CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Mahadayi is an indian river that originates at Bhimgad in the Western Ghats in the Belagavi February -2018 Current Affairs district of Karnataka. This river is referred as ‗mandovi‘ in goa. The river has a catchment area of around 2000 square kilometer in karnataka and Mahadayi water dispute (GS2: Issue and around 1500 square kilometer in goa. This river is challenges pertaining to federal structure) also responsible for waterfalls such as ‗Dudhsagar‘ and ‗Varapoha‘. The state capital of goa is situated Issue: Parliament had established a tribunal under on the left bank of mandovi. ‗Mapuso‘ is a tributary Article 262 in November 2010 to adjudicate on this of this river. Mormaguo harbor is also formed by matter. The tribunal has 3 years to submit its report. this river. It is one of the west flowing rivers of This can be extended by further 2 years. Karnataka India, it finally reaches Arabian Sea. Other major government has opposed the request of Goa west flowing rivers include: Narmada, Tapti, Mahi, government to extend the tribunal‘s term by for the Sabarmati and Luni. third time. Source: Mechanism to solve inter-state water dispute in http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/st India ate-opposes-goas-plea-to-extend-term-of- 1. The genesis of the Inter-State River Water mwdt/article22695779.ece Disputes Act, 1956 lies in the Government of India Ceasefire violations along the „International Act, 1935. It contains provision similar to Sections Border‟ and „Line of Control‟ between India and 130 to 132 of the Act of 1935.This act had been Pakistan (GS3: Security challenges and their passed in pursuance of Article 262 of the management in border areas) Constitution. Issue: It has been reported that a total of 860 2. According to the act, decisions given by the ceasefire violations took place along the border in tribunals so constituted will be final and binding 2017. This was the highest number of ceasefire and no appeal can lie in Supreme Court. Thus the violations reported in a year ever since 2003 jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and other courts ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan. is clearly barred in such matters. However, the These ceasefire violations have caused damage to tribunal is only vested with decision making role, both public and private property, along with loss of the implementation of such decision is not its lives of military personnel and civilians. outlook. Border infrastructure 3. Furthermore, tribunal‘s responsibility is not limited only to adjudicate the matters but also The government has decided to upgrade its investigation of matters which are of public infrastructure along Indo-Pak and Sino-India border importance like water pollution, flood control, and has sanctioned 370 Crore to this effect. This sustainability of river basin productivity, climate would enable Indian security forces to meet any change effects and others. credible threat with utmost efficiency and effectiveness Mahadayi River India shares its border with

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK 1. Bangladesh:4,096.7 2. China:3,488 1. Increase outlay for research of small science projects 3. Pakistan:3,323 4. Nepal:1,751 2. Encourage collaborations of small science 5. Myanmar:1,643 6. Bhutan: 699 projects among the scientists

7. Afghanistan: 106 3. Enhanced competitive grants for the Indian Total :15,106.7 Institute of Technology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Border Area Development Programme (BADP) 4. Investor driven model for funding of projects This programme was started in the year 1986-87 for balanced development of border areas of States 5. Creative governance structures bordering Pakistan, namely Jammu & Kashmir, 6. Incentivize small ideas Punjab, Gujarat and Rajasthan. During the Eighth Plan, the programme was revamped and its 7. Encourage private investment in this area coverage was extended to the States on the eastern border with Bangladesh. In the Ninth Plan period, India not only needs an increase in resources the programme has been extended to all the land pertaining to research and development but it also borders in response to the demands of the State needs a mechanism that creates an ecosystem that Governments and the Ministry of Home Affairs. encourages and incentivizes small ideas. Thus, in 1997-98, BADP was extended to States Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/big- bordering Myanmar. In 1998-99 the States discoveries-have-small-origins/article22695426.ece bordering China were included under the Programme and from 1999-2000, the Programme „Rohingya refugee situation‟ (GS3: security was further extended to include the States bordering challenges and their management in border Nepal and Bhutan also. The main objective of areas) BADP is to meet the special needs of the people Issue: There are several thousands of Rohingyas in living in remote, and inaccessible areas situated India and several more are trying to cross over to near the border. Indian Territory since there is political un-stability Source: in their home state in Myanmar. Indian government http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/cease- has decided for deportation of illegal migrants fire/article22695430.ece staying in India which also includes Rohingyas and also the Indian government has maintained a tight Innovation and research ecosystem in India vigil to ensure no illegal migration takes place along (GS3: Science and Technology) its border. Several personalities have condemned Issue: The recent economic survey report laments such a stringent position of the Indian government that only 0.8% of India‘s GDP is spent on research as they believe it is against 1951 Refugee and development. It calls for doubling of this share. Convention even though India is not its signatory. Some countries such as USA, Japan, and China Others have also lamented that Indian governments spend 2% of their GDP on research and has ceded enough space for China to in this matter development. Who are Rohingyas? Measures to improve this situation WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK The Rohingya are often described as "the world's changes in long title and certain Sections to bring most persecuted minority". They are an ethnic Medium Enterprises and Handlooms in NABARD‘s group, majority of whom are Muslim, who have mandate. lived for centuries in the majority Buddhist Myanmar. Currently, there are about 1.1 million 4.The proposed increase in the authorized capital Rohingya who live in the Southeast Asian country would enable NABARD to respond to the commitments it has undertaken, particularly in Ever since clashes erupted in Rakhine state of respect of the Long Term Irrigation Fund and the Myanmar between Rohingyas and Myanmar recent Cabinet decision regarding on-lending to military force, a deluge of Rohingyas have sought cooperative banks. Further, it will enable NABARD asylum in neighboring countries, it is estimated that to augment its business and enhance its activities around 650000 Rohingyas have found refugee in which would facilitate promotion of integrated rural Bangladesh alone development and securing prosperity of rural areas including generation of more employment. Role of India 5.The transfer of entire shareholding in NABARD India has provided basic supplies for rehabilitation held by RBI to the Central Government will remove of Rohingyas and as also inked a pact with the conflict in RBI's role as banking regulator and Myanmar to promote development in the restive shareholder in NABARD. Rakhine state Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a- Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/a- boost-to-rural-entrepreneurship/article22695294.ece disquieting-silence/article22695320.ece „A separate state flag for Karnataka‟ (GS2: Issue Amendments to NABARD act (GS3: and challenges pertaining to federal structure) mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment) Issue: The Karnataka government set up a committee to explore the possibilities of a separate Issue: The amendments recognize the vital role of state flag for the state. It wanted the committee to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and look into the constitutional and legal precedence they are brought under the refinance ambit of that might arise in its idea of implementing a NABARD separate state flag Other amendments include Arguments for a separate flag 1.It enables Central Government to increase the 1.No constitutional restriction or a legal restriction authorized capital of NABARD from Rs. 5,000 on states to have their own flag crore to Rs. 30,000 crore and to increase it beyond Rs. 30,000 crore in consultation with RBI, as 2.States in USA have their own separate flag deemed necessary from time to time 3.Various institutions including the armed forces 2.Transfer of 0.4 per cent. equity of RBI in have a flag of their own NABARD amounting to Rs. 20 crores to the Government of India. Arguments against a separate flag

3.The proposed amendments in NABARD Act, 1.It goes against the fraternity principle enshrined in include, certain other amendments including the constitution WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK 2.Unlike the American federal structure, Indian trade is limited to specific types of goods and to federal structure is a ‗Union of States‘ rather than specific days of the week. ‗federation of states‘ as in USA Source: http://indianexpress.com/article/north-east- 3.It might be dangerous to nationalistic ideals india/china-agrees-to-resume-mansarovar-yatra- through-nathu-la-government-5057038/ Another line of arguments proposes a separate state flag but with conditions, these conditions are aimed Competition Commission of India (GS2: at preventing to create a hierarchy of separate regulatory bodies) loyalties Issue: CCI has imposed a fine of 136 crore on Source:http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op- Google for unfair trade practices in the Indian ed/should-states-have-their-own- market on the grounds of ‗infringing anti-trust flags/article22695446.ece conduct‘. It was found that online search practices were biased and also manipulated „Kailash Yatra‟ (GS1: various parts of the world including India) CCI

Issue: china has confirmed restarting Kailash A fair competition in market is essential to achieve Mansarovar Yatra through the Natu la pass. The this objective. CCI goal is to create and sustain fair access was denied in June last year. competition in the economy that will provide a ‗level playing field‘ to the producers and make the Nathu La is a mountain pass in the Himalayas in markets work for the welfare of the consumers. The East Sikkim district. It connects the Indian state of Competition Act, 2002, as amended by the Sikkim with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Competition (Amendment) Act, 2007, follows the The pass, at 4,310 m (14,140 ft) above mean sea philosophy of modern competition laws. The Act level, forms a part of an offshoot of the ancient Silk prohibits anti-competitive agreements, abuse of Road. Nathu means "listening ears" and La means dominant position by enterprises and regulates "pass" in Tibetan. On the Indian side, the pass is 54 combinations (acquisition, acquiring of control and km (34 mi) east of Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim. M&A), which causes or likely to cause an Only citizens of India can visit the pass, and then appreciable adverse effect on competition within only after obtaining a permit in Gangtok. India. The objectives of the Act are sought to be Nathu La is one of the three open trading border achieved through the Competition Commission of posts between China and India; the others are India (CCI), which has been established by the Shipkila in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh (or Central Government with effect from 14th October Lipulech) at the trisection point of Uttarakhand– 2003. CCI consists of a Chairperson and 6 Members India, Nepal and China. Sealed by India after the appointed by the Central Government. 1962 Sino-Indian War, Nathu La was re-opened in It is the duty of the Commission to eliminate 2006 following numerous bilateral trade practices having adverse effect on competition, agreements. The opening of the pass shortens the promote and sustain competition, protect the travel distance to important Hindu and Buddhist interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade pilgrimage sites in the region and was expected to in the markets of India. bolster the economy of the region by playing a key role in the growing Sino-Indian trade. However,

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The Commission is also required to give opinion on Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1 competition issues on a reference received from a 519802 statutory authority established under any law and to undertake competition advocacy, create public „National nutritional mission‟ awareness and impart training on competition Government is implementing several schemes and issues. programs like Anganwadi Services, Scheme for Source: Adolescent Girls and Pradhan Mantri Matru https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/c Vandana Yojna under the Umbrella Integrated ci-Issues-order-against-google-for-search- Child Development Services. Apart from the bias/articleshow/62838992.cms existing schemes aimed at reduction in the levels of malnutrition among women and child, recently, the Nuclear energy collaboration with Canada (GS3: Government has set up National Nutrition Mission Infrastructure: Energy) (NNM) for improving the nutritional indicators of children and pregnant women and lactating Issue: Nuclear technologies are being developed mothers. The Mission aims to prevent and reduce and applied in the areas of health, including cancer prevalence of stunting among children (0-6 years) care; agriculture; food preservation; waste in the country by 6%, undernutrition (underweight) management apart from generation of power. This prevalence among children (0-6 years) by 6%, agreement would allow support of Canada in prevalence of anaemia among children (6-59 m) by meeting India‘s objectives 9%, prevalence of anaemia among women (15-49 Source: years) by 9% and reduction in prevalence of low http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1519802 birth weight by 6%.

Integrated Automatic Aviation Meteorological „Healthy states, progressive India‟ report Systems (IAAMS) NITI Aayog released today a comprehensive Health Issue: IAAMS is an ambitious project of the Indian Index report titled, ―Healthy States, Progressive Navy to modernise the Meteorological India‖ at a function in the capital today. The report infrastructure of the nine Naval Air Stations. The ranks states and Union territories innovatively on IAAMS project at INS Garuda will give a major their year-on-year incremental change in health fillip to aviation safety through automation of outcomes, as well as, their overall performance with weather monitoring process. respect to each other.

Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1 Among the Larger States, Kerala, Punjab, and 519802 Tamil Nadu ranked on top in terms of overall performance, while Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, „Hunar Haat‟ 2018 – Development with dignity and Uttar Pradesh are the top three ranking States in terms of annual incremental performance. Exquisite handicraft & handloom made by master Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttar Pradesh artisans from across the country will be on display showed the maximum gains in improvement of on the one hand, people will have a glimpse of the health outcomes from base to reference year in traditional Indian music at ―Hunar Haat‖ on the indicators such as Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR), other hand. Under-five Mortality Rate (U5MR), full immunization coverage, institutional deliveries, and WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK People Living with HIV (PLHIV) on Anti- Vindhyagiri Hills. The statue was erected by Retroviral Therapy (ART). ‗Chamundaraya‘, a Ganga minister Among Smaller States, Mizoram ranked first followed by Manipur on overall performance, while Contributions of Jainism to Indian culture Manipur followed by Goa were the top ranked 1. Though the teachings of Jainism were greatly States in terms of annual incremental performance. Manipur registered maximum incremental progress influenced by the Vedic philosophy, it developed a on indicators such as PLHIV on ART, first trimester distinct philosophy of its own also. For example antenatal care (ANC) registration, grading quality ―syatvad‖ was a new and original philosophy parameters of Community Health Centres (CHCs), average occupancy of key State-level officers and propounded by Jainism. This philosophy is new in good reporting on the Integrated Disease the sense that it aims at the welfare of both Surveillance Programme (IDSP). individual as well as the community. Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1 2. The teachings of Jainism not only insisted on 519802 Ahimsa but also laid stress on the greater service to „Mahamastakaabhisheka‟ the cause of humanity. The followers of Jainism opened a number of inns, hospitals, schools and (GS1: Indian Culture) other institutions for public utility and thereby gave Issue: It is an important Jain festival held every 12 encouragement to the spirit of public utility works. years at Shravanabelagola, Karnataka. The 3. Jainism has also rendered valuable contribution to ceremony being held in 2018 is said to be the 88th the growth of vernacular literature. While the in the series that commenced in the year 981 A.D. Buddhist and the Brahmans preached in Pali and and second Mahamastakabhisheka of the 21st Sanskrit, the Jains preached in the language of the Century. people. Most of the Jain literature was written in Some more information: Prakriti. Large literature was produced in the vernacular language also. For example Mahavira Bhagwan Bahubali is worshiped for living with preached in a mixed dialect called Ardha Magadhi exceptional qualities that he displayed during all so that people of the area could understand his stages of his life from conception, birth, teachings. renunciation, enlightenment and salvation. The 4. The Jains also influenced the Kanarese literature in Bahubali statue is described as one of the mightiest the South. It may be noted here that certain Jain achievements of ancient Karnataka in the realm of works were also produced in Sanskrit language. The sculptural art. The statue stands upright in the literature produced in Sanskrit includes not only posture of meditation known as ‗Kayotsarga‘, reaching a height of nearly 57 feet atop the

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK philosophical works but also subjects like Gram- 2. Loss of jobs mar, prosody, lexicography and mathematics. 3. Loss of money to exchequer

5. Besides religion and philosophy Jainism rendered Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/murky- great contribution to the development of art and mining/article22708153.ece architecture: The Jain followers erected stupas like Buddhists in honour of their saints. These stupas „Fiscal deficit‟ (GS3: Indian economy and Issues were built of stones and were decorated with Bate- relating to planning, mobilization of resources, ways, stone-umbrellas, carved-pillars and huge growth, development and employment) statues. The followers of Jainism also built many Issue: Failure to meet Fiscal deficit targets as famous caves such as Tiger cave of Udaigiri and mandated by ‗Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Indira Sabha of Ellora. These caves are excellent Management Act‘ (FRBMA), 2003 is a cause of examples of architecture and sculpture of the concern. The fiscal deficit rule has been honored period. The Jains also constructed cave-temples out more in breach than in observance. The article calls of rocks. One of the best cave- temples of the for a better disciplined approach second century B.C. exist in Orissa and is popularly known as Hathingumpha caves. What is Fiscal Deficit?

Source: A fiscal deficit occurs when a government's total http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/mahamastaka expenditures exceed the revenue that it generates, bhisheka-volume-launched/article22711559.ece excluding money from borrowings. A fiscal deficit

„Mining Issue in Goa‟ (GS2: Government is regarded by some as a positive economic event. policies and interventions for development in For example, economist John Maynard Keynes various sectors and Issues arising out of their believed that deficits help countries climb out of design and implementation) economic recession. On the other hand, fiscal conservatives feel that governments should avoid Issue: The Supreme Court of India quashed the deficits in favor of a balanced budget policy. mining leases in Goa as it observed that an absence Budget 2018-19 has proposed amending FRBM act of clearly laid down and strictly enforced conditions to achieve the target of 3% Fiscal deficit from 2018 to march 2021 Impact of this judgment Reasons for not preferring high rates of Fiscal 1. Cancellation of leases that had been accorded to deficit mining companies

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK 1. When the government‘s Fiscal Deficit is large, it (ii) The use of capital receipts including market implies that government has to borrow heavily. borrowings for generating productive assets. This means that the demand for loans will rise in 3. The Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement shall, inter the market, causing interest rates to go up. As alia, contain: interest rate rise, the cost of borrowing for private firms goes up. (a) the policies of the Central Government for the 2. Borrowing from foreign sources can be costly ensuing financial year relating to taxation, due to high interest rates. It will also lead to expenditure, market borrowings and other appreciation of Indian rupee, this leads to our liabilities, lending and investments, pricing of exports becoming expensive in the world market administered goods and services, securities and 3. Appreciation of Indian rupee will make servicing description of other activities, such as, underwriting imports costlier and guarantees which have potential budgetary implications; FRBMA Act

(b) The strategic priorities of the Central Laying before both Houses of Parliament, along Government for the ensuing financial year in the with the annual Budget in each financial year the fiscal area; following statements of fiscal policy:

(c) The key fiscal measures and rationale for any (a) Medium-term Fiscal Policy Statement; major deviation in fiscal measures pertaining to (b) Fiscal Policy Strategy statement and; taxation, subsidy, expenditure, administered pricing and borrowings; (c) Macro-economic Framework Statement. (d) An evaluation as to how the current policies of 2. The Medium-term Fiscal– Policy Statement shall the Central Government are in conformity with the set-forth a three-year rolling target for prescribed fiscal management principles set out in Fiscal fiscal indicators with specification of underlying Policy Strategy Statement and the objectives set out assumptions. in the Medium-term Fiscal Policy Statement.

Besides, the Medium-term Fiscal Policy 4. The Central Government shall take appropriate Statement shall include an assessment of measures to eliminate the revenue deficit, bring sustainability relating to: down the fiscal deficit and build up adequate revenue surplus and in particular shall: (i) The balance between revenue receipts and revenue expenditures; and WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK 5. Prohibition of direct borrowings by the Central „India-Palestine‟ ties (GS2: Bilateral relations) Government from the Reserve Bank of India after Issue: Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the three years except by way of advances to meet first Prime minister of India to visit Ramallah, temporary cash needs in certain circumstances. capital of Palestine. India has embarked upon a 6. Central Government to take suitable measures to foreign policy which de-hyphenates its relation ensure greater transparency in fiscal operations and between Israel and Palestine. The visit to Palestine to minimization of, as far as practicable, secrecy in comes weeks after Prime Minister of Israel visited the preparation of the annual budget. India to mark the anniversary of 25 years since diplomatic relationships were established with 7. Quarterly review of the trends in receipts and India. Prime Minister of India was also awarded expenditures in relation to the budget by the Palestine‘s highest civilian award ‗Grand Collar‘ Finance Minister and placing the outcome of such reviews before both Houses of Parliament. History:

8. The Central Government to cut expenditure India‘s solidarity with the Palestinian people and its authorizations in a proportionate manner, while attitude to the Palestinian question was given voice protecting the ―charged‖ expenditure, whenever during our freedom struggle by Mahatma Gandhi. there is a shortfall of revenue or excess of Since then, empathy with the Palestinian cause and expenditure over specified targets. friendship with the people of Palestine have become an integral part of India‘s foreign policy. India was 9. Finance Minister to make a statement in both the first Non-Arab State to recognize PLO as sole Houses of Parliament explaining any deviation in and legitimate representative of the Palestinian meeting the obligations cast on the Central people in 1974. India was one of the first countries Government under this Act and the remedial to recognize the State of Palestine in 1988. In 1996, measures the Central Government proposes to take. India opened its Representative Office to the Palestine Authority in Gaza, which later was shifted 10. Relaxation from deficit reduction targets to deal to Ramallah in 2003.India has always played a with unforeseen demands on the finances of the proactive role in garnering support for the Central Government on account of national security Palestinian cause in multilateral fora. India co- or natural calamities of national dimension. sponsored the draft resolution on ―the right of Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/are- Palestinians to self-determination‖ during the 53rd fiscal-risks-increasing/article22708161.ece session of the UN General Assembly and voted in favor of it. India also voted in favor of UN General WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Assembly Resolution in October 2003 against Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/modi-in- construction of the separation wall by Israel and palestine-live-updates-pm-arrives-in-ramallah/story- ID09mmAhpFl6sW5lEC2dEL.html supported subsequent resolutions of the UNGA in

this regard. India voted in favour of accepting „Indra Nooyi became the first independent Palestine as a full member of UNESCO. At the women director appointed for International United Nations General Assembly on November 29, Cricket Council (ICC) board 2012 the status of Palestine was upgraded to a ‗non- member state‘. India co-sponsored this resolution Source: http://www.livemint.com/Sports/fK5vDVZAZ2U40FXvKlCE and voted in favor of it. India supported the NI/Indra-Nooyi-appointed-ICCs-first-independent-female- Bandung Declaration on Palestine at Asian African directo.html Commemorative Conference in April 2015. India supported installation of Palestinian flag at UN „National de-worming day initiative‟ premises along with other observer states, like the Issue: The National Deworming Day is a single flags of member states, in September 2015. fixed-day approach to treating intestinal worm Projects implemented infections in all children aged 1- 19 years and is held on 10 February and 10 August each year. 1. A library at Gaza city and another student activity Anganwadi and school-based mass deworming centre program is safe, cost-effective, and can reach crores 2. Schools were built in Palestine with Indian of children quickly. Deworming has been shown to assistance reduce absenteeism in schools; improve health, 3. A centre of excellence in ICT field nutritional, and learning outcomes; and increase the 4. Projects worth $18 million dollars have been likelihood of higher-wage jobs later in life. signed, major among them being for establishing Deworming with the safe and beneficial a techno park Albendazole tablet is an evidence-based, globally- 5. India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) Fund has also accepted, and effective solution to controlling worm funded five projects in Palestine infections. National Deworming Day has, thus, been 6. India provided a budgetary assistance to a tune of designed to reach all children, regardless of socio- US$ 30 million to Palestine in different stages. economic background. In addition to including government and government-aided schools and Existence of cultural similarities and having a small anganwadis, all states will make special efforts to Indian community in Palestine has made Indian arts reach out-of-school children, who are most and culture very popular in Palestine. vulnerable to worm infections. Private schools

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK across the country, since they have high enrolment Cryptocurrencies make it easier to transfer funds of children, have also enthusiastically joined the between two parties in a transaction; these transfers program, so that children in these schools, too, get are facilitated through the use of public and private deworming treatment and contribute to overall keys for security purposes. These fund transfers are reduction in worm prevalence in communities. done with minimal processing fees, allowing users Source: to avoid the steep fees charged by most banks and http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=152 financial institutions for wire transfers. 0210 Central to the genius of Bitcoin is the block chain it „Crypto currency‟ (GS2: Regulatory body) uses to store an online ledger of all the transactions that have ever been conducted using bitcoins, Issue: Securities and Exchange Board of India providing a data structure for this ledger that is (SEBI) has announced that it would come up with exposed to a limited threat from hackers and can be regulations to monitor crypto currency market in copied across all computers running Bitcoin India. This comes in the backdrop of increase software. volatility in the crypto currency market. However, because cryptocurrencies are virtual and What is Crypto currency? do not have a central repository, a digital cryptocurrency balance can be wiped out by a A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that computer crash if a backup copy of the holdings uses cryptography for security. A cryptocurrency is does not exist. Since prices are based on supply and difficult to counterfeit because of this security demand, the rate at which a cryptocurrency can be feature. A defining feature of a cryptocurrency, and exchanged for another currency can fluctuate arguably its most endearing allure, is its organic widely. nature; it is not Issued by any central authority, rendering it theoretically immune to government Cryptocurrencies are not immune to the threat of interference or manipulation. hacking. In Bitcoin's short history, the company has been subject to over 40 thefts, including a few that The first cryptocurrency to capture the public exceeded $1 million in value. Still, many observers imagination was Bitcoin, which was launched in look at cryptocurrencies as hope that a currency can 2009 by an individual or group known under the exist that preserves value, facilitates exchange, is pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. As of September more transportable than hard metals, and is outside 2015, there were over 14.6 million bitcoins in the influence of central banks and governments. circulation with a total market value of $3.4 billion.

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Most governments across the globe have not banned development in various sectors and Issues the use of crypto currency based transactions. India arising out of their design and implementation) too has made it explicit that it does not recognize Issue: The National Health Protection Scheme crypto currency as a legal tender in India. This has announced in this year‘s budget has committed not hampered the popularity of Indian investors itself to providing coverage up to ₹5 lakh per investing in Bitcoins. Primarily, the reason for such family per year for secondary and tertiary care popularity is the high rate of return for investors. hospitalization for 10 crore poor families, with Many bogus crypto currency based organizations approximately 50 crore people as beneficiaries. have cropped across the globes who are riding the popularity of crypto currency to dupe investors. Some of the crucial issues in this programme include: „Three new Eel species found in Bay of Bengal‟ (GS3: Conservation of Environment) 1. An analysis of the National Sample Survey (NSS) 71st round (2014) unit record data for ―Social Issue: Scientists have discovered three new species Consumption in India: Health‖ shows that only of eel along the northern Bay of Bengal coast in the 11.3% of the bottom 40% (10.5% covered by past few months. government insurance) population has any

Eels: insurance coverage as against 17.9% for the top 60% (14.3% covered by government insurance). Eels are found mostly at the bottom of rivers and In other words, just to bring the entire 40% of the seas. Across the world about 1,000 species of eels population under health insurance is a huge task, have been identified. In India, the number is around with fiscal implications. 125. For species belonging to the family 2. With ₹5 lakh coverage then the premium which Muraenidae, referred commonly as Moray eels, needs to be paid would be much higher than the there are records of about 200 species of which government‘s estimate. more than 30 species are found in India. With these 3. over and above the money needed for insurance new discoveries, the Bay of Bengal coast has premium, adequate medical infrastructure needs yielded at least five new species of eel. to be created for the scheme to work

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other- 4. Reimbursement as a percentage of medical cost of states/three-new-eel-species-found-in-bay-of- hospitalisation in government schemes is bengal/article22723479.ece abysmally low, especially for the bottom 40% of „National health protection scheme (GS2: the population. Only 4.5% of total hospitalisation Government policies and interventions for

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK expenses are reimbursed to the bottom 40% and nations. The relationship flourished after the 11.9% for the entire population. accession of H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al 5. The percentage of hospitalisation cost reimbursed Nahyan as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 and is low for health insurance schemes and most of subsequently with the creation of the UAE them only cover hospitalized treatment. Federation in 1971. Both countries soon established Generally, a majority of health insurance schemes diplomatic relations in 1972 with UAE Embassy in do not cover the cost of a non-hospitalized India opening in 1972 and Indian Embassy in UAE outpatient visit. opening in 1973. Since then, both sides have made 6. A sudden expansion of the government-funded sincere efforts to improve relations in all fields. insurance market may aggravate the problem of Political relations hospital-induced demand for medical care such as an unnecessary hospital stay, diagnostic tests and 1. High level strategic visits from both sides surgeries unless supply-side conditions are 2. Facilitation of institutional investors in improved and the entire health sector brought infrastructure under regulation. 3. Cooperation in renewable energy 7. If the government is serious about providing 4. Cooperation in combating cyber crimes health care to even the bottom 40% of the 5. Cultural exchange population, it should not only increase its current 6. Space budgetary allocation substantially but also 7. Skill development strengthen the health infrastructure at all levels 8. Cyberspace which includes a strong regulatory mechanism. 9. Insurance 10. Currency swaps Source:http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/hardly-a- gamechanger/article22724068.ece Commercial relations

„India-UAE ties‟ (GS2: Bilateral relations) 1. Trade is around $52 billion dollars

Issue: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced 2. India is UAE‘s third largest trading partner several new agreements with his UAE counter-part 3. Major exports are: petroleum products, precious during his recent visit to the Arab country stones 4. Minerals History of India-UAE ties 5. Food items India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) enjoy strong 6. Engineering and machine products bonds of friendship based on age-old cultural, Cultural relations religious and economic ties between the two WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK 1. International day of Yoga is being celebrated A fiscal deficit occurs when a government's total every year on June 20th in UAE expenditures exceed the revenue that it generates, 2. UAE is also home to 2.8 million Indian excluding money from borrowings. A fiscal deficit expatriates is regarded by some as a positive economic event. For example, economist John Maynard Keynes Major initiatives agreed to by the countries believed that deficits help countries climb out of during Prime Minister Modi‟s visit economic recession. On the other hand, fiscal 1. To hold a bilateral naval exercise conservatives feel that governments should avoid 2. Strategic partnership in counter-terrorism efforts deficits in favor of a balanced budget policy. 3. Making common cause against international Budget 2018-19 has proposed amending FRBM act terrorism to achieve the target of 3% Fiscal deficit from 2018 4. Two sides resolved to continue working together to march 2021 towards adoption of ‗Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism‘ Reasons for not preferring high rates of Fiscal 5. Partnership on the cyberspace deficit 6. Concession for ONGC in oil fields of UAE 1. When the government‘s Fiscal Deficit is large, it

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics- implies that government has to borrow heavily. and-nation/india-uae-statement-indirectly-targets-pakistans- This means that the demand for loans will rise in terror-play/articleshow/62878872.cms the market, causing interest rates to go up. As

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indias-ties-with-uae- interest rate rise, the cost of borrowing for private much-more-than-that-of-buyer-seller-says-pm- firms goes up. modi/article22720865.ece 2. Borrowing from foreign sources can be costly due

„Fiscal Deficit‟ (GS3: Indian economy and Issues to high interest rates. It will also lead to relating to planning, mobilization of resources, appreciation of Indian rupee, this leads to our growth, development and employment) exports becoming expensive in the world market 3. Appreciation of Indian rupee will make servicing Issue: For India to launch bold new schemes, it imports costlier needs to clean up its finances first- pare down debt, save on interest payouts, reduce pensions and FRBMA Act subsidies and raise asset creation Laying before both Houses of Parliament, along What is Fiscal Deficit? with the annual Budget in each financial year the following statements of fiscal policy:

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK (a) Medium-term Fiscal Policy Statement; (c) The key fiscal measures and rationale for any major deviation in fiscal measures pertaining to (b) Fiscal Policy Strategy statement and; taxation, subsidy, expenditure, administered pricing and borrowings; (c) Macro-economic Framework Statement.

(d) An evaluation as to how the current policies of 2. The Medium-term Fiscal– Policy Statement shall the Central Government are in conformity with the set-forth a three-year rolling target for prescribed fiscal management principles set out in Fiscal fiscal indicators with specification of underlying Policy Strategy Statement and the objectives set out assumptions. in the Medium-term Fiscal Policy Statement. Besides, the Medium-term Fiscal Policy 4. The Central Government shall take appropriate Statement shall include an assessment of measures to eliminate the revenue deficit, bring sustainability relating to: down the fiscal deficit and build up adequate (i) The balance between revenue receipts and revenue surplus and in particular shall: revenue expenditures; and 5. Prohibition of direct borrowings by the Central (ii) The use of capital receipts including market Government from the Reserve Bank of India after borrowings for generating productive assets. three years except by way of advances to meet temporary cash needs in certain circumstances. 3. The Fiscal Policy Strategy Statement shall, inter alia, contain: 6. Central Government to take suitable measures to ensure greater transparency in fiscal operations and (a) the policies of the Central Government for the to minimization of, as far as practicable, secrecy in ensuing financial year relating to taxation, the preparation of the annual budget. expenditure, market borrowings and other liabilities, lending and investments, pricing of 7. Quarterly review of the trends in receipts and administered goods and services, securities and expenditures in relation to the budget by the description of other activities, such as, underwriting Finance Minister and placing the outcome of such and guarantees which have potential budgetary reviews before both Houses of Parliament. implications; 8. The Central Government to cut expenditure (b) The strategic priorities of the Central authorizations in a proportionate manner, while Government for the ensuing financial year in the protecting the ―charged‖ expenditure, whenever fiscal area; WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK there is a shortfall of revenue or excess of them. Changes in the CPI are used to assess price expenditure over specified targets. changes associated with the cost of living; the CPI is one of the most frequently used statistics for 9. Finance Minister to make a statement in both identifying periods of inflation or deflation. CPI Houses of Parliament explaining any deviation in (Urban) and CPI (Rural) are new indices in the meeting the obligations cast on the Central group of Consumer price index and has a wider Government under this Act and the remedial coverage of population. These indices are compiled measures the Central Government proposes to take. by Central Statistical Organization What is IIP? 10. Relaxation from deficit reduction targets to deal with unforeseen demands on the finances of the The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is an index Central Government on account of national security which shows the growth rates in different industry or natural calamities of national dimension. groups of the economy in a stipulated period of time. The IIP index is computed and published by Source: the Central Statistical Organization (CSO) on a http://www.thehindu.com/business/Economy/why-the- monthly basis. IIP figures are calculated fuss-about-fiscal-deficit/article22723770.ece considering 2004-05 as base year. Inflation and Index of Industrial production 1. IIP is a composite indicator that measures (GS3: Indian Economy) the growth rate of industry groups classified Issue: ‗Consumer Price Index‘ (CPI), a measure of under, retail inflation, fell to 5.07% in January from 5.21% 2. Broad sectors, namely, Mining, in December while ‗Index of Industrial Production‘ Manufacturing and Electricity (IIP), a measure of manufacturing activity, stood at 3. Use-based sectors, namely Basic Goods, 7.1% in December as compared to 8.8% in Capital Goods and Intermediate Goods November Source: What is CPI? http://www.livemint.com/Politics/AwPFFExedtdBFYKxle2H 9M/Indias-inflation-in-January-at-507-IIP-for-December-at- The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure that 7.html examines the weighted average of prices of a basket „India State of the Forest Report, 2017‟ (GS3: of consumer goods and services, such as Conservation of Environment) transportation, food and medical care. It is calculated by taking price changes for each item in Issue: It is a report which is released by Ministry the predetermined basket of goods and averaging of Environment and Forests. This report shows that

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK there is an increase of 1,001 sq.km of tree cover in cover-karnatakas-forests-grow-but-not-in-kodagu-and- India. However, the report also shows a declining shivamogga/article22735425.ece

trend of tree cover observed in Kodagu and http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/india- Shivamogga. The 19th edition of the report, brought records-marginal-increase-in-forest-cover/article22735851.ece out by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), tabulates „Kambala‟ (GS2: Government policies and tree cover every two years using satellite imagery. Issues arising out of it) Karnataka ranks second in our country in terms of an increase in tree forest cover Issue: Supreme Court of India has refused to provide an interim stay order on the Karnataka Reasons for increase in tree cover: government decision to allow Kambala by

1. LPG connections which are given for free is also amending ‗Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act‘ believed to have played a part in an increase of through an ordinance route tree cover Kambala: 2. Better satellite data 3. Large scale increase in plantations Kambala is an annual festival celebrated in the 4. Increase in conservation efforts Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. The 5. Density improvement of shrub forests festival involves the traditional buffalo race, a popular and unique sport among the farming Reasons for decline in some areas: community of the state. The Kambala festival

1. Cardamom plantations are being converted to season starts in November and lasts till March. coffee plantations which involves clearing of The origin of the Kambala celebration can be traced forests back to more than a thousand years. During the 2. Clearing of forest for developing resorts and early days of the festival it was known as Karaga hotels celebrations. Later it came to be known as Kambala

India ranks 10th in the world, with 24.4% of land celebrations. areas under forest and tree cover. The goal of the Ordinance Indian government since 1998 is to increase this to 33%. Andhra Pradesh has shown the most increase The Governor of a state can Issue Ordinances under in its forest cover followed by Karnataka and then Article 213, when the state legislative assembly (or Kerala either of the two Houses in states with bicameral legislatures) is not in session. The powers of the Source: President and the Governor are broadly comparable http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/green- with respect to Ordinance making. However, the WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Governor cannot Issue an Ordinance without „Stents‟ (GS2: Issues relating to development instructions from the President in three cases where and management of social sector relating to the assent of the President would have been health) required to pass a similar Bill Issue: The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Source:http://indianexpress.com/article/india/supreme-court- Authority (NPPA) on Monday announced new stent refuses-interim-stay-on-kambala/ prices, capping trade margin at 8% and requiring price of catheters, etc. to be mentioned separately „International Epilepsy Day‟ (GS2: Issues during billing. relating to health) Stents: Issue: International Epilepsy Day is a special event which promotes awareness of epilepsy in A stent is a tiny tube that your doctor can insert into more than 120 countries each year. Every year on a blocked passageway to keep it open. The stent the second Monday of February people join restores the flow of blood or other fluids, depending together to celebrate and highlight the problems on where it‘s placed. faced by people with epilepsy, their families and Stents are made of either metal or plastic. Stent careers, the Day is a joint initiative by the grafts are larger stents used for larger arteries. They International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE) and the may be made of a specialized fabric. Stents can also International League against Epilepsy (ILAE) be coated with medication to help keep a blocked India has a population of around 10 million artery from closing. suffering from Epilepsy. It is caused due to repeated National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority seizures caused owing to disturbance in the bio- (NPPA) electric activity of the brain. NPPA is an organization of the Government of Nearly 75% of the people can lead a normal life India which was established, inter alia, to fix/ revise with regular treatment the prices of controlled bulk drugs and formulations Awareness in this regard needs to be created in the and to enforce prices and availability of the society, the awareness should try to remove the medicines in the country, under the Drugs (Prices prejudices that are associated with Epilepsy in India Control) Order, 1995. The organization is also entrusted with the task of recovering amounts Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/understanding overcharged by manufacturers for the controlled -epilepsy-and-dispelling-myths/article22735432.ece drugs from the consumers. It also monitors the prices of decontrolled drugs in order to keep them at

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK reasonable levels. Its parent department is Ministry „Look West Policy‟ (GS2: Effect of policies on of Chemical and Fertilizers India‟s interests)

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/nppa- Issue: The recent visits by Prime Minister Modi to announces-revised-stent-rates/article22733845.ece Palestine, UAE and Oman demonstrates the importance of this region in India‘s development „Non Performing Assets‟ (GS3: Indian Economy strategy and Issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources) What is Look West policy?

Issue: According to a joint study by Assocham and The doctrine, while operating within the broad Crisil, gross NPAs in the banking system are framework of Indian foreign policy, injects a new estimated to increase to ₹9.5 lakh crore by March sense of vigour, commitment, pragmatism, 2018, from ₹8 lakh crore a year earlier. The flexibility and action- oriented policies to achieve solution to this problem can only be solved by its twin purpose of national security and economic Governance reforms and recognition of losses. Even development. the recapitalization of the bank would achieve little Look West Policy or Link West Policy‖ which is if there are no governance reforms clearly visible: What is NPA? (a) Diaspora as Strategic tool; A nonperforming asset (NPA) refers to a (b) institutionalising the security, Defence and anti- classification for loans on the books of financial terror measures; institutions that are in default or are in arrears on scheduled payments of principal or interest. In most (c) shaping the bilateral relations with Iran, Saudi cases, debt is classified as nonperforming when loan Arabia and Israel. payments have not been made for a period of 90 West Asia, particularly the Gulf, accounts for the days. While 90 days of nonpayment is the standard largest source of remittance for India. According to period of time for debt to be categorized as the Pew Research Center, India is the number one nonperforming, the amount of elapsed time may be recipient country with $69 billion coming in 2012 shorter or longer depending on the terms and with more than $35 billion coming from the Gulf conditions set forth in each loan. countries which includes the UAE ($15 billion), Source:http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/unending Saudi Arabia ($8 billion), Kuwait ($3 billion), -pain/article22734451.ece Oman ($2.6 billion), Qatar ($2.2 billion), and Bahrain ($760 million). Flows from the United

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Kingdom and Canada, by contrast, ranked below Examples: A desalination plant was constructed in the UAE, the United States, and Saudi Arabia. Melbourne, Australia, by seizing valuable land from the Bunurong aboriginal community and turning it Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/expanding- over to private actors. In Norway, as there was low horizons/article22734448.ece representation of community organizations and „Climate Change‟ environmental groups during the coastal planning process, their interests were not represented or (GS3: Conservation of Environment) heard over the well-organized commercial actors in Issue: The adaptation projects are not helping the the area. In Alaska, the Army Corps of Engineers most vulnerable communities. Projects and private contractors built a barrier against the sea implemented have not taken unequal power even though this was against the wishes of the local structures community.

Reasons for failures of adaptation fund Thus, while considering and designing climate change adaptation projects, in addition to 1. The first is enclosure, which is when private vulnerabilities and costs, Issues around equity, agents acquire public assets or expand their justice and social hierarchies must be equally authority over them. considered. 2. Exclusion is the second mode of failure, which is associated with some stakeholders getting „Paris Climate Agreement is one of the excluded or marginalised, thus limiting their important agreements to combat climate change‟

access to decision-making processes. Some of the highlights of this programme are: 3. The third is encroachment, in which the adaptation actions undertaken during the project  Reaffirm the goal of limiting global temperature end up intervening in areas that are rich in increase well below 2 degrees Celsius, while biodiversity, thereby interfering with ecosystem urging efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees; services and often resulting in an increase in  Establish binding commitments by all parties to greenhouse gas emissions. make ―nationally determined contributions‖ 4. The last is entrenchment, where the condition of (NDCs), and to pursue domestic measures aimed those who are already disempowered or at achieving them; marginalised in the local social context, such as  Commit all countries to report regularly on their the poor, women or other minorities, worsens emissions and ―progress made in implementing from the intervention. and achieving‖ their NDCs, and to undergo international review;

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK

 Commit all countries to submit new NDCs every cooperation in the field of defense, health and five years, with the clear expectation that they tourism. will ―represent a progression‖ beyond previous History of India-Oman ties ones;  Reaffirm the binding obligations of developed The Sultanate of Oman is a strategic partner of countries under the UNFCCC to support the India in the Gulf and an important interlocutor at efforts of developing countries, while for the first the Gulf Cooperation Council (AGCC), Arab time encouraging voluntary contributions by League and Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) developing countries too; fora. Oman also accords a high priority to its ties  Extend the current goal of mobilizing $100 with India. The two countries across the Arabian billion a year in support by 2020 through 2025, Sea are linked by geography, history and culture with a new, higher goal to be set for the period and enjoy warm and cordial relations, which are after 2025; attributed to historical maritime trade linkages,  Extend a mechanism to address ―loss and intimacy of the royal family with India and the damage‖ resulting from climate change, which seminal role played by the Indian expatriate explicitly will not ―involve or provide a basis for community in building of Oman, which is any liability or compensation;‖ acknowledged by Omani Government.  Require parties engaging in international Defense cooperation emissions trading to avoid ―double counting;‖ and India-Oman Defense cooperation has emerged as a  Call for a new mechanism, similar to the Clean key pillar of the strategic partnership between the Development Mechanism under the Kyoto two countries. Protocol, enabling emission reductions in one India and Oman conduct regular biennial bilateral country to be counted toward another country‘s exercises between all three services. The 2nd NDC. Army exercise ‗Al Najah‘ concluded in Mar 2017 in Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/adapting- Himachal Pradesh. The Air Force exercise ‗Eastern better-to-climate-change/article22735279.ece Bridge‘ culminated in Jan 2017 at Jamnagar and „India-Oman ties‟ (GS2: Bilateral relations) next Naval Exercise is scheduled in Dec 2017 in Oman. Since 2008, Oman has been extending its Issue: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide- support to Indian Navy‘s anti-piracy missions and ranging talks with the Sultan of Oman as the two Indian Naval Ships are regularly welcomed by sides signed eight agreements, including pacts on Oman for Over Seas Deployments. Royal Navy of

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Oman‘s sailing vessel ‗Shabab Oman‘ along with India State of Forest Report, 2017 (GS3: INS Tarangini participated in the joint sailing Conservation of Environment) voyage from Muscat to Kochi in end Nov 2015 Issue: Though India has seen an increase in its tracing the ancient trading routes between India and forest cover by 1%, this is mainly due to monoculture plantations than revival of forests. We Oman. The joint sailing was to commemorate the have to evolve a strategy to revive forests at the th 60 anniversary of India-Oman diplomatic ties. earliest Indian Air Force and Indian Navy aircraft regularly India must review the programmes that it has been utilize Omani Airports for refueling and operational pursuing to revive forests, and move away from turnaround. Constant and continues senior monoculture plantations that are favored by even forest development corporations in many States. leadership engagements have facilitated greater Scientific reforms to bring true nature back are bonds of friendship. needed. The latest assessment categorizes more than 300,000 sq km of area as open forests with a tree Agreements signed in various sectors include canopy of 10-40%. These lands provide the opportunity to bring back diverse, indigenous trees. 1. Agriculture Such a measure, combined with a policy against 2. Food processing allowing open cast mining, can bring about a 3. Civil aviation renaissance. Dedicated efforts will be required to protect the precious forests of the Northeast. 4. Higher education and Manpower Some more information on the report: Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics- and-nation/india-oman-sign-8-agreements-as-pm-narendra- It is a report which is released by Ministry of modi-meets-sultan-qaboos-bin-said-al- Environment and Forests. This report shows that there is an increase of 1,001 sq.km of tree cover in said/articleshow/62879891.cms India. However, the report also shows a declining 4th Meeting of economic advisory council to the trend of tree cover observed in Kodagu and Shivamogga. The 19th edition of the report, brought Prime Minister out by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), tabulates tree cover every two years using satellite imagery. Issue: Keeping in view the National Health Karnataka ranks second in our country in terms of Scheme announced by the Government in the an increase in tree forest cover. India ranks 10th in Budget for the year 2018-19 presented in the the world, with 24.4% of land areas under forest Parliament on 1st February 2018, EAC-PM and tree cover. The goal of the Indian government since 1998 is to increase this to 33%. Andhra discussed the possible modalities of implementing Pradesh has shown the most increase in its forest the scheme. cover followed by Karnataka and then Kerala

Source: Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/woods- http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1520300 and-trees/article22745312.ece

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK „Big Data‟ (GS3: Science and Technology- techniques, data streaming methodologies and developments and their applications and effects analytics. The overall constraints that community in everyday life) facing are

Issue: We share information about our identity on 1. The IT Challenge: Storage and computational the internet and through various digital transactions. power It is believed that social media and networking service companies employ infinite ways to slice and 2. The computer science: Algorithm design, dice data, which itself is quite daunting as at every visualization, scalability (Machine Learning, step, there is potential to make huge mistakes. network & Graph analysis, streaming of data and Careful data mining from Big Data might help text mining), distributed data, architectures, data understand our behavior in order to facilitate dimension reduction and implementation planning. But there are examples of blunders being 3. The mathematical science: Statistics, made with a load of information at one‘s fingertips. Optimization, uncertainty quantification, model Hence, Big Data should be employed with utmost development (statistical, simulation) analysis and care systems theory

What is Big Data? 4. The multi-disciplinary approach: Contextual Big data is often characterized by 3Vs: the extreme problem solving volume of data, the wide variety of data types and To tap the analytics momentum, India now needs to the velocity at which the data must be processed. build a sustainable analytics eco-system that brings Although big data doesn't equate to any specific in a strong partnership across the industry players, volume of data, the term is often used to describe government, and academia. Some of the key actions terabytes, petabytes and even exabytes of data for analytics eco-system in India would be around. captured over time. 1. Talent Pool - Create industry academia Such voluminous data can come from myriad partnership to groom the talent pool in universities different sources, such as business sales records, the as well as develop strong internal training collected results of scientific experiments or real- curriculum to advance analytical depth. time sensors used in the internet of things. Data may be raw or preprocessed using separate software 2. Collaborate - Form analytics forum across tools before analytics are applied. organization boundaries to discuss the pain-points of the practitioner community and share best Big Data and challenges in India context practices to scale analytics organizations.

Some of the S&T challenges that researchers across 3. Capability Development - Invest in long term the globe and as well as in India facing are related skills and capabilities that forms the basis for to data deluge pertaining to Astrophysics, Materials differentiation and value creation. There needs to be Science, Earth & atmospheric observations, Energy, an innovation culture that will facilitate IP creation Fundamental Science, Computational Biology, and asset development. Bioinformatics & Medicine, Engineering & Technology, GIS and Remote Sensing, Cognitive 4. Value Creation - Building rigor to measure the science and Statistical data. This challenge requires impact of analytics deployment is very critical to development of advanced algorithms, visualization earn legitimacy within the organization. WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Broad contours of ‗Department of Science and About FATF Technology‘ (DST) initiated ‗Big Data Initiative‘ (BDI) programme The Financial Action Task Force (on Money Laundering) (FATF), also known by its French •To promote and foster Big Data Science, name, Groupe d'action financière (GAFI), is an Technology and Applications in the country and to intergovernmental organization founded in 1989 on develop core generic technologies, tools and the initiative of the G7 to develop policies to algorithms for wider applications in Govt. combat money laundering. In 2001 the purpose expanded to act on terrorism financing. It monitors •To understand the present status of the industry in countries' progress in implementing the FATF terms of market size, different players providing Recommendations by ‗peer reviews‘ (‗mutual services across sectors/ functions, opportunities, evaluations‘) of member countries. The FATF SWOT of industry, policy framework (if any), Secretariat is housed at the headquarters of the present skill levels available etc. OECD in Paris.

•To carryout market landscape survey to assess the FATF was formed by the 1989 G7 Summit in Paris future opportunities and demand for skill levels in to combat the growing problem of money next 10 years laundering. The task force was charged with •To carryout gap analysis in terms of skills levels studying money laundering trends, monitoring and policy framework. legislative, financial and law enforcement activities taken at the national and international level, •To evolve a strategic Road Map and micro level reporting on compliance, and issuing action plan clearly defining of roles of various recommendations and standards to combat money stakeholders – Govt., Industry, Academia, Industry laundering. At the time of its formation, FATF had Associations and others with clear timelines and 16 members, which by 2016 had grown to 37. outcome for the next 10 years. In its first year, FATF Issued a report containing Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp- forty recommendations to more effectively fight opinion/how-to-handle-big-data/article22746767.ece money laundering. These standards were revised in 2003 to reflect evolving patterns and techniques in „Terror Financing‟ (GS3: Role of external state money laundering. and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security) The mandate of the organization was expanded to include terrorist financing following the September Issue: The plenary session of the Financial Action 11 terror attacks in 2001. India is one of the Task Force (FATF) on February 21 and 23 will members of the FATF decide on a resolution sponsored by four countries — the U.S., the U.K., France and Germany — to In addition to FATF's "Forty plus Nine" name Pakistan in its public statement as a country Recommendations, in 2000 FATF Issued a list of that had not taken sufficient steps to counter money "Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories" laundering and terror financing. (NCCTs), commonly called the FATF Blacklist. This was a list of 15 jurisdictions that, for one If the resolution is passed it would the first time reason or another, FATF members believed were ever when four countries had nominated any uncooperative with other jurisdictions in country for censure international efforts against money laundering (and, WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK later, terrorism financing). Typically, this lack of The decision flowing from the Defense Acquisition cooperation manifested itself as an unwillingness or Council is to be implemented by the following 3 inability (frequently, a legal inability) to provide Boards – foreign law enforcement officials with information relating to bank account and brokerage records, and 1. Defence Procurement Board headed by the customer identification and beneficial owner Defence Secretary information relating to such bank and brokerage 2. Defence Production Board headed by the accounts, shell company, and other financial Secretary (Defence Production) vehicles commonly used in money laundering. 3.Defence Research & Development Board headed The effect of the FATF Blacklist has been by the Secretary (Defence Research & significant, and arguably has proven more important Development) in international efforts against money laundering than has the FATF Recommendations. While, under Source: international law, the FATF Blacklist carried with it https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/ no formal sanction, in reality, a jurisdiction placed defence-acquisition-council-approves-acquisitions- on the FATF Blacklist often found itself under worth-over-rs-15000-crore/articleshow/62902723.cms intense financial pressure. „RAABTA‟ Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp- Issue: A new initiative to connect Kashmiri Pandits national/fatf-meet-forces-pak-terror- and Muslims was recently started in the Valley. On curbs/article22746813.ece the occasion of Herath (Shivratri) on Tuesday, „Defense Acquisition Council‟ (GS3: Security greeting cards were sent out, as part of the initiative, Challenges) with warm wishes for the festival.

Issue: The Defense Acquisition Council recently Source: approved procurement of machine guns and sniper http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/muslims- rifles. Along with them it also gave approval for reach-out-to-kashmiri-pandits-on- ‗MAREECH‘, an advanced torpedo decoy system. herath/article22745258.ece It is developed by Defense Research and „Non-Performing Assets‟ (GS3: Indian Development Organization (DRDO) Economy)

About DAC: Issue: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) scrapped The Government has set up a Defense Acquisition corporate debt restructuring (CDR), strategic debt Council headed by the Defense minister for restructuring (SDR), sustainable structuring of decision making in regard to the totality of the new stressed assets (S4A) and joint lenders forum (JLF) planning process. schemes to restructure defaulted loans. These measures will ensure the restructuring process is of Which inter-alia involves according ‗in principle‘ internationally accepted standards approval of Capital Acquisitions in the long term perspective plan and for each Capital Acquisition The central bank withdrew a host of norms such as Programme SDR and S4A, and made the process time-bound. The new rules stipulate that starting 1 March,

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK lenders must implement a resolution plan within The planned expenditure is far less than the $600 180 days for accounts of at least Rs 2,000 crore. million per year that Niti Aayog, a government policy advisory group, estimated last November The large accounts are mainly those where banks needed to be spent to prevent farmers from burning have initiated resolution and are classified as the crop waste left over after harvesting. restructured standard assets. Indian banks are sitting on a stressed assets pool of over Rs10 trillion. The crop stubble burning caused one-quarter of the air pollution that blanketed Delhi in November, the What are NPA? Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate A nonperforming asset (NPA) refers to a Change told parliament last week. The particles classification for loans on the books of financial from the stubble burning combine with industrial institutions that are in default or are in arrears on pollution, vehicle exhaust and dust to cover the scheduled payments of principal or interest. In most region every year as winter approaches and wind cases, debt is classified as nonperforming when loan speeds drop. payments have not been made for a period of 90 The proposed plan would give money to farmers in days. While 90 days of nonpayment is the standard three states bordering Delhi—Punjab, Haryana and period of time for debt to be categorized as Uttar Pradesh—to cover 80% of the cost of nonperforming, the amount of elapsed time may be machinery to remove the crop stubble shorter or longer depending on the terms and conditions set forth in each loan. Though the programme has laudable objectives some believe the allocation to this programme is far At 9.9 per cent ratio, India has been ranked fifth on too less. the list of countries with highest Non-Performing Assets (NPAs), and is on top spot among the Source: BRICS nations http://www.livemint.com/Politics/myjv1duIqqTuFDZC7z IobM/Indias-230-million-plan-to-stop-crop-burning- Solving this problem is the need of the hour in that-pollutes.html Indian economy „Youth Festival 2018‟ Source: http://www.livemint.com/Money/YFaiKczweBePmM7W The first ever National Youth Fest organized by the nY3QkO/Banking-stocks-fall-after-RBI-rejigs-bad-loan- Indian Red Cross Society in the country on rules.html February 13th. The Youth Fest provided participants an opportunity to understand different „Crop Residue burning‟ (GS3: Environmental humanitarian activities of the Red Cross. Indian Red Pollution) Cross Society which is the largest statutory Issue: The Indian government‘s plan to spend $230 humanitarian organization in India. Indian Red million over two years to prevent crop residue Cross Society will turn 100 years ‗young‘ in 2020. burning is below the spending estimates of its The activities included in the festival were policy advisors for the task and may do little to cut providing relief in times of disasters and other the air pollution that envelops the capital region of emergencies, promoting accessibility to health Delhi. services and to safe and healthy living, and working to reduce stigma and discrimination for better integration of disadvantaged people.

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Source: „Hip Implants‟ (GS2: Issues relating to health) http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1520487 Issue: The government is mulling a price cap on „Global Theatre Olympics‟ hip implants, this comes after the price caps on It is for the first time in the history of independent other medical devices such stents and knee implants India that a theatre festival of such a large magnitude is being organized. The 51 days long Some more info on: event will travel to 17 Indian cities with 450 shows, 600 ambience performances and 250 power packed Hip replacement youth forum shows. 25000 artists from across the globe will participate in the festival which will Hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which conclude on 08th February, 2018 with a grand the hip joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant, that ceremony at the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai is, a hip prosthesis. Hip replacement surgery can be About Theatre Olympics performed as a total replacement or a hemi (half) The Theatre Olympics was established in 1993 at replacement. Such joint replacement orthopedic Delphi, Greece. Being an international theatre surgery is generally conducted to relieve arthritis festival, the Theatre Olympics presents some of the greatest theatre practitioners from around the world. pain or in some hip fractures. It is a platform for theatrical exchange, a gathering place for students and masters, where a dialogue National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority despite ideological, culture and language (NPPA) differences is encouraged. Since 1993, the Theatre Olympics has been held seven times in the NPPA is an organization of the Government of following countries: Japan (1999), Russia (2001), India which was established, inter alia, to fix/ revise Turkey (2006), South Korea (2010), China (2014), the prices of controlled bulk drugs and formulations Poland (2016). The theme of the latest edition of Theatre Olympics being held in India is ―Flag of and to enforce prices and availability of the Friendship‖. This most awaited event of world medicines in the country, under the Drugs (Prices theatre in India attempts to bring all the creative Control) Order, 1995. The organization is also minds from across the globe to this ‗NatyaMahakumbh‘. entrusted with the task of recovering amounts overcharged by manufacturers for the controlled The National School of Drama is the torchbearer of theatre in India and has trained some of the most drugs from the consumers. It also monitors the respected actors and theatre stalwarts of all time. prices of decontrolled drugs in order to keep them at Established in 1959, it has a proud legacy spanning reasonable levels. Its parent department is Ministry over six decades of theatrical perfection. Hosting of Chemical and Fertilizers the 8th Theatre Olympics adds another feather to the cap of this history institution. Other important programme conducted by Source: Ministry of Chemical and Fertilizers include: http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1520487 WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi PariYojana 2. Structural flaws Kendra (PMBJPK) is a campaign launched by the 3. Failure to predict East Asian Crisis or 2008 Sub- Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. Of India, to prime Mortgage crisis provide quality medicines at affordable prices to the 4. Frequent allegations of improper and inaccurate masses through special kendras known as Pradhan ratings Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra. Pradhan Way out of this situation Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana Kendra (PMBJPK) has been set up to provide generic 1. Preference for indigenous rating agencies drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are 2. Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) equivalent in quality and efficacy as expensive should explore norms so that credit rating branded drugs. BPPI (Bureau of Pharma Public agencies do not provide non-rating advisory Sector Undertakings of India) has been established services to their clients under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of 3. A fixed operating model should be explored India, with the support of all the CPSUs for co- 4. Outstanding and sudden downgrades need to be coordinating procurement, supply and marketing of subjected to greater supervision generic drugs through Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan 5. A transform of ‗Issuer-pays‘ model to ‗investor- Aushadhi Kendra pays‘ model

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/sci- Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the- tech/health/price-cap-on-hip-implants- ratings-illusion/article22755006.ece awaited/article22754449.ece „Stunting‟ problem in children‟ (GS2: Issues „Credit rating agencies and India‟ (GS2: Indian relating to health) Economy) Issue: Recent studies conducted in Bangladesh and Issue: The lack of recognition of India‘s economic Kenya show that improved and better access to achievements and its non-correlation with its Toilets have not corresponded to a decline in sovereign rating is an Issue that rankles with most stunting Issue in children Indian economists. Such lack of recognition by Study‟s relevance to India global credit rating agencies does not inspire a healthy investment environment It is estimated that every one in four children in India suffer from stunting. There are various Flaws in current credit rating agencies reasons for it. One of the most prominent one is 1. Conflict of interest vis-à-vis their non-rating open defecation. It is estimated that still 50% of activities households in India do not have access to proper WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK toilets. Poor sanitation plays a greater role in stunting, because faecal bacteria and parasites While India‘s economy has been growing at deprive the child of nutrition. This leads to the impressive rate, the country still has the highest development of a weak immune system which number of stunted children in the world, (46.8 adversely affects the demographic dividend of our million children) representing one-third of the country in the long run global total of stunted children under the age of five. Programmes such as ‗Swach Bharat Abhiyaan‘ Stunting starts from pre-conception when an though want to reverse this trend but they are adolescent girl and who later becomes mother is coming short of meeting their objectives because of undernourished and anaemic; it worsens when not addressing the deep seated cultural belief on infants‘ diets are poor, and when sanitation and open defecation hygiene are inadequate. It is irreversible by the age Stunting situation in India of two. Child survival and health is inseparably connected to reproductive and, maternal health. It is defined as the percentage of children, aged 0 to

59 months, whose height for age is below minus As high as 70 per cent of adolescent girls in India two standard deviations (moderate and severe are anaemic and half of adolescents are below the stunting) and minus three standard deviations normal body mass index, which has an impact on (severe stunting) from the median of the WHO the health of their future pregnancies and children. Child Growth Standards. Preventing stunting is critical to survival in the immediate term, and in the longer-term, to ensure In India, 38 per cent of children younger than five healthy, well-educated and productive adults. years of age are stunted, a manifestation of chronic Tackling this insidious disease and vicious cycle is under nutrition. Stunting and other forms of under- a critical aim for UNICEF India nutrition are thought to be responsible for nearly Details about some programmes aiming to half of all child deaths globally. promote hygienic habits among the population

Stunting is associated with an underdeveloped WASH is an acronym that stands for "Water, brain, with long-lasting harmful consequences, Sanitation and Hygiene". Universal, affordable and including diminished mental ability and learning sustainable access to WASH is a key public health capacity, poor school performance in childhood, Issue within international development and is the reduced earnings and increased risks of nutrition- focus of Sustainable Development Goal 6. related chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity in future. WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Several international development agencies assert Run by the Government of India, the mission aims that attention to WASH can also improve health, to achieve an Open-Defecation Free (ODF) India by life expectancy, student learning, gender equality, 2 October 2019, the 150th anniversary of the birth and other important Issues of international of Mahatma Gandhi, by constructing 12 million development. Access to WASH includes safe water, toilets in rural India at a projected cost of ₹1.96 adequate sanitation and hygiene education. This can lakh crore (US$30 billion).[1] The mission will also reduce illness and death, and also reduce poverty contribute to India reaching Sustainable and improve socio-economic development. Development Goal Number 6 (SDG 6).

Lack of sanitation contributes to about 700,000 The mission contains two sub-missions: Swachh child deaths every year due to diarrhea. Chronic Bharat Abhiyan ("Gramin" or rural), which operates diarrhea can have long-term negative effects on under the Ministry of Drinking Water and children, in terms of both physical and cognitive Sanitation; and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Urban), development. In addition, lack of WASH facilities which operates under the Ministry of Housing and can prevent students from attending school, impose Urban Affairs. an unusual burden on women and reduce work The mission includes ambassadors and activities productivity. such as national real-time monitoring and updates In 2015 the World Health Organization (WHO) from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such estimated that "1 in 3 people, or 2.4 billion, are still as The Ugly Indian, Waste Warriors and SwaCH without sanitation facilities" while 663 million Pune (Solid Waste Collection and Handling) that people still lack access to safe and clean drinking are working towards its ideas of Swachh Bharat. water. Source:http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA) (or Swachh ed/can-sanitation-reduce- Bharat Mission (SBM) stunting/article22754713.ece

It is a campaign in India that aims to clean up the „Middle Paleolithic culture in India‟ (GS1: streets, roads and infrastructure of India's cities, Ancient Indian history) smaller towns, and rural areas. The objectives of Issue: A recent study published is of the view that Swachh Bharat include eliminating open defecation small tools found in Attirampakam site near through the construction of household-owned and Chennai were made at the site way before stones community-owned toilets and establishing which were made by the Africans. transparent mechanism of monitoring toilet use.

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK About Attirampakam site: Areas in which India has shown interest:

Attirampakkam forms one of the classic sites in the 1. Projects in petrochemicals history of Indian Palaeolithic archaeology. 2. Health Discovered by the British geologist Robert Bruce 3. Education Foote in 1863 (Foote 1866), it was sporadically 4. Infrastructure investigated for over a century. Significant 5. Pharmaceutical conceptual developments in Indian prehistory and Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-offers- Quaternary studies had their origin in research at support-for-reconstruction-of-iraq/article22754937.ece this site „Anti-Dumping duties‟ (GS3: Indian Economy) Ongoing excavations aim at establishing the nature of hominid activities at the site, the environmental Issue: India had imposed duty of up to $613 per context of the site, and the age of the assemblages. tonne on the import for 5 years. The directorate These discoveries will be situated within the General of Anti-Dumping and allied duties has broader regional setting and would be able to initiated the review investigation. contribute towards the study of early hominid What are Anti-Dumping duties? behavior during the Middle and Late Pleistocene in South Asia Anti-dumping duty is a measure to correct the situation arising out of the dumping of goods and its Excavations have revealed a multicultural site with distorting effect on domestic producers of similar stratified Lower, Middle and Upper Palaeolithic goods. Rapid industrialization has resulted in large- deposits in well-preserved primary contexts. scale production and in this situation dumping Various smaller tools have been excavated from this enables the producer to establish a dominant region. The oldest hand axe can be found in this site position in the market. This is common in international commercial practice for export prices Source:http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op- to be lower than the domestic ones. Therefore there ed/crucible-for-civilisation/article22754688.ece is nothing inherently immoral about the practice of „International Conference for reconstruction of dumping. However, when dumping causes or Iraq‟ (GS2: Global groupings) threatens to cause, material injury to the domestic industry it is viewed gravely. "Dumping" means Issue: India has announced that it will play its part export of goods by one territory to the market of in the reconstruction of Iraq at Kuwait International another territory at a price lower than the normal Conference for reconstruction of Iraq value. If the export price is lower than the normal

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK value, it constitutes dumping. Therefore, there are amount. And out of that, about 70% is electrical two fundamental parameters used for determination energy consumption.‖ Most of this electricity of dumping, namely, the export price and the consumption is due to the use of motor-driven normal value. systems. One can address the efficiency Issues in the entire system or as at the sub-assembly level, The Rules and regulations also provide for the which is at the motor level. EESL has so far been timing of the imposition of anti-dumping duties, the able to create motors in the capacity range of 1.1 duration of such duties, and oblige Designated KW to 22 KW that are 30% cheaper and result in an Authority to periodically review the continuing average of 15% lower electricity usage. need for anti-dumping duties and price undertakings. It is also provided at its discretion, The Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion take anti-dumping actions at the request of a third has issued a quality assurance guidance that says country, which is a member of the World Trade that manufacturers will have to supply a minimum Organization. The anti-dumping procedures are energy performance standard adhering to the based on an application made by the concerned ‗International Efficiency-2. The EESL motors are domestic industry to die Designated Authority in of the IE-3 level, which save between 7% to 23% of the Department of Commerce for an investigation electricity compared with the current industry into alleged dumping of a product into India. standard, depending on the application.

Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy About 99% of the motors being used are IE-1 or /foreign-trade/india-reviews-anti-dumping-duty-on-steel- non-IE. Phase 1 of the nation-wide programme wheels-from-china/articleshow/62915965.cms would seek to replace 1.2 lakh motors of the „Energy efficiency‟ capacity of 1.1-22 KW, which would save 175 million units of electricity. There are in total about (GS3: Science and Technology) 11 million motors that can be replaced, which Issue: The Centre, through its company Energy works out to about 15 billion units of electricity Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), is planning to being saved. This can lead to 6,000 MW of replicate its success in the LED space in the capacity reduction. commercial sector by creating a market for low- About EESL: cost, energy-efficient motors Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is an Need for an efficient energy system at industries energy service company (ESCO) of the Government About 30-34% of the total energy consumption goes of India and is the world's largest public ESCO. It is to the industrial sector, which is a substantial 100% government owned a joint venture of state- WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK owned NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation, The ANMOL-ANM online app for ANMs was Rural Electrification Corporation and developed by the ministry of health and family POWERGRID. EESL was formed under India's welfare, with support from the United Nations Ministry of Power to facilitate energy efficiency Children‘s Fund. It enables ANMs to carry out projects. Innovative business and implementation functions such as growth monitoring, logistics models can significantly reduce consumption and planning and reporting in an informed manner. The costs. EESL also acts as the resource centre for common application software developed by the capacity building of state electricity distribution women and child development ministry for AWWs companies, electricity regulatory commissions and now part of the National Nutrition Mission is (ERCs), state-designated agencies (SDAs), another excellent example. It enables real-time upcoming ESCOs, financial institutions, etc. access to information about the health of women and children in high malnutrition burden districts. It is backed by and promoters, and has net worth of over INR 2.144 billion. India's energy efficiency The need of the hour is to make sure a platform is market is estimated at US$12 billion. created to share these data with everyone and ensure an integrated to serve that purpose Source:http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/cent re-targets-industry-to-save-power/article22754893.ece Source:http://www.livemint.com/Opinion/dYYC48Ay4Znm CUx0W9lrRK/Realtime-data-sharing-among-rural-health- „Rural Health care Delivery‟ workers-can-save-l.html (GS2: Issues relating to health) „Gem of a scam‟

Issue: Digitization has crept into rural work as (GS2: Statutory, regulatory and various quasi- well. It is no longer uncommon to see a teacher in a judicial bodies) far-flung government school using a digital solution Issue: The Enforcement Directorate has seized to track student attendance, or a farmer consulting diamond, jewelry and gold worth ₹5,100 crore in searches conducted at several properties linked to an app for crop-specific information. ASHA Nirav Modi in Mumbai, Delhi and Gujarat. The (accredited social health activist), AWW Punjab National Bank scam has rocked the banking (anganwadi worker) and ANM (auxiliary nurse sector in India and also eroded trust of the general public. Agencies such as Central Bureau of midwife). These three women drive delivery of Investigation (CBI) and Enforcement Directorate health and nutrition services in villages across India (ED) have begun investigation into this scam too use digital technology to solve problems Information on CBI

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating agency and security service of WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK India. Operating under the jurisdiction of the Department of Economic Affairs, for handling Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Exchange Control Laws violations under Foreign Pensions, the CBI is headed by the Cabinet Minister Exchange Regulation Act, 1947. In the year 1957, who reports directly to the Prime Minister. The this Unit was renamed as ‗Enforcement Directorate‘ agency has been known to investigate several economic crimes, special crimes cases of corruption The prime objective of the Enforcement Directorate and other high-profile cases is the enforcement of two key Acts of the Government of India namely, the Foreign Exchange The Bureau of Investigation braces its origins to the Management Act 1999 (FEMA) and the Prevention Special Police Establishment, is Central of Money Laundering Act 2002 (PMLA) Government Police force, which was set up in 1941 by the government. The functions of the SPE were Note: The scam in itself does not hold much to investigate bribery and corruption in transactions importance for an UPSC aspirant but what an with the War and Supply Department of India, set aspirant should concentrate is the role the agencies up during World War II with its headquarters in such as CBI, ED play and also the regulations that Lahore. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) brings in once investigation is completed Selection committee Source:http://www.thehindu.com/business/pnb-fraud- The amended Delhi Special Police Establishment nirav-modi-case-latest-updates/article22761643.ece Act empowers a committee to appoint the director http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/gem-of-a- of CBI. The committee consists the following scam/article22765452.ece people: „Manual Scavenging‟ • Prime Minister – chairperson (GS2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of • Leader of Opposition – member the population by the centre and the states and • Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court the performance of these schemes) Judge recommended by the Chief Justice – member Issue: In spite of a law prohibiting manual When making recommendations, the committee scavenging, the practice continues unabated. At considers the views of the outgoing director. least 73 people have lost their lives due to this practice since 2008 Above Selection committee was constituted under The Lokpal and Lokayukta act, 2013 Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 explicitly Information on Enforcement Directorate (ED) prohibits this profession and also mandates rehabilitation for people engaged in this profession. The Directorate of Enforcement is a law A committee chaired by social welfare minister is enforcement agency and economic intelligence formed to oversee the implementation of this agency responsible for enforcing economic laws scheme but due to lack of coordination among and fighting economic crime in India. It is part of them, the prohibition is a failure the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance. The origin of this Directorate goes back to 1 May Urgent steps need to be taken to eliminate this 1956, when an ‗Enforcement Unit‘ was formed, in inhumane practice from the society

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/m 1. Non-violence anual-scavenging-monitoring-panel-has-had-only-one- meeting/article22766592.ece 2. Honesty

„Sallekhana practice among Jains‟ 3. Not stealing

(GS1: Indian culture) 4. Chastity

Issue: Shreyasagar Maharaj (74), a Jain monk, 5. Non-possession passed away at Tyagi Nagar here on Thursday. He Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka had not taken food or water for the last one week as /jain-saint-passes-away/article22760450.ece part of ‗Sallekhana‘, a practice of fasting till death. „Policy to scrap old vehicles finalized‟ Sallekhana is a supplementary vow to the ethical code of conduct of Jainism. It is the religious (GS3: Conservation of Environment) practice of voluntarily fasting to death by gradually reducing the intake of food and liquids. It is viewed Issue: India will soon come out with a policy to in Jainism as the thinning of human passions and scrap vehicles that are more than 15 years old. The the body, and another means of destroying rebirth- policy aims to reduce vehicular population due to influencing karma by withdrawing all physical and these old vehicles. Once it is implemented, mental activities. It is not considered as a suicide by pollution would be checked considerably as 65 per Jain scholars because it is not an act of passion, nor cent of the pollution is caused by heavy vehicles does it deploy poisons or weapons. After the that are more than 15 years old. sallekhana vow, the ritual preparation and practice Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/econo can extend into years. Several inscriptions after 600 my/policy/policy-to-scrap-15-yrs-old-vehicles-almost- CE record that Chandragupta Maurya (c. 300 BCE) finalised-nitin-gadkari/articleshow/62931902.cms and his teacher Bhadrabahu observed the vow atop Chandragiri Hill at Sharavnabelagola. ‗Education‘

Sallekhana is a vow available to both for Jain (GS2: Issues relating to development and ascetics and householders. Historic evidence such management of social sectors: education) as nishidhi engravings suggest sallekhana was Issue: In 1966, the Kothari Commission had said in observed by both men and women, including its voluminous report that India should aim at queens, in Jain history. However, in the modern era, spending 6% of its GDP on education. More than death through sallekhana has been a relatively half a century later, we are spending less than 3% of uncommon event. our GDP on education. Such low allocation is There is debate about the practice from a right to affecting the quality of education in India. This will life and a freedom of religion viewpoint. In 2015, hamper our country to effectively utilize its the Rajasthan High Court banned the practice, demographic dividend. A much improved education considering it suicide. Later that year, the Supreme will also increase the employability of an individual Court of India stayed the decision of the Rajasthan in our country High Court and lifted the ban on Sallekhana Role of teacher training in education sector: Five great vows of Jainism

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK 1.Teachers for all levels are directly or indirectly Issue: Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, affected by institutions of higher education. A begins his much anticipated seven-day, five-city nursery teacher needs to benefit from current state visit of India on February 17. This is his first knowledge in child psychology state visit to India. The Indian diaspora comprising 3.6% of the Canadian population is well-educated, 2.Someone teaching language in primary classes affluent and politically suave. In spite of various must know how to leverage contemporary favorable factors India – Canada ties have not knowledge about how children learn reading or how reached its maximum potential. to impart bilingual skills Reasons for such a situation 3.The secondary teacher is directly affected by conditions in undergraduate colleges. If they have 1.Resurgence in anti-India activities by emboldened no science labs and adequate faculty, the graduates Khalistani elements in Canada. who opt for school teaching as a career can hardly do justice to the adolescents who choose to study 2.In December, self-appointed radical leaders science imposed a ban on the entry of Indian officials in Canadian gurdwaras, which goes against all tenets 4.The Yash Pal report on renovation and of the inclusive, benign and liberal Sikh faith rejuvenation of higher education presented a bleak picture of undergraduate education and offered 3.The current Liberal government seems to be going recommendations for improving it. Implementing beyond the needs of political and electoral these recommendations will need increased public arithmetic in courting the radicals. Naturally spending bilateral relations cannot but be impacted.

Way ahead Encouraging signs:

1.The government should implement J S Verma and 1. In recent years has been a spike in investments by Yash Pal committee recommendations on education the well-endowed Canadian Pension Funds like and particularly on teacher education CPPIB and CDPQ into India. Together, Canadian companies have have pumped in some $12-15 2.Resources should be adequately allocated to this billion Canadian in India in sectors including real sector estate, financial services, distressed assets, modern logistics facilities and e-commerce. 3.An independent regulator to monitor teacher education sector 2. Early conclusion of the bilateral Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and 4.An equal emphasis should be placed on both Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements private and public investment in this sector (BIPPA), which have been under negotiation for 5.Curriculum of teacher education should be of several years, would also boost our economic international standards but it should also reflect the partnership nuances of Indian conditions 3. It would particularly open up the services sector Source:http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/a- allowing highly skilled Indian professionals, for deepening-crisis/article22765320.ece whom there is a ready demand, to work in Canada.

„India – Canada ties‟ (GS2: Bilateral relations) WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK 4. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s visit to 1. The new law revamped Section 3 of the 1982 Canada in April 2015, both sides agreed to elevate legislation to expand the definition of hijacking to their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership seizure or takeover of an aircraft using ―any technological means‖. This takes into consideration 5. The ties essentially rest on 3Es — economy, the possibility that a hijacker need not be physically energy and education. India has started importing present inside the aircraft to take control of it. uranium from Canada, beginning 2015. Canada also has sizeable reserves of oil and gas. Over time 2. According to the Act, even a credible ―threat‖ to Canada could become a key partner in India‘s quest hijack an aircraft amounts to hijacking. The for energy security. definition of ‗hijacking‘ also includes an attempt to commit the crime, abetting, organizing, 6. Significant quantities of Canadian pulses were participating in it as an accomplice, and unlawfully being imported by India and intentionally assisting a person involved in 7. Both nations also have collaboration in agri-tech hijacking to evade investigation or prosecution or punishment. There is enough potential for stepping up cooperation in areas like information technology, 3. Section 4 allows capital punishment if the science and technology, clean and green tech, hijacking leads to the death of a hostage, a security aviation and outer space, cold-climate warfare, personnel, or any person not involved in the cyber-security, counterterrorism and tourism. The offence. The alternative is life imprisonment. The need of the hour is to strengthen mutual trust and Act makes it clear that imprisonment for life means confidence, by taking a long-term view of the ―imprisonment for the remainder of that person‘s relationship. natural life‖.

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/making-up- Source:http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/dealing- for-lost-time/article22765469.ece with-hijacking/article22765526.ece

„Hijacking‟ (GS3: Role of External and non-state „Live streaming of Court proceedings‟ (GS2: Actors in creating challenges to internal security) Important aspect of governance, transparency and accountability) Issue: The Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016 repealed the 1982 Act. Its objectives are in tune with the Issue: Recently a petition was filed in the Supreme Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Court of India to allow for live streaming of its Seizure of Aircraft. The Act further incorporated the proceedings. The court is deliberating on the matter September 2010 Beijing Protocol Supplementary to Pros of such a proposal: the Convention which specifically dealt with ―unlawful acts against civil aviation by new types of 1. Brings in more accountability threats‖. The Act highlighted the government‘s concern for expedient measures to be taken during 2. Raises the confidence of general public regarding hostile acts of seizure or exercise of control of judicial proceedings aircraft which jeopardise the safety of persons and 3. The right to information and a right to perception property. can be effectively addressed through such a proposal Highlights of the new act

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK 4. Prevents fake news or faulty reporting in the 2.The first consignment of Indian wheat was sent to media Afghanistan through Chabahar in October- November last year, and the first phase of the port Cons of such a proposal was formally inaugurated by President Rouhani in 1. Judiciary is accountable to only constitution and December. Full operationalisation is likely by the not the general public end of this year.

2. Would create biases in the minds of the advocates 3.India is also working with Iran to operationalise the ambitious International North South Transport 3. Will prevent an objective analysis of a subject Corridor, which will connect Mumbai with Central from the Judges Asia, through the port of Bandar Abbas on the Strait of Hormuz, and then through rail and road links to 4. Playing for the gallery attitude might result in the the Eurasian region. quality of debates 4.The other major pillar driving the engagement is 5. Logistically impossible to provide live streaming energy. India imports almost 60% of its crude from for thousands of pending applications before the West Asia and the Gulf, and Iran is one of the major court suppliers. New Delhi is keen to lift the relationship Ideal way: to a comprehensive partnership by developing the Farzad B offshore oilfields in the Persian Gulf. The Supreme Court should find alternate ways to Indian companies can now invest in rupees in Iran increase confidence of judicial process in the minds — Bhutan and Nepal are the other two countries of the people. It should also make its process more that get such treatment — and President Rouhani is accountable and transparent. Apart from live- likely to make a pitch for Indian businesses to come streaming there are various other ways in which the to Iran. objective can be achieved. Such as limits of oral briefs, emphasis on preparation etc 5.Then there is the common interest in stabilising Afghanistan. But while Tehran views the US Source:http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/should- involvement in that country with suspicion, India supreme-court-proceedings-be-live- believes that Washington‘s commitment on the streamed/article22765577.ece ground is critical to stave off Pakistani power plays. „India-Iran Ties‟ (GS2: Bilateral relations) It is important to address these divergences through honest and frank conversations between the two Issue: Connectivity, strategic interest and energy sides the core areas which Prime Minister of India and his counterpart from Iran, Hasan Rouhanni will 6.There is also a strong case for improved people- concentrate on latter‘s states visit to India to-people links. Restrictive visa regimes have ensured the Indian diaspora in Iran is small in Pillars of engagements: comparison to other countries in the region, and the tourist traffic is low. 1.The Chabahar port in southeastern Iran is the lynchpin of that engagement, because the port gives Source:http://indianexpress.com/article/explained/iran- India alternative access to Afghanistan and onwards president-hassan-rouhani-india-visit-new-priorities-drive-an- to Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. old-up-down-relationship-5065905/

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK „K P Oli sworn in as the 41st Prime Minister of „New Development Bank‟ Nepal‟ (GS2: Multilateral Institutions) Issue: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Nepal‘s new Prime Minister KP Issue: The Loan Agreement for financing of Sharma Oli and invited him to visit India. Rajasthan Water Sector Restructuring Project for the Desert Areas was signed between Government Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/modi- of India and the New Development Bank (NDB) on congratulates-nepal-s-newly-sworn-in-pm-kp-sharma-oli- 13th February 2018 at New Delhi. This is the first invites-him-to-india/story-3ah8Bhzv3q4X5g4rztZ3DN.html tranche loan of USD 100 million approved by the NDB under the Multi Tranche Financing Facility of

USD 345 million for this project. „World Sustainable Development Summit‟ (GS3: The objective of this Project is to rehabilitate the Conservation of environment) 678 km long Indira Gandhi Canal system built Issue: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, during 1958-63 to prevent seepage, conserve water, will inaugurate the 2018 edition of the World and enhance water use efficiency as mandated by Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS 2018) at both national and state level policies on water use. VigyanBhawan in the capital tomorrow on Friday, The execution of the project would multiple 16thFebruary. WSDS is the flagship forum of The benefits such as: Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and seeks to i.Arresting the seepage by rehabilitating the bring together on a common platform, global deteriorating canal lining of the Indira Gandhi leaders and thinkers in the fields of sustainable Nahar Project (IGNP) which needs urgent attention; development, energy and environment sectors. ii.Rehabilitation of waterlogged areas; The theme of the Summit this year is ‗Partnerships for a Resilient Planet‘, WSDS 2018 seeks to create iii.Modernization and optimization of the irrigation action frameworks to resolve some of the most management practices in the project area by urgent challenges facing developing economies in involvement of the water users‘ associations the backdrop of climate change.The Summit will (WUA) in the command area address a wide variety of issues, including combating land degradation, effective waste iv. Strengthening of drinking water supply and management mechanisms to make cities free of irrigation facilities in the project area landfills free, combat air pollution effectively, Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1520 measures to increase resource and energy 645 efficiency, facilitate transition to clean energy and create financial mechanisms to enable effective „Issues related to Kaveri river water sharing‟ climate change mitigation. The ‗Greenovation (GS2: Issues and challenges pertaining to federal Exhibition‘ at WSDS 2018 will showcase the latest structure) technological advancements to meet Sustainable Development Goals. Issue: The Supreme Court on Friday upheld the 2007 Cauvery tribunal award with minor tweaks. It Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1520 increased Karnataka‘s water share from the river by 645 14.75 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft), considering the very high demand for potable water WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK in Bengaluru city, and lessened Tamil Nadu‘s share southeast some 800 kilometres (500 mi) to enter the to the same extent. Bay of Bengal. In Mandya district it forms the island of Shivanasamudra, on either side of which This verdict will help the state of Karnataka to meet are the scenic Shivanasamudra Falls that descend primarily the drinking water requirements of about 100 metres (330 ft). The river is the source concerned districts and particularly, Bengaluru. The for an extensive irrigation system and for verdict has allocated 4 tmcft of water for Bengaluru hydroelectric power. The river has supported for drinking and other purposes. This is a welcome irrigated agriculture for centuries and served as the step by the Supreme Court since Bengaluru faces lifeblood of the ancient kingdoms and modern cities acute shortage of water during distress years of South India. The primary use of Kaveri is Furthermore, this verdict directs the state of Tamil providing water for irrigation, water for household Nadu to utilize the 10 tmcft of ground water. Also consumption and the generation of electricity. the Court has denied permission for Kerala to divert Note: It is to be noted that the Supreme Court is Kaveri river water for their hydro-electric projects. silent on the water allocation between states during Union territory of Puducherry has been allowed to distress years. grow a second crop in Kaveri basin A Kaveri water tribunal was constituted for the first Information on Kaveri River time in 1990 under article 262 of the Indian Kaveri is an Indian river flowing through the states constitution which authorizes parliament to provide of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It is the third largest mechanism for adjudication of river water disputes after Godavari and Krishna in South India and the in India. The tribunal gave its first verdict in 2007. largest in Tamil Nadu which on its course bisects The recent Supreme Court judgment is based the state into North and South. Originating in the primarily on this verdict foothills of Western Ghats at Talakaveri, Kodagu in Note: This issue is important both from Prelims and Karnataka it flows generally south and east through Mains perspective. One has to remember the factual Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and across the southern aspects of this issue for prelims and also analyze the Deccan plateau through the southeastern lowlands, methods of solving this issue, the role of executive emptying into the Bay of Bengal through two and judiciary in this issue. Other ways and means to principal mouths in Poompuhar, Tamil Nadu. combat rising droughts in South India Amongst the river valleys, the Kaveri delta forms one of the fertile regions in the country. Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politic s-and-nation/sc-judgment-on-120-year-old-cauvery-dispute- The Kaveri basin is estimated to be 81,155 square today/articleshow/62941364.cms kilometres (31,334 sq mi) with many tributaries including Harangi, Hemavati, Kabini, Bhavani, „Punjab National Bank and Chief vigilance Arkavathy, Lakshmana Tirtha, Noyyal and Commission‟ (GS2: Statutory, regulatory and Amaravati. The river's basin covers three states and various other quasi-judicial bodies) a Union Territory as follows: Tamil Nadu, 43,856 Issue: The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), square kilometres (16,933 sq mi); Karnataka, India‘s apex body for checking corruption in the 34,273 square kilometres (13,233 sq mi); Kerala, government, has summoned senior officials from 2,866 square kilometres (1,107 sq mi), and the Reserve Bank of India, the Finance Ministry, Puducherry, 160 square kilometres (62 sq mi). along with the Chief Vigilance Officer of Punjab Rising in southwestern Karnataka, it flows WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK National Bank (PNB), early next week to assess Supreme Court, on a reference made to it by the how the ₹11,500 crore fraud reported on President, has, on inquiry, reported that the Central Wednesday by the government-owned PNB, slipped Vigilance Commissioner or any Vigilance past all the in-built checks and balances in the Commissioner, as the case may be, ought to be banking system. removed. The President may suspend from office, and if deem necessary prohibit also from attending Banks are audited at three levels — apart from an the office during inquiry, the Central Vigilance internal audit, there is an external auditor and a Commissioner or any Vigilance Commissioner in statutory audit undertaken by the RBI. The CVC is respect of whom a reference has been made to the keen to understand how none of these audits picked Supreme Court until the President has passed orders up a red flag on the letters of undertaking that seem on receipt of the report of the Supreme Court on to have been issued bypassing the system, such reference. The President may, by order, Central vigilance commission remove from office the Central Vigilance Commissioner or any Vigilance Commissioner if Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is an apex the Central Vigilance Commissioner or such Indian governmental body created in 1964 to Vigilance Commissioner, as the case may be: address governmental corruption. It has the status of an autonomous body, free of control from any a. is adjudged an insolvent; or executive authority, charged with monitoring all b. has been convicted of an offence which, in the vigilance activity under the Central Government of opinion of the president, involves moral turpitude; India, advising various authorities in central or Government organizations in planning, executing, reviewing and reforming their vigilance work. c. engages during his term of office in any paid employment outside the duties of his office; or It was set up by the Government of India in February, 1964 on the recommendations of the d.is, in the opinion of the president, unfit to Committee on Prevention of Corruption, headed by continue in office by reason of infirmity of mind or Shri K. Santhanam Committee, to advise and guide body; or Central Government agencies in the field of vigilance. Nittoor Srinivasa Rau, was selected as the e. Has acquired such financial or other interest as is first Chief Vigilance Commissioner of India. likely to affect prejudicially his functions as the CVC or a Vigilance Commissioner. The Commission shall consist of: f. If the CVC or a vigilance Commissioner in any •A Central Vigilance Commissioner - Chairperson; way, concerned or interested in any contract or agreement made by or on behalf of the Government •Not more than two Vigilance Commissioners - of the India or participates in any way in the profit Members; thereof or in any benefit or emoluments arising Removal there from otherwise than as a member and in common with the other members of an incorporated The Central Vigilance Commissioner or any company, he shall, for the purposes of sub-section Vigilance Commissioner can be removed from his (1), be deemed to be guilty of misbehavior. office only by order of the President on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity after the

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Note: The questions on this topic would primarily 2. Government to waive off penalties on property concentrate on factual data keeping prelims in mind taxes for industries in industrial areas and townships if the principal amount is paid in a single instalment Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/how-did- system-allow-pnb-fraud-asks-cvc/article22778169.ece 3. Basava Study Centre to be set up in University of Mysuru, PG centre of Kuvempu University to come „Electoral reforms‟ (GS2: Important aspects of up in Chikkamagaluru Governance) 4. More air quality monitoring stations to be set up Issue: In a landmark move in electoral reforms, the in Karnataka to combat pollution Supreme Court ruled that politician, their spouses and associates to declare their sources of income, 5. A vented dam under Paschimavahini scheme to along with their assets, in order to qualify for be built in Dakshina Kannada district contesting elections. 6.Rs 2500 crore package for Bengaluru The apex court further directed the government to set up a permanent mechanism to monitor the 7. Mukhyamantri Anila Bhagya Yojane or free gas accrual of wealth of sitting Members of Parliament connection project of state government to see twin and Members of Legislative Assemblies, their burner stove and two refills for 30 lakh beneficiaries spouses and associates. 8. Government to setup Karnataka Sports Relevance of this direction: University under PPP model

1. Cleanse the electoral system of corruption 9. Arogya Karnataka Yojane or universal health scheme to be launched 2. Allows more transparency and accountability 10. Farm loan waiver to the tune of Rs 1 lakh from 3. Provides more information for people to choose cooperative banks after the death of the farmer their candidates intelligently announced

4. Black money in electoral system of our country 11. CM announces loans to the tune of Rs 50000 at can be effectively curtailed 0% interest for women and fishermen 12.5.9 lakh government employees and nearly equal number of 5. Will allow more candidates with clear pensioners to benefit from wage revision, it will background to compete on a level playing field cast additional burden of Rs 10508 crore on Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/reveal- exchequer source-of-income-sc-orders-politicians/article22771987.ece 13. CM announces 'Raitha Belaku' scheme to „Highlights of Karnataka Budget‟ benefit 70 lakh dry land farmers with Rs 5000 per hectare up to a maximum of Rs 10000 1.'Madhyama Sanjeevini', a group insurance facility will be provided to journalists with a view to give This is a vote-on-account (the government obtains insurance coverage upto Rs 5 lakh to the families of the vote of legislature for a sum sufficient to incur the deceased in case of untimely death due to expenditure on various items for a part of the year) accidents or casualties while on professional duty rather than a full-fledged budget. The sum is for period of 2-4 months

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Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/ 3. South Pole has very old rocks. This could cm-siddaramaiah-presents-karnataka-budget- possibly help us understand the origin of universe 2018/articleshow/62940669.cms 4. Landing the rover near the South Pole was that „Iranian President Hassan Rouhani visited the the area has not been explored by other missions. historic Mecca Masjid, a Sunni mosque, to offer Friday prayers and called for unity among Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/scienc Muslims across the world‟ e/chandrayaan-2-launch-in-april-to-aim-for-moons-south- pole-department-of-space/articleshow/62948211.cms Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in Hyderabad, Telangana in India, and it is one of the „Pariksha pe Charcha‟ largest masajids in India. Makkah Masjid is a listed Issue: Prime Minister Modi interacted with heritage building in the old city of Hyderabad, close students on the Issue of examinations and how to to the historic landmarks of Chowmahalla Palace, handle them effectively in New Delhi Laad Bazaar, and Charminar. Source: Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth ruler of the http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/pareeksh Qutb Shahi dynasty, commissioned bricks to be a-pe-charcha-pm-modis-pep-talk-a-silver-lining-for-periphery- made from the soil brought from Mecca, the holiest schools-5067267/ site of Islam, and used them in the construction of „Solar Alliance‟ (GS2: Global groupings) the central arch of the mosque, thus giving the mosque its name. It formed the centerpiece around Issue: The biggest development on tackling which the city was planned by Muhammad Quli climate change since the Paris Accord of 2015 has Qutub Shah. been the International Solar Alliance, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inaugural session of Source:https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/hassan-rouhani- the World Sustainable Development Summit. visits-hyderabad-mosque-mecca-masjid-calls-for-unity- among-muslims-1813694 International Solar Alliance: ‗Chandrayaan-II‘ (GS3: Achievements of Indians in The International Solar Alliance (ISA) that aims at Science and Technology) increasing solar energy deployment in member Issue: Chandrayaan-2, the lunar mission under countries (Most of them being sunshine countries, which the ISRO will for the first time attempt to which lie either completely or partly between the land a rover on the moon's South Pole, will be Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn) came launched in April into legal, independent existence in December and is the first treaty-based international inter- Related information about this project governmental organisation to be based out of India. The ISA aims to mobilise more than $1000 billion 1. The rover of India's second lunar mission, costing in investments by 2030 for ―massive deployment‖ nearly Rs 800 crore, will be made to land near the of solar energy, pave the way for future yet-unexplored South Pole technologies adapted to the needs of moving to a 2. Chandrayaan-2 will be ISRO's first inter- fossil-free future and keep global temperatures from planetary mission to land a rover on any celestial rising above 2°C by the end of the century. India body. has committed itself to having 175,000 MW of renewed energy in the grid by 2022. WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK As part of the agreement, India will contribute $27 Indian plants held in UK institutions, together with million (₹175.5 crore approximately) to the ISA for India‘s own tremendous collections, is an creating corpus, building infrastructure and invaluable resource for modern Indian botanical recurring expenditure over five years from 2016-17 science. Collections, digitization and study by to 2020-21. In addition, public sector undertakings Indian scientists will make these openly available of the Government of India, Solar Energy for wider scientific use in India in areas such as Corporation of India (SECI) and Indian Renewable biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, Energy Development Agency (IREDA), have made and preservation of plant resources for use in a contribution of $1 million (₹6.5 crore) each for traditional health systems by rural communities creating the ISA corpus fund. Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1520 The ISA was launched on November 30, 2015 in 785 Paris, on the sidelines of COP-21, the UN climate „National Automotive Policy‟ (GS2: Government conference. policies and interventions for development in Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/solar- various sectors and Issues arising out of their alliance-biggest-achievement-since-paris-accord- design and implementation) modi/article22777557.ece Issue: Department of Heavy Industry is working MoU Signed between Botanical Survey of India for formulating the National Automotive Policy for and Natural History Museum, UK (GS3: Science holistic development of automobile sector in India. and technology) Draft automotive policy recommendations are: Issue: Botanical Survey of India (BSI) and Natural History Museum (NHM), UK signed a 1. Adopt a long-term roadmap for emission Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation in standards beyond BSVI and harmonize the same the field of genetic/taxonomic studies, research and with global standards by 2028 training, conservation in India, including species 2. Adopt a composite criterion based on length and and habitat conservation assessments, etc CO2 emissions to classify vehicles for differential Benefits of this agreement taxation purposes

1.The MoU will pave the way for BSI staff to work 3. Harmonize automotive standards over the next 5 in Natural History Museum, London and vice-versa years and they will share fairly and equitably the benefits 4. Improve the skill development and training eco- that may arise from the collection, study and system, increase accountability conservation of the plant materials such as seeds, herbarium specimens and tIssue samples and 5. Retain tax exemption on different levels of R&D exchange associated data and images. NHM will expenditure with strong audit control help BSI in capacity building in areas of systematic botany and long-term conservation of plant genetic 6. Scale-up of indigenous R&D with commercially resources in India. viable innovations

2. Botanical research has a long history in 7. Harmonize AIS and BIS standards on safety India, and modern scientific institutions have critical parts over next 3 years developed over two centuries. The collection of WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK 8. Fast track adoption of Bharat New Vehicle Safety Issue: Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) is Assessment Program being used by Bangalore Electricity Supply Source: Company (Bescom) to map the rooftop potential in http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=152 the city. Bescom has commissioned the mapping in 0770 a bid to meet its target of generation of 1,000 MW ‗Humans on Mars‘ (Facts based questions for of rooftop solar energy by 2022 from Bengaluru Prelims) alone. In the race to land humans on Mars, NASA is blowing the cobwebs off a technology it shelved in Some more information on LIDAR the 1970s — nuclear-powered rockets. NASA partnered with BWXT Nuclear Energy Inc. for an LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and $18.8 million contract to design a reactor and Ranging, is a remote sensing method that uses light develop fuel for use in a nuclear-thermal propulsion in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges engine for deep-space travel. (variable distances) to the Earth. These light Unlike conventional rockets that burn fuel to create pulses—combined with other data recorded by the thrust, the atomic system uses the reactor to heat a propellant like liquid hydrogen, which then expands airborne system— generate precise, three- through a nozzle to power the craft. That doubles dimensional information about the shape of the the efficiency at which the rocket uses fuel, Earth and its surface characteristics. allowing for a ―drastically smaller‖ craft and shorter transit time A LIDAR instrument principally consists of a laser, Source: a scanner, and a specialized GPS receiver. http://www.livemint.com/Science/KXCmjzg9UXJVqtkYmP5gw Airplanes and helicopters are the most commonly J/Nasa-is-bringing-back-cold-warera-atomic-rockets-to-get- to.html used platforms for acquiring LIDAR data over broad areas. Two types of LIDAR are topographic Northern Lights (Facts based questions for Prelims) and bathymetric. Topographic LIDAR typically Scientists have, for the first time, directly observed uses a near-infrared laser to map the land, while the shower of electrons bouncing across Earth‘s magnetic field, which causes the spectacular, bathymetric LIDAR uses water-penetrating green colourful phenomenon commonly known as the light to also measure seafloor and riverbed Northern Lights. elevations. Source:http://www.livemint.com/Science/UGjENGvAvvIhay YMqyDrMK/Electrons-behind-colourful-auroras-observed-for- Applications of LIDAR: the-first-ti.html Archaeology - „LIDAR‟ (GS3: Science and Technology) LIDAR has many applications in the field of archaeology including aiding in the planning of field campaigns, mapping features beneath forest WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK canopy, and providing an overview of broad, LIDAR Contour Mapping is a rapid, cost-effective continuous features that may be indistinguishable source of high-accuracy, high-density elevation data on the ground. LIDAR can also provide for many traditional topographic mapping archaeologists with the ability to create high- applications. The technology allows large area resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) of topographic surveys to be completed significantly archaeological sites that can reveal micro- faster and at a reduced cost compared to traditional topography that are otherwise hidden by vegetation. survey methods. LIDAR-derived products can be easily integrated Meteorology - into a Geographic Information System (GIS) for The first LIDARs were used for studies of analysis and interpretation. atmospheric composition, structure, clouds, and Atmospheric Studies - aerosols. Initially based on ruby lasers, LIDARs for NASA plans to test a laser-based sensor in space meteorological applications were constructed that will help scientists better understand global shortly after the invention of the laser and represent climate and how it might be changing. The one of the first applications of laser technology. instrument, called LITE (LIDAR In-Space Geology - Technology Experiment), will orbit the Earth while In geology and seismology a combination of positioned inside the payload bay of Space Shuttle aircraft-based LIDAR and GPS have evolved into Discovery. an important tool for detecting faults and measuring Bathymetry - uplift. The output of the two technologies can Although it is still beyond our reach to acquire produce extremely accurate elevation models for precise and high-resolution seafloor depths from terrain that can even measure ground elevation space, LIDAR bathymeters on fixed wing and through trees. Airborne LIDAR systems monitor rotary aircraft can penetrate the water column to glaciers and have the ability to detect subtle collect seafloor data at depths of up to amounts of growth or decline. approximately 230 feet (70 meters). Bathymetric Biology and conservation - LIDAR uses a high powered laser to transmit LIDAR has also found many applications in electromagnetic energy, specifically in near-infrared forestry. Canopy heights, biomass measurements, and green wavelengths, from the aircraft platform and leaf area can all be studied using airborne through the water column and make a time LIDAR systems. difference measurement to calculate the seafloor Law Enforcement - depth LIDAR devices have been developed that can Contour Mapping - pinpoint oncoming cars in traffic and determine their rate of speed with a great degree of accuracy. WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Oceanic Studies - WITSA represents IT industry associations in over LIDAR imaging has been used to analyze oil 80 countries or economies. WITSA's motto is contamination in the Gulf of Mexico resulting from "Fulfilling the Promise of the Digital Age". the 2010 BP oil rig disaster. Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyder Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangal abad/pm-to-open-it-world-congress- ore/aerial-mapping-of-bengalurus-solar-energy- today/article22792056.ece potential-takes-off/article22792561.ece

„ITS World Congress‟ (GS2: Global Groupings) „Endangered Indian Languages‟ (GS1: Indian Culture) Issue: Prime Minister Narendra Modi through video-conference would inaugurate the IT World Issue: According to a report of the Census Congress being conducted in Hyderabad this year Directorate, more than 40 languages or dialects in India are considered to be endangered and are Information: World Information Technology and believed to be heading towards extinction as only a Services Alliance few thousand people speak them. A list prepared by

The World Information Technology and Services UNESCO has also mentioned about the 42 Alliance (WITSA) is a consortium of associations languages or dialects in India that are endangered from the information and communications and they may be heading towards extinction technology (ICT) industry around the world. The Some of the endangered languages included in group claims that it represents over 90% of the the list are: world ICT market through its global membership, The languages or dialects which are considered and has a goal of advancing the growth and endangered, include 11 from Andaman and Nicobar development of the ICT industry. WITSA was Islands (Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Lamongse, founded in 1978 as the World Computing Services Luro, Muot, Onge, Pu, Sanenyo, Sentilese, Industry Association, and participates in advocacy Shompen and Takahanyilang), seven from Manipur in international public policy that affects the "global (Aimol, Aka, Koiren, Lamgang, Langrong, Purum information infrastructure". It voices the concerns and Tarao) and four from Himachal Pradesh of the international IT industry in organizations (Baghati, Handuri, Pangvali and Sirmaudi). such as the World Trade Organization, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and The other languages in the endangered category are Development, and the G8. Manda, Parji and Pengo (Odisha), Koraga and Kuruba (Karnataka), Gadaba and Naiki (AP), Kota and Toda (Tamil Nadu), Mra and Na (Arunachal WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Pradesh), Tai Nora and Tai Rong (Assam), Bangani The Hyperloop could result in $55 billion (Rs 3.5 (Uttarakhand), Birhor (Jharkhand), Nihali lakh crore) in socio-economic benefits over 30 (Maharashtra), Ruga (Meghalaya) and Toto (West years of operation. That apart, the 100% electric Bengal). system could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 150,000 tons annually. Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/over-40- indian-languages-dialects-heading-to- Source:https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy- extinction/article22791472.ece politics/hyperloop-one-mumbai-pune-travel-time-25-minutes- virgin-group-richard-branson-india/story/270975.html ‟Hyperloop One‟ (GS3: Science and Technology) „Digital Industrial Area‟ (GS3: Indian Economy: Issue: Richard Branson (Owner of Virgin Group) growth and development) plans to inaugurate a Hyperloop linking Mumbai and Pune that will cut down travel time to 25 Issue: Reliance Industries (RIL), along with global minutes, or less. firms, is planning to invest more than ₹60,000 crore in in the next 10 years for establishing an What is Hyperloop? integrated digital industrial area. This is expected to It's a revolutionary train service that envisions usher in a fourth industrial revolution in India by loading passengers and cargo into a pod that will Mukesh Ambani, (Chairman of Reliance Industries) accelerate gradually via electric propulsion through What is Fourth Industrial Revolution? a low-pressure tube. The fourth industrial revolution is a convergence of The pods will then quickly lift above the track using disruptive technologies in the physical, digital and magnetic levitation and glide at airline speeds for biological spheres. Some of the technologies long distances due to ultra-low aerodynamic drag. included that can be harnessed in this venture In fact, with speeds 2-3 times faster than high-speed include: artificial intelligence, robotics, blockchain, rail, Hyperloop can connect far-flung Indian cities Internet of Things, next-generation virtual and as if they were metro stops. augmented reality, life sciences, new materials and The system, boasting the capability to travel up to new sources of energy and other technologies of the 1,000 km per hour, will also have the potential for future. the rapid movement of palletized freight and light Source:http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/ cargo, creating a robust backbone for on-demand ril-eyes-60000-cr-digital-industrial- deliveries, supply chains, and next-generation area/article22791320.ece logistics.

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK „Crypto-assets‟ (GS2: Statutory and Regulatory done with minimal processing fees, allowing users bodies) to avoid the steep fees charged by most banks and financial institutions for wire transfers. Issue: In spite of the repeated warning by the government and even the RBI, the investment rate Central to the genius of Bitcoin is the block chain it into crypto currency has not gone down. The uses to store an online ledger of all the transactions government too has not outright declared Crypto- that have ever been conducted using bitcoins, assets illegal in India. In such a scenario some providing a data structure for this ledger that is believe that crypto-assets could be regulated in a exposed to a limited threat from hackers and can be fair manner to ensure safety of investment of copied across all computers running Bitcoin various stakeholders software. Many experts see this block chain as having important uses in technologies, such as What is Crypto Currency? online voting and crowd-funding, and major A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that financial institutions such as JP Morgan Chase see uses cryptography for security. A cryptocurrency is potential in cryptocurrencies to lower transaction difficult to counterfeit because of this security costs by making payment processing more efficient. feature. A defining feature of a cryptocurrency, and arguably its most endearing allure, is its organic However, because cryptocurrencies are virtual and nature; it is not Issued by any central authority, do not have a central repository, a digital rendering it theoretically immune to government cryptocurrency balance can be wiped out by a interference or manipulation. computer crash if a backup copy of the holdings does not exist. Since prices are based on supply and The first cryptocurrency to capture the public demand, the rate at which a cryptocurrency can be imagination was Bitcoin, which was launched in exchanged for another currency can fluctuate 2009 by an individual or group known under the widely. pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. As of September 2015, there were over 14.6 million bitcoins in Cryptocurrencies are not immune to the threat of circulation with a total market value of $3.4 billion. hacking. In Bitcoin's short history, the company has been subject to over 40 thefts, including a few that Cryptocurrency Benefits and Drawbacks exceeded $1 million in value. Still, many observers Cryptocurrencies make it easier to transfer funds look at cryptocurrencies as hope that a currency can between two parties in a transaction; these transfers exist that preserves value, facilitates exchange, is are facilitated through the use of public and private more transportable than hard metals, and is outside keys for security purposes. These fund transfers are the influence of central banks and governments. WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Source:http://www.thehindu.com/business/Econom Knowledge engineering is a core part of AI y/cryptoassets-regulation-in-the- research. Machines can often act and react like air/article22790827.ece humans only if they have abundant information relating to the world. Artificial intelligence must „Artificial Intelligence‟ (GS3: Science and have access to objects, categories, properties and Technology- developments and their applications relations between all of them to implement and effects in everyday life) knowledge engineering. Initiating common sense, Issue: In countries such as India, AI adoption is reasoning and problem-solving power in machines driven by the evolution of the IT infrastructure. is a difficult and tedious approach. According to the IDC Cognitive User Adoption Note: Aspirants need to know the level of AI Survey (2017), an overwhelming majority of Indian deployment in India, what impact it will have on organizations (nearly 70%) — have either adopted socio-economic aspects of Indian society. The or have plans to leverage cognitive capabilities in challenges that might arise due to AI deployment in the next 18 months. This includes a combination of India etc from a mains perspective pilot and enterprise-wide deployments. State Bank of India recently announced plans to leverage AI for Furthermore, candidates should remember certain its integrated platform, YONO (You Only Need facts such as SBI‘s YONO initiative etc from One). This digital banking platform gives users prelims perspective access to banking as well as a host of lifestyle Source:http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/ services through a single sign-on. slowly-but-surely-ai-use-is-rising-across- What is Artificial Intelligence? industries/article22790867.ece

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area of computer „Roger Federer‟ (Facts that could be asked for science that emphasizes the creation of intelligent Prelims exam) machines that work and reacts like humans. Some Roger Federer celebrated his return to the top of the of the activities computers with artificial world rankings by winning the Rotterdam Open intelligence are designed for include: here on Sunday for his 97th title. The 36-year-old,

 Speech recognition the oldest ATP No.1 in history, thrashed Bulgarian  Learning Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-2 in a one-sided final.  Planning Source:http://www.thehindu.com/sport/tennis/rotter  Problem solving dam-open-federer-finishes-with-a- flourish/article22791362.ece WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK „National Banana Festival 2018‟ (Facts based fruit among every section of the society with good question for prelims) export potential.

The Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRI Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh addressed at the D=1520827 National Banana Festival, 2018 held in „National Health Protection Scheme‟ (GS2: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Issues related to development of social sectors He highlighted the importance of banana plantation relating to health) during his address to the audience Issue: NABH accredited hospitals may get more Importance of banana plantations for India funds for offering medical treatment under the recently announced comprehensive health insurance Banana and plantains major staple food crop for scheme, says Niti Aayog millions of people in tropical developing countries, have a history of over 4000 years, dating back to Hospitals certified by the National Accreditation 2020 BC. Banana is native of India and is widely Board for Hospitals (NABH) are supposed to grown in tropical, sub-tropical, and coastal region provide quality care; Niti Aayog is considering of India. In the recent years, there is a growing helping them out financially as such care involves recognition of the importance of banana and high costs. plantains as household food, nutritional security, as The National Health Protection scheme is expected well as social security in many parts of the world. to provide secondary and tertiary care to over 10 India is the largest producer of banana in the world crore households in India. This new scheme was with 29.7 million tonnes from an area of 0.88 announced in the latest budget million hectares with a productivity of 37 MT/ha. Source:http://www.livemint.com/Politics/4CqDwmj Although India accounts for only 15.5per cent in vKfJHbUIkqjffLM/NABH-accredited-hospitals- area, its contribution in the world‘s production is may-get-more-funds-under-Modicare.html 25.58per cent. Thus, banana has emerged as one of the important fruit crops, which is easily available „Wilful defaulter‟ (GS3: Indian Economy and to common man. It is predicted that with ever- Issues relating to planning, mobilization of increasing demand, 60 million tonnes of banana will resources, growth, development and employment) be needed to meet the domestic demand in 2050. It‘s year round availability, affordability, taste, Issue: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has booked Kanpur-based firm Rotomac Global nutritional and medicinal value makes it the favorite WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Private Limited and its directors Vikram Kothari, festival involves the traditional buffalo race, a his wife and son in an alleged Rs. 3,695 crore popular and unique sport among the farming ―wilful‖ loan default case. The Enforcement community of the state. The Kambala festival Directorate is also launching a money laundering season starts in November and lasts till March. probe into fund-diversion charges against the accused. The origin of the Kambala celebration can be traced back to more than a thousand years. During the There have been also other high profile cases such early days of the festival it was known as Karaga as this in recent past. The most famous one being celebrations. Later it came to be known as Kambala ‗Vijay Mallya‘ celebrations.

Who is a wilful defaulter? Source:http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/presidential- assent-for-bill-on-kambala/article22803034.ece A wilful defaulter is an entity or a person that has not paid the loan back despite the ability to repay it. „Global Forum on TB‟ (GS2: Issues relating to development and management of social sectors As per the RBI regulations, willful default covers to health) several broad areas: Issue: A clinical trial has provided encouraging 1.Deliberate non-payment of the dues despite new evidence that TB vaccines can prevent adequate cash flow and good net worth sustained infections in high-risk adolescents. The results will be announced on Tuesday at the 5th 2.Siphoning off of funds to the detriment of the Global Forum on TB Vaccines in New Delhi. defaulting unit According to the World Health Organisation, about 3.Assets and proceeds have been mis-utilized one-third of the world‘s population has latent TB 4.Misrepresentation / falsification of records; infection, which means people have been infected Disposal / removal of securities without bank‘s by TB bacteria but are not (yet) ill with the disease knowledge and cannot transmit the disease. People infected with TB bacteria have a lifetime risk of falling ill 5.Fraudulent transactions by the borrower with TB of 10%. People ill with TB can infect 10- 15 other people through close contact over the Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/cbi-books-head- of-rotomac-pens-for-rs-3695-crore-default/article22802040.ece course of a year. Without proper treatment, 45% of HIV-negative people with TB on average and „Kambala‟ (GS1: Indian Culture) nearly all HIV-positive people with TB will die.

Issue: President Ram Nath Kovind has given In March 2017 the Government of India (GoI) assent to The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act announced that the new aim with regard to TB in (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2017 that seeks to India was the elimination of TB by 2025. insulate Kambala, the slush-track buffalo race of Dakshina Kannada, from the purview of the Act. India accounts for about a quarter of the global TB burden. Worldwide India is the country with the Kambala: highest burden of both TB and MDR TB. There are an estimated 79,000 multi-drug resistant TB Kambala is an annual festival celebrated in the patients among the notified cases of pulmonary TB Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. The each year. India is also the country with the second WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK highest number (after South Africa) of estimated •For example, TB infections usually spread between HIV associated TB cases family members who live in the same house. It would be highly unlikely for you to become India also has more than a million ―missing‖ cases infected by sitting next to an infected person on a every year that are not notified and most remain bus or train. either undiagnosed or unaccountably and inadequately diagnosed and treated in the private •Not everyone with TB is infectious. Children with sector TB or people with a TB infection that occurs outside the lungs (extra-pulmonary TB) don't spread Private and public care the infection. TB treatment & care in India is provided in the Source:http://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/tb- public sector by the government‘s Revised National vaccination-new-study-rekindles-hope-to-prevent-sustained- TB Control Programme (RNTCP) as well as infections-5070649/ through private sector health providers. The private „Fly Ash‟ (GS3: Conservation of Environment) sector is very large, and it is believed that more than half of all TB patients are cared for in the private Issue: The National Green Tribunal has directed all sector. States and Union Territories to submit an action plan on the usage of fly ash that is generated from There are many reasons why people in India seek thermal power plants. care from the private sector. These include: Uses of fly ash •poor knowledge of TB; Fly ash can be used as prime material in blocks, •poor knowledge of services available through the paving or bricks; however, one the most important national public program; applications is PCC pavement. PCC pavements use •the convenience of services in the private sector; a large amount of concrete and substituting fly ash provides significant economic benefits. Fly ash has •a desire for confidentiality; also been used for paving roads and as embankment •A desire for personalized care. and mine fills, and it's gaining acceptance by government Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a type of bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. National green tribunal

•Its spread when a person with active TB disease in The National Green Tribunal has been established their lungs coughs or sneezes and someone else on 18.10.2010 under the National Green Tribunal inhales the expelled droplets, which contain TB Act 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of bacteria. cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources •Although TB is spread in a similar way to a cold or including enforcement of any legal right relating to the flu, it isn't as contagious. environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property and for matters •You would have to spend prolonged periods connected therewith or incidental thereto. It is a (several hours) in close contact with an infected specialized body equipped with the necessary person to catch the infection yourself. expertise to handle environmental disputes

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK involving multi-disciplinary issues. The Tribunal Source:http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/bank- shall not be bound by the procedure laid down bureau-stares-at-uncertain-future/article22800081.ece under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall „Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor‟ (GS3: be guided by principles of natural justice. Infrastructure) The Tribunal's dedicated jurisdiction in Issue: he Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor environmental matters shall provide speedy (DMIC), a mega infrastructure project with an environmental justice and help reduce the burden of estimated investment of $100 billion, has attracted litigation in the higher courts. The Tribunal is interest from companies based out of Canada, the mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of U.S., Singapore and Taiwan. applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same. Initially, the NGT is proposed to DMIC: be set up at five places of sittings and will follow circuit procedure for making itself more accessible. Delhi - Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) is New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting of the India's most ambitious infrastructure programme Tribunal and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai aiming to develop new industrial cities as "Smart shall be the other four place of sitting of the Cities" and converging next generation technologies Tribunal. across infrastructure sectors. The objective is to expand India's Manufacturing & Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/submit-action- plan-on-use-of-fly-ash-says-ngt/article22800267.ece Services base and develop DMIC as a "Global Manufacturing and Trading Hub". The programme „Bank Board Bureau (BBB)‟ (GS2: Government will provide a major impetus to planned policies and interventions for development in urbanization in India with manufacturing as the key various sectors and Issues arising out of their driver. In addition to new Industrial Cities, the design and implementation) programme envisages development of infrastructure Issue: The term of all the members will come to linkages like power plants, assured water supply, end on 31 March. The government is yet to high capacity transportation and logistics facilities communicate if the terms will be extended or a new as well as softer interventions like skill board will be formed development programme for employment of the local populace. In the first phase eight new BBB industrial cities are being developed. The programme has been conceptualized in partnership The BBB was set up under the government‘s and collaboration with Government of Japan. Indradanush programme to reform public sector banks. It started operations in April 2016. Source: http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/firms-from- 4-nations-keen-on-dmic/article22800101.ece The BBB was conceived by the PJ Nayak committee and was seen as a step taken towards „World Environment Day 2018: Plastic reforming the boards of public sector banks. The Pollution‟ (GS3: Conservation of Environment) committee, in its report, had recommended that the Issue: Terming plastic a serious menace, Union government should distance itself from the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate appointment process of top management and board Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has emphasised that the members of PSBs — a function that could be Ministry itself must take the lead in discouraging performed by the BBB. WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK the use of plastic. ―It is the beginning of the end of „Kerala‟s new medical policy‟ (GS3: Issues plastic menace,‖ Dr Vardhan declared. Speaking at related to health) an event to mark the announcement of India as Global Host of World Environment Day 2018 Issue: The Kerala cabinet approved a draft Medical Policy on Tuesday. According to the draft Medical Source: http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1520904 Policy, it is necessary for all students seeking admission to produce a vaccination card. „Global Digital Health Partnership summit at Australia‟ (Facts important for Prelims) Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/fyi/story/kerala- draft-medical-policy-shailaja-vaccination- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) certificate-school-admission-1173843-2018-02-20 has great potential towards improvement of delivery of healthcare services. India is committed to ‗Mono Sodium Glutamete‘ (GS3: Issues related to reforms in health service delivery using ICTunder Health) Digital India Program of Government of India.‖ This was stated by Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister Issue: A new study has found that eliminating for Health and Family Welfare during his address at monosodium glutamate (MSG) can reduce Global Digital Health Partnership Summit, at discomfort drastically Canberra, Australia. The Union Health Minister MSG is mostly used in stock cubes, crisps and spoke on the topic: Making Digital Health Services ready-made meals. It has been found to over a Priority in Healthcare Reform. stimulate receptors in the brain that leads to cell death, which has been linked to chronic pain. Source: http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1520904

Source: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/health-and- „Reserve Bank Of India‟ (GS2: Role of wellbeing/200218/eliminating-msg-from-your-diet-can-reduce- Regulatory Bodies) chronic-discomfort-study.html

Issue: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up „Google‟s New Artificial Intelligence‟ (GS3: a panel under board member Y.H. Malegam, a Science and Technology) former president of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), to look into the factors Issue: Researchers at Google have developed a leading to increasing incidents of bank frauds. new artificial intelligence system that can accurately predict the risk of heart diseases by scanning images The move comes a week after Punjab National of peoples‘ retina. The discovery may point to more Bank said it has fallen victim to a Rs11,400 crore ways to diagnose health issues from retinal images fraud, at the centre of which is billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi. Source: https://www.deccanchronicle.com/technology/in-other- news/200218/google-machine-learning-ai-heart-diseases-by- The Maelgam panel will also look into reasons for scanning-your-eyes-scan.html high divergence in NPA classification and „Supernova‟ (GS3: Science) provisioning by banks. Issue: Scientists have confirmed the discovery of Source: the most distant supernova ever detected – a huge http://www.livemint.com/Industry/12fB328FFaaVVU0WeKBVzO/RBI -sets-up-panel-to-look-into-factors-leading-to-bank-fraud.html cosmic explosion that took place 10.5 billion years ago, or three-quarters the age of the universe. A

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK supernova is the explosion of a massive star at the •The neonatal mortality rate of India is 25.4 deaths end of its life cycle. per 1,000 live births

Some more information on this supernova •India is the only major country in the world to have a higher mortality for girls than boys The exploding star, named DES16C2nm, was detected by the Dark Energy Survey (DES), an •Neonatal mortality rates for Goa and Kerala is 10 international collaboration to map several hundred per 1,000 live births million galaxies in order to find out more about dark energy – the mysterious force believed to be •Uttarakhand and Bihar have the neonatal mortality causing the accelerated expansion of the universe. rate of 44 per 1,000 live births As detailed in the study published in The •Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Astrophysical Journal, light from the event has Rajasthan account for 46% of all births and 57% of taken 10.5 billion years to reach Earth, making it India's neonatal death the oldest supernova ever discovered and studied. Ways to improve the situation Source:http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/science/mos t-distant-supernova-ever-dates-back-10-5-billion-years-study- More than 80 per cent of newborn deaths can be 5071736/ saved with:

„India becomes the 12th riskiest country for •Access to well-trained midwives newborns according to UNICEF report‟ (GS3: Issues related to Health) •Provide clean water, disinfectants,

Issue: According to a recent report released by •Breastfeeding within the first hour UNICEF on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, India is •Skin-to-skin contact amongst the riskiest countries for newborns. •Good nutrition According to UNICEF, newborn survival is closely linked to a country's income level. Globally, in low- •Invest money in a smart way to improve health income countries, the average newborn mortality care rate (NMR) is 27, while in high-income countries the figure is only three. Problems in implementation

Highlights of the report •Shortage of properly trained health workers and midwives •According to the report, India is not on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goal target for •Babies born to the poorest families are 40 per cent neonatal mortality of 12 by 2030. In order to meet more likely to die than those who are born to the the goal, the country will have to reduce its neonatal least poor deaths by half in the next 12 years. •Babies born to mothers with no education face •On the list of "lower middle-income countries" that nearly twice the risk of early death as babies whose pose risk for newborns, India stands at rank 12 mothers have at least a secondary education among the 52 countries

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Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/gk-current- business and ensures that natural resources are used affairs/story/india-becomes-the-12th-riskiest-country-for-newborns- for national development. As the entire revenue according-to-unicef-report-1173745-2018-02-20 from the auction of coal mines for sale of coal „Commercial Coal Mining‟ (GS2: Government would accrue to the coal bearing States, this Policies and interventions for development in methodology shall incentivize them with increased various sectors and Issues arising out of their revenues which can be utilized for the growth and design and implementation) development of backward areas and their Issue: Opening up commercial coal mining for inhabitants including tribal Indian and foreign companies in the private sector, Coals bearing regions in India the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on

February 20 approved the methodology for auction India has some of the largest reserves of coal in the of coal mines/blocks for sale of the commodity. world (approx. 267 billion tonnes). The energy

This move ends the monopoly of the Coal India derived from coal in India is about twice that of enjoyed so far energy derived from oil, whereas worldwide, energy derived from coal is about 30% less than energy Operational details of the policy derived from oil.

The auction — on an online transparent platform — The top producing states are: will be an ascending forward auction whereby the bid parameter will be the price offer in rupees per  Chhattisgarh tonne, which will be paid to the State government  Orissa on the actual production of coal. There shall be no  Jharkhand restriction on the sale and/or utilization of coal from the mine Other notable coal-mining areas include:

Advantages of the policy  Singareni collieries in Khammam district, Telangana This reform is expected to bring efficiency into the  Chirimiri Coalfield And Hasdeo coalfield in coal sector by moving from an era of monopoly to Koriya District, Chhattisgarh competition. It will increase competitiveness and  Jharia mines in Dhanbad district, Jharkhand allow the use of best possible technology into the  Orissa sector  Nagpur & Chandrapur district, Maharashtra Furthermore, the methodology Okayed gives  Raniganj in Bardhaman district, West highest priority to transparency, ease of doing Bengal

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 Neyveli lignite mines in Cuddalore district, Issue: Sophia, the humanoid, laid the concerns of Tamil Nadu humans to rest when she Answered whether  Singrauli Coalfield and Umaria Coalfield in artificial intelligence and robots during the World Madhya Pradesh IT summit held in Hyderabad  Orissa Sophia, humanoid robot  Nagpur & Chandrapur district, Maharashtra  Raniganj in Bardhaman district, West Sophia is a social humanoid robot developed by Bengal Hong Kong-based Company Hanson Robotics.  Neyveli lignite mines in Cuddalore district, Sophia was activated on April 19, 2015 and made Tamil Nadu her first public appearance at South by Southwest  Singrauli Coalfield and Umaria Coalfield in Festival (SXSW) in mid-March 2016 in Austin, Madhya Pradesh Texas, United States. She is able to display more  jowai, garo hills in meghalaya than 62 facial expressions.

Cabinet committee on Economic Affairs In October 2017, the robot became a Saudi Arabian citizen, the first robot to receive citizenship of any The major function of the Cabinet Committee on country. In November 2017, Sophia was named the Economic Affairs (CCEA) is to review economic United Nations Development Programme first ever trends on a continuous basis, as also the problems Innovation Champion, and the first non-human to and prospects, with a view to evolving a consistent be given any United Nations title. and integrated economic policy framework for the country. It also directs and coordinates all policies Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp- national/tp-andhrapradesh/humanoid-sophia-steals-the- and activities in the economic field including show/article22811089.ece?utm_source=tp- foreign investment that require policy decisions at andhrapradesh&utm_medium=sticky_footer the highest level. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has been constituted „AGNI-II‟ (GS3: Indigenization of technology) with the Prime Minister has the chairman Issue: India test-fired its medium range nuclear

Source:https://www.businesstoday.in/sectors/energy/govern capable Agni-II missile with a strike range of 2,000 ment-opens-coal-mining-to-private-sector-firms-coal-india- km from Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast monopoly/story/271070.html The trial of the surface-to-surface missile was „Humanoid Sophia‟ (GS3: Science and conducted from a mobile launcher at the Launch Technology) Complex-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR)

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK AGNI II bill that would have a single tribunal to replace all existing water tribunals. The driving motive for The Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) such a tribunal is that tribunals had a decades-long has already been inducted into the services and the history of being ―extremely inefficient‖ at settling latest test was carried out by the Army's Strategic disputes quickly and fairly. The proposed Bill has Forces Command (SFC) with logistic support provisions for members, even a Chairperson, provided by the Defence Research and outside the judiciary. Development Organisation (DRDO) Some information on River Mahanadi The 20-mt-long Agni-II ballistic missile has a launch weight of 17 tonne and can carry a payload The Mahanadi is a major river in East Central of 1,000 kg over a distance of 2,000 kms India. It drains an area of around 141,600 square kilometres (54,700 sq mi) and has a total course of Agni-II, a two-stage missile, equipped with 858 kilometres (533 mi). The river flows through advanced high accuracy navigation system and the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha. guided by a unique command and control system was propelled by solid rocket propellant system Like many other seasonal Indian rivers, the Mahanadi too is a combination of many mountain The missile is part of the Agni series of missiles streams and thus its precise source is impossible to which includes the Agni-I with a 700 km range, pinpoint. However its farthest headwaters lie 6 Agni-III with a 3,000 km range, Agni-IV and Agni- kilometres (3.7 mi) from Pharsiya village 442 V both having long range capabilities. metres (1,450 ft) above sea level south of sihawa town in Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh.The hills Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/i ndia-test-fires-agni-ii-missile-off-odisha- here are an extension of the Eastern Ghats and are a coast/articleshow/62993975.cms source of many other streams which then go on to join the Mahanadi. „Mahanadi Tribunal‟ (GS2: Issues and

Challenges pertaining to federal structure) For the first 80 kilometres (50 mi) of its course, the

Issue: The Union Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Mahanadi flow in a northerly direction and drains setting up of a tribunal to settle a row between the Raipur district and touches eastern portions of Odisha and Chhattisgarh on sharing the waters of Raipur city. It is a rather narrow river at this stage the river Mahanadi. and the total width of its valley does not exceed 500–600 metres. The order on constituting a new tribunal comes even as the government plans to introduce a new WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Article 262 of the Indian constitution provides impact, with some areas experiencing increases in provisions to deal with such inter-state water sea ice extent. Yet in others, sea ice is decreasing, dispute. Parliament can make laws to adjudicate with measurable impacts on wildlife. such matters. Under such a provision, the Understanding climate change impacts on parliament has established a various tribunals, one Antarctica is a matter of critical importance for the such is ‗Mahadayi water tribunal‘. This tribunal is world and for the continent itself. yet to pronounce a verdict. The article also prevents neither Supreme Court of India nor any other court Local Antarctic effects of climate change are only to exercise its jurisdiction in such matters. part of the problem. Antarctica comprises two

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cabinet- geologically distinct regions, East Antarctica and approves-setting-up-tribunal-to-settle-mahanadi-water- West Antarctica, separated by the great Trans- dispute/article22805069.ece Antarctic Mountains but joined together by the all-

„Antarctica expedition‟ (GS3: Achievements of encompassing ice sheet. The presence of the high Indians in Science) ice sheet and the polar location make Antarctica a powerful heat sink that strongly affects the climate Issue: Fifteen Indians will join 95 others from of the whole Earth. Furthermore, the annual sea ice across the globe on an expedition to Antarctica, cover around the continent, which seasonally with an aim to bring back first-hand knowledge on reaches an area greater than that of the continent the impact of climate change on the planet. itself, modulates exchanges of heat, moisture, and

Importance of this expedition gases between the atmosphere and ocean and, through salt rejection when it freezes, forces the Although the impact of climate change and the formation of cold oceanic bottom waters that spread Arctic are discussed often in the media, climate out under the world‘s oceans. Alterations to this change in the Antarctic is comparatively neglected system will affect climate all over the planet. or reported misleadingly. The science, however, is clear: climate change is already negatively Actions to address Antarctic climate change impacting Antarctica. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions:

The West Antarctic Peninsula is one of the fastest Widespread deployment of energy efficiency and warming areas on Earth, with only some areas of renewable energy systems at all Antarctic stations, the Arctic Circle experiencing faster rising coordination of transport and logistics strategic temperatures. However, since Antarctica is a big planning about new facilities (necessity, location place, climate change is not having a uniform and design) can bring about regional and global

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK environmental benefits as well as cost savings. native human population. For the purposes of the Given that Antarctica is one of the regions of the treaty system, Antarctica is defined as all of the land world where the impacts of climate change are most and ice shelves south of 60°S latitude. The treaty apparent and pronounced, Antarctic Treaty Parties entered into force in 1961 and currently has 53 should lead by example in the global effort in parties. The treaty sets aside Antarctica as a addressing climate change. scientific preserve, establishes freedom of scientific investigation and bans military activity on the Implementation of climate adaptation strategies: continent. The treaty was the first arms control Strategies for reducing the vulnerability of climate agreement established during the Cold War. Since sensitive ecosystems and organisms will be September 2004, the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat increasingly important as the rapid changes headquarters has been located in Buenos Aires, underway may exceed the natural abilities of many Argentina.[3] Antarctic organisms to cope. Strategies to increase the resilience of ecosystems include: establishing a The main treaty was opened for signature on representative network of marine protected areas, December 1, 1959 and officially entered into force protecting areas which are less likely to change such on June 23, 1961. The original signatories were the as the Ross Sea; implementing appropriate bio- 12 countries active in Antarctica during the security measures; putting into place adaptive International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957–58. management systems which are able to incorporate The twelve countries that had significant interests in uncertainty and to respond to new information Antarctica at the time were: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Designation of marine protected areas: Protecting Norway, South Africa, the Soviet Union, the United large areas from fishing and pollution will provide Kingdom and the United States. These countries had refuges for vulnerable species whose habitat may be established over 50 Antarctic stations for the IGY. changing dramatically. The Ross Sea, an area that is The treaty was a diplomatic expression of the expected to warm more slowly than the rest of the operational and scientific cooperation that had been Antarctic, is a particularly important area for focus. achieved "on the ice".

Antarctic Treaty System India too has ratified this treaty in the year 1983

The Antarctic Treaty and related agreements, Indian Antarctic program collectively known as the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS), regulate international relations with respect The Indian Antarctic Program is a multi- to Antarctica, Earth's only continent without a disciplinary, multi-institutional program under the

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK control of the National Centre for Antarctic and Issue: Under the new mode of cancer treatment Ocean Research, Ministry of Earth Sciences, using nano particles, the anti-cancer drug will Government of India. It was initiated in 1981 with directly target tumour cells without harming the the first Indian expedition to Antarctica. The healthy cells of the body program gained global acceptance with India's Scientists at the Department of Science and signing of the Antarctic Treaty and subsequent Technology have fabricated highly biocompatible construction of the Dakshin Gangotri Antarctic porous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nano- research base in 1983, superseded by the Maitri particles as a versatile vehicle to deliver anti-cancer base from 1990. The newest base commissioned in drugs to the nuclei of tumour cells without utilizing 2015 is Bharati, constructed out of 134 shipping any intrinsic ligands (ions or molecules). The containers. Under the program, atmospheric, nucleus of any cell contains the majority of its biological, earth, chemical, and medical sciences genetic material. are studied by India, which has carried out 30 scientific expeditions to the Antarctic as of 14 Anti-cancer drugs can be delivered to the nuclei of October 2010. cells either in a free drug form, or via nano-

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/energy-and- vehicles-based delivery systems. Targeting the environment/15-indians-to-head-to- drugs directly to the required cellular compartments antarctica/article22808819.ece like nuclei reduces their non-specific interactions

„Global Temperature‟ (GS3: Conservation of with other cell components which can limit their Environment) efficiency and cause side effects

Issue: Global temperature in January 2018 was the What is Nano-Technology? fifth highest for the month since 1880, says US Nanoscience and nanotechnology are the study and government‘s National Oceanic and Atmospheric application of extremely small things and can be Administration used across all the other science fields, such as Source:http://www.livemint.com/Politics/1KpxV9GoJSkJvw chemistry, biology, physics, materials science, and d2pyucWL/Global-temperature-in-January-2018-fifth-highest- engineering. for-the-mon.html

Source:http://www.livemint.com/Science/XTAYimOwV4g5 „Cancer Treatment using Nano Particles‟ (GS3: 72BS8frBuO/Scientists-find-new-cancer-treatment-using- Achievement of Indians in Science and nano-particles.html Technology) „Mount Sinabung‟ (GS1: World Geography)

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Issue: The eruption of Indonesia‘s Mount violence. He was addressing the gathering after Sinabung that shot ash 5 km (3 miles) high also visiting the exhibition that showcases the forgotten blew away much of the mountain‘s summit. Prince of yester years Dara Shukoh organized by Mr. Francois Gautier, at Indira Gandhi National The volcano in North Sumatra, which has been Centre for the Arts, in New Delhi active since 2010 after centuries of dormancy, erupted explosively on Monday morning. „Dara Shikoh‟

Hot ash clouds rolled down its slopes, traveling as Dara Shukoh, also known as Dara Shikoh (20 far as 4.9 kilometers from the crater, and ash March 1615 – 30 August 1659) was the eldest son reached Lhokseumawe, a city more than 260 and heir-apparent of the fifth Mughal emperor Shah kilometers (162 miles) to the northwest. Jahan. He was favoured as a successor by his father, Shah Jahan, and his older sister, Princess Jahanara Source:http://www.livemint.com/Politics/Xz6jfNj5wjB1zUZ Begum, but was defeated and later killed by his xuniisI/Mount-Sinabung-eruption-Volcanic-blast-reshaped- younger brother, Prince Muhiuddin (later, the summit-of-t.html Emperor Aurangzeb), in a bitter struggle for the „WATANKOJANO‟ (Facts that could be asked imperial throne. in prelims) He was also a patron of fine arts, music and Youth from Jammu & Kashmir participating in dancing, a trait frowned upon by his younger sibling ‗WatankoJano‘, an initiative of the Ministry of Muhiuddin, later the Emperor Aurangzeb. The Home Affairs, called on the President of India, Shri 'Dara Shikoh' is a collection of paintings and Ram NathKovind, at Rashtrapati Bhavan calligraphy assembled from the 1630s until his death. Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=15210 46 Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=15210 46 „Dara Shikoh‟ (GS1: Indian Culture: Literature) „National Urban Housing Fund‟ (GS2: Welfare Issue: The Vice President of India, Shri M. schemes of the Centre) Venkaiah Naidu has said that Prince Dara Shukoh‘s writings can come as a refreshing source for Issue: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime infusing peace and harmony, whenever we are Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given approval for confronted by the narrow walls that tend to divide creation of National Urban Housing Fund (NUHF) humanity and conflicts that result in needless for Rs.60,000 crores. This fund will be situated in

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Building Materials and Technology Promotion c. Mutual technical assistance, including Council (BMTPC), an autonomous body registered exchanging of experts. under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 under the Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRI Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. D=1521046 NUHF will facilitate raising requisite funds in next „India-Israel cooperation on film co-production‟ four years so that flow of Central Assistance under (GS2: Bilateral relations) different verticals i.e. Beneficiary Linked Construction (BLC), Affordable Housing in Issue: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Partnership(AHP), In-Situ Slum Redevelopment Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post (ISSR) and Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) facto approval to an Agreement on Film Co- is sustained and construction of houses to address production between India and Israel the gap in Urban Sector progresses smoothly. Co-production of an Indian film with an Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=15210 international party means that Indian producer can 46 access international funds and can collaborate on

„India- Morocco railway agreement‟ (GS2: the script, talent and distribution at international Bilateral Relations) level. Co-production of a film under this treaty will qualify it to be national production both in India and Issue: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Israel. This will also enable a common pool of Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post creative, artistic, technical, financial and marketing facto approval to the Cooperation Agreement resources of the two countries. The co-produced betweenIndia and the Moroccan National Railways films will also be eligible for their participation as Office (ONCF) to develop long-term cooperation domestic productions in film festivals of both the and partnership in different areas of railway sector. countries and any other incentives which are available for carrying out production and post- The Cooperation Agreement will enable technical production work in any of the countries. cooperation in the following areas:-

Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=15210 a. Training and staff development; 46 b. Expert missions, exchange of experience and New Bill to ban Unregulated Deposit Schemes personnel; and and Chit Funds (Amendment) Bill, 2018 (GS2:

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the Swachhta drive will be steered by school-children population) affiliated to Ministry of Culture, Government of India‘s Interpretation Centres through exhibitions, Issue: In a major policy initiative to protect the songs, puppetry, nukkad nataks and folk dances. savings of the investors, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRI given its approval to introduce the following bills in D=1521046 the Parliament:- International Mother Language Day 2018 (Facts (a) Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, that could be asked for prelims) 2018 in parliament & On the occasion of International Mother Language

(b) Chit Funds (Amendment) Bill, 2018 Day 2018, representatives of 22 native languages from across the country passed ‗Bengaluru Note: More information on this topic will be resolutions‘, urging the Union government to provided after the parliament passes the said bill include all native languages of the country in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. The Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRI participants, who included academicians and D=1521046 linguists, also demanded equal status for all

Varanasi to hold a two day Sanskriti Mahotsav scheduled official languages.

„Swachhagrah – Bapu ko Kaaryaanjali‟ ( Facts Eighth schedule that can be asked for prelims exam) The Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India Issue: To celebrate the creative and cultural lists the official languages of the Republic of India. industries in Varanasi and to focus attention on the At the time when the Constitution was enacted, need for Swachhta by using cultural forms, a inclusion in this list meant that the language was Sanskriti Mahotsav ―Swachhagrah – Bapu ko entitled to representation on the Official Languages Kaaryaanjali‖ is being organized Commission, and that the language would be one of the bases that would be drawn upon to enrich Hindi, The Mahotsav will integrate the tangible and the official language of the Union. The list has intangible heritage along the river-belt and will see since, however, acquired further significance. The the engagement of the academia, artists, artisans, Government of India is now under an obligation to writers, poets, environmental and cultural forums on take measures for the development of these the use of cultural expressions for conservation and languages, such that "they grow rapidly in richness protection of the river and the ancient city. The WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK and become effective means of communicating the very same beach from where they first hatched, modern knowledge". In addition, a candidate to lay their eggs. They lay their eggs in conical appearing in an examination conducted for public nests about one and a half feet deep which they service is entitled to use any of these languages as laboriously dig with their hind flippers. In the the medium in which he or she Answers the paper. Indian Ocean, the majority of olive ridleys nest in two or three large groups near Gahirmatha in Per Articles 344(1) and 351 of the Indian Odisha. The coast of Odisha in India is the largest Constitution, the eighth schedule includes the mass nesting site for the olive ridley, followed by recognition of the 22 languages the coasts of Mexico and Costa Rica

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/beng The olive ridley is classified as Vulnerable aluru-resolutions-inclusion-of-all-native-languages-in-eighth- according to the International Union for schedule-sought/article22820082.ece Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources „Olive Ridley Turtles‟ (GS3: Conservation of (IUCN), and is listed in Appendix I of CITES. Environment) These listings were largely responsible for halting the large scale commercial exploitation and trade of Issue: More than 3,100 female olive ridley turtles olive ridley skins. The Convention on Migratory came out of the sea to the sandy beach of the Species and the Inter-American Convention for the Rushikulya rookery coast in Ganjam district of Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles have Odisha on Tuesday night for mass nesting. The also provided olive ridleys with protection, leading Rushikulya coast is considered to be a major nesting to increased conservation and management for this site in the world and lakhs of olive ridleys come marine turtle. National listings for this species range here every year to lay eggs. from Endangered to Threatened, yet enforcing these sanctions on a global scale has been unsuccessful Olive Ridley Turtle for the most part. The olive ridley sea turtle also known as the Pacific Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is a marine wildlife ridley sea turtle is a medium-sized species of sea sanctuary located in Odisha and is a very popular turtle found in warm and tropical waters, primarily tourist attraction of Odisha in India. It extends from in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They can also be Dhamra River mouth in the north to Brahmani river found in warm waters of Atlantic Ocean mouth in the south. It is very famous for its nesting Olive ridley turtles are best known for their beach for olive ridley sea turtles. It is the one of behavior of synchronized nesting in mass numbers, world's most important nesting beach for turtles. termed arribadas. Interestingly, females return to WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other- The term chemical weapon is applied to any toxic states/mass-nesting-of-olive-ridleys-begins-in- chemical or its precursor that can cause death, odisha/article22817749.ece injury, temporary incapacitation or sensory irritation through its chemical action. Munitions or other SARAS (GS3: Indigenization of Technology) delivery devices designed to deliver chemical Issue: The indigenous light transport aircraft weapons, whether filled or unfilled, are also (LTA) SARAS on Wednesday completed the considered weapons themselves. second of the proposed 20 test flights. It is designed The toxic chemicals that have been used as and developed by National Aerospace Laboratories chemical weapons, or have been developed for use (NAL) as chemical weapons, can be categorised as

Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/saras- choking, blister, blood, or nerve agents. The most completes-2nd-test-flight-minister-hails- well-known agents are as follows: choking agents— efforts/articleshow/63016090.cms chlorine and phosgene, blister agents (or vesicants)—mustard and lewisite, blood agents— „Syrian Civil War‟ (GS2: International hydrogen cyanide, nerve agents—sarin, soman, VX. Relations)

Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Issue: The barbaric campaign of airstrikes and Weapons bombardments launched by government forces in rebel-held Eastern Ghouta, on the outskirts of The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Damascus, have killed at least 270 people in three Weapons is the implementing body of the Chemical days Weapons Convention (CWC), which entered into force in 1997. As of today OPCW has 192 Member It was here that chemical weapons were first used in States, who are working together to achieve a world 2013, killing hundreds of people. free of chemical weapons. Note: Question on this issue would primarily focus The OPCW Member States represent about 98% of on the geographical location of Syria, the effects of the global population and landmass, as well as 98% such a prolonged civil war, for example: refugee of the worldwide chemical industry. India is also a crisis. It will also be prudent to know the treaty member of this organization against the use of chemical weapons treaty

Australia Group What is Chemical Weapons?

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK The Australia Group is a multilateral export Syria is located in Southwestern Asia, north of the control regime (MECR) and an informal group of Arabian Peninsula, at the eastern end of the countries (now joined by the European Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by Turkey to the Commission) established in 1985 (after the use of north, Lebanon and Israel to the west and chemical weapons by Iraq in 1984) to help member southwest, Iraq to the east, and Jordan to the south. countries to identify those exports which need to be It consists of mountain ranges in the west and a controlled so as not to contribute to the spread of steep area inland. In the east is the Syrian Desert chemical and biological weapons. and in the south is the Jabal al-Druze Range. The former is bisected by the Euphrates valley. A dam The group, initially consisting of 15 members, held built in 1973 on the Euphrates created a reservoir its first meeting in Brussels, Belgium, in September named Lake Assad, the largest lake in Syria. 1989. With the incorporation of India on January 19, 2018, it now has 43 members, including Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/fire-and- Australia, the European Commission, all 28 fury/article22818648.ece member states of the European Union, Ukraine, and http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/38-more-killed- Argentina. The name comes from Australia's as-bombing-of-syrian-enclave-intensifies/article22818452.ece initiative to create the group. Australia manages the secretariat. Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) (GS3: Indian The initial members of the group had different Economy) assessments of which chemical precursors should be subject to export control. Later adherents initially Issue: This system was misused by a group of had no such controls. Today, members of the group Individual to dupe Punjab National Bank (PNB) for maintain export controls on a uniform list of 54 11,500 Crore compounds, including several that are not What is SWIFT? prohibited for export under the Chemical Weapons

Convention, but can be used in the manufacture of It is a messaging network that connects banks and chemical weapons. Delegations representing the other financial institutions across the world. A bank members meet every year in Paris, France. India is that is part of SWIFT can use the system to convey also a member of this group credit instruments called letters of undertaking (LoUs) to other banks located overseas. A LoU is Geography of Syria simply a request made to another bank in the SWIFT network to loan money to a client. The bank

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK that Issues the LoU essentially guarantees the bank Falcon Heavy is a partially reusable super heavy- that receives the LoU request that it stands by the lift launch vehicle designed and manufactured by creditworthiness of the borrower. That is, in case of SpaceX. It is derived from the Falcon 9 vehicle and a default, the bank that Issued the LoU stands liable consists of a strengthened Falcon 9 first stage as a to compensate the bank that made the loan to the central core with two additional first stages as strap- borrower. on boosters.

PNB alleges that employees at one of its branches SpaceX conducted Falcon Heavy's maiden launch in Mumbai Issued fraudulent LoUs that were not on February 6, 2018. The rocket carried a Tesla authorised by its management. This allegedly Roadster belonging to SpaceX founder Elon Musk allowed Mr. Modi's companies to obtain loans from as a dummy payload the overseas branches of various Indian banks. The 230-ft-tall rocket with 2,500 tonnes of thrust, SWIFT has been misused by miscreants on a the equivalent of 18 Boeing 747 aircraft at full number of occasions. In 2016, there was a cyber- throttle, blasted into space with the capability of heist of $81 million from Bangladesh‘s central carrying as much as 64 tonnes of payload to low bank. Russia‘s central bank recently reported that Earth orbit. This translates to doubling the $6 million was stolen from a Russian bank last year maximum payload carrying capacity from 30 tonnes by exploiting the SWIFT system. Even the Reserve using the Delta IV Heavy. In comparison, the Indian Bank of India stated this week that it had privately Space Research Organization‘s GSLV Mark-III, the warned Indian banks about the prospect of misuse rocket with maximum payload carrying capacity, of SWIFT at least three times since August 2016. can hoist only about 10 tonnes payload to low Earth orbit. Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/the-nuts- and-bolts-of-a-fraud/article22818138.ece Source: http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op- ed/magnificent-launch/article22818005.ece „Falcon heavy‟ (GS3: Science and Technology) „Blockchain Technology‟ (GS3: Science and Issue: On February 7, U.S. tech and automobiles Technology) billionaire Elon Musk made history when the Falcon Heavy, the world‘s most powerful rocket, Issue: The adoption of blockchain by India‘s banks was successfully launched by SpaceX could help avert frauds such as the one at Punjab National Bank as the disaggregated and transparent Information on Falcon Heavy nature of the technology, which updates information across all users simultaneously, would have ensured WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK that various officials would have instantly been Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/person alerted to the creation of the letters of undertaking al-finance-news/can-blockchain-help-prevent-pnb-like- (LoUs), according to bankers and blockchain frauds/articleshow/62993770.cms specialists. „Oil and Natural Gas Corp‟ (GS3: Infrastructure: Energy) SBI was convinced of blockchain‘s utility, especially its potential to improve internal fraud Issue: Oil and Natural Gas Corp. is set to hire monitoring, and had already implemented it in its international oil service giants for the first time to reconciliation systems and in several cross-country boost output from domestic oil fields in response to payment gateway a government push to increase local supplies and cut expensive imports. What is Blockchain Technology?

ONGC The blockchain is an incorruptible digital ledger of economic transactions that can be programmed to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited record not just financial transactions but virtually (ONGC) is an Indian multinational oil and gas everything of value. company headquartered in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. It is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of the Picture a spreadsheet that is duplicated thousands of Government of India, under the administrative times across a network of computers. Then imagine control of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural that this network is designed to regularly update this Gas. It is India's largest oil and gas exploration and spreadsheet and you have a basic understanding of production company. It produces around 77% of the blockchain. India's crude oil (equivalent to around 30% of the Information held on a blockchain exists as a shared country's total demand) and around 62% of its — and continually reconciled — database. This is a natural gas way of using the network that has obvious benefits. In a government survey for fiscal year 2016-17, it The blockchain database isn‘t stored in any single was ranked as the largest profit making PSU in location, meaning the records it keeps are truly India. It is ranked 1st among the Top 250 Global public and easily verifiable. No centralized version Energy Companies by Platts. of this information exists for a hacker to corrupt. Hosted by millions of computers simultaneously, its Oil and Natural gas availability in India data is accessible to anyone on the internet. India had about 750 million metric tonne of proven oil reserves as of April 2014, or 5.62 billion barrels WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK as per EIA estimate for 2009, which is the second- existing APMC mandis to create a unified national largest amount in the Asia-Pacific region behind market for agricultural commodities. China. Most of India's crude oil reserves are located The NAM Portal provides a single window service on the western coast (Mumbai High) and in the for all APMC related information and services. This northeastern parts of the country, although includes commodity arrivals & prices, buy & sell considerable undeveloped reserves are also located trade offers, provision to respond to trade offers, in the offshore Bay of Bengal and in the state of among other services. While material flow Rajasthan. (agriculture produce) continue to happen through As per the Ministry of Petroleum, Government of mandis, an online market reduces transaction costs India, India has 1,437 billion cubic metres and information asymmetry. (50.7×1012 cu ft) of confirmed natural gas reserves Source:http://www.thehindu.com/business/centre- as of April 2010. A huge mass of India's natural gas reboots-enam-to-draw-more- production comes from the western offshore farmers/article22818128.ece regions, particularly the Mumbai High complex.

The onshore fields in Assam, Tripura, Andhra „Touch the sky with glory (Facts that can be Pradesh, Telangana and Gujarat states are also asked for prelims) major producers of natural gas. It is also found in Krishna-Godavari Basin Avani Chaturvedi, 24, has become the first Indian woman to fly a fighter jet solo. Source: http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/ongc-to- boost-output-using-oil-service-firm/article22817996.ece She flew a Mig-21 Bison for 30 minutes

Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM) Source:http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india- (GS3: E-technology in the aid of farmer) 43151117

Issue: The government unveiled mobile payment „India-Israel cooperation‟ (GS2: Bilateral facility BHIM, and other features in regional Relations) languages as well to boost farmer participation in Issue: A Centre for Agriculture, with collaboration the programme of Israeli expertise, is going to be inaugurated in th National Agriculture Market Mizoram on 7 March this year. This will be the first such centre in the North East region of India National Agriculture Market (NAM) is a pan-India that is being established with Israeli collaboration. electronic trading portal which networks the

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK This centre is exclusively for processing of citrus Issue: It has come to light that e-cigarette vapours fruits. contain a significant amount of toxic metals, which can be dangerous. Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRI D=1521280 Chronic inhalation of these metals has been linked to lung, liver, immune, cardiovascular and brain „Transparency International‟ (Facts that can be damage, and even cancers. asked for prelims) What is E-Cigarette? India has been ranked worse than China and Bhutan in terms of corruption perception. In the Corruption An electronic cigarette or e-cigarette is a handheld Perception Index for 2017, India was ranked at the electronic device that tries to create the feeling of 81st place with a score of 40. tobacco smoking. It works by heating a liquid to generate an aerosol, commonly called a "vapor‖ that Among the neighbouring countries, Pakistan was the user inhales. Using e-cigarettes is sometimes ranked at the 117th place with a score of 32, called vaping. The liquid in the e-cigarette, called e- Bangladesh at 143th (score of 28), Myanmar at liquid, is usually made of nicotine, propylene 130th (score 30) and Sri Lanka 91st (score 38). glycol, glycerine, and flavorings. Not all e-liquids Bhutan has the best score of 67 among Indias contain nicotine neighbours and has been placed high on the index at It has been found recently that E-Cigarette pose a the 26th place. China also fared better than India greater risk to health than earlier thought with a rank of 77 and score of 41. The best performing region is Western Europe with an Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/maga average score of 66. The worst performing regions zines/panache/vaping-isnt-safe-e-cigarette-vapours- are Sub-Saharan Africa (average score 32) and are-loaded-with-toxic- Eastern Europe and Central Asia (average score 34) metals/articleshow/63029862.cms

Source:http://www.livemint.com/Politics/5cvYn8G 10th edition of the weeklong Bengaluru Txsik5xSwoN0DhK/India-ranks-81st-in-global- International Film Festival (Biffes) (Facts that corruption-perception-index-by-Tr.html could be asked in Prelims)

„Vaping‟ (GS3: Issues related to Health) The Bengaluru International Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Bengaluru, the capital of the Indian state of Karnataka, which previews films of all genres including documentaries from around WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK the world. Founded in 1996, Suchitra Bangalore Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp- International Film Festival was held for a week national/tp-karnataka/supercritical-co2-brayton- from 22 to 28 December 2006 in collaboration with cycle-facility-opened-at-iisc/article22830320.ece Suchitra Film Society. More than 100 films were „Khajuraho Dance Festival‟ (GS1: Indian screened during festival. Culture)

The film festival is now being organized by Issue: The week-long Khajuraho dance festival Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy and is supported began at the Khajuraho temples, a UNESCO World by Government of Karnataka. Heritage site

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangal The festival will showcase classical dances, ore/cinema-is-beyond-language-religion-region- including Kathak, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, kareena-kapoor-khan/article22829516.ece Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Mohiniattam

Supercritical CO2-Brayton Cycle facility (GS3: Khajuraho School of architecture Science and Technology)  Developed under the chandela kings of Issue: A supercritical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle bundelkhand. test loop facility, touted to be India‘s first  The finest example of this school is the supercritical-CO2 Brayton cycle test bed, and Kandariya Mahadev. perhaps the first ever coupled with a solar heat  These temples stand on high terraces. In source, was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of contrast to the temples of odisha, those of Science (IISc), Bengaluru khajuraho have sculpture both outside and inside and there are beautifully carved Significance of this facility domed ceilings. Supercritical carbon dioxide-based power In the shiva temple of vishwanatha and the Vishnu generation is said to offer an efficient alternative to temple of chaturbhiya the panchayatana system- conventional steam-based power plants. The early- with four additional corner shrines- is exemplified stage research is being pitched as being potentially useful for meeting the future energy needs of the Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bho country and for reducing the carbon footprint of pal/khajuraho-dance-festival-begins-amid- power generation significantly. fanfare/articleshow/63002916.cms

„Consumer Protection Bill, 2018‟ (GS2: Government policies and intervention for WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK development in various sectors and Issues 5. it involves the right to seek redress against arising out of their design and implementation) unfair or restrictive trade practices, or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers. Issue: As online transactions become a way of life, 6. Establishment of an executive agency to be the Consumer Protection Bill, 2018 is a step known as the Central Consumer Protection towards providing ordinary consumers some Authority (CCPA) to promote, protect and protection of their interests and establishing points enforce the rights of the consumers. for quick and effective administration and 7. The Bill proposes to empower the CCPA to settlement of disputes. investigate, recall, refund and impose Salient features of the bill penalties. The Bill provides for product liability action in cases of personal injury, 1. The pending Bill, it will replace the death or property damage caused by or Consumer Protection Act, 1986, defines the resulting from any product, and mediation as ―consumer‖ as a person who buys any good an alternate dispute resolution, making the or avails a service for a consideration. The process of dispute adjudication simpler and Bill covers transactions, both online and quicker. offline, and includes teleshopping and multi- 8. The CCPA is also empowered to deal with level marketing. unfair trade practices and misleading 2. The definition of ―consumer rights‖ in the advertisements. The CCPA is to be headed Bill exhaustively covers the right to be by a Chief Commissioner. protected against the marketing of goods, products or services that are hazardous to Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp- life and property. opinion/an-umbrella-for-the- 3. It also focuses on the right to be informed consumer/article22830121.ece about the quality, quantity, potency, purity, „Strategic plan for 7 PSU in Telecommunication standard and price of goods, products or sector‟ (GS2: Government policies and services, as the case may be, so as to protect intervention for development in various sectors a consumer against unfair trade practices. and Issues arising out of their design and 4. It also includes the right to be assured, implementation) wherever possible, of access to a variety of goods, products or services at competitive Issue: The government on Thursday unveiled a prices ‗strategic plan‘ to enable seven state-owned companies under the Department of Telecom (DoT)

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK to work closely with an aim of promoting greater appearance of a "new" bright star, before slowly operational synergy among them fading from sight over several weeks or months.

Highlights of the plan Supernovae may expel much, if not all, of the material away from a star at velocities up to 1. Pooling in of resources and effective 30,000 km/s or 10% of the speed of light. This utilization of human resources as well as drives an expanding and fast-moving shock wave land and buildings. into the surrounding interstellar medium, and in 2. The plan aims to work on including turn, sweeping up an expanding shell of gas and manpower, settlement of legal issues and dust, which is observed as a supernova remnant. utilization of vacant space Supernovae create, fuse and eject the bulk of the 3. promoting ‗Make in India‘ chemical elements produced by nucleo-synthesis. 4. PSUs will also look at pooling in resources Supernovae play a significant role in enriching the to address new business opportunities in interstellar medium with the heavier atomic mass Digital India, Smart City and Internet of chemical elements. Furthermore, the expanding things, and develop mechanism for sharing shock waves from supernovae can trigger the of revenues and expenses. formation of new stars. Supernova remnants are Source: http://www.thehindu.com/business/dots- expected to accelerate a large fraction of galactic plan-to-spur-synergy-among-7- primary cosmic rays, but direct evidence for cosmic psus/article22828304.ece ray production was found only in a few of them so far. They are also potentially strong galactic sources „Supernova‟ (GS3: Science) of gravitational waves Issue: The first before and after ever of a star as it Source: https://www.space.com/39768-supernova- explodes in a brilliant flash of light and morphs into first-light-by-amateur-astronomer.html a supernova was captured by an astronomer from Argentina „Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) for What is a Supernova? North East Region‟ (GS3: Issues related to A supernova is a transient astronomical event that Agriculture) occurs during the last stellar evolutionary stages of Issue: An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on a massive star's life, whose dramatic and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) has been catastrophic destruction is marked by one final set up for the North Eastern Region (NER). gigantic explosion. This causes the sudden

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK The IMC will identify gaps in the existing shall be encashed by an eligible political party only mechanism or institutional arrangements, suggest a through a bank account with the authorized bank. policy intervention for optimally harnessing the State Bank of India (SBI) has been authorized to MAPs resources of NER and accelerating the Issue and encash Electoral Bonds initially development of MAPs sector, suggest a Plan of Action for dovetailing of the schemes and Electoral Bond Scheme programmes of concerned Ministries and The conventional system of political funding is to Departments. The IMC will also suggest actionable rely on donations. These donations, big or small, measures for enhancing the livelihood and come from a range of sources from political economic transformation based on cultivation and workers, sympathisers, small business people and sustainable management of MAPs resource in North even large industrialists. The conventional practice East Region. of funding the political system was to take Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRI donations in cash and undertake these expenditures D=1521416 in cash. The sources are anonymous or pseudonymous. The quantum of money was never „Electoral Bond‟ (GS3: Important aspects of disclosed. The present system ensures unclean governance, transparency and accountability) money coming from unidentifiable sources. It is a Issue: The Government of India has notified the wholly non-transparent system. Most political Electoral Bond Scheme 2018 groups seem fairly satisfied with the present arrangement and would not mind this status-quo to As per provisions of the Scheme, Electoral Bonds continue. The effort, therefore, is to run down any may be purchased by a person, who is a citizen of alternative system which is devised to cleanse up India or incorporated or established in India. A the political funding mechanism. person being an individual can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals. Only Salient features the Political Parties registered under section Electoral Bond is a financial instrument for making 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 donations to political parties. These are Issued by (43 of 1951) and which secured not less than one Scheduled Commercial banks upon authorisation per cent of the votes polled in the last general from the Central Government to intending donors, election to the House of the People but only against cheque and digital payments (it or the Legislative Assembly of the State, shall be cannot be purchased by paying cash). These bonds eligible to receive the Electoral Bonds. The Bond shall be redeemable in the designated account of a

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK registered political party within the prescribed time party only through a designated bank account with limit from issuance of bond. the authorised bank. No payment shall be made to any payee political party if the bond is deposited It is an interest free banking instrument Issued on a after expiry of the validity period and the bond non-refundable basis and are not available for deposited by any political party to its account shall trading. Further, no loan would be provided against be credited on the same day. these bonds. A citizen of India or a body incorporated in India will be eligible to purchase the The information furnished by the buyer shall be bond. It would be issued/purchased for any value, in treated confidential by the authorised bank and shall multiples of Rs.1,000, Rs.10,000, Rs.1,00,000, not be disclosed to any authority for any purposes, Rs.10,00,000 and Rs.1,00,00,000 from the Specified except when demanded by a competent court or Branches of the State Bank of India (SBI). The upon registration of criminal case by any law purchaser would be allowed to buy Electoral enforcement agency. No commission, brokerage or Bond(s) either singly or jointly with other any other charges for Issue of bond shall be payable individuals, only on due fulfilment of all the extant by the buyer against purchase of the bond. KYC norms and by making payment from a bank Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRI account either using a cheque or electronically. It D=1521416 will not carry the name of payee. Electoral Bonds would have a life of only 15 days during which it „Heat Wave‟ (GS3: Issues related to Health) can be used for making donation only to the political parties registered under section 29A of the Issue: The two-day national workshop on Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951 and which Preparedness, Mitigation and Management of Heat secured not less than one per cent of the votes wave concluded successfully in Vijaywada with all polled in the last general election to the House of stakeholders resolving to work towards effectively the People or a Legislative Assembly. Further, the mitigating the impact of the imminent heat wave Electoral Bonds under the Scheme shall be this year. The workshop was organized by National available for purchase for a period of 10 days each Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in in the months of January, April, July and October, collaboration with the Government of Andhra as may be specified by the Central Government. An Pradesh. additional period of 30 days shall be specified by Capacity Building & Enhancing effective response the Central Government in the year of the General to Heat wave, the need to use specific awareness election to the House of People. The Electoral campaigns and outreach programmes to sensitise Bond(s) shall be encashed by an eligible political communities to take measures to reduce the impact WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK of heat waves was discussed. The session also On 23 December 2005, the Government of India discussed heat resilience in the context of enacted the Disaster Management Act, which Sustainable Development Goals besides the Issue of envisaged the creation of National Disaster developing sector-specific Standard Operating Management Authority (NDMA), headed by the Procedures (SOPs) for dealing with heat related Prime Minister, and State Disaster Management illnesses and deaths. Authorities (SDMAs) headed by respective Chief Ministers, to spearhead and implement a holistic Heat waves often lead to dehydration, heat and integrated approach to Disaster Management in exhaustion, stress and even a fatal heat stroke. With India. advance planning and preparedness, heat wave induced deaths and illnesses can be brought down. About Heat Wave

In 2016, with NDMA's ‗Guidelines for Preparation A Heat Wave is a period of abnormally high of Action Plan – Prevention and Management of temperatures, more than the normal maximum Heat-Wave‘ and the pro-active approach of some of temperature that occurs during the summer season the most vulnerable States, the number of deaths in in the North-Western parts of India. Heat Waves the country came down significantly. typically occur between March and June, and in some rare cases even extend till July. The extreme About NDMA temperatures and resultant atmospheric conditions adversely affect people living in these regions as The Government of India (GOI), in recognition of they cause physiological stress, sometimes resulting the importance of Disaster Management as a in death. national priority, set up a High-Powered Committee (HPC) in August 1999 and a National Committee The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has after the Gujarat earthquake, for making given the following criteria for Heat Waves : recommendations on the preparation of Disaster Management plans and suggesting effective  Heat Wave need not be considered till mitigation mechanisms. The Tenth Five-Year Plan maximum temperature of a station reaches document also had, for the first time, a detailed atleast 40*C for Plains and atleast 30*C for chapter on Disaster Management. The Twelfth Hilly regions Finance Commission was also mandated to review  When normal maximum temperature of a the financial arrangements for Disaster station is less than or equal to 40*C Heat Management. Wave Departure from normal is 5*C to 6*C

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is The health impacts of Heat Waves typically involve 7*C or more dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and/or  When normal maximum temperature of a heat stroke. The signs and symptoms are as follows: station is more than 40*C Heat Wave  Heat Cramps: Ederna (swelling) and Departure from normal is 4*C to 5*C Syncope (Fainting) generally accompanied Severe Heat Wave Departure from normal is by fever below 39*C i.e.102*F. 6*C or more  Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakness,  When actual maximum temperature remains dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, 45*C or more irrespective of normal muscle cramps and sweating. maximum temperature, heat waves should  Heat Stoke: Body temperatures of 40*C i.e. be declared. Higher daily peak temperatures 104*F or more along with delirium, seizures and longer, more intense heat waves are or coma. This is a potential fatal condition becomingly increasingly frequent globally due to climate change. India too is feeling Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRI the impact of climate change in terms of D=1521416 increased instances of heat waves which are more intense in nature with each passing „Coral reefs‟ (GS3: Conservation of year, and have a devastating impact on Environment) human health thereby increasing the number Issue: Coral reefs could start to dissolve before of heat wave casualties. 2100 as man-made climate change drives Higher daily peak temperatures and longer, more acidification of the oceans intense heat waves are becomingly increasingly Acidification will threaten sediments that are frequent globally due to climate change. India too is building blocks for reefs. Corals already face risks feeling the impact of climate change in terms of increased instances of heat waves which are more from ocean temperatures, pollution and overfishing. Carbon dioxide, the main man-made greenhouse intense in nature with each passing year, and have a gas, forms a weak acid in water and threatens to devastating impact on human health thereby dissolve the reef sediments, made from broken increasing the number of heat wave casualties. down bits of corals and other carbonate organisms Health Impacts of Heat Waves that accumulate over thousands of years

The sediments are 10 times more vulnerable to acidification than the tiny coral animals that also WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK extract chemicals directly from the sea water to Coral reefs deliver ecosystem services to tourism, build stony skeletons that form reefs fisheries and shoreline protection. The annual global economic value of coral reefs is estimated What is a coral reef? between US$30–375 billion. However, coral reefs are fragile ecosystems, partly because they are very Coral reefs are diverse underwater ecosystems held sensitive to water temperature. They are under together by calcium carbonate structures secreted by threat from climate change, oceanic acidification, corals. Coral reefs are built by colonies of tiny blast fishing, cyanide fishing for aquarium fish, animals found in marine water that contain few sunscreen use, overuse of reef resources, and nutrients. Most coral reefs are built from stony harmful land-use practices, including urban and corals, which in turn consist of polyps that cluster in agricultural runoff and water pollution, which can groups. The polyps belong to a group of animals harm reefs by encouraging excess algal growth. known as Cnidaria, which also includes sea anemones and jellyfish. Unlike sea anemones, Source:http://www.livemint.com/Science/9YXv2Kl corals secrete hard carbonate exoskeletons which xeHDdcOLxmGfclK/Coral-reefs-at-risk-of- support and protect the coral polyps. Most reefs dissolving-as-oceans-get-more-acidic.html grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny and agitated water. „Global Broadband Space Project‟ (GS3: Science and Technology) Often called "rainforests of the sea", shallow coral reefs form some of the most diverse ecosystems on Issue: US private flight company SpaceX on Earth. They occupy less than 0.1% of the world's Thursday launched its first two test satellites for its ocean surface, about half the area of France, yet global broadband internet in space project. they provide a home for at least 25% of all marine Designed for a mission life of five and a half years, species, including fish, mollusks, worms, PAZ will orbit the Earth 15 times per day, providing crustaceans, echinoderms, sponges, tunicates and internet coverage for an area of over 300,000 square other cnidarians. Paradoxically, coral reefs flourish km from an altitude of 514 km and a velocity of even though they are surrounded by ocean waters seven km per second. that provide few nutrients. They are most commonly found at shallow depths in tropical Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/maga waters, but deep water and cold water corals also zines/panache/spacex-launches-first-high-speed- exist on smaller scales in other areas. internet-satellites-into- orbit/articleshow/63037076.cms

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK combat money laundering. In 2001 the purpose expanded to act on terrorism financing. It monitors „Financial Action Task Force‟ (GS3: Global countries' progress in implementing the FATF groupings and agreements) Recommendations by ‗peer reviews‘ (‗mutual Issue: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) evaluations‘) of member countries. The FATF Plenary on February 23 decided to put Pakistan Secretariat is housed at the headquarters of the back on the ―grey list,‖ subjecting it to direct OECD in Paris. monitoring and intense scrutiny by the International FATF was formed by the 1989 G7 Summit in Paris Co-operation Review Group (ICRG) on terror to combat the growing problem of money financing laundering. The task force was charged with Pakistan will, under a ―Compliance Document,‖ studying money laundering trends, monitoring now be required to furnish a fresh report to the legislative, financial and law enforcement activities International Co-operation Review Group (ICRG). taken at the national and international level, Accordingly, the country will undergo a review at reporting on compliance, and issuing the next Plenary in June, when it would be recommendations and standards to combat money presented a full action plan on how it is expected to laundering. At the time of its formation, FATF had crack down on terror groups banned by the UN 16 members, which by 2016 had grown to 37. Security Council. Pakistan had been on the same list from 2012 to 2015. In its first year, FATF issued a report containing forty recommendations to more effectively fight A move such as this could see Pakistan face money laundering. These standards were revised in financial strictures, and ratings downgrades by 2003 to reflect evolving patterns and techniques in international banking and credit rating agencies money laundering. until Islamabad carries out a full crackdown on terror groups The mandate of the organization was expanded to include terrorist financing following the September About FATF 11 terror attacks in 2001. India is one of the members of the FATF The Financial Action Task Force (on Money

Laundering) (FATF), also known by its French In addition to FATF's "Forty plus Nine" name, Groupe d'action financière (GAFI), is an Recommendations, in 2000 FATF Issued a list of intergovernmental organization founded in 1989 on "Non-Cooperative Countries or Territories" the initiative of the G7 to develop policies to (NCCTs), commonly called the FATF Blacklist.

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK This was a list of 15 jurisdictions that, for one appointments to the anti-corruption ombudsman, reason or another, FATF members believed were Lokpal. uncooperative with other jurisdictions in About Lokpal international efforts against money laundering (and, later, terrorism financing). Typically, this lack of The idea of creating an anti corruption ombudsman, cooperation manifested itself as an unwillingness or in the form of a Lokpal, was first conceptualized in inability (frequently, a legal inability) to provide 1968 in the fourth Lok Sabha. foreign law enforcement officials with information relating to bank account and brokerage records, and The Bill as passed by Parliament creates a Lokpal at customer identification and beneficial owner the centre which shall consist of a chairperson and information relating to such bank and brokerage up to eight members. Half of these members should accounts, shell company, and other financial have higher judicial experience and the other half vehicles commonly used in money laundering. should have experience in public administration, finance, insurance and banking laws, anti corruption The effect of the FATF Blacklist has been and vigilance. It also provides that half the members significant, and arguably has proven more important of Lokpal shall be from amongst scheduled castes, in international efforts against money laundering scheduled tribes, other backward castes, minority than has the FATF Recommendations. While, under communities and women. The chairman and international law, the FATF Blacklist carried with it members of Lokpal shall be appointed by a no formal sanction, in reality, a jurisdiction placed selection committee consisting of the Prime on the FATF Blacklist often found itself under Minister, the Speaker of Lok Sabha, the Leader of intense financial pressure. Opposition in Lok Sabha, the Chief Justice of India or a sitting supreme court judge as nominated by the Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/international CJI and an eminent jurist to be nominated by the /fatf-to-put-pakistan-on-greylist-for-terror- President based on the recommendations of the financing/article22833899.ece other members of the selection committee. The Bill „Lokpal‟ (GS2: Government policies and specifies that the office of Lokpal shall investigate interventions and Issues arising out of their and prosecute cases of corruption. The jurisdiction design and implementation) of Lokpal extends to the Prime Minister, Ministers, current and former Members of Parliament and Issue: The government will invite the leader of the Members of Legislative Assemblies, government single largest Opposition party to attend a meeting employees and employees of companies funded or scheduled for March 1 to discuss the long-pending controlled by the central or state government. WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Lokpal shall also have jurisdiction over institutions empowered to appoint a panel of advocates, other receiving foreign donations in excess of ten lakh than government advocates for conducting cases rupees per year or such higher limit as specified. referred by Lokpal. The central government is The Bill excludes, any allegation of corruption entrusted with the responsibility of making funds against a Member of Parliament in respect of available to CBI for conducting investigation into anything said or a vote given in Parliament, from Lokpal referred matters. All expenses of Lokpal the jurisdiction of Lokpal. shall be charged to the Consolidated Fund of India.

It specifies a time limit of 60 days for completion of The legislation provides an imprisonment of up to inquiry and 6 months for completion of seven years for public servants on grounds of investigation by the Central Bureau of corruption. Criminal misconduct and habitually Investigation. This period of 6 months can be abetting corruption has a higher penalty and would extended by the Lokpal on a written request from result in imprisonment up to ten years. Making false CBI. Lokpal is also required to hear the explanation and frivolous complaints to Lokpal would result in a of the public servant before ordering an fine of up to one lakh rupees and imprisonment of investigation. This however would not interfere up to one year. In addition a person who is with any search and seizure required to be convicted for having made a false complaint shall undertaken by any agency. The bill also specifies be liable to compensate the public servant against that any inquiry against the Prime Minister has to be whom the false complaint was made. However held in-camera and approved by two third of the full complaints made in good faith, that is with due care, bench of the Lokpal. The Bill gives Lokpal the caution and a sense of responsibility will be power of superintendence over CBI with respect to excluded from penalty. cases referred by it to CBI. It also specifies that CBI officers investigating cases referred by the Lokpal Source:http://www.livemint.com/Politics/x4EgSHD can only be transferred with the approval of the gqz8qQl05Pn8K2L/Lokpal-appointment-Meeting- Lokpal. It proposes establishment of a Directorate convened-with-PM-CJI-and-others.html of prosecution within CBI to be headed by Director „TAPI‟ (GS3: Infrastructure pertaining to who is an officer not below the rank of joint Energy needs of India) secretary for conduction prosecution of cases under the Lokpal Bill. The director of prosecution shall be Issue: Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and appointed by the government on the India (TAPI) on Friday ceremonially broke ground recommendation of the Central Vigilance on the Afghan section of an ambitious, multi-billion Commission. The CBI with the consent of Lokpal is

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK dollar gas pipeline, expected to help ease energy Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/international deficits in South Asia. /india-bound-gas-pipeline-breaks-ground-on- afghan-section/article22835139.ece About TAPI: „Institute of Chartered Accountants of India‟ The Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (GS3: Indian Economy) Pipeline (TAPI), also known as Trans-Afghanistan Pipeline, is a natural gas pipeline being developed Issue: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of by the Galkynysh – TAPI Pipeline Company India (ICAI), a state-controlled regulator for the Limited with participation of the Asian sector, has said it is probing whether auditors Development Bank. The pipeline will transport played a role in perpetrating the alleged Rs11,400 natural gas from the Galkynysh Gas Field in crore fraud that Punjab National Bank unearthed Turkmenistan through Afghanistan into Pakistan recently and then to India. The ICAI, which functions under the administrative The 1,814-kilometre (1,127 mi) pipeline will run control of India‘s Ministry of Corporate Affairs, from gas fields in Turkmenistan through said it has set up a committee to study the systemic Afghanistan and Pakistan to India. It starts from the lapses that contributed to the fraud and to suggest Galkynysh gas field. In Afghanistan, TAPI pipeline remedial measures and improvement. will be constructed alongside the Kandahar–Herat About ICAI Highway in western Afghanistan, and then via Quetta and Multan in Pakistan. The final destination The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India of the pipeline will be the Indian town of Fazilka, (ICAI) is a statutory body established by an Act of near the border between Pakistan and India Parliament, viz. the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 (Act No.XXXVIII of 1949) for regulating the profession of Chartered Accountancy in the country. The Institute, functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. The ICAI is the second largest professional body of Chartered Accountants in the world, with a strong tradition of service to the Indian economy in public interest.

The affairs of the ICAI are managed by a Council in WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK accordance with the provisions of the Chartered  Financial Reporting Review Accountants Act, 1949 and the Chartered  Input on Policy matters to Government Accountants Regulations, 1988. The Council Source:http://www.livemint.com/Industry/DndnyW constitutes of 40 members of whom 32 are elected XGS0fvlM2uKt4EbJ/Auditor-group-ICAI-PwC-to- by the Chartered Accountants and remaining 8 are probe-into-Rs11400-crore-PNB-fra.html nominated by the Central Government generally representing the Comptroller and Auditor General „Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India, Ombudsman‟ Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders. Issue: In a bid to provide a cost-free and expeditious complaint redressal mechanism related Over a period of time the ICAI has achieved to deficiency in services by NBFCs, the Reserve recognition as a premier accounting body not only Bank of India (RBI) has launched the Ombudsman in the country but also globally, for maintaining Scheme for NBFCs for redressal of complaints highest standards in technical, ethical areas and for against non-banking financial companies registered sustaining stringent examination and education with the RBI under Sec 45-IA of the RBI Act, 1934. standards. Since 1949, the profession has grown The scheme is being introduced with effect from leaps and bounds in terms of members and student Feb 23, 2018. base. Need for an ombudsman  Regulate the profession of Accountancy  Education and Examination of Chartered To promote required credit culture among the Non- Accountancy Course Banking Financial Companies and to regulate the  Continuing Professional Education of credit system of the country to its advantage, it is Members necessary to provide for a system of Ombudsman  Conducting Post Qualification Courses for redressal of complaints against deficiency in  Formulation of Accounting Standards services concerning deposits, loans and advances  Prescription of Standard Auditing and other specified matters Procedures Who is the NBFC Ombudsman?  Laying down Ethical Standards  Monitoring Quality through Peer Review The NBFC Ombudsman is a senior official  Ensuring Standards of performance of appointed by the RBI to redress customer Members complaints against NBFCs for deficiency in certain  Exercise Disciplinary Jurisdiction WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK services covered under the grounds of complaint The Mahotsav will cover a profusion of art forms specified under Clause 8 of the Scheme. At present from classical and folk music and dance, theatre to 4 NBFC Ombudsman have been appointed with literature and the visual arts and would offer the their offices located in Chennai, Kolkata, New chance to experience the best in established and Delhi and Mumbai. emerging virtuosity.A handloom and handicrafts- utsav is part of the proposed event. Jurisdiction of NBFC ombudsman Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat The NBFCs which are authorized to accept deposits or have customer interface, with assets size of Rs 1 The broad objectives of the initiative are as follows billion or above, are covered under the scheme. The i. To CELEBRATE the Unity in Diversity of our scheme initially covers NBFCs authorized to accept Nation and to maintain and strengthen the fabric of deposits and would be gradually extended to cover traditionally existing emotional bonds between the other identified NBFCs. However, Non-Banking people of our Country; Financial Company – Infrastructure Finance Company (NBFC-IFC), Core Investment Company ii. To PROMOTE the spirit of national integration (CIC), Infrastructure Debt Fund – Non-banking through a deep and structured engagement between Financial Company (IDF-NBFC) and NBFCs under all Indian States and Union Territories through a liquidation are excluded from the ambit of the year-long planned engagement between States; scheme. iii. To SHOWCASE the rich heritage and culture, Guidelines have also been mentioned regarding the customs and traditions of either State for enabling grounds of complaints and other related Issues people to understand and appreciate the diversity that is India, thus fostering a sense of common Source:http://www.financialexpress.com/money/go identity od-news-rbi-nbfc-ombudsman-for-quick-redressal- of-complaints-against-nbfc-deposits-loans/1077801/ iv. TO ESTABLISH long-term engagements and,

Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav‟ under „Ek v. TO CREATE an environment this promotes Bharat Shrestha Bharat‟ (GS1: Indian Culture) learning between States by sharing best practices and experiences To celebrate the idea of unity in diversity, Ministry of Culture is organising a Rashtriya Sanskriti Ministry of Culture is the nodal agency for this Mahotsav under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat programme

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRI part of the Smart Cities Mission after they defeated D=1521543 other cities in the challenge.

„India-Germany Ties‟ (GS2: Bilateral Relations) It is a five-year program, where all of the Indian states and Union territories are participating, except Issue: An Indo-German MOU has been signed for West Bengal, by nominating at least one city for the an ―Implementation Agreement in Sustainable Smart Cities challenge. Financial aid will be given Urban Development and Smart Cities in India by the central and state governments between 2017- 2022 to the cities, and the mission will start The objective of the programme is to develop and showing results from 2022 onwards. apply concepts for sustainable urban development about the provision of urban basic services and Each city will create a corporate company, headed housing in selected cities and Smart Cities in India by a full-time CEO, to implement the Smart Cities Mission. The execution of projects may be done About Smart City Mission through joint ventures, subsidiaries, public-private Smart Cities Mission is an urban renewal and partnership (PPP), turnkey contracts, etc suitably retrofitting program by the Government of India dovetailed with revenue streams. Centre and state with the mission to develop 100 cities across the government will provide INR 1,000 Crore funding country making them citizen friendly and to the company, as equal contribution of INR 500 sustainable. The Union Ministry of Urban crore each. The company has to raise additional Development is responsible for implementing the funds from the financial market as a debt or equity. mission in collaboration with the state governments Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRI of the respective cities. D=1521486 Smart Cities Mission envisions developing an area „Rustom-2 UAV‟ (GS3: Indigenization of within 100 cities in the country as model areas technology and developing new technology) based on an area development plan, which is expected to have a rub-off effect on other parts of Issue: The Defence Research and Development the city, and nearby cities and towns. Cities will be Organisation (DRDO) carried out a test-flight of the selected based on the Smart Cities challenge, where unmanned aerial vehicle Rustom-2 cities will compete in a countrywide competition to This flight assumes significance because of the fact obtain the benefits from this mission. As of January that this is the first flight in user configuration with 2018, 99 cities have been selected to be upgraded as a higher power engine.

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Other Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) electronics, combat vehicles, engineering systems, programme: instrumentation, missiles, advanced computing and simulation, special materials, naval systems, life Rustom-2 belongs to a family of UAVs under sciences, training, information systems and development, besides Rustom-1 and Rustom-H. It is agriculture. Presently, the Organisation is backed by a medium-altitude long-endurance drone (MALE) over 5000 scientists and about 25,000 other and will fill a critical capability gap in the inventory scientific, technical and supporting personnel. of the armed forces. Several major projects for the development of It can fly up to an altitude of 22,000 feet and has an missiles, armaments, light combat aircrafts, radars, endurance of over 20 hours. It is capable of carrying electronic warfare systems etc are on hand and payloads for electronic and signal intelligence significant achievements have already been made in missions. Currently, the three services employ several such technologies. hundreds of Israeli drones and have projected a Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/ requirement of hundreds of more UAVs, including defence/drdo-successfully-carries-out-test-flight-of- armed variants, in the near future. The DRDO is rustom-2-drone/articleshow/63068375.cms also developing other drones in different categories. „Development work in Western Ghats‟ (GS3: About DRDO: Conservation of Environment) DRDO was formed in 1958 from the amalgamation Issue: Road and railway projects cutting through of the then already functioning Technical eco-sensitive forests are unnecessary according to Development Establishment (TDEs) of the Indian some environmentalists Army and the Directorate of Technical Development & Production (DTDP) with the Proposed projects along Western Ghats Defence Science Organisation (DSO). DRDO was 1. A 2.16-km bridge connecting the pilgrimage spot then a small organisation with 10 establishments or of Sigandur to the mainland across the laboratories. Over the years, it has grown multi- Sharavathi river. Along with the bridge, the directionally in terms of the variety of subject approach road from Sagar will be widened. disciplines, number of laboratories, achievements 2. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and stature. — in 2016 — proposed a ₹2,100-crore, 168-km Today, DRDO is a network of more than 50 road connecting National Highway 66 laboratories which are deeply engaged in (Mangaluru to Karwar) to National Highway 48 developing defense technologies covering various (Bengaluru-Mumbai). NH766C will see the disciplines, like aeronautics, armaments, diversion of more than 362 acres of prime forest WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK land, including the fragile Mookambika Wildlife environmental-activists- Sanctuary. The widened Sigandur road will worried/article22852759.ece eventually meet this „India-Canada relations‟ (GS2: Bilateral Main concern about these projects: Relationship)

Roads through Mookambika will end up bifurcating Issue: In spite of the recent controversy populations of lion-tailed macaques who will not be surrounding the Prime Minister of Canada‘s state able to traverse easily across the road visit to New Delhi much was achieved

Lion-tailed Macaque Some of the agreements reached include:

The Lion-tailed Macaque is an Old World monkey 1. Enhancement of awareness among Indians about that lives in India. It has a magnificent mane of hair Canada through creative public diplomacy is no around its face that makes it look like a lion. It gets small achievement. its name from its tail, which has a tuft of fur at the 2. the most important agreement signed during the end, just like a lion's tail. Unfortunately, like the visit is the ―Framework for Cooperation between lion, it is also in danger of extinction. India and Canada on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism‖. It commits the two nations The biggest threat facing the Lion-tailed Macaque is to combating this phenomenon in all its ―forms deforestation due to logging. Its habitat is rapidly and manifestations‖, and to facilitate ―effective being converted into farmland. Compared to other cooperation‖ on security, finance, justice, law monkeys to which it is closely related, the Lion- enforcement and operations. tailed Macaque requires a wider area of forest to 3. A close commonality of views emerged on live. Additionally, logging leads to a scarcity of the several regional Issues. The two Prime Ministers fruit on which the monkeys feed, which is called for dismantling the infrastructure of particularly devastating. Moreover, in some areas support to terrorism ―from across borders of Lion-tailed Macaques are caught for use as pets and Afghanistan‖, a clear reference to Pakistan. The are hunted for food. There are now no more than Maldives government was urged ―to ensure early 4,000 Lion-tailed Macaques left in existence. resumption of the political process.‖ On It is endemic to Western Ghats of India. It is Myanmar, the need for voluntary, safe and classified as endangered in IUCN Red data book sustainable return of the Rohingya refugees was stressed. Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kar 4. Canada and India showed a common perspective nataka/incision-into-western-ghats-leaves- on freedom of navigation and over-flight

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK ―throughout the Indo-Pacific region‖ and respect of China's growing military posturing in the Indo- for international law, including the United Pacific region Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Objective: 5. Canada implicitly shared India‘s reservations on China‘s mega Belt and Road Initiative. The two The interactions during Milan encompass sharing of sides agreed on their analysis of the situation in views and ideas on maritime good order and the Korean Peninsula. They considered enhancing regional cooperation for combating peacekeeping as ―an effective response to global unlawful activities at sea challenges‖ 6. Mr. Trudeau extended strong support for India‘s Participating countries

membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Australia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, 7. The decision to expand the scope of Ministerial Myanmar, New Zealand, Oman, Vietnam, Thailand, Energy Dialogue is noteworthy. Besides, a new Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Bangladesh, Canada-India Track 1.5 Dialogue on Innovation, Indonesia, Kenya and Cambodia. Growth and Prosperity was launched. This aims to establish contours of convergence through Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/ sustained research and brainstorming among defence/india-to-host-mega-naval-exercise-amid- experts, officials and business people. chinas-manoeuvring-in-high- seas/articleshow/63069995.cms

„Lithium-Ion Battery‟ (GS3: Science and Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp- Technology) opinion/justin-trudeaus-discovery-of- india/article22853475.ece Issue: The shift towards lithium ion batteries from the older technology of lead acid batteries has „MILAN Navy Exercise‟ (GS3: Various security allowed firms like Kaho India Private Limited to forces and agencies and their mandates) help the Centre achieve its rural electrification Issue: India will host navies from at least 16 target even in areas beyond the reach of the grid. countries for an eight-day mega naval exercise from Advantages of lithium-ion batteries over lead March 6 with an aim to expand regional cooperation acid batteries and combat unlawful activities in critical sea lanes.  Weight: Lithium-ion batteries are one-third The biennial exercise 'Milan' is being organized at the weight of lead acid batteries. the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the backdrop

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 Efficiency: Lithium-ion batteries are nearly precincts in the form of the Pols, the traditional 100% efficient in both charge and discharge residential clusters of the medieval period, which while the lead batteries have the 70% makes Ahmedabad exceptional. Combining these efficiency. all, the historic walled city of Ahmedabad has it all  Discharge: Lithium-ion batteries are to be the first city in India to be Inscribed in discharged 100% versus less than 80% for UNESCO's World Heritage City list of 2017. lead acid. The city of Ahmedabad was formerly known as  Cycle Life: Rechargeable lithium-ion Ashawal of Asha Bhil; Karnavati of Karanadev, batteries cycle 5000 times or more compared Ahamdabad of Sultan Ahmed Shah, Rajnagar, the to just 400-500 cycles in lead acid. capital of Jainism, a politico-cultural city of  Voltage: Lithium-ion batteries maintain their Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel and Amdavad of voltage throughout the entire discharge 'Amdavadis'. The Britishers spelled it as cycle. Lead acid voltage drops consistently Ahmedabad and it became internationally known as throughout the discharge cycle. Ahmedabad. But in vernacular language, it became  Cost: Despite the higher upfront cost of popular as Amdavad and all the Gujaratis know it as lithium-ion batteries, the true cost of Amdavadis. The citizens are known as Amdavadis ownership is far less than lead acid when across the world. considering life span and performance.  Environmental Impact: Lithium-ion batteries There are hundreds of temples, mosques and other are a much cleaner technology and are safer pilgrim spots in the city. Among all, one spot for environment. glaringly draws our attention, which is none other than Sabarmati Ashram, offered to the nation by Source:http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/ Gandhiji, his humble residence known as lithium-ion-batteries-charge-up-rural- Hridaykunj. The period in which he lived here is houses/article22851625.ece known as the Gandhi-Era. India‟s First World Heritage City: Ahmedabad (GS1: Indian Culture) The seeds of prosperity of the city were sown by Sheth Ranchhodlal Chhotalal by establishing the The city of Ahmedabad is endowed with a rich first textile mill in the city. As a result, the city architectural heritage that is vital to the local became an industrial town and the machine-age identity and continuity of the place. Along with the began in Ahmedabad. Once known as Manchester foremost heritage Indo-Islamic monuments of the of India, today Ahmedabad is famous as the biggest 15th to 17th centuries, there are potential heritage industrial capital of Gujarat. WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahm The Sustainable Bio-fuel is one of the Seven edabad/trek-through-indias-only-world-heritage- Mission Innovation Challenges and India Co-leads city/articleshow/63052390.cms this along with other countries Brazil, Canada and China. „Prime Minister Shram Awards‟ (Facts that can be asked in prelims) Sustainable Biofuel development is a key challenge

The Government of India has announced 194 as well as an opportunity for Governments, 'Prime Minister Shram Awards' for the year researchers, investors and industry to work together. 2011 to 2016 in four categories Sustainable biofuels have seen rapid R&D and namely ‗Shram Ratna Award’, ‘Shram performance breakthroughs, however still there are challenges as most exciting biofuels still remain at Bhushan Award’, ‘Shram Vir/Shram Veerangana’ and ‘Shram Shree/Shram Devi an early-commercial stage of development. Awards’. for the workers in the Public Sector A conference on this subject was organized in New Undertakings, Departmental Undertakings of the Delhi recently Central and the State Governments and Private Sector units employing 500 or more workers in Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRI recognition of their distinguished performance, D=1521608 innovative ability, outstanding contribution in the field of productivity and exhibition of „Aruna Budda Reddy‟ (Facts that could be asked exceptional courage and presence of mind. in prelims)

Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx? The 24-year-old became India‘s first-ever World PRID=1521608 Cup medalist picking the bronze at Hisense Arena „Mission Innovation‟ (GS2: Global groupings) in Melbourne, scoring a 13.649 on the Vault

Issue: Mission Innovation (MI) is a global Source:http://indianexpress.com/article/sports/spo initiative of 22 countries and the European Union to rt-others/aruna-budda-reddy-vaults-into-the- dramatically accelerate global clean energy spotlight-with-bronze-medal-at-gymnastics- innovation. As part of the initiative, participating world-cup-5077019/ countries have committed to double Clean Energy „High-speed in-flight data connectivity to mobile Research and Development investments over five users‟ (GS3: Infrastructure) years.

Issue: Bharti Airtel, India's largest telecom operator has joined a new global collaboration WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK called Seamless Alliance to bring high-speed and or convert it into hydrogen and oxygen for rocket uninterrupted in-flight data connectivity to mobile fuel or oxygen to breathe customers. Seamless Alliance has been founded by The results contradict some earlier studies, which OneWeb, Airbus, Delta and Sprint along with had suggested that more water was detected at the Bharti Airtel. moon's polar latitudes and that the strength of the The alliance will work towards leveraging satellite water signal waxes and wanes according to the technology to offer data connectivity to mobile lunar day users even when they are onboard a flight Source:https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sc These members hope to "eliminate the immense ience/water-distributed-across-lunar-surface-nasa- costs and hurdles commonly associated with probe-on-chandrayaan-1/articleshow/63073053.cms acquisition, installation, and operation of data „ISRO plans to build IGLOOS on moon‟ (GS3: access infrastructure" Achievements of Indians in Science and Source:https://www.businesstoday.in/technology/ne Technology) ws/bharti-airtel-joins-global-collaboration-bring- Issue: The Indian Space Agency ISRO has already high-speed-in-flight-data-connectivity-mobile- started to work on building a 'lunar habitat'. The users/story/271479.html scientists have already designed five prototypes of „Water distributed across lunar surface‟ (GS3: the lunar habitat. ISRO has constantly been setting Science) benchmarks with its achievements in recent years.

Issue: An analysis of data from India's first mission ISRO plans to build ‗igloos‘ on the moon by to the moon, Chandrayaan-1, and Nasa's Lunar sending robots and 3D printers to the earth‘s natural Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has found evidence satellite. The scientists, as per the report, have that the moon's water is distributed across the lunar already designed five prototypes of the lunar surface and not confined to a particular region or habitat. This is line with the ISRO‘s effort to build type of terrain as stated earlier. an outpost on the Moon just like what we have in Antarctica. The space agency has already made The findings could help researchers understand the tremendous progress in its study of the lunar soil. origin of the moon's water and how easy it would be to use as a resource. If the moon has enough water, The undertaking achieves to help the astronauts and if it's reasonably convenient to access, future spend more time on the moon. He added that such explorers might be able to use it as drinking water habitats will also be more effective in providing WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK them safety. As per the report, the United States is Issue: Scientists have successfully grown mini already considering options to build a more versions of patients' tumours in a lab - and tested permanent lunar habitat. them against dozens of drugs to find the best possible treatment. Simultaneously, ISRO is also planning to launch Chandrayan-2 Mission around April this year. This The approach found a drug that had a chance of mission will see carrying an orbiter, a lander and a shrinking a patient's tumour in almost nine in 10 rover to the moon for the first time. Also, ISRO cases. plans to complete the mission in a budget of Rs 800 Source: crore https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healt

Source:http://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/sc hcare/biotech/healthcare/mini-tumours-created-to- ience/isro-in-plans-to-build-igloos-on-moon-heres- battle-cancer/articleshow/63077558.cms what-these-lunar-habitats-hope-to-achieve/1079333/ „Record Olive Ridley Turtle nesting at Rushikulya‟ (GS3: Conservation of „Asteroids‟ (GS3: Science) Environment)

Issue: Scientists across the globe keep track of Issue: With 428,083 mother olive ridley turtles asteroids, planets, meteoroids, comets and other nesting till Monday morning, the vulnerable species celestial bodies that come near Earth. Talking about has created an all-time record of mass nesting at the asteroids, it can be of great value and rich in Rushikulya rookery coast in the Ganjam district of minerals and metals but, the size of asteroids can Odisha this year. The mass nesting is expected to vary between small to humongous which puts Earth continue for another two to three days at risk of damage. Although no apparent damage is Interestingly, mass nesting of olive ridley turtles has predicted to happen, the asteroid 2018 DU has been not yet started on the coasts along the Gahirmatha reported to come close to Earth. In fact, scientists beach and the mouth of the Debi River, two other have disclosed that it will come within the radius of major nesting sites in Odisha. 175,000 miles from the Earth on Feb 25 With 365,000 nests, olive ridley turtles had created Source: https://tecake.in/140-metre-asteroid-2018- a record of mass nesting at Rushikulya in 2017. du-will-pass-close-earth-feb-25-1822-utc They have already broken the record this year, indicating that the environment of this coast „Mini-tumour created to fight cancer‟ (GS2: continues to be conducive for their mass nesting. Issues related to health) Olive Ridley Turtle WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK The olive ridley sea turtle also known as the Pacific Source:http://www.thehindu.com/sci- ridley sea turtle is a medium-sized species of sea tech/science/in-a-record-over-4-lakh-olive-ridleys- turtle found in warm and tropical waters, primarily nest-at-rushikulya/article22859399.ece in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They can also be „Free Viral Load Testing‟ (GS2: Issues related to found in warm waters of Atlantic Ocean health)

Olive ridley turtles are best known for their Issue: The government launched a scheme to behavior of synchronized nesting in mass numbers, provide free of cost viral load testing, at least once a termed arribadas. Interestingly, females return to year, for 1.2 million people who are living with the very same beach from where they first hatched, HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) and are on treatment. to lay their eggs. They lay their eggs in conical nests about one and a half feet deep which they The viral load is used to monitor the effectiveness laboriously dig with their hind flippers. In the of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) over time. It Indian Ocean, the majority of olive ridleys nest in measures the amount of HIV genetic material two or three large groups near Gahirmatha in (RNA) in the blood and reports how many copies of Odisha. The coast of Odisha in India is the largest the virus are present. This initiative will help the mass nesting site for the olive ridley, followed by government to monitor the effectiveness of the coasts of Mexico and Costa Rica treatment of patients on life-long ART treatment.

Viral load testing will empower medical officers at The olive ridley is classified as Vulnerable ART to detect failure on first line treatment early according to the International Union for and therefore save PLHIV from developing Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources resistance to drugs. It will also help in strengthening (IUCN), and is listed in Appendix I of CITES. ‗Mission Sampark‘ in tracking LFU (loss to follow These listings were largely responsible for halting up) PLHIV and to be brought under ART services the large scale commercial exploitation and trade of olive ridley skins. The Convention on Migratory India has the third largest population of people with Species and the Inter-American Convention for the HIV after South Africa and Nigeria, according to Protection and Conservation of Sea Turtles have UNAIDS. The report released n July 2017 revealed also provided olive ridleys with protection, leading that in India, only 49% of patients were on to increased conservation and management for this antiretroviral therapy (ART) in 2016. India had 2.1 marine turtle. National listings for this species range million people living with HIV at the end of 2016 from Endangered to Threatened, yet enforcing these and 36.7 million globally sanctions on a global scale has been unsuccessful About UNAIDS for the most part. WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK UNAIDS is leading the global effort to end AIDS as increasing involvement of NGOs and networks of a public health threat by 2030 as part of the PLHIV. Sustainable Development Goals. Since it started In 1992, the Government launched the first National operations in 1996, UNAIDS has led and inspired AIDS Control Programme (NACPI) with an IDA global, regional, national and local leadership, Credit of USD84 million and demonstrated its innovation and partnership to ultimately consign commitment to combat the disease. NACP I was HIV to history. implemented with an objective of slowing down the UNAIDS provides the strategic direction, advocacy, spread of HIV infections so as to reduce morbidity, coordination and technical support needed to mortality and impact of AIDS in the country. catalyze and connect leadership from governments, National AIDS Control Board (NACB) was the private sector and communities to deliver life- constituted and an autonomous National AIDS saving HIV services. Without UNAIDS, there Control Organization (NACO) was set up to would be no strategic vision for the AIDS response. implement the project. The first phase focused on awareness generation, setting up surveillance Mission 90-90-90 system for monitoring HIV epidemic, measures to By 2020, to ensure 90% of all people living with ensure access to safe blood and preventive services HIV will know their HIV status. By 2020, to ensure for high risk group populations. 90% of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy. By In November 1999, the second National AIDS 2020, to ensure 90% of all people receiving Control Project (NACP II) was launched with antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression. World Bank credit support of USD 191 million. The policy and strategic shift was reflected in the two Initiatives taken by Indian Government to key objectives of NACP II: (i) to reduce the spread provide health facilities to those affected by of HIV infection in India, and (ii) to increase India‘s AIDS capacity to respond to HIV/AIDS on a long-term India‘s AIDS Control Programme is globally basis. Key policy initiatives taken during NACP II acclaimed as a success story. The National AIDS included: adoption of National AIDS Prevention Control Programme (NACP), launched in 1992, is and Control Policy (2002); Scale up of Targeted being implemented as a comprehensive programme Interventions for High risk groups in high for prevention and control of HIV/AIDS in India. prevalence states; Adoption of National Blood Over time, the focus has shifted from raising Policy; a strategy for Greater Involvement of People awareness to behavior change, from a national with HIV/AIDS (GIPA); launch of National response to a more decentralized response and to Adolescent Education Programme (NAEP); WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK introduction of counseling, testing and PPTCT The government has also passed HIV/AIDS 2017 programmes; Launch of National Anti-Retroviral act seeks to prevent and control the spread of Treatment (ART) programme; formation of HIV and AIDS, prohibits discrimination against anointer-ministerial group for mainstreaming; and persons with HIV and AIDS. setting up of the National Council on AIDS, chaired About HIV by the Prime Minister; and setting up of State AIDS Control Societies in all states. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a lentivirus (a subgroup of retrovirus) that causes HIV In response to the evolving epidemic, the third infection and over time acquired immunodeficiency phase of the national programme (NACPIII) was syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is a condition in humans launched in July 2007 with the goal of Halting and in which progressive failure of the immune system Reversing the Epidemic by the end of project allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and period. NACP was a scientifically well-evolved cancers to thrive. Without treatment, average programme, grounded on a strong structure of survival time after infection with HIV is estimated policies, programmes, schemes, operational to be 9 to 11 years, depending on the HIV subtype. guidelines, rules and norms. NACP-III aimed at In most cases, HIV is a sexually transmitted halting and reversing the HIV epidemic in India infection and occurs by contact with or transfer of over its five-year period by scaling up prevention blood, pre-ejaculate, semen, and vaginal fluids. efforts among High Risk Groups (HRG) and Non-sexual transmission can occur from an infected General Population and integrating them with Care, mother to her infant through breast milk. An HIV- Support & Treatment services. Thus, Prevention positive mother can transmit HIV to her baby both and Care, Support & Treatment (CST) form the two during pregnancy and childbirth due to exposure to key pillars of all the AIDS control efforts in India. her blood or vaginal fluid. Within these bodily Strategic Information Management and Institutional fluids, HIV is present as both free virus particles Strengthening activities provide the required and virus within infected immune cells. technical, managerial and administrative support for implementing the core activities under NACP-III at HIV infects vital cells in the human immune system national, state and district levels. such as helper T cells (specifically CD4+ T cells), macrophages, and dendritic cells. HIV infection Furthermore the National Strategic Plan for leads to low levels of CD4+ T cells through a HIV/AIDS 2017-2024 aims to ―Paving way for number of mechanisms, including pyroptosis of AIDS free India‖ abortively infected T cells, apoptosis of uninfected bystander cells, direct viral killing of infected cells, WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK and killing of infected CD4+ T cells by CD8+ The UTRCs, set up in every district, deliberates and cytotoxic lymphocytes that recognize infected cells. recommends the release of undertrial prisoners and When CD4+ T cell numbers decline below a critical convicts who have completed their sentences or are level, cell-mediated immunity is lost, and the body entitled to be released from jail due to bail or becomes progressively more susceptible to remission granted to them. opportunistic infections, leading to the development About NALSA of AIDS. The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has been constituted under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free Legal Services to the weaker sections of the society and to organize Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes.

In every State, State Legal Services Authority has been constituted to give effect to the policies and directions of the NALSA and to give free legal services to the people and conduct Lok Adalats in

the State. The State Legal Services Authority is Source:http://www.livemint.com/Science/SbvBYR headed by Hon‘ble the Chief Justice of the LxQzJxO5ZP5ojqUL/Govt-to-provide-free-viral- respective High Court who is the Patron-in-Chief of load-testing-to-people-living-wit.html the State Legal Services Authority.

„National Legal Service Authority‟ (GS2: Quasi- In every District, District Legal Services Authority Judicial Body) has been constituted to implement Legal Services Programmes in the District. The District Legal Issue: The Supreme Court has asked the National Services Authority is situated in the District Courts Legal Services Authority (NALSA) to provide Complex in every District and chaired by the details and figures of prisons where the occupancy District Judge of the respective district. rate is over 150% as on December 31, 2017.

The apex court further agreed to hear Issues related Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp- to standard operating procedure for Under Trial national/supreme-court-seeks-details-on-over- Review Committees (UTRCs) and responses crowded-prisons/article22861549.ece received from States and Union Territories on open jails WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK „Insurance for genetically affected people‟ (GS2: lower premiums while ensuring the financial Issues related to health) security of the insurance market.

Issue: The court directed the Insurance Regulatory The IRDA opened up the market in August 2000 Development Authority of India to re-look at the with an invitation for registration applications; exclusionary clauses in insurance contracts and foreign companies were allowed ownership up to 26 ensure that insurance companies do not reject percent. The authority, with the power to frame claims on the basis of exclusions relating to genetic regulations under Section 114A of the Insurance disorders. The court observed that denying Act, 1938, has framed regulations ranging from insurance cover for genetically affected persons is a company registrations to the protection of violation of Article 14 of the Indian Constitutions policyholder interests since 2000.

About IRDA Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp- national/do-not-deny-cover-for-genetic-defect- The Insurance Regulatory and Development hc/article22861489.ece Authority of India (IRDAI) is an autonomous, statutory agency tasked with regulating and „KYC compliance for reloading E-wallets‟ (GS2: promoting the insurance and re-insurance industries Role of Regulatory Bodies) in India. It was constituted by the Insurance Issue: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has said Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999, that customers can use their electronic wallets, an Act of Parliament passed by the Government of which are not compliant with know your customer India. The agency's headquarters are in Hyderabad, (KYC) guidelines, for payments to merchants after Telangana where it moved from Delhi in 2001. February 28, even as it clarified that reloading the IRDAI is a 10-member body including the wallet with more funds would need a fully KYC- chairman, five full-time and four part-time members compliant account. appointed by the government of India. In October, RBI had directed all prepaid payments Following the recommendations of the Malhotra instrument (PPIs) Issuers, including mobile-wallet Committee, in 1999 the Insurance Regulatory and operators, to make all accounts fully KYC- Development Authority (IRDA) was constituted to compliant by December 31, 2017. The deadline was regulate and develop the insurance industry and was later extended to February 28. incorporated in April 2000. Objectives of the IRDA In the event of PPI Issuers not obtaining KYC include promoting competition to enhance customer related inputs from customers within the timeline, satisfaction with increased consumer choice and WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK customers will not lose their money. They can Source:http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/busines continue to undertake transactions for purchase of s/economy/indian-gdp-growth-in-october- goods and services as hitherto to the extent of december-likely-6-9-best-in-2017-2516095.html available balance in the PPI „Coal Power plants‟ (GS3: Infrastructure related Source:http://www.thehindu.com/business/Econom to Energy) y/kyc-compliance-needed-only-for-reloading-e- Issue: The power sector seems to be facing coal wallets/article22859593.ece shortage again as 46 coal-fired power plants GDP grew 6.9% in October-December on reported stocks of less than a week increased spending (GS3: Indian Economy) According to the daily coal stock report of 113 Issue: This suggests that disruptions from a shock power plants monitored by Central Electricity ban on high-value currency notes in November Authority (CEA), six plants have coal stocks for 2016 and the chaotic launch of a goods and services zero day and eight plants have stocks of just one tax (GST) in July are fading. day to generate electricity

India's economy grew at its fastest pace in a year in Industry sources said coal supplies have not the October-December quarter as consumers, improved since the monsoon season last year when businesses and the government stepped up spending some of the coal-fired power plants had faced acute shortage. Recent buoyancy in indicators such as cement output also points to recovery in segments such as Power, coal and railway ministries had taken a construction, and real estate that were hit most from series of measures to improve coal supplies to demonetization. Government spending was stronger power plants after power prices crossed ₹11 per and private consumption demand was robust as unit at energy exchanges in September last. well, as seen in strong growth in auto sales The government, in January-end, had decided on What have also weighed on the economy is exports, various steps, including the use of dedicated rail which took a hit last year from an appreciating transportation and setting up of power projects only rupee, which strengthened 6.5 percent against the within 500 km from coal mines, to boost coal dollar in 2017. supplies to power plants.

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Source:http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/ Significance of this study power-plants-face-coal-shortage-says- This demonstrates the feasibility of embedded report/article22858693.ece optical zoom and autofocus for a wide range of „SRIJAN‟ (Station Rejuvenation Initiative applications including cell phone cameras, through Joint Action), an idea competition for eyeglasses and virtual and augmented reality 635 Station Development on Indian Railways, hardware has been launched {facts that can be asked in Source: http://www.ibtimes.co.in/artificial-eye- prelims} breakthrough-metalens-synthetic-muscle-promises- Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation revolutionize-mobile-camera-761977 Limited (IRSDC) is taking up redevelopment of RIL and BP investment in KG-D6 approved around 600 major Railway stations across the (GS3: Infrastructure related to Energy) country. In this mega exercise, assistance and involvement of all stakeholders i.e. railway Issue: Reliance Industries and BP plc aim to passengers, urban planners, architects, engineers is develop three sets of natural gas discoveries in the important. Towards this objective of stakeholders‘ KG-D6 block of the Godavari basin in the Bay of consultation, an idea competition for development Bengal of 635 stations on Indian Railways, ‗SRIJAN‘ About the project (Station Rejuvenation Initiative through Joint ActioN) has been launched at MyGov portal since A government oversight panel headed by directorate 26.01.2018. The last date for submission of entries general of hydrocarbons (DGH) on Monday in this competition is 26.03.2018. The winners will approved Rs40,000 crore ($4 billion) investment get certificates and worthy ideas will be plan of Reliance Industries and BP plc (British incorporated in the designs. Petroleum) for developing three sets of natural gas discoveries in the KG-D6 block in the Bay of Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRI Bengal. D=1521770

The finds will add around 20 million standard cubic „Artificial Eye‟ (GS3: Science and Technology) metres per day (mmscmd) of peak production Issue: Researchers have created a tunable metalens People familiar with the matter said floating with artificial muscles that can control three of the production storage and offloading (FPSO) will be major contributors to blurry images: focus, used to bring the gas to the surface, treat it and astigmatism, and image shift. WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK pump it to the pipeline system that will take it to the It aims to study the skeletal and non skeletal shore. benefits, safety and potential adverse effects of Vitamin D supplementation and fortification in Source:http://www.livemint.com/Industry/auqnCna Indians. To also study non-dietary interventions 4wwbcgFla8KfxjL/Reliance-BPs-Rs40000-crore- including sunshine exposure and exercise in investment-plan-in-KGD6-approv.html alleviating Vitamin D deficiency and genetic determinants of Vitamin D metabolism and their India to bypass China as a driver in global association with biological consequences energy growth by 2030 (GS3: Infrastructure related to energy) Worldwide naturally occurring dietary sources of Vitamin D are limited and most individuals obtain Issue: India will bypass China as the driver in their Vitamin D from cutaneous sun exposure. global energy growth by 2030. As the pattern of Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent globally and the growth within China shifts—slower economic data for last two decades suggests that it may be growth and less intensive energy growth—the baton widespread in India as well is passing to India as the dominant source of energy growth As most of the Indians assume that they can only get Vitamin D from sunlight, the DBT will also Source:http://www.livemint.com/Industry/SXXG4p study potential vegetarian dietary sources and bio- X4czD6GWtZMEnwjJ/India-to-bypass-China-as- availability of Vitamin D, the role of other nutrients, driver-in-global-energy-growth-by-2.html especially calcium, in determining requirements and „Vitamin D deficiency among Indians‟ (GS2: biological functioning of Vitamin D. The studies Issues related to Health) will also aim at mechanistically understand the effects of Vitamin D deficiency, in various cells and Issue: The government is making rapid headway tissues. towards food fortification and consumer companies are stacking fortified food, even as there is dearth of Pollution is so high in India especially in Delhi. data on Vitamin D deficiency among Indians. In a Particulate matter (PM 2.5 and 10) levels in the air significant move to bridge the gap, Department of are so high that Vitamin D activation in skin does Biotechnology (DBT) has decided to conduct not happen which leads to Vitamin D deficiency. research on ―Vitamin D deficiency in India-public Deficiency of Vitamin D leads to early fractures. health significance and interventions‖. Vitamin D is needed for calcium absorption and in bone resorption and healthy growth for humans. Aim of the study Unfortunately people consider calcium as more WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK important for bones but Vitamin D has an equal, in Warning of the report fact a bigger role The rising trends in liquid precipitation have a negative influence on Himalayan glaciers and ―frequency of hazards such as avalanches and landslides is expected to increase during late winter‖.

The study analysed wintertime variability in climatic parameters like temperature (maximum, minimum and mean) and precipitation over Northwestern Himalaya (NWH) along with its constituents — Lower Himalaya (LH), Greater Himalaya (GH) and Karakoram Himalaya (KH) — during three time scales 1991–2015 (25 years), 1991–2000 (10 years) and 2001–2015 (15 years).

Source:http://www.livemint.com/Science/f5K3pah6 yCXSkZ7yXHzHMI/Himalayas-getting-warmer- Source:http://www.livemint.com/Science/As45Zv4r snowfall-decreasing-due-to-global.html o3w0N3y9KlM5AM/Department-of- Biotechnology-to-study-Vitamin-D-deficiency- „Lifestyle diseases‟ (GS2: Issues related to am.html health)

„Himalayas getting warmer‟ (GS3: Conservation Issue: A school-based screening of 1.04 lakh of Environment) children in 138 private schools in Bengaluru has revealed some alarming trends among students aged Issue: The Himalayas, the world‘s highest between three and 16. The survey, conducted by a mountains, are getting warmer, according to a study private provider of health services in schools, found published in science journal Current Science. about10% of the children to be obese and 13.8% at risk of contracting lifestyle diseases in adulthood ―Total precipitation (rainfall + snowfall) was found with waistlines which are more than half their to increase whereas snowfall was found to decrease height with concurrent significant increase in rainfall at all zones of NWH,‖ the study said. About Lifestyle diseases:

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK A disease associated with the way a person or group to place Pakistan back on its watch list, from June. of people lives. Lifestyle diseases include The decision is both appropriate and overdue, given atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke; obesity Pakistan‘s blatant violation of its obligations to and type 2 diabetes; and diseases associated with crack down on groups banned by the Security smoking and alcohol and drug abuse. Regular Council 1267 sanctions committee that monitors physical activity helps prevent obesity, heart groups affiliated to the Taliban (which originally disease, hypertension, diabetes, colon cancer, and included al-Qaeda affiliated groups), such as the premature mortality. Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Haqqani network Reason for the rise of lifestyle diseases among children What are Security Council 1267 sanctions?

1. Of all the factors that cause lifestyle diseases in UNSC resolutions 1267 is a resolution which was children, the biggest culprit is believed to be their primarily brought in 1999 to designated Osama bin food habits. laden and associates as terrorists and established a 2. Changing sleeping patterns sanctions regime to cover individuals and entities 3. Consumption of junk and processed food associated with Al Qaida and Taliban wherever 4. Children are also susceptible to the overuse of located. Over the period of the time its scope is mobile, TV etc. This has had an effect in limiting revived to cover terrorist organizations linked to the physical activity which is critical for healthy both Al Qaida and Taliban development of mind and body of children If an individual or terrorist organisation is included 5. Depression is also on the rise among the children in this list, it helps in restricting their movement, due to pressure to excel in studies at all cost financial penalties and assets freeze among others. 6. Nuclear family prevalence in the urban society The sanction committee comprises of 15 members too is also a factor in the rise of lifestyle diseases of the UNSC and makes it decision by consensus Source:http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/138- and secretly. If there is no consensus then a schoolchildren-at-risk-of-lifestyle- resolution is not adopted diseases/article22872711.ece India has been trying hard to get Masood Azar, a „United Nations Security Council Resolution terrorist who masterminded Pathonkot attack, to be 1267‟ (GS2: Global Groupings) subjected to 1267 sanctions. But, its effort have Issue: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) fallen short due to the support of China for Pakistan that monitors countries on action taken against terror-financing and money-laundering has decided WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Note: The working of FATF has been discussed The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) is an extensively in our previous current affairs module. informal strategic dialogue between the United Kindly refer that for better clarity on FATF States, Japan, Australia and India that is maintained by talks between member countries. The dialogue Source:http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/ was initiated in 2007 by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe going-grey/article22870607.ece of Japan, with the support of Vice President Dick „QUAD‟ Defense Industrial Corridor (GS3: Cheney of the US, Prime Minister John Howard of Infrastructure) Australia and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India. The dialogue was paralleled by joint military Issue: The Defence Ministry has started the exercises of an unprecedented scale, titled Exercise process to set up the country's first defense Malabar. The diplomatic and military arrangement industrial corridor linking Chennai with four other was widely viewed as a response to increased cities of Tamil Nadu to promote industries Chinese economic and military power, and the manufacturing weapons and military equipment. Chinese government responded to the Quadrilateral About the project dialogue by issuing formal diplomatic protests to its members. The 'Quad' or quadrilateral corridor will connect Chennai, Hosur, Coimbatore, Salem and During the 2017 ASEAN Summits all four former Tiruchirappalli and the ministry is finalizing the members rejoined in negotiations to revive the broad contours of the project. quadrilateral alliance. With Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia, Prime Minister Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/ Shinzo Abe of Japan, Prime Minister Narendra defence/government-starts-process-to-build-indias- Modi of India, and President Donald Trump of the first-defence-quad/articleshow/63098550.cms United States agreeing in Manila to revive the „Quadrilateral Security Dialogue‟ (GS3: Security security pact among tensions in the South China Sea Challenges) caused primarily by China and its territorial ambitions. Issue: On the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Manila, the Quadrilateral arrangement involving Priorities of Quad Australia, India, Japan and the U.S. saw a revival as 1. It was revealed recently that the four countries officials exchanged notes on regional and global are working to establish a joint regional security. infrastructure scheme as an alternative to China‘s About ‗Quad‘ Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Though the plan

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK is still in its nascent stage, it is clear that the US$2.228 billion in 2014-15, which was $12 normative order China is trying to construct in million more than the previous fiscal. India the economic sphere will not go unchallenged. exported $1.431 billion worth of goods to Jordan, 2. India and Japan, for example, are working on an and imported $857 million. Since the 2012-13 ambitious Asia-Africa Growth Corridor linking fiscal, the balance of trade has been in favour of Southeast Asia to Africa. India. The main commodities exported by India to 3. An arrangement such as ―Quad‖ will provide a Jordan are electrical machinery, cereals, frozen suitable alternative to countries which might meat, organic and inorganic chemicals, animal perceive Chinese initiatives to be opaque fodders, engineering and automotive parts.

Source:http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op- A portion of the Saddzagloul Street in Amman was ed/cornered-by-the-quad/article22870625.ece renamed as Mahatma Gandhi Street on 11 October 2015. „India-Jordan Bilateral Relationship‟ (GS2:

Bilateral Relationship) As of January 2016, over 10,000 Indians reside in Jordan. They are primarily employed in textile, Issue: King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, who construction, manufacturing, fertilizer companies, arrived here on Tuesday, was accorded a grand health care sector, universities, IT, finance and welcome with Prime Minister Narendra Modi multilateral organizations. receiving him at the airport, in a special gesture.

History of India-Jordan Relations Important agreement expected to be signed during this visit include The Republic of India and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan signed their first bilateral 1. A framework on defense cooperation agreement for cooperation and friendly relations in 2. Both sides are expected to ink a number of 1947. The agreement was formalized in 1950, when agreements to expand cooperation in several India became a republic, and full diplomatic key sectors including healthcare, IT, relations were established between the two customs and will look to firm up a countries. framework pact for defense and security cooperation. India is Jordan's 4th largest trade partner after Iraq, 3. To explore ways of deepening trade ties. Saudi Arabia and China. Trade between India and 4. Ways to fight radicalization Jordan is governed by a 1976 bilateral agreement. 5. Deliberate on Issues such as Palestine and Bilateral trade between the two countries totaled other security Issues

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Geographical location of Jordan and climate

Jordan is located in the Middle East to the northwest of Saudi Arabia and to the east of Israel (map). The country is nearly landlocked except for a small area along the Gulf of Aqaba where it‘s only port city, Al'Aqabah, is located. Jordan's topography consists mainly of desert plateau but there is a highland area in the west. The highest point in Jordan is located along its southern border with Saudi Arabia and is called Jabal Umm ad Dami, which rises to 6,082 feet (1,854 m). The lowest Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/ point in Jordan is the Dead Sea at -1,338 feet (-408 politics-and-nation/jordan-king-arrives-on-3-day- m) in the Great Rift Valley that separates the east visit-pm-modi-receives-him-at- and west banks of the Jordan River along the border airport/articleshow/63100234.cms with Israel and the West Bank. „Indian Council of Cultural Relations‟ (GS1: The climate of Jordan is mostly arid desert and Indian Culture) drought is very common throughout the country. There is however a short rainy season in its western Issue: Set in the tony neighborhood of Malabar regions from November to April. Hill in South Mumbai, Jinnah House, is on its way to becoming a venue for diplomatic soirees and Border Countries: Iraq, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and possibly a museum showcasing South Asian Syria culture.

