January- NEWS

S.NO APPOINTMENTS Page No: 1 Sudeep Lakhtakia appointed as new DG of National Security Guard 01 2 Anandiben Patel appointed as Governor Madhya Pradesh 02 3 JS Rajput nominated as India’s representative to Executive Board of UNESCO 03 AWARDS 4 Asha Bhosle selected for fifth Yash Chopra Memorial Award 04 5 2018 Padma Awards 05 6 Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palanichamy receives UNESCO Award 11 7 President felicitates 112 first ladies 12 8 President presents 2016 Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 13 9 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards 14 Persons-in-news 10 India’s Green Revolution pioneer Dr Gurcharan Singh Kalkat passes away 15 11 Om Prakash Rawat appointed New Chief Election Commissioner 16 12 Anandiben Patel appointed as Governor Madhya Pradesh 17 13 Indu Malhotra: First woman lawyer to be directly promoted as SC judge 18 14 Legendary astronaut, moonwalker John Young passes away 19 15 Former RAW Chief Rajinder Khanna Appointed Deputy National Security Advisor 20 National -News 16 Government launches GeM 3.0 21 17 Thar Link Express receives extension for three more years 22 18 India 6th wealthiest country: New World Wealth Report 23 19 Hicky’s Bengal Gazette: 238th anniversary of India’s first newspaper celebrated 24 20 President Ram Nath Kovind pitches for simultaneous elections 25 21 MHA to set up Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre in New Delhi 26 22 PM Narendra Modi to visit to Palestine, UAE, Oman in February 2018 27 23 India, Lao PDR sign civil aviation cooperation agreement 28 24 President Ram Nath Kovind launches Pulse Polio programme for 2018 29 25 India, Cambodia ink 4 pacts 30 26 India-Japan Smart Grid Pilot Project inaugurated in Panipat 31 27 Government relaxes norms of Atal Pension Yojana to expand coverage 32 28 India to host informal WTO Ministerial gathering in March 2018 33 29 Government launches Rapid Reporting System for the Scheme for Adolescent Girls 34 30 Ministry of Road Transport & Highways inks MoU with IL&FS for construction of 35 Zojila tunnel January- NEWS

31 Government to increase number of ‘AMRIT’ pharmacy stores 4 times 36 32 Government announces 4 new schemes to promote young scientists 37 33 UDAN Phase-II: 325 routes awarded; 40% for North East, hills 38 34 MIS portal for Anganwadi Services Training Programme launched 39 35 India inks $120 million loan agreement with World Bank to fund improved water 40 supply in Uttarakhand 36 First NIIF investment: To set up $3-billion platform with DP World 41 37 Government launches Protocol for Star Rating of Garbage-Free Cities 42 38 Government launches National CSR Data Portal & Corporate Data Portal 43 39 MeitY launches Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative 44 40 Government announces 9 new Smart Cities 45 41 Website Accessibility Project launched to make 100 websites accessible to persons 46 with disabilities 42 India joins Australia Group export control regime 47 43 India’s First Automatic Early Warning Dissemination System to come up in Odisha 48 44 NITI Aayog launches first course under GIAN Program on Sustainable Urban 49 Planning 45 Government ends Haj subsidy 50 46 Khap Panchayats can’t interfere in marriages of adults: Supreme Court 51 47 International Workshop on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure held in New Delhi 52 48 3rd Raisina Dialogue held in New Delhi 53 49 India, Israel sign 9 agreements in space, defence, cybersecurity 54 50 India contributes $50,000 to UN Youth Envoy’s office 55 51 Delhi is richest state, Jain wealthiest community: NFHS-4 wealth index 56 52 EC constitutes Umesh Sinha Committee for considering social media expansion 57 53 Ministry of Petroleum launches Saksham 2018 Campaign 58 54 January 12: National Youth Day 59 55 4th International Dharma-Dhamma Conference held in Nalanda 60 56 National Youth Festival held in New Delhi 61 57 Committee of Governors submits report to President 62 58 UIDAI introduces 2-tier security to Aadhaar to address privacy concerns 63 59 Cabinet approves fixed term for chairperson and members of National Trust 64 60 Cabinet approves amendments to FDI Policy 65 61 First PIO Parliamentary Conference held in New Delhi 66 62 National anthem not mandatory in cinema halls: SC 67 January- NEWS

63 CCEA approves continuation of Members of Parliament Local Area Development 68 Scheme 64 Government to launch new scheme for free treatment of Hepatitis C 69 65 January 9: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 70 66 Government to launch e-Sansad and e-Vidhan in Parliament and State 71 67 CBDT relaxes norms for MAT on firms facing insolvency 72 68 HRD Ministry releases All India Higher Education Survey 73 69 26th World Book Fair held in New Delhi with focus on environment 74 70 Income Tax Department launches on-line chat service 75 71 Atal Pension Yojana reaches subscriber base of 80 lakh 76 72 Health Ministry and Tata Memorial Centre launch first digital Online Oncology 77 Tutorial 73 Government launches 7.75% Savings (Taxable) Bonds 2018 78 74 Cabinet approves Indo-Myanmar agreement on land border crossing 79 75 CCEA approves extension of norms for mandatory packaging in Jute Materials 80 76 MHA exempts cruise tourists with e-visa from biometric enrolment till 2020 81 77 Cabinet approves establishment of new AIIMS at Bilaspur 82 78 Fact Sheet: 2G Scam Verdict 83 79 India and Pakistan exchange list of nuclear sites for 27th consecutive year 84 STATE 80 Himachal Pradesh launches Zero Budget Natural Farming project to promote 85 organic farming 81 Punjab Government launches Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Vikas Yojana 86 82 Kolkata becomes first Indian metro to get floating market 87 83 Maharashtra becomes first state to unveil Public Cloud Policy 88 84 PM inaugurates Rajasthan’s first oil refinery at Barmer 89 85 Kerala Government launches Kerala Accelerator Program for early-stage startups 89 86 Karnataka receives approval for purchase of electric vehicles under FAME India 90 scheme 87 Arunachal Pradesh declared open defecation-free State 91 INTERNATIONAL 88 International Current Affairs Jan 4th Week 2018 92 89 International Current Affairs Jan 3rd Week 2018 93 90 WEF launches Global Centre for Cybersecurity 95 91 Xian smog tower: China builds world’s biggest air purifier 96 January- NEWS

92 10th Global Forum for Food & Agriculture held Berlin 97 93 International Current Affairs Jan 2nd Week 2018 98 94 US puts Pakistan on Special Watch List for severe violations of religious freedom 103 95 Saudi Arabia, UAE introduce VAT for first time 104 ECONOMY-BANKING 96 India becomes third largest producer of crude steel 105 97 Indian economy to grow at 7.4% in 2018: IMFIMF 106 98 India’s richest 1% corner 73% of wealth generation: Oxfam Survey 107 99 India ranked 81st on Global Index of Talent Competitiveness 108 100 ONGC to acquire Government’s entire 51.11% stake in HPCL 109 101 Mauritius was largest source of FDI in India in 2016-2017: RBI 110 102 IRFC’s green bonds: India INX lists 1st debt security at IFSC 111 103 India’s first-ever FDI in fertiliser sector: Yara acquires Tata Chemicals urea plant 112 104 World Bank Report projects 7.3% growth for India in 2018 113 105 Forex Reserves scale record high of $409.366 billion in December 2017 114 SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGY 106 NASA interested in India-made thermal spray coating technology 115 107 Rotavac: First India-designed vaccine to pass WHO test 116 108 China launches two BeiDou-3 navigation satellites into space 117 109 JioCoin: Reliance Jio planning to launch its own cryptocurrency 118 110 SpaceX launches secretive Zuma mission 119 111 NASA to launch two missions — GOLD and ICON to explore the ionosphere 120 ENVIRONMENT 112 India Ranked 177 in Environmental Performance Index (EPI) 121 113 Elcysma Ziroensis: New moth species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh 122 114 Environment Ministry refuses captive breeding of Chiru 123 115 Flamingo festival held at Pulicat lake in Andhra Pradesh 124 1 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 116 Scientists discover four new balsam species in Arunachal Pradesh 125 117 Schistura Larketensis: New species of blind fish discovered inside Meghalaya cave 126 BILLS-ACTS 118 Government notifies the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017 127 119 Parliament passes Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Amendment Bill, 2017 128 120 Parliament passes NABARD (Amendment) Bill, 2017 129 January- NEWS

DEFENCE 121 VINBAX: Indian, Vietnam hold first military exercise in Jabalpur 130 122 IAF Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala posthumously conferred with Ashok Chakra 131 123 OPV Vijaya: Indian Coast Guard patrol vessel launched 132 124 DAC clears procurements of assault rifles and carbines 133 125 Vajra Prahar: Indo-US joint military exercise to be held in Seattle 134 126 Rizhao: China commissions new missile frigate 134 127 Indian Navy decommissions INS Nirbhik and INS Nirghat warships 135 128 Defence Ministry clears Rs.2420 Crore worth contracts for Navy, Army 136 129 China develops underwater surveillance networks in Indian Ocean, South China Sea 137 130 Defence Ministry gives final nod for Barak missiles, PGM bombs 138 SPORTS 131 PM Narendra Modi launches Khelo India School Games 139 132 Australian Open 2018: Roger Federer wins Men’s Singles title 140 133 Vidarbha wins 2017 Ranji Trophy tournament 141

competitiveindia.com January-2018 APPOINTMENTS

Sudeep Lakhtakia appointed as new DG of National By sandy On Friday, January 19th, 2018

Security Guard It has special forces mandate and its core operational capability is provided by Special Action Group (SAG) drawn from Indian Army. NSG personnel are often referred as Black Cats because of black dress and black cat insignia worn on their uniform.

The NSG is trained to conduct counter terrorist task to including counter hijacking tasks on land, sea, and air, Bomb disposal and Post Blast Senior IPS officer Sudeep Lakhtakia was appointed as Investigation (PBI) and Hostage Rescue new Director General of National Security Guard missions. It is intended for use only in (NSG). He will succeeded SP Singh, who retired from exceptional situations and not meant to the post. take over functions of State Police Forces or other Para Military Forces. Lakhtakia is a 1984-batch IPS officer of Telangana cadre. He is currently serving as special DG of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

National Security Guard (NSG)

NSG is a Federal Contingency Deployment Force under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It was raised in 1984, with a view to protect states against internal disturbances and terrorism. It is not categorised under uniform nomenclature of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Friday, January 19th, 2018 Anandiben Patel appointed as Governor Madhya Pradesh She had succeeded Narendra Modi as first woman chief minister of Gujarat, when he was elected as Prime Minister of India following BJP‘s victory in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. She had resigned from post of CM in 2016.

Constitutional provisions of Governor

Governor is constitutional head of state.

Article 153: It says that there shall be Governor for each state. 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 facilitated the appointment of the same person as a governor for two or more President Ramnath Kovind has appointed former states. Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel as Article 156: Governor is appointed by President Governor of Madhya Pradesh. She will replace and hold office during the pleasure of Gujarat governor Om Prakash Kohli who is President. It should be also noted that this holding additional charge of office of Governor of article also mentions tenure of Governor. In Madhya Pradesh. this regard it says that Governor shall hold office for the term of 5 years from date he enters upon his office. Anandiben Patel Born: November 21, 1941 Career Profile: She is former school teacher, a gold- medalist in MSc and also winner of President‘s Medal. She was elected to Rajya Sabha in 1994. She was the cabinet minister for education in the BJP-led government in Gujarat from 2002 to 2007.

She also had held important portfolios of urban development, revenue and disaster management and was earlier in charge of education ministry, steering successfully some of key projects of then CM Narendra Modi, including one for boosting female literacy.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 JS Rajput nominated as India’s representative to By sandy On Wednesday, January 10th, 2018

Executive Board of UNESCO He also had played key role in developing indigenous Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) MK II and was part of team that ideated on Swadeshi space shuttle (a reusable launch vehicle). It was Mr Sivan‘s expertise that gave ISRO the ability to send 104 satellites in a single mission, setting a world record in The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has February last year. He was the key person appointed rocket scientist K. Sivan as next Secretary of who worked on the technicalities of how the Department of Space and Chairman of Space the satellites would be placed in orbit. Commission and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He will succeed A.S. Kiran Kumar and will It was his expertise that gave ISRO ability have term of three years. to send 104 satellites in single mission and sett world record in February 2017. He was key person who worked on K. Sivan technicalities of how the satellites would be placed in orbit. He is a graduate in aeronautical engineering from Institute of Technology (Madras), ME from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru. He had earned doctorate in aerospace engineering from IIT Bombay. He had joined ISRO in 1982 in then young PSLV project and has been project director of the GSLV rocket. Currently he is Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and was appointed in June 2015.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 AWARDS

Asha Bhosle selected for fifth Yash Chopra Memorial By sandy On Sunday, January 28th, 2018 Award Yash Chopra Memorial Award

The award has been instituted by MP T Subbarami Reddy in the memory of renowned filmmaker Yash Chopra, who died in 2012, in association with Anu Ranjan and Shashi Ranjan. The award also carries a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh. The list of previous recipients of award include melody queen Lata Mangeshkar and actors Legendary playback singer Asha Bhosle (84) was Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, and Shah Rukh chosen for fifth edition of Yash Chopra Memorial Khan. Award for her outstanding contribution to the Hindi film industry. She will be presented with award in February 2018 by Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao. She was selected by jury members comprising Chopra‘s wife Pamela Chopra, filmmakers Boney Kapoor, Madhur Bhandarkar, singer Alka Yagnik, actor Padmini Kohlapure, scriptwriter Honey Irani, Anu and Shashi Ranjan.

Asha Bhosle

Born as Asha Mangeshkar on 8 September 1933 in Sangli, Maharashtra. She is best known as a playback singer in Hindi cinema. In her illustrious music career spanning nearly seven decades she has recorded over 11,000 songs in 20 different languages. Her work includes film music, pop, ghazals, bhajans, traditional Indian classical music, folk songs, qawwalis, and Rabindra Sangeets. She is sister of playback singer Lata Mangeshkar.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On 2018 Padma Awards Friday, January 26th, 2018

President Ram Nath Kovind has announced names of recipients of year 2018 Padma awards viz. Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. He approved conferment of Padma Awards on 85 persons.

Padma Awards, the country‘s highest civilian awards bestowed for distinguished service of high order in various disciplines- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.

The 2018 list includes 3 Padma Vibhushan, 9 Padma Bhushan and 73 Padma Shri Awardees. 14 awardees are women, 16 awardees are from category of foreigners, NRIs, PIOs while 3 are posthumous awardees. The list also includes unsung persons and also people who rendered selfless service at the grassroots.

PADMA VIBHUSHAN

It is the second highest civilian award.

No Name Field State

1 Illaiyaraja Art-Music Tamil Nadu

2 Ghulam Mustafa Khan Art-Music Maharashtra

3 Parameswaran Parameswaran Literature and Education Kerala

Padma Bhushan

It is the third highest civilian award.

No Name Field State

1 Pankaj Advani Sports- Billiards/Snooker Karnataka

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 2 Philipose Mar Chrysostom Others-Spiritualism Kerala

3 Mahendra Singh Dhoni Sports-Cricket Jharkhand

4 Alexander Kadakin (Foreigner) Public Affairs Russia

5 Ramachandran Nagaswamy Others-Archaeology Tamil Nadu

6 Ved Prakash Nanda (OCI) Literature and Education US

7 Laxman Pai Art-Painting Goa

8 Arvind Parikh Art-Music Maharashtra

9 Sharda Sinha Art-Music Bihar

Padma Shri

It is the fourth highest civilian award.

No Name Field State

1 Abhay Bang (Duo) Medicine Maharashtra

2 Rani Bang (Duo) Medicine Maharashtra

3 Damodar Ganesh Bapat Social Work Chhattisgarh

Literature and Education- 4 Prafulla Govinda Baruah Assam Journalism

5 Mohan Swaroop Bhatia Art-Folk Music Uttar Pradesh

6 Sudhanshu Biswas Social Work West Bengal

7 Saikhom Mirabai Chanu Sports-Weightlifting Manipur

Literature and Education- 8 Pandit Shyamlal Chaturvedi Chhattisgarh Journalism

Jose Ma Joey Concepcion 9 Trade & Industry Philippines III (Foreigner)

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 10 Langpoklakpam Subadani Devi Art-Weaving Manipur

11 Somdev Devvarman Sports-Tennis Tripura

12 Yeshi Dhoden Medicine Himachal Pradesh

Literature and Education

13 Arup Kumar Dutta Assam

14 Doddarange Gowda Art-Lyrics Karnataka

15 Arvind Gupta Literature and Education Maharashtra

16 Digamber Hansda Literature and Education Jharkhand

17 Ramli Bin Ibrahim (Foreigner) Art-Dance Malaysia

18 Anwar Jalalpuri (Posthumous) Literature and Education Uttar Pradesh

19 Piyong Temjen Jamir Literature and Education Nagaland

20 Sitavva Joddati Social Work Karnataka

21 Malti Joshi Literature and Education MP

22 Manoj Joshi Art-Acting Maharashtra

23 Rameshwarlal Kabra Trade & Industry Maharashtra

24 Pran Kishore Kaul Art J&K

25 Bounlap Keokangna(Foreigner) Others-Architecture Laos

26 Vijay Kichlu Art-Music West Bengal

27 Tommy Koh(Foreigner) Public Affairs Singapore

28 Lakshmikutty Medicine-Traditional Kerala

29 Joyshree Goswami Mahanta Literature and Education Assam

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 30 Narayan Das Maharaj Others-Spiritualism Rajasthan

31 Pravakara Maharana Art-Sculpture Odisha

32 Hun Many (Foreigner) Public Affairs Cambodia

33 Nouf Marwaai(Foreigner) Others- Yoga Saudi Arabia

Literature and Education- 34 Zaverilal Mehta Gujarat Journalism

35 Krishna Bihari Mishra Literature and Education West Bengal

36 Sisir Purushottam Misra Art-Cinema Maharashtra

37 Subhasini Mistry Social Work West Bengal

Somdet Phra Maha Muniwong 38 Others-Spiritualism Thailand (Foreigner)

39 Keshav Rao Musalgaonkar Literature and Education MP

40 Dr Thant Myint – U(Foreigner) Public Affairs Myanmar

41 V Nanammal Others-Yoga Tamil Nadu

42 Sulagitti Narasamma Social Work Karnataka

Vijayalakshmi 43 Art-Folk Music Tamil Nadu Navaneethakrishnan

44 I Nyoman Nuarta (Foreigner) Art- Sculpture Indonesia

Malai Haji Abdullah Bin Malai 45 Social Work Brunei Haji Othman(Foreigner)

46 Gobaradhan Panika Art-Weaving Odisha

47 Bhabani Charan Pattanaik Public Affairs Odisha

48 Murlikant Petkar Sports-Swimming Maharashtra

49 Habibullo Rajabov(Foreigner) Literature and Education Tajikistan

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 50 M R Rajagopal Medicine-Palliative care Kerala

51

52 Sampat Ramteke(Posthumous) Social Work Maharashtra

53 Chandra Sekhar Rath Odisha

54 S S Rathore Civil Service Gujarat

55 Amitava Roy Science and Engineering West Bengal

56 Sanduk Ruit (Foreigner) Medicine- Ophthalmology Nepal

57 R Sathyanarayana Art-Music Karnataka

58 Pankaj M Shah Medicine- Ophthalmology Gujarat

59 Bhajju Shyam Art-Painting MP

60 Maharao Raghuveer Singh Literature and Education Rajasthan

61 Kidambi Srikanth Sports-Badminton Andhra Pradesh

62 Ibrahim Sutar Art-Music Karnataka

63 Siddeshwara Swamiji Others-Spiritualism Karnataka

64 Lentina Ao Thakkar Social Work Nagaland

65 Vikram Chandra Thakur Science and Engineering Uttarakhand

Rudrapatnam Narayanaswamy 66 Art-Music Karnataka Tharanathan (Duo)

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competitiveindia.com January-2018

Rudrapatnam Narayanaswamy 67 Art-Music Karnataka Thyagarajan (Duo)

68 Nguyen Tien Thien (Foreigner) Others-Spiritualism Vietnam

69 Bhagirath Prasad Tripathi Literature and Education UP

70 Rajagopalan Vasudevan Science and Engineering Bihar

71 Panatawane Gangadhar Vithobaji Literature and Education Maharashtra

Others-Wildlife 72 Romulus Whitaker Tamil Nadu Conservation

73 Baba Yogendra Art Madhya Pradesh

74 A Zakia Literature and Education Mizoram

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palanichamy receives UNESCO By sandy On Wednesday, January 24th, 2018

Award The temple and 1000 pillared hall were constructed in the Vijayanagar period (1336–1565) on the site of an older temple. It has seven prakaras or enclosures. Its Gopuram also called as ―Raja Gopuram is the biggest gopuram in Asia. It annually hosts 21-day festival during the Tamil month of Margazhi (between December and January) which attracts over 1 million visitors.

UNESCO Asia-Pacific awards for cultural heritage Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanichamy received UNESCO Award of Merit awarded to the iconic Srirangam conservation programme Ranganathaswamy temple in Tiruchirapalli. The UNESCO Asia-Pacific awards The award of merit was awarded by UNESCO Asia Pacific region for cultural heritage conservation for the reconstruction activities undertaken in temple without programme is aimed at in least affecting its traditional splendour and Vedic rituals. acknowledging efforts taken to restore and conserve historical structures without affecting their Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple heritage value. The awards are classified under four categories – It is considered as one of the most important of the 108 main Awards of Distinction, Awards of Vishnu temples (Divyadesams). It is Vaishnava temple built in Merit, Award of Excellence and Tamil or Dravidian style of architecture. It is located on an islet Award for New Design in formed by twin rivers: Coleroon and Cauvery. The temple Heritage Context. complex is situated in sprawling ground of more than 156 acres.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Monday, January 22nd, 2018 President felicitates 112 first ladies Among those who were honoured by President include  Bachendri Pal: first Indian woman to reach the Mount Everest summit;  Deepa Malik: first woman to win a medal at the Paralympics;  Priya Jhingan: First Lady Cadet to join the Indian Army;  P V Sindhu: Olympic silver medallist  Nicole Faria: winner of the Miss earth title;  Karnam Malleswari: Olympic medal winning weightlifter Karnam Malleswari  Anshu Jamsenpa: First Indian woman to scale Mt Everest for fifth time.  Chhavi Rajawat: India‘s first woman Sarpanch  Diana Edulji: First ODI captain of the President Ram Nath Kovind has felicitated 112 exceptional first ever Indian Women‘s Cricket women achievers at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. Team. These women achievers ‗FIRST LADIES‘ are those who are first to set milestone of achievement in their respective fields. This ‗First Ladies‘ is second leg of the ‗100 Women Background Achievers‘ campaign of the Ministry. Every year on March 8 (Women‘s Key Facts Day), WCD Ministry honours Nari Shakti Puruskars to those women who have contributed to society but have These 112 women were selected after extensive research remained unsung. These awards are process by Ministry of Women & Child Development conferred by President of India at (WCD). They are those who have been first in any field like Rashtrapati Bhawan. The WCD first woman judge, first woman porter, first woman to Ministry in 2015 had collaborated with head missile project, first para-trooper, first Olympian Facebook to recognise ‗100 Women among others. Their felicitation aims to inspire other Achievers‘ who have excelled in women to break the glass ceiling and do women of India diverse sectors of public work. It proud. started to recognise different ways those women who have broken the glass ceiling and ventured into unusual fields.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 President presents 2016 Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards By sandy On Thursday, January 18th, 2018

Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards are given in categories of music, dance, theatre, other traditional arts and puppetry, and for contribution and scholarship in performing arts. The award since 2003 consists of Rs. 1 lakh, a citation, an angavastram (shawl), and tamrapatra (brass plaque). President Ram Nath Kovind presented Sangeet Natak Akademi‘s Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the year 2016 at function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards

The Sangeet Natak Akademi‘s Fellowships and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards are recognised as among most coveted national honours bestowed on performing artists as well as teachers and scholars of performing arts in the country. They are given by Sangeet Natak Akademi, India‘s National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards By sandy On Monday, January 8th, 2018

Best Actor in Motion Picture or Musical or Comedy: James Franco (The Disaster Artist) as Tommy Wiseau. Best Actress in Motion Picture Musical/Comedy: Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird) as Christine ―Lady Bird‖ McPherson. Best Actor in a Supporting role in Motion Picture: Sam Rockwell (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) as Officer Jason Dixon. Best Actress in a Supporting role in Motion Picture: Allison Janney (I, Tonya) as LaVona Golden. Best Original Score Motion The 75th Annual Golden Globe Awards honored the best in film Picture: Alexandre Desplat (The and American television of 2017. The ceremony was organized at Shape of Water). Beverly Hills, California, United States (US). The Golden Globe Best Original Song: ―This Is Me‖ Awards are the annual awards that honour the best in Motion (Benj Pasek and Justin Paul) – Pictures and American Television for the previous year. The Greatest Showman Best Animated Feature Film: Coco. This year The Shape of Water had received most overall Best Foreign Language Film: In the nominations of show with seven, while Three Billboards Outside Fade (Germany/France). Ebbing, Missouri and Big Little Lies both won most awards with Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime four each. Achievement Award: Oprah Winfrey.

Winners of various awards are as follows:

Best Motion Picture Drama: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Best Motion Picture Musical/Comedy: Lady Bird. Best Director in Motion Picture-Drama: Guillermo del Toro (The Shape of Water). Best Actor in Motion Picture-Drama: Gary Oldman (Darkest Hour) as Winston Churchill. Best Actress in Motion Picture-Drama: Frances McDormand (Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) as Mildred Hayes.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Death-No Posts

important-days-No Posts

Persons-in-news

India’s Green Revolution pioneer Dr Gurcharan Singh Kalkat By sandy On Sunday, January 28th, 2018 passes away Kalkat also had worked as a senior agriculturist with the World Bank and was stationed at Washington DC from 1978-1989. During this period, he worked on agriculture and rural development programmes of Nigeria and Ghana where he was pioneer in introducing shallow tubewells for irrigation and hand pumps for drinking water. He Noted agricultural scientist and pioneer of India‘s Green also supervised implementation Revolution, Gurcharan Singh Kalkat (92), passed away in of World Bank assisted Chandigarh after a brief illness. programmes in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Indonesia. He was known for his role in bringing Green Revolution and several exemplary agricultural reforms in Punjab. His During his tenure as director contribution had ensured overall development and a agriculture, Punjab and phenomenal growth in the agriculture sector. agriculture commissioner (additional secretary), India had witnessed Green Revolution. He Gurcharan Singh Kalkat also had held reins of Punjab Agricultural University, He was born in Hoshiarpur‘s Sahora village on June 17, 1926. Ludhiana as its vice chancellor He had obtained his BSc Agriculture degree from Punjab from 1998 to 2001. He was Agriculture College, Lyallpur (now Pakistan) in 1947. awarded Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for his work. He had joined Ohio State University in January 1957 as a Rockfeller Fellow and had completed his PhD in agricultural zoology-entomology in December 1958. He was later honoured with Distinguished International Student Award of the university.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Om Prakash Rawat appointed New Chief Election By sandy On Sunday, January 21st, 2018

Commissioner Background

ECI is permanent and independent constitutional body established directly by Constitution of India to ensure fair and fair elections in the country. It is multi member body and currently has three members including Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

They all are appointed by the President. They hold office for term of six years or until they attain age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The service conditions President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Election and tenure of office of Chief commissioner Om Prakash Rawat (64) as new Chief Election Election Commissioner and Commissioner. He will succeed Achal Kumar Joti who has Election Commissioners are retired from post. determined by an act of parliament titled The Chief Moreover, President also appointed former finance secretary Election Commissioner and Ashok Lavasa as Election commissioner. Both will have tenure Other Election Commissioners of six years in office or till he or she attains the age of 65 years, (Conditions of Service) Act, 1991. whichever is earlier. The CEC and election commissioners have equal power Om Prakash Rawat and receive equal salary, allowances and other perquisites, Om Prakash Rawat is 1977-batch IAS officer from Madhya which are similar to judge of Pradesh cadre. He was appointed to Election Commission in Supreme Court. In case of August 2015. He has held several important portfolios at Centre difference of opinion amongst and state level during his long bureaucratic career. CEC and Election Commissioner, matter is decided by Commission Prior to his appointment as Election Commissioner, he had had by majority. retired as Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries and public enterprises. He had earlier also served as director in defence ministry in 1993. During this tenure, he was deputed to South Africa in May, 1994, as UN election observer to oversee first post-apartheid elections.

He has also served as principal secretary to Babu Lal Gaur, the then Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh from 2004 to 2006. He received Prime Minister‘s award for excellence in Public Administration for his initiative ―recognition of forest rights in 2010.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Anandiben Patel appointed as Governor Madhya Pradesh By sandy On Friday, January 19th, 2018

She had succeeded Narendra Modi as first woman chief minister of Gujarat, when he was elected as Prime Minister of India following BJP‘s victory in 2014 Lok Sabha polls. She had resigned from post of CM in 2016.

Constitutional provisions of Governor

Governor is constitutional head President Ramnath Kovind has appointed former Gujarat Chief of state. Minister Anandiben Patel as Governor of Madhya Pradesh. She will replace Gujarat governor Om Prakash Kohli who is holding Article 153: It says that there shall additional charge of office of Governor of Madhya Pradesh. be Governor for each state. 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956 facilitated the appointment Anandiben Patel of the same person as a governor for two or more states. Born: November 21, 1941 Article 156: Governor is appointed Career Profile: She is former school teacher, a gold-medalist in by President and hold office MSc and also winner of President‘s Medal. during the pleasure of President. She was elected to Rajya Sabha in 1994. She was the cabinet It should be also noted that this minister for education in the BJP-led government in Gujarat article also mentions tenure of from 2002 to 2007. Governor. In this regard it says that Governor shall hold office She also had held important portfolios of urban development, for the term of 5 years from date revenue and disaster management and was earlier in charge of he enters upon his office. education ministry, steering successfully some of key projects of then CM Narendra Modi, including one for boosting female literacy.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Friday, January 12th, Indu Malhotra: First woman lawyer to be directly promoted as SC 2018 judge

She joined the legal profession in 1983 and later secured first position in Advocate-on-Record exam for Supreme Court. She has specialised in law of arbitration and has appeared in various domestic and international commercial arbitrations. She has authored Commentary on the Law and Practice of Arbitration in India (2014).

In 2007, she became The Supreme Court collegium led by Chief Justice of India (CI) Dipak second woman to be Misra has unanimously recommended name of senior advocate Indu designated as senior Malhotra for appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court. With this, advocate by SC only after she becomes first woman lawyer from the country to be directly elected legendary Justice Leila for post of judge of the Supreme Court. Seth, who was given honour in 1977. She is on Overall she will be seventh woman judge in SC, since it was established board of trustees in 67 years ago. In 1989, Justice M. Fathima Beevi became first woman SaveLIFE Foundation and judge in Supreme Court. At present, Justice R. Banumathi is lone represented NGO in case woman judge in SC which currently has a strength of 25 judges of total which resulted in SC sanctioned strength of 31 (including 31). passing a slew of laws to protect good Samaritans, who save lives in road Indu Malhotra accidents.

Indu Malhotra is reputed senior advocate practising in SC or the past 30 years. She was born in 1956 in Bengaluru, Karnataka to noted advocate Om Prakash Malhotra.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Legendary astronaut, moonwalker John Young passes away By sandy On Monday, January 8th, 2018

His NASA career spanned over 42 years, longer than any other astronaut‘s. In 1965, he had flown the first manned Gemini mission and commanded another in 1966. In 1969, he became first person to orbit Moon alone for Apollo 10.

He also had driven Lunar Roving Vehicle on Moon‘s surface during Apollo 16. He is one of only three people to have flown to the Moon twice. He also commanded two Space Shuttle flights, including its first launch in 1981, and served as Chief of Astronaut Office from 1974–1987. He retired from NASA Legendary astronaut of NASA John Young, who walked on the in 2004. moon and later commanded the first space shuttle flight passed away in Houston, US. He was 87. He was NASA‘s only astronaut to go into space as part of Gemini, Apollo and space shuttle program, and the first to fly into space six times. He was 9th man to walk on moon.

John Young

He was born in San Francisco, California. He had earned degree in aeronautical engineering from Georgia Tech. Later he had joined US Navy. Later he took flight training. His first time in space came in 1965 with Gemini 3 mission that took him and astronaut Gus Grissom into Earth orbit in first two-man US space jaunt.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018

Former RAW Chief Rajinder Khanna Appointed Deputy National Security Advisor National Security Advisor (NSA)

The NSA is the chief executive of National Security Council (NSC) and primary advisor to Prime Minister on national and international security and oversees strategic issues. It is the NSA to whom intelligence agencies such as RAW and Intelligence Bureau report, rather than directly to Prime Minister. Due to such vested powers, NSA is prominent and powerful office in the The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has bureaucracy. NSA is assisted by a appointed Former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Deputy NSA. Rajinder Khanna as Deputy National Security Advisor (NSA). The post was created in He has been appointed without a fixed tenure and would remain November 1998 by Atal Bihari at the post until further orders. In his new role, he will assist Vajpayee Government. Brajesh NSA Ajit Doval. Mishra was first to be appointed NSA of India. Since the inception of the post, all NSAs appointed Rajinder Khanna belong to Indian Foreign Service (IFS) except M K Narayanan and He is 1978-batch Research and Analysis (RAS) cadre officer. He incumbent, Ajit Doval, who had headed RAW from December 2014 for a fixed two-year belong to the Indian Police period. He is considered as the father of counter-terrorism unit Service. in the RAW and has led many counter-terrorism operations in the spy agency and is reportedly an expert on Pakistan and Islamic terrorism. He also has been in the forefront of seeking cooperation from intelligence agencies around the globe. After his stint in RAW, he was appointed Officer on Special Duty (Neighbourhood Studies) in National Security Council Secretariat, the apex body on all internal and external security- related matters headed by the Prime Minister. Neighbourhood Studies prepares policy papers of neighbouring countries including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018

Places-in-News-MARCH National -News

By sandy On Wednesday, January 31st, 2018 Government launches GeM 3.0 GeM 3.0

It has powerful search engine and price comparison using third party sites – multisource and real time. It has performance based User Rating and online vendor assessment (optional). It has market based-bundling and bunching of products and services. It also has multi-Cart Functionality and offers more

Services with bid and RA Facility.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry has launched third version of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM 3.0) . The Benefits of GeM 3.0 earlier version GeM 2.0 was launched as pilot project in August 2016.  Completely transparent transactions across all ranges GeM 3.0 will offer standardised and enriched catalogue  Market Based generic management, powerful search engine, real time price requirements across all comparison, template-based Bid and RA creation, demand government agencies aggregation, e-EMD, e-PBG, user rating, advanced MIS and  Open and dynamic market analytics and more. place with rating based on performance of user on website Government e-Marketplace (GeM)  Generic standards established through universal service GeM is an Online Market platform to facilitate procurement of levels and cost comparison goods and services by various Ministries and agencies of the enabled Government. It has been envisaged as National Procurement  Standardisation of Portal of India specifications of both products and services enabling It aims to enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public empirical price comparability procurement of goods and services and eliminate corruption. It functions under Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D), Ministry of Commerce and Industries. It is completely paperless, cashless and system driven e-market place that enables procurement of common use goods and services with minimal human interface.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Thar Link Express receives extension for three more years By sandy On Wednesday, January 31st, 2018

Background

There are whereabouts of more than 1,650 caves and cave locations in Meghalaya, of which over 1,000 have been explored or partially explored. According to official data, the northeastern state has 491km of

surveyed caves and many more are waiting to be discovered. Krem in The world‘s longest sandstone cave named Krem Puri was Khasi language means cave. discovered near Laitsohum village in Mawsynram area in East Mawsynram is known as wettest place Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The cave is 24,583 metres on earth for its record-breaking (24.5 km) in length and is known for its complex cave systems rainfall. hidden under its undulating hills. It was discovered in 2016 but its actual length was found during expedition to measure and map it by Meghalaya Adventurers‘ Association (MAA)

Krem Puri

Krem Puri underground cavern is more than 6,000 metres longer than world record-holder Cueva Del Saman in Edo Zulia, Venezuela, a quartzite sandstone cave measuring 18,200 metres (18.2km). This sandstone cave is also India‘s second longest cave in general category after limestone Krem Liat Prah-Umim- Labit system measuring little over 31 km in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Krem Puri cave system also has fossils of dinosaurs, especially Mosasaurus, a giant reptile that lived 66-76 million years ago.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 India 6th wealthiest country: New World Wealth Report By sandy On Wednesday, January 31st, 2018

India is home to 3,30,400 HNWIs (individuals with US $1 million or more in net assets). Globally, India was ranked 9th in this aspect while US topped the list with 50,47,400 HNWIs (high-net- worth individuals).

India is also home to 20,730 multi-millionaires, 7th largest in world and in terms of resident billionaires (individuals with US $1 billion or more in net assets), India with 119 such individuals was named among the top three According to New World Wealth Report, India was ranked sixth countries globally, after US and in list of wealthiest countries with total wealth of US $8,230 China. billion in 2017.

The total wealth, refers to private wealth held by all individuals living in each country/city. It includes all their assets (property, cash, equities, business interests) less any liabilities. However it excludes government funds.

Key Facts

Top 10 Wealthiest Countries are United States (1st, total wealth held US $ 64,584 billion), China (2nd, $24,803 billion), Japan (3rd, $19,522 billion), United Kingdom (4th, $9,919 billion), Germany (5th, $9,660 billion), France (7th, $6,649 billion), Canada (8th, $6,393 billion), Australia (9th, $6,142 billion) and Italy (10th, $4,276 billion).

Meanwhile, during period under consideration global wealth rose by 12% (from US $192 trillion at the end of 2016 to US %215 trillion at the end of 2017) and China‘s wealth saw an increase of 22% .

India was best performing wealth market globally in 2017 as its total wealth swelled from US $6,584 billion in 2016 to US $8,230 billion in 2017, registering a 25% growth. Over the past decade (2007-2017) India‘s total wealth increased from US $3,165 billion in 2007 to US $8,230 billion in 2017, a jump of 160%.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Hicky’s Bengal Gazette: 238th anniversary of India’s first By sandy On Tuesday, January 30th, 2018 newspaper celebrated Hicky’s Bengal Gazette

Hicky‘s Bengal Gazette (Original Calcutta General Advertiser) was an English language weekly newspaper published in Kolkata (then Calcutta), the then capital of British India. It was founded by James Augustus Hicky. It began publication on January 29, 1780 and was published for two years. It was the first newspaper printed in Asia. The Journalists and social activists celebrated 238th anniversary newspaper in its time was strong of India‘s first newspaper the Hicky‘s Bengal Gazette. 29 critic of administration of Governor January is also celebrated Hicky‘s Day to pay tributes to the General Warren Hastings. It was fighter-journalist James Augustus Hicky who is considered important for its provocative as founder of journalism in India. journalism well before its time and its fight for free expression in India.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 President Ram Nath Kovind pitches for simultaneous elections By sandy On Tuesday, January 30th, 2018 Difficulties  Not all voters are highly educated to know who to vote for. They may get confused and may not know whether they are voting for candidates contesting assembly or parliament elections.  Frequent elections bring politicians back to the voters, create jobs (though temporary) and prevent the mixing of local and national issues in the minds of the voters.  The issue of logistics and requirement of security personnel, election and administrative officials needs

to be considered.  There is dearth of enough President Ram Nath Kovind has called for simultaneous security and administrative elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies. He made this state officials to conduct while addressing the joint sitting of Parliament on the simultaneous free and fair commencement of the Budget Session. elections throughout the country in one go. He made this statement arguing that frequent elections impede  Mostly elections in big states speed of development as officials have to assist in conducting are held various phases mainly polls. He called for sustained debate on subject of simultaneous due to security concerns. If elections and urged all political parties to arrive at consensus this is situation, holding on this issue. simultaneous elections for all the states, it may need to be Need for simultaneous elections held in many phases stretching over many months.  Frequent elections affect the governance as imposition of model code of conduct in poll bound areas puts on hold all developmental activities on that area and also affects the Background bureaucracy‘s functioning.  Elections in India are big-budget exercise. Expenditure can The idea of ‗one nation one be reduced by conducting simultaneous elections. election‘ has been proposed for  Law Commission in its 170th report titled Reform of Electoral many years starting with Law Laws (1999) had suggested holding simultaneous elections at Commission suggestion in 1999. all levels for stability in governance. Most recently, Parliament‘s  Frequent elections disrupt normal public life and affect standing committee 2015 report functioning of essential services. Moreover, frequent suggested holding simultaneous elections lead to frequent disruption of road traffic by election to save public money and political rallies and also lead to noise pollution. end policy paralysis because of  Crucial manpower especially teachers is often deployed on impact of the model code of election duties for prolonged period of time. If simultaneous conduct. It had pegged the cost of elections are held, then this manpower will be made available holding elections for Lok Sabha for other important tasks. and state assemblies at Rs. 4500 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had pitched for this idea.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 MHA to set up Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre in By sandy On Monday, January 29th, 2018

New Delhi Background

Over a period of time, there has been phenomenal increase in use of computers, smart phones and internet in India. With this increase, cybercrimes have emerged as major challenge for law enforcement agencies. The cybercrime cases are of varied types ranging from defacement of government websites, online financial frauds, online stalking and harassment, and data thefts. Moreover, these cybercrime cases pose technical, legal and administrative challenges in The Union Home Ministry will set up Indian Cyber Crime investigation which require Coordination Centre (I4C), an apex coordination centre in New strengthening of institutional Delhi to deal with cybercrimes. mechanism. Institutionalisation of I4C comes in wake of 1,44,496 It also has asked States to establish similar mechanism in every cybersecurity attacks observed in country during 2014-16 period. district and released funds for setting up of cyber-forensic training laboratory-cum-training centre for police officials in MHA already has created Cyber each State. It also has released funds to Cyber Crime Prevention and Information Security against Women and Children Scheme. Division, a new wing to deal with new-age challenge. Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) It will be apex coordination centre to deal with cybercrimes based in New Delhi. It will coordinate with State governments/UTs and closely monitor cyberspace and social media with due emphasis on vernacular content. It will also block those websites which flout Indian laws and circulate child pornography and communally and racially sensitive content.

It will also maintain list of suspects and leads generated during investigations in cybercrime cases and will be shared with law enforcement agencies through secured internal network. Under this framework, state governments will set up State cybercrime coordination cell at headquarter-level and also establish district cybercrime cells.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 PM Narendra Modi to visit to Palestine, UAE, Oman in By sandy On Sunday, January 28th, 2018 February 2018 Oman visit: During the visit, PM Modi‘s focus will be on intensifying cooperation in key sectors such as trade and defence. He will also meet the Indian community. Bilateral trade and investment between India and Oman remain robust and buoyant. It saw decline during 2014-15 and 2015-16, has Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on four-day official resumed its upward trend with state visit to Palestine, Oman and UAE in February 2018. an increase of 3.6% from $3.8 billion in 2015-16 to $4 billion in This will be the first ever visit by Indian Prime Minister to 2016-17. Palestine and PM Modi‘s second visit to UAE and first to Oman. During the visit, PM Modi will hold talks with the leadership in the countries on ―matters of mutual interest with their leaders, apart from participating in other events.

Key Facts

Palestine visit: PM Modi will hold meeting with Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas, who had visited India last May 2017 when India had reassured unwavering support towards Palestinian cause. PM Modi‘s visit to Palestine comes less than month after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s India trip in January 2018. UAE visit: PM Modi will hold talks with the leadership on key issues of defence, security and trade. He will also address Sixth World Government Summit to be held in Dubai at which India is ‗Guest of Honour‘. He will also meet the Indian community.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 India, Lao PDR sign civil aviation cooperation agreement By sandy On Sunday, January 28th, 2018

Features

Data gathering and processing module: It can ensure essential data of invoices latest and most complete. Invoicing module: It maintains all account attributes and allows for extensive view of associated data, including aircraft specifications, flight movements, billing ledger India and Lao PDR have signed civil aviation cooperation records, etc. agreement for providing SkyRev360, a comprehensive e-data Collection: Its all data collections gathering, invoicing and collection system. are managed with IATA Enhancement & Financing Services (E&F) process, which The agreement was signed between Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Lao Air Traffic Management, Department of Civil offers efficiencies and Aviation. automation to air navigation service providers (ANSPs) and airlines by settling through IATA SkyRev360 Settlement Systems. Airline queries: All queries and disputes related to billing and SkyRev360 is fully automated and comprehensive data gathering invoicing and collection service system. It has been collection from your air developed by AAI in collaboration with International Air operators are handled by IATA Transport Association (IATA) under the Government‘s Make in team. India initiative. It helps to eliminate inaccuracies errors and Dashboard and reports: It delays for better revenue management with less manual continuously reports incidents, processing. It was launched in February 2017 by AAI. airspace usage, traffic volumes, economic values etc. It helps airport operators world-wide in avoiding revenue leakages, reducing redundancies, disputes and easy integration with all external systems. It also helps in curtailing the debt collection period to the minimum.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Sunday, January 28th, 2018 President Ram Nath Kovind launches Pulse Polio programme for 2018 PPI Programme was initiated with objective of achieving 100% coverage under OPV. It aims to reach unreached children through improved social mobilization, plan mop-up operations in areas where poliovirus has almost disappeared and maintain high level of morale among the public. Under this programme, all children under 5 years are given 2 doses of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in month of December and January every year until polio is eradicated.

Polio

President Ram Nath Kovind has launched Pulse Polio Polio (Poliomyelitis) is a highly Immunization (PPI) Programme for year 2018 by administering infectious viral disease, which polio drops to children at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The event mainly affects young children was organised on the eve of the National Immunisation Day below age of 5. It is transmitted (NID), observed on 28 January. More than 17 crore children of from person-to-person. It mainly less than 5 years across the country will be given polio drops as spreads through faecal-oral route part of Government‘s drive to eradicate polio from the country. (e.g. contaminated water or food). After entering body, it Pulse Polio Immunization (PPI) multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and can cause paralysis. PPI Programme is massive immunization programme of Its initial symptoms include Government to sustain polio eradication from the country. It fever, fatigue, headache, was launched by Central Government in co-operation with vomiting, stiffness in the neck, international agencies, state governments and non- and pain in limbs. In some cases, government/voluntary organizations in 1995 as result of World it causes permanent paralysis. Health Organization‘s (WHO) Global Polio Eradication There is no cure for polio, it can Initiative. only be prevented by immunization.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 India, Cambodia ink 4 pacts By sandy On Sunday, January 28th, 2018

Agreements signed are

 Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP): It seeks to promote cultural exchange and strengthen the friendly relations between both countries.  Credit Line Agreement: It was signed between India‘s EXIM Bank Government of Cambodia for Line of Credit (LoC) to finance Stung Sva Hab India and Cambodia have signed four agreements to boost Water Resource Development bilateral cooperation between both countries. The agreements Project for US$ 36.92 million. were signed after comprehensive talks between Prime Minister  Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Narendra Modi and his Cambodian counterpart Samdech Hun Matters: It seeks to improve Sen in New Delhi. effectiveness of both countries in prevention, investigation and prosecution of crimes Key Takeaways from comprehensive talks through cooperation and legal assistance in criminal matters. Defence, security and counter-terrorism: Both leaders held talks to  MoU on Cooperation for Prevention boost ties in key areas of defence, security and counter- of Human Trafficking: It seeks to terrorism and called for concerted global efforts to eliminate increase bilateral cooperation terrorism, including blocking terror financing and dismantling on issues of prevention, rescue terrorist bases. and repatriation related to Enhance bilateral defence ties: They agreed to further enhance human trafficking. bilateral defence ties, including through exchanges of senior- level defence personnel and capacity building projects. They also discussed exploring ways to intensify development Background partnership and boost ties in key sectors, including trade and investment, energy conservation, agriculture, and tourism and India-Cambodia bilateral culture. relations are warm and cordial. Maritime Security: They also expressed keen interest in enhancing The relations go back to 1st cooperation in maritime domain, including preservation of century AD when Hindu and coastal and marine environment, anti-piracy cooperation, Buddhist religious and cultural security of sea lanes of communication to maintain peace and influences emanated out of India ensure safety and security of navigation in Indo-Pacific Region. to various parts of Southeast They also supported complete freedom of navigation and Asia. Cambodians are overflight and pacific resolution of maritime issues based on predominantly Buddhist but international law. retain strong influence of Hindu mythology, rituals and idolatry.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 India-Japan Smart Grid Pilot Project inaugurated in By sandy On Saturday, January 27th, 2018

Panipat

Background

The Union Ministry of Power has launched fourteen smart grid pilot projects to modernize power distribution networks in India for building next generation power distribution networks with less electrical waste. The project in Panipat, Haryana is one of the fourteen smart grid pilot projects. Japan‘s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) had inked Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Haryana Government in December 2015 for demonstration of India-Japan Smart Grid Pilot Project was inaugurated Smart Grid Pilot Project in Panipat. Panipat, Haryana to solve the various complications faced by the power distribution sector. It was inaugurated by State Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in the presence of Japanese Minister Keniko Sen.

Key Facts

India-Japan Smart Grid Pilot Project was initiated under intensive relations between Japan and India and Central Government‘s flagship Make in India Programme. The project aims to make electricity distribution network smarter and disseminate Japanese technologies in India.

It also seeks to improve capacity of power companies to provide operational know-how concerning power distribution to effectively use smart grid-related technologies to reduce distribution losses and failure rate of distribution transformers. It also seeks to improve the frequency of power failures, by providing Japanese operational know-how concerning power distribution systems including mastering those technologies.

Under this project, smart meters were installed at homes of customers in Panipat to perform data collection as well as monitoring and control through supervisory control system called SCADA. Its purpose is to demonstrate peak load reduction technology, distribution grid monitoring and control technology and power distribution loss reduction technology aimed at power meter tampering, power theft, and omission of bill collection.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Government relaxes norms of Atal Pension Yojana to expand By sandy On Saturday, January 27th, 2018 coverage It is available to all citizens of India in the age group of 18-40 years (thus minimum period of contribution by subscriber is 20 years). Under scheme, subscriber will receive a minimum guaranteed pension of Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000 per month, depending on his contribution, The Union Finance Ministry has relaxed norms of Atal Pension from age of 60 years. Yojana (APY) to allow small finance banks and payment banks to offer APY distribution. The move is expected to help expand There is no exit to the scheme coverage of the scheme and strengthen existing channels of APY before the age of 60. In case of distribution. death of subscriber, the spouse of the subscriber shall be entitled for the same amount of pension Key Facts till his or her death.

The APY scheme follows same investment pattern as applicable Uttar Pradesh with 11.41 APY to National Pension Scheme (NPS) contribution of Central accounts is highest contributing government employees. During financial year 2016-17, the state of the scheme followed by scheme has earned return of 13.91%. There are more than 84 Bihar (8.87 lakh subscribers) and lakh subscribers registered under APY scheme with an asset Tamil Nadu (6.60 lakh). base of more than Rs. 3,194 crore.

At present 233 Banks and Department of Post are involved with the implementation of the scheme. With relaxation of the norms, now 11 Payment Banks and 10 Small Finance Banks (SFBs) can also offer APY distribution.

Atal Pension Yojana

APY became operational from June 1, 2015 with an aim to provide affordable universal access to essential social security protection to unorganized work force of country, which makes major chunk of labour force (88%). It had replaced earlier Swavalamban scheme.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 India to host informal WTO Ministerial gathering in March By sandy On Saturday, January 27th, 2018

2018 Background

India has been keenly pushing agriculture issues including permanent solution on public stockholding issue for food security at WTO Ministerial Conferences. It has also been raising its voice against bringing new issues proposed by developed countries, especially those which are not directly linked to trade.

India had expressed its India has announced to host informal Ministerial meeting of disappointment over US‘s refusal World Trade Organisation (WTO) in March 2018 in New Delhi to agree on public stockholding to muster support for issues and also help to multi-lateral issue at recently concluded process. WTO‘s MC 11 in Buenos Aires, Argentina in December 2017. The It was announced by Deepak Jagdish Saksena, India‘s MC 11 had concluded in deadlock ambassador and permanent representative to WTO during without any substantial outcome informal WTO ministerial gathering at Davos on the sidelines of as consensus eluded the 164- the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual summit. member body.

The deadlock came after US and Key Facts other developed countries blocked permanent solution on About 40 WTO members from both rich and developing nations government stockholding for are being called by India for this informal meeting to food security purposes and ―revitalise‖ the multi-lateral trade body. The objective of toughened stand on new issues by meeting is to discuss ways to revitalise WTO to ensure India and other developing predictable and transparent system of rule-making in the area countries. US also had refused to of international trade. re-affirm the multilateralism and the Doha development mandate The meeting will be taking place after collapse of the WTO 11th in MC11. Ministerial Conference (MC 11) held in Buenos Aires in December 2017. It will be held in backdrop of rich nations forming groupings to prepare ground for pushing new issues such as investment facilitation, preparing rules for e- commerce, promoting gender equality, reducing subsidy on fisheries, unreported and unregulated fishing

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Government launches Rapid Reporting System for the Scheme By sandy On Friday, January 26th, 2018 for Adolescent Girls It is centrally sponsored scheme implemented using platform of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme. Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) are focal point for delivery of services. Ministry of WCD is implementing scheme in selected 508 districts across country.

It is implemented through Centre and State share in ratio of 50:50, The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) for nutrition component 60:40 has launched beneficiary module (i.e. Phase -1) of Rapid for rest of activities for State/UTs Reporting System (RRS), a web based on line monitoring for with legislation, 90:10 for NE and Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG). 3 Himalayan States and 100% for UTs without legislative The RRS portal will facilitate monitoring of SAG and take assemblies. corrective measures by ensuring faster flow of information, accurate targeting of beneficiaries and reduction of leakages. It has been developed by Ministry of WCD in collaboration with National Informatics Centre (NIC). Scheme for Adolescent Girls

The scheme aims at providing them nutritional support, motivating out of school girls to go back to formal schooling or skill training under its non-nutrition component. It also provides nutritional support and girls are also equipped with information on health, hygiene and guidance on existing public services.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Ministry of Road Transport & Highways inks MoU with IL&FS By sandy On Friday, January 26th, 2018 for construction of Zojila tunnel Comment

The project has strategic and socio-economic importance and will be instrument for development of economically backward districts in J&K. It will also bring about all round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions. This project, along with other ongoing projects like 6.5 km long Z-Morh tunnel at Gagangir will ensure safe, fast and cheap all weather The Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has inked connectivity between Kashmir MoU with IL&FS Transportation Networks Ltd for construction and Ladakh. They will also of the 14.150 km long, 2-lane bi-directional Zojila Tunnel in increase employment potential Jammu & Kashmir. for local labourers for project activities. It will also boost This would be India‘s longest road tunnel and longest bi- employment as local businesses directional tunnel in Asia. On completion, the tunnel will will get linked to national market provide all weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and and region will receive round the Leh. year tourist traffic.

Zojila Tunnel Project

The project aims at construction of 14.150 km long two lane bidirectional single tube tunnel with parallel 14.200 km long egress tunnel between Baltaland Minamarg in J&K with total capital cost of Rs. 6808 crore. The duration for construction of the project is 7 years.

Its main objective is to provide all whether connectivity to strategically important Leh region in J&K which at moment is limited to 6 months in year because of snow on passes and threat of avalanches.

It will be first of its kind tunnel in such geographical area. It will have all modern technical safety arrangements such as cut and cross ventilation system, two axial fans, uninterrupted power supply, fully transverse ventilation system, CCTV monitoring, variable messaging boards, traffic logging equipment, tunnel radio, emergency telephone system etc.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Government to increase number of ‘AMRIT’ pharmacy stores 4 By sandy On Thursday, January 25th, 2018 times Under it, retail outlets in the name of AMRIT pharmacy are opened to sell drugs for cancer and heart diseases at highly discounted rates on market rates. The project is implemented by government-owned HLL Lifecare Ltd (HLL) which is deputed to establish and run AMRIT chain of pharmacies across the country.

These drugs and implants under the scheme will be sold based upon authentic prescriptions from doctors. At the AMRIT outlets, 202 cancer and 186 The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced to cardio-vascular drugs will be increase number of AMRIT pharmacy stores by four times by available at reduced rate of 60 to end of 2018 from the existing 111 outlets in bid to make low-cost 90% compared to market rates. medicines more accessible.

So far, 52 lakh patients have been benefited by buying discounted drugs (60 to 90% less than market price) from AMRIT (Affordable medicine and reliable implants for treatment) stores and have saved over Rs. 267 crore. The total maximum retail price of medicines sold off these 111 AMRIT stores was Rs. 486 crore but their sale price was Rs 219 crore.

AMRIT scheme

The AMRIT (Affordable medicine and reliable implants for treatment) scheme aims to reduce expenditure incurred by patients on treatment of cancer and cardio vascular (heart) diseases to make health care affordable for poor. Its intended beneficiaries are patients suffering from cancer and heart diseases (non-communicable diseases).

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Thursday, January 25th, 2018 Government announces 4 new schemes to promote young Distinguished Investigator Award (DIA) scientists The scheme was initiated to recognize and reward Principal Investigators (PIs) of Department of Science and Technology (DST) projects that have performed remarkably well. It aims to reward best PIs of completed projects and also motivate ongoing PIs to perform exceedingly well.

It seeks to effectively improve productivity of research undertaken and overall efficiency of research ecosystem. It will be one-time career award devised to specifically cater to younger scientists who have not received The Ministry of Science & Technology has announced four new any other prestigious awards or schemes to promote young scientists and researchers in the fellowships. The award carries a country. They are Teacher Associateship for Research Excellence fellowship and optional research (TARE) Scheme, Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship, grant for 3 years, based on peer Distinguished Investigator Award (DIA) and AWSAR (Augmenting review of project proposal Writing Skills for Articulating Research). submitted. The schemes primarily aim at early recognition and reward to AWSAR (Augmenting Writing Skills for young talent in the field of science. They focus on youth to Articulating Research) Scheme empower, recognize and motivate them. The scheme aims to encourage, empower and endow popular TARE Scheme science writing through It aims to tap latent potential of faculty working in state newspapers, magazines, blogs, universities, colleges and private academic institutions who are social media, etc. by young PhD well trained but having difficulty in pursuing their research due to Scholars and Post-Doctoral Fellows varied reasons including lack of facilities, funding and guidance. during course of their studies and Up to 500 TAs (Teacher Associateships) will be supported under research pursuits. It also seeks to this scheme. tap tremendous potential of young scientists to popularize & This scheme facilitates mobility of such faculty members to communicate science and also to carryout research in well-established public funded institution inculcate scientific temperament in such as IITs, IISc, IISERS and other National Institutions (NITs, the masses. CSIR, ICAR, ICMR labs, etc) and Central Universities located preferably nearer to institution where faculty member is working. The scheme also carries monetary incentive to each of 100 best Overseas Visiting Doctoral Fellowship entries from PhD scholars in year The scheme was instituted to enhance international mobility of along with Certificate of Indian research students having potential to create talented pool of Appreciation besides getting the globally trained manpower. It will provide opportunity for story published/projected in mass research students to gain exposure and access to top class research media. In addition, three leading facilities in academia and labs across the world. stories from selected hundred will be also awarded cash prize. It will offer opportunities for up to 100 PhD students admitted in Further, twenty entries will be Indian institutions for gaining exposure and training in overseas selected from articles submitted universities /institutions of repute and areas of importance to exclusively by Post-Doctoral country for 1 year period during their doctoral research. The Fellows relating to their line of selected fellows will be paid a monthly fellowship amount, one- Research for monetary incentive time contingency/preparatory allowances to cover visa fee, airport and most outstanding story to be transfer charges, medical insurance etc. given a cash prize of Rs.1,00,000/-.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018

UDAN Phase-II: 325 routes awarded; 40% for North East, hills By sandy On Thursday, January 25th, 2018

UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam naagrik) Scheme

The UDAN RCS (Regional Connectivity Scheme) was launched in October 2016 to develop the regional aviation market. It is vital The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has awarded 325 air routes component of the National Civil under the second phase of government‘s flagship UDAN (Ude Aviation Policy (NCAP), 2016. Desh ka Aam naagrik) regional connectivity scheme. Around 40% or 129 of 325 air routes were awarded to newly created category It also aims to make flying of ‗priority areas‘ that include Jammu and Kashmir, affordable by providing connectivity Northeastern and hill states, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and to un-served and under-served Lakshadweep Islands, airports of the country through revival of existing airstrips and airports so that persons in regional Key Facts towns are able to take affordable flights. The routes under phase-II were awarded to 15 airlines and helicopter operators after bidding process. These include major It is applicable on flights covering domestic airlines such as SpiceJet, IndiGo, Jet Airways and Air distance between 200 km and 800 India subsidiary Alliance Air and four helicopter operators — km with no lower limit set for hilly, Heligo Charters, Heritage Aviation, Pawan Hans, and Skyone remote, island and security sensitive Airways regions. It seeks to reserve a minimum number of UDAN seats Airports to be connected under phase-II: Total 78 airports i.e. 36 i.e. seats at subsidized rates and also served airports, 13 underserved airports and 29 unserved cap fare for short distance flights. It airports will be connected. In addition, 31 helipads/ heliports will has unique market-based model to be connected through Helicopters in priority areas. develop regional connectivity. It has Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Outflow: These proposed routes will get Viability Gap Funding (VDF) VGF estimated at Rs. 487 crores per annum for fixed wing mechanism to meet the VGF operations and Rs. 130 crores for Helicopter operations per requirements under the scheme. annum in the Priority areas. The government provides VGF or Airports Authority of India (AAI) is subsidy for 50% of seats set aside for being offered at discounted implementing agency of the scheme. rates by airlines and all seats up to 13 passenger seats for helicopters.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018

MIS portal for Anganwadi Services Training Programme By sandy On Thursday, January 25th, 2018 launched Anganwadi Services Training Programme

The programme comes under Umbrella Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Scheme which is centrally sponsored scheme. The training to Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) and Supervisors at AWTCs and MLTCs is part of the Anganwadi Services.

The AWTCs and MLTCs are run either by respective state The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) governments/UT has launched Management Information System (MIS) portal for administrations or by NGOs Anganwadi Services Training Programme. under supervision of states/UTs. The Union Government releases The portal has been developed by Ministry of WCD in funds required for collaboration with National Informatics Centre (NIC) for implementation of scheme to submission of applications and estimates by NGOs for carrying states/UTs. out Anganwadi Services (ICDS) Training through Anganwadi Workers Training Centres (AWTC) and Middle-Level Training

Centres (MLTC).

Key Facts

The phase 1 of portal will enable NGOs to submit proposals to respective states/UTs which in turn will process proposals and recommend requirement of funds for running programme. On this request, Central government will further examine proposal and release funds. It will ensure that funds are released timely and reach beneficiaries for training purpose.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 India inks $120 million loan agreement with World Bank to By sandy On Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018 fund improved water supply in Uttarakhand It has resulted in actual disconnect between formal classification of these populated areas and their actual nature, including provision of water supply, along with unique governance, infrastructure, and service delivery challenges. From 2001 to 2011, the state‘s urban population has grown by nearly 42%, which is substantially higher than national average of 32%. State has made significant strides in piloting and implementing various innovative approaches in water supply and sanitation services but in peri- India has signed $120 million loan agreement with multilateral urban areas have not been prime lending agency World Bank to help increase access to improved focus. water supply services in peri-urban areas in Uttarakhand. The agreement was signed between Government of India, Government of Uttarakhand and World Bank Board.

Key Facts

The loan amount will be used for Uttarakhand Water Supply Program for Peri-Urban Areas to help state to increase water supply coverage as well as ensure sustainable water supply service delivery in peri-urban areas. The program will develop and implement service-oriented and efficient water supply policy for peri-urban areas, strengthen current monitoring and evaluation systems. It will also provide dedicated incentives for preparation and adoption of water supply ‗master-plans‘ in peri-urban areas.

Background

Population growth and urbanization has led to rise of significant peri-urban areas mostly in the plain regions of Uttarakhand. They are still classified as rural but are effectively urban in nature in terms of density of population, structure of economy and aspirations of the people.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 First NIIF investment: To set up $3-billion platform with DP By sandy On Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018

World Background

National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIFF)

NIIF was set up in December 2015 to catalyse funding into the country‘s infrastructure sector. It has been registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India as a Category II Alternate Investment Fund.

It has a targeted corpus of Rs 40,000 crore to be raised over the years — 49% of it will be funded by government at any

given point of time. The remaining 51% will be raised The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) has from domestic and global made its first investment by partnering with DP World to create investors, including international $3-billion investment platform for ports, terminals, pension funds, sovereign wealth transportation and logistics businesses in India. funds, multilateral/bilateral investors. The platform will invest in opportunities in ports sector and beyond sea ports into areas such as river ports and It has been set up as a fund of transportation, port-led special economic zones, freight funds structure with aim to corridors, inland container terminals, and logistics generate risk adjusted returns for infrastructure including cold storage. its investors alongside promoting infrastructure development. Its Significance Governing Council us chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has already been set up to act as an Efficient logistics and cargo movement are critical components advisory council to the NIIF. for continued growth and development of Indian economy and particularly the manufacturing sector. The platform will reduce the cost of moving cargo between port and origin and destination.

In October 2017, Government had secured investment commitment of up to $1 billion from Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). It was first institutional investor in NIIF Master Fund and shareholder in Fund‘s investment management company — the National Investment and Infrastructure Limited. Apart from ADIA, four domestic institutional investors also be joined the NIIF Master Fund including ICICI Bank, HDFC Group, , Kotak Mahindra Life and Axis Bank.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Government launches Protocol for Star Rating of Garbage-Free By sandy On Monday, January 22nd, 2018

Cities Significance: It provides stakeholders with single metric to rate a city‟s cleanliness, rather than separately evaluating multiple factors which contribute to city‟s overall cleanliness and garbage free status. It will assess many cities for having higher stars as compared to only one city being “Cleanest city” under Swachh Survekshan.

The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched the ‗Protocol for Star Rating of Garbage-Free Cities‘ in Goa. It has been developed under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban for rating cities on 7-star rating system based on multiple cleanliness indicators for solid waste management.

Key Facts

Indicators: These include Door to Door garbage Collection, source segregation, sweeping, scientific processing of waste, bulk generator compliance, scientific land filling, construction and demolition management, plastic waste management, dump remediation & citizen grievance redressal system etc. Rating: Cities will be rated as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 star based on their compliance with protocol conditions specified for each of rating. City will be given rating of 3 star or above only after it is declared ODF (Open Defecation Free). Cities can self-declare themselves as 1-star, 2-star or 4-star provided that MoHUA carry out additional verification through independent third party to certify cities as 3-star, 5-star or 7- star. Cities need to get themselves recertified every year to retain their star-status.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Government launches National CSR Data Portal By sandy On Saturday, January 20th, 2018

& Corporate Data Portal Corporate Data Portal

The portal aims at making all financial and non- financial information of companies available in user-friendly format to general public. It will also have facility to generate pre-defined reports and also customised reports. The portal will enable greater transparency and creation of tools for stronger Corporate Governance.

Significance

The Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) These portals are expected to bring 100% has launched National CSR Data Portal & transparency in corporate governance by making Corporate Data Portal for bringing public over 4-crore filings of nearly 1.2 million accountability and transparency for corporate companies. They will also promote corporate India. transparency and accountability to public at large. They are also expected to become The portals aim to provide easy accessibility to platforms for learning and sharing of ideas and general public and also ensure high level of information. They will also facilitate social audit compliance. It will also help in institutionalising of CSR projects and bring together CSR and consolidating the CSR activities. contributors, implementers and beneficiaries and align CSR activities with national development goals. National CSR Data Portal

The portal will capture information on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities carried out by eligible companies, filed on MCA21 registry in their financial statements. It will contain all filed information that can help to generate pre-defined reports with respect to expenditure across states, districts and development sectors.

It will also provide feedback on projects to be given by registered users. Moreover, the open access to data will help researchers and also improve quality of data filed by companies, as well as involve intended beneficiaries in giving valuable feedback to companies.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Saturday, January 20th, MeitY launches Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative 2018

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched Cyber Surakshit Bharat initiative to strengthen cybersecurity ecosystem in India in line Government‘s vision for a ‗Digital India‘. It was launched in association with National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and industry partners.

Cyber Surakshit Bharat

Cyber Surakshit Bharat is first public-private partnership of its kind. It will leverage the expertise of the IT industry in cybersecurity. The founding partners include leading IT companies such as Microsoft, Intel, WIPRO, Redhat and Dimension Data. Its knowledge partners include Cert-In, NIC, NASSCOM and FIDO Alliance and premier consultancy firms Deloitte and EY.

Objective: Spread awareness about cybercrime and building capacity for safety measures for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and frontline IT staff across all government departments. Operations: It will be operated on three principles of awareness, education and enablement. It will include an awareness program on importance of cybersecurity. It will also include a series of workshops on the best practices and enablement of the officials with cybersecurity health tool kits to manage and mitigate cyber threats. Training programmes: It will conduct series of training programmes across country in the next six months. It will be attended by CISOs and technical officials from central government, state governments and UTs, PSBs, PSUs and defence forces, defence PSUs and technical arms of Air Force, Army and Navy.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Government announces 9 new Smart Cities By sandy On Saturday, January 20th, 2018 Under the scheme, each city will get Rs.500 crore (Rs. 100 crore per year) from the Centre for implementing various projects. Centre is going to spent Rs. 48,000 crore over five years. States will contribute matching fund of Rs. 48,000 crore from their internal resources or through market borrowing and Union Minister of Housing and Urban affairs Hardeep Singh through private sector. Puri has announced a new batch of 9 smart cities under Smart City Mission. With the addition of these 9 smart cities in the The selection of the cities was fourth round, the total cities picked up under Smart City based on scores of cities for Mission have reached 99. carrying out urban reforms in areas including sanitation and governance. Cities that score Key Facts highest were picked for the project, to be implemented over a The nine cities include three from Uttar Pradesh –Moradabad, 10-year period. Bareilly and Saharanpur, Bihar Sharif (Bihar), Silvassa (Dadra and Nagar Havelli), Erode (Tamil Nadu), Daman and Diu, There are 10 core infrastructure Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) and Kavaratti (Lakshadweep). elements to be undertaken under The selected nine cities have proposed an investment of Rs Smart City Mission viz. adequate 12,824 crore. This will impact 35.3 lakh persons living in these water supply; assured electricity areas. supply; efficient urban mobility The total proposed investment in 99 cities will be to the tune of and public transport; sanitation, Rs 2.03 lakh crore. As on January 2018, 189 projects worth Rs. including solid waste 2237 crore were completed and another 2,948 projects worth management; affordable Rs. 1.38 lakh crore are in various stages of implementation. housing, especially for the poor; robust IT connectivity and digitalization; good governance, Background especially e-Governance and citizen participation; sustainable The Smart City Mission is flagship scheme of Union environment; safety and security Government that will cover 100 cities and its duration is five of citizens, particularly women, years (2015-16 to 2019-20). The focus of mission is on children and the elderly; and sustainable and inclusive development and set examples which health and education. can be replicated in other parts of the city and other cities of the country.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Website Accessibility Project launched to make 100 websites By sandy On Saturday, January 20th, 2018 accessible to persons with disabilities Accessible India Campaign

Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan) is nationwide campaign that aims to make barrier free environment for persons with disabilities all over the country for safe, dignified life of Persons with Disabilities. It aims to enable persons with disabilities to gain universal access, equal opportunity for development, independent living and The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment launched participation in an inclusive Website Accessibility Project to make 100 websites various State society in all aspects of life. The Governments/UTs accessible to persons with disabilities campaign is implemented by (Divyangjans) under Accessible India Campaign. It was Ministry of Social Justice & launched by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment and is in line with Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot on the occasion of the UN Convention on the Rights ‗National Conference on Improving Accessibility‘. of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to which India is a signatory. Website Accessibility Project

The Department of Divyangjan had initiated ‗Website Accessibility Project‘ for State Governments/UTs under Accessible India Campaign through ERNET India, an autonomous scientific society under Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) to make total 917 websites accessible. The accessible websites are those into which Persons with Disabilities can perceive, understand, navigate and interact with web and also contribute to web.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 India joins Australia Group export control regime By sandy On Friday, January 19th, 2018

India‘s entry into three of four export control regimes burnishes its credentials i.e. a reference to country‘s position that it has scrupulously adhered to rules governing non-proliferation of sensitive technologies and equipment.

Australia Group India was admitted as the 43rd member of the Australia Group, an informal bloc (group) of countries that keeps a tight control It is multilateral export control over exports of substances used in making of chemical weapons. regime (MECR) and informal group that works to counter spread of materials, equipment Significance and technologies that could contribute to development or The inclusion will help to raise India‘s stature in the field of acquisition of chemical and non-proliferation, though it is not signatory to Non- biological weapons (CBW) by Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and help in acquiring critical states or terrorist groups through technologies. India is first South Asian nation to become its full- harmonisation of export time member of Australia Group. It is also expected to controls. It was established in strengthen India‘s bid to enter 48-member Nuclear Suppliers 1985. Group (NSG). Coordination among participant countries of Australia Group Comment helps them to fulfil their obligations under Chemical With its admission into Australia Group, India is now part of Weapons Convention and the three of the four key export control groups in world dealing Biological and Toxin Weapons with non-proliferation. This includes Missile Technology Control Convention to the fullest extent Regime (MTCR), an informal and voluntary partnership among 35 possible. It has now has 43 countries that regulates trade in sensitive equipment and members. China, Pakistan, Iran, technologies to ensure there is no proliferation of missile and North Korea are not its members. unmanned aerial vehicle technology capable of carrying payloads above 500kg for more than 300km. India had joined it in June 2016. India had joined Wassenaar Arrangement, which is also an informal grouping of 42 countries, exercising control over the export of dual-use goods and technologies in December 2017. Now, NSG, which controls the export of sensitive nuclear technologies and equipment, with the aim of preventing nuclear weapons‘ proliferation is only export control group that India is not part of. China has repeatedly blocking India‘s entry in NSG. Significantly, China is not member of Wassenaar Arrangement, MTCR and Australia Group.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 India’s First Automatic Early Warning Dissemination System By sandy On Friday, January 19th, 2018 to come up in Odisha

How EWDS Works?

The EWDS comprises certain devices inbuilt into it like as Satellite-Based Mobile Data Voice Terminals (SBMDVT), Digital Mobile Radio (DMR), Mass Messaging System (MMS) and India‘s first automatic Early Warning Dissemination System (EWDS) Universal Communication will be commissioned by March 2018 in Odisha. The project Interface (UCI) which help in aims to establish fool-proof communication system to address inter-operability among different existing gaps in disseminating disaster warning up to communication technologies. community level. Whenever, there is slightest hint of disasters like tsunami or Key Facts cyclone or any other natural calamity, it will broadcast The EWDS is a first-of-its-kind automatic public address system warning to entire state just by in the country. The project is being implemented press of button from control under National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project with World room in state capital Bank‘s help. It will provide Odhisa‘s entire population residing Bhubeneswar. With press of on 480 km length coastline a pre-warning siren in event of button, loud sirens will go off at occurrence of natural disasters like tsunami or cyclone. It will same time and warning sound help to warn vast population of state residing along its coast will heard in localities to radius from State headquarters through loud sirens from towers of 1.5 km. With this pre-warning, installed at 122 locations in six coastal districts in event of EWDS will help people to move to occurrence of natural disasters like a tsunami or cyclone. The safer places before government districts are Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, agencies start evacuation. Puri and Ganjam.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 NITI Aayog launches first course under GIAN Program on By sandy On Wednesday, January 17th, 2018

Sustainable Urban Planning Global Initiative on Academic Network (GIAN)

GIAN in Higher Education is scheme of HRD Ministry that aims to boost the quality of the country‘s higher education through international The NITI Aayog has launched first course on Sustainable Urban collaboration. Its objective is to planning using remote sensing and Geographic Information increase footfalls of reputed System (GIS) at IIT Kanpur‘s outreach centre in Noida. international faculty to Indian academic institutes and thereby This is first course conducted under Global Initiative on bring in international academic Academic Network (GIAN) Program of Union Ministry of excellence in India‘s higher Human Resource Development. It is actively supported by NITI education institutions. It Aayog and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. facilitates participation of high quality international academicians for delivering Key Facts short-term courses and programs in Indian institutions. The course aims to give participants state-of-the-art remote sensing and GIS skills to allow them managing rapidly changing urban environment of Indian cities. Its prime focus is on issues such as water resource management, water pollution and water treatment facilities.

It is expected to contribute significantly to build trained manpower for Smart Cities that aims to promote sustainable and inclusive cities that provide core infrastructure and give decent quality of life to its citizens through clean and sustainable environment and application of Smart Solutions.

The participants for this course are mainly from Government departments such as ISRO, National Mission on Clean Ganga, AP Remote Sensing Application Centre and students from different engineering colleges and universities across country.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Government ends Haj subsidy By sandy On Wednesday, January 17th, 2018

Background

The Supreme Court in May 2012 had directed that Haj subsidy should be done away gradually by The Union Ministry of Minority Affairs has decided to end Haj 2022. The order of court subsidy from this year as a part of its policy to empower reiterated Holy Quran verses minorities with dignity and without appeasement. (Verse 97 in Surah 3, Al-e-Imran mandates that Hajj should be This decision was taken based on the recommendations of Afzal taken up only if a Muslim can Amanullah Committee and May 2012 Supreme Court order. afford it) and said that amount spent should be used in education and other measures Key Facts for social development of the minority community. The Hajj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the holiest city for Muslims. It is mandatory religious duty for Muslims that In accordance with the order, must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Union Government had Muslims who are physically and financially capable of constituted committee headed by undertaking the journey and can support their family during former secretary Afzal their absence. Amanullah to suggest framework for new Haj policy for 2018-22. It The number of Hajj pilgrims from India is largest among all had submitted its report in countries around of world. Government‘s Haj subsidy mainly October 2017. The committee had included cheaper airfare and central assistance to pilgrims to recommended for gradual reach specially-designed Haj departure terminals at airports. It withdrawal of Haj subsidy. It also also included food and medical care. Now onwards, proceeds had recommended to allow older from Haj subsidy will be used for educational empowerment Muslim women to travel to haj and welfare of girls from minority communities. without male guardians.

Haj withot Mehram

Earlier, Union Government had allowed Muslim women above age of 45 to go on Haj without male company, in a group of at least four. Earlier, women were not allowed to travel without ‗Mehram‘ (husband or a male first blood relation as guardian).

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Khap Panchayats can’t interfere in marriages of adults: By sandy On Wednesday, January 17th, 2018

Supreme Court Background

The SC was hearing petition filed against khap panchayats by NGO Shakti Vahini in 2010 seeking directions to Centre and state governments for preventing honour crimes. Earlier it had The Supreme Court held that every adult has right to marry sought suggestions from Shakti anyone and nobody including parents, khap panchayats or Vahini, amicus curiae and khap similar associations can question their choice of spouse. panchayats on the issue. It also had invited khap panchayats to It also ruled that any kind of attack and interference on such hear their views before issuing adults opting for marriage, especially inter-caste marriage as order to stop them from ‗absolutely illegal‘. The case has been listed for further hearing harassing and killing couples and in February 2018. women in the name of honour.

SC Ruling Khaps Panchayats

The apex court asked Central Government to give its response Khaps are caste or community on suggestions given by senior advocate on ways to prevent organisations representing clan harassment and killing of young couples in name of family or group of related clans. They honour who opt for inter-caste marriages. It also issued strict frequently make direction to government to control such attacks. It also warned pronouncements on social issues Central Government that if it does not act towards banning and have often landed in Khap Panchayats then, it will step in. controversies owing to their diktats.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 International Workshop on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure By sandy On Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 held in New Delhi Key Facts

The workshop aimed to take this dialogue on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and global cooperation further. It had brought together countries from different parts of the world with different socio-economic backgrounds and geographical features. It provided great opportunity to learn from their unique experiences in their efforts towards building disaster The International Workshop on Disaster Resilient resilient infrastructure. Infrastructure (IWDRI) was held in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The workshop also saw participation of multilateral The workshop was organised by National Disaster Management development banks, United Authority (NDMA) in collaboration with United Nations Office Nations, private sector and for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). academics to identify best practices in infrastructure sector as well as key issues in existing practices and ways to address them.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 3rd Raisina Dialogue held in New Delhi By sandy On Tuesday, January 16th, 2018

It is organized on the lines of the Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore. It is structured as a multi-stakeholder, cross- sectorial conclave, involving policy and decision makers, including cabinet ministers from various Governments, high-level Government officials and policy practitioners, leading personalities from business and industry etc. The third edition of the geo-political conference – Raisina Dialogue was held in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Israeli The conference is held jointly by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ministry of External Affairs and the Observer Research The event is jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs Foundation (ORF), an (MEA) and Observer Research Foundation (ORF). The theme of independent think tank based in the conference for this year is ‗Managing Disruptive India. The first edition of Transitions: Ideas, Institutions and Idioms‘. conference was held in March 2016 with theme ―Asia: Regional and Global Connectivity‖. The Raisina Dialogue second edition of conference was held in January 2017 with the Raisina Dialogue is an annual conference held in New Delhi. It theme ―The New Normal: is envisioned to be India‘s flagship conference of geopolitics and Multilateralism in a multipolar geo-economics. The name of conference comes from Raisina world‖. Hill which is the elevation in New Delhi where presidential palace of India, Rashtrapati Bhavan is located.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 India, Israel sign 9 agreements in space, defence, By sandy On Monday, January 15th, 2018

cybersecurity

India and Israel have signed nine agreements to boost cooperation in the areas of space, cyber security and oil and gas between both countries.

The agreements were signed following delegation-level talks headed by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in New Delhi. Netanyahu is first Israeli Prime Minister to visit India in span of last 15 years and second one overall. Ariel Sharon was first and only Israeli Prime Minister to visit India in 2003.

List of agreement signed  Agreement on Film-co-production.  Protocol on Amendments to Air Transport Agreement  MoU on Cyber Security Cooperation between India and Israel  Memorandum of Intent (MoI) between Invest India and Invest in Israel  Medical Centre on Cooperation in field of Research in Homeopathic Medicine  Letter of Intent (LoU) between IOCL and Phinergy Ltd. For cooperation in area of metal-air batteries  MoU between the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Energy on Cooperation inOil and Gas Sector  LoI between IOCL and Yeda Research and Development Co Ltd for cooperation in the area of concentrated solar thermal technologies  MoU between Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, Ministry of AYUSH and Centre for Integrative Complementary Medicine, Shaare Zedek  MoU between Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) and Technion- Israel Institute of Technology for cooperation in field of space.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 India contributes $50,000 to UN Youth Envoy’s office By sandy On Monday, January 15th, 2018

Key Facts

The contribution made by India is voluntary with no strings attached. It is in addition to regular payments India makes to UN‘s general and peacekeeping budgets. Jayathma Wickramanayake from Sri Lanka India has contributed $50,000 to United Nations (UN) was appointed the UN Secretary- Secretary General Antonio Guterres‘s Office of Envoy on Youth General‘s Envoy on Youth in June to help with its mission of involving young people in the world 2017 at the age of 26. body‘s goals. The Youth Envoy‘s works to raise The contribution was handed over by Paulomi Tripathi, a First international awareness and Secretary in India‘s UN Mission to the Youth Envoy Jayathma attention to youth issues among Wickramanayake. others. Its mission aims to promote engagement of youth and advocate for them across all

the four pillars of UN‘s work – human rights, peace and security, sustainable development and humanitarian action.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Delhi is richest state, Jain wealthiest community: By sandy On Sunday, January 14th, 2018 NFHS-4 wealth index Wealth distribution in religious groups: Jains are the most prosperous religious community in India with 70% of its population in the top quintile. Only 1.5% of Jain households fall in lowest two quintiles. Sikhs follow next, with 59.6% of their people in the top wealth quintile. Hindus and Muslims have similar and also most equitable wealth distribution across all quintiles. According to wealth index released on basis of data from Community wise wealth distribution: Upper fourth round of National Family and Health Survey castes in India have almost double (NFHS-4) Delhi is richest state and Jain wealthiest families in top quintile as compared to community in the country. any other caste. Scheduled tribes are the poorest with 45.9% of their people in The NFHS-4 was conducted among more than 6 lakh lowest quintile. households in 2015-16. It was largest sample size and Rural and Urban wealth: Poverty is was carried out just couple of years ago that provided predominantly a rural phenomenon in useful source of information in analysing India‘s socio- India. 29% of rural India belongs to economic landscape. bottom quintile, while it is just 3.3% for urban India. 29% of the rural population Wealth index has wealth levels equivalent to bottom 20% of the country‘s population.

The wealth index as part of NFHS-4 was prepared on Concern: High levels of income and wealth basis of information of scores on ownership of inequality are matter of great concern in consumer goods such as television and bicycles and India. NFHS-4 statistics on disparity in household characteristics such as availability of clean wealth-holdings across various drinking water. categories shows that there cannot be one size fits all policy if the government This information was used to classify all households into is serious about addressing this problem. wealth quintiles. Those in lowest quintile were poorest 20%, while those in top were richest 20% of lot. The report then used these quintile scores to classify population for states, caste and religious groups and rural-urban areas into each quintile.

Key Facts

State wise wealth Distribution: Delhi and Punjab are richest states with over 60% of their households in the top wealth quintile. They are followed by Goa with 54.5% households in top bracket. Bihar is poorest state half of its households in the bottom quintile. Rajasthan has most equitable wealth distribution with similar number of households in all quintiles.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 EC constitutes Umesh Sinha Committee for considering social By sandy On Saturday, January 13th, 2018 media expansion Terms of Reference of the Committee

The committed will study impact of new media and social media during the ―silence period‖ i.e. during 48 hours period prior to The Election Commission (EC) has constituted 14 member elections and its implication in committee headed by Umesh Sinha to suggest changes to view of Section 126 of RP Act, Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP 1951. It will suggest modifications Act) in view of social media expansion. to the RP Act, 1951and model code of conduct (MCC). It will Section 126 of RP Act, 1951 prohibits displaying any election also examine difficulties faced in matter by means of television or similar apparatus, during the regulating media platforms period of 48 hours before the hour fixed for conclusion of poll during the prohibitory 48 hours in a constituency. It does not include social and new media in a multi-phase election It will under its ambit. submit its report within three months. Composition: The Committee will be headed by Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha. It will comprise of 9 officers of EC, one nominated member each from Ministry of Law, Information and Broadcasting Ministry, IT Ministry, Press Council of India (PCI) and National Broadcasters Association (NBA).

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Ministry of Petroleum launches Saksham 2018 Campaign By sandy On Saturday, January 13th, 2018

Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA)

The PCRA is an organization under the aegis of the Indian Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It was established in 1978. It is engaged in promoting energy efficiency in various sectors of the economy. It helps government in proposing policies and strategies aimed at reducing India‘s dependency on oil, in order to save money, reduce environmental impact of oil use and also conserve fossil fuel.

The Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) under the aegis of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas has launched month long Saksham 2018 (Sanrakshan Kshamta Mahotsav).

Saksham is annual flagship event of PCRA with active involvement of Oil & Gas PSUs along with other stakeholders like State Governments.

Key Facts

Saksham aims at creating focused attention on fuel conservation through people centric activities and sensitize masses about conservation and efficient use of petroleum products leading to better health and environment. It also aims to intensify efforts for making citizens aware about conservation and effective utilization of petroleum products. It seeks to enthuse masses with new energy coupled with all-out effort for saving precious fuel, which will also contribute in keeping our environment green.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 January 12: National Youth Day By sandy On Friday, January 12th, 2018

He is one of the greatest spiritual leaders and is credited with raising interfaith awareness, bringing Hinduism to status of major world religion during late

19th century. He is also The National Youth Day is observed every year on 12 January to considered as major force in mark the birth anniversary of social reformer, philosopher, revival of Hinduism in India, and thinker and youth icon of India Swami Vivekananda. contributed to concept of nationalism in colonial India. This year it is 155th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda. Observance of the day seeks to propagate the philosophy and He is best known for his speech the ideals of Swami Vivekananda for which he lived and which began, ―Sisters and worked. It will also help and act as great source of inspiration brothers of America …,‖ at the for the Indian Youth. Parliament of the World‘s Religions in Chicago in 1893 in which he introduced Hinduism. Swami Vivekananda This speech was considered as one of his most significant Swami Vivekananda was born as Narendranath Dutta on 12 contributions to world. He is also January 1863 and died on 4 July 1902. He and was chief disciple considered as source of of 19th century saint Ramakrishna Paramhamsa. He was one of inspiration that created a concept most prominent figures of India who introduced Indian of nationalism in colonial India. philosophies of Vedanta and Yoga to ―Western‖ World.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 4th International Dharma-Dhamma Conference held in By sandy On Friday, January 12th, 2018

Nalanda Key Facts

The Conference was organised by Nalanda University, in collaboration with Centre for Study of Religion and Society, India Foundation, Ministry of External Affairs and Vietnam Buddhist University. Its central theme was the ideal state and just social order based on dharmic principles. The 4th International Dharma-Dhamma Conference on ―State and Social Order in Dharma-Dhamma Traditions‖ was held at The conference aimed to Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar. It was inaugurated by facilitate crosspollination of President Ram Nath Kovind. ideas and foster harmony at global level. It also focused to The event was organised as part of commemorative events to explore shared values of dharmic celebrate Silver Jubilee (25) year of ASEAN-India Dialogue traditions, which may provide the Partnership. (ASEAN: Association of Southeast Asian Nations) guiding light to troubled world today. It was attended by 20-30 plenary speakers and around 60 papers were presented by participants from 11 countries.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Friday, January 12th, 2018

National Youth Festival held in New Delhi The festival provided common platform by creating mini-India, where youth interacted in formal and informal settings and exchange their social and cultural uniqueness.

The entire programme and events of 2017 NYF were designed to enhance awareness about government initiatives and exhorting youth to express their perceptions and concepts to make their initiatives more effective. Around 5000 volunteers of National Service Scheme and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan from all parts of the The 22nd National Youth Festival (NYF) was held in New Delhi country along with local occasion of birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, the youth accredited youth participated in icon of India. It was organised by Union Ministry of Youth the 5-day Festival. Affairs & Sports in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh Government at Gautam Buddha University Greater Noida.

This is the first time that the National Youth Festival is being organized in National Capital Region (NCR). The first National Youth Festival was held in 1995 in Bhopal.

Key Facts

NYF is the biggest Youth Festival of its kind in country. Its objective is to provide platform to bring youth of country together in attempt to provide them opportunity to showcase their talents in various activities. The Theme of 2017 NYF is ‗Sankalp Se Siddhi’. It seeks to capitalize on demographic dividend of country‘s youth and also capture vibrancy and fresh perspective of youth and to pledge to accomplish goal of New India.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Committee of Governors submits report to President By sandy On Thursday, January 11th, 2018

Report Highlights

Committee of Governors in its report has described an action- outcome framework to be adopted by Raj Bhavans in their role as change agents and lists out potential priorities. It also emphasizes identifying priority areas along with activities that can help realise objectives of SarvShrest Bharat (paramount India). It suggests that Governors The Committee of Governors submitted its report ‗Rajyapal – can play mentoring role in overall VikasKeRajdoot: Catalytic Role of Governors as Agents for implementation of Change in Society‘ to President Ram NathKovind at Rashtrapati developmental schemes in their Bhavan. states. The Committee was constituted by President during 48th Conference of Governors in October 2017 to examine role of Governors in taking forward the developmental process. It comprises ESL Narasimhan (Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), BanwarilalPurohit, (Governor of Tamil Nadu), Ram Naik (Governor of Uttar Pradesh), Tathagata Roy (Governor of Tripura) and Acharya Devvrat (Governor of Himachal Pradesh)

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 UIDAI introduces 2-tier security to Aadhaar to address By sandy On Thursday, January 11th, 2018 privacy concerns Remaining AUAs will be branded as Local AUAs and will neither get access to full KYC, nor can they can store Aadhaar number on their systems. Instead, they will get tokenised number (UID Token) issued by UIDAI to identify their customers. It will be 72 character alphanumeric. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced two-tier security feature viz. Virtual ID and Limited Aadhaar KYC to address privacy concerns. The move aims to strengthen security and privacy of Aadhaar data. It will also reduce the collection of Aadhaar numbers by Aadhaar is 12 digit unique- various agencies. identity number issued by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to all Indian residents Virtual ID based on their biometric and demographic data. It is the The Virtual ID will be random 16-digit number that can be world‘s largest biometric ID generated from UIDA‘s website and give for various purposes, system, with over 1.19 billion wherever Aadhaar number is necessary to provide. It will be enrolled members as of linked with biometrics of user that will give any authorised November 2017. The biometric agency limited access of details like name, address and and demographic data is photograph. collected by UIDAI, a statutory authority under the Ministry of Using it, Aadhaar-card holders do not need to share their actual Electronics and Information 12-digit biometric ID for any authentication. User can generate Technology. as many Virtual IDs as they want. The older ID will get automatically cancelled at time new one is generated. It will be obligatory for all agencies that undertake authentication to accept Virtual ID from their users.

Limited KYC

It was introduced to address issue of storage of Aadhaar number within various databases. It will only provide need- based or limited details of user to authorised agency that is providing particular service. It will evaluate Authentication User Agencies (AUAs) and split them into two categories: Global AUAs and Local AUAs.

Global AUAs will have access to full demographic details of an individual along with the ability to store Aadhaar numbers within their system.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Cabinet approves fixed term for chairperson and members of By sandy On Thursday, January 11th, 2018

National Trust It fundamental purpose, is to create enabling environment, i.e. provide opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) through comprehensive support systems which will lead towards development of an inclusive society.

The Union Cabinet has decided to fix three-year term of Objectives of National Trust chairperson and the members of the board of the National Trust, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment,  Enable and empower PWD to live as independently and fully In this regard, it has approved proposal to amend National as possible within and close to Trust for Welfare of Person with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental their community as possible. Retardation and Multiple Disabilities Act (NTA), 1999.  Facilitate realisation of equal opportunities, protection of rights and full participation of Key Facts persons with disability.  Extend support to its At present, Section 4 (1) of NTA, 1999 provides that chairperson registered organisations to or member of board of National Trust will continue in office provide need based services. beyond prescribed term of 3 years until his successor is  Evolve procedures for appointed by government. In case of resignation of chairperson, appointments of guardians and section 5(1) of act provides for him to continue in office until his trustees for persons with successor is appointed by government. disabilities.

The wording of above provisions of NT Act in its present form has resulted in continuation of chairman for indefinite period as no suitable successor could be found eligible for appointment. The proposed amendments to National Trust Act will avoid such situation and thus eliminate any chance of prolonged continuation in the same post by any incumbent.

National Trust

It is a statutory body under Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment. Its mandate is to discharge two basic duties – legal and welfare.



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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Cabinet approves amendments to FDI Policy By sandy On Thursday, January 11th, 2018

FDI in Civil Aviation

Foreign airlines are allowed to invest capital in Indian companies operating scheduled and non-scheduled air transport services, up to the limit of 49% of The Union Cabinet has approved number of amendments to their paid-up capital under Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy. The purpose of government approval route. amendments is to simplify and liberalise FDI policy in India to However, this provision was not provide ease of doing business in country. The liberalized policy applicable to Air India, implying will lead to larger FDI inflows contributing to growth of that foreign airlines could not investment, employment and income. invest in Air India. The amendment does away with this restriction and allows foreign Key amendments approved airlines to invest up to 49% under approval route in Air India.  100% FDI for Single Brand Retail Trading (SBRT) under automatic route.  100% FDI under automatic route in Construction Power Exchanges Development.  Foreign airlines allowed investing up to 49% in Air India The present FDI policy allows under government approval route. 49% FDI in Power Exchanges  FIIs/FPIs allowed investing in Power Exchanges through registered under the Central primary market. Electricity Regulatory  Definition of ‗medical devices‘ amended in FDI Policy. Commission (Power Market) Regulations, 2010 under automatic route. However, FDI policy on SBRT Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) and Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) purchases were The existing policy FDI policy on SBRT allows 49% FDI under restricted to secondary market automatic route, and beyond 49% up to 100% is allowed through only. The amendment now allows government approval route. The amendment now permits 100% FIIs/FPIs to invest in Power FDI for SBRT under automatic route. It also permits SBRT Exchanges through primary entity to set off its incremental sourcing of goods from India for market as well. global operations during initial 5 years against mandatory sourcing requirement of 30% of purchases from India. Medical devices Incremental sourcing means increase in terms of value of such global sourcing from India for that single brand (in Indian The approved FDI Policy changes Rupees term) particular financial year over preceding financial definition of ‗medical devices‘. year. After completion of 5 year period, SBRT entity shall be Earlier FDI policy on required to meet 30% sourcing norms directly towards its pharmaceuticals sector provided India‘s operation on annual basis. definition of medical device as contained in FDI Policy will be Construction Development subject to amendment in Drugs and Cosmetics Act. As Now the reference to Drugs and Cosmetics The amendment clarifies that real-estate broking service does Act from FDI policy will be not come under real estate business. Therefore, it is eligible for dropped. 100% FDI under automatic route.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 First PIO Parliamentary Conference held in New Delhi By sandy On Wednesday, January 10th, 2018

The event had two Thematic Plenary Sessions – „PIO Parliamentarians: A Journey from Struggle to Parliament‟ and „Resurgent India: Role of PIO Parliamentarians‟.

Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)

A person is deemed to be Indian origin if he/she is foreign citizen (other than of Pakistan or Bangladesh) and had held an Indian passport any time. He The first-ever Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) Parliamentary may be either person whose parents or Conference was held in the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra (PBK) in grandparents were citizens of India by New Delhi on the occasion of Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas (PBD). It virtue of the Constitution of India or was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The the Citizenship Act, 1955. He may be conference was way of reaching out to Indian community also person who is spouse of an Indian overseas by Central government. citizen or of PIO (other than of Pakistan or Bangladesh). Key Facts

The PIO Parliamentary Conference was organised by Ministry of External Affairs to forge stronger ties with PIO. 124 Members of Parliament (MP) and 17 mayors from 23 countries including UK, USA, South Africa, Canada, Fiji, Kenya, Mauritius, New Zealand, Sri Lanka among others participated in this conference.

The biggest delegation was frim Guyana with 20 members of parliament and three mayors. The US delegation will be represented by only two mayors as the Senate is in session

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 National anthem not mandatory in cinema halls: SC By sandy On Wednesday, January 10th, 2018

The committee is mandated to frame guidelines describing circumstances and occasion on which national anthem is to be played or sung. It will recommend observance of proper decorum when national The Supreme Court has ruled that playing national anthem anthem is played or sung. It will before screening movies in cinema halls is optional and not submit its report within six mandatory. The ruling modifies apex court‘s earlier November months. 2016 order that made the playing of national anthem in cinemas mandatory. Background

SC Ruling In November 2016, SC had ordered all cinemas to play the The apex court has accepted Union Government‘s affidavit that National Anthem before said 12-member inter-ministerial committee has been set up to screening a film for the love of suggest changes in Prevention of Insults to National Honour the motherland. The MHA‘s Act, 1971. It also asked committee to take a comprehensive decision to constitute the decision on what changes are required in the law and itss committee came after another executive orders related to national anthem. It held that the bench of SC in October 2017 had inter-ministerial committee will now take a final call on the observed that people ―cannot be matter. forced to carry patriotism on their sleeves. It stated that apex court cannot assume that a Inter-Ministerial Committee on National Anthem in person is ―less patriotic‖ if he or Cinema Halls she does not stand up for the national anthem. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had constituted inter-ministerial committee to frame guidelines on playing national anthem in cinemas and other public places. It is headed by BR Sharma, Additional Secretary (Border Management) under Union Ministry of Home Affairs and has representatives from various ministries.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 CCEA approves continuation of Members of Parliament Local By sandy On Wednesday, January 10th, 2018

Area Development Scheme The annual entitlement under the scheme per MP at present is Rs 5 crore. Role of MPs for the projects is only recommendatory i.e. they can only recommend their choice of works to concerned district authorities who implement these works by following the established The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given procedures of the concerned its approval to continuation of Members of Parliament Local state government. Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) till term of 14th Finance Commission i.e. 2020. Impact The continuation of scheme will entail annual allocation of Rs.3,950 crore and total outlay of Rs. 11,850 crores over next 3 Since its inception of the scheme, years. a total number of 18,82,180 works for Rs. 44,929.17 crore have been sanctioned till August, MPLAD Scheme 2017 from MPLADS fund. It has resulted into creation of various The MPLAD Scheme is Central Sector Scheme launched in 1993- durable community assets which 94. It enables Members of Parliament (both elected and have impacted the social, cultural nominated) to recommend works for creation of durable and economic life of the local community assets based on locally felt needs to be taken up in communities in one way or the their constituencies in area of national priorities like drinking other. water, education, public health, sanitation, roads etc.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MSPI) is nodal ministry to coordinate work under scheme. The scheme is governed by set of guidelines (last revised in June, 2016). Under this scheme, the funds are released in the form of grants in-aid directly to the district authorities on receipt of requisite documents and as per these guidelines.

The funds released under the scheme are non-lapsable i.e. if the fund for particular work is not spent in that year, it will be carried forward to the subsequent years, subject to eligibility.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Government to launch new scheme for free treatment of By sandy On Tuesday, January 9th, 2018

Hepatitis C Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is infectious disease caused by blood-borne virus hepatitis C virus (HCV) that primarily affects the liver. Significant number of people infected with Hepatitis C develop The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is going to cirrhosis of liver or liver cancer, roll out National Programme for Control of Viral Hepatitis , a which are responsible for new scheme free treatment of Hepatitis C from the 2018-19 3,99,000 Hepatitis C deaths financial year. annually across the world. About Under the new scheme, the focus will be on anti-viral treatment 1.2 crore people in India are of Hepatitis C which will be provided free at all government reported to be suffering from health set-ups. For this government has embarked budget of Rs Hepatitis C— six times the 600 crore for the next three years. number of HIV/AIDS patients. Hepatitis C can spread through use of injectable drugs, unsafe Key Facts health care, unsafe injection practises and transfusion of The Health Ministry is looking at screening vulnerable groups, unscreened blood and blood including drug users and people who underwent surgeries/ products. However, unlike blood transfusion before 2002, when the screening protocol Hepatitis B, it is not sexually was not robust. Moreover it is in informal talks with Indian transmitted. There is no known companies which manufacture Sofosbuvir on behalf of vaccine for Hepatitis C. American pharma giant Gilead, to negotiate the price for a national programme. Sofosbuvir is recommended under the new WHO treatment guidelines for Hepatitis C.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Tuesday, January 9th, 2018 January 9: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Background

The day celebrated every year since 2003. It was chosen to commemorate the return of Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa to India in 1915. This event marks the importance of arrival of India‘s greatest Pravasi who led India‘s freedom struggle and changed the lives of Indians forever. Observance of the day provides The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is celebrated every year on platform to overseas Indian January 9 to mark the contribution of Overseas Indian community community to engage with in the development of India. government and people of land of their ancestors for mutually This year‘s PBD celebrated ASEAN-Indian partnership and was beneficial activities. themed Ancient Route, New Journey: Diaspora in the Dynamic ASEAN INDIA Partnership. This year marks 25 years of ASEAN- Indian Partnership which is based on centuries-old cultural, religious and human links, forged on an ancient route of commerce. The PBD was held in Singapore on 6 and 7th January 2017– which is considered as India‘s gateway to the East and also is the heart of ASEAN. The event aimed at generating outcomes that deepen diaspora‘s relations with India and play a key role in promoting closer ties between India and ASEAN.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Government to launch e-Sansad and e-Vidhan in Parliament By sandy On Monday, January 8th, 2018 and State 18th All India Whips’ Conference

The two-day conference was organised by Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) focused on the efficient functioning of legislatures. Delegates participating in made suggestions and recommendations for making the rolling out of e-Vidhan a success. It also made other recommendations for smooth The Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) has and efficient working of proposed rolling out of e-Sansad in Parliament and e-Vidhan in Parliament and the state State Legislatures to digitize and make their functioning legislatures in the light of the paperless. experience gained by the whips.

It was announced by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Whip Kumar after inaugurating 18th All India Whips’ Conference in Udaipur, Rajasthan. A whip is a member of political party‘s parliamentary body e-Sansad and e-Vidhan responsible for discipline within the party. Their main job is They are mission mode projects of Union Government under ensuring that their members in Digital India to make the functioning of Parliament and State Parliament and legislature vote Legislatures paperless. They aim to digitise and make available in line with the party‘s official Parliament and state legislature documents, including debates, policy on important issues. The speeches, committee reports and questions on internet. office of whip is neither mentioned in constitution of MoPA is the Nodal Ministry for implementation of both the India nor in the Rules of the projects. These projects will make functioning of Parliament House nor in the Parliamentary and State Legislatures participative, responsive, transparent, Statue. It is based on productive and more accountable to public. They will make the conventions of parliamentary entire Legislative process more efficient. They are environment- government. friendly initiatives in line with the Go Green initiative of the government.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 CBDT relaxes norms for MAT on firms facing insolvency By sandy On Monday, January 8th, 2018

According to existing provisions for purposes of levy of MAT company, amount of loss brought forward or unabsorbed depreciation, whichever is less as per books of account shall be reduced from book profit. The relation The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has announced to relax of norms will allow company to norms around levy of minimum alternate tax (MAT) for insolvent reduce amount of total loss companies from financial year 2017-18. brought forward including unabsorbed depreciation from The purpose of the move is to make the Insolvency and the book profit for the Bankruptcy Code, 2016 more effective and minimise hardship purposes of levy of MAR. faced by companies going in for insolvency resolution. Background Minimum alternate tax (MAT) This decision was taken based Its aim is to bring Zero Tax Companies‖ into tax realm who do not on suggestions of various pay any tax. It is ruled by provisions enclosed in section 115JB of stakeholders suggesting Income Tax Act, 1961. MAT is valid to all companies comprising hardship faced by companies foreign companies. As per meaning of MAT, tax obligation of against whom application for company will be higher if income tax of company calculated as per corporate insolvency normal provision of income tax and tax calculated at 18.5% on resolution process was book profit plus surcharge and cess as applicable. admitted by Adjudicating Authority due to restriction in allowance of brought forward Key Facts loss for computation of book profit. The Indian Banks This exemption facility will be available only for companies Association (IBA) also had against whom application for corporate insolvency resolution sought removal of MAT for new process has been admitted by the adjudicating authority. An investors apprehending amendment to this effect will be made in section 115 JB of the depressed bids. Income Tax Act.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Saturday, January 6th, 2018 HRD Ministry releases All India Higher Education Survey Gender Parity Index (GPI): India registered its best performance on the GPI in last seven years — 0.94 in 2016-17 from 0.86 in 2010-11. GPI is calculated as quotient of number of females by number of males enrolled. GPI equal to 1 indicates 1, value less than 1 indicated disparity

The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education of Indian in favour of males. In Seven has registered an increase from 24.5% in 2015-16 to 25.2% in 2016- states — Goa, Himachal 17 according to latest All India Higher Education Survey (AIHES) Pradesh, Meghalaya, J&K, released by HRD Ministry. Nagaland, Sikkim and Kerala — women in higher education The survey findings were based on responses of 795 universities, have outnumbered men. 34,193 colleges and 7,496 standalone institutions. There are total College density: States in south of 864 universities, 40,026 colleges and 11,669 standalone India have higher college institutions in the country. density. It is defined as number of colleges per lakh eligible population. The college density Key Highlights of AIHES in top three states/UTs is Puducherry (49), Telangana Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): GER is statistical measure for (59) and Karnataka (53). Bihar determining number of students enrolled in undergraduate, (7 colleges/1lakh population), postgraduate and research-level studies within country and Jharkhand (8) and West expressed as a percentage of population. India is aiming to attain Bengal (11) on the other hand, GER of 30% by 2020, but it is still far behind countries like China are at the bottom interms with GER of 43.39% and US with 85.8%. college density. The proportion of students pursuing higher education in India Number of foreign students: There hasn‘t increased dramatically from 2015-16 to 2016-17. It was in hasn‘t been much range of 23% to 25% since 2013-14. Tamil Nadu has highest GER in improvement in the India at 46.9%. internationalisation of education in the country. There Six states have registered GER higher than national average is marginal improvement in (25.2%), with their share of students entering higher education is number of foreign students — growing twice as fast as overall rate. These states are Tamil Nadu 47,575 in 2016-17 from 45,424 (46.9%), Himachal Pradesh (36.7%), Kerala (34.2%), Andhra in 2015-16— with 31,779 men Pradesh (32.4%), Haryana (29%) and Punjab (28.6%). and 15,796 women. The highest share comes from the However, eight states UP (24.9%), Madhya Pradesh (20%), Odisha neighbouring countries of (21%), Bihar (14.4%), Gujarat (20.2%), Rajasthan (20.5%), Nepal (23.6%), Afghanistan Mizoram (24.5%) and West Bengal (18.5%) had GER ratio far less (9.3%) and Bhutan (4.8%). than the national average. Bihar has lowest GER with just 14.4% of its eligible population (in age group of 18 to 23 years) pursuing higher education.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 26th World Book Fair held in New Delhi with focus on By sandy On Saturday, January 6th, 2018 environment The fair also witnessed panel discussions, talks, workshops, children‘s activities, screening of short films, special photo exhibits as well as cultural and musical performances. The discussions, conversation were mainly organised with authors and environmentalists where experts discussed ways through which environment The 26th edition of annual World Book Fair was held in New can be saved from further Delhi. It was organised by National Book Trust (NBT), under deterioration. Ministry of Human Resource Development in association with India Trade Promotion Organisation. Background The theme for this year is ‘Environment and Climate Change‘. It focuses on environment issues like climate change, global The annual New Delhi World warming, and water pollution. European Union was Guest of Book Fair was started in 1972 Honour Country for this year‘s book fair. in New Delhi with only 200 participants. Over the years it has grown exponentially and Key Facts now has 886 and 800 participants as publishers in The annual book fair saw participation of around 800 publishers 2016 and 2017, respectively. from across the country in different languages. The event‘s Theme The fair serves as meeting Pavillion had international rights exhibition of nearly 500 titles point of readers and published in English, Hindi, and other Indian languages. Apart publishers. The theme for 2016 from EU nations, more than 40 countries including Belgium, was ‗Manushi‘ and had focused Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, and United on writings on and by women Kingdom also participated. from ancient times till the present.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Income Tax Department launches on-line chat service By sandy On Saturday, January 6th, 2018

The module can also be accessed through a mobile application called ‗AayakarSetu‘ on Android phone. Customer support executive having expertise in tax- related matters through this platform helps users in resolving their queries on-line.

Moreover, it has dedicated team of experts from IT department and independent tax practitioners to answer general queries of a taxpayer. This first- time initiative is aimed to enhance taxpayer services in the Income Tax (IT) Department under the Union Finance Ministry country. has launched an on-line chat service on its national website www.incometaxindia.gov.in with a prominent icon stating ‗Live Chat Online- ask your query‘. It was announced by Minister of State (MoS) for Finance, Shiv Pratap Shukla while replying in the Lok Sabha. Since its launch in October 2017 it has altogether benefited 8,424 people.

Key Facts

The on-line chat service is aimed at facilitating the taxpayers resolve their queries by answering their basic queries and doubts relating to direct tax issues. The facility is available on all working days from Monday to Friday between 10 AM and 6 PM.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Atal Pension Yojana reaches subscriber base of 80 lakh By sandy On Saturday, January 6th, 2018

It is available to all citizens of India in the age group of 18-40 years (thus minimum period of contribution by subscriber is 20 years). Under scheme, subscriber will receive a minimum guaranteed pension of Rs.1000 to Rs.5000 per month, depending The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority of on his contribution, from age of India (PFRDA) has announced that Atal Pension Yojana (APY) 60 years. run by it has reached a subscriber base of 80 lakh and is growing at good pace. Uttar Pradesh is the highest contributing There is no exit to the scheme state at 11.41 lakh APY subscribers, followed by Bihar (8.87 before the age of 60. In case of lakh) and Tamil Nadu (6.60 lakh). death of subscriber, the spouse of the subscriber shall be entitled Atal Pension Yojana (APY) for the same amount of pension till his or her death. APY became operational from June 1, 2015 with an aim to provide affordable universal access to essential social security protection to unorganized work force of country, which makes major chunk of labour force (88%). It had replaced Swavalamban scheme.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Health Ministry and Tata Memorial Centre launch first digital By sandy On Friday, January 5th, 2018

Online Oncology Tutorial It also includes, blended learning delivery model with self-paced e- learning and periodic webinar interactions with expert consultants of TMC and Continuous scientific updates in Oncology, along with end-of- course Online Assessments with enhanced reporting for individuals.

Through this initiative, the The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched Health Ministry and Tata India‘s first digital Online Oncology Tutorial Series designed by Memorial Centre will try to reach Tata Memorial Centre (a grant-in-aid cancer centre under millions of doctors who may not Department of Atomic Energy, GOI). have time to attend physical conferences, CMEs and are busy It was launched under the Digital India initiative as part working in rural or tier 2 cities. national program that will be rolled out across the country by Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) in collaboration with state governments.

Oncology literally means a branch of science that deals with tumours and cancers. The word ―onco‖ means bulk/ mass/ tumor while ―-logy‖ means study.

Key Facts

The Oncology Tutorial Series aim to train doctors across country to educate them in early detection, prevention, palliation, rehabilitation and treatment of various cancers.

The overall course is designed for 7 weeks with different modules based on various sites and sub-sites of Cancer. It comprises of 14 hours of comprehensive e-learning through more than 40 video lectures, case studies, assessment questionnaires and periodic interactive Webinar sessions with respective consultants of TMC.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Government launches 7.75% Savings (Taxable) Bonds By sandy On Friday, January 5th, 2018

2018 The Bonds are not transferable and also are not tradeable in secondary market. They are also not eligible as collateral for loans from banking institutions, non- banking financial companies or financial institutions.

Interest on the Bonds will be taxable under the Income-tax (IT) Act, 1961 as The Union Finance Ministry has launched 7.75% applicable according to the relevant tax Savings (Taxable) Bonds, 2018 scheme to help citizens status of the bond holder. However these invest in a taxable instrument, without any monetary Bonds will be exempt from Wealth-tax ceiling. It will enable resident citizens/Hindu Undivided under Wealth Tax Act, 1957. Families (HUF) to invest in a taxable bond, without any monetary ceiling.

Key features of Bonds

The Bonds are open to investment by individuals (including Joint Holdings) and HUFs. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) are not eligible for making investments in these nonds.

The Bonds will be issued at par i.e. at Rs.100.00 They will be issued for minimum face value amount of Rs.1,000 and in multiples thereof. There will be no maximum limit for investment in the Bonds.

The Bonds will have maturity of 7 years carrying interest at 7.75% per annum payable half- yearly. The Bonds will be issued in demat form (Bond Ledger Account) only.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Cabinet approves Indo-Myanmar agreement on land border By sandy On Thursday, January 4th, 2018 crossing Background

India shares 1,643-km long border with Myanmar. It passes through four northeaster states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram. At present both countries have unique visa-free movement regime for people living within 16 km on either side of the border. The Union Cabinet has approved Agreement between India and Free movement regime (FMR) Myanmar on Land Border Crossing. It is an enabling was bilateral agreement between arrangement for movement of people across border of both India and Myanmar that allows counties. free movement of Indian and Myanmarese citizens within 16 The agreement is expected to provide connectivity and enhance km of the border without visa interaction of people of North Eastern States of India with the restrictions for 72 hours. Its people of Myanmar. purpose is to alleviate insecurity of tribals living along India and Myanmar border as they still Significance continue to have trans-border linkages with their kiths and The agreement will facilitate movement of people on basis of kins. valid passports and visas which will enhance economic and social interaction between two countries. It will facilitate This regime has been in place to regulation and harmonization of already existing free protect traditional social movement rights for people ordinarily residing in border areas relations among border people. of both countries. However, it has been misused by militants and criminals who are It will also give boost to economy of North East and leverage using it to smuggle weapons, geographical connections with Myanmar to boost trade and narcotics, contraband goods and people to people ties. It will also safeguard traditional rights of Fake Indian Currency Notes largely tribal communities residing along border which are (FICN). accustomed to free movement across land border.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 CCEA approves extension of norms for mandatory packaging in By sandy On Thursday, January 4th, 2018

Jute Materials

The provision of mandatory packaging will benefit jute farmers and workers in jute industry located in Eastern and North Eastern regions of country particularly in West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya and Tripura.

Jute industry

Jute industry is predominantly dependent on Government sector which purchases jute The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved products more than Rs. 5,500 extension of mandatory packaging norms of foodgrains and sugar crore every year. Government in jute material for Jute Year 2017-18 (i.e. July 2017 to June 2018). has been making concerted efforts for the development of The mandatory extension was approved under the Jute Packaging jute sector considering that Material (JPM) Act, 1987. The approval mandates that 90% of food nearly 3.7 lakh workers and grains and 20% of sugar products shall be mandatorily packed in approximately 40 lakh farmers jute bags. are dependent for their livelihood on jute sectors. Key Facts Government is also making concerted efforts for development of jute sector. It is The decision also mandates, in first instance, entire requirement increasing quality and for packing of food grains will be placed in jute bags. Thus it productivity of raw jute, makes provision for 100% packing of food grains in jute bags diversification of jute sector subject to ability of jute industry to meet the requirement. The and also boosting and decision will also help to sustain core demand for jute sector and sustaining demand for jute support livelihood of the workers and farmers dependent on the product. sector.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 MHA exempts cruise tourists with e-visa from biometric By sandy On Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018 enrolment till 2020 Background

The Ministry of Shipping has been working towards simplifying immigration clearance procedure and providing passengers with customer friendly and hassle The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on request of the Ministry of free logistics process when they Shipping has exempted cruise tourists arriving with e-visa from embark on or disembark from the requirement of biometric enrolment for a period of three their cruise at Indian ports. years i.e. till 2020. The purpose of the move is to promote cruise E-visa facility is being tourism in the country and make India attractive cruise tourist implemented in five major destination. ports viz. Mumbai, Mormugao, New Mangalore, Cochin and Chennai. Till now biometrics of Key Facts passengers were required at port of first arrival for This simplified immigration clearance procedure will make immigration clearance. immigration clearance of such passengers faster, leaving them However, the immigration with more time to spend on shore. This is also important factor procedure was taking more that will help cruise lines decide whether or not to include a than internationally accepted destination in their itinerary. This simplified immigration norm of clearing immigration clearance procedure is part of a series of steps to attract and to for all cruise passengers in a enhance cruise passenger experience at the major ports. maximum of 90 minutes.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Cabinet approves establishment of new AIIMS at Bilaspur By sandy On Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018

Under this scheme, AIIMS have been established in Bhubaneshwar (Odisha), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Rishikesh The Union Cabinet approved establishment of new All India (Uttarakhand) and Patna (Bihar) Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Bilaspur in Himachal while work of AIIMS Rae Bareli Pradesh under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (Uttar Pradesh) is in progress. (PMSSY). Also, three AIIMS in Nagpur (Maharashtra), Kalyani (West The new AIIMS will be completed in a period of 48 months. It Bengal) and Mangalagiri in will consist of a hospital with a capacity of 750 beds and trauma Guntur (Andhra Pradesh) have centre facilities and have 20 Speciality and Super-Speciality been sanctioned in 2015, two Departments including 15 Operation Theatres. It will also have AIIMS have been sanctioned at Medical college with an intake of 100 MBBS students per year Bathinda (Punjab) and and Nursing college with an intake of 60 B.Sc. (Nursing) Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) in students per year. 2016 and in Kamrup (Assam).

Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana

PMSSY was announced in 2003. Its objectives are correcting regional imbalances in the availability of affordable/reliable tertiary healthcare services and augment facilities for quality medical education in the country. It establishes AIIMS in various regions of India apart from different government colleges. It is funded from different centrally sponsored schemes relating to creating infrastructure on health.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Fact Sheet: 2G Scam Verdict By sandy On Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018  License distribution was done on a distorted first come first served basis and that too at 2001 prices when a competitive bidding process should have been followed.  Granting license to front companies which was not allowed. For eg- Swan Telecom was not even allowed to bid for A special court acquitted A Raja and all other accused in the 2g spectrum being a front spectrum issue, considered as one of the largest scams in the company for the Reliance Anil country in the tenure of Manmohan led UPA govt. The shocking Dhirubhai Ambani Group. part is that all of them have been accused because of lack of  Cut off dates were advanced evidence. arbitrarily to 25th september from 1st october 2007 without What is 2g spectrum? informing TRAI. Moreover, allegedly application counters were shut to block competing 2g is an abbreviation of wireless telephone technology. The companies from applying for word ‗spectrum‘ refers to range of radio waves that are used for licences. It is said On 25 communication purposes .Since waves surround us all the September, the DOT times and pass through everything ,this means that spectrum announced on its website that needs to be monitored. applicants filing between 3:30 and 4:30 pm that day would be So the government divides the spectrum which is a national granted licenses. wealth into bands and and manages the spectrum across the country by assigning to different telecom circles. Does the 2g spectrum case Thus, in order for a telecom company to offer continual access across India , it would have to bid for spectrum licenses in 22 raise questions on the existing circles. Now a spectrum like any other natural resource capability about efficacy of is required to be auctioned by the government to companies the institution of CBI? that can use this to provide a number of services. Despite filing the charge sheet of What was the case? more than 80,000 pages supported by CAG findings of loss to the exchequer to the tune of The scam dates back to 2011 when A Raja, the main accused and 1.76 lakh crore and further telecom minister from 2007 to 2010, was arrested by the CBI on investigation of more than 6 charges of colluding with private companies and granting them years ,CBI failed to establish the spectrum licences at unjustly low prices causing a huge loss to criminality of any of the accused. the public exchequer. It involved politicians, bureaucrats and This raises questions on the CBIs corporate executives whose nexus with each other resulted in a credibility as an institution. huge loss to the exchequer. Supreme Court on a PIL even Moreover, the image has not only declared the allotment as unconstitutional and cancelled the been dented by this case but also due to its conduct in the previous 122 licences issued under A Raja ministerial period. Following cases. were the key irregularities found in the case: The root of the problem is that  Undervalued the telecom spectrum leading to a presumptive the CBI does not have a proper loss of Rs 1.76 lakh crore, according to Comptroller and statuary enactment which can Auditor General report. ensure its autonomy.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018

India and Pakistan exchange list of nuclear sites for 27th By sandy On Monday, January 1st, 2018 consecutive year Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations

It is a bilateral agreement signed between India and Pakistan that bars them from carrying out any surprise attack (or to assist foreign power to attack) on each other‘s nuclear installations and facilities. It was signed on 31st December 1988 and entered into India and Pakistan have exchanged list of their nuclear force on 27 January 1991. It was installations and facilities with each other under the Agreement signed by then Indian Prime on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations. This Minister Rajiv Gandhi and his is the 27th consecutive exchange of such list between two Pakistani counterpart Benazir countries after first list was exchanged on 1 January 1992. Bhutto. Under it, both countries This is an annual exchange of conducted in 1st January between inform each other about their them to prevent them from attacking each other‘s nuclear nuclear installations and facilities. The exchange is part of an agreement between the two facilities that need to be covered nuclear-armed neighbours meant to prevent attacks on nuclear under the Agreement on 1 facilities by each other. January every year.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 STATE

Himachal Pradesh launches Zero Budget Natural Farming By sandy On Tuesday, January 30th, 2018 project to promote organic farming The word Zero Budget refers to zero net cost of production of all crops. This means that farmers need not purchase fertilizers and pesticides in order to ensure the healthy growth of crops. The inputs used for seed treatments and other inocluations are locally available in form of cowdung and cow urine.

It requires almost no monetary investment and envisages use of ‗Jeevamrutha‘ and ‗Beejamrutha‘. The main aim of ZBNF is Himachal Pradesh Government has launched Zero Budget Natural eliminate use of chemical Farming (ZBNF) project to promote organic farming. It was pesticides and uses biological launched by Chief Minister, Jai Ram Thakur. The project aims pesticides and promote of good to increase agriculture produce and the income of farmers by agronomic practices. Farmers the year 2022. use earthworms, cow dung, urine, plants, human excreta and such biological fertilizers for crop Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) protection.

ZBNF is set of natural farming methods where cost of growing It lowers cost of inputs of farmers and harvesting plants is zero. It is a farming practice that and gives better capacity to believes in natural growth of crops without adding any increase the incomes. It also fertilizers and pesticides or any other foriegn elements. It is protects soil from degradation different from organic farming. and helps in retaining soil fertility and is climate change resilient.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Punjab Government launches Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Vikas By sandy On Saturday, January 27th, 2018

Yojana Its purpose is to benefit 18 marginalized sections living in rural areas of state. It will provide benefit of welfare schemes for debt stressed farmers, poor families that have woman as sole bread earner, out- of-school children, martyred soldiers, families of AIDS Punjab Government has launched Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat patients, differently-abled, Vikas Yojna (MGSVY) for the welfare of the downtrodden abandoned old persons, drug citizen across the state. addicts etc.

This scheme is aimed at the inclusive growth of the distressed It aims to will give more focus on sections of the society. It will be on the line of Antyodaya encouraging voluntary principles (Antyodaya‘ means rise of the last person) and will be organizations, various civil implemented in the state‘s rural areas. society organizations, Non- Resident Indians (NRIs) and other socially committed persons Mahatma Gandhi Sarbat Vikas Yojna (MGSVY) to contribute to the welfare of the downtrodden. Moreover, under The objective of scheme is to identify poor and distressed the scheme will be no financial households which have been deprived of the benefits of the implication. various welfare schemes launched by state government. It will give distressed sections much need socially or economically or psychologically help.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Kolkata becomes first Indian metro to get floating market By sandy On Saturday, January 27th, 2018

The market will host at least 114 boats, each one accommodating two shops. These shops will sell regular or daily-use items that include vegetables, fruits, flowers, fish and meat and poultry. Shoppers can approach these boats through wooden walkways.

Special provisions have been made to ensure that water in lake does not stink and the aquatic life survives. Nets will be routinely used to fish out Kolkata, capital of West Bengal became first metro city in India to vegetable peel, fish scales and get floating market. It was inaugurated by West Bengal Chief other waste from the water. Minister Mamata Banerjee. The Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority The floating market is located on lake at Patuli in South Kolkata (KMDA) is executing agency of which is 400 metres long and 60 metres wide. The lake has been floating market. transformed into the floating market similar to the one in Thailand. Key Facts

The aim of floating market is to rehabilitate over 200 shopkeepers from nearby market that was demolished for the widening of Eastern Metropolitan Bypass (EMB) — an important road that connects the northern parts of Kolkata o the eastern and southern tips.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Maharashtra becomes first state to unveil Public Cloud Policy By sandy On Thursday, January 18th, 2018

Under the policy framework, state government will make mandatory its various departments for storing data within country and to use public cloud in cases wherever Right to Information Act (RTI) is applicable. Later, it will also allow for enhanced security features for private and sensitive data to be stored on the cloud.

Maharashtra became first state in country to unveil Public Cloud Policy that virtually mandates state government State Innovation and Start- departments to shift their data storage onto cloud. up Policy

Earlier in October 2017, State Government had formed four- The State Cabinet headed by member committee to draft policy framework on cloud usage, Chief Minister also had approved which had submitted a policy document that‘s being now State Innovation and Start-up adopted as public cloud policy. Policy. Its objective is to attract Rs.5,000 crore investments in development of incubation and Key Facts start-ups. It will be applicable till 2022. The policy will result in additional private sector investments worth US $2 billion for cloud industry as government is one of Under it, on an average three biggest creators and consumers of data. It will aim to generate 5 incubators in each of the 12 lakh jobs in next five years. designated sectors and develop at least 2,000 start-ups will be The policy is likely to be formally set in motion through detailed established in next five years. It government resolution. In coming days, five to six top cloud will result in development of at service providers like Amazon or Microsoft will be empanelled least 10 lakh sq ft of incubation for data storage onto cloud. space within the state. It will provide Rs.2,500 crore for youth entrepreneurship activities (1% of State Budget).

Under it, an establishment up to 5 years from date of its registration will be considered as start-up. Its annual turnover must be up to Rs. 25 crore. It should be based on innovative concept, innovative commercialisation of products and services or it can also be based on innovative production methods and processes.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 PM inaugurates Rajasthan’s first oil refinery at Barmer By sandy On Wednesday, January 17th, 2018

Key Facts

The project includes refinery and petroleum complex of 9 MMTPA capacity. It is expected to be operational in 4 years (2022-23) at a cost of Rs 43000 crores. It is largest investment in the state till date. It is expected to give major impetus to state‘s economy and will bring to the state an additional income of Rs 34000 crores. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Ltd (HRRL) project commencement of oil refinery in It is also expected to generate Rajasthan‘s Barmer district. It is first oil refinery to be set up in thousands of direct and indirect Rajasthan. employment opportunities. Further, it is expected to bring an The project is undertaken as joint venture between Hindustan unprecedented surge in ancillary Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and the Rajasthan units, infrastructure government. HPCL owns 74% stake in the project, while the development, improvement of state government owns 26%. healthcare services and establishment of education institutions in Western Rajasthan,

Kerala Government launches Kerala Accelerator Program for By sandy On Sunday, January 14th, 2018 early-stage startups Under, it mentors will visit state capital Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi to interact with selected startups. It also provides a one week residential program in Bangalore and Mumbai to selected startups. It also provides weekly reviews, customer interactions and an end- Kerala Government has introduced Kerala Accelerator Program, a of-programme „demo day‟ with virtual accelerator program for three months, to promote startups investors. in the early revenue stage. It was launched by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) in association with Zone Startups India. Zone Startups

Kerala Accelerator Program Zone Startups is global brand of early stage tech accelerators and This program will help startups achieve product-market fit through venture funds operated by Toronto a curated customer validation process. It will introduce startups to based Ryerson Futures Inc. Its investors, relevant customers and industry connects. It will Indian subsidiary has been set up as provide both live and virtual mentoring sessions. joint-venture of Ryerson Futures Inc., Simon Fraser University (Vancouver), BSE Institute Limited and Department of Science and Technology (Government of India).

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Karnataka receives approval for purchase of electric vehicles By sandy On Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018 under FAME India scheme

The objective of scheme is to provide fiscal and monetary incentives for adoption and market creation of both hybrid and electric technologies vehicles in the country. It also aims at incentivising all vehicle segments, including two-wheelers, three wheeler auto, passenger four-wheeler vehicle, light commercial vehicles and buses. The Department of Heavy Industries (DHI) of Union Government has given its approval to Karnataka government The scheme covers hybrid and electric for purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) under FAME India technologies like a strong hybrid, plug- subsidised scheme. in hybrid and battery electric vehicles. Its mandate is to support hybrid or The state will purchase 40 electric buses, 100 four wheelers and electric vehicles market development 500 three wheelers at maximum of 60% subsidy under the and its manufacturing eco-system in scheme. The subsidy support is also provided for setting up country in order to achieve self- electricity charging infrastructure across state capital sustenance in stipulated period. Bengaluru. The EVs will ply in city as public transport which will protect environment, save fossil fuel and ensure public health.

FAME India Scheme

The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) India was launched in 2015 under the National Electric Mobility Mission (NEMM) aims at promoting eco- friendly vehicles in the country. It is being administered by the Heavy Industries Ministry.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandeep kondapalli On Saturday, March Arunachal Pradesh declared open defecation-free State 10th, 2018

The SBM consists of two sub- missions Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), implemented in rural areas, and Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban), implemented in urban areas. SBM-G seeks to Arunachal Pradesh was officially declared Open Defecation eliminate open defecation in Free (ODF) state. It is second State from Northeast, after Sikkim rural areas by improving access and overall fifth state after Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and to sanitation by ensuring the use Haryana to be declared ODF state. of toilets, besides their construction. The announcement comes after three remaining districts – Upper Subansiri, Siang and Changlang were officially declared It also seeks to generate ODF. Arunachal Pradesh has total 21 districts and it attained awareness to motivate this major cleanliness feat under Swach Bharat Abhiyan much communities to adopt sustainable before (one year and 10 months ahead) the national deadline of sanitation practices, and October 2, 2019. encourage the use of appropriate technologies for sanitation. Open defecation is an important factor Background for causing various diseases like intestinal worm infections, Arunachal Pradesh had under taken ODF project under Swachh diarrhoea, polio, hepatitis etc. Bharat Mission (Gramin) SBM (G) by extending incentive of Rs 8,000 per toilet. This was addition to Central Government‘s support of Rs 12,000, raising the grant for constructing a toilet to Rs 20,000.

The State government also had launched Swachh Arunachal Mission on October 2, 2017 at Tawang which envisaged Swachh Protocol (Cleanliness Protocol) aimed at ensuring sustainability of assets created under SBM (Gramin).

Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)

The SBM was launched in October 2014 to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to put focus on sanitation. It aims to achieve Swachh Bharat or make India clean by 2019, as a fitting tribute to the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 INTERNATIONAL

By sandeep kondapalli On Saturday, March International Current Affairs Jan 4th Week 2018 10th, 2018

He also met his Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau. Both leaders discussed issues of 1. World Economic Forum Summit in Switzerland Concludes. mutual interest and reiterated 24 January 2018 Current Affairs: Prime Minister Narendra their commitment to stand firm Modi returned home after concluding his visit to Davos, in combating terrorism. Switzerland. He also held a meeting with During the visit, the Prime Minister delivered a keynote address Queen Maxima of the at the plenary session of the 48th annual meeting of World Netherlands and discussed steps Economic Forum. to deepen the bilateral He became the first Indian prime minister in two decades to relationship. join the world‘s top business leaders in the Swiss resort town of At the end, He interacted with top Davos. global CEOs at the International He outlined climate change, terrorism and protectionism as Business Council event three global threats.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 International Current Affairs Jan 3rd Week 2018 By naveen On Saturday, January 27th, 2018

If we are able to build complete resilience in the country, there

are studies which suggest that our GDP could go up by upto 2 1. China builds World`s Biggest Air Purifier. per cent, he said, adding that In an attempt to fight air pollution, China has constructed an the work on resilient experimental air purifying tower, touted to be the world‘s biggest at infrastructure, however, needs a height of over 100 meters (328 feet). According to a report in the to take into account the South China Morning Post, the tower, built in Xian in Shaanxi ongoing rapid urbanisation as province, has brought a positive effect on the chronic smog problem unplanned urbanisation is in the country. closely linked to creation of new risks. The Xian smog tower is undergoing testing by researchers at the Delivering the valedictory Institute of Earth Environment at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. address, Dr. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Cao Junji, the research head said that the tower has managed to Chairman, NITI Aayog, invited produce more than 10 million cubic metres (353 million cubic feet) both NDMA and UNISDR to of clean air a day since its launch, the report said. He also noted that work together with NITI Aayog the quality of air had improved after observations were made over a to help spread disaster distance of 10 square kilometers in the past few months. awareness in society rapidly and widely. He also called for More than a dozen pollution monitoring stations have been placed the need of ranking States in in Xian to check the tower‘s impact. According to Cao, the tower was terms of their progress in able to bring down the smog to moderate levels the day when air Disaster Management. quality was severe. However, the results were preliminary as of Dr. P.K. Mishra, Additional now. The team plans to release more detailed data coupled with Principal Secretary to the scientific assessment of the tower‘s performance in March. Prime Minister, reiterated Indias commitment to working Launched in 2015, the Xian smog tower was announced to find a towards Disaster Risk low-cost method to artificially remove pollutants from the Resilience along with the atmosphere. The polluted air is sucked into the glasshouses of the global community. He also tower and is then heated up by the solar energy. The hot air then praised the practical, outcome- moves through multiple cleaning filters and helps in reducing the based deliberations at the pollution. Workshop. This workshop has explored A full-sized tower would reach 500 metres (1,640 feet) high with a new dimensions, opportunities diameter of 200 metres (656 feet), according to a patent application and challenges to resilient the makers filed in 2014. The size of the greenhouses could cover infrastructure. Deliberations nearly 30 square kilometres and will be capable of purifying the air here are crucial not only for for a small-sized city. achieving the targets identified in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction but also for achieving Prime 2. IWDRI-2018 Concluded Successfully in New Delhi. Ministers 10-point agenda, outlined during the Asian Ministerial Conference on DRR 2016,‖ said Dr. Robert Glasser, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. The day began with a facilitated cross-country panel The Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh addressing the inaugural session of discussion upon country- the International Workshop on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (IWDRI), in New specific issues in Disaster

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Delhi on January 15, 2018. Resilient Infrastructure. This was followed by technical The two-day International Workshop on Disaster Resilient sessions on standards for Infrastructure (IWDRI) successfully concluded here today, setting infrastructure and on the role the stage for taking the dialogue on resilient infrastructure forward of finance, including risk at the global level. transfer mechanisms, in The Workshop identified Best Practices in the Infrastructure building resilient Sector, as well as key issues in existing practices and ways to infrastructure. Discussions address them. Priority areas for collaboration on Disaster Resilient were also held on Infrastructure were also identified. reconstruction and recovery of The Workshop was organised by the National Disaster Management key Infrastructure Sectors Authority (NDMA) jointly with United Nations Office for Disaster after a disaster. Dr. V. Risk Reduction (UNISDR). MoS (Home) Shri Kiren Rijiju delivered Thiruppugazh, Joint Secretary, the Valedictory Address. NDMA summed up the Resilient infrastructure is important not only for the aggregate proceedings of the conference. economic growth but also for ending poverty,‖ said Shri Rijiju. He The workshop was further added, Our actions today, through investment in inaugurated by the Union infrastructure, can reduce or increase the future risk. We need to Home Minister Shri Rajnath shape policies that seek to not only reduce risk but also stop the Singh, yesterday. On Day 1, creation of new risks.‖ technical sessions were held on issues pertaining to Risk Management in key Infrastructure Sectors, viz. Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, and Risk Assessment. Experts from 23 countries representing a wide variety of development and disaster risk contexts, multilateral development banks, the United Nations, the private sector, academics and other stakeholders participated in the workshop.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 WEF launches Global Centre for By sandy On Friday, January 26th, 2018 Cybersecurity World Economic Forum (WEF)

WEF is Swiss nonprofit foundation, based in Geneva. It is recognized as international institution for public-private cooperation. It is committed to improve state of world by engaging business, political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has launched new Global WEF is best known for its annual Centre for Cybersecurity in a bid to safeguard world from winter meeting for five days in hackers and growing data breaches — especially from nation- Davos, a mountain resort in states. The centre will be headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland Graubünden, in eastern Alps and will become operational from March 2018 region of Switzerland. The meeting brings together some international political leaders, Global Centre for Cybersecurity 2,500 top business leaders, selected intellectuals, and The Global Centre for Cybersecurity will function as an journalists to discuss the most autonomous organization under WEF. It will help to build a safe pressing issues facing the world. and secure global cyberspace. Its aim is to establish first global platform for governments, businesses, experts and law enforcement agencies to collaborate on cybersecurity challenges. It will draw on WEF‘s government and industry support to work towards more secure cyberspace through its established multistakeholder approach.

Mandate of Global Centre for Cybersecurity

 Consolidate existing cybersecurity initiatives of WEF.  Establish independent library of cyber best practices.  Help partners to enhance knowledge on cybersecurity.  Work towards an appropriate and agile regulatory framework on cybersecurity.  Serve as laboratory and early-warning think tank for future cybersecurity scenarios.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 Xian smog tower: China builds world’s biggest air purifier By sandy On Thursday, January 18th, 2018

According to its original design, the full-sized tower will reach 500 metres (1,640 feet) high with diameter of 200 metres (656 feet). This tower size will capture greenhouses in nearly 30 square kilometres and will be capable of purifying the air for small-sized city.

Signficance

China has constructed Xian smog tower, an experimental air During the tests, the tower has purifying tower touted to be the world‘s biggest at height of over managed to produce more than 100 meters (328 feet) in an attempt to fight air pollution. 10 million cubic metres (353 million cubic feet) of clean air The tower is built in Xian in Shaanxi province and has brought day since its launch. It was able to positive effect on chronic smog problem in China. It is bring down the smog to moderate undergoing testing by researchers at Institute of Earth levels the day when air quality Environment at Chinese Academy of Sciences. was severe. However, the results were preliminary as of now. It has also improved quality of air Xian smog tower after observations were made over distance of 10 square Xian smog tower project was announced in 2015 to find low-cost kilometers in the past few method to artificially remove pollutants from atmosphere such months. as PM2.5, nitrates and sulphur dioxide which are the most harmful to human health. The polluted air is sucked into glasshouses of tower and is then heated up by solar energy. The hot air then moves through multiple cleaning filters and helps in reducing air pollution. The system in air purifier also works during winters as coatings on greenhouses enable glass to absorb solar radiation at higher efficiency.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 10th Global Forum for Food & Agriculture held Berlin By sandy On Thursday, January 18th, 2018

Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA)

The GFFA is international conference that focuses on central questions concerning future of global agri-food industry. It is world‘s largest conference of agriculture ministers. It is held during International Green Week (IGW).

The 10th edition of Global Forum for Food & Agriculture was It provides common platform to held in Berlin, Germany from 18th -20th January 2018. The representatives from worlds of theme of this year‘s event is ―Shaping the future of livestock – politics, business, science and sustainably, responsibly, efficiently‖. civil society opportunity to share Indian delegation to the event is led by Union Minister of State ideas and enhance understanding (MoS) for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Gajendra Singh on selected topic of current Shekhawat. agricultural policy.

Key Facts

The event was organised by Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMEL) in cooperation with GFFA Berlin e.V., Senate of Berlin and Messe Berlin GmbH. It also included 10th Berlin Agriculture Ministers‘ Conference. The discussions during the conference focussed on sustainable and productive animal production among other issues.

Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA)

The GFFA is international conference that focuses on central questions concerning future of global agri-food industry. It is world‘s largest conference of agriculture ministers. It is held during International Green Week (IGW).

It provides common platform to representatives from worlds of politics, business, science and civil society opportunity to share ideas and enhance understanding on selected topic of current agricultural policy.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 International Current Affairs Jan 2nd Week By naveen On Sunday, January 14th, 2018

2018 No Image 2. Intels Mobileye will have 2 million cars on roads building HD maps this year.

. Worlds Largest Ice Festival Held in China. These photos show an 197-acre, rainbow coloured city that features iconic landmarks from all over the world – all made from ice.

It is the 34th annual Ice Festival in Harbin, north- east China and features sculptures of Moscow`s Red Square and Bangkok`s Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Last year, eighteen million revellers came to explore the stunning park, despite temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees.

Some of this year`s work centres around Chinese Intel and Mobileye are moving forward with the President Xi Jinping`s major foreign policy is latter‘s REM platform, an HD mapping solution also captured in art at this festival. that uses data collected by REM-capable vehicles on roads to build maps that can be used The One Belt One Road policy plans to link Asia as a key ingredient in ADAS and autonomous and Europe with a network of railways and ports. driving systems.

The park opened on January 5 and will run Mobileye, and Intel post-acquisition, have been through until late February, with crowds setting the stage for REM mapping for a while expected to peak around Chinese New Year now. It‘s set now to turn on the styes and begin between February 15 and 23. collecting the data, which will be gathered by software build into its EyeQ4 system-on-a-chip. Last year, the ice fesitval bought in 28.7 billion EyeQ4 entered volume production last year, and yuan (£3.62 billion) in tourism revenue for is now in place in two million cars on the road, Harbin. including vehicles from BMW, VW, Nissan and more. Ice sculpture artist Han Zhenkun designed his work based on the historic Silk Road. Putting the fleet to use will allow it to collect data from cars on actual roads, using onboard `Back then, through the Silk Road, exquisite art sensors to build HD maps that can inform works from China like potteries were transported autonomous driving systems and ADAS by camels and horses to the Western world,` Han software of actual conditions in near-real time, said. with updates provided by the cloud to reflect current road status. That could include stuff He added `Art has no borders. like weather data, incident reports and construction information. `It`s an abstract language. We communicate with our works in this international competition. It It‘s a crucial part of the autonomous driving means a lot.` experience, but more importantly, it‘s information that has potential for use in the nearer term in advanced safety systems and the semi-autonomous and accident mitigation tech that cars can ship with today, without undue cost or additional research breakthroughs required. 5. India Tops Domestic Air Traffic Demand at

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competitiveindia.com January-2018 16.4% in November: IATA.

3. South Korea and GCCI Sign MoU for Business Cooperation.

India`s domestic air passenger traffic grew by 16.4 percent in November last year, topping the growth chart worldwide, global aviation body, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Thursday.

The IATA, comprising major air carriers, said India continued to witness double-digit growth An official delegation from South Korea and the for the 39th consecutive month. Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) today signed a memorandum of Globally, the total revenue passenger kilometres understanding (MoU) for co-operation between (RPK) increased 8 percent compared to industries in Gujarat and the East Asian November 2016 — the fastest growth rate in five country, with a focus on automobile, defence months. and textiles sectors.

The available seat kilometeres (ASKs) or capacity The South Korean delegation was led by the grew by 6.3 percent. country`s Consul General in Mumbai, Kim Soungeun. The ASK for India was at 10.4 percent, second only to China where capacity grew by 12.9 The main objective of the MoU is to help percent, according to the IATA`s montly data. Gujarat-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to explore opportunities through joint ―The airline industry is in a good place entering ventures with South Korean firms, especially in 2018. November`s strong demand gives the areas of automobile, defence and textiles, said industry momentum. The number of unique city- GCCI president Shailesh Patwari. pair connections now tops 20,000. Passengers not only have more travel choices than ever, the ―We import lubricants and auto parts for cost of travel in real terms has never been industry. Now that Gujarat is becoming an auto cheaper,‖ IATA`s Director General and CEO, hub, JVs (joint ventures) with Korean Alexandre de Juniac said. companies will help our SMEs. Our intention is also to support our SMEs in manufacture of He said that 2018 could be the fourth year in a defence equipment with the help of Korean row where the industry`s return on invested companies,‖ Patwari said. capital will exceed the cost of capital. Korean companies can offer technological help Challenges, however, remained, including to the textile industry in Gujarat to reduce costs security threats, infrastructure constraints as and compete with Bangladesh and China and well as growing fees and charges, Juniac said. improve ready-made apparel trade, he said.

4. Reliance Jio planning to launch its own cryptocurrency. 6. UN Environment and WHO Agreed to Major Collaboration on Environmental Health Risks.

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competitiveindia.com January-2018

After disrupting the telecom sector with its free offers and hyper-competitive tariffs, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd plans to create its own cyptocurrency, JioCoin. UN Environment and the World Health Organization have agreed a new, wide-ranging With Mukesh Ambani‘s elder son Akash Ambani collaboration to accelerate action to curb leading the JioCoin project, Reliance Jio plans environmental health risks that cause an to build a 50-member team of young estimated 12.6 million deaths a year. professionals to work on blockchain technology, which can also be used to develop applications Today in Nairobi, Mr. Erik Solheim, head of UN such as smart contracts and supply chain Environment, and Dr. Tedros Adhanom management logistics. Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, signed an agreement to step up joint actions to combat ―The company plans to hire 50 young air pollution, climate change and antimicrobial professionals with average age of 25 years for resistance, as well as improve coordination on Akash Ambani to lead. There are multiple waste and chemicals management, water quality, applications of blockchain (for the company). and food and nutrition issues. The collaboration The team would work on various blockchain also includes joint management of the products,‖ a person familiar with the BreatheLife advocacy campaign to reduce air development said on condition of anonymity. pollution for multiple climate, environment and health benefits. Blockchain is a digital ledger for storing data including, but not limited to, financial Although the two agencies cooperate in a range of transactions. In simple terms, blockchain areas, this represents the most significant formal decentralizes information without it being agreement on joint action across the spectrum of copied. The information is held on blockchain environment and health issues in over 15 years. through a shared database which can be accessed on a real-time basis. This database is ―There is an urgent need for our two agencies to not stored on physical servers but on the cloud, work more closely together to address the critical which makes it easy to store unlimited data. threats to environmental sustainability and climate – which are the foundations for life on The most popular application of the technology this planet. This new agreement recognizes that has undoubtedly been cryptocurrency, and sober reality,‖ said UN Environment‘s Solheim. Reliance Jio also plans to create its own version called JioCoin. He added: ―Most of these deaths occur in developing countries in Asia, Africa and Latin ―One (application) is cryptocurrency. We can America where environmental pollution takes its deploy smart contracts. It can be used in supply biggest health toll.‖ chain management logistics. Loyalty points could altogether be based on JioCoin,‖ the The new collaboration creates a more systematic person cited above said, adding that all of this framework for joint research, development of was ―in proposal stage‖. tools and guidance, capacity building, monitoring of Sustainable Development Goals, global and An email sent to Reliance Jio seeking a response regional partnerships, and support to regional Page 100 competitiveindia.com January-2018 health and environment fora. remained unanswered till press time.

The two agencies will develop a joint work ―Reliance Jio also aspires to get into Internet of programme and hold an annual high-level Things (IoT). Blockchain technology would meeting to evaluate progress and make come in handy there,‖ the person said. recommendations for continued collaboration. IoT is a network of devices such as The WHO-UN Environment collaboration follows smartphones, wearable devices, home a Ministerial Declaration on Health, appliances and vehicles, connected to the Environment and Climate Change calling for the internet, which enables these objects to connect creation of a global ―Health, Environment and and exchange data. Experts have also pointed Climate Change‖ Coalition, at the United Nations out that blockchain could potentially address Framework Convention on Climate Change security risks to IoT as it provides a shield (UNFCCC) COP 22 in Marrakesh, Morocco in against data tampering by labelling each block 2016. of data.

Just last month, under the overarching topic Significantly, the Indian government has ―Towards a Pollution-Free Planet‖, the United cautioned against cryptocurrencies, stating that Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), which virtual currencies were not backed by assets convenes environment ministers worldwide, and posed risks such as money laundering. On 2 adopted a resolution on Environment and January, finance minister Arun Jaitley told the Health, called for expanded partnerships with Rajya Sabha that the government was still relevant UN agencies and partners, and for an studying the issue. implementation plan to tackle pollution. ―A committee under the chairmanship of secretary, department of economic affairs, is deliberating over all issues related to 7. Jet Airways bans smart luggage on flights from cryptocurrencies to propose specific actions to 15th January. be taken,‖ Jaitley said, adding that the government does not consider cryptocurrencies to be legal tender.

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have come under the scanner of governments across the world as their soaring prices attracted speculators and unsophisticated retail investors in droves. On Thursday, Bitcoin dropped as much as 12% to $12,801, its lowest since Christmas day, as South Korea‘s justice minister reiterated his proposal to ban local

cryptocurrency exchanges, Bloomberg Jet Airways on Thursday joined major reported. international airlines and issued rules outlining safety-related procedures on the carriage of ‗smart‘ luggage by passengers from January 15.

Over the past few days, major carriers such as United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Qantas, British Airways have issued issued similar regulations. Smart bags or luggage come fitted with USB charging stations, GPS tracking and built-in hot spots.

In a statement, a Jet Airways spokesperson said in accordance with the regulations issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Page 101 competitiveindia.com January-2018 towards ensuring flight safety, guests carrying Smart Bags (also called Smart Luggage), on board Jet Airways flights must follow the following safety-related procedures which will be effective January 15.

Lithium batteries powering smart bags have been known to overheat and explode. ―If the batteries are fixed into the bag, airlines worry flight attendants will not be able to reach them in the overhead compartments before they do serious damage to the aircraft,‖ a Jet Airways official said.

Passengers will be required to uninstall the batteries of their smart luggage prior to check-in. Post uninstallation, the batteries can only be carried as spare batteries in cabin baggage.

Passengers carrying smart bags as cabin baggage will have to uninstall the batteries and can reinstall them only upon disembarkation at the destination. Smart luggage with non-removable batteries will not be permitted on board either as part of cabin baggage or as check-in baggage, on all Jet Airways flights, the statement said.

Jet Airways said that the removal of batteries from the smart baggage and to declare them to the airline‘s check-in staff would be the sole responsibility of the passenger and damage or malfunction of the said baggage in any form due to un-installation and/or re-installation of the batteries would not be the airlines responsibility.

A Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) official said that smart bags were in a nascent stage in India. ―It is more of a U.S. trend, where smart bags come fitted with lithium ion batteries and motors allowing it to be used as a personal transportation device, either as a stand-up scooter, or sit on vehicle. These devices do not even meet the criteria of a mobility device. Since Jet Airways has a sizeable U.S. operations, the new regulations were being effected,‖ the official said.

Page 102 competitiveindia.com January-2018 US puts Pakistan on Special Watch List for severe violations By sandy On Friday, January 5th, 2018 of religious freedom The Special Watch List designation to countries is step below designating it as CPC, which automatically imposes economic and political sanctions. The Frank R Wolf International Religious Freedom Act amended International Religious Freedom (IRF) Act to require President to designate ‗Special Watch List‘ of countries deemed not to meet all of CPC criteria but who engaged in or tolerated severe violations of religious freedom. Under the IRF Act of 1998, US The United States has placed Pakistan on ‗Special Watch List‘ Secretary of State annually for ―severe violations‖ of religious freedom. It is only country designates governments that to be put under the newly-formed list. have engaged in or tolerated systematic, ongoing, and Moