DIFFUSE TENSIONS WITH PAKISTHAN
Atal doctrine: Approach of Ex. PM. AtalBehari Vajpayee towards Pakistan in resolving Kashmir issue Called as Atal doctrine. Ataldoctrine on Kashmir Called for peace, progress and prosperity in the Valley by imbibing the spirit of Insanity (humanity), Jamahiriya (democracy), and Kashmiri at identity of people of Kashmir. It includes process of dialogue and reconciliation.
Key Facts: Delhi – Lahore bus service – called as Sade – e- Sarhed (Call of the frontier) inaugurated Feb 19, 1999
Lahore declaration – Signed by Vajpayee and Pak. PM. Nawaz Sharif
on Feb 21, 1999 – to resolve Kashmir issue in a peaceful manner
through dialogue and to promote people to people contact.
PRITHIVI II MISSILE TEST FIRED SUCCESSFULLY
India on Wednesday (Feb 7, 2018) successfully test fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithivi – 11 missile. The test was carried out from mobile launcher from launch complex – 3 of the Integrated test range at Chandipur near Balasore, Odhisha.
Prithivi II Missile 1. Indigenously developed, 2. Short range surface to surface ballistic missile 3. 9-m long, load capacity 500 – 1000 Kg of warheads. 4. Strike range – 350 Kg 5. Nuclear capable 6. First missile developed buy DRDO under Integrated guided missile development program. 7. Inducted into Indian armed forces in 2003
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PROGRESS MS-08: UNMANNED RUSSIAN CARGO SHIP LAUNCHED TO SPACE STATION.
Russian space agency Roskosmos has successfully launched progress MS-08, unmanned Cargo Spacecraft for International Space Station (ISS) It was launched on board of Soyuz 2.1a Rocket from Russian – learned Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan.
Soyuz 2.1a has four strap-on boosters and core engine, all fuelled by mix of Kerosene and liquid oxygen. It was also carrying equipment for the German – Russian ICARUS
Research Project aimed at Studying Wildlife – Migration Pattern.
The ISS, which is orbiting 400 kilometres above earth is currently manned
by six astronauts including three from US, two from Russia and one from Japan.
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APPOINTMENTS
NITI AAYOG OFFICIAL APPOINTS DINESH ARORA AS PM‘S HEALTH CARE PROGRAMME DIRECTOR.
Dinesh Arora, director (health) at a Federal policy think Tank NITI Aayog, was appointed as director of the Prime Minister‟s Flagship health care programme. The 41 year – old Arora, who is been working on the programme for more than a month before it was announced in the budget. He is a qualified doctor and has worked in public health in the past, heading the National Rural Health Mission in Kerala from May 2006 to September 2009.
NITI Aayog Formed - 1 January 2015 Preceding - Planning Commission Chairman - NarendraModi Vice Chairman - Rajiv Kumar
ROBERTO FABBRICINITAKES APPOINTMENT AS EMERGENCY LEADER OF ITALIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION.
Roberto Fabbricini was appointed has an emergency leader of the Italian football federation (FIGC) after a 10-hour election this week failed to find a replacement for Carlo Tavecchio. The Italian Olympic Committee (IOC), which oversees all sports in Italy, named its secretary general as the emergency leader
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IRDAI APPOINTS VASANTHA KRISHNA AS INSURANCE OMBUDSMAN FOR CHENNAI.
The insurance regulator has appointed National Insurance Company director Vasantha Krishna as the insurance ombudsman for Chennai. With recent appointments, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has filled 10 of 16 vacant posts in India. Both Sanath Kumar and Vasantha Krishnan will retire shortly and take up the new posts
VIDITGUJRATHI APPOINTED AS A BRAND AMBASSADOR OF ALL INDIA CHESS FEDERATION FOR CHESS.
Grand Master Vidit Gujrathi has been appointed as the brand ambassador of All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB). The announcement was made by Dr CharudattaJadhav, President of AICFB, a media release said. 23-year-old Gujrathi had broken the 2700 rating barrier and has a current rating of 2718, thereby becoming the fourth Indian to achieve the feat after legend ViswanathanAnand, Sasikiran and P Harikrishna. He recently won the Tata Steel Chess Challengers 2018 in WijkAan Zee and has made the cut for the Tata Steel Chess Masters next year
ASHOK DAS APPOINTED INDIAN ENVOY TO BRAZIL
Ashok Das, a 1987 batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, was named India‟s new Ambassador to Brazil. Das, presently additional secretary in the external affairs ministry, is expected to take up his assignment shortly. Das earlier served as India‟s Ambassador to Iceland. He has also served in the Indian diplomatic missions in Portugal, Cambodia, US, Canada and Bangladesh.
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SACHIN TENDULKAR MADE T20 MUMBAI LEAGUE‘S BRAND AMBASSADOR
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has been made the brand ambassador of the upcoming T20 Mumbai League. The league, scheduled from March 11 to 28 is to be organised by Sports India Pvt Ltd. A consortium of IIFL Group as Lead Member and Wizcraft, with the approval and sanction of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and under its aegis.
ARVIND JAM KHEDKHAR WAS APPOINTED AS CHAIRMAN OF INDIAN COUNCIL OF HISTORICAL RESEARCH (ICHR)
ICHR 1. Indian Council of Historical Research 2. Established under Societies registration act 1860 in 1972. 3. Autonomous body under Ministry of Human resources development. 4. Premier organisation in India for history related research, and provides platform for development of historical studies in India.
Arvind Jam Khedkhar – archaeologist and historian 1. Present chancellor of Deccan College Pune. 2. Served as Vice – president of Asrotic Society of Mumbai from 2007 to 2013.
SUBBARAYUDU APPOINTED THE AMBASSADOR OF BOLIVIA
M.Subbarayudu has been appointed the next Ambassador of India to Plurinational State of Bolivia. He is currently the Ambassador of India to Lima. He has been concurrently appointed the next Ambassador of India to Bolivia. He will soon take up this new assignment.
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GOVT ROPES IN NANDANNILEKANI FOR DEVELOPING IT INFRASTRUCTURE FOR HEALTHCARE SCHEME
Tech billionaire NandanNilekani will assist the government in developing IT infrastructure for the mega National Health Protection scheme (NHPS), which seeks to cover 10-crore families. The IT infrastructure for the healthcare scheme will be of a huge scale as was required for Aadhar and will have to be scaled up gradually in view of the massive range of the programme. Former UIDAI chairman Nilekani - the brain behind the Aadhaar - is also a member of the GST return simplification committee.
ABDUL HAMEED IS ELECTED AS PRESIDENT OF BANGLADESH ON FEB – 07 Current President of Bangladesh since 2013 Only leader to be selected for President post for the second term in Bangladesh so far. Candidate of Bangladesh ruling party Awami league 16th President of Bangladesh
―ANTONY DOMINIC‖IS APPOINTED AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF KERALA HIGH COURT.
Background
Antony Dominic was already the acting chief justice of Kerala HC Oath was administered by Kerala Governor P. Sathasivam 1stKeralite to be appointed as chief Justice of Kerala HC in the past 17 years. AbhilasheKumari was appointed as chief Justice of Manipur High
Court on Feb, 09.
