CURRENT AFFAIRS

MONTH OF FEBRUARY-2019

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Source-PIB 01.02.2019 A unique travelogue series ‘Rag Rag Mein Ganga’ launched on Doordarshan Union Minister for Water Resources, 1. Budget Highlights 2019-20 River Development and Ganga Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Rejuvenation launched travelogue (PM-KISAN) program “Rag Rag Mein Ganga” on To extend direct income support at the Doordarshan. rate of Rs. 6,000 per year to farmer This series has been made by families, having cultivable land upto Doordarshan in collaboration with 2 hectares. National Mission for Clean Ganga Under this Government of India funded (NMCG). Scheme, Rs.2,000 each will be The show relays the message of the transferred to the bank accounts of need of rejuvenating River Ganga around 12 crore Small and Marginal while also informing about the efforts farmer families, in three equal of the Government to clean Ganga – instalments. presented in a unique and interesting This programme would be made effective format. from 1st December 2018 and the first Topic- GS Paper 1 –Art and Culture instalment for the period upto31st Source-PIB March 2019 would be paid. DIPP renamed as DPIIT The government has notified changing the name of the Department of Pradhan Mantri Shram-Yogi Maandhan Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) to Under the scheme, an assured the Department for Promotion of monthly pension of Rs 3,000 per Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). month will be provided to workers in The notification has also included the unorganised sector after 60 years four new categories of responsibilities of age. to DIPP. It includes To avail of the scheme, workers will The promotion of internal trade have to contribute Rs 100 month. (including retail trade) Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog The welfare of traders and their • To upscale sustainable genetic employees upgradation of cow resources and to Matters relating to facilitating enhance production and productivity Ease of Doing Business of cows. Matters relating to start-ups. Topic- GS-3- Economy

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 1 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Related Information • He got this award for the Department of Industrial Policy and transformational changes brought Promotion by him during his tenure as Union Department of Industrial Policy & Minister of Power. Promotion (DIPP) functions under the Related Information Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Carnot Prize Government of India. The Carnot Prize is the annual It is responsible for formulation and recognition by the US-based implementation of promotional and Kleinman Center for Energy Policy developmental measures for growth for distinguished contributions to of the industrial sector, keeping in energy policy through scholarship view the national priorities and socio- or practice. economic objectives. The prize has been named after It is also responsible for facilitating French scientist Sadi Carnot, who and increasing the foreign direct in 1824 published Reflections investment (FDI) flows to the country. Motive Power of Fire, which Topic- GS Paper 3 – became the basis Economics Source- The Hindu for the second law of Polar Vortex thermodynamics. Recently the south-directing current Carnot recognized that the power of the North Polar vortex has brought of the steam engine would “produce a deadly cold waves to the USA. greatrevolution”inhuman Reason - During winter in the development. northern hemisphere the vortex Topic-GS Paper-2–Important becomes weak and expands, sending awards/prizes Arctic cold air southward due to Source- Indian Express which North Polar vortex has brought Global Warming Affect El Niño in deadly cold waves to the USA. the Related Information st Century Polar vortex The most recent projection of The Polar vortex is a large area of global warming impact on El Niño low pressure that consistently appeared in scientific journal overlies the North and South poles. ‘Nature ‘in which has thrown some It always exists near the poles but light on the effects weakens in summer and strengthens of global warming on El Niño in the in winter. 21st Century. Finding of the study They are called ‘vortexes’ because of El Niño remains the largest climate the mass of cold, dense air that spins phenomenon that occurs frequently counter-clockwise like a hurricane. producing droughts, floods, The polar vortex can lead to major wildfires, dust and snow storms, cold air outbreaks in the Northern fish kill, and even elevated risks of Hemisphere, including North civil conflicts. America, Europe and Asia. The theatre of action for El Niño is It is capable of delivering subzero the tropical Pacific Ocean but its temperatures in the new areas for global reach costs the global several days at a time. community tens Topic- GS Paper 3 –Science and of billion dollars each Technology time. Related Information EI Source- Science Daily Nino Piyush Goyal has been awarded the In a normal year, a surface low Carnot Prize 2018 pressure develops in the region of The Union Minister of Railways, northern Australia and Indonesia Piyush Goyal has been awarded the and a high-pressure system over Carnot Prize 2018. the coast of Peru.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 2 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019

El Nino refers to the unusual Other examples of biopolymers include warming of the central and east- rubber, suberin, melanin central equatorial Pacific Ocean and lignin. which leads to air pressure drops Topic- GS Paper 3 –Science and over large areas of the central Pacific Technology and along the coast of South Source-The Hindu America. Cow urine may be a reason for global warming: Study The warmer waters of the Pacific Ocean In a study Cow urine — a minor fount of cause the winds in various regions to research in India for its medicinal benefits reverse — may also contribute to global warming. This change in wind direction leads to The urine from the ruminant is a source warmer winters and summers and a of nitrous oxide emissions (N2O), a gas decrease in rainfall during the monsoon. that is 300 times more powerful than Effects of El Nino’s carbon dioxide. El Nino affects global weather. The cattle and livestock are a significant El Nino reduces upwelling of cold water, source of methane, a greenhouse gas, decreasing the uplift of nutrients from and therefore a contributor to global the bottom of the ocean which affects warming is well- marine life, seabirds and the fishing known. industry. Related Information Drought caused by El Nino can be India had estimates for dung and urine widespread, affecting southern Africa, production per cow or buffalo or other India, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the livestock animals as well as their overall Pacific Islands. estimates for their populations as per A recent WHO report on the health 2012 livestock census. consequences of El Nino forecasts a rise But the exact contribution of cow urine to in vector-borne diseases, including those the total nitrous oxide emission from spread by mosquitoes, in Central and India is not estimated precisely. South America. Topic- GS Paper 3 –Science and Cycles of malaria in India are also linked Technology to El Nino. Source- The Hindu Topic- GS Paper 3 –Environment African Asian Rural Development Source- Down to Earth Organisation Biopolymer research to focus on new An international workshop on fisheries products and aquaculture has called for regional Rajasthan is promoting research in the cooperation among member countries of biopolymer sector with an emphasis on the African Asian Rural Development the fabrication of new products and Organisation (AARDO) generation of more employment to develop joint fisheries management opportunities. plans. The research on Biopolymer is carried out Related Information by the Centre for Skilling and Technical AARDO Support and the National Institute of AARDO is an autonomous inter- Fashion. governmental organization comprising 33 The initiative will also be helped the members from Africa and Asia formed in handicraft industry. 1962. Biopolymer Its headquarters is in New Delhi. Biopolymers are polymers that are produced by living organisms. The Organization was set up with a view They are generally polymers of starch. to promoting coordinated efforts, These are composed of monomeric units. exchange of experiences and cooperative Cellulose is the most common organic action for furthering the objectives of compound and biopolymer on Earth. development of the rural areas. India is one of the Founder Members of the Organization and is the largest contributor in terms of membership contribution.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 3 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 The first Afro-Asian Conference on The United Nations Security Council Rural Reconstruction held its historic has adopted a resolution 2454 to Session in New Delhi during 18-25 extend sanctions against the Central January 1961. African Republic (CAR) for another Topic- GS Paper 2 –Important year. Organisation Features of Resolution 2454 Source- The Hindu It has adopted unanimously by the 15-member council, decides to renew 04.02.2019 the sanctions regime – an arms embargo, travels ban and asset Inkjet’ solar panels set to freeze till January 31, 2020. reshape green energy It also decides to extend the A PhD scholar has developed a novel mandate of the panel of experts, inkjet processing method which helps the Security Council with for perovskites — a new the implementation of the sanctions, generation of cheaper solar cells. until Feb 29, 2020. It makes it possible to produce solar The resolution envisages the panels under lower temperatures, establishment of key benchmarks in thus sharply reducing costs. various sectors that could help the Solar panels coated with the mineral Security Council review the arms are light, flexible, efficient, embargo on the CAR government by inexpensive and come in varying April 30, 2019. hues and degrees of transparency. United Nations Security Council (UNSC) They can easily be fixed to almost any It is one of the six principal organs of surface — be it laptop, car, drone, the UN. spacecraft or building — to produce It will charged with the maintenance electricity, including in the shade or of international peace and security as indoors. well as accepting new members to Perovskites the United Nations Perovskite is a calcium titanium It will also help in approving any oxide mineral composed of calcium changes to its United Nations Charter. titanate (CaTiO3). Its powers include the establishment Many different cations can be of peacekeeping operations, the embedded in this structure, allowing establishment of international the development of diverse sanctions, and the authorization of engineered materials. military action through Security The mineral was discovered in the Council resolutions. Ural Mountains of Russia by Gustav It is the only UN body with the Rose in 1839 and is named after authority to issue binding resolutions Russian mineralogist Lev Perovski to member states. (1792–1856). The Security Council consists of Found in the Earth’s mantle, fifteen members (5 Permanent + 10 perovskite’s occurrence at Khibina non- permanent). Massif is restricted to the under- Ten (10) non-permanent members, saturated ultramafic rocks and elected on a regional basis to serve foidolites, due to the instability in a two-year terms. paragenesis with feldspar. Topic- GS Paper 2 – International Topic- GS Paper 3 – Art and Organization Culture Source- The Hindu Source- Business Standard UNSC adopts a resolution to World Wetlands Day 2019: extend sanctions against the “Wetlands and Climate Change” Central African Republic for World Wetlands Day was celebrated another year on February 2nd with the theme of “Wetlands and Climate Change”.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 4 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 • The programme is all about It is celebrated on 2 February 1971 to familiarization with the environment, commemorate the signing of the family life, social customs, etc. of the Convention on Wetlands, called the people living in different parts of the Ramsar Convention at the Iranian country; developing the city of Ramsar on the shores of the understanding of the common Caspian Sea. historical and cultural heritage of the The two-fold objectives of the Ramsar country. Convention are Conservation and Related Information sustainable utilization of wetlands and NFCH stop the encroachment and loss of The NFCH is an autonomous organization wetlands. under the administrative control of the Wetlands Ministry of Home Affairs. Wetlands are areas of marsh or Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance peatland with water that is static or Source- PIB flowing, fresh, brackish or saline, New panel for welfare of nomadic including areas of marine water. communities These are transition zones between The Centre will form a welfare panel terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. for nomadic, semi-nomadic and de- E.g. Mangroves, lake littorals notified communities. (marginal areas between highest and The committee will be set up under lowest water level of the lakes), Niti Aayog to complete the task of floodplains (areas lying adjacent to identifying de-notified, nomadic and the river channels beyond the natural semi-nomadic communities, levees and periodically flooded especially as they move from place to during high discharge in the river) place in search of a livelihood. and other marshy or swampy areas. The committee will follow up on the Waterlogged soil, adapted plant life work of the Renke Commission and (hydrophytes) and hydric soils (not the Idate Commission. enough O2) are the chief A Welfare Development Board will characteristics of wetlands. also be set up under the Ministry of India has totally 27,403 square km Social Justice and Empowerment to wetlands, of which 23,444 square km design and implement programmes are inland wetlands and 3,959 for these hard-to-reach communities. square km are coastal wetlands. Topic-GS Paper 2–Important Committee Wetlands occupy 18.4% of the Source- The Hindu country’s area of which 70% are Kerala sets up drug price monitor under paddy cultivation. • Kerala has become the first State to set Topic- GS Paper 3 – Environment up a price monitoring and Source- Indian Express research unit (PMRU) to track Know My India Programme violation of prices of essential drugs • The National Foundation for and medical devices under the Drugs Communal Harmony (NFCH) is Price Control Order (DPCO). organizing a special workshop for 42 Concern Youth in the age group of 15 to 22 • Pharma companies have been years, who have been victims of accused of overcharging prices of communal violence in the past, drugs in the scheduled category fixed under the Know My India Programme by the DPCO and those outside its beginning in Bengaluru. ambit too. It aims to bring together financially Price Monitoring Research Unit assisted children of the Foundation The State Health Secretary would be the from different States/Regions of the Chairman of the society and the Drugs country to promote oneness, Controller would be its member secretary. fraternity and national integration. Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 5 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 • Its members include a State government representative, The exhibition of rare artefacts is representatives of private accompanying a two-day conference pharmaceutical companies, and those on Guru Padmasambhava’s life and from consumer rights protection fora. legacy, often called Second Buddha, The new watchdog will offer technical and brought together distinguished help to the State Drug Controllers and scholars from India, Nepal & Bhutan. the NPPA to monitor notified prices of The conference is titled “Life and medicines, detect violation of the Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava”. provisions of the DPCO, look at price The conference also celebrates the 50 compliance, collect test samples of years of diplomatic relations between medicines, and collect and compile India and Bhutan. market-based data of scheduled as Related Information well as non-scheduled formulations. Padmasambhava Note: The suggestion to set up PMRUs was Guru Padmasambhava is known as the made against the backdrop of the lack of a Second Buddha because he played a field-level link between the NPPA and the seminal role in spreading Buddhism State Drugs Controllers and State Drug and Buddhist teachings across the Inspectors to monitor drug prices. Himalayan region including Northeast Topic- GS Paper 2 – India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. Governance Source- The Hindu In Tibetan, Guru Padmasambhava is Rishi Kumar Shukla appointed generally referred to as Guru Rinpoche, which means “precious master.” CBI Director He undertook many travels across Rishi Kumar Shukla has been India, Bhutan, Tibet and Nepal. appointed as the new CBI Director. Thangka paintings, sculptures and How a CBI Director is appointed? photographs portray the life and The CBI draws its legality from the teachings of the Guru. 1946-Delhi Special Police Topic- GS Paper 1 –Art and Culture Establishment Act (DSPE). Source- Indian Express The precursor to the CBI was the A ‘pink revolution’ quietly takes shape in Special Police Establishment, which Maharashtra was India's first agency to A ‘pink revolution’ is quietly taking investigate corruption. It was set in shape in Maharashtra. 1946 by the British. The objective is to breed imported Before the Lokpal Act was legislated, pigs to address the problem of protein the CBI director was appointed by deficiency in a sizeable section of the the DSPE Act. population that has been deprived of Now, the Lokpal Act governs the access to affordable meat besides appointment of the CBI director. providing livelihood to farmers. The CBI director is appointed by the The ‘pink revolution’ targets to Centre on the basis of the produce five lakh high-quality pigs over recommendation of a search a period of 5-6 years. committee comprising of the Prime Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance Minister as the chairperson, the Chief Source- The Hindu Justice of India and the Leader of Britain, France and UK create a Opposition. firm "Instex" to trade with Iran Three major European allies introduced The Chief Justice of India can a financial mechanism a new company, nominate a Supreme Court judge if called Instex, for Instrument in Support he does not attend the search of Trade Exchanges, would essentially committee meeting. allow goods to be bartered between Topic- GS Paper 2 – Iranian companies and foreign ones Governance Source- The Hindu without direct financial transactions or Rare artefacts on iconic Buddhist using the dollar. figure celebrate India-Bhutan ties