Lowest Point: Dead Sea at -1,338 feet (-408 m) The property, which is also known as South Court, was formerly owned by Pakistan‘s founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah and was the subject of many legal disputes for eight decades. It has now come under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

About ICCR

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK The Indian Council for Cultural Relations While the GST revenues and number of return filers (ICCR), is an autonomous organisation of the are gradually increasing or are same as compared to Government of India, involved in India‘s external the last month, the tax base and revenue numbers cultural relations, through cultural exchange with have certainly not reached expected levels other countries and their peoples. It was founded on About GST 9 April 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the first Education Minister of independent India. The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a very significant step in the field of The Council addresses its mandate of cultural indirect tax reforms in India. By amalgamating a diplomacy through a broad range of activities. In large number of Central and State taxes into a single addition to organising cultural festivals in India and tax, GST will mitigate ill effects of cascading or overseas, the ICCR financially supports a number of double taxation in a major way and pave the way cultural institutions across India, and sponsors for a common national market. From the consumer individual performers in dance, music, photography, point of view, the biggest advantage would be in theatre, and the visual arts. It also administers the terms of reduction in the overall tax burden on Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International goods, which is currently estimated to be around Understanding, established by the Government of 25%-30%. It would also imply that the actual India in 1965, whose last award was in 2009. burden of indirect taxes on goods and services Source:http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the- would be much more transparent to the consumer. bright-lights-will-be-back-at-jinnah- Introduction of GST would also make Indian house/article22870499.ece products competitive in the domestic and international markets owing to the full „GST revenue‟ (GS3: Indian Economy and neutralization of input taxes across the value chain Issues related to planning, mobilization of of production and distribution. Studies show that resources, growth, development and this would have a boosting impact on economic employment) growth. Last but not the least, this tax, because of Issue: The Centre collected ₹86,318 crore in its transparent and self-policing character, would be revenue from the Goods and Services Tax in easier to administer. It would also encourage a shift January, according to official data released on from the informal to formal economy. Tuesday. Salient features of GST Main concern at this point of time The salient features of GST are as under:

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 (i)GST is applicable on ‗supply‘ of goods or levied at four rates viz. 5%, 12%, 16% and services as against the present concept on 28%. The schedule or list of items that the manufacture of goods or on sale of would fall under each of these slabs has goods or on provision of services. been worked out. In addition to these rates, a  (ii) GST is based on the principle of cess would be imposed on ―demerit‖ goods destination-based consumption taxation as to raise resources for providing against the present principle of origin-based compensation to States as States may lose taxation. revenue owing to the implementation of  (iii) It is a dual GST with the Centre and the GST. States simultaneously levying tax on a  (vii) GST would replace the following taxes common base. GST to be levied by the currently levied and collected by the Centre would be called Central GST(CGST) Centre:- and that to be levied by the States would be o a) Central Excise Duty called State GST (SGST). o b) Duties of Excise (Medicinal and Toilet  (iv)An Integrated GST (IGST) would be Preparations) levied an inter-state supply (including stock o c) Additional Duties of Excise (Goods of transfers) of goods or services. This shall be Special Importance) levied and collected by the Government of o d) Additional Duties of Excise (Textiles and India and such tax shall be apportioned Textile Products) between the Union and the States in the o e) Additional Duties of Customs (commonly manner as may be provided by Parliament known as CVD) by Law on the recommendation of the GST o f) Special Additional Duty of Customs(SAD) Council. o g) Service Tax  (v) Import of goods or services would be o h) Cesses and surcharge in so far as they relate treated as inter-state supplies and would be to supply of goods and services. subject to IGST in addition to the applicable  (viii) State taxes that would be subsumed customs duties. within the GST are:-  (vi) CGST, SGST & IGST would be levied o a) State VAT at rates to be mutually agreed upon by the o b) Central Sates Tax Centre and the States. The rates would be o c) Purchase Tax notified on the recommendation of the GST o d) Luxury Tax Council. In a recent meeting, the GST o e) Entry Tax (All forms) Council has decided that GST would be WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK o f) Entertainment Tax and Amusement Tax Issue: Bharti Airtel and Google on Tuesday (except those levied by the local bodies) announced a partnership to bring low-cost o g) Taxes on advertisements smartphones powered by Android Oreo (Go edition) o h) Taxes on lotteries, betting and gambling to the Indian market. o i) State cesses and surcharges in so far as they With this, India will become one of the first relate to supply of goods and services. countries to commercially roll out smartphones  (ix) GST would apply on all goods and running on Android Oreo (Go edition). Android services except Alcohol for human Oreo (Go edition) is a version of Google‘s Android consumption. operating system that has been optimized to run  (x) GST on five specified petroleum smoothly on low-end devices with 1GB of RAM or products (Crude, Petrol, Diesel, ATF & less. Natural Gas) would by applicable from a date to be recommended by the GSTC. Source: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-  (xi) Tobacco and tobacco products would be business/smartphone-pact-google-bharti- subject to GST. In addition, the Centre ally/article22872565.ece would have the power to levy Central Excise duty on these products. „Vijay Hazare Trophy 2017-18‟ (Facts that could be asked in Prelims) Furthermore, the list of exempted goods and services would be kept to a minimum and it would Karnataka won their third Vijay Hazare title as they be harmonized for the Centre and the States as well outplayed Saurashtra by 41 runs in the final. as across States as far as possible. Exports would be zero-rated supplies. Thus, goods or services that are About Vijay Hazare Trophy exported would not suffer input taxes or taxes on The Vijay Hazare Trophy, also known as the finished products. Ranji One Day Trophy, was started in 2002–03 as a limited-overs cricket domestic competition Source:http://www.thehindu.com/business/gst- revenue-slips-in-january-to-86318-cr-from- involving state teams from the Ranji Trophy plates. It is named after the famous Indian cricketer Vijay december/article22870422.ece Hazare „Smartphone Pact‟ (Facts that could be asked in Tamil Nadu has won the trophy 5 times. prelims)

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Karnataka are the current champions of the trophy Issue: Dr Jitendra Singh presented the National e- in 2017-18 who won their 3rd title beating governance Awards during the valedictory session Saurashtra in the finals. of the two-day 21st National Conference on e- Governance in Hyderabad. He presented 19 awards Source:http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/karn in 8 categories for their commending efforts in use ataka-stops-saurashtra-for-third-vijay-hazare- of technology. In each category, the gold carried success/article22868749.ece Rs.2 Lakh cash prize & citation and silver carried Rs. one Lakh award. „Swajal Yojana‟ (GS2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the National awards for E-governance centre and the states) Purpose of Award Issue: Union Minister of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Sushri Uma Bharti, today launched the The purpose of the award is to:- Swajal pilot project at Village Bhikampura, Karauli,  Recognize achievements in the area of e- Rajasthan. Besides ensuring the availability of clean Governance drinking water to every household round the year,  Disseminate knowledge on effective methods of the project would also generate employment. designing and implementing sustainable e- About the programme Governance initiatives  Encourage incremental innovations in successful Swajal is a community owned drinking water e-Governance solutions programme for sustained drinking water supply.  Promote and exchange experiences in solving Under the scheme, 90% of the project cost will be problems, Mitigating risks, resolving issues and taken care by the Government and the remaining planning for success. 10% of the project cost will be contributed by the community. The Operations and management of the National Awards on e-Governance project will be cared by the local villagers. To recognize and promote excellence in Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRI implementation of e-Governance initiatives, D=1521870 DAR&PG presents National Awards every year during National conference on e-Governance. „National E-governance Awards‟ (GS2: E- Earlier awards were given in twelve categories. The governance) award scheme has been revised and new categories for national Awards 2017-18 are: WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK

 Excellence in Government Process Re- engineering.

 Outstanding Performance in Citizen-centric Service Delivery.

 Innovations in Existing Project of Government Departments Other Than PSUs.  Best District Level Initiative through ICT in (i) Northeast states (ii) hilly states + uts (- Delhi) (iii) other states.

 Use of Spatial Technology and GIS in e- Governance.  Innovative Use of ICT by Central Government PSUs/State Government PSUs.  Outstanding Initiative in e-Governance by

Academic/Research Institutions and NGOs Including Cooperatives/Federations/Societies.

 Innovative Use of ICT in e-Governance Projects by Start-ups, Registered with

Government.

Source:http://pib.nic.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRI D=1521870

WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK Current affairs quiz February Which of the following statements is/are wrong?

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct? A. Only 1 B. Only 1 and 4

1. Presidents sets up the tribunal for adjudication of C. Only 1 and 2 D. Only 3 and 4 water disputes between states Answer: Option C. the question asks you to choose the 2. Constitution does not provide the mechanism for wrong statements and not the right statements. India adjudicating inter-state water disputes shares its longest boundary with Bangladesh. LAC is between India and China. Statements 3 and 4 are correct A. Only 1 B. Only 2 5. The theme of this year‟s „Hunar Haat‟ is? C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 A. Development with pride and dignity Answer: Option D. Article 262 of the Indian constitution provides for mechanism to deal with inter- B. Development with confidence state water disputes. Parliament sets up the tribunal and C. Development with dignity not the President D. None of the above 2. “Rohingyas” refugees belong to which Asian Country originally? Answer: option C

A. Bangladesh B. Maldives 6. Consider the following statements; C. Myanmar D. Bhutan 1. Crypto currency based transactions is Answer: Option C recognized as a legal tender in India 3. Competition Commission of India (CCI) is 2. Cloud computing is the software that is used established under which legislative act? to maintain a ledger of transactions A. Competition commission act, 2002 3. Crypto currency are not hackable

B. Consumer protection act, 1986 Which of the above statement is/are wrong? C. Competition and consumer act, 2010 A. Only 1 B. Only 2 and 3 D. None of the above

Answer: option A C. 1, 2 and 3 D. All statements are true

4. Consider the following statements Answer: option C. Crypto currency is not recognized as 1. India shares it longest border with China a legal tender in India. They use block chain technology 2. Line of actual control is border between India and to maintain a ledger of transactions. They are not Pakistan immune to hacking 3. Natu la pass is in the Sikkim state. This pass borders between India and Tibetan Autonomous region 7. „Mahamastakaabhisheka‟ is being carried out once every _____ years? 4. Natu la is one of the passes used by pilgrims to visit holy places in Tibet. WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK

A. 4 years B. 16 years C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2

C. 26 years D. 12 years Answer: Option A. Jainism preaching were done using ‗Prakriti‘ also. The first statement is true Answer: option D 11. The three new eel species have been found along 8. Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act which coast? mandates the government to place which of the following documents to be laid out before the Options: parliament? A. Northern Bay of Bengal

1. Mid-term fiscal policy statement B. Southern Bay of Bengal 2. Macro economic framework statement C. Andaman Sea 3. Fiscal policy strategy statement 4. Monetary policy statement D. None of the above

A. Only 1 and 3 B. Only 2 and 4 Answer: Option A

C. Only 1,3 and 4 D. Only 1, 2 and 3 12. Consider the following statements with respect to „National Health Protection‟ scheme announced in Answer: option D the latest budget

9. Who is the first independent female director to be 1. They are restricted to primary care only nominated International Cricket Council (ICC)? 2. They cater to secondary and tertiary care only

Which of the following statement is/are correct? A. Chanda kochar B. Indra nooyi Options: C. Arundhati bhattacharya D. None of the above A. Only 1 Answer: option B B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 10. Which of the following statements are true with D. Neither 1 nor 2 respect to Jainism? Answer: Option B 1. They are mainly responsible for development of rd vernacular languages in India 3 question

2. Like Buddhists they too preached in Pali only 13.With which country did India decide recently to hold maritime exercise for the first time? A. Only 1 B. Only 2 Options: WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK

A. UAE D. Central Statistical Office B. Oman Answer: Option D C. Palestine D. Israel 16. 1st question: India state of forest report is prepared by which agency? Answer: option A Options: 14.Consider the following statements A. National tiger conservation authority 1. Comprehensive convention of International B. Botanical survey of India Terrorism is a binding agreement on United C. Forest survey of India Nations members D. None of the above 2. India is a signatory for this convention 3. These convention corresponds to international Answer: Option C terrorism activities related to chemical weapons 17. Consider the following statements with respect to Which of the above statements is/are wrong? India state of the forest report 2017

Options: Statements:

A. Only 1 and 2 1. It was released by Ministry of Environment, B. Only 2 and 3 forest and climate change C. Only 1 and 3 2. It is a biennial report D. All the statements are wrong 3. Karnataka leads in most increase in the forest cover since 2015 Answer: Option D 4. The report used satellite data to map out forest The Comprehensive Convention on International cover Terrorism is a proposed treaty which intends to Which of the following statements is/are wrong? criminalize all forms of international terrorism and deny terrorists, their financiers and supporters access to funds, Options: arms, and safe havens. The negotiations for this treaty A. 1,2 and 3 are currently underway and it has not yet been adopted. B. 2 and 3 only All the above statements given in the question are hence C. Only 3 wrong D. 1,2,3 and 4 15. IIP is an index that is compiled by ______Answer: Option C. The rest of the given statements are A. Prime Minister‘s office correct. Andhra Pradesh leads all other states in the B. Labour Bureau increase in its forest cover C. Corporate affairs WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK

18. Non-performing Assets is a term linked with the country, under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, ______sector? 1995. 2. NPPA is also entrusted with the task of recovering A. Banking sector amounts overcharged by manufacturers for the B. Agricultural sector controlled drugs from the consumers. C. Automobile sector 3. It also monitors the prices of decontrolled drugs in D. Insurance sector order to keep them at reasonable levels. Answer: Option A 4. Its parent organization is ministry of health and family welfare 19. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) was established under which act? Which of the above statements is/are correct with respect to NPPA? Options: Options: A. the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 1995 B. the drugs (regulation) order, 2002 A. Only 2 and 3 C. monitoring and control of drugs and cosmetics act, B. Only 1, 2 and 4 1999 C. Only 2, 3 and 4 D. none of the above D. Only 1,2 and 3

Answer: Option A Answer: Option D. The parent department of NPPA is Ministry of chemicals and fertilizers 20. What are „stents‟? 22. The first global theatre festival was held in A. an artificial computer designed to monitor weather ______? system A.Spain B.Italy B. a medical device to remove blockage of passageway C. satellite launched by NASA C.India D.Greece D. stents are comets Answer: Option D

Answer: Option B 23. The theme of Global Theatre Festival being held in India this year is ______? 21. Consider the following statements with respect to Options: National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) A.Development with dignity Statements: B.Unity in diversity

1. NPPA is an organization of the Government of India C.Flag of friendship which was established, inter alia, to fix/ revise the D.Trust and love prices of controlled bulk drugs and formulations and to enforce prices and availability of the medicines in Answer: Option C WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK

24. The Headquarters of Financial Action Task Force Answer: Option C (FATF) is located in ______28. The Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Options: allied duties imposes dumping duties on products from other countries. This institution works under A. Washington D C B. Paris which department?

C. Zurich D. New York Options:

Answer: Option B A. Department of Commerce

25. Consider the following statements B. Department of Industrial policy and Promotion

1. Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is non for C. Prime minister‘s office profit organization working towards ensuring financial inclusion among the poorest of the poor D.None of the above

2. FATF is primarily concerned with monitoring Answer: Option A money laundering and finance laundering activities 29. Consider the following statements Which of the above statements is/are wrong? 1. Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is an Options: energy service company (ESCO) of the Government of India and is the world's largest public ESCO. A. Only 1 B. Only 2 2. it works under the aegis of ministry of power C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Which of the above statements is/are true? Answer: Option A Options: 26. The „Big Data Initiative‟ is being implemented by which department in India A. only 1 B. only 2

A. Department of electronics C. both 1 and 2 D. neither 1 nor 2

B. Department of science and technology Answer: Option C

C. Department of Information Technology 30. The international conference conducted in Kuwait was for the reconstruction ______country? D. Department of atomic energy Options: Answer: Option B A. Afghanistan B. Syria 27. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) functions under which ministry? C. Libya D. Iraq

A. Ministry of Health and family Welfare Answer: Option D

B. Ministry of Power 31. Consider the following statements

C. Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers 1. Large tools found in Attirampakam site near Chennai correspond to upper Paleolithic age D. Ministry of AYUSH

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2. It was discovered by the British geologist Robert A. J S Verma commission Bruce Foote in 1863 B. Yash Pal commission 3. The oldest hand axe in India can be found in this site C. Soli sorabjee commission Choose the wrong statement/s D. Kothari commission Options: Answer: Option D A. Only 1 B. Only 1 and 3 35. International North South Transport Corridor, C. Only 2 and 3 which will connect Mumbai with Central Asia, through the port of ______on the Strait of D. All of the statements are wrong Hormuz, and then through rail and road links to the Answer: Option A. Small tools are found in this site and Eurasian region they correspond to middle Paleolithic site Identify the port from the given options

32. What is the theme of World Sustainable A.Chabhar port B.Gwador port Development Summit organized in New Delhi this year? C.Bandar Abbas port D.None of the above

A. Sustainable growth Answer: Option C

B. Sustainable growth with inclusivity 36. Consider the following statements

C. Reliable strategies for green growth 1. Enforcement Directorate works under the overall aegis of Ministry of Finance. D. Partnership for a resilient planet 2. Central Bureau Investigation director appointment is Answer: Option D made according to Lokayukat and Lokpal Act, 2013

33. Consider the following statements with regards to Which of the above statement is/are true? „Sallekhana‟ A. Only 1 B. Only 2 1. It is a practice of Buddhists in India C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 2. It is the religious practice of voluntarily fasting to death by gradually reducing the intake of food and Answer: Option C liquids 37. The riparian states of Kaveri River include 3. Chandragupta Maurya performed Sallekhana at Shravanabelagola 1.Karnataka 2.Tamil Nadu

Which of the above statements is/are wrong? 3.Kerala 4.Puducherry

A. Only 2 and 3 B. Only 1 Options:

C. Only 1 and 3 D. All the statements are correct A.Only 1 and 2 B.Only 2 and 3

Answer: Option B C.Only 1, 2 and 3 D.1, 2, 3 and 4

34. ______Commission suggested a spending of Answer: Option C. Question asks for only states and not 6% of GDP on education? Union Territories WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK

38. Consider the following statements with regards to 2. K Santhanam Committee recommended its International Solar Alliance establishment

1. It is headquartered in Gurugram, India 3. The prime objective of the commission is to combat corruption in the government 2. Member countries include only from Europe and Asia Which of the above statements is/are true? Which of the above statements is/are wrong? Options: A. Only 1 B. Only 2 A. Only 1 and 2 B. Only 1 and 3 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 C. Only 2 and 3 D. All the statements are true Answer: Option B. Most of them being sunshine countries, which lie either completely or partly between Answer: Option C. CVC was established by an act of the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn parliament in 1964

39. ______Commissioned bricks to be 42. Who became the oldest ranking tennis player to made from the soil brought from Mecca, the holiest achieve number 1 position according to The site of Islam, and used them in the construction of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) ranking? central arch of the mosque, thus giving the mosque its name, Mekkah Masjid. A. Pete Sampras B. Rafael Nadal

A. Bahaman Hasan Gangu C. Roger Federer D. J.W. Tsonga

B. Mohammad Quli Qutub Shah Answer: Option C

C. Ibrahim Adil Shah 43. Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) uses ______form to map out the feature of a terrain? D. Aurangzeb A. Laser B. Sound waves Answer: Option B C. Both A and B D. Neither A nor B 40. NASA plans to which type of propulsion to put humans on mars? Answer: Option A

Options: 44. Consider the following statements

A. Cryogenic based propulsion 1.Virgin Hyperloop is owned by Sir Richard Branson

B. Conventional propulsion system 2.Magnetic levitation technology is used in the Hyperloop system C. Nuclear propulsion system Which of the following statements is/are correct? D. None of the above A. Only 1 B. Only 2 Answer: Option C C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 41. Consider the following statements; Answer: Option C 1. Central Vigilance Commission is a constitutional body 45. Digital industrial area is being set up at ______

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A. New Delhi B. Karnataka 50. Which of the given below compound has been found to over stimulate receptors in the brain that C. Maharashtra D. Andhra Pradesh leads to cell death, which has been linked to chronic Answer: Option C pain. Options: 46. World Information Technology and Services

A. Fulfilling the Promise of the Digital Age A. Mono Sodium Penthol B. Mono potassium Glutamete B. Fulfilling the promise of 21st century

C. Digital age for more inclusive and sustainable growth C. Mono sodium Glutamete D. Bi sodium Glutamete D. None of the above

Answer: Option A Answer: Option C

47. Which Public Sector Bank has developed YONO 51. Which state has mandated the necessity of a (You Only Need One), an artificial intelligent system vaccination card for admission into educational based platform for its customers? institutions?

A. Punjab National Bank A. Karnataka B. Maharashtra C. Kerala D. Tripura B. State Bank of India

C. Allahabad Bank Answer: Option C

D. Syndicate Bank 52. Consider the following statements

Answer: Option B 1. Banks Board Bureau (BBB) establishment was suggested by PJ Nayak Committee 48. Kambala is a traditional festival celebrated in ______state 2. The chief of BBB is Y V Reddy

A. Tamil Nadu B. Karnataka Which of the above statement is/are true?

C. Andhra Pradesh D. Odisha A. Only 1 B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: Option B Answer: Option A 49. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set up a panel under board member ______a former 53. Which among the below state is the top producer president of Institute of Chartered Accountants of of coal in India? India (ICAI), to look into the factors leading to increasing incidents of bank frauds. A. Chhattisgarh B. Madhya Pradesh

A. Y H Malegam B. R. Malimath C. Jharkhand D. Odisha

C. PJ Nayak D. Soli Sorabjee Answer: Chhattisgarh

Answer: Option A 54. Consider the following statements;

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1.Sophia is a social humanoid robot developed by 2. It uses a cryogenic engine for its operation Hong Kong-based Company Hanson Robotics. Which of the above statements is/are false? 2.This robot has been granted citizenship in Saudi Arabia A. Only 1 B. Only 2

Which of the above statement is/are true? C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2

A. only 1 B. only 2 Answer: Option C

C. both 1 and 2 D. neither 1 nor 2 58. The eruption of ______Mount Sinabung that shot ash 5 km (3 miles) high also blew away Answer: Option C much of the mountain‟s summit. Identify the country to which this volcano belongs 55. The Indian Antarctic Program is a multi- disciplinary, multi-institutional program under the A. Vietnam B. Thailand control of the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research. Which ministry oversees this C. Malaysia D. Indonesia project? Answer: Option D A. Ministry of Earth Sciences 59. Mahanadi tribunal has been set up for B. Ministry of Science and Technology adjudication of water disputes between which states?

C. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change A. Goa and Karnataka

D. None of the above B. Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand

Answer: Option A C. Odisha and Jharkhand

56. Consider the following statements; D. Odisha and Chhattisgarh

1. Dara Shikoh was the eldest son of Shah Jahan Answer: Option D

2. He was a great patron of arts and literature 60. Which of the following is a indigenous light transport aircraft developed by „National Aerospace 3. He had a secular view of every religion Laboratory‟?

4. He was defeated by Aurangzeb for accession to A. NETRA B. BARAK throne C. SARAS D. TEJAS Which of the above statement is/are true? Answer: Option C A. Only 1 and 3 B. Only 2 and 4 61. Syria is located in Southwestern Asia, north of the C. Only 1,2 and 3 D. 1,2,3 and 4 Arabian Peninsula, at the eastern end of the ______Sea Answer: Option D A. Caspian Sea B. Dead Sea 57. Consider the following statements C. Mediterranean Sea D. None of the above 1. Agni II is a surface-to-air inter-continental ballistic missile Answer: Option C

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62. Who became the first women from Indian Air Answer: Option A Force to fly a jet solo? 66. Khajuraho School of architecture developed A. Bhawana Kanth B. Mohana Singh mostly under ______rulers of Bundelkhand

C. Lakshmi Rathod D. Avani Chaturvedi A.Chandela B.Pala

Answer: Option D C.Mughul D.None of the above

63. Consider the following statements with respect to 67. Which of the given dance forms are not blockchain technology considered as classical dances in India?

1.The blockchain is an incorruptible digital ledger of A. Bharatyanatyam B. Kathakali economic transactions that can be programmed to record not just financial transactions but virtually C. Yakshagana D. Kathak everything of value. Answer: Option C. Since Yakshagana is not a classical 2.It was first used to document Bitcoin transaction dance form but an offshoot of a dance-drama genre

3.The system is used by both SBI and Punjab 68. Consider the following statements with regards to National Bank in India coral reefs

Which of the above statement is/are correct? 1.They are only found in tropical waters

A.Only 1 and 3 B.Only 2 and 3 2.They are sensitive to temperature, salinity

C.Only 1 and 2 3.They are highly diverse in terms of flora and fauna

D.All of the statements are correct 4.They are only found in deep waters

Answer: Option C Which of the above statements is/are true?

64. Consider the following statements; A. Only 2 and 3 B. Only 1, 2 and 4

1. Olive Ridley Turtle mass nesting sites are found on C. Only 2, 3 and 4 D. ll of the statements are true the western coast of India Answer: Option A

2. They are classified as a endangered species under 69. Falcon launching vehicle belongs to ______IUCN Red Data Book A. NASA B. ISRO Which of the above statements is/are wrong? C. Virgin D. Space X A. Only 1 B. Only 2 Answer: Option D C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 70. Consider the following statements; Answer: Option C 1. President of India is designated as the head of the 65. The Australia Group pertains to prevention of National Disaster Management Agency proliferation of ______weapons 2. It was formed after the devastating tsunami A.Chemical and Biological B.Nuclear disaster that hit India C.Only chemical D.Conventional arms WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK

Which of the above statements is/are true? 1. Money laundering 2. Terror Financing A. Only 1 B. Only 2 3. Advance pricing agreements C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 4. Double taxation avoidance Answer: Option D Options: 71. What is Biffes?

A. A literary festival conducted in Karnataka A. Only 1 and 3

B. A culinary festival conducted in Karnataka B. Only 1, 2 and 3 C. Only 2, 3 and 4 C. A film festival conducted in Karnataka D. Only 1 and 2 D. A folk festival conducted in Karnataka Answer: Option D Answer: Option C

72. Consider the following statements; 75. The selection committee to appoint Lokpal

1.The scheme for electoral bond was formulated by consists of? ministry of finance 1. Prime Minister of India 2.SBI and all other PSU banks can Issue this bonds 2. Chief Justice of India or a supreme court judge Which of the statements is/are false? nominated by him

A. Only 1 B. Only 2 3. Union Home Minister 4. Speaker of Lok Sabha C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 5. Leader of opposition of Lok Sabha (or leader of Answer: Option B. The question asks for the wrong the single largest party) Answer. Only SBI is allowed to deal with electoral 6. Eminent jurist bonds for now 7. Leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha 73. Which neighboring country of India was included 8. Chairman of Rajya Sabha in the FATF list for non-compliance in stopping money-laundering and terror financing activities? Options:

A. Bangladesh A. All of the above mentioned dignitaries B. Pakistan B. Only 1,2,3,4 and 6 C. Sri Lanka C. Only 1,2,4,5 and 6 D. Nepal D. Only 1,2,4,5,6,7 and 8

Answer: Option B Answer: Option C

74. Which are the primary focus areas of FATF?

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76. The nodal ministry for implementation of the „Ek 79. Institute of Chartered Accountants of India is Bharat Shresht Bharat‟ is? ______body

A. Ministry of tribal affairs A. Constitutional B. Ministry of culture B. Executive C. Ministry of social justice and empowerment C. Statutory D. Ministry of environment, forest and climate D. None of the above change Answer: Option C Answer: Option B 80. The final destination of the „TAPI pipeline will be 77. Consider the following statements the Indian town of ______

1. Smart city mission aims to build 500 smart cities A. Fazika in India by 2022 B. Jaisalmer 2. Ministry of Urban development is the nodal C. Pathankot ministry for the implementation of the D. Dras programme Answer: Option A Which of the above statement is/are true? 81. The 24-year-old______became A. Only 1 India‟s first-ever World Cup medalist picking the bronze at Hisense Arena in Melbourne B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 A. Dipa Karmakar D. Neither 1 nor 2 B. Aruna Asaf Ali

C. Aruna Budda reddy Answer: Option B D. PV Sindhu 78. The „TAPI‟ project is implemented by which Answer: Option C bank? 82. MILAN is conducted by ______A. Asian development bank Options: B. Asian infrastructure and development bank A. Indian Navy C. New development bank D. World Bank B. Indian Army

C. Indian Air Force Answer: Option A D. Indian Coast Guard

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Answer: Option A 86. ______telecom operator has joined a new global collaboration called Seamless Alliance to bring 83. Which is the first city in India to be granted the high-speed and uninterrupted in-flight data status of „World Heritage City‟? connectivity to mobile customers.

Options: A.Reliance B.Vodafone

A. Hampi C.Idea D.Bharti Airtel

B. Varanasi Answer: Option D

C. Ahmedabad 87. Which battery is fast replacing lead acid battery D. Jaisalmer in practical applications?

Answer: Option C A. Lithium-Acid B. Lithium-Ion C. Lithium-lead D.None of the above 84. Consider the statements given below

1. ‗Shram Ratna Award‘, ‗Shram Bhushan Award‘, Answer: Option B ‗Shram Vir/Shram Veerangana‘ and ‗Shram 88. Consider the following statements Shree/Shram Devi Awards‘. for the workers in the Public Sector Undertakings, Departmental Undertakings Identify the advantages of lithium-ion battery over of the Central and the State Governments and Private lead acid battery Sector units 2. Shram awardee are selected by the Ministry of 1.Weight: Lithium-ion batteries are one-third the weight Commerce of lead acid batteries.

Which of the above statement is/are wrong? 2.Efficiency: Lithium-ion batteries are nearly 100% efficient in both charge and discharge while the lead Options: batteries have the 70% efficiency.

A. Only 1 B. Only 2 3.Discharge: Lithium-ion batteries are discharged 100% versus less than 80% for lead acid. C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 4.Cycle Life: Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries cycle Answer: Option B 5000 times or more compared to just 400-500 cycles in lead acid. 85. Mission Innovation (MI) is a global initiative of 22 countries and the European Union to dramatically 5.Voltage: Lithium-ion batteries maintain their voltage accelerate ______throughout the entire discharge cycle. Lead acid voltage A. Clean energy innovation drops consistently throughout the discharge cycle. 6.Cost: upfront cost of lithium-ion batteries is less B. Antarctic conservation compared to Lead acid battery C. Nuclear disarmament 7.Environmental Impact: Lithium-ion batteries though a D. Forest conservation cleaner technology but are not as safe for the environment Answer: Option A A.Only 1,2,3,6 and 7

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B.Only 1,2,3,4 and 5 93. SRIJAN is a programme implemented by ______ministry C.Only 2,3,4,5 and 6 A.Ministry of social justice and empowerment D.All of the statements are true B.Ministry of Culture Answer: Option B C.Ministry of housing and Urban affairs 89. A record nesting olive ridley turtle has occurred along ______coast in 2018 D.Ministry of Railways

A.Gahirmatha B.Rushikulya Answer: Option D

C.Arabian D.Andaman and nicobar islands 94. Reliance Industries and ______aim to develop three sets of natural gas discoveries in the Answer: Option B KG-D6 block of the Godavari basin in the Bay of Bengal 90. Consider the following statements

1. The viral load is used to monitor the effectiveness of A.Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) over time. It measures the B.ARAMCO amount of HIV genetic material (RNA) in the blood C.British Petroleum 2. Mission 90-90-90 is a mission designed to combat drug resistance TB in India D.None of the above

Which of the above statement is/are true? Answer: Option C

A. Only 1 B. Only 2 95. Vitamin D is needed for ______absorption

C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 A. Calcium B. Phosphate

Answer: Option A C. Nitrogen D. Iron

91. Who organizes Lok Adalats in India? Answer: Option A

A.Panchayats 96. Country‟s first Defence Corridor industrial is going to come up in which state? B.District family court A. Tamil Nadu B. Karnataka C.National legal service authority C. Andhra Pradesh D. Maharashtra D.High court of the respective state Answer: Option A Answer: Option C 97. Consider the following statements 92. Insurance regulatory and development authority of India (IRDAI) is a ______agency 1. Quadrilateral Security dialogue was established for the first time in 2017 A. Constitutional B. Executive 2. It consists of four countries namely- India, Australia, C. Judicial D. Statutory Japan and USA

Answer: Option D Which of the above statements is/are wrong? WWW.IASJNANA.COM CURRENT AFFAIRS FEBRUARY 2018 FOR UPSC/IAS AND QUESTION BANK

A.Only 1 B.Only 2 A. Padit Nehru

C.Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 B. Sardar patel

Answer: Option A C. Lal Bahadur Shastri

98. An Integrated GST (IGST) would be levied an D. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad inter-state supply (including stock transfers) of goods or services. This shall be levied and collected by the Answer: Option D ______on the recommendation of GST council 103. A portion of the Saddzagloul Street in Amman A. Finance commission B. Niti Ayog was renamed as ______Street

C. State Government D. Central government A. Abdul Kalam B. Pandit Nehru

Answer: Option D C. Mahatma Gandhi D. Indira Gandhi

99. „Swajal‟ scheme pertains to providing Answer: Option C A. Free LPG cylinders to rural households (For everyday Current B. Community owned drinking water programme Affairs visit C. Subsidies for export promotion

D. Loans given to Small and marginal farmers www.iasjnana.com) Answer: Option B UPSC-2019 offline 100. Identify the border countries of Jordan from the given list classes 1. Iraq 2.Syria 3.Iran 4. Israel 5.Saudi Arabia 6.UAE Contact -9916399276 A.Only 1,2,3,4 B.Only 2,3,4,5,6

C.Only 1,2,4 and 5 D.Only 3,4,5 and 6

Answer: Option C

101. Smartphone pact was signed between Google and which Indian Telecom operator?

A. Idea B. Reliance Jio

C. Bharti Airtel D. Vodafone India

Answer: Option C

102. Who was responsible for setting up off Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)?

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