Background She was earlier, the chief Justice of the Gujarhat High Court Qath was administered by Governor NejmeHeptulla She is the daughter of the former Himachal Pradesh CM Virbhadra
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CHANDRASEKAR KAMBAR WAS ELECTED AS PRESIDENT OF SAHITYA ACADEMY
He write 25 plays, 5 novels, 11 anthologies of poem, etc., 1st vice chancellor of HemmpiKanadaUniV Served as chairman of National school of drama society
ChandrasekarKambar Kannada literature Jnanpith award – 2011 Padma Shree awards 3rd Kannada writer to hide SahityaAcademi
SahityaAcademi
Founded 1954 India‟s nation an academy of letters Premier literary institution, it preserves and promote literature contained in 24
Indian languages.
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HONOURS & AWARDS
WASHINGTON SUNDAR RECEIVES YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD
Washington Sundar who made his ODI and T20 debut for India against Sri Lanka in December last year bagged the Young Achiever Award. The award was given by the Rotary Club of Madras Chenna Patna during their 25th anniversary. Washington became emotional while delivering his acceptance speech
RITU SARIN WINS INTERNATIONAL PRESS INSTITUTE‘S AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM.
The International Press Institute‟s Indian National Committee has named Ritu Sarin, Executive Editor- Investigations, The Indian Express as the recipient of the IPI India Award for Excellence in Journalism. She has been awarded for her sustained work in the investigation of crimes, political assassinations, terrorism cases frauds and economic offences throughout her career. This is the fourth IPI India award for The Indian Express or its journalists. . MAHARASHTRA HONOURS RATAN TATA WITH THE TOP INDUSTRIAL AWARD
Tata Group patriarch Ratan Tata was felicitated by Maharashtra government with a special award for his contribution to the development of the state. Tata was presented with the MahaudyogSanman award. Other categories from where entrepreneurs were felicitated included
information technology, women, exporters and small businesses.
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INDIA AADHAAR AND UMANG APP WIN AWARDS AT WORLD GOVERNMENT SUMMIT 2018
India‟s Aadhar & Umang app have won awards at recently concluded 6th world government summit 2018 in Dubai . Umang app won in best M-Government service award for accessible government category. Aadhaar won in the best government emerging technologies award . The awards were presented by deputy prime minister & minister of interior of UAE Sheikh Saif bin Zayed AL Nahayan.
AADHHAR
Ministry – Ministry Of Electronics And Information Technology
Launched – 28 January 2009
UIDAI - Unique Identification Authority Of India
Adhaar is the world‟s largest biometric enable identification programme, which provides access to service ,bank account, social service benefits, income tax, passport service by proving 1.2 billion citizens unique identification card with fingerprint , eye print &other vital data.
Umang APP – Umang stands for Unified Mobile Application for New – Age Governance Initial release - November 2017 Available in - 13 language of India Type - online service provider, Digital locker, Bharat bill payment system
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SANJIV BAJAJ IS EY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR 2017
Sanjiv Bajaj, MD of Bajaj Finserv is the new EY Entrepreneur of the year 2017 Bajaj finserv emerged as the country‟s leading name in financial service with solution across lending, life and general insurance and wealth advisory. EY also named nine other category winners for the entrepreneur of the year programme.
INDIAN ENGINEER AWARDED SCI-TECH OSCAR AWARD
Vikas Sathaye, a Pune-born person has been honoured with the scientific and Engineering Academy Award at the Oscars scientific and Technical Awards 2018. Sathaye and his team received the award for his contribution towards conceptualisation, designing, engineering, and the implementation of the 'Shotover K1 Camera System'. The Shotover K1 Camera System is a camera mount that is used in aerial filming. India was „guest of honour‟ country 2018 summit in which more than 140 country participated.
WORLD GOVERNMENT SUMMIT
Formation - 2013
Type - non-government organization
Purpose - Social & Economic ] Headquarter - Dubai, UAE
MILKBASKET RECOGNIZED AS 'STARTUP OF THE YEAR- 2017‘
India's first and largest micro-delivery platform ‗Milkbasket‘ has been recognized as 'Startup of the Year -2017‘ at the 7th Small Business Awards in New Delhi. The startup of the year award is dedicated to young SMEs (aged 7 years or less) with great potential to become big in local/international markets. Milkbasket has innovated flexi ordering and contactless delivery, both a
first in the e-commerce industry and favorites of Milkbasket customers.
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NHRC RETAINS ITS ‗A‘ STATUS OF ACCREDITATION WITH GANHRI
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has retained its „A‟ status of accreditation of Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) for fourth consecutive term. NHRC was awarded „A‟ status for first time in 1999 which it retained in 2006 and 2011 review. The Sub Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of GANHRIs had recommended that NHRC be reaccredited with “A” status.
PM MODI CONFERED WITH ―GRAND COLLAR‖ – THE HIGHEST PALESTINIAN HONOUR FOR FOREIGN DIGNITARIES Reason : For Recognition of Modi‟s contribution to promoting relations between India and Palestine. Conferred by Palestine president Mahmoud Abbas
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SPORTS
VIRAT KOHLI SCORES 33RD ODI CENTURY, 20TH IN THE CHASE FOR INDIA.
The Indian skipper scored his 33rd ODI century against South Africa in the first ODI in Durban. This was his second consecutive century in One- Day Internationals and third in last four innings. His century came off 105 balls with a four through the covers at the Kingsmead Stadium. This is Kohli‟s 20th hundred in run-chases for India and the team has won 17 matches while two have come on losses. This is the 18th time India will win a game when Kohli has scored a century batting second.
ASIAN PARA-CYCLING CHAMPIONSHIPS: INDIA WIN ONE SILVER, TWO BRONZE.
The Indian team underlined its supremacy at the Asian Para-Cycling Championships by posting three podium finishes, at the WunnaTheikdi Sports Stadium in Naypyidaw, Myanmar. Divij Shah, Harinder Singh and Madhu Bagri won medals for India at the Asian Para-Cycling Championships. New entrant Madhu Bagri, meanwhile, won bronze in hand-cycling, a category where India made a maiden participation and Bagri became the first Para- Cyclist to win an international medal in Hand Cycling
VISWANATHAN ANAND TO MAKE PRO CHESS LEAGUE DEBUT
Grandmaster ViswanathanAnand will be making his debut in the second edition of the Pro Chess League. The league comprises eight teams each bunched into four Divisions Eastern, Central, Atlantic and Pacific. Each team fields four players in a match and each member has to play against
all the four members of the opposing team
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HARYANA CROWNED CHAMPIONS OF KHELO INDIA SCHOOL GAMES WITH 38 GOLD MEDALS
Haryana topped the overall medal tally after claiming 38 gold medals in the inaugural edition of the Khelo India School Games that concluded in New Delhi. Overall, Haryana won 102 medals, with 26 silver and 38 bronze. Maharashtra (110) finished second overall while Delhi (94) came third. On the final day, Haryana pugilists ruled the boxing ring, winning 10 of the 26 gold medals at stake. Maharashtra finished second overall with a tally of 110 medals, 36 of them gold
INDIA FLAG RAISED AT PYEONGCHANG 2018 WINTER OLYMPICS VILLAGE
A day before the beginning of the Winter Olympics, the Indian flag was raised at the Games Village at a formal team welcome ceremony. Luger Shiva Keshavan, Indian contingent‟s chef-de-mission Harjinder Singh and the mayor of the Games Village were present during the brief ceremony. Cross-country skier Jagdish Singh is, however, yet to arrive at this resort town of South Korea and is expected to join the team .
VIRAT KOHLI BECOMES 5TH HIGHEST RUN-GETTER IN ODIS FROM INDIA
ViratKohli is on a record-breaking spree with the run-machine becoming the fifth highest run-getter from India in one-day internationals. He went past former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin [9378] in the list of the top run scorers in ODIs. The 29-year-old also went past explosive West Indian batsman Chris Gayle who currently has 9420 runs in 275 matches. Overall, he‟s now the 16th highest run-getter in the format in a list that is led by legendary Sachin Tendulkar who scored 18426 runs across 463 ODIs.
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SOUMYA B SETS NEW RECORD IN THE 20KM RACE WALK
Delhi-based Soumya B upset the fancied KhushbirKaur to win the women‟s 20km at the National Race Walking Championship. She also improved Khushbir‟s four-year-old national record of 1:31:40 seconds by clocking 1:31.28.72 secs. The timing was well within the Commonwealth Games (CWG) qualification mark of one hour 35 minutes. KaramjitKaur of Haryana finished third.
CHRISTIAN COLEMAN BREAKS 60M INDOOR WORLD RECORD
Raising US star Christian Coleman set a new world indoor record for the 60m. The 21-year-old exploded out of the blocks with a 0.149 reaction time to cross ahead of Ronnie Baker, who was second in 6.40. Coleman‟s time shaved 0.05sec off the existing world indoor record set by Maurice Greene in Madrid in 1998.
INDIA‘S SAKINA KHATUN WINS SILVER IN PARA POWERLIFTING WORLD CUP.
India‟s Sakina Khatun made the country proud by winning a silver in the Para Powerlifting World Cup in Dubai. She had threatened to commit suicide over her non-inclusion in the 2018 Commonwealth Games squad. The 28-year-old, who is the only Indian para-athlete to clinch a medal at the
Commonwealth Games.
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2019 – 23 FTP TO BE CONFIRMED IN KOLKATA
The Future Tours Programme (FTP) for 2019 – 2023 may have already been agreed upon by the ICC full members, but the document that binds the Test – playing Nation to adhere to the programme will be submitted to the ICC at its quarterly meeting in Kolkata on April 25 & 26.
WINTER OLYMPICS 2018 RESULTS
Host City : Pyeong Chang country, South Korea Moto : Passion, Connected Next Host Country : Beijing 2022 – China
SPEEDIEST SKATING – 1500 m
Country Name Medals Netherland KieldNuis Gold Dutch Patrick Roest Silver South Korean Kim Min Seok Bronze
SHORT TRACK RACE – 500m
Country Name Medals Italy Arianna Fontana Gold Netherland Yara van kerkhof Silver Canada Kim Boutin Bronze
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SPORTS MINISTRY TO INTRODUCE RANKING SYSTEM FOR NATIONAL SPORT FEDERATIONS.
The Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs is planning to introduced ranking system for National Sports Federations (NSFs). It is aimed at inculcating healthy competition between sport bodies. This will be for first time the sport ministry will have system by which sports federations will be ranked or rated according set parameters.
ODHISHA STATE FOR THE 1ST TIME TO SPONSOR INDIAN NATIONAL HOCKEY TEAM (BOTH MEN / WOMEN)
As a first of its kind in India, Odhisha State Government decided to Sponsor Indian National Hockey Team (both men/women) for the next 5 years. The new Jersey and logo was unveiled in New Delhi in a meeting presided by Odhisha CM NeveenPatnaik along with other dignitaries. New Jersey will bear the symbols of Odhisha state like Konark wheel, Odissi dance, etc.
TAMILNADU WINS SENIOR WOMEN‘S NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Tamilnadu has won the senior women‟s national football championship for first time at the Barabati stadium in Cuttack. Tamilnadu defeated Manipur 2-1 Skipper Indumathi has adjudged the player of the final as well as the tournament for her superlative performance.
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FIFA RANKINGS INDIAN MEN FOOTBALL TEAM REMAINED IN ITS 102 POSITION IN FIFA RANKINGS RELEASED ON FEB-16. 1st Germany 2ndBrazil 3rdPortugal
Fifa Rankings Rank the football teams based on their “game result” Started from 1992 Usually released once in every month
Indian Men Football Team Captain : Sunil chelrii Coach : Stephen Constantine FIFA highest ranking : 94 Lowest:173
MANAVADITYA RATHORE WINS SILVER SHOTGUN MEET
The promising Manavaditya Singh Rathore has won a silver medal in the Qatar Open Shotgun meet in Lusail, Qatar. Participating in the junior men's trap event, Manavaditya shot 118 to finish second on the podium behind Italy's Angelo scalzone, who shot 119. Germany's Jeremy schulz won the bronze medal with a score of 115.
NADEZHDA SERGEYEVA KICKED OUT OF WINTER OLYMPICS FOR DOPING
According to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, NadezhdaSergeyeva of Russia has been banned from the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics after
failing a doping test.
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The court said that she tested positive for the heart medication trimetazidine and admitted the offence, the fourth doping case to hit the Pyeongchang Olympics and second from Russia. Sergeyeva, who finished 12th in the two-woman bobsleigh, "is excluded from the Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018". Bobsleigh or bobsled is a winter sport in which teams of two or four teammates make timed runs down narrow, twisting, banked, iced tracks in a gravity-powered sleigh.
MANCHESTER CITY THRASH ARSENAL TO WIN LEAGUE CUP. Pep Guardiola claimed his maiden English silverware as his side thrashed Arsenal 3-0 in the League Cup final. Arsenal‟s fans left in droves in the final 20 minutes while City‟s fans decorated the stadium with sky blue. City won the trophy for the first time since 1993.
PYEONGCHANG WINTER OLYMPICS CONCLUDES
The 2018 Pyeong Chang Winter Olympics concluded with a spectacular closing ceremony here on February 25. The grand event ran through 17 days and saw 2,920 athletes competing from 92 nations. Points to Remember Tokyo will host the 2020 Summer Olympics, while Beijing will welcome the countries for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Norway won a record 39 medals overall to finish on top while Germany finish second with 31 medals
PARUPALLIKASHYAP WINS AUSTRIAN OPEN
Commonwealth Games champion ParupalliKashyap won the Austrian Open International Challenge Badminton title. He defeated Malaysia's June Wei
Cheam in the final.
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This is the first international title of the ParupalliKashyap in over three years. ParupalliKashyap is a badminton player of India, he belongs from Hyderabad.
MARY KOM&SEEMAPOONIA WON SILVER MEDAL AT STRANDJA MEMORIAL BOXING TOURNAMENT Boxing champion MC Mary Kom and SeemaPoonia won the Silver medal in the final 69th Strandja Memorial Boxing tournament at Sofia in Bulgaria. Mary Kom lost to Bulgarian SevdaAsenova in the 48-kilogram title bout. SeemaPoonia lost to Russian Anna Ivanova in the 81 kg final. Earlier, LaisharamSarita Devi (60 kg), Meenakumari Devi Maisnam (54 kg), BhagyabatiKachari (81 kg) and Saweety Bora (75 kg) bagged bronze after losing their semi-final bouts.
ARUNABUDDA REDDY BECOMES THE FIRST INDIAN TO WIN A MEDAL GYMNASTICS WORLD CUP
ArunaBudda Reddy created history as she became the first Indian gymnast to win a medal in the Gymnastics World Cup. She bagged a bronze medal at the World Cup Gymnastics Series event in Melbourne. She is a 22-year-old and hails from Hyderabad, Telangana. She is the third Indian gymnast after Ashish Kumar and DipaKarmakar, who won bronze in the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games respectively
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JHULAN GOSWAMI BECOMES THE FIRST WOMAN TO PICK 200 ODI WICKETS
India bowler Jhulan Goswami on Wednesday became the first woman to pick 200 ODI wickets.
The right-handed bowler achieved the feat while playing her 166th match when she SCalped the wicket of South Africa opener Laura Wolvaardt.
Goswami‟s best bowling figures came are of 6/32 which came in 2011 against New Zealand
KIDAMBI SRIKANTH CLAIMS THE HIGHEST HONOUR OF SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR.
Kidambi Srikanth was honoured as Sportsperson of the Year at the third Mahindra Scorpio Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) powered by All-Out. Srikanth has thus become the third Indian after JituRai and PV Sindhu to win the coveted award. He became the first Indian shuttler to win four Super Series titles and moved to a career-high No 2 in the BWF men‟s singles rankings.
KHELO INDIA SCHOOL GAMES ENDS ON 8TH FEBRUARY WITH HARYANA EMERGED AS THE OVERALL WINNER.
The inaugural edition of khelo India School games (U-17) was held from Jan 31 to 8th Feb 2018. India “Hello India Program” 2018 edition held under – 16 disciplines with 5000 participants. Medal Telly G S B T 1st - Haryana - 38 26 38 102 2nd - Maharashtra - 36 32 43 111 9th - TamilNadu - 6 11 11 28
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Khelo India Programme Initiative of Ministry of Youth affairs and sports Announced in Dec 2017 for cost of 1756 Crore for period 2017 – 18 to 2019 – 2020 To revive the Sports Culture in India at the grass – root level by building strong frame work for all sports played in our country To establish India as a great sporting nation Every year 1000 young athletes will be selected and provided 5 Lakh each for 8 years.
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SUMMIT AND CONFERENCE
MOBILE APP E-SAATHI LAUNCHED AT UP INVESTORS SUMMIT
On the second and last day of the UP Investors Summit, a mobile application e-Saathi was launched. Through the app, people will be able to avail public services sitting at home. Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma said the state government was working to double the capacity of seats in skill development from 500 to 1,000, adding that MoUs worth Rs 1.2 lakh crore had been signed in the sector at the summit so far.
PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI INAUGURATED THE GLOBAL INVESTORS‘ SUMMIT IN GUWAHATI
PM Modi inaugurated the two-day „Global Investors‘ Summit‟ in Guwahati. Union Budget had allocated Rs. 1,014.09 crore for air connectivity and aviation infrastructure in the region. The PM announced from Imphal to Guwahati, Kolkata to Patna, eastern India should emerge as the new energy centre of the country. The PM said that the tag-line of the investors‘ summit — ‗Advantage Assam: India‘s Expressway to ASEAN‘ – was not just a statement but a holistic vision that coincides with India celebrating 25 years of partnership with ASEAN. NarendraModi pointed out that Assam ranked first among North-eastern states in the World Bank‘s latest ‗Ease of Doing Business‘ report and that with
further improvement, the state would soon emerge as one of the most sought
after states for industrial investment.
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LOK SABHA SPEAKER SUMITRA MAHAJAN INAUGURATES CPA CONFERENCE
Lok Sabha Speaker SumitraMahajan inaugurated the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) conference in Patna, Bihar. The two-day conference will mainly deliberate on parliament‟s role in the development agenda and legislature and judiciary two important pillars of democracy.
NOTE :
Speaker- Sumitramahajan (16th)
First session : 13 May 1952 Now session : May 2014 Formation : 15May1952 First women speaker : Meriakumar (15th)
20TH CONFERENCE OF COMMONWEALTH EDUCATION MINISTERS HELD IN FIJI
The 20th Conference of the Commonwealth Education Ministers (20CCEM) held in Nadi, Fiji during 19-23 February 2018 The theme of the Conference was ―Sustainability and Resilience: Can Education Deliver?‖
PM ADDRESSES AT THE WORLD CONFERENCE ON IT
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on February 19, addressed World Congress on Information Technology in Hyderabad via Video Conference. This event is being held in India for the first time. It has been organized in partnership with NASSCOM, WITSA and the Government of Telangana.
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MAGNETIC MAHARASHTRA INVESTORS SUMMIT INAUGURATED
Prime Minister NarendraModi has inaugurated the Global Investors‟ Summit at “Magnetic Maharashtra: Convergence 2018 at the MMRDA grounds at Mumbai‟s BandraKurla Complex. This summit is Maharashtra‟s first Global Investors Summit and is said to be on the lines of Make In India initiative by PM Modi. PM will next inaugurate the Wadhwani Institute for Artificial Intelligence at the University of Mumbai.
HYDERABAD HOSTED 15TH EDITION OF BIOASIA 2018
The 15th edition of Bio Asia, the annual flagship programme of Government of Telangana was held from 22-24th February 2018 at Hyderabad International Convention Center (HICC) in Hyderabad. Theme of BioAsia 2018 was “RIGHT TIME, RIGHT NOW”. For this year‟s event, Ireland, Netherlands and South Africa were international partners whereas the States of Gujarat, Assam and Rajasthan were the state
partners.
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OLA ‗AUTO UNNATI‘ LAUNCHED TO ENSURE HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM FOR AUTO DRIVER.
Ola successfully launched „Auto Unnati‟ program to assist its auto driver partners through the firm‟s „ChaloBefikar. The aim is to create an inclusive environment in which driver partners can operate and thrive. Auto Unnati‟ is a milestone program in the same direction that will offer better financial and emotional stability for thousands of auto drivers in Bengaluru
SECURITY CONFERENCE BEGINS IN MUNICH
The annual Munich Security Conference opened at Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich, Germany. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the reconciliatory mood being created between North and South Korea through exchanges at the Pyeong Chang Winter Olympic Games.
World leaders and Ministers will discuss pressing security issues, including North Korea's nuclear missile programs and the Syrian civil war. Each year it brings together about 350 senior figures from more than 70 countries around the world to engage in an intensive debate on current and future security challenges.
Note:
The Munich Security Conference is an annual conference on
the international security policy that has taken place since 1963.
INDIA – RUSSIA AGRICULTURE BUSINESS SUMMIT HELD IN NEW DELHI
India–Russia Agriculture Business Summit 2018 was held in New Delhi The two countries discussed trade relations in the agriculture sector. The summit was organised by Ministry of
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
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J P NADDA ADDRESSES GLOBAL DIGITAL HEALTH PARTNERSHIP SUMMIT
“Information and Communication Technology (ICT)” has great potential towards improvement of delivery of healthcare services. This was stated by Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare during his address at Global Digital Health Partnership Summit, at Canberra, Australia. India is committed to reforms in health service delivery using ICT under Digital India Program of Government of India.” The Union Health Minister spoke on the topic: Making Digital Health Services a Priority in Healthcare Reform.
21ST NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON E-GOVERNANCE TO BEGIN IN HYDERABAD
The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, along with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India in association with Government of Telangana is organizing the 21st National Conference on e-Governance on February 26- 27, 2018 in Hyderabad, Telangana. Union Minister of State for science & Technology and Earth sciences, Shri Y.S. Chowdary will preside over the inaugural session of the conference. The theme of the Conference this year is, „Technology for accelerating Development‟. The Inaugural Session will be followed by 3 Plenary Sessions on Day1 based on themes: Building User Experience, Universalization and Replication and Governing e-Governance while on Day 2 the two Plenary Sessions will be based on e-Governance Good/ Best Practices, Emerging Technologies.
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON SUSTAINABLE BIOFUELS HELD IN NEW DELHI A two- day International Conference on Sustainable Biofuels held in New Delhi. The conference was organized by Department of Biotechnology on behalf of Mission Innovation and Biofuture Platform.
Union Minister for science and technology Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated
the Conference.
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The main of the conference is to provide a common platform to Government policy makers, industry, investors and research community to exchange experiences and challenges related to development and scaling of advanced bio fuels
SECOND INDIA-KOREA BUSINESS SUMMIT HELD
Second India-Korea Business Summit organized by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, in partnership with ChosunILbo, KOTRA, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Invest India, was held in New Delhi. Aim of the summit is to strengthen the economic relationship, boost trade relations and increase investments between India and Republic of Korea. The roundtable included delegates from both Governments and 25 CEOs from leading Korean companies with an estimated revenue of USD 575 billion.
Name : Indian Heritage Walk Festival Organiser : UNESCO Chair in Culture, habitat and sustainable Development India and SristhiInstitute of Art and Design and Culture. Place : Bengaluru from Feb. 16 to 19 Agenda : Rich Cultural Heritage of Karnataka and India.
GOVERNMENT EXTENDS ANTI-NARCOTICS SCHEME FOR 3 MORE YEARS SCHEMES
The union government has extended the anti-narcotics scheme for 3 more years to combat illicit trafficking in drug and psychotropic substance. It will be provided to all the anti-narcotise agencies for strengthening their enforcement capabilities combat illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs & psychotropic substances. The assistance for narcotics control has been extended, with an estimated budget of 21crore rupee. The most common drugs of aduse are ganja, hashish, opium, and heroin.
ANTI-NARCOTIES SCHEME Lauched-24th October 2004
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PM NARENDRA MODI TO INAUGURATE CONFERNCE AT WORLD SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT
Prime minster Narendra Modi will formally inaugurate the world sustainable development summit 2018 in New Delhi Vigyam Bhawan. Organised by the energy and resources institute (TERI). The three day summit will see participation from over 41 countries. Union ministry for environment, forest and climate change, Dr.Harsh Vardhan will also attend the event.
CHINA TO HOST 2018 SHANGHAI COOPERATION ORGANISATION SUMMIT AT QINGDAO IN JUNE
China will host 2018 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at Qingdao eastern Shandong province in June 2018. Chine had taken over rotating chair of SCO after 17th SCO summit concluded in Astana capital of Kazakhastan in June 2017.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO is a Eurasian Economic, Political & Security Organisation Headquarter – Beijing, China Founded - 2001 Members Observer states 1. China 1. Afghanistan 2. Russia 2. Iran 3. Kazakhastan 3. Mongolia 4. Uzbekistan 4. Belarus 5. Tajikistan 6. Kyrgyzstan 7. India 8. Pakistan
WORLD GOVERNMENT SUMMIT
PM Modi attended the 6th World Government Summit at Dubai. On Feb – 11. Modi gave speech on Theme “Technology for development”.
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World Government Summit Aannual event held in Dubai from 2013 It brings together leaders in government for a global dialogue about government proless and policies with the focus on issues of futurism, technology and innovation.
PM MODI TO INAUGURATE FIRST EVER TB INDIA SUMMIT
The government of India is all set to organise a mega India TB summit from March 13-16.
All chief ministers will be invited and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first of its kind event. The event is aimed at generating sufficient momentum for his vision of a TB free India by 2025. During the summit, PM Modi is also expected to formally launch the National
Strategic Plan for TB Elimination 2017-25.
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SCHEMES
WEST BENGAL BECOME FIRST STATE TO OPT OUT OF ―MODICARE‖
Claiming that the Bengal government had already enrolled 50 lakh people under its own SwansthyaSathi Programme, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced the decision to opt out of centre‟s ―Modicare‖ Scheme.
RBI LAUNCHES OMBUDSMAN SCHEME FOR NBFCS
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched Ombudsman scheme for non- banking financial companies (NBFCs) for redressal of complaints against NBFCs registered with RBI under section 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934. The scheme will provide cost-free and expeditious complaint redressal mechanism relating to deficiency in services by non-banking financial companies covered under the Scheme....
PARIVARTAN SCHEME LAUNCHED IN HARYANA
The Haryana Chief Minister ManoharLalKhattar has launched
„Parivartan‟ scheme in 46 developmental blocks of the state.
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The scheme has been designed to address 10 issues include facilitation of financing, making agriculture profitable and sustainable, improving health services, implementing Swachh Bharat, decongesting market areas, engaging the youth, checking air pollution, ensuring availability of identity-related services, effective policing, and ensuring road order and conduct. Each of 46 top most IAS, IPS and IFS officers have been allocated one block in which they will undertake works in 10 selected common fieldsand one field of their choice.
GOVERNMENT TO LAUNCH GOBAR-DHANYOJANA
The Union Government is going to roll out Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) scheme. It was first announced by Finance Minister ArunJaitley during his 2018-19 budget speech. The scheme focuses on managing and converting cattle dung and solid waste in farms to useful compost, biogas and bio-CNG. It will also help in keeping the village clean while increasing income of farmers and cattle herders.
INCREASED TARGET FOR PM UJJWALAYOJANA
Union Govt. has approved to enhance the target base of PMUV from 5 Crore to 8 Crore to be achieved by 2020 with an additional allocation of 4800 crore. PMUV 1. Launched May 2016 by PM. Modi 2. Tagline: SwaachIndhaanBehtarJeevan 3. To provide free of cost LPG Cooking gas connection to BPL women Households. 4. Cash assistance is given to beneficiaries to get deposit free – new connection
5. 1st Social welfare scheme implemented by Ministry of Petroleum and
Natural gas.
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STATE AFFAIRS
TAMILNADU FOREST AND TREE COVER RAISED MARGINALLY BETWEEN 2015 AND 2017 – ISFR Tamilnadu is green cover has increased only around 100 km2 between 2015 and 2017, the lowest among Southern States.
Details Total Forest Cover - 26281 km2 Total Tree Cover - 4671 km2 Total Green (Forest + Tree) cover - 30952 km2 Forest Cover Percentage – 20-21% of TN total geographical area. Total green cover percentage – 23.80% of the TN total geographical TN share to India area green cover – 3.86%.
Google centres in India – 4 Places – Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru
TAMILNADU‘S SHARE OF CAUVERY WATER REDUCED Supreme Court on Feb-16 Quarded Karnataka 14.75 TMC of water from Tamilnadu share by citing that Karnataka has historically suffered limited access to and use of the water.
Key Take Aways
FEB-16 Judgement Allocation
Tamilnadu - 404.25
Karnataka - 284.75
Kerala - 30 Puduchery - 7 Environmental Protection - 10 Inevitable ESCapages into see - 4 ______Total 740 TMC
______
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Negative Aspects Tamilnadu reduced in quantity of water by 14-75TMC.
Positive Aspects Centre to frame scheme within 6 weeks to implement SC judgment including setting up of Cauvery management board. To supervise reservoir operations and regulated releases. Supreme Court‟s unambiguous message with regards to the schedule monthly release of water. Final determination of “irrigated area“ arrived at by the tribunal in 2007 for Tamilnadu cannot be declared incorrect.
Timeline Of Issue 1892 and 1924 agreement allocation Kerala-5 TMC Karnataka-177 TMC TN&puducherry-556TMC 1924-1974 agreement expires 1990 MAY-SC direct centre to constitute Cauvery water dispute tribunal (CWDT) 1990 JUNE 2 –centre notified (CWDT) 1991-CWDT interim award 1998 Aug-Cauvery river authority formed to implement interim award 2007 Feb- CWDI final award JUDGES OF THE BENCH Karnataka-270 1. CJI Dipak Mishra Tamilnadu-419 2. Justices amiteveroy Kerala-30 3. justices A.M Khenwilkar Pudhuchery -7
2007 April- all state moved SC against CWDT final order. 2013-CWDT final award published in government gazette. 2017- final hearing on SC started 2018 Feb. 16- SC final judgement Other Points Allocation of water under SC judgement to be valid for next 15 years. SC stressed that waters of an inter-state river passing through the corridors of the riparian states constitute national asset and cannot be said to be located in
anyone state.
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GOVERNMENT TO SET UP NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE FOR PORTS, WATERWAYS AND COASTS AT IIT CHENNAI
The Ministry of Shipping has laid foundation stone for setting up of a National Technology Centre for Ports, Waterways and Coasts (NTCPWC) at IIT Chennai to give technological support to ports and maritime sector. It will be set up under Shipping Ministry‟s flagship Sagarmala programme.
MOBILE BOOK EXHIBITION WAS INAUGRATED BY TAMILNADU SCHOOL EDCUATION MINISTER SENGOTTAIYAN
Mobile Book Exhibition initiative was inaugurated by Tamilnaduschool Education Minister Sengottaiyan at a Government school in Kodambakkam. The initiative was planned to reach nearly 40 lakh students in nearly 13000 Government schools across Tamilnadu.
TN GOVT REQUEST TO GOOGLE TN Govt. requested Google to set up a Google centre in the State and also requested for establishing “Project loon” – (a high altitude balloon facility that provides internet connection) in Chennai.
GOOGLE AND TATA TRUSTS LAUNCHED THE ―INTERNET SAATHI‖ PROGRAMME IN THE TN COVERING 4000 VILLAGES ON 7TH FEB.
As part of this scheme, Women will be trained to use internet. Initially the programme will cover 6 villages : 1. Pooriyampakkam, 2. Sankarapuram 3.Chinnasalem, 4. T. Kallupatti, 5. Iyyanapuram and 6. Kannarapettai “Internet Saathi” – launched on July 2015 under Google‟s” Helping Women get
online” campaign as pilot project in Rajasthan
To Create awareness about the benefits of internet among women in rural India
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STAR 2.0 (SIMPLIFIED AND TRANSPARENT ADMINISTRATION OF REGISTRATION) PORTAL LAUNCHED
As a e-governance initiative CM. Edapadi launched an integrated system for registration for registration Department named STAR 2.0 on Feb – 12 He also launched upgraded website www.tnreginet.gov.in
Uses To reduce number of visits to offices of registration dept. Submission of documents for verification can be made online. Reducing the working hurdles for both buyers and sellers.
Toll free number 1800 102 5174 was also launched for Queries. Portrait of former CM Jayalalitha opened in TN State legislative assembly on Feb – 12 Portrait drawn by painters Mathialegen Portrait may have lifespan of Coo years
BOOKS Name : Laid to Rest Author : Ashish Roy About : Mysteries on death of NetajiSubash Chandra Bose. Realised : New Delhi
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ECONOMY
INDIA TO REVIEW ITS ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ON CHINESE STEEL WHEEL IMPORTS
On the backdrop of widening trade deficit with China ($51.1 billion in FY17), The Director General of Anti-dumping and allied duties intimated the review of India‟s anti dumping duty on Chinese Steel Wheel Imports. In 2013, India imposed duty upto $613 per tonne on the imports for 5 years. Dumping : As per WTO, if a company exports a product at a price lower than the price it normally charges on its own home market, it is said to be dumping the product. DGAD : Directorate General of Anti-dumping and Allied duties. 1. Formed in 1998 2. Under Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 3. Role is to ensure level playing field to the domestic industry against the unfair trade practises like dumping, and actionable subsidies from any exporting country.
CENTRE IS PLANNING TO TARGET INDUSTRIES FOR POWER SAVING Centre, via its company energy efficiency service limited planning to save 6000 Mw of power by creating market for energy efficient motors, to be supplied to industries.
EESL – ENERGY EFFICIENCY SERVICE LIMITED Formed in 2009 On energy service company of GOI World largest public energy service company Associated with U JALA LED and FAN schemes.
KEY POINT India industrial sector consumers nearly 30-34% total energy consumption.
Within these 30 – 34% energy, nearly 70% is from electrical energy.
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TRADE DEFICIT WIDENS IN JANUARY THROUGH THE RATE OF EXPORT INCREASED BY 9% Indian goods trade deficit widened to $16.30 billion in January 2018. Against the $9.9 billion in January 2017. As reported by Union Commerce Ministry. Total exports : $24.38 billion Total imports : $40.68 billion
Trade deficit
The amount by which the cost of a country‟s imports exceeds the value of the
exports.
GOOGLE WAS FINED BY COMPETITION COMMISSION OF INDIA (CCI) CCI imposed Rs 136 Crore fine on Google for unfair business practises in Indian market for online search
GOOGLE TIES UP WITH SBI FOR MOBILE PAYMENTS APP TEZ
Internet giant Google has tied up with State Bank of India (SBI) for its mobile payments app Tez. Through this partnership, Google Tez will allow users to create an SBI UPI Id - @oksbi and get access to exclusive offers for SBI customers. The partnership will focus on building
unique propositions for users and merchants, including specially curated offers.
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
ISRO TO LAUNCH CHANDRAYAAN –II MISSION IN APRIL
Minister of state atomic energy and space Dr.Jitendra Singh announced that chandrayaan –II mission will be launched in April.
Chandrayaan –II 1. Mission to moon 2. Budget : 800 crore 3. Includes orbiter, Lander and rover
4. Mission type: lunar orbiter
Chandrayaan-I
1. India‟s first lunar mission
2. Launched on 2008
3. DiSCovered water in the moon 4. Rocket:PSLV-XL-C11
SPACEX‘S FALCON HEAVY SUCCESSFULLY TAKES OFF, LAUNCHES ELON MUSK‘S ROADSTER IN SPACE
The world‟s most powerful rocket, SpaceX‟s Falcon Heavy, roared into space through clear blue skies in its debut test flight on Tuesday from a Florida. The 23-story-tall jumbo rocket, carrying a cherry red Tesla Roadster from the assembly line of Musk‟s electric car company. At least 2,000 spectators cheered the blastoff from a campground near Cocoa Beach, 8 km from the space centre.
Within three minutes, the Falcon Heavy‟s two side boosters separated from the
central rocket in one of the most critical points of the flight.
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INDIA SUCCESSFULLY TEST-FIRES AGNI-II BALLISTIC MISSILE India‟s Agni-II ballistic missile (Surface-to-surface) test-fired successfully from the Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. The Strategic Forces Command with logistics support from Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) carried out the test. The Agni-II missile (21-meter long & weigh17 tonnes) can carry the nuclear payload of 1000 kilograms with a strike range of 2000 Kilometers. Agni missile series being developed by DRDO as a deterrent against nuclear-armed neighbours are among India‟s most sophisticated weapons.
IISCSCIENTISTS DEVELOP FIRST SUPER CRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE (S-CO2) BRAYTON TEST LOOP FACILITY Scientists from Indian Institute of science (IISC), Bengaluru have indigenously developed country‟s first super critical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayto Test Loop facility. The facility was inaugurated at the IISC campus. It is first test loop technology coupled with solar heat source in world that will generate clean energy from power plants, including solar thermal.
INDIAN SCIENTISTS DEVELOP NEXT GENERATION TECHNOLOGY LOOP TO GENERATE CLEAN ENERGY
Indian Scientists have developed a super critical carbon dioxide Brayton test loop facility that would help generate clean energy from future power plantsincluding solar thermal. This next generation technology loop was developed indigenously by Indian Institute of science, Bangalore. This is India‟s first test-bed for next generation, efficient, compact, waterless super critical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle test loop for power generation. The technology is perhaps the first test loop coupled with solar heat source in
the world.
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DRYPETESKALAMII : NEW PLANT SPECIES FROM WEST BENGAL
Scientists from Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have identified new plant species named Drypeteskalamii from Buxa and Jaldapara National Parks in West Bengal. It has been named after former President of India, Dr APJ Kalam. The new species is close relative of medicinal plant known in Sanskrit as Putrajivah.
Drypeteskalamii... Drypeteskalamii is small shrub found to be shorter version of its close
relative Drypetesellisii.
MINISTER‘S RENDEZVOUS WITH MITRA
TN IT Minister M.Manikandan interacted with “MITRA” – a Humanoid robot at CII conference in Madurai
Mitra India‟s first Humanoid robot Developed by Bengaluru Company “Invento Robotics” Unveiled in 2017 Global Entrepreneurs ship summit, Hyderabad in which PM Modi and Ivanka Trumpwere greeted by MITRA
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3 NEW ―EEL‖ SPECIES FOUND IN BAY OF BENGAL Names : GymnothorexVisakhaensis Enchelycorepropinque Gymnothorexpseudotile
Scientist behind this discovery is Mr.Anil Malhatro, Who belonged to zoological survey of India.
Zo ological Survey of India
1. Founded 1916 2. Role : Animal Taxonomy and consequetion 3. Premier organisation in Zoological research and studies to
promote the survey, exploration and research of the fauna in
India 4. Hir : Kolkata
FOREST COVER IN INDIA RAISED MARGINALLY
Forest cover in India raised 0.21% b/w 2015 and 2017 – India State of forest report – 2017 Dates India‟s forest coverage : 708 273 K Percentage : 21.53 % Andhra, Karnataka, Kerala topped the states that posted an increase in forest cover. Non – forest area – 77.05% Moderately dense – 9. 38% Open forest – 9.18% Very dense – 2.99% Scrub – 1.4% Green Cover in India Tree and forest coverage combined is 24.39% of the total geographical area, which is around 802088 K
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Significance India is ranked in the world with 24.39% of land under forest and tree cover, though India accounts 2.4% of world surface and sustain the needs of 17% of human and 18% livestock population
5 States forest cover 5 States forest Cover Increased decreased Most 1. Andhra 1. Mizoram
2. Karnataka 2. Nagaland 3. Kerala 3. Arunachal Pradesh 4. Odhisha 4. Tripura 5. Telangana 5. Meghalaya
State with largest forest cover by ―Area‖
Madhya Pradesh 774/4 K
Arunachal Pradesh 66964 K
Chhattisgarh 55547 K
State with largest forest by ―Percentage‖ of its geographical area
Lakshadweep (90.33%) Mizoram 86.27% Andaman & Nicobar island 81.73%
ASH TRACK MOBILE APP Union Ministry of power launched ASH TRACK mobile App.
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PERSONALITY
KUNWARBAI : 106-YEAR-OLD ICON FOR SWACHH BHARAT CAMPAIGN PASSES AWAY.
KunwarBai, a 106-year-old woman from Chhattisgarh who was chosen as mascot for `Swachh Bharat Abhiyan‟, passed away after a prolonged illness. She had shot to fame in 2016 when story of her selling goats to build toilet at home had got nationwide publicity. She was felicitated by Prime Minister NarendraModi at public meeting at Kurrubhat village in Rajnandgaon district and later made a mascot for Swachh.
Punjab National Bank clarified through a public notice that ViratKohli continues to be its brand ambassador.
MEGHAPATIL LIKELY TO BE THE FIRST WOMAN TO HEAD CIVIC PANEL.
Meghapatil of the NCP is likely to become the first woman in the history of Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) to head the standing committee. Patil was the lone candidate to fill the nomination paper from the ruling Congress-NCP alliance. The alliance enjoys a majority in the standing committee, with eight votes on its
side.
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INDEX
INDEX REALESED BY GLOBAL INNOVATION POLICY CENTER OF THE US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. INDEX REALESED ON FEB – 08. INDEX IS BASED ON 40 UNIQUE INDICATORS
Keyfects 6th edition of Index Index scored 25% in the 5th edition India scored 30% (12.03out of 40) in the 6thedition, represent the largest percentage improvement of any country measures. 6th edition – 1st Rank : USA, 2nd Rank : Britain
INDIA RANKS 81ST IN GLOBAL CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX
In the latest ranking released by Transparency International, India has been ranked 81st in the global corruption perception index for 2017. The index ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. In 2016 India was in the 79th place among 176 countries. The index uses a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is highly corrupt and 100 is very clean.
TOP 5 RANK COUNTRY 2017 2016 SCORE 1. NEWZEALAND 89 90 2. DENMARK 88 90 3. FINLAND 85 85 4. NORWAY 85 85 5. SWITZERLAND 85 86
Note:
Transparency International is an international non-governmental organization which is based in Berlin, Germany, and was founded in 1993. Its non-profit purpose is to take action to combat global corruption and prevent criminal activities arising from corruption.
It publishes the Global Corruption Barometer and the Corruption
Perceptions Index.
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INDIA RANKS 47TH ON INCLUSIVE INTERNET INDEX
India is ranked 47th out of 86 countries when it comes to inclusive Internet and connectivity for all, a Facebook report said. Facebook, which commissioned the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) to create a comprehensive “Inclusive Internet Index,” found India in the middle of Asian countries (12th out of 23) when it comes to connectivity.”
Sweden took the first place, followed by Singapore and the US.
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GENERAL KNOWLEDGE
PARLIAMENT COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE MEMBERS LEADERS Public Account Committee 22-Members Leader of opposing 15-Loksabha party 7-Rajyasabha Estimate Committee 30 member from Loksabha Leader of opposing Party Rules Committee 30 Member from Loksabha Speaker of loksabha Business Advisory Committee 30 Member from Loksabha Speaker of Loksabha Committee on Private 30 Member from Loksabha Deputy Speaker of member‘s Bill and Resolution Loksabha
CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE LEADERS Rule of Procedure RajendraPrasad National Flash RajendraPrasad Finance & Staff Committee RajendraPrasad Union Power Committee Nehru State Committee Nehru Order of Business K.M. Munshi Minorities Sub Committee H.C. Mukerjee Advisory Committee on Fundamental Fight SardarVallabai Patel North East Frontier Committee GopinathBardoli Credential Committee AlladiKrishnaswamyAyyar Draft Committee Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
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FEBRUARY MONTH GK QUESTIONS
1. Which of the following state government has launched “Zero Budget National Farming Project “? A.Himachal Pradesh B.Gujarat C.Uttarakhand D.Haryana
2. ”Sammakka Saaralamma MahaJathra” tribal festival 2018 has been celebrated in which of the following state of India? A.Tamilnadu B.Andhra Pradesh C.Odisha D.Telangana
3. Who among the following has been named as brand ambassador of all India chess federation For Blind? A.Viswanathan award B.sasikaran C.P.Harikrishan D.Vidit Gujrathi
4. International Day of woman and girls in SCience has been celebrated every yearAcross the world on A.FEB-10 B.FEB-11 C.FEB-12 D.FEB-13
5. The union home minister Rajnath Singh has launched the “Mere Sapnoka Bharat “book on best interview of which of the following former Prime Minister? A.AtalBiharivajpayee B.JawaharLal Nehru C.LalBahadurShastri D.Rajiv Gandhi
6. Who among the following has been elected as the New President of SahityaAkadami ? A.Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari B.V C Kambara C.Chandrashekharakambara D.AnandnathTiwari
7. The World Radio Day has been celebrated every year across the world on A.January 30 B. January 31 C.February 3 D.February 13
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8. Which of the following country has been hasting the 8th editing of “Theatre Olympic 2018” A.Singapore B.india C.China D.South Korea
9. Which of the following country has been suspended from voting in United Nations General Assembly due to unpaid dues to the world body? A.Liberia B.Libya C.Venezuela D.Both B&C
10. Who among the following has been suspended from winter Olympics Games 2018 for doping A.Kei Saito B.TsangSeng C.Kim Saito D.Tony Hawk
11. Which of the following India‟s App has Won the best”M-Government service Award”In the accessible government category at world government summit 2018 in 2018? A.UJJWALA APP B.UMANG APP C.e-Ausandu D.e-Sanad
12. Which of the following state‟s team has won senior women‟s National Football Champion ship for the first time at Cuttack Odisha? A.Telangana B.Haryana C.Tamilnadu D.PUunjab
13. Who has been Appointed as new President of South Africa? A.BalekaRamaphosa B.JuliusMalema C.GwedeMalema D.CyrilRamaphosa
14. Which of the following states unveiled the plan for setting up India first Institute for Artificial Intelligence? A.Maharastra B.Kerala C.Andhra Pradesh D.Gujarat
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15. Which of the following startup/enterprises has been conferred with the “Start Up of The Year 2017”award at the 7th small Business Award function? A.Repairpal B.Milkbasket C.Bigbasket D.ELOCEN group
16. Indian Medical Device-2018 conference held in A.New Delhi B.Bengalore Hyderabad D.Mumbai
17. The main objective of the “Ekalavya Model Residential School” is to provide quality middle and high –level education to the--- A. SCheduled Tribe (ST) Student in tribal areas B. SCheduled Tribe (ST) Student in rural & urban area C. Senior citizen in the rural area D. Below poverty student across the country
18. As per the “healthy states”, progressive India report of NITI AAYOG which of the following states recorded highest decline in the sex ratio at birth? A. Haryana B. Gujarath C. Punjab D. Rajasthan
19. A tropical cyclone “GITA” which recently hits the small island country “TONGA”. Tonga is located in which of the following region of the world? A. South Atlantic Region B. Southern Indian Ocean C. North Pacific Region D. South Pacific Region
20. The 6th conference of “ commonwealth parliamentary association “ of India Region was held in A.New Delhi B.Jaipur C.Bengalore D. Patna
21. Which of the following country has announced the world first public register against money laundering? A.USA B.China United Kingdom D.India
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22. Who became the new chairman of Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)? A. Arvind P Jamkhedkar B.K SudershanRao C.R S Sharma D.J S Garewal
23. Who among the following has received the “Legion of Honour 2018” the highest French Civilian Award? A.SoumitraChatterjee B.Satyajit Ray C.SaintuMukhopadhya D.VictorBanejee
24. The „National Conference on e-governance 2018‟ was held in A.Andhra Pradesh B.Telangana C.New Delhi D.Maharashtra
25. Which country has become the world‟s largest steel producer in 2017, as per latest report published by World Steel Association (WSA)? A.South Korea B.Japan C.India D.China
ANSWER KEY
1 2 3 4 5 A D D B A 6 7 8 9 10 C D B D A 11 12 13 14 15 B C D A B 16 17 18 19 20 B A B D D 21 22 23 24 25 C A A B D
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