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 6 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Instex, which was registered in France Previously the angel investor should and is known technically as a special- have filed income tax returns of at purpose vehicle, will be financed jointly least ₹50 lakh for the year preceding by the three countries and run by a the year in which the investment was German banker. made and have a net worth of ₹2 Related Information crore. Now it would be modified to be After President Trump pulled out of ₹25 lakh and ₹1 crore, respectively. the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed Angel Tax punitive banking sanctions last year, It is a tax on the excess capital raised European leaders vowed to find a by an unlisted company through the way to enable Tehran to keep doing issue of shares over and above the fair business with the rest of the world. market value of those shares. The European countries- Britain, This excess capital is treated as France and Germany- were all income and taxed accordingly. signatories to the Iran deal in 2015, This tax most commonly affects as was the US under President start-ups and the angel investors Obama. The Europeans, along with who back them. Russia and China, who were also Topic- GS Paper 3 – Economics signatories, have all vowed to keep Source- The Hindu to the terms of the agreement, which Fundraiser to secure 96 elephant was intended to ensure that Iran corridors could not build a nuclear weapon. According to a recent survey, seven Topic- GS-2- International elephant corridors in Jharkhand, U.P., Events Source- TOI Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand have already been impaired due to 05.02.2019 land use changes. To tackle this problem the Asian Centre sets up the panel to look Elephant Alliance, an umbrella into the angel tax issue initiative by five NGOs Elephant The government decided to set up a Family, International Fund for Animal five-member working committee to Welfare, IUCN Netherlands and World look into the angel tax issue and Land Trust have teamed up with WTI come up with guidelines. in the alliance. The panel also agreed to implement They came together to secure 96 out some key changes requested by of the 101 existing corridors used by start-ups regarding the issue. elephants across 12 States in India. Some Key Changes These are the joint venture is aiming As per the previous notification start- to secure the 96 remaining elephant corridors, old and new, in the next ups whose aggregate amount of paid- ten years. up share capital and share premium after the proposed issue of share does There are 101 elephant corridors not exceed ₹10 crore are eligible for identified by the WTI in its 2012-15 exemption from the tax. But now study, five of them — two in Meghalaya and one each in Assam, officials representing the Kerala and Karnataka — have already government agreed to raise this been secured by the WTI (Wildlife limit to ₹25 crore. Trust of India’s) with the help of They also agreed to amend the conservation partners and the definition of a start-up to include support of State governments. companies that have been in Indian Elephant operation for up to 10 years rather It is one of three recognized than the previous limit of seven subspecies of the Asian elephant and years. native to mainland Asia.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 7 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 The Asian elephant has been listed as Gangetic Dolphin Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Gangetic Dolphins are the only The wild population has declined by at surviving freshwater dolphin in India. least 50% since the 1940s to 1930s, Gangetic Dolphins are found in the river i.e. three elephant generations. systems of Ganga, Brahmaputra, Topic- GS Paper 2 – Meghna and Karnaphuli- Sangu in Governance Source- The Hindu Nepal, India and Bangladesh. 3. Odisha's Kalia scholarship The IUCN status of the Gangetic scheme for farmers' to boost Dolphin is Endangered. higher education Gangetic Dolphin is the National Odisha Chief Minister launched a Aquatic Animal of India. scholarship scheme named ‘KALIA Topic- GS Paper 3 – Biodiversity Chhatravritti Yojana‘. Source- TOI This scheme for the children of farmers Braille voter slips for blind under Krushak Assistance for The Election Commission of India will Livelihood and Income Augmentation be issuing Braille voter slips for the (KALIA) scheme in Keonjhar district. visually impaired and blind voters in the Lok Sabha elections 2019. It will help to boost education for It is part of its strategic framework for farmers children. 'accessible elections', the commission Under this scheme, the beneficiaries will has told all chief electoral officers to be provided with scholarships to issue accessible photo voter slips with pursue higher education in braille to voters who are visually professional courses at free of cost. impaired or blind. Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance The Electronic voting machines Source- Business Standard already have the Braille feature. Indus river dolphin is Punjab’s Related Information state aquatic animal • The Strategic Framework on • Recently Punjab declared the Accessible Elections is a compilation endangered Indus river dolphins- one of guidelines issued by Election of the world’s rarest mammals - as Commission of India and the the state’s aquatic animal. Department for Empowerment of Related Information Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Indus river dolphin Social justice and Empowerment, It is the second most endangered Government of India. freshwater river dolphin. Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance At present, there are only around Source- Economics Times 1,800 of these in the Indus in NASA Discovers Dwarf Galaxy Pakistan. • NASA’s Hubble telescope has Indus river dolphins are freshwater discovered a dwarf galaxy in the aquatic mammal found only in the neighbourhood of Milky Way galaxy. Beas in Punjab. The dwarf galaxy has been nicknamed It is listed endangered in the IUCN’s as ‘Bedin 1’ by the astronomers. Red List of Threatened Species and It is a modestly sized, elongated galaxy. It measures only around 3000 light- its International trade is prohibited years at its greatest extent which is a by virtue of it being listed under fraction of the size of the Milky Way. Appendix I of the Convention on “Dwarf galaxies” is a general term for International Trade in Endangered galaxies that are faint and small in Species (CITES). size and have low-luminosity, lack of Indus dolphin like Ganges River dust and old stellar populations. dolphin is functionally blind and relies The dwarf galaxy is discovered only on echolocation to navigate, 30 million light years away within the communicate and hunt prey in globular cluster NGC 6752. muddy river water.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 8 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Significance Kerala’s Village Millet Scheme From the properties of its stars, Kerala government has decided to scientists are able to infer that the expand millet village scheme to other galaxy is around 13 billion years old districts in the state. — nearly as old as the Universe itself. The Millet Village scheme was first Due to its isolation, Bedin 1 is will be launched in Attappady in Palakkad helpful in understanding the early district of Kerala. Universe. Under the Millet Village scheme, the Globular Cluster: government promoted the harvest of A Globular cluster is a large group of ragi (finger millet), thina (foxtail old stars that are closely packed in a millet), cholam (sorghum) and symmetrical and somewhat spherical kuthiravaali (barnyard millet). form. The project aimed at protecting Globular clusters are extremely seeds of traditional varieties of luminous objects and may contain millets and ensures food security and thousands to millions of stars. livelihood for tribals. Related Information NASA's The scheme also provides financial Great Observatories assistance to farmers for cultivation Hubble Space Telescope of millets crops. The first element of the program - and arguably the best known -- is the Related Information Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Millets Production in India The Hubble telescope was deployed by a Millets are cultivated in low-fertile NASA Space Shuttle in 1990. land, mountainous, tribal and rain- It was built by NASA, with contributions fed areas. from the European Space Agency. These areas include Andhra Pradesh, The Compton Gamma Ray Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Observatory (CGRO) MadhyaPradesh,Rajasthan, It was the second of NASA's Great Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Observatories. Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. This mission collected data on some of the Millets also are known as ‘nutri- most violent physical processes in the cereals’ and have a high protein Universe, characterized by their content, short growing season, extremely high energies. climate change resilience and low Chandra X-ray Observatory water requirement. The third member of the Great Topic- GS Paper 2 – Important Observatory family. Scheme Source- Indian Express This observatory is observing such objects In Assam, temples stave off as black holes, quasars, and high- extinction of turtles temperature gases throughout the x- Recently a few temple ponds in Assam ray portion of the EM spectrum. and Bangladesh are bringing Black Spitzer Space Telescope softshell turtle back from the brink. The Spitzer Space Telescope represents the fourth and final element in Related Information NASA's Great Observatory program. The black softshell turtle is a species Spitzer fills in an important gap in of freshwater turtle found in India wavelength coverage not available (Assam) and Bangladesh (Chittagong from the ground-the thermal infrared. and Sylhet). Topic- GS Paper 3 – Science and The black softshell turtle figures in the Technology IUCN Red List as “extinct in the Source-Indian Express wild”. India hosts 28 species of turtles, of which 20 are found in Assam.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 9 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 But consumption of turtle meat and Topic- GS-3- Science and eggs, silt mining, encroachment of Technology Source- DD News wetlands and change in flooding 2. National Film Development pattern have had a disastrous impact Corporation of India has been selected on the State’s turtle population. as Winner under the Miniratna Category Unfortunately, 70% of the species found (Category II) in Assam are threatened with • National Film Development extinction. Corporation of India has been Topic- GS Paper 3 – selected as Winner under the Biodiversity Source- The Hindu Miniratna Category (Category II) by 325 child labourers rescued in Ministry of MSME. Hyderabad under 'Operation Smile' This has been done as part of Operation Smile endeavour by Ministry of MSME to Operation Smile was launched on felicitate select CPSEs to recognize January 1 this year to trace missing their exemplary work towards children. promotion of SC/ST entrepreneurs. The month-long programme aims to NFDC (National Film Development rescue child labourers, children Corporation Ltd.) engaged in begging for alms & so on. It was incorporated in the year 1975, Topic- GS-2- Governance was formed by the GOI. Source- Business Standards It incorporated with the primary objective of planning and promoting an organized, 06.02.2019 efficient, and integrated development of the Indian film industry. These films, in various Indian ISRO's 'GSAT-31' launched languages, have been widely ISRO successfully launched its 40th acclaimed and have won many communication satellite GSAT-31 national and international awards. from the spaceport in French Guiana. Topic- GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture The satellite with a mission life of 15 Source-PIB years will provide continuity to Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana operational services on some of the This scheme was launched by the in-orbit satellites and augment the Ministry of Social Justice and Ku-band transponder capacity in Empowerment in 2017. Geostationary Orbit The objective of the scheme is to Weighing about 2,535 kg, the satellite provide Senior Citizens, belonging to was launched onboard the Ariane-5 BPL category and suffering from age- (VA247) from Kourou in French related disabilities/ infirmities, with Guiana. such physical aids and assisted living Application devices which can restore near The satellite provides Indian mainland normalcy in their bodily functions. and island coverage. Under the Scheme, assisted living GSAT-31 will be used for supporting devices such as Walking Sticks, VSAT networks, television uplinks, Elbow Crutches, Walkers/ Crutches, digital satellite news gathering, DTH Tripods/ Quadpods, Hearing Aids, television services, cellular backhaul Wheelchairs, Artificial Dentures and connectivity and many such Spectacles are provided free of cost applications. to the beneficiary senior citizens. The satellite will also provide wide The Scheme is being implemented beam coverage to facilitate through the “Artificial Limbs communication over a large oceanic Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO)”, a region comprising a large part of the Public Sector Undertaking under the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal and Ministry of SJ&E, as the sole the Indian Ocean using a wideband Implementing Agency. transponder.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 10 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 For the senior citizens aged 80 years or 100% use of VVPAT for Lok Sabha more, the devices are provided at polls: EC their doorsteps. • The Election Commission informed Topic- GS Paper 2 – Scheme for the Madras High Court that it had Vulnerable section of Society Source- made it clear way back in 2017 that PIB there shall be 100% use of the Voter PM-JAY app Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) The PM-JAY app launched by Union system during the Lok Sabha election Minister under the scheme 2019. Ayushman Bharat. The usage of VVPAT machines of the The app is helping users to get easy Election Commission is expected to access of information about the ensure free and fair elections. scheme, check eligibility, find Related Information hospitals nearby and get assisted Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) help. In the VVPAT system, when a voter The app will provide a way to connect and presses the button for a candidate of get all important information on his choice in the electronic voting the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY. machines (EVM), a paper ballot Topic- GS Paper 2 – containing the serial number, the Governance Source- The Hindu name of the candidate and poll Bullet train gets green light via symbol will be printed for the voter. flamingo haven, national park The voters will be able to view the Recently, a committee, chaired by Union voter-verifiable paper audit trail slip Environment Minister has accorded for seven seconds after which it will wildlife clearance to the Mumbai- get deposited in a sealed box. Ahmedabad high-speed train corridor VVPAT machines can be regarded as that encroaches upon a flamingo an independent verification system sanctuary and the Sanjay Gandhi as it National Park, the home to o allows voters to verify that their leopards, in Mumbai. votes are cast correctly, Mumbai–Ahmedabad high-speed Rail o detects possible election fraud or (MAHRS) Corridor malfunction and This project for one of India’s first ‘bullet o Provides a means to audit the trains’ was inaugurated by stored electronic result. Prime Minister and his Japanese Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance counterpart Shinzo Abe in Source- The Hindu Ahmedabad in September 2017. Russia racing to develop new missile It is expected to be ready by 2022. systems to counter the US by 2021 The train will cover a distance of over Russia announced that it is planning 508 km from Sabarmati (Gujarat) to to develop two new land-based Bandra (Mumbai, Maharashtra) in missile launch systems in response to around 2.58 hours at high speed of President Trump’s announcement 320 kph from the existing 7-8 hours. that the U.S. will withdraw from a In this project, around 80 % cost will be landmark nuclear weapons treaty. provided by the Japan International Moscow intends to develop the systems Cooperation Agency (JICA) as a soft by 2021 in order to counter U.S. loan at an interest of 0.1% per developments in its missile capabilities. annum. The U.S. and others in the international community have accused Russia of This loan will be repaid to Japan in 50 violating the treaty, which prohibits years, with 15 years grace period. nuclear and conventional ground- Topic- GS Paper 3 – Economics and launched missiles with ranges between Development 300 to 3,400 miles from being deployed Source- The Hindu in Europe, since 2014. Related Information

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 11 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces NTA Students App (INF) Treaty National Testing Agency (NTA) The INF Treaty was signed in 1987 recently has launched a ‘mobile app’ between US President Ronald Reagan through which students can practice and USSR President Mikhail or take mock tests on their own Gorbachev. computers or smartphones. The treaty aimed to end arms race Now the students across the country between USA and USSR during the can register themselves online at cold war and to ensure some NTA Website or ‘NTA Students App’ strategic stability in Europe. for visiting the TPCs. The INF treaty banned the development, Related Information testing and possession of short and National Test Agency medium-range ground-launched The Union Cabinet in November 2017 nuclear missiles having ranger approved the creation of the National between 500-5,000 km. Testing Agency (NTA) as an And also, all the nuclear and conventional autonomous and self-sustained missiles, as well as their launchers, premier testing organization to with ranges of 500–1,000 km or conduct entrance examinations for (short-range) and 1,000–5,500 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) km (intermediate-range) were in the country. banned under this treaty. It will be chaired by an educationist The Treaty proved to be a potent who will be appointed by the MHRD. deterrent against any full-scale The agency will have a board of nuclear war in Europe. governors who will represent the New START (Strategic Arms Reduction member institutions. Treaty) Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance It is a nuclear arms reduction treaty Source- The Hindu between the United States and the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan Russian Federation with the formal Department of School Education and name of Measures for the Further Literacy has launched an Integrated Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Scheme for School Education- Offensive Arms. Samagra Shiksha, subsuming three It was signed on 8 April 2010 in Prague, erstwhile Centrally Sponsored and, after ratification, entered into Schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan force on 5 February 2011. (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha It is expected to last at least until 2021. Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher New START replaced the Treaty of Education (TE), with effect from Moscow (SORT), which was due to 2018-19. expire in December 2012. The new integrated scheme envisages Under terms of the treaty, the number of school education as a continuum from strategic nuclear missile launchers pre-school to senior secondary level. will be reduced by half. Its aim to ensure inclusive and A new inspection and verification regime equitable quality education at all will be established, replacing the levels. SORT mechanism. It will also support to states in the It does not limit the number of implementation of RTE Act, 2009 and operationally inactive stockpiled strengthening of teacher education nuclear warheads that remain in the institutions. high thousands in both the Russian Topic- GS Paper 2 – Government and American inventories. Scheme Source-PIB Topic- GS Paper 2–International ‘Earthquake swarm’ in Palghar relation Source- The Hindu The Palghar district in northern Maharastra was rocked by a series of minor earthquakes.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 12 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Related Information Its intended beneficiaries are urban Earthquakes swarms poor (street vendors, slum dwellers, NCS (National Centre for Seismology) has homeless, rag pickers); unemployed categorised the unusual tremors as an and differently abled. ‘earthquake swarm’ which is a series of It also provides social mobilization low magnitude earthquakes that occur and institution development through in a localised region and over a period the formation of Self-Help Groups of time ranging from days, weeks to (SHG) for training members and even months. hand holding, initial support of 10, When seismic energy piles up inside the 000 is given for each group. Earth and is released in small It also provides subsidy to urban amounts from certain points, such a poor i.e. interest subsidy of 5% – 7% series of earthquakes can occur. for setting up individual Sometimes, these rumblings of the Earth microenterprises with a loan of up to are also accompanied by acoustic or 2 lakhs and for group enterprises sound emissions. with a loan limit of up to Rs.10 lakhs. They are differentiated from earthquakes PAISA Portal a centralised succeeded by a series of aftershocks electronic platform is launched for by the observation that no single quicker processing of loans under the earthquake in the sequence is Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – obviously the main shock. National Urban Livelihoods Mission It is believed that these are caused by Topic- GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture the movement of tectonic plates Source- Indian Express which is normal in the Indian peninsula. 07.02.2019 Topic- GS Paper 3 – Disaster MoU between India and Norway Management on India-Norway Ocean Dialogue Source- Indian Express The Union Cabinet has approved the Shehri Samridhi Utsav Launched MoU between India and Norway on It is an initiative of the Ministry of India-Norway Ocean Dialogue. Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Benefits: It is the National Exhibition and a sale of The MoU will promote cooperation in Self Help Group products and the areas of mutual interest National Street Food Festival pertaining to the development of blue organized in New Delhi. economy. It aims to extend the outreach of Norway is a global leader in the area of Deendayal Antyodaya Mission – Blue Economy and has cutting-edge National Urban Livelihoods Mission technologies and expertise in areas (DAY-NULM), to the most vulnerable, such as fisheries, hydrocarbons, showcase its initiatives and facilitate renewable energy, sustainable access of Self-Help Group (SHG) harnessing of ocean resources and members to the other government maritime transport. schemes. The proposed MoU will contribute in: Related Information Creating opportunities for Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana-National collaboration in areas such as Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM) exploitation of hydrocarbons and It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme other marine resources, implemented by Union Ministry of Management of ports Housing and Urban Poverty Tourism development Alleviation. contribute to the objective of Food Its objective is to uplift urban poor folks Security through the infusion of new by enhancing sustainable livelihood technologies in fisheries & aquaculture. opportunities through skill Topic-GS Paper2–International Relation development. Source-PIB

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 13 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Banning of Unregulated Deposit Cabinet approves Abolition of Schemes Bill, 2018 Institution of Income-Tax Ombudsman and Indirect Tax It provides comprehensive legislation Ombudsman to deal with the menace of illicit The Union Cabinet has approved the deposit schemes in the country proposal for Abolition of Institution of through Income-Tax Ombudsman and Complete prohibition of Indirect Tax Ombudsman. unregulated deposit-taking activity; Deterrentpunishmentfor The approval comes in the wake of promoting or operating an alternative complaint redressal unregulated deposit-taking scheme; mechanisms chosen by the public Stringent punishment for and the institution of Ombudsman fraudulent default in repayment to could not prove to be more effective depositors; than regular existing parallel Designation of a Competent channels of grievance redressal. Authority by the State Government Related Information to ensure repayment of deposits in Institution of Income-Tax Ombudsman the event of default by a deposit- It was created in the year 2003 to deal taking establishment; with grievances of public related to Powers and functions of the the settlement of complaints relating competent authority including the to Income Tax. power to attach assets of a defaulting However, the Institution of Ombudsman establishment; failed to achieve its objectives. Designation of Courts to oversee It was observed that institution of new repayment of depositors and to try complaints has in turn fallen to single offences under the Act; digits. Listing of Regulated Deposit Schemes in the Bill, with a clause Also, taxpayers started preferring enabling the Central Government to alternate methods of grievance expand or prune the list. redressal like CPGRAMS (Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance Monitoring System), Aaykar Seva Source- Indian Express Kendras etc. Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog Topic- GS Paper 2 – The Union Cabinet has approved the Governance Source- The Hindu proposal for the establishment of Amendments to the Banning of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for Unregulated Deposit Schemes Conservation protection and Bill, 2018 development of cows and their The Union Cabinet has given its approval progeny. to the Banning of Unregulated It was announced in Budget 2019-20 Deposit Schemes Bill, by the finance minister. 2018 pursuant to the recommendations of the Standing Impact Committee on Finance (SCF). It will lead to the conservation, Objective– to effectively tackle the protection and development of the menace of illicit deposit-taking cattle population in the country activities in the country, and prevent including the development and such schemes from duping poor and conservation of indigenous breeds. gullible people of their hard earned It will result in increased growth of savings. the livestock sector which is more Related Information inclusive, benefiting women, and small and marginal farmers.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 14 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019

The Aayog will work in collaboration with It will serve the needs in the educational stream, enabling the Veterinary, Animal Sciences or students to choose their career path Agriculture University or departments matching with their aspirations, or organizations of the Central/State interest, inclination and aptitude. Government engaged in the task of Why Rajasthan? research in the field of breeding and UNICEF had selected Rajasthan for rearing of the cow, organic manure, launching the portal because of its biogas etc. track record in employment-oriented Topic- GS Paper 2 – education. Governance Source-PIB UNICEF’s studies in Rajasthan have Central Sector Scheme of Exploration highlighted that two largest sources of of Coal and Lignite career information for students are The Cabinet approved the proposal for teachers and family members. continuation of the Scheme of About 69% of students mentioned that they were using the Internet for their "Exploration of Coal and Lignite. career-related queries, which The scheme will be extended for a period indicates that the adolescents will of 3 years from 2017-18 to 2019- quickly learn to use the career portal. 2020. Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance Under the Scheme, approximately 7 Source- The Hindu billion tonnes of resources will be 7. Cabinet approves unified established and 11 billion tonnes of regulator for IFSCs resources will be proved. The Cabinet has approved the setting Exploration for coal and lignite is up of a unified authority that would required to estimate and to prove the regulate all the financial services in resources available in the country. International Financial Services Centres Exploration for coal and lignite in the (IFSC), such as the Gujarat country is conducted in two broad stages: International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) in Gandhinagar. Regional exploration and This is to be done through the detailed drilling. International Financial Services Centres Topic- GS Paper 3 – Authority Bill, 2019. Environment Source-PIB Currently, the banking, capital markets First career portal for students and insurance sectors in launched in Rajasthan IFSCs are regulated by multiple India’s first “career portal”, addressing regulators, i.e. RBI, SEBI and IRDAI. the needs of secondary and higher Related Information secondary students for information What is an IFSC? on scholarships and career choices, An IFSC is aimed at encouraging Indian was launched with the support of the companies that are conducting United Nations business in foreign financial centres Children’s Fund. such as London and Singapore, to bring that business to India by providing Benefit them with a global-standard regulatory • The portal would promote employment- and business environment. oriented education in the State and provide information on 200 vocational An IFSC caters to customers outside and 237 professional careers, 455 the jurisdiction of the domestic employment avenues, 960 economy. Such centres deal with flows scholarships, 955 competitive of finance, financial products and examinations and 10,000 institutions services across borders. of higher education to the students IFSC would also complement and from Classes IX to XII. promote further development of financial markets in India. It will also help to reveal substantial progress in terms of gender equality among the students.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 15 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 expenditure, pending authorization by Topic- GS Paper 3 – Economics the State Legislature. Source- The Hindu Approval of the Legislature for such 8. RBI unlikely to transfer expenditure and for withdrawal of an contingency fund to govt. equivalent amount from the RBI is unlikely to give in to the Consolidated Fund is subsequently government’s demand for transferring obtained, whereupon the advances funds that were set aside for from the Contingency Fund are contingency reserves in 2016-17 and recouped to the Fund. 2017-18. Topic- GS Paper 3 – Economics A total of ₹27,330 crore — ₹13,140 crore Source- The Hindu in FY17 and ₹14,190 crore in 9. Disaster Resilience Exercise: FY18 — was set aside by the RBI for EXERCISE RAHAT the contingency fund. • ‘EXERCISE RAHAT’ is Joint The government has requested the RBI for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster providing an interim surplus for the Relief Exercise. financial year 2018-19 on the analogy The Joint exercise in coordination with of previous financial year and NDMA is being conducted to synergise transfer of the amount withheld from efforts for humanitarian assistance and the surplus of 2016-17 and 2017-18. disaster relief operations. Related Information Representatives from Armed Forces, Contingency fund National Disaster Management A contingencies fund or contingency fund Response Mechanism (NDMRM), and is a fund for emergencies or SDMA Rajasthan will be participating in unexpected outflows, mainly economic the exercise. crises. Topic- GS Paper 3 –Defence Contingency fund with respect to India Source- Indian Express The Constitution of India authorized the ESA’s Hera mission and NASA's parliament to establish a contingency Double Asteroid Redirection Test fund of India. The European Space Agency’s (ESA’s) The Contingency Fund of India is Hera mission is set for a new record by established under Article 267 of the becoming the first spacecraft to explore Indian Constitution. a binary asteroid — the Didymos pair. It is in the nature of an imprest (money The moon orbiting Didymos, called maintained for a specific purpose). ‘Didymoon’ — almost the size of the Accordingly, Parliament enacted the Giza Pyramid in Egypt,— will be the contingency fund of India Act 1950. smallest asteroid ever explored. The fund is held by the Finance Secretary However, Hera mission won’t be the (Department of Economic Affairs) on first to reach Didymos. behalf of the President of India and it NASA in the USA plans to launch the can be operated by executive action. Double Asteroid Redirection Test The Contingency Fund of India exists for (DART) between 2020 and 2021, which disasters and related unforeseen will target Didymoon as part of its expenditures. planetary defence programme. Contingency fund for States The programme, designed to protect Contingency Fund of each State Earth from dangerous comets and Government is established under asteroids, aims to crash DART into Article 266 of the Constitution. Didymoon in 2022 to alter its orbit This is in the nature of an imprest placed around Didymos. at the disposal of the Governor to Topic-GS-3-Science and Technology enable him/her to make advances Source- Down To Earth tomeeturgentunforeseen

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 16 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 08.02.2019 The Siamese fighting fish was registered as an intangible cultural heritage in 2013. Various programs/schemes for The IUCN status of fish is Vulnerable. promotion of grid interactive Topic- GS Paper 3 – Environment renewable energy Source- Indian Express The details of the major steps taken by Macedonia signed an accord to the Government to attract join NATO investment in the renewable energy Macedonia signed an accord to join sector are as follows: - NATO to become the 30th member of 1. Waiver of Inter-State the NATO military alliance. Transmission System (ISTS) Related Information charges and losses for the inter-state North Atlantic Treaty Organization sale of solar and wind power for It is an intergovernmental political projects to be commissioned up to and military alliance between 29 March 2022. North American and European Permitting Foreign Direct Investment countries. (FDI) up to 100 per cent under the The organization implements the automatic route. North Atlantic Treaty that was signed Notification of standard bidding on 4 April 1949. guidelines to enable distribution NATO constitutes a system of licensee to procure solar and wind collective defence whereby its power at competitive rates in a cost- independent member states agree to effective manner. mutual defence in response to an Declaration of trajectory for Renewable attack by any external party. Purchase Obligation (RPO) up to the NATO’s Headquarters are located in year 2022. Haren, Brussels, Belgium, while the Implementation of Green Energy headquarters of Allied Command Corridor project to facilitate grid Operations is near Mons, Belgium. integration of large scale renewable Note: NATO’s purpose is to guarantee the energy capacity addition. freedom and security of its members through Note: political and military means. The Government has set a target of POLITICAL- NATO promotes installing 175000 MW of renewable energy democratic values and enables capacity by the year 2022 which includes members to consult and cooperate on 100000 MW from solar, 60000 MW from defence and security-related issues to solve problems, build trust and, in the wind, 10000 MW from bio-power and 5000 long run, prevent conflict. MW from small hydropower. MILITARY – Topic- GS Paper 2 – o NATO is committed to the peaceful Governance Source-PIB resolution of disputes. Siamese fighting fish: Thailand o If diplomatic efforts fail, it has the national aquatic animal military power to undertake crisis- Thailand named the tiny, eye-catching, management. colourful fin plumaged Siamese o These are carried out under the fighting fish as its aquatic animal. collective defence clause of NATO's It will help to boost the conservation and founding treaty- Article 5 of the breeding of the same. Washington Treaty or under a United Nations mandate, alone or in Related Information cooperation with other countries Siamese fighting fish is the native of and international organisations. Mekong basin of Thailand and is Topic- GS Paper 2 – International mostly found in the Chao Phraya Organisation river in Thailand. Source- The Hindu

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 17 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 RBI released its 6th Bi-Monthly The Prime Minister is the head of this Monetary Policy committee. Reserve Bank of India(RBI)’s six- Cabinet ministers of various member monetary policy ministries are its members. committee chaired by RBI Its important functions are: Governor Shaktikanta Das To direct and coordinate the th released its 6 Bi-Monthly governmental activities in the Monetary Policy. economic sphere. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of To review economic trends and RBI decided to reduce the repo evolve a consistent and integrated rate to 6.25% from 6.50. policy framework in the country. Related Information To review the progress of activities Monetary Policy Committee of India related to rural development including The Monetary Policy Committee of India those concerning small and marginal formed in 2016 is responsible for farmers fixing the benchmark interest rate in To deal with industrial licensing India. cases involving proposals from the The meetings of the Monetary Policy Ministries for the establishment of Committee are held at least 4 times Joint Sector Undertakings. a year and it publishes its decisions To consider issues relating to after each such meeting. disinvestment The committee comprises six members - Other functions three officials of the Reserve Bank of To consider and decide on issues India and three external members pertaining to the World Trade nominated by the Government of Organization. India. To consider issues relating to the The Governor of Reserve Bank of India is Unique Identification Authority of the chairperson ex officio of the India committee. To monitor general prices, assess Decisions are taken by the majority with availability and export of essential the Governor having the casting vote and agricultural commodities and to in case of a tie. take measures for efficient Public The current mandate of the committee is Distribution System to maintain 4% annual inflation until Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance March 31, 2021, with an Source-PIB upper tolerance of 6% and a lower Parmanu Tech 2019 tolerance of 2%. Ministry of External Affairs and Topic- GS Paper 3 – Economics Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Source- The Hindu organised Parmanu Tech 2019 in New Cabinet approves setting up Agri- Delhi to discuss the issues related to Market Infrastructure Fund Nuclear Energy and Radiation The Union Cabinet approved the creation Technologies. of an Rs 2,000-crore Agri-Market The following sectors discussed in the Infrastructure Fund (AMIF) for conference: development and upgradation of rural o The main motive of this conference agriculture markets. is to showcase India’s capabilities It will be created with NABARD for in Nuclear Energy with development and upgradation of environmental responsibility. agriculture marketing infrastructure in o Food Preservation, Agricultural & Gramin agriculture markets and Industrial Applications: From farms regulated wholesale markets. to factories – Serving the National Related Information Cause Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs o Health care: Nuclear Medicine and Radiation therapy – Care to cure

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 18 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Topic- GS Paper 2 – CIPAM assists in simplifying and Governance Source-PIB streamlining of IP processes, apart India jumps 8 places to 36th on from undertaking steps for furthering international IP index 2019 IPR awareness, commercialization US Chambers of Commerce released the and enforcement. th 7 edition of annual International IP World Intellectual Property Index of top 50 economies in the Organization (WIPO) world. The World Intellectual Property India’s rank moved up to 36 jumping Organization (WIPO) is a specialized eight places - as against 44 in 2018. agency of the United Nations (UN). India’s overall score in the annual WIPO was created in 1967 "to International IP Index has increased encourage creative activity, to substantially to 16.22 (out of a promote the protection of intellectual maximum score of 45), against property throughout the world". 12.03 (out of 40) in the sixth edition. WIPO currently has 191-member The latest report, Inspiring Tomorrow, states. analyses the IP climate in 50 world It is headquartered in Geneva, economies, based on 45 indicators Switzerland. critical to an innovation-led economy. TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of The US tops the list followed by the Intellectual Property Rights) United Kingdom. It is an international legal agreement Related Information between all the member nations of Intellectual property the World Trade Organization (WTO). Intellectual property (IP) refers to It sets down minimum standards for creations of the intellect for which a the regulation by national monopoly is assigned to designated governments of many forms of owners by law. intellectual property (IP) as applied Intellectual property rights to nationals of other WTO member Intellectual property rights (IPRs) are the nations. rights granted to the creators of IP, TRIPS was negotiated at the end of and include trademarks, copyright, the Uruguay Round of the General patents, industrial design rights, and Agreement on Tariffs and Trade in some jurisdictions trade secrets. (GATT) in 1994 and is administered DIPP (Department of Industrial Policy by the WTO. & Promotion) Topic- GS Paper 2 – Important Index The Department of Industrial Policy & Source- Indian Express Promotion was established in 1995 and Smriti Irani launches India Size project has been reconstituted in the year 2000 Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Irani with the merger of the Department of launched the India Size project in Industrial Development. Mumbai. Role and Functions- A first-of-its-kind project in the history Formulation and implementation of the country, India Size aims to of industrial policy arrive at a standard Indian Size for the Formulation of Foreign Direct ready-to-wear clothing industry, on the Investment (FDI) Policy and promotion, lines of the standardized sizes available approval and facilitation of FDI in countries such as the USA and the Formulation of policies relating to UK. Intellectual Property Rights etc. Theprojectwillbenefit CIPAM (Cell for IPR Promotion and manufacturers,consumersand Management) generate data which will help tap into A professional body under the aegis of the potential of the sector. the Department of Industrial Policy Topic- GS-2- Government Schemes and Promotion (DIPP) which ensures Source- AIR focused action on issues related to IPRs.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 19 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 11.02.2019 Related Information Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet technology USA may end zero-tariffs for India It is jointly developed by India and Due to the latest downturn in trade ties Russia. was India’s new rule on FDI in e- It will help both India’s surface-to-air commerce, India could lose a vital and air-to-air missiles to perform U.S. trade concession known as better and enhance their strike range, Generalised System of Preferences making them more lethal. (GSP) under which it enjoys zero India can now have the fastest long- tariffs on $5.6 billion of exports to range missiles in two categories, the United States. providing full-edged and multi-layered Related Information aerial protection from hostile attacks. Generalized System of Preferences Difference between SFDR and (GSP) Conventional Missiles India is the world’s largest beneficiary of Conventional Rocket Motor based a scheme Generalised System of BVRAAMs (Beyond-visual-range air- Preferences (GSP) that has been in to-air missile) have a higher burning force since the 1970s. out rate since it works in the same GSP is the largest and oldest US trade amount of thrust levels from the preference programme introduced in moment it is fired, which means it 1976. can run out of fuel when it reaches It is designed to promote economic its target in longer range and highly development by allowing duty-free maneuverable targets can outrun the entry for thousands of products from missile in the last phase if missile is designated beneficiary countries both fired from a long range. developing and developed countries. Ramjets, by contrast, maintain their It is a preferential tariff system which peak energy state for longer, provides for a formal system of delivering power throughout the exemption from the more general flight, providing a high – though rules of the World Trade Organization slightly slower – average speed and (WTO). long ranges over a wide operational Under it, a wide range of industrial and envelope, from sea level to high agricultural products originating from altitude. certain developing countries are Unlike traditional rocket motor, SFDR given preferential access to US can throttle its engine during different markets. phases of flight especially while India’s case, GSP enables duty-free approaching its target it can throttle up entry of 3,500 product lines in US and able to maneuver and attack even markets, which benefits exporters of fast maneuvering targets. textiles, engineering, gems and Not only does this mean the SFDR jewelry and chemical products. will have more energy to maneuver The total US imports under GSP in 2017 during the endgame of the was $21.2 billion, of which India was engagement, but this capability also biggest beneficiary with $5.6 billion, drastically increases the size of the followed by Thailand ($4.2 billion) and missile’s “no escape zone. Brazil ($2.5 billion). Topic- GS Paper 3 –Defence The US Congress in March 2018 had Source-PIB voted to renew GSP from 2020. Medical devices to be treated as Topic-GS Paper 2–International drugs Relation Source- The Hindu The Centre in a notification aid that Successful Flight Test of SFDR medical devices — all implantable devices, CT Scan, PET and MRI DRDO successfully flight tested the equipment, defibrillators, dialysis second indigenously developed ‘Solid Fuel Ducted Ramjet (SFDR)’ propulsion based missile system.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 20 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 machines, and bone marrow Shark Bay: A World Heritage Site separators — will be treated as drugs at catastrophic risk for human beings with effect from Shark Bay is a World Heritage-listed April 1, 2020. marine ecosystem in Australia. The decision was taken in consultation It was recently devastated by with the Drugs Technical Advisory extreme temperatures when a brutal Board. marine heatwave struck off Western Related Information Australia in 2011. Drugs Technical Advisory Board A workshop convened by the Shark Drugs Technical Advisory Board is the Bay World Heritage Advisory highest statutory decision-making Committee classified Shark Bay as body on technical matters related to being in the highest category of drugs in the country. vulnerability to future climate change. It is constituted as per the Drugs and Related Information Cosmetics Act, 1940. Shark Bay It is part of the Central Drugs It is a World Heritage Site in the StandardControlOrganization Gascoyne region of Western Australia. (CDSCO) in the Ministry of Health The combined Shark Bay invertebrate and Family Welfare. fishery (crabs, prawns and scallops) is Topic- GS Paper 2 – the second most valuable commercial Governance Source- The Hindu fishery in Western Australia. Exercise: Cutlass Express 2019 Under threat CUTLASS EXPRESS – 2019 a This iconic and valuable marine multinational training exercise which ecosystem is under serious threat aims to improve law enforcement due to future climate change, given capacity, promote regional security that the temperate seagrass that and progress inter-operability underpins the entire ecosystem is between the armed forces of the already living at the upper edge of its participating nations for the purpose tolerable temperature range. of interdicting illegal maritime These seagrasses provide vital activity in the Western Indian Ocean. habitat for fish and marine mammals It was held recently from 27 Jan to 06 and help the stromatolites survive by Feb 2019. regulating the water salinity. It was held recently in which INS Topic- GS Paper 3 –Environment Trikand, a front-line warship of the Source- Down to Earth Indian Navy, participated. Scientists perform first ‘in body’ During the exercise, Naval, Coast Guard, gene editing and Marine Police personnel from a Scientists have performed the first number of East African countries were gene editing inside the body, altering jointly trained by mentors from USA, DNA in adults to try to treat a disease. India, and Netherlands, with the Related Information support of international organizations What is Gene editing? like the IMO, Combined Maritime Force Genome editing is a way of making (CMF) specific changes to the DNA of a cell and European Naval Forces or organism. (EUNAVFOR). The exercise was conducted in two phases. An enzyme cuts the DNA at a specific The first called the Command Post sequence, and when this is repaired Exercise (CPX). by the cell a change or ‘edit’ is made The second phase called the Final to the sequence. Training Exercise (FTX). CRISPR-Cas9 Topic- GS Paper 3- Defence It is the most common and cheap Source- Indian Express and efficient system used for genome editing.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 21 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 CRISPR stands for clustered regularly several districts of Assam, Arunachal interspaced short palindromic and Manipur, as also a large tract of repeats. Myanmar. Cas9 stands for CRISPR-associated The Nagaland Assembly has endorsed protein 9, and is the nuclease part the ‘Greater Nagalim’ demand — that cuts the DNA. “Integration of all Naga-inhabited What can be the benefits? contiguousareasunderone CRISPR could be used to modify disease- administrative umbrella. causing genes in embryos brought to Topic- GS Paper 2 – term, removing the faulty script from Governance Source- The Hindu nd the genetic code of that person’s 22 Indian Birding fair organized future descendants as well. at Jaipur’s Man Sagar Lake Genome editing (Gene editing) could The fair was organized by the potentially decrease, or even Tourism & Wildlife Society of India eliminate, the incidence of many and supported by Jaipur Zoo and serious genetic diseases, reducing some philanthropic bodies and human suffering worldwide. overseas organizations. It might also be possible to install genes The fair was dedicated to waders. that offer lifelong protection against The Indian subcontinent hosts 84 infection. species of wading birds, 64 of which Topic- GS Paper 3 –Science And are migratory. Technology The Wading Birds which are tiny birds Source- The Hindu mostly confined to the edges of water National Socialist Council of and are observed feeding across Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) moist surfaces. Parliamentary Standing Committee panel Related Information has recommended the Ministry of Man Sagar Lake Home Affairs prepare a detailed and It is an artificial lake named after generous rehabilitation-cum- Man Singh, the then ruler of Amber settlement scheme for the cadres of and a trusted general of Mughal National Socialist Council of Nagaland Emperor Akbar. (Isak-Muivah), the group that signed Man Singh built it in 1610 AD by a Naga Framework Agreement with damming the Dravyavati river. the Centre in 2015. A palace, Jal Mahal, is situated in the National Socialist Council of Nagaland middle of the lake. Khaplang Topic- GS Paper 3 –Environment NSCN (K) came into existence in 1988 Source- The Hindu under the leadership of S.S. The Great Indian Bustard: Mascot Khaplang. for COP-13 It is as an offshoot of NSCN which was The Centre announced that the Great established with an objective of Indian Bustard GIB will be its mascot forming a sovereign state of Nagalim for the 13th Conference of Parties by unifying all the areas inhabited by (COP) of the UN Convention on the the Naga people in Northeast India conservation of migratory species and Myanmar. (CMS) to be held in Gujarat 2020. Presently NSCN-K is active along the Indo- Related Information Myanmar border and has the strength Convention on Conservation of of around 1,000 cadres with several Migratory Species (CMS) camps across the border in Myanmar. It was formed in order to protect the Greater Nagalim migratory species throughout their A “Greater Nagalim” comprising “all range countries under the aegis of the contiguous Naga-inhabited areas”, United Nations Environment along with Nagaland and also included Programme.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 22 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 It is also referred to as the Bonn PETROTECH 2019 Convention, it provides a global PETROTECH 2019 is India’s flagship platform for the conservation and biennial international oil and gas sustainable use of migratory animals conference and exhibition. and their habitats. It is Asia’s largest oil and gas event. Under this convention, migratory species The theme of PETROTECH 2019 is - threatened with extinction are listed Shaping the New Energy World on Appendix I and Parties strive through Innovation and towards strictly protecting these Collaboration animals, conserving or restoring the This global event aims at bringing places where they live, mitigating Energy Ministers, professionals, obstacles to migration and controlling industry leaders, -academicians and other factors that might endanger domain experts from the energy them. sector on a common platform. Migratory species that need or would It also showcases the strengths & significantly benefit from potential of Indian Hydrocarbon international co-operation are listed industry to the world besides providing in Appendix II of the Convention. a vibrant platform for sharing of India and Migratory Species experience, exchange of ideas, India has also signed non-legally binding knowledge and technological MOU with CMS on the conservation development across various segments and management of Siberian Cranes of the hydrocarbon industry. (1998), Marine Turtles (2007), Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance Dugongs (2008) and Raptors (2016). Source- Business Line India is a temporary home to several Asiatic Lion conservation in migratory animals and birds. Gujarat's Gir The important among these include The Ministry of Environment launched Amur Falcons, Bar-headed goose, a three-year Asiatic Lion Black-necked cranes, Marine turtles, Conservation Project in collaboration Dugongs, Humpbacked Whales, etc. with the state of Gujarat. The Indian sub-continent is also part of The project will focus on better the major bird flyway network, i.e, management of the lion habitat, the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) that disease control and veterinary care covers areas between the Arctic and for them. Indian Oceans, and covers at least The project aimed to protect over 279 populations of 182 migratory 600 lions in the state's Gir sanctuary waterbird species, including 29 in its first year. globally threatened species. Asiatic lion India has also launched the National Its range is restricted to the Gir Action Plan for the conservation of National Park and environs in the migratory species under the Central Indian state of Gujarat. Asian Flyway. IUCN: Endangered Topic- GS Paper 3 –Environment CITES Appendix I Source- Indian Express Threats 13th edition of Petrotech 2019 India launched the third bidding round • Currently exists as a single under its open acreage licensing policy subpopulation, and is thus vulnerable (OALP), at the 13th edition of to extinction from unpredictable Petrotech 2019, a strategic events, such as an epidemic or large hydrocarbon event held in Greater forest fire. Noida. Poaching Topic- GS Paper 3 –Environment Source- The Hindu

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 23 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019

12 Assam govt. announces “Arundhati The Ministry of Drinking Water and Scheme” Sanitation in association with the • Under this Scheme, Assam Govt. of Haryana is organizing the Government is Going to Provide Swachh Shakti-2019. 10gm (1 Tola) Gold to EWS Category Women Sarpanches and Panches Brides of the State. from all over the country will be Rs. 300 Crore is allocated to this attending the event. Scheme in the recently announced The event will showcase the state Budget achievements of Swachh Bharat and the recently conducted Swachh Who are the Beneficiaries of this Sunder Shauchalay, (neat and clean Scheme? toilet) - a unique and first of its kind The Annual income of the Bride Family in the world campaign. Should not exceed Rs. 5 Lakhs. Related Information The benefit to be Given at the Time of Swachh Shakti Marriage Prime Minister launched the Swachh Marriage Should be Registered under Shakti program first in 2017 at Assam’s Special Marriage Rules of Gandhinagar, Gujarat. 1954. It was launched on the occasion of International Women’s Day under the Topic- GS Paper 2 –Government banner of Swachh Shakti 2017. Scheme Source- TOI The second Swachh Shakti event, Himalayan Cloud Observatory set up Swachh Shakti-2018 was held at in Tehri to monitor cloud activities Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. A Himalayan Cloud Observatory has been The third edition is being inaugurated set up in Tehri district to receive from Kurukshetra. forecast and monitor cloud burst Topic- GS Paper 2 –Women incidents in the Himalayan region and Empowerment Source-PIB help minimize the damage. World Sustainable Development The Observatory has been established in Summit 2019 the SRT campus Badshahithaul and is The World Sustainable Development currently in the testing period. Summit 2019, organized by The Energy Cloudburst incidents are very frequent in and Resources Institute – TERI. the hilly areas of Uttarakhand, The theme of the 2019 edition of the resulting in a huge loss of life. Summit is - 'Attaining the 2030 Agenda: Delivering on Our This is the second observatory in the Promise'. country to monitor cloud activities by It seeks to bring together global the Indian Science and Technology leaders and thinkers in the fields of Department and IIT Kanpur that can sustainable development, energy and function in high-altitudes. environment sectors on a common Topic-GS-3- Environment platform. Related Information 12.02.2019 Word Sustainable Development Summit WSDS has replaced the Delhi Swachh Shakti 2019 Sustainable Development Summit The third edition of the event i.e. (DSDS). Swachh Shakti 2019 is being The first DSDS was organized in 2005. inaugurated in Kurukshetra. It underscored the need for businesses Swachh Shakti-2019 is a national event and the private sector to take lead in which aims to bring in to focus the poverty reduction and to ensure rapid leadership role played by rural & sustained adoption of Sustainable women in Swachh Bharat Mission. Development Goals (SDGs).

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 24 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 TERI (The Energy & Resources Institute) Related Information It is a non-profit research institution that Global Housing Technology Challenge conducts research work in the fields (GHTC-India) of energy, environment, and The challenge (GHTC - India) seeks sustainable development. to obtain the best available It aims to focus on formulating local & innovative construction technologies national level strategies for shaping from across the globe through a global solutions to critical issues. unique competitive process. It was established in 1974 as Tata It aims to transform the eco-system Energy Research Institute and was of the housing construction sector in renamed The Energy and Resources the country through lighthouse Institute in 2003. projects built using advanced proven Topic- GS Paper 3 – technologies. Environment Source-PIB It will foster the development of Scheme for Pension and Medical domestic technological research, and Aid to Artistes building platforms for knowledge • The Ministry of Culture is sharing and networking across the implementing a Scheme namely sector. “Scheme for Pension and Medical Aid Topic-GS Paper 3–Economic Development to Artistes”. Source- Indian Express The objective of the Scheme is to Bill to counter exploitation by NRI improve the financial and socio- spouses economic status of the old aged In a bid to counter growing incidents artists and scholars who have of exploitation of Indian women by contributed significantly in their NRI spouses, External Affairs Minister specialized fields of arts, letters etc. introduced a Bill in the Rajya Sabha. but leading a miserable life or are in The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) penury condition. stated that the Bill will create The Scheme has also provided to provide accountability and protect those who medical aid facility to such Artistes and are trapped in fraudulent marriages his/her spouse by covering them under and are abandoned by their spouses. a convenient and Provision of the bill affordable Health Insurance Scheme According to the new Bill, a marriage of the Government. between an NRI and an Indian citizen Topic- GS Paper 2 –Government Scheme will have to be registered within 30 Source-PIB days from the date of marriage. Light House Projects Necessary legal provisions have been The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs created in the criminal code and the has instituted a challenge for States/ Passports Act, 1967, to initiate action UTs to select six sites across the against erring NRI spouses. country for constructing the Lighthouse Topic-GS Paper 2–Women Empowerment projects under GHTC-India. Source- The Hindu In this 1,000 houses built with innovative India received a batch of 4 Chinook technologies that are low-cost, military helicopters from the USA sustainable and disaster-resistant India received a batch of 4 CH-47 under a pilot project called Lighthouse Chinook military helicopters for the Project. Indian Air Force from the USA. The States/ UTs will receive Central Related Information Assistance to construct these projects as per the guidelines. Chinook Helicopters The selected sites for lighthouse projects The Chinook military helicopters are will be used as an ‘open modern heavy lift choppers which laboratory’ for live demonstration. have a primary purpose to move troops, artillery, barrier materials, and equipment on the battlefield.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 25 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Chinook would be deployed for It is designed and developed humanitarian and disaster relief indigenously for the Indian Army operations and in missions such as under an integrated guided missile transportation of relief supplies and development programme (IGMDP). mass evacuation of refugees. It is manufactured by India’s sole The advanced multi-mission helicopter missile producer, state-owned Bharat Chinook will provide the Indian Dynamics Limited. armed forces with unmatched HELINA is the air-launched variant of strategic airlift capability across the the Nag, a fire-and-forget ATGM. full spectrum of combat and humanitarian missions. It has an operational range of 7- These helicopters have been used by the 10km (after air-launched). US Army since 1962 and were also It is equipped with highly advanced availed in Vietnam. Imaging Infrared Radar (IIR) seeker Topic- GS Paper 3 – along with integrated avionics. Defence Source- AIR It also possesses an advanced th 11 February declared as the passive homing guidance system. International Day of Women and Girls Topic- GS Paper 3 –Defence in Science The United Nations (UN) General Source- Indian Express Assembly declared 11th February as PM Narendra laid the foundation for the International Day of Women and Sela Tunnel Girls in Science. The tunnel is being built at an The theme for the day was “Investment in estimated cost of ₹687 crores by the Women and Girls in Science for Border Roads Organisation and is to Inclusive Green Growth. be completed in three years. It helps to achieve full and equal participation and access to women It aims to provide all-weather and girls in science and to further connectivity to Tawang in Arunachal achieve gender equality and Pradesh and other forward areas empowerment of women and girls. The Sela Pass Related Information The Sela pass is located between the As per the UNESCO data (2014-16), only Tawang and West Kameng districts of about 30% of all female students Arunachal Pradesh. select STEM-related fields in higher education. It connects the Tibetan Buddhist town Globally, the enrolment of female students of Tawang to Dirang and Guwahati. is particularly low in ICT (3%), Natural Topic- GS-1-Indian Geography Science, Mathematics and Statistics Source-Livemint (5%) and in Engineering, manufacturing and construction (8%) Topic-GS Paper 2–Women Empowerment 13.02.2019 Source- Indian Express Helina-Anti Tank Missile successfully India and China are greening faster tested than the rest of the world The Helicopter-launched anti-tank missile According to a new global study, Helina was successfully test fired from China and India- the two economic the Integrated Test Range in powerhouses of Asia- are Chandipur in Balasore district of contributing significantly to the Odisha. greening of the planet. Related Information The world now has about 5.5 million HELINA square kilometers of extra green leaf area round the year compared to 2000.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 26 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 China has contributed 25 percent to this UP govt started "Sarthi Sandesh increase while India added 6.8 percent Vahini" vehicles to spread awareness of the total global net increase in leaf regarding family planning area between 2000 and 2017. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister flagged off The contribution to the greening by the 33 'Sarthi Sandesh Vahini’ vehicles. two countries is much higher though The ‘Sarthi Sandesh Vahini’ is a they have less vegetated area than mission started by the state family some of the developed countries. welfare department with an aim to China has 6.6 percent and India only 2.7 spread awareness regarding family percent of the global vegetated planning in urban and rural areas. area. The state health department will Reasons appoint nodal officers to supervise Earlier studies had identified carbon the campaign. dioxide fertilization as the main Under this campaign, vehicles will reason for the greening of earth’s provide family planning information to lands. But this study has found that the viewers through various greening is more due to land use documentaries and films. changes. Topic- GS Paper 3 –Defence The increase in green areas is mostly Source- Business Standard due to a 35 percent increase in food National Company Law Appellate production in both the countries with Tribunal (NCLAT) multiple cropping aided by facilitated NCLAT extends the deadline for NCLT by fertilizer use and availability of Ahmedabad to decide on Essar Steel surface as well as groundwater insolvency case. irrigation. Related Information Related Information NCLAT Greening It was constituted under Section 410 of Greening refers to an increase in total the Companies Act, 2013 for hearing leaf area — forests, croplands, appeals against the orders of National Company Law Tribunal(s) (NCLT), with orchards, monoculture plantations, st effect from 1 June 2016. commercial plantations. It is also the Appellate Tribunal for Buddhist Tourism Circuit hearing appeals against the orders Union Ministry of Tourism has sanctioned passed by NCLT(s) under Section 61 of five new projects under the Buddhist the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, Circuit. 2016. The five states where the project under It is also the Appellate Tribunal to Buddhist Circuit has been sanctioned hear and dispose of appeals against are Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, any direction issued or decision made Bihar, Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh. or order passed by the Competition The Buddhist Circuit is one among the Commission of India. fifteen thematic circuits identified for Composition: development under Swadesh Darshan After consultation with the Chief Justice Scheme. of India, the President of the Tribunal Related Information and the Chairperson and Judicial Swadesh Darshan Scheme Members of the Appellate Tribunal shall It is a Central Sector Scheme, was be appointed. launched in 2014 -15 for integrated The Members of the Tribunal and the development of theme-based tourist Technical Members of the Appellate Tribunal shall be appointed on the circuits in the country. recommendation of a Selection Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance Committee consisting of: Source- Indian Express

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 27 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 o Chief Justice of India or his administration of justice in any other nominee—Chairperson. manner. A senior Judge of the Supreme Topic- GS Paper 2 – Court or a Chief Justice of High Governance Source- The Hindu Court-Member. Scientists use AI app "Hotel-50K" to o Secretary in the Ministry of help kids sold for sex in hotels Corporate Affairs—Member. Scientists are hoping artificial o Secretary in the Ministry of Law intelligence (AI) can help identify and and Justice—Member. rescue child victims of sex trafficking o Secretary in the Department of via an app known as Hotel-50K. Financial Services in the Ministry of Finance— Member. Hotels-50K can be used to identify Topic- GS Paper 3 –Economics where trafficking victims are being Source- The Hindu held and to rescue them. e-Cocoon App Researchers launched the app in Ministry of Textiles has launched a mobile 2016 to collect photographs of application for quality certification in 50,000 hotels around the world. the silkworm seed sector. It sifts through a database of hotel The app will be used by the Seed Analysts room pictures to match with online and Seed Officers nominated under ads. Central Seed Act for system and These pictures could be matched up product certification through real- with online advertisements placed by time reporting. traffickers. Related Information Traffickers often use selfies taken by Sericulture their victims in hotel rooms. It is the cultivation of silk through the According to the International Labor rearing of the silkworm. Organization, there are 4.5 million It is an agro-based industry. people in sexual slavery around the Topic- GS Paper 2 –Agriculture world. Source- Indian Express Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance Contempt Of Court Source- Indian Express Supreme Court holds Rao and CBI legal LAWASIA Human Rights Conference advisor guilty of contempt in the The first LAWASIA Human Rights case of abuse at Bihar shelter homes. Conference was recently organized Related Information by LAWASIA, in association with the Article 129 & 215 of Indian Constitution Bar Association of India. provides for contempt powers to The theme of the Conference: “State Supreme Court and High court Power, Business and Human Rights: respectively. Contemporary Challenges”. The Contempt of court Act 1971 provides The conference aims to provide a for two types of contempt unique opportunity for lawyers and o Civil contempt associated professional members to o Criminal contempt exchange insights and expertise on Civil Contempt: When a person willfully topics of significant importance to all. disobeys a court’s judgment, order or direction, it comes under civil LAWASIA contempt. It is a regional association of lawyers, Criminal contempt: It includes one or more judges, jurists and legal of the following organizations. scandalize or lower the authority of It advocates for the interests and any court; concerns of the Asia Pacific legal prejudice or interfere with the due profession. course of any judicial proceeding It provides a platform to promote the interfere with or obstruct the cross-jurisdictional exchange of legal knowledge; as a voice of the legal profession; and as a conduit for

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 28 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 encouraging adherence to mutually- Credit Linked Capital Subsidy held principles of the rule of law, (CLCS) professional integrity and the Hand holding for zero defect zero protection of human rights. effect manufacturing (ZED) Topic- GS Paper 2 –Social Increasing productivity through Justice Source- Indian Express waste reduction (Lean), design intervention (Design) 14.02.2019 Cloud computing (Digital MSMEs), Facilitation of intellectual property e-AUSHADHI portal (IPR) Minister of State (IC) for AYUSH Nurturing new ideas (Incubation). launched the e-AUSHADHI portal, Special provisions have been made in for online licensing of Ayurveda, this scheme to promote Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy entrepreneurship for SC/STs, women drugs and related matters at New NER, Hill States (Jammu & Kashmir, Delhi. Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand) The portal is intended for increased Island Territories (Andaman & Nicobar transparency, improved information and Lakshadweep) and the Aspirational management facility, improved data Districts/ LWE Districts. usability and increased accountability. The e-portal is an acronym for Note: Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and The Zero Defect & Zero Effect, Homeopathy Automated Drug Help component will promote a reduction in Initiative. emission level of greenhouse gases and Related Information improve the competitiveness through a Ministry of AYUSH reduction in defect/wastage during the The Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and manufacturing process of the products. Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and It will also promote the innovation, Homoeopathy,abbreviatedas digital empowerment of MSMEs, AYUSH. design interventions and support the It is a governmental body in India protection of intellectual property of purposed with developing, education MSMEs. and research in the field of Topic- GS Paper 2 – alternative medicines including Ayurveda, yoga, unani, naturopathy, Governance Source-PIB siddha and homoeopathy. Macedonia officially changed its The ministry is headed by a Minister of name to North Macedonia State (Independent Charge). The Republic of Macedonia has Topic- GS Paper 2 –Health officially changed its name to North Issue Source-PIB Macedonia. Credit Linked Capital Subsidy and th Technology Up-gradation Scheme On 6 Feb. 2019, NATO member The Cabinet Committee on Economic states signed an accession protocol Affairs has approved the Credit Linked allowing North Macedonia to join the Capital Subsidy and Technology Up- alliance and become the 30th gradation Scheme (CLCS-TUS) member. beyond the 12th Plan for three years Related Information from 2017-18 to 2019-20. North Macedonia Related Information This scheme aims at improving the • North Macedonia officially the competitiveness of MSMEs by Republic of North Macedonia is a integrating various ongoing country in the Balkan Peninsula in schematic interventions aimed at up- Southeast Europe. grading technology through Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 29 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 It is a landlocked country, North A Bill pending in the council but not Macedonia has borders with Kosovo passed by the assembly does not lapse. to the northwest, Serbia to the A Bill passed by the assembly (in a northeast, Bulgaria to the east, unicameral state) or passed by both Greece to the south, and Albania to the houses (in a bicameral state) but the west pending assent of the governor or Its Capita is Skopje and Currency the President does not lapse. Macedonian Denar A Bill passed by the assembly (in a Topic-GS Paper 2 –International unicameral state) or passed by both relation Source- Indian Express the Houses (in a bicameral state) but Clouded Leopard’ to be Mascot for returned by the president for National Games 2022 reconsideration of House (s) does not The Sports and Youth Ministry has lapse. chosen the ‘Smiling Clouded Leopard’ Topic- GS Paper 2 – to be the Mascot for the National Governance Source- The Hindu Games 2022. Subarnarekha port in Odisha National Games 2022 will be hosted Odisha CM laid the foundation stone by Meghalaya which is coinciding of the Subarnarekha port in Balasore with its 50 years of statehood. district of Odisha. Related Information The proposed port is being developed Clouded Leopard by Tata Steel and Creative Port It is found in Himalayan foothills Development Pvt. Ltd. throughout the forests of Garo, Khasi It is an all-weather port which is and Jaintia Hills. situated on the Subarnarekha river It is threatened due to habitat loss, mouth on the Bay of Bengal. poaching for its skin and is also as a Related Information live pet trade. Subarnarekha River The IUCN status Vulnerable’. The Subarnarekha River (also called Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance the Swarnarekha) flows through the Source- Indian Express Indian states of Jharkhand, West Citizenship, triple talaq Bills lapse Bengal and Odisha. • The Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, Tributaries 2019 and the triple talaq Bill that The prominent tributaries of the criminalises instant divorce in a Subarnarekha are Kharkai, Roro, Muslim marriage has lapsed. Kanchi, Harmu Nadi, Damra, Karru, Related Information Chinguru, Karakari, Gurma, Garra, Citizenship Bill that proposed to grant Singaduba, Kodia, Dulunga and citizenship to six religious minorities Khaijori. — Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Parsis, The Kharkai meets the Subarnarekha Christians and Buddhists — from at Sonari (Domuhani), a Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, neighbourhood of Jamshedpur. who came to India before December Topic- GS Paper 3 –Important 31, 2014. port Source- The Hindu The Bill was seen as violating the terms of Kerala takes the lead in the fight the 1985 Assam Accord that had set against trans fat March 24, 1971, as the cut-off • The Kerala government health for granting citizenship. Department has drawn up an action How a bill lapsed in Parliament on the plan to generate public awareness of dissolution assembly? the harmful effects of Trans fatty A Bill pending in the assembly lapses acids. (whether originating in the assembly or Related Information transmitted to it by the council). Trans-fats A Bill passed by the assembly but pending Trans-fatty acids (TFAs) are the most in the council lapses. harmful type of fats which can have

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 30 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 much more adverse effects on our The board is “advisory” in nature and body than any other dietary advises the Central Government on constituent. framing policies and measures for These fats are largely produced conservation of wildlife in the country. artificially but a small amount also No alternation of boundaries in national occurs naturally. parks and wildlife sanctuaries can be Artificial TFAs are formed when done without the approval of hydrogen is made to react with the the NBWL. oil to produce fats resembling pure Composition ghee/butter. The NBWL is chaired by the Prime The natural TFAs are present in meats Minister which consists of 47 and dairy products, though in small members. amounts. Among these, 19 members are ex- Trans fats, also known as trans fatty officio members. acids or TFA, are a type of fat found Other members include three in small amounts in a wide variety of Members of Parliament (two from Lok foods. Sabha and one from Rajya Sabha), Harmful effects five NGOs and 10 eminent ecologists, They are considered a ‘bad’ fat because, conservationists and like saturated fats, they can increase environmentalists. levels of LDL-cholesterol in the blood. Topic- GS Paper 3 –Environment Trans fats can also decrease the level of Source- The Hindu ‘good’ HDL cholesterol and may 9. Kisan Urja Suraksha evam increase the level of triglycerides, Utthaan Mahabhiyan Scheme another type of fat in the blood. The Union govt is formulating a TFAs pose a higher risk of heart disease Scheme ‘Kisan Urja Suraksha evam than saturated fats. Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM)’ which It is also associated with a higher risk of aims to promote the use of solar developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, energy among the farmers. heart disease, metabolic About the Scheme syndrome,insulinresistance, Setting up of grid-connected infertility, and certain types of renewable power plants each of 500 cancers. KW to 2 MW in the rural area. Topic- GS Paper 3 –Science and Installation of standalone off-grid Technology solar water pumps to fulfil irrigation Source- The Hindu needs of farmers not connected to 99.82 % of projects in forests got grid. the nod Solarization of existing grid- India's apex National Board for Wildlife connected agriculture pumps to make (NBWL)- charged with allowing forest farmers independent of grid supply land in Protected Areas to be and also sell surplus solar power diverted for the industry — cleared generated to Discom and get extra 682 of the 687 projects income. (99.82%) that came up for scrutiny The farmers will have to tolerate only Related Information 10% of the total expenditure to National Board for Wild Life acquire an install a solar pump. It is a “Statutory Organization” The Central Govt. will provide 60% constituted under the Wildlife cost while the remaining 30% will be Protection Act, 1972. taken care of by bank as credit. It serves as an apex body to review all Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance wildlife-related matters and approve Source- Indian Express projects in and around national parks Selenium nanoparticles may act like and sanctuaries. antibacterial agents

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 31 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 • Scientists found that selenium Supreme Court ruled in the Kedar nanoparticles, owing to their unique Nath case that any act that had the structure and properties, may be more “effect of subverting the effective than antibiotics as they have Government” by violent means or a larger surface area and therefore can create public disorder would come be more in contact with the external within the definition of sedition. environment. The court ruled that disapproval of the Selenium nanoparticles were made by measures of government with a view to combining sodium selenite with vitamin their improvement or alteration by C. lawful means is not sedition. The antibacterial effect may be due to the fact that at a particular It held that “comments, however concentration nano-selenium interacts strongly worded, expressing with the bacterial cell surface and disapprobation of actions of the penetrates into the cell, thus causing Government, without exciting those damage. feelings which generate the inclination Selenium in excess is toxic. Though silver to cause public disorder by acts of nanoparticles are also being used for violence” would not attract the penal similar purposes, researchers chose offence. selenium due to their stable nature. Related Information Related Information Sedition was not a part of the original Selenium IPC that was enacted in 1860. Selenium is a chemical element with It was introduced in 1870 when it symbol Se and atomic number 34. was said it had been dropped from Selenium is found naturally in wheat, the original IPC draft by mistake. eggs, cheese, nuts and sea-food. The court faced two directly It is an antioxidant and immunity conflicting interpretations of Section booster. 124A — one by the Federal Court in Niharendu Dutt’s case; the other by 15.02.2019 the Privy Council in the Sadashiv Criticism without incitement to Narayan Bhalerao case. violence isn’t sedition: Supreme Note: Tilak was sentenced to six years in Court jail after he was held guilty of sedition by Under Section 124A of the IPC, the offence the Privy Council for writing a piece in his of sedition is committed when any newspaper, Kesari, under the heading “The person by words or otherwise brings or misfortune of the country”. attempts to bring into hatred or Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance contempt, or excites or attempts to Source- Indian Express excite disaffection towards, the Kerala’s mystery frog: Mysticellus government established by law. Frankie Sedition is a cognisable, non-bailable Scientists have discovered a new and non-compoundable offence amphibian — a mysterious narrow- under the law, entailing life mouthed frog, that makes only a imprisonment as maximum four-day appearance in seasonal punishment, with or without a fine. roadside puddles every year in What did the Supreme Court rule in the Kerala’s Wayanad district. case (Kedar Nath case)? The frog Mysticellus Frankie is not just a new species but also belongs to The court examined whether the a completely new genus, Mysticellus. constitutionality of Section 124A could Genetic studies revealed that the frog be protected as a reasonable is around 40 million years old and its restriction on the right to free speech, nearest relatives live more than 2,000 with particular reference to the security km away, in Southeast Asia (including of the state and public order. Indo-Burma, Malaysia and Vietnam).

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 32 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 This Southeast Asian connection adds Financial Plan strength to the theories that India and The state finance minister has Southeast Asia were connected in the announcedthatforthe past by land bridges, suggest the implementation of this new scheme, authors. the state government will have shell Topic- GS Paper 3 –Biodiversity out Rs. 5000 crore. Source- The Hindu Eligibility Criteria Andhra merges PM Kisan scheme with This scheme is applicable only for the Annadatha Sukhibhava permanent resident of Andhra • Andhra Pradesh has made a significant Pradesh state. move by merging Pradhan Mantri Kisan Any person holding farming land or Samman scheme with its own he/she should be a tenant farmer can Annadatha Sukhibhava scheme. take the benefit of the scheme. This move will further allow a fixed amount Topic- GS Paper 2 –Government Scheme of Rs. 10,000 per annum to all farmers Source- Indian Express in the state, irrespective of the size of Dolphin numbers have shrunk in their land. PM-Kisan scheme will not only cover the Odisha: Annual census of dolphins marginalized farmers, but also the Odisha’s recent annual census of tenant farmers who will be facilitated dolphins in its waters have thrown up with ‘Cultivation Certificates’ and ‘Loan some shocking numbers, with the Eligibility Certificates’ to avail the aquatic mammals’ population benefits of the scheme. declining from 469 in 2018 to 259 Other than Rs. 6000 per household which this year. will be given under PM Kisan The 2019 dolphin census report Samman Nidhi, farmers will also revealed that Gahirmatha is the receive Rs. 4000 from Andhra Pradesh home of the state’s largest government. dolphin population, having 126 Related Information Annadata animals. Sukhibhava Scheme Reasons for declining Population The Andhra Pradesh Government has The reduction in the number of announced the Annadata Sukhibhava dolphins compared to last year could Scheme for the welfare of farmers in be due to the migration of species the state budget 2019. from the Chilika lake and other water Undertheimplementationof bodies to the deep sea. Annadata Sukhibhava Scheme Related Information Government of state has enhanced the Dolphins have been included in subsidies for paddy, sugarcane, cotton, Schedule I of the Indian Wild Life groundnut crops, maize, (Protection) Act 1972. pulses and sunflower crop. It is in Appendix I of the Convention Features of the Scheme on International Trade in Endangered Development of the farmers Species (CITES) The primary objective of this scheme is to In the Convention on Migratory offer better income opportunities for Species (CMS) it is in Appendix II agricultural workers. Apart from the IUCN Status - Endangered subsidy on crops, they will also attain Topic-GS Paper 3–Environment Biodiversity other financial assistance. Source- Down to Earth Selected crops Nord Stream 2 marks a failure for Under this farmer development project, EU energy policy the state will offer subsidy on crops European Union has agreed to tighten like paddy, sugarcane, maize, its rules on natural gas pipelines — in a sunflower, cotton, groundnut and pulses. way that may force a restructuring of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project to bring Russian gas under the Baltic Sea direct to Germany.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 33 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 European Parliament two months ago Separately, environmentalists claim the passed a motion condemning it as a pipeline would be harmful to the flora “political project that poses a threat and fauna of the Baltic Sea. to European energy security”. Related Information The EU wanted to bring pipelines coming Baltic members- into the bloc under its energy rules. The Baltic states, also known as the But Germany feared that would make Baltic countries, are the three the new pipeline uneconomic and countries in northern Europe on the unviable. eastern coast of the Baltic Sea: After sustained German pressure, the Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. European Union agreed how its The Baltic states cooperate on a energy rules should apply to Nord regionallevelinseveral Stream 2. intergovernmental organizations, Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline principally through the Baltic Nord Stream 2, the planned gas pipeline Assembly. that would link Russia and Germany All three countries are members of below the Baltic Sea. the European Union, NATO and the It would allow Germany to effectively Eurozone. double the amount of gas it imports Estonia and Latvia are also members from Russia. of the OECD. Where is it? Topic- GS Paper 2 –International Berlin and Moscow agreed on the 1,200- relation kilometer (746-mile) route, which would connect the Ust-Luga area Source- Economics Times near Saint Petersburg with 6. Bihar government announced Greifswald in northeastern Germany. Mukhya Mantri Vriddha Pension Yojana The pipes would run across the Baltic Sea, Bihar Chief Minister announced an for the most part following the route of Universal Old Age Pension scheme, the pre-existing Nord Stream named Mukhya Mantri Vriddha 1 pipeline, which became operational Pension Yojana (MMVPY). in 2011. This Yojana is eligible for all Why is it controversial? irrespective for all caste, community, The planned route bypasses central and religion, except for those who are eastern European countries such as retired from government Slovakia and Poland, leaving them organizations. without a chance to collect lucrative The scheme facilitates the amount of gas transit fees. Rs. 400 monthly pension for all in the Moreover, with Russia having means to state above the age of 60 who are directly deliver gas to its most not getting a pension from the important buyer, Germany; it would be government. much easier for the Russian The scheme will come into its government to shut off existing enforcement from 1st April 2019. pipelines leading through Eastern Europe. Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance Source- Indian Express The project also runs contrary to Brussels' efforts to wean Europe off Russian gas. Government panel recommended raising the minimum wage to Rs 375 a Russia could easily cut off gas supplies to Ukraine in order to put pressure on day Kyiv. An expert committee set up by the In April 2018, the EU Commission refused government has recommended to back the project, saying it did not setting the minimum wage at Rs 375 contribute to the EU goals of a day, higher than the existing rate diversifying the gas supplies. of Rs 321 for agriculture or unskilled workers and Rs 371for semi-skilled workers.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 34 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 The committee has come up with a new The WTO says, "Grant someone methodology that does away with special favour (such as a lower the variation in wages based on customs duty rate) and you have to sector, skills and location. do the same for all other WTO It has proposed a “balanced diet members." approach” to compute minimum Hence, though MFN sounds like special wages. treatment, in effect it means non- An additional Rs 55 has been proposed discrimination. as rent allowance for workers in urban India. 18.02.2019 Thecommitteehasalso recommended reviewing the Inland Waterways Authority of consumption basket every five years. India launched "LADIS" portal It subject to the availability of NSSO- Inland Waterways Authority of India CES data, and – within the period of launched "LADIS" portal for real-time 5 years - revising and updating the information on available depth on basic minimum wage at least in line stretches of National Waterways. with the consumer price index (CPI) LADIS (Least Available Depth every six months, to reflect changes Information System) in the cost of living. It will ensure that real-time data on Related Information least available depths is disseminated • The ministry of labour and employment for ship/barge and cargo owners so had constituted the committee under that they can undertake the chairmanship of Anoop Satpathy, transportation on NWs in a more the fellow of the VV Giri National Labour Institute, in January 2017 to planned way. review and recommend ways to It will enhance the credibility and calculate the national minimum wage. efficiency of information sharing to Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance achieve seamless operations on Source- The Hindu National Waterways, besides pre- India revoked Most Favoured Nation empting problems that may occur status granted to Pakistan during the movement of vessels. India announced that it had decided to Initially, LAD information will be withdraw the Most Favoured Nation available for NW-1, NW-2, Indo- (MFN) status granted to Pakistan and Bangladesh Protocol route and NW-3, would also take all possible steps to along with the date of the survey. isolate the country at the international Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance level after the car bomb attack in the Source-PIB Kashmir Valley. Great Indian hornbills can adapt Related Information to modified habitat: study What is the Most Favoured Nation status Great Indian Hornbill (MFN)? The great hornbill also known as the According to the MFN principle of the great Indian hornbill or great pied WTO’s General Agreement on Tariffs hornbill, is one of the larger members and Trade (GATT) — to which India is a of the hornbill family. signatory/contracting party — each of It is predominantly fruit eating, but is the WTO member countries should an opportunist and preys on small “treat all the other members equally as mammals, reptiles and birds. ‘most-favoured’ trading partners.” IUCN status: Vulnerable (Uplisted The MFN status was accorded to Pakistan from Near Threatened in 2018). in 1996 as per India’s commitments as It is also listed in Appendix I of CITES. a WTO member. Topic- GS Paper 3 – Environment and Biodiversity Source- The Hindu

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 35 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 National Emergency Declared in suspend certain aspects of the law, the United States including provisions that limit the size President of the United States Donald of the military. Trump declared a National Emergency Topic- GS Paper 3 – International Concerning the Southern Border of the Relation United States. Source- Indian Express President Donald Trump, citing an Iran to promote Chabahar as "invasion" of drugs and criminals, curbs will hit the main port declared a national emergency to fund When U.S. sanctions threatening construction of a border wall along US- Iran’s main port of Bandar Abbas, the Mexico Border. Iranian government is planning to US President can now bypass the promote the Chabahar port being opposition in Congress (Parliament in developed by India in a major the United States) and can redirect billions of dollars in federal funds to conference on February 26, build the wall. highlighting the potential of the Emergency Powers in the United States Indian Ocean port beyond India- Constitution Afghan trade alone. In the United States Constitution, neither The advantage of Chabahar was that it the term "emergency" nor any had received a waiver from the U.S. comparable term appears in the text. Thisexceptionrelatesto The President in the United States has reconstructionassistanceand Emergency Powers derived from the economic development for National Emergencies Act, 1976. Afghanistan. National Emergencies Act, 1976 Related Information Under the National Emergencies Act, the Chabahar Port president can declare a national Chabahar Port is a seaport in emergency, providing a specific reason Chabahar located in southeastern for it. Iran, on the Gulf of Oman. The act offers no specific definition of It serves as Iran's only oceanic port, “emergency” and allows a president to and consists of two separate ports declare one entirely at his or her named Shahid Kalantari and Shahid discretion. Beheshti. The acts require a president to notify The port gives access to the energy- Congress publicly of the national rich Persian Gulf nations’ southern emergency and to report every six months. coast. The law also says the president must The Chabahar Agreement was signed renew the emergency every year, in June 2015 and approved by Iran’s simply by notifying Congress. Guardian Council in November 2016. The Congress can revoke a declaration by It is being seen as a gateway for majority vote, though it would take a trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan two-thirds vote by each house to with Central Asian countries. override an expected The first and foremost significance of presidential veto. the Chabahar port is the fact that Previous Stances of Emergency Declaration India can bypass Pakistan in President Barack Obama declared a transporting goods to Afghanistan. national emergency in 2009 during the Chabahar port will be beneficial to swine flu outbreak to allow hospitals India in countering Chinese presence and local governments to establish in the Arabian Sea which China is sites to deal with the virus. trying to ensure by helping Pakistan In 2001, President George W. Bush develop the Gwadar port. declared a national emergency days Topic- GS Paper 3 – International after the 9/11 terrorist attacks that Relation Source- The Hindu

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 36 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 The last of the elusive pangolins Gagan Shakti • Obsession for its supposedly medicinal It is the biggest military exercise in scales in China is believed to have decades undertaken by India to made the ant-eating Chinese showcase its air dominance over the Pangolin, one of two species found in entire extended area of the Indian South Asia, extinct in India. Ocean Region (IOR). • The pangolin is the most trafficked As per military protocol, both mammal in the world. Pakistan and China have been kept in • It is hunted for its meat across the the loop about the exercise. northeastern States and in central Topic- GS Paper 3 – Defence India and the demand for its scales Source- Indian Express in China has made it the most Punjab’s blackbuck fight for critically endangered animal in less existence than a decade. It is found that most of the blackbuck Related Information in Punjab is dying due to injuries Pangolin caused by stray dog attacks. Pangolin is only scaly mammal on the Blackbuck (Indian antelope) planet. They are found in India, Nepal and According to Convention on International Pakistan (extinct in Bangladesh). Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Blackbuck is the state animal of of the eight species of pangolin Andhra Pradesh, Haryana & Punjab. worldwide, two are found in India. The IUCN status: least concern. They are Chinese pangolin, mostly found In India, hunting of blackbuck is in northeast India and Indian prohibited under Schedule I of the pangolin. Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Chinese pangolin has been listed as It is under Appendix III (Nepal) in “critically endangered” in (IUCN) Red CITES. List. Note: Bishnoi community of Rajasthan is Indian pangolin has been listed as known worldwide for their conservation “endangered” in IUCN Red List. efforts to blackbuck and Chinkara. It is listed as Schedule I category Topic- GS Paper 3 – Environment and protected animal, under the Wildlife Biodiversity Protection Act (1972). Source- The Hindu Topic- GS Paper 3 – Environment and Bullock cart racing Biodiversity The Punjab government paved the Source- The Hindu way for the revival of bullock cart EXERCISE VAYU SHAKTI-2019 races at the annual Kila Raipur rural EXERCISE VAYU SHAKTI-2019 is held close sports meet in Ludhiana. to the border with Pakistan at Pokhran Background in Rajasthan by Indian Air Force. The bullock cart races were prohibited The Indian Air Force showcased repower by the Supreme Court in 2014. capability of indigenously-developed The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals platforms like Light Combat Aircraft Act, 1960 (Central Act 59 of 1960) (LCA) Tejas, Advanced Light Helicopter was enacted to prevent the infliction (ALH) and efficacy of Akash surface-to- of unnecessary cruelty and suffering air missile and Astra air-to-air missile. on animals. Related Information Related Information Vayu Shakti and Gagan Shakti are the two Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act important exercises held by Indian Enacted in 1960 to prevent the Airforce. infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals and to amend the laws relating to the prevention of cruelty to animals.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 37 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 As per the provisions of the law, the Sources of Information about the Earth’s government of India formed the Interior Animal Welfare Board of India. There are two sources for information What are the activities that would about the interior of the earth – amount to cruelty to animals under the Direct Sources Act? Indirect Sources: According to Section 11 of the PCA, the Direct Sources: Mining, drilling and volcanic following instances would amount to animal eruption are examples of direct sources. treatment: Indirect Sources: Seismic waves, Willful & unreasonable administration of gravitational field, magnetic field, falling injurious drugs or substances to any meteors etc. are example of indirect sources. animal. Topic- GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology Confining of any animal in a cage that Source- The Hindu measures insufficiently in height, Pahari Dam Modernization Project length and breadth such that the confined animal is not able to move Prime Minister inaugurated the Pahari Dam modernization project in Jhansi reasonably. district of Uttar Pradesh. The owner of an animal not providing it Pahari Dam is a water storage dam with enough food, drink or shelter. situated on Dhasan River in Jhansi Inciting an animal to fight just for the district. purpose of entertainment. The Dhasan River is a right bank Animal Welfare Board of India tributary of the Betwa River which is It is a statutory advisory body on Animal originated in Madhya Pradesh. Welfare Laws and promotes the The project will benefit farmers by welfare of animals in the country. reducing the water leakage from the dam and make more water available The board ensures that animal welfare for the farmers. laws are followed in the country; it also Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance offers grants to other animal welfare Source-PIB organizations; and advices the GOI on NASA’s Mars Rover Opportunity issues of animal welfare. Concludes a 15-Year Mission The Board consists of 28 Members. Opportunity, a robotic rover that was The term of office of Members is for a active on Mars from 2004 to 2018. period of 3 years. It was Launched on July 7, 2003, as Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance part of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover Source- The Hindu program, it landed in Meridiani Planum 9. Scientists discover massive mountains on January 25, 2004, three weeks after under Earth’s crust its twin Spirit (MER-A) touched down on the other side of the planet. Scientists have discovered massive Related Information mountains in the Earth’s mantle, an advance that may change our Opportunity was not the first rover on understanding of how the planet was Mars, and not the last. formed. NASA’s Sojourner explored the planet for about three months in 1997, and In a study published in the journal three weeks before Opportunity Science, scientists used data from an arrived, its identical twin, Spirit, landed enormous earthquake in Bolivia to find on the other side of Mars. mountains and other topography on a layer located 660 km straight down, Topic- GS-3- Science & Technology which separates the upper and lower Source- New York Times mantle. Related Information

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 38 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 19.02.2019 It would greatly strengthen States Union Home Minister launched ability for analytics and prognosis for ITSSOandSafeCity timely investigation and prosecution Implementation Monitoring in rape cases. Portal for women safety Other Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and The Criminal Law Amended in April Minister for Women and Child 2018 prescribes stringent penal Development Maneka Gandhi provisions including the death launched a range of citizen safety penalty for rape of a girl below the initiatives in New Delhi. age of 12 years. For swift administration of justice in It includes the Emergency Response such cases, the Act also inter-alia Support System, ERSS, for women mandates completion of investigation safety in 16 states and Union and trials within 2 months. territories. Topic- GS Paper 2 – Women The states include Andhra Pradesh, Empowerment Uttarakhand, Punjab, Kerala, Madhya Source-PIB + AIR Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, 4th Agri leadership Summit 2019 Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Jammu and • Union Minister of Agriculture and Kashmir. The service has already Farmer’s Welfare inaugurated the 4th been launched in Himachal Pradesh Agri Leadership Summit 2019 at the and Nagaland. India International Horticulture Persons in distress can dial a pan-India Market (IIHM) in Ganaur, Sonipat number: 112. district, Haryana. Under this system, all the states have to • The theme of the summit was set up a dedicated Emergency “Entrepreneurship&Agri- Response Centre, ERC. Business; Agri Allied – A The ERCs are connected to District Promising Sector and Agri Command Centres and the Service- Direct Marketing”. Emergency Response Vehicles, and • Punjab, Haryana and Delhi Chamber of assistance to victims is facilitated Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) through them. were the Institutional Partner at the The Home Minister also launched two summit. portals - Investigation Tracking • It helps to increase the income and System for Sexual Offences and quality of life of the farmers and to Safe City Implementation attract investments in agriculture- Monitoring Portal. related industries of the State. Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance Related Information Source- Business Standard Investigation Tracking System for Iran Unveils New ‘Fateh’ Submarine Sexual Offences (ITSSO) The Iranian President has unveiled a It is an online module available to law “state-of-the-art” domestically enforcement agencies at all levels- produced submarine capable of ring National, State, District and Police cruise missiles. Station that allows State to undertake It is Iran’s first submarine in the real-time monitoring and semi-heavy category. management for completion of The submarine can operate more investigation in rape cases in 2 than 200 metres below sea level for months. up to 35 days. It leverages the existing CCTNS It has subsurface-to-surface missiles database, which covers nearly 15000 with a range of about 2,000 police stations in the country. kilometres (1,250 miles), making it capable in reaching Israel and U.S. military bases in the region.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 39 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Topic- GS Paper 3 – Highlights of the report: Defence Source- The Hindu In the report, it is found that the Kulbhushan Jadhav case: India to highest priority critically important seek consular access antimicrobial such as tylosin and India asked the UN’s top court to give colistin is being used by many consular access to former Indian countries as growth promoters. Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav, who Colistin is also a “reserve” category was arrested in Baluchistan in 2016 antibiotic according to the World on charges of espionage and Health Organization (WHO), implying sentenced to death by a military that it should only be considered for court in Pakistan. use when all other alternatives fail. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) The use of antimicrobials as growth urgently ordered Pakistan in 2017 to promoters in India has been stay the execution of Jadhav, commonly practised. pending hearings on the broader Antimicrobials relevant for human Indian case that take place this week health are routinely used in poultry in The Hague. or aquaculture for non-therapeutic Related Information purposes. International Court of Justice These are administered in sub- International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the optimal doses through feed or mixed principal judicial body of the UN. with water. It was established in 1945 via the UN The Bureau of Investigative Charter and its jurisdiction is Journalism, in 2018, revealed how worldwide. Venky’s Ltd, a conglomerate involved It is located in “The Hague” in the in poultry farming and raising Netherlands and has 193 state chickens on contract to supply to fast parties. food industries, has been supplying The major functions of ICJ are to settle colistin to farmers to help fatten legal disputes submitted to it by chickens. states and to provide advisory The Food Safety Standards Authority opinions on legal questions of India (FSSAI) recently garnered submitted to it by duly authorized appreciation for setting up standards international organs, agencies, and for antibiotic residues in food-animal UN General Assembly. products such as meat, milk, etc. It is composed of 15 judges elected to The FSSAI provides food standards nine-year terms of office by UNGA for colistin indicating that such “last and UN Security Council. resort” antibiotics can still be used in In order to ensure the measure of rearing food-animals as long as it continuity, one-third of ICJ is elected remains undetected while monitoring every three years. residue. Note: Dalveer Bhandari was re-elected as the Topic- GS Paper 3 –Science and fifth judge to the International Court of Technology Justice. Source- Down to Earth Topic- GS Paper 3 –International Munich Security Conference Institution The 55th Munich Security Conference Source- Indian Express (MSC) concluded in Germany. New report flags use of antibiotics on It is an annual conference on the animals international security policy that takes The World Organisation for Animal Health place in Munich, Germany since 1963. (OIE) revealed a report on antimicrobial agents which intended for During the MSC 2019, India raised use on animals, indicates that the use the issue of the Pulwama terror of antimicrobials as growth promoters attack during bilateral meetings with is still being practised. several countries, including the US, Germany, and Russia.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 40 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 It is an independent venue for Related Information policymakers and experts for open Section 66A of IT Act provided for the and constructive discussions about jail term to people who post offensive the most pressing security issues of content online and it was scrapped the day and of the future. by the apex court in March 2015. The Munich Security Report is annually Topic- GS-2- Indian Polity published by MSC which is an annual Source- AIR digest of relevant figures, maps, and research on crucial security 20.02.2019 challenges. Topic-GS Paper 2–International Institution 7 islands in Andamans, Lakshadweep Source- Indian Express identified for seaplane operations Scientists identify proteins linked During the 5th meeting of the Island with wheat infection Development Agency, Four islands in Indian researchers have figured out how the Andamans and three in fungus Tilletia indica, which causes Lakshadweep have been identified for the Karnal Bunt disease in wheat, seaplane operations, while private infects the crop. sector participation has been invited This may help the scientist to tackle from for tourism-based projects. this diseases which destroy more than These islands are Swaraj Dweep, thousands of tones of wheat. Shaheed Dweep, Hutbay and Long Related Information Island in Andaman and Nicobar Karnal Bunt Islands and Kavaratti, Agatti and Karnal Bunt was first recorded in 1931 in Karnal. Minicoy in Lakshadweep have been It not only reduces the yield but also the identified for seaplane operations. quality of grains as they start giving off Related Information foul fishy odour and taste. Island Development Agency (IDA) This makes grains unsuitable for human It was set up on June 01, 2017 for consumption. the holistic development of islands. The disease also occurs in the United Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance States, Mexico, South Africa, Nepal, Source- The Hindu Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. SPHEREx : NASA new Telescope to Currently, the disease is controlled by investigate the Universe in 2023 spraying the wheat crop with NASA will launch a new space fungicides but they are not very telescope, SPHEREx, in 2023, which effective. could provide a glimpse of the first Many proteins identified to reduce the moments in the history of the effect of this fungus eg. malate universe. dehydrogenase which helps produce The Spectro-Photometer for the oxaloacetate, which is a precursor of History of the Universe, Epoch of oxalic acid, a key element in Reionization and Ices Explorer phytopathogenic fungi like Tilletia (SPHEREx) mission is a planned two- indica that makes them cause diseases. year mission. SC directs states to sensitise cops Objectives about scrapping of Section 66A of IT Act NASA's SPHEREx mission will help The Supreme Court has directed all state astronomers understand both how governments to sensitise their police our universe evolved and how personnel about scrapped common are the ingredients for life in Section 66A of Information Technology our galaxy’s planetary systems. Act, so that people are not Astronomers will use the mission to unnecessarily arrested under the gather data on more than 300 provision. million galaxies, as well as more than 100 million stars in our own Milky Way.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 41 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 The mission will create a map of the Salient Features of NPE 2019 entire sky in 96 different colour Create eco-system for globally bands, far exceeding the colour competitive ESDM sector: Promoting resolution of previous all-sky maps. domestic manufacturing and export It also will identify targets for more in the entire value-chain of ESDM. detailed study by future missions, Provide incentives and support for such as NASA's James Webb Space manufacturing of core electronic Telescope and Wide Field Infrared components. Survey Telescope. Provide a special package of Topic- GS Paper 3 – Science and incentives for mega projects which Technology are extremely high-tech and entail Source- Science Daily hugeinvestments,suchas semiconductor facilities display Aussie mammal the first ‘climate fabrication, etc. change extinction’ Formulate suitable schemes and Australia officially declared a Great incentive mechanisms to encourage Barrier Reef rodent extinct making it new units and expansion of existing the first mammal believed to have units. been killed off by human-induced Provide incentives and support for climate change. significantly enhancing the The rat-like Bramble Cay melomys who’s availability of skilled manpower, only known habitat was a small sandy including re-skilling. island in far northern Australia has not Create a Sovereign Patent Fund been spotted in a decade. (SPF) to promote the development Reason for disappearance and acquisition of IPs in the ESDM Available data on sea-level rise and sector by 2025. weather events in the Torres Strait Promote trusted electronics value region “point to human-induced chain initiatives to improve national climate change is the root cause of cybersecurity profile. the loss of the Bramble Cay melomys Background Also low-lying island on a coral reef over The implementation of the Schemes/ the last decade, which had resulted Programmes under the aegis of the in dramatic habitat loss. National Policy on Electronics 2012 Note: The Melomys rubicola is the only (NPE 2012) has successfully mammal’s species endemic to the Great consolidated the foundations for a Barrier Reef’s. competitive Indian ESDM value chain. Topic- GS Paper 3 – Environment and NPE 2019 proposes to build on that biodiversity foundation to propel the growth of Source- The Hindu ESDM industry in the country. The National Policy of Electronics Cabinet approves the proposal of National Policy on Electronics 2019 2019 (NPE 2019) replaces the National Policy of Electronics 2012 The Policy envisions positioning India as a (NPE 2012). global hub for Electronics System Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance Design and Manufacturing - (ESDM) by encouraging and driving Source- The Hindu capabilities in the country for OFB gets clearance for producing 114 developing core components, long-range artillery gun ‘Dhanush’ including chipsets, and creating an The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) enabling environment for the has received a bulk production industry to compete globally. clearance from the Indian Army and the Defence Ministry for production of 114 ‘Dhanush’ artillery guns.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 42 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Dhanush It has been developed as a 150 km circuit and Dhanush’ is the first long-range artillery includes Eco-Adventure Tourism Park at Vagamon, Cultural Centre at Kadamanitta, Eco gun to be produced in India. Log Huts at Peerumedu, Idukki, Approach It has been developed by Ordnance Roads, Walking trails, Rain Shelters at Pine Factory Board (OFB), Kolkata based on Valley Forest, Thekkady, Kumily, requirements of Indian Army and MoozhiyarDam, Penstock and Kakki . manufactured by Jabalpur-based Gun The eco-tourism circuit aims to Carriage Factory (GCF). protect the flora and fauna of It is also known as desi Bofors because it Pathanamthitta and Idukki districts is an upgraded version of Swedish including places like Gavi, Bofors howitzers, which India procured Peerumedu. in the mid 1980s, based on its original Topic- GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture designs. Source- TOI It has a strike range of 40 kilometres with accuracy and precision. Cabinet approves setting up a new It also has night firing capability in direct company under the Department of Space fire mode. The Union Cabinet has given its Topic- GS Paper 3 –Defence approval to the Setting up of a new Source- Indian Express company under Department of Space Attukal Pongala: World's largest (DoS), to commercially exploit the religious congregation of women research and development work Kerala to host the Attukal Ponkala festival carried out by Indian Space Research which is considered as one of the Organization (ISRO) Centers and world's largest religious gathering of constituent units of DOS. women on a single day. Salient features: Related Information The following areas/avenues provide Attukal Pongala opportunities for commercial exploitation of It is celebrated at the Attukal Temple, ISRO programmes: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Small satellite technology transfer to These women prepare a divine food made of rice in earthen pots and offer it to industry, wherein the new company the Goddess of the Temple. shall take a license from DoS/ISRO The pongala preparation starts with the and sub-license to industries; ritual called 'Aduppuvettu'. Manufacture of the small satellite This is the earliest Pongala festival in launch vehicle (SLV) in collaboration Kerala. with the Private Sector; Attukal temple is also called 'women's Productionisation of Polar SLV Sabarimala' as only women perform through industry; the ritual. Productionisation and marketing of Topic- GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture Space-based products and services, Source- AIR including launch and applications; Eco Circuit: Pathanamthitta – Gavi – Transfer of Technology developed by Vagamon – Thekkady’ Inaugurated ISRO Centers and constituent units of The Union Tourism Minister inaugurated the ‘Eco Circuit: Pathanamthitta – Gavi DoS; – Vagamon – Thekkady’ project at Marketing of some spin-off Vagamon, Kerala. technologies and products, both in This project is a part of the Swadesh India and abroad etc. Darshan Scheme. Topic- GS Paper 3 – Defence Eco Circuit Source-PIB The Eco Circuit project was sanctioned in 106 coastal and marine sites December 2015. identified as conservation reserves: Govt report

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The Centre has identified over 100 It aims at creating a conducive atmosphere coastal and marine sites as for interaction between conservation reserves under its keystakeholderswithinour National Wildlife Action Plan for entrepreneurial ecosystem and 2017-2031, a biennial report Government e-Marketplace which is released by the government. the national procurement portal. As per the second biennial update report It is an initiative under the (BUR) of the Ministry of Environment collaboration of GeM with Startup and Forests (MoEF), submitted to the India, established to provide help to UN body on climate change in start-ups, registered with Startup December 2018, India is encouraging India so that it can gain access to the participation of local communities in public procurement market and sell governance by innovative products and services to recognising the conservation government buyers. reserves. Related Information Highlights of the Report Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Around 106 coastal and marine sites Government e-Marketplace (GeM) is have been identified as conservation a one-stop portal to facilitate online or community reserves to increase procurement of common use Goods & participation of local communities in Services required by various governance. Government Under the National Wildlife Action Plan Departments/Organizations /PSUs. for the period 2017 to 2031, the GeM aims to enhance transparency, government is working towards the efficiency and speed in public conservation of coastal and marine procurement. ecosystems from the impacts of It provides the tools of e-bidding, climate change. reverse e-auction and demand "Towards the fulfilment of India's aggregation to facilitate the commitment to Sustainable government users to achieve the best Development Goals (SDGs), several value for their money. initiatives have been taken to meet Topic- GS Paper 2 – the targets set under SDG 14- Life Governance Source-PIB Below Water. Operation Digital Board The coastal and marine sector is also a The Human Resource Development source of valuable fish protein not (HRD) Ministry launched "Operation only for the growing population but Digital Board" on the lines of also contributes to the global food Operation Blackboard to provide basket and in turn provides valuable better digital education in school. foreign exchange to the country. The government has aimed to equip Topic- GS Paper 3 – Environment 9 lakh classrooms in schools and Source- Indian Express colleges across the country with digital facilities for teaching by 2022. 21.02.2019 Benefits of Digital Board Operation Digital Board’, the aim of 1. Commerce Minister launched which is to have digital and interactive ‘SWAYATT’ on GeM boards in every classroom”. Union Minister of Commerce has It will help to improve the quality of launched SWAYATT in New Delhi. education and offer new SWAYATT-an initiative to encourage opportunities and new ways of Start-ups, Women and Youth teaching and learning. Advantage Through eTransactions on Topic- GS Paper 2 –Education Government e-Marketplace (GeM). Source- AIR

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 44 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 KhadiGramodyogVikas Yojana About Scheme The Cabinet Committee has given the It aims at providing financial approval to continue the existing assistance for technical and schemes of MPDA, Khadi Grant, ISEC professional education to farmers’ and Village Industry Grant, all children by creating a provision for the subsumed under 'Khadi and State government to bear all expenses Gramodyog Vikas Yojana' for the involved in various levels of period 2017-18 to 2019-20. education. Khadi Vikas Yojana includes Market KALIA Scheme Promotion & Development Assistance Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and (MPDA), Interest Subsidy Eligibility Income Augmentation (KALIA) is a Certificate (ISEC), Workshed, support scheme of Odisha whose Strengthening Weak Infra, Aam Aadmi primary targets are small farmers, Bima Yojana, Khadi Grant. cultivators and landless agricultural labourers. 'A new component called Rozgar Yukt The scheme involves payments to Gaon' introduce to enterprise-based encourage cultivation and associated operation in the Khadi sector and to activities. create employment opportunities. The scheme strives to target rural Related Information activities as a whole by supporting Market Promotion and Development farming on a small scale, Assistance Scheme (MPDA) sharecropping, fishing and animal It was launched as a unified scheme by herding which doesn’t get covered merging different schemes under loan waiver schemes. implemented by the Khadi sector The state government would provide Rs including publicity, marketing, market 10,000 per family as assistance for promotion, and marketing cultivation, Rs 5,000 each in the Kharif development assistance. and Rabi seasons, for five cropping The overall objective of the scheme is to seasons between 2018-19 and 2021- ensure increased earnings for artisans. 22. The scheme also includes life insurance Rozgar Yukt Gaon (RYG) cover of Rs 2 lakh and additional It aims at introducing an 'Enterprise-led personal accident cover of Rs 2 lakh Business Model' in place of 'Subsidy-led will be provided to both cultivators and model' through a partnership among 3 landless agriculture stakeholders-Khadi Reform and labourers. Development Programme (KRDP)- Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance assisted Khadi Institution, Artisans and Source- Indian Express Business Partner. Department of Justice launched It will be rolled out in 50 Villages by Tele-law mobile app, Nyaya providing 10,000 Charkhas, 2000 Bandhu looms & 100 warping units to Khadi A tele-law mobile application ‘Nyaya artisans, and would create direct Bandhu’ was launched by the employment for 250 Artisans per Department of Justice. village. It is pro bono legal service which is Topic- GS Paper 2 –Important Scheme designed to connect practising lawyers Source-PIB and the registered eligible beneficiaries "KALIA Chhatra Bruti’ scholarship in a hassle-free manner. It will enable the paralegal volunteers Odisha government launched ‘KALIA (PLV)’s to perform on-field pre- Chhatra Bruti’ scholarship for farmer’s registration of cases with a facility to children under the KALIA Scheme. seek appointment from the panel lawyer on date and time suitable to them.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 45 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 support to help developing countries It contains the facility to confirm and register build the capacity to carry out WTO the pre-registered cases, to enable the online work, handle disputes, and implement interface between the beneficiary and the technical standards, and panel lawyer through video conferencing and telephone facility. provisions related to a least-developed The application will benefit PLVs of country (LDC) Member National Legal Service Authority and India’s Position in Global Trade State Legal Services Authorities (SLSA) India’s share in global exports was in the country who will be associated 1.68% in 2017 while that in global under Tele-Law service. imports was 2.48%. Topic- GS Paper 2 –Social Justice The US claimed that India used its Source-PIB status as a developing member to India & China should not get special press for continued exemption from its rights: US to WTO commitments of some $30 billion in The US has proposed withdrawal of special input subsidies, a rule intended to rights and exemptions for emerging address some of the poorest farmers. economies such as India and China, Topic- GS Paper 3 –Economics which are members of the Source- Indian Express OrganisationforEconomic Cooperation and Development (OECD), AntBot, the first walking robot that Group of 20 (G20). navigates without GPS These countries classified as “high income” AntBot is the first walking robot to by the World Bank or account for more have navigational capabilities without than 0.5% of global merchandise GPS or mapping. trade. “ It has been designed by Centre for Related Information Scientific Research (CNRS) and Aix- The WTO Agreements contain special Marseille University researchers at ISM, provisions which give developing on lines similar to desert ants that use countries special rights and which give polarised lights and UV radiation to developed countries the possibility to navigate in space. treat developing countries more It consists of an optical compass which favourably than other WTO Members. determines its movements by the help These special provisions include, for of polarised light. example, longer time periods for Weighing only 2.3 kg, this robot has six implementing Agreements and feet for increased mobility, allowing it commitments or measures to increase to move in complex trading opportunities for developing environments, precisely where countries. deploying wheeled robots and drones These provisions are referred to as can be complicated. “special and differential treatment” Related Information (S&D) provisions. Various Satellite Navigation System The special provisions include: GPS by the US longer time periods for implementing GLONASS by Russia Agreements and commitments, measurestoincreasetrading European Union’s Galileo opportunities for developing countries, China’s BNS provisions requiring all WTO members to NavIC by India safeguard the trade interests of Topic- GS Paper 3 –Science and developing countries, Technology Source- Science Daily

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 46 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 22.02.2019 ILP will be applicable to entire Nagaland, including Dimapur’ India decided to stop its share of Nagaland government has decided to river waters which flow into make the Inner Line Permit applicable Pakistan throughout the State, including the The Government has decided to stop the commercial hub of Dimapur. share of river waters which flow into Related Information Pakistan. Inner Line Permit The government of India will divert It is an official travel document issued water from Eastern Rivers and supply by the Government of India to allow it to the people in Jammu and inward travel of an Indian citizen into a Kashmir and Punjab. protected area for a limited period. Related Information It is obligatory for Indian citizens from Indus Waters Treaty outside those states to obtain a permit It was signed in Karachi in 1960 by the for entering into the protected state. Indian Prime Minister Pandit The document is an effort by the Jawaharlal Nehru and then President government to regulate movement to of Pakistan Ayub Khan. certain areas located near the According to the Treaty, India got the international border of India. full rights for utilization of waters of This is an offshoot of the Bengal the three Eastern Rivers namely Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj while Pakistan which protected Crown's interest in the controls the right to use water in tea, oil and elephant trade by western rivers, namely, the Indus, prohibiting "British subjects" from the Jhelum and the Chenab. entering into these "Protected Areas". The construction of the dam has started The word "British subjects" was at Shahpur-Kandi on the Ravi replaced by Citizen of India in 1950. River and the Ujh project will store ILP's valid for tourism purposes are India's share of water for use in granted as a matter of routine. Jammu and Kashmir and the balance The states which require the permit are: water will flow from second Ravi- Arunachal Pradesh Beas Link to provide water to other Mizoram basin states. Nagaland These projects have been declared as Topic- GS Paper 2 – National project. Governance Source- The Hindu What are the advantages of national Atmospheric Water Generator project status? (AWG) The main advantage of a project which It has unveiled by Navratna Defence has received national project status PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) at is that 90 % of the funding for the Aero India 2019. project will be given by the central The Atmospheric Water Generator is government. being manufactured by BEL in Usually, big multipurpose projects collaboration with CSIR-IICT and involving irrigation, power MAITHRI, a start-up company based generation, storage of water etc., in Hyderabad. which require a huge amount of It is an innovative solution to meet capital for construction, are given the ever-increasing need for drinking national project status because state water worldwide. governments cannot afford such BEL's Atmospheric Water Generator huge capital. can be used to generate water Topic- GS Paper 2 – straight from the humidity present in Governance Source- AIR the atmosphere and purify it.

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It uses heat exchange technique for The Muslim Women (Protection of condensing the atmospheric moisture Rights on Marriage) Second to produce pure, safe and clean Ordinance, 2019 potable water. The Indian Medical Council The AWG comes with a Mineralisation (Amendment) Second Ordinance, Unit, which is used to add minerals 2019 which are required to make the The Companies (Amendment) Second water potable. Ordinance, 2019 The AWG is configurable in static and The Banning of Unregulated Deposit mobile (vehicular) versions and is Schemes Ordinance, 2019 available in 30 litres/day, 100 litres/day, 500 litres/day and 1,000 Related Information litres/day capacities. Ordinance making powers of the Topic- GS Paper 3 –Science and President Technology Article 123 of the Constitution grants Source- The Hindu the President certain law-making powers to promulgate Ordinances Digital Bharat, Saksham Bharat -A when either of the two Houses of Compendium on Digital India Parliament is not in session and A Digital India Compendium on hence it is not possible to enact laws Digital Bharat, SakshamBharat in the Parliament. was released by Ministry for An Ordinance may relate to any Electronics &Information Technology subject that the Parliament has the and Law &Justice. power to legislate on. Conversely, it The objective of the document is to has the same limitations as the disseminate and propagate the Parliament to legislate, given the success of Digital India among distribution of powers between the masses. Union, State and Concurrent Lists. The document is divided into two Thus, the following limitations exist sections- with regard to the Ordinance making o Digital profile of India the power of the executive: o Digital profile of States & o Legislature is not in session: UTs. The President can only promulgate A digital profile of India comprises an in- an Ordinance when either of the depth analysis, comparative study of two Houses of Parliament is not in the implementation of Digital India session. Programme and transformation it has o Immediate action is required: brought out in the lives of citizens. It The President cannot promulgate has simplified the way citizens avail an Ordinance unless he is satisfied various Government services and has that there are circumstances that brought transparency and require taking ‘immediate action’. accountability. o Parliamentary approval during A digital profile of States/ UTs reflects the the session: Ordinances must be State/ UT-wise implementation of approved by Parliament within six various initiatives taken under Digital weeks of reassembling or they India Programme. shall cease to operate. Topic- GS Paper 2 – o They will also cease to operate in Governance Source-PIB case resolutions disapproving the 5. President promulgates four Ordinance are passed by both the Ordinances Houses. The President of India recently has Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance promulgated the following four Ordinances, namely:– Source- Indian Express

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 48 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Sixth International Conference on 4th India-ASEAN Expo Summit Mycetoma The 4th India-ASEAN Expo and RecentlySixthInternational Summit was held in New Delhi. Conference on Mycetoma was held in The India-ASEAN Expo Summit was Khartoum, Sudan. organised with FICCI to carry forward Mycetoma the momentum and to further It is an inflammatory disease of the skin, strengthen India-ASEAN relations connective tissue, muscle and bone, under the Act-East Policy. results from an infection caused by The 4th Summit aims to build upon more than 70 bacterial or fungal the success of the previous edition of microorganisms. ASEAN-India Business and It is a disease characterized by disabling Investment Meet and Expo which was deformities and associated with held in 2018 as a precursor to India- severe morbidity. ASEAN Commemorative Summit. Infection is most probably acquired by The Summit aims to provide a traumatic inoculation of certain fungi platform for the policy makers, or bacteria into the subcutaneous industry captains and business tissue. leaders to come together and forge a The tropical disease is known to affect common vision for India and ASEAN’s rural populations, particularly those mutual growth and progress. who walk barefoot, like agricultural Related Information labourers and herdsmen. ASEAN If not detected and managed early, this Established in 1967 in Bangkok via disease can cause limb deformity Bangkok Declaration. and, in advanced cases, lead to Currently, there are 10-member amputation and death. states are part of it. Topic- GS Paper 3 –Science and The Association of Southeast Asian Technology Nations (ASEAN) is a regional Source- TOI intergovernmental organisation KP-BOT- India’s first humanoid comprising ten Southeast Asian police robot states which promote Kerala Chief Minister inaugurated India’s intergovernmental cooperation and first Humanoid Sub-Inspector Police facilitates economic, political, Robot named KP-BOT. military, educational and cultural With this, the Kerala State Police integration amongst its members and Headquarters has become the first Asian states. police department in the country to Its headquarter is in Jakarta, Indonesia. use a robot for police work. India is not a member of it. The robot’s gender is declared female The 10-member states of ASEAN are keeping in mind women Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, empowerment and gender equality. Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, KP-BOT Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam. She will perform Front Office duties of the The ASEAN Way- the doctrine that police headquarters like receiving the member countries will largely visitors and direct them as required. business when it comes to internal Visitors can directly interact with her and matters of member countries. she is capable of tasks like fixing ASEAN Plus Three: Was created to appointments with officers, provide improve existing ties with China, ID cards and open new files based on Japan and South Korea. the grievances. ASEAN Plus Six: includes China, She can also identify higher officials and Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, greet them with a salute. Australia and India. Topic-GS Paper 3–Science & Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance Technology Source- Indian Express Source- Indian Express

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 49 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 NABH New Portal "HOPE" for images from NASA, NOAA and ESA hospitals simplified and digitalised spacecraft. In order to extend benefits associated with The sun is the closest star to Earth, IRDAI and Ayushman Bharat scheme and like many stars, it is far from to small scale hospitals across India, quiet. Sunspots many times the size of the government has digitalized and Earth can appear on its surface and simplified the NABH accreditation store enormous reservoirs of energy. process. And it is within these regions that The revised process is driven through a huge explosions called solar storms new portal called HOPE - occur. HealthcareOrganizations’ Solar storms are spectacular Platform for entry-level- eruptions of billions of tonnes of hot certification with a focus to promote gas travelling at millions of quality at nascent stages by enrolling a kilometres an hour. wide range of hospitals across the These results may in the future help country including healthcare researchers to produce more accurate organizations (HCOs) and small forecasts of solar radio bursts and healthcare organizations (SHCOs). determine how solar storms impact the HOPE is not just confined to certification Earth—they can produce beautiful of HCOs/SHCOs but also enables displays of the Aurora, but they can them to comply with quality alsocauseproblemswith protocols, improve patient safety and communication and navigation the overall healthcare facility of the systems and power grids. organization. Related Information The online platform provides smooth and LOFAR secure registration and a self- It is a large radio telescope network explanatory questionnaire to be filled located mainly in the Netherlands, by the HCO/SHCOs. completed in 2012 by ASTRON, the A mobile application has also been Netherlands Institute for Radio developed to support HCO/SHCOs for Astronomy and its international directly uploading geo-tagged and partners, and operated by ASTRON's time-stamped evidences required for radio observatory, of the Netherlands compliance to the standards. Organisation for Scientific Research. National Accreditation Board for Hospitals Topic- GS-3- Science & Technology and Healthcare Organizations (NABH) Source- Science Daily It is a constituent body of Quality Council of India (QCI), handling global 25.02.2019 accreditation in Indian healthcare sector under the ministry of commerce PM Modi gets Seoul Peace Prize and industry has revamped the entry- for fostering global links level certification process to make it Prime Minister Narendra Modi was simpler, digital, faster and given the Peace Prize for 2018 for his user-friendly. contribution to international Topic-GS-2- Government Policies cooperation and fostering global Source- Livemint economic growth. LOFAR radio telescope reveals secrets The Prime Minister dedicated the of solar storms $200,000 (₹1.42 crore) prize money The team showed that solar storms to the Namami Gange programme can accelerate particles simultaneously that seeks to stop pollution in the in several locations by combining data Ganga and rejuvenate the river. from the Low-Frequency Array, Related Information LOFAR, with Seoul Peace Prize The Seoul Peace Prize is sponsored by the Seoul Peace Prize Foundation.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 50 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 The Seoul Peace Prize was established in Unlike Banks which are regulated by 1990 to commemorate the success of the RBI, the NBFCs are regulated by the 24th Olympic Games held in Seoul, multiple regulators; Insurance the capital of South Korea. Companies- IRDA, Merchant Banks- The Seoul Peace Prize reflects the wishes SEBI, Micro Finance Institutions- of the Korean people and to State Government, RBI and NABARD. crystallize their desire for everlasting The norm of Public Sector Lending peace on earth. does not apply to NBFCs. The Seoul Peace Prize is awarded to The Cash Reserve Requirement also Individuals or institutions which have does not apply to NBFCs. made great contributions to the Topic- GS Paper 3 –Economics harmony of mankind and world peace Source- Economics times in each field of endeavor around the India to have own DNS for safe world regardless of nation, race, browsing religion, or ideology. The government will soon roll out a Topic- GS Paper 2 – public Domain Name Server, or DNS, Governance Source- The Hindu for India aimed at providing a faster RBI bundles NBFCs into one and more secure browsing category experience for Internet users in the To provide NBFCs with greater country, while ensuring that citizens’ operational flexibility, harmonization data is stored locally. of different categories of NBFCs into fewer ones shall be carried out based The purpose for having own DNS on the principle of regulation by The main aim of bringing our own activity rather than regulation by public DNS is to ensure availability, entity RBI created a single category particularly for smaller Interest for them by bundling their present Service Providers (ISPs) who don’t three-tier structure. have credible DNS. Asset finance, loan, and investment Bigger ones usually have their own companies have been merged DNS. into a new category called Related Information NBFC-Investment&Credit A DNS is like a directory for the Companies. Internet. It helps to convert domain Related Information names that are easy for people to About NBFC remember into IP addresses, which A Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) are used by computers/machines to is a company registered under the communicate. Companies Act, 1956. If the DNS is either slow or fails to Difference between banks & NBFCs work, users will not be able to locate NBFCs lend and make investments, and web addresses. hence their activities are akin to that of Topic-GS Paper 3–Science & banks; however, there are a few Technology Source- The Hindu differences as given below: Flying bulldog’: World’s largest 1. NBFC cannot accept demand deposits; bee NBFCs do not form part of the payment The world’s largest bee — a giant and settlement system and cannot insect roughly the size of a human issue cheques drawn on itself. thumb — has been rediscovered in a Deposit insurance facility of Deposit remote part of Indonesia in its first Insurance and Credit Guarantee sighting in nearly 40 years. Corporation is not available to About the Megachile pluto depositors of NBFCs, unlike in case of Megachile pluto, also known as banks. Wallace's giant bee, is a very large Indonesian resin bee.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 51 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 It is the largest known living bee • It also recommends the IFs species. [International Sports Federations] Its status is ‘vulnerable’ in IUCN red list neither award to nor holds sports It was believed to be extinct until events in India until the guarantees several specimens were discovered in are obtained. 1981; there were again no further About International Olympics Committee confirmed sightings until two were The International Olympic Committee collected and sold on eBay in 2018. is a non-governmental sports The bee (Megachile pluto), which lives in organization based in Lausanne, the Indonesian island region of North Switzerland. Moluccas, makes its nest in termite It is the authority responsible for mounds, using its large fang-like organizing the modern Summer and mandibles to collect sticky resin to Winter Olympic Games. protect its home from the termites. The IOC is the governing body of the Topic- GS Paper 3 –Environment and National Olympic Committees (NOCs), Biodiversity which are the national constituents of Source- The Hindu the worldwide Olympic Movement. Olympic dream under threat as the visa The current president of the IOC is is denied to 2 Pak. shooters Thomas Bach of Germany. India’s future as a host for sporting Topic-GS Paper 2–International Institution events remained uncertain following Source-PIB a decision by the International Travel on a jet plane, using a little Olympic Committee (IOC). cooking oil What is the issue? The Dehradun-based Indian Institute The issue arose when India refused visa of Petroleum has successfully finished requests from two Pakistani shooters a pilot test to convert used cooking expected to participate in the ongoing oil into bio-aviation turbine fuel (Bio- ISSF (International Shooting Sports ATF), which can be blended with Federation (ISSF) World Cup 2019 in conventional ATF and used as aircraft Delhi. fuel. According to the IOC the Indian government authorities failed to grant The Institute collected used cooking an entry visa to the Pakistani oil from caterers and hotels in delegation comprising two athletes and Dehradun for the pilot, which has one official who was meant to now set the platform for commercial participate in the ISSF World Cup. use of the technology. This is a qualification competition for the The chemical composition of the used Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 in which cooking oil is identical to other plant- direct quotas are earned by the based oils that have been converted respective NOCs. to Bio-ATF. What’s next? The pilot test has proven that it is The IOC Executive Board decided to very similar to Bio-ATF derived from suspend all discussions with the Indian jatropha oil. NOC [National Olympic Related Information Committee] and government regarding The test assumes importance as the the potential applications for hosting Food Safety and Standards Authority future sports and Olympic-related of India (FSSAI) has launched the events in India. Repurpose Cooking Oil (RUCO) The IOC Executive Board required a clear initiative to collect and convert used written guarantee from the Indian cooking oil into bio-fuel. government to ensure the entry of all The food safety body says that by participants in such events in full 2020, it should be possible to recover compliance with the rules of the about 220 crore liters of used cooking Olympic Charter. oil for conversion into biofuel. About Bio Fuels

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 52 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Biofuel is defined as any fuel whose Loans up to ₹10 lakh are extended energy is obtained through the to process of biological carbon fixation. these non-corporate, non-farm It can be characterized on basis of their enterprises by the Micro Units source biomass. Development and Refinance Agency Generations of Biofuels (MUDRA) through last-mile financial 1G Biofuel: institutions. They produced directly from About MUDRA food crops such as wheat and MUDRA stands for Micro-Units sugar etc. Development and Refinance Agency 2G Biofuel: Objective: They are produced from The core objective of the bank is to marginal croplands unsuitable fund the unfunded. It will finance to for food production or non- “Last Mile Financiers” of small/micro food crops. For example- businesses. The lending priority will Jatropha. be given to SC/ST enterprises It overcomes over food vs. MUDRA Bank fuel debate in the first- MUDRA Bank will be set up as a generation biofuel. statutory body 3G Biofuels: It will regulate and refinance all MFI It is based on improvements in who lend to MSME engaged in small the production of biomass by manufacturing, trade or services. taking advantage of specially It will partner all state/regional level engineered energy crops such coordinators to provide easy finance as algae as its energy source to even the remote investors. Topic- GS Paper 3 –Science and Technology To address the three segments, Source- Indian Express MUDRA Bank has launched three loan Labour Bureau files MUDRA job report instruments: o The Labour Bureau has completed its Shishu: covers loans up to Rs survey on employment generated by 50,000/- the MUDRA loan scheme, giving the o Kishor: covers loans above Rs Centre a potential data tool to combat 50,000/- and up to Rs. 5 lakh other reports showing a dismal o Tarun: covers loans above Rs 5 scenario on jobs. lakh and up to Rs 10 lakh Highlights of the Report. It provides a loan at low rates to According to reports, a leaked copy of the small entrepreneurs NSSO’s findings showed that The bank has been allotted a unemployment hit a 45-year high of Refinance Fund of Rs. 20,000 Crores 6.1% in 2017-18. from the shortfalls of Priority Sector Central government ministers and officials Lending. have already attempted to Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance use the MUDRA scheme’s performance to combat criticism based on the Source-PIB leaked NSSO job survey report. Ganga basin States stare at the Related Information three-fold rise in crop failures by 2040 The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana was introduced in April 2015 as an effort to According to an assessment by the extend affordable credit to micro and World Bank submitted to the Central small enterprises. Water Commission the Ganga river basin could see crop failures rise three- fold and drinking water shortage can go up by as much as 39% in some States between now and 2040.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 53 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Highlights of the Report What has the state government The report says that Uttarakhand, proposed? Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and The government in the state is Bihar are likely to face a deficit in considering issuing the certificate to irrigation water of 28%, 10%, 10% the six non-APSTs communities living and 15% respectively in 2040 as in Namsai and Changlang districts and compared to the current levels if no to the Gorkhas living in Vijaynagar. proper steps are taken. Amongst those communities are During the same period Madhya Pradesh Deoris, Sonowal Kacharis, Morans, would see a 39%, Delhi 22% Adivasis and Mishings. and Uttar Pradesh a 25% deficit in drinking water. Most of these communities are Related Information recognized as Scheduled Tribes in Ganga basin is the largest river basin in neighboring Assam. India in terms of the catchment area, A Joint High Power Committee (JHPC), constituting 26% of the country’s land after holding discussions with the mass and supporting about 43% of its stakeholders, recommended granting population. PRC to the six communities, who are The basin covers 11 states of Uttarakhand, not natives of Arunachal Pradesh but U.P., M.P., Rajasthan, have been living in Namsai and Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Changlang districts for decades. Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Why are people in Arunachal protesting Bengal and Delhi. against PRC? The current focus of World Bank funded There is resentment among several National Ganga River Basin Projects community-based groups and (NGRBP) of NMCG is on five major organizations in Arunachal Pradesh, states on the main stem of river Ganga who feel the rights and interests of namely Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, indigenous people will be Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal. compromised if the proposal is Note: Over one-third of India’s available implemented. surface water is provided by the Ganga basin Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance which contributes more than half the national Source- Indian Express water use, of which 90% is for irrigation. UN body hails Odisha on Women Topic- GS Paper 3 –Important Report reservation Source- The Hindu Explained: Why are there protests in The United Nations Entity for Gender Arunachal Pradesh over PRC? Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) has The violence in Arunachal Pradesh capital complimented the government of Itanagar as a protest against the Odisha for proposing 33% reservation probability of granting Permanent for women in Parliament and the State Residence Certificate (PRC) to members of six communities – Adivasi, Assemblies. Deori, Gorkha, Mishing, Moran, and Related Information Sonowal Kachari – mainly About UN Women inhabiting Namsai and Changlang The United Nations Entity for Gender districts of the state. Equality and the Empowerment of Related Information Women, also known as UN Women, What is permanent resident certificate? is a United Nations entity working for The permanent resident certificate is a the empowerment of women. legal document issued to Indian It became operational in January citizens that serve as evidence of 2011. residence and is required to be They are a member of the United submitted as residential proof for Nations Development Group. official purpose. It’s headquarters at New York, USA

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 54 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 UN Women’s Office based in New Delhi covers four countries: India, Bhutan, According to an alert from NASA’s Fire Maldives and Sri Lanka. Information for Resource In these countries, the organization Management System (NASA-FIRMS), strengthens women’s rights by 21 fires or hotspots were detected working with women, men, feminists, during the satellite overpass. women’s networks, governments, Related Information local authorities and civil society. About forest fires: Topic- GS Paper 2 –Women The forest fire is a common hazard in Empowerment forests. They pose a threat to the Source-PIB forest wealth and also to the flora and 11. Organization of Islamic fauna, thus disturbing the bio- Cooperation (OIC) diversity and the ecology and The External Affairs Minister of India has environment of a region. been invited for the first time to What are the causes of forest fires? address the Organization of Islamic Climatic conditions - such as Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers temperature, level of moisture in soil meet. and atmosphere and duration of dry About the Organisation of Islamic spells naturally cause fires. Cooperation (OIC): The friction of tree branches swaying • The Organisation of Islamic due to high wind velocity or rolling Cooperation (OIC) is the second stones which sparks and sets off fires largest inter-governmental in leaf litter. organization after the United Nations Anthropogenic activities - Traditional with a membership of 57 states practice of shifting cultivation in spread over four continents. northeastern regions and eastern coastal regions burn forested land. The Organization claims that they are Introduction of fire in forests due to an the collective voice of the Muslim open flame, cigarette buds, electric world. spark or any source of ignition by Man It endeavours to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in leads to forest fires. the spirit of promoting international About Counterfire peace and harmony among various The counterfire is a technique in which people of the world. wildfire is doused by deliberately The Organization was established upon a setting the fire in the opposite direction decision of the historical summit of the raging flames. which took place in Rabat, Kingdom The inward movement of the counter of Morocco on 25 September 1969. fire consumes all vegetation and The first OIC Charter was adopted by the leaves a bare strip of land with no 3rd ICFM Session held in 1972. fuel to burn and the wildfire gets The Charter laid down the objectives and extinguished naturally. Note: It has been estimated that 90% of forest principles of the organization and fires in India are man-made when people enter fundamental purposes to strengthen forests to graze cattle, collect fuelwood, timber the solidarity and cooperation among and other minor forest produce. the Member States. Topic- GS Paper 3 –Environment Topic- GS Paper 2 –International Source- The Hindu Organization Niyamgiri’s Dongria Kondh gird Source- TOI for ‘resistance’ after SC order Bandipur, Wayanad forests face With a recent Supreme Court order fire fury triggering panic among forest Recently there was a major fire outbreak dwellers over possible eviction, in the forestlands of Bandipur. Odisha’s Niyamgiri’s Dongria Kondh tribals have resolved to resist any attempt to force them out.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 55 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 What was the issue? The Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) The issue of possible eviction of tribals, under the Scheme PM-KISAN is being whose applications for regularisation done through the System of Public under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), Finance Management System. 2006, had been rejected. PFMS is a web-based payment and The Dongria Kondh are currently holding MIS IT application of the Government their annual ‘Niyamraja festival’ on of India administered by the the picturesque hilltop of Niyamgiri. Controller General of Accounts Due to their successful resistance (CGA), Ministry of Finance, against the Vedanta Group’s plan to Government of India. mine bauxite in the ecologically and All DBT payments for the mineral-rich Niyamgiri hill range the Government of India Schemes are tribe came into the limelight. being done through PFMS. Relate Information Topic- GS Paper 2 – About the Dongria Kondh Tribe The Dongria Kondh people are a tribe Governance Source-PIB residing in the Niyamgiri Hills of Afghanistan launches a new export Odisha. route to India through Iran They are forest dwellers and sustain Afghanistan has launched a new themselves from the resources of the export route to India through the Niyamgiri forests, practising through the Chabahar Port of Iran. horticulture and shifting cultivation. The Chabahar Port of Iran provides The Dongria have distinctive jewellery, easy access to the sea for tattoos, and hairstyles. Women wear Afghanistan. many rings through their ears and This route allows both India and three through their noses, while boys Afghanistan to engage in trade wear two nose rings. bypassing Pakistan. Dongria girls wear clips in their hair and The new route is one of the many rings and beads around their necks. initiatives undertaken by the Topic- GS Paper 1 –Art and Culture governments of India and Afghanistan Source- Business Standard to enhance trade relations. 26.02.2019 Related Information India-Afghanistan Trade Afghan PM Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) exports to India stood at $740 million The Prime Minister launched the PM- in 2018 and India is the largest KISAN Scheme on 24th February export destination for Afghanistan. 2019 at Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh To boost the trade relations, both India (UP) to electronically transfer the and Afghanistan had established an air First Installment into the bank corridor in the year 2017. accounts of eligible Farmers of 24 Note: States and the Union Territories. After the withdrawal from JCPOA and Under the Scheme, Rs 6,000 will be reimposing of sanctions on Iran, US given each year to eligible Small and had granted an exception to certain Marginal Farmer families having US sanctions that allowed combined land holding/ownership of development of Chabahar port as up to 2 hectares. part of a new transportation corridor The amount will be given in three designed to boost Afghanistan’s instalments of Rs.2000 each. economy and meet their needs of Related Information non-sanctionable goods such as food and medicines. Topic-GS Paper 2–International Relation Source- Indian Express

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 56 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 ‘Hothouse’ conditions The initiative aims to give a boost to Researchers warned that Marine clouds women education since almost 40 that protect us from hothouse Earth percent of girls aged 15- 18 years conditions by reflecting sunlight back drop out of school and college, and into space could break up and vanish only 26 percent of women are if CO2 in the atmosphere triples. employed. Related Information Globally, the WorldClass initiative seeks to prepare 50 million people by If the concentration of CO2 increases in 2030, to be better equipped for the the atmosphere the Stratocumulus future of work, in-line with the United clouds which cover about 20% of Nations’ Sustainable Development subtropical oceans, mostly near Goals (SDG). western seaboards such as the Topic- GS Paper 2 –Women coasts of California, Mexico and Peru Empowerment may disappear. Source- TOI Impact Air Force commissions aerial “When the Stratocumulus clouds surveillance disappear, Earth warms dramatically, The Indian Air Force (IAF) has by about eight degrees Celsius — in commissioned the development of an addition to the global warming that aerial surveillance system for comes from enhanced greenhouse monitoring suspicious movements concentrations alone,” according to under dense foliage cover along the the study. international border and some parts A temperature increase of that within the country. magnitude would melt polar ice and This programme is the first for the lift sea levels tens of metres. country seeks to locate and identify The last time the planet was that hot, suspicious movements and is expected some 50 million years ago during the to be operational in the next Eocene Epoch, crocodiles roamed the two years. Arctic. Related Information The 2015 Paris climate treaty enjoins • This hyperspectral imagery programme nations to cap the rise in which will help to identify the presence temperatures at “well below” 2C. of a human below trees, dense foliage, shrubs or inside a structure, whether it Topic- GS Paper 3 – is day or night. Environment Source- The Hindu It can detect human presence from Deloitte announces the global the air even if their clouds cover initiative in India to empower females dense fog or snow cover. Deloitte has announced the launch of its Topic- GS Paper 3 –Defence global initiative ‘WorldClass’ in India Source- The Hindu for the empowerment of women. EVM is ‘information’ under RTI In India, the initiative aims to support 10 The Central Information Commission million girls and women by 2030 has ruled that An Electronic Voting through education and skills Machine (EVM) is “information” under development. the Right to Information Act. Related Information According to the definition of information under Section 2(f) of the WorldClass programme in India will RTI Act includes “any material in any focus on improving girl’s retention form, including records, documents, rate in school, higher educational memos, e-mails, opinions, advice, outcomes, and skills development for press releases, circulars, orders, women to access employment. logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form.

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Related Information Nine new items added to MSP for minor Central Information Commission forest produce scheme It was established in 2005 by the Central The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) Government under provisions of has added nine minor forest produce Right to Information (RTI) Act (MFP) items to its minimum support (2005). price (MSP) for MFP scheme. It is not a constitutional body but it has The nine new items are: Bakul (dried quasi-judicial powers. bark), Kutaj (dried bark), Noni/Aal The Commission includes 1 Chief (dried fiuits), Sonapatha/Syonak Information Commissioner (CIC) and pods, Chanothi seeds, Kalihari (dried not more than 10 Information tubers), Makoi (dried fiuits), Apang Commissioners (IC) who are plant & Sugandhrnantri roots/tubers. appointed by the President of India. Tribal communities are dependent on Functions MFP. They collect hundreds of forest The Commission has certain powers and products and survive on them. functions mentioned in sections 18, Related Information Minimum 19, 20 and 25 of the RTI Act, 2005. Support Price (MSP) These broadly relate to It is a form of market intervention by Adjudication in the second appeal the Government of India to ensure for giving information; agricultural producers against any direction for record keeping, suo sharp fall in farm prices. motu disclosures receiving and The minimum support prices are enquiring into a complaint on the announced by the Government of inability to file RTI etc; India at the beginning of the sowing imposition of penalties and season for certain crops on the basis Monitoring and Reporting including of the recommendations of the preparation of an Annual Report. Commission for Agricultural Costs The decisions of the Commission are and Prices (CACP). final and binding. Food Corporation of India (FCI) is the Topic- GS Paper 2 – designated central nodal agency for Governance Source- The Hindu price support operations for cereals, Mukhyamantri Yuva Swabhiman pulses and oilseeds. Yojana Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) is Madhya Pradesh government launched the central nodal agency for the State Government’s flagship undertaking price support operations scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Yuva for Cotton. Swabhiman Yojana’ that guarantees Minor Forest Produce (MFP) 100 days of employment every year The MSP for MFP scheme was started to urban youth from economically in 2013 to ensure fair and weaker sections. remunerative prices to MFP Related Information gatherers. Note: Generally forest products Under the scheme, Rs 4,000 stipend per can be divided into two parts i.e. month during 100 days of the period Major Forest Produce (Pulpwood, would be given to the youth and they Sandalwood, Fuel, Timber etc.) will also be given skill development Minor Forest Products (tamarind, curry training in order to become leaf, Tendu Patta, gallnut, Cane, Soapnut, independent. Bamboo etc.) Only those youths, whose family’s Schemes by government similar to MSP annual income is less than Rs 2 lakh Market Intervention Scheme and who are in the age group of 21- It is implemented on the request of 30 years, are eligible for the scheme. State Governments for procurement Topic- GS Paper 2 – of perishable and horticultural Governance Source- NDTV commodities in the event of fall in market prices.

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Price Supports Scheme (PSS) The Mirage-2000 uses a single shaft engine The Department of Agriculture & that is light and simple as compared to other Cooperation implements the PSS for fighter jet engines and is called SNECMA procurement of oil seeds, pulses etc., M53. through NAFED which is the Central It has a length of 14.36 metre and a nodal agency, at the Minimum wingspan of 91.3 meters. Support Price (MSP) declared by the The plane weighs 7500 kg (dry) and government. has a total takeoff weight of 17000 kg. Price Deficiency Procurement Scheme It has a maximum speed of Mach 2.2 The scheme directly pays farmers the (2336 kmph) and can travel 1550 km difference between the MSP and the with drop tanks. sale price, instead of procuring his In comparison, India's other fighter crop. and more advanced fighter jet - Russia Twelve Indian Air Force Mirage-2000 made Sukhoi Su30MKI has a speed of fighter jets entered Pakistani airspace 2120 kmph (Mach 2), slower than the and dropped 1,000-kg laser-guided Mirage-2000 and is heavier too. This bombs gives the Mirage-2000 an advantage in Twelve Indian Air Force Mirage-2000 quick operations. fighter jets, made by Dassault In terms of the armament, the Mirage Aviation, the French company who 2000 can carry laser-guided bombs, also manufactures the Rafale Medium air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles Multi-Role Combat Aircrafts, entered and has a Thomson-CSF RDY (Radar Pakistani airspace and dropped Doppler Multi-target) radar on board. 1,000-kg laser-guided bombs on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror launch 27.02.2019 pads across the Line of Control. Related Information Traditional Medicine Strategy IAF Mirage 2000 2014-2023 The Mirage-2000 is undoubtedly one of World Health Organization (WHO) the Indian Air Force's (IAF) most has been launched Traditional versatile and deadliest aircraft and it Medicine Strategy 2014-2023 in was first commissioned in 1985. December 2013. Soon after inducting the Mirage, IAF It will help health care leaders to gave it the name – Vajra – meaning develop a solution that contributes to lightening thunderbolt in Sanskrit. a broader vision of improved health It was developed by Dassault Aviation and patient autonomy. and took its first flight in 1978 and The strategy has two key goals: was inducted in the French Air Force To support Member States in in 1984. harnessing the potential contribution Apart from India, Dassault sold the of Traditional and Complementary Mirage 2000 to 8 other countries, Medicine (T&CM) to health, wellness including the home country of and people-centred health care. France, Egypt, UAE, Peru, Taiwan, To promote the safe and effective Peru, Greece and Brazil. use of T&CM through the regulation of The Mirage-2000 played a decisive role products, practice and practitioners. in the 1999 war of Kargil and turned These goals will be reached by it in India’s favour. implementing three strategic In 2011 a contract was signed to upgrade objectives are the existing Mirage-2000 jets to Mirage 1) Building the knowledge base and 2000-5 Mk, increasing the formulating the nation’s policies life of the jets that are now ready to 2) Strengthening safety, quality and serve till 2030. effectiveness through regulation Specifications Promoting universal health systems Related Information

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 59 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy The indigenously developed QRSAM 2014–2023 was developed and will replace the 'Akash' missile launched in response to the World defence system. Health Assembly resolution on This is an all-weather, all-terrain traditional medicine (WHA62.13). missile with electronic The Project Collaboration Agreement countermeasures against jamming by (PCA) was signed between WHO and aircraft radars. Ministry of AYUSH in 2016. Topic- GS Paper 3 –Science and It will provide cooperation on promoting Technology the quality, safety and effectiveness Source- Indian Express of service provision in Global health leaders adopted the th traditional and complementary ‘Delhi Declaration’ in 4 digital medicine between WHO and Ministry health intergovernmental of AYUSH (2016-2020). meeting Topic- GS Paper 2 –Health and The global intergovernmental meeting services Source-PIB on digital health was hosted by the Sampriti 2019: India-Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Joint Military Exercise in collaboration with the World Health It is a joint military exercise between Organization (WHO) and the Global India Bangladesh will be conducted Digital Health Partnership (GDHP). at Tangail, Bangladesh. On the occasion of Global intergovernmental meeting on digital This will be the eighth edition of the health, the global health leaders exercise which is hosted alternately adopted the ‘Delhi Declaration. by both countries. The Delhi Declaration based on The exercise is aimed to strengthen and digital health firmly aligns with our broaden the aspects of Prime Minister ‘Digital India.” interoperability& cooperation between It will help to establish a specific the Indian and Bangladesh Armies. mechanism to centrally coordinate The exercise will involve tactical level digital health to assist its Member operations in a counterinsurgency States. and counter terrorism environment Topic- GS Paper 2 –Health and Services under the UN mandate. Source-PIB Topic- GS Paper 3 –Defence 5. Key missions launched on Source- Business Standard foundation day of Department of India successfully test fires surface- Biotechnology to-air missile: QRSAM Department of Biotechnology in the India successfully tests fired the short- Ministry of Science and Technology, range Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Government of India, celebrated its Missile (QRSAM) from a test range 33rd Foundation Day in New Delhi. along the coast of Odisha. Thethemeis"Celebrating Biotechnology: Building Indian as It has been developed by the Defence an Innovation Nation" Research and Development The Minister announced key missions Organisation (DRDO). at the foundation day ceremony Specification of Missile including: The missile has a strike range of 25 km Atal JaiAnusandhan Biotech to 30 km and has a capability of Mission - Undertaking Nationally engaging multiple targets. Relevant Technology Innovation It has been developed by the Defence (UNaTI), which is expected to Research and Development transform the Health, Agriculture and Organisation (DRDO). Energy sectors during the next 5 years. It has been developed for the Indian Army.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 60 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 GARBH-ini- A Mission to The PCA framework is applicable only Promote Maternal and Child Health to commercial banks and not to co- and develop prediction tools for the operative banks and non-banking pre-term berth, financial companies (NBFCs). IndCEPI- A Mission to develop Topic- GS Paper 3 –Economics affordable vaccines for endemic Source- The Hindu diseases, Development of Biofortified Angkor did not suffer a sudden and Protein Rich wheat - contributing collapse’ to POSHAN Abhiyan, Anti Microbial Resistance Angkor, the ancient capital of the mission- for Affordable Diagnostics Khmer empire, appears to have and Therapeutics suffered a gradual decline rather than Clean Energy Mission– a a catastrophic collapse, according to mission to develop Innovative a study. Technology interventions for Swachh Related Information Bharat. Angkor Topic- GS Paper 3 –Science and Angkor was the capital city of the Technology Khmer Empire, which also recognized Source-PIB as Yasodharapura. RBI takes 3 banks off prompt It was flourished from approximately corrective action framework the 9th to 15th centuries. Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) The city houses the magnificent PCA is a framework under which banks Angkor Wat, one of Cambodia's with weak financial metrics are put popular tourist attractions. under watch by the RBI. It was introduced in 2002 by RBI as a The Angkorian period began in AD 802, structured early-intervention when the Khmer Hindu monarch mechanism for banks that become Jayavarman II declared himself a undercapitalised due to poor asset "universal monarch" and "god-king", quality, or vulnerable due to loss of and lasted until the late 14th century. profitability. It is protected as a UNESCO World It aims to check the problem of Non- Heritage Site. Performing Assets (NPAs) in the Topic- GS Paper 1 –Art and Culture Indian banking sector. Source- The Hindu The framework was reviewed in 2017 Britain should hand over Chagos based on the recommendations of islands to Mauritius’- ICJ the working group of the Financial International Court of Justice said that Stability and Development Council on Britain has an obligation to end its Resolution Regimes for Financial administration of the Chagos Institutions in India and the Financial archipelago. Sector Legislative Reforms The sovereignty of the Chagos Commission. Archipelago is disputed between the UK PCA is intended to help alert the and Mauritius. regulator as well as investors and Related Information depositors if a bank is heading for Background trouble. The Chagos islands are home to the The PCA framework deems banks as U.S. military base of Diego Garcia, risky if they slip some trigger points - under lease from the United Kingdom capital to risk-weighted assets ratio since the 1960s. (CRAR), net NPA, Return on Assets Since 1971, only the atoll of Diego (RoA) and Tier 1 Leverage ratio. Garcia is inhabited, and only by military Certain structured and discretionary and civilian contracted personnel. actions are initiated in respect of banks hitting such trigger points.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 61 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 The United Kingdom excised the archipelago from Mauritian territory 28.02.2019 in 1965, three years before Mauritius gained independence in 1968. IAF plane shot down, a pilot has On 25 February 2019, the International taken captive by Pakistan army Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the MiG-21 takes a hit while trying to United Kingdom should relinquish the intercept Pakistan’s planes Ministry of archipelago. The British government External Affairs demands ‘safe and rejected any jurisdiction of the court to immediatereturn’ofWing deliberate these Commander under Geneva matters. Convention. Chagos Archipelago Related Information It is a group of seven atolls comprising Geneva Convention more than 60 individual tropical The Geneva Conventions of 1949 islands in the Indian Ocean about comprise four treaties and three 500 kilometres south of the Maldives additional protocols that define the archipelago. standards of international law for This chain of islands is the southernmost humanitarian treatment in war. archipelago of the Chagos-Laccadive The convention mandates the parties Ridge, along with submarine to the war to remain humane to non- mountain range in the combatants such as civilians and Indian Ocean. medical personnel, as well as to Topic- GS Paper 2 –International combatants who are no longer Relation participating in hostilities, such as Source- The Hindu prisoners of war, or wounded in Ministry of Railway launched ‘ Rail action. Drishti Dashboard’ Four Conventions ‘Rail Drishti Dashboard' has been launched The first Geneva Convention protects by Ministry of Railway. The dashboard (raildrishti.cris.org.in) wounded and sick soldiers on land during brings information from various war. sources on a single platform and gives The second Geneva Convention protects access to key statistics and parameters wounded, sick and shipwrecked military to every citizen of the country. personnel at sea during the war. It contains information related to The third Geneva Convention applies to passenger and freight trains and links prisoners of war. to live feeds of IRCTC kitchens. The fourth Geneva Convention affords It encompasses all the digitization efforts protection to civilians, including in occupied in Indian Railways and territory. promotes transparency and Three additional protocols accountability. Additional Protocol I - international It consists of 6 services, namely, PNR conflicts enquiry, ODC application enquiry, Additional Protocol II - non-international Complaint Enquiry, Tender Enquiry, conflicts Shramik Enquiry and Freight related Additional Protocol III - additional enquiries. distinctive emblem SUGAM – The Freight App is one of the India’s Stance services provided by the dashboard. As of now, India has signed the 4 It helps customers keep track of their Conventions and Protocol III but still consignment. has not acceded to Protocols I and II. Topic- GS Paper 2 –Governance Protocol-II is related to internal Source- Indian Express conflict, while Protocol-I is related to war against colonial domination. Common Article 3 of Geneva Conventions

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 62 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Article 3 is common to all the four Highlights of the Bill Geneva Conventions to which India is According to the Bill, if the PRANAM a party. Commission gets a complaint that They include traditional civil wars, parents of a state government internal armed conflicts that spill employee is being ignored, then 10% over into other States or internal or 15% of the employee’s salary will conflicts in which third States or a be deducted by the government and multinational force intervenes paid to the parents or differently alongside the government. abled siblings. Common Article 3 establishes Private companies’ employees and fundamental rules from which no central government employees in derogation is permitted. Assam would also be covered by the It is like a mini-Convention within the Bill at a later stage. Conventions as it contains the Related Information essential rules of the Geneva Parents and Senior Citizens Bill, 2007 Conventions in a condensed format Highlights of the Bill and makes them applicable to The Maintenance and Welfare of conflicts not of an international Parents and Senior Citizens Bill, 2007 character: seeks to make it a legal obligation for It requires humane treatment for children and heirs to provide all persons in enemy hands, without maintenance to senior citizens. any adverse distinction. It specifically It also permits state governments to prohibits murder, mutilation, torture, establish old age homes in every cruel, humiliating and degrading district. treatment, the taking of hostages and Senior citizens who are unable to unfair trial. maintain themselves shall have the It requires that the wounded, sick right to apply to a maintenance and shipwrecked be collected and tribunal seeking a monthly allowance cared for. from their children or heirs. It grants the ICRC the right to State governments may set up offer its services to the parties to the maintenance tribunals in every sub- conflict. division to decide the level of It calls on the parties to the maintenance. conflict to bring all or parts of the Appellate tribunals may be Geneva Conventions into force through established at the district level. so-called special agreements. Topic- GS Paper 2 – It recognizes that the application of Governance Source-PIB these rules does not affect the legal BioAsia 2019 status of the parties to the conflict. The 16th edition of BioAsia 2019 - Topic- GS Paper 2 –International Asia’s largest biotechnology and life- Convention sciences forum was conducted in Source- The Hindu Hyderabad, Telangana. PRANAM Act The theme of the conference was Assam Chief Minister has launched the “Life Sciences 4.0 – Disrupt the Parents Responsibility and Norms for Disruption”. Accountability and Monitoring Related Information (PRANAM) Commission. BioAsia It is a panel set up to look after the issues BioAsia is an annual event organised with respect to the PRANAM Bill brought in for protection of parents of by the Government of Telangana and state government employees at it largely focuses on re-imagining Guwahati, Assam. healthcare after technological It was approved by the state cabinet in disruptions. 2018. The event agenda will touch upon many areas ranging from innovation

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 63 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 and R&D, manufacturing, digital Related Information healthcare, diagnostics and hospital Central Rice Research Institute infections to anti-microbial resistance. The National Rice Research Institute is Topic-GS Paper 3–Science & Technology situated in Cuttack Odisha. Source- The Business Standard It is one of the premier national Centre brings 42 non-scheduled research institutes under the Indian cancer drugs under price control Council of Agricultural Research. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing NRRI is the nodal agency for planning, Authority (NPPA) brings 42 non- implementation and monitoring of the scheduled anti-cancer drugs under Bringing Green Revolution in Eastern price control through trade margin India programme. rationalization. Important ICAR institutions Indian Agricultural It has done under Para 19 of the Drugs New Delhi (Prices Control) Order, 2013. Research Institute Related Information Indian Veterinary Bareilly, Uttar National Pharmaceutical Pricing Research Institute Pradesh Authority (NPPA) National Dairy Research Karnal, Haryana NPPA is an independent body under the Institute Department of Pharmaceuticals Central Institute of Mumbai, under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fisheries Education Maharashtra Fertilizers. Central Institute for It was set up in 1997. Hissar, Haryana The NPPA currently fixes prices of drugs Research on Buffaloes placed in the National List of Central Institute of Nagpur, Essential Medicines (NLEM) under Cotton Research Maharashtra Schedule-I of the DPCO. Central Sheep and Wool Avikanagar, The calculation for essential drugs is Research Institute Rajasthan based on a simple average of all Indian Institute of Bengaluru, medicines in particular therapeutic Horticultural Research Karnataka segment with sales of more than 1%. Indian Institute of Calicut, Kerala Non-scheduled drugs are allowed an Spices Research increase of up to 10% in prices every Indian Institute of Lucknow, Uttar year, which is monitored by the NPPA. Sugarcane Research Pradesh Topic- GS Paper 2 –Health and services Topic-GS Paper 3–Science & Technology Source- The Hindu Source- Indian Express Cuttack-based National Rice Research 6. Union Textiles Minister Institute releases 4 climate-smart inaugurates Titanwala Museum in varieties Rajasthan's Bagru The Cuttack-based National Rice Research Union Textiles Minister inaugurated the Institute (NRRI), a constituent institute 'Titanwala Museum' in Bagru that of the Indian Council of Agricultural showcases the Chhipa community's Research, released four new rice hand-block printing. varieties, including two high-protein Related Information and two climate-smart varieties. Bagru Block Printing The institute has recently released two Bagru printing is one of the traditional high-protein rice varieties (CR Dhan 310 and CR Dhan 311) and two techniques of printing with natural climate-smart varieties (CR Dhan 801 colour followed by the chhippas of a and CR Dhan 802). remote place of Rajasthan. These varieties are tolerant to both Bagru printers use a technique called submergence and drought and few dabu in which a mixture of black clay, biotic stresses to face the challenges of acacia gum, spoiled wheat flour, climate change. limestone is printed onto the fabric. The fabric can then be dyed and left in the sun to dry.

Plot-1441, Opp. IOCL Petrol Pump, CRP Square, Bhubaneswar-751015 64 Ph. : 8093083555, 8984111101 Web : www.vanikias.com, E-mail : [email protected] CURRENT AFFAIRS – FEBRUARY–2019 Red sanders are now free of Topic- GS Paper 1 –Art and export restrictions Culture Source- Indian Express All red sanders farmers, who weren’t SHREYAS: The Scheme for Higher allowed to export their products as Education Youth in Apprenticeship and the foreign trade policy prohibited it, Skills now can. The Minister for Human Resources The Directorate General of Foreign Development launched the Scheme Trade (DGFT), an agency of the for Higher Education Youth in Ministry of Commerce and Industry Apprenticeship and Skills (SHREYAS). revised its export policy to permit its The program aims to enhance the export if it is obtained from cultivated employability of Indian youth by land. providing ‘on the job work exposure’ Related Information and earning of stipend. Red sanders SHREYAS is a programme basket Red sanders, known for its rich hue comprising the initiatives of three and therapeutic properties. Central Ministries, namely the The tree is endemic to several Ministry of Human Resource districts in Andhra Pradesh and some Development, Ministry of Skill parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Development & Entrepreneurship and It has high demand across Asia, the Ministry of Labour& Employment. particularly in China and Japan, for SHREYAS portal will enable educational use in cosmetics and medicinal institutions and industry to log in and products as well as for making provide their respective demand and furniture, woodcraft and musical supply of apprenticeship. instruments. The State Governments are expected to Red sanders listed in Appendix II of play a major role in securing CITES (Convention on International apprenticeship opportunities, apart Trade in Endangered Species of Wild from the Sector Skill Councils, so Fauna and Flora). that general degree students passing Topic- GS Paper 3 –Environment and out in April 2019, gain the option of Biodiversity industry & service sector Source- Down to Earth apprenticeship. Topic- GS Paper 2 – Governance Source-PIB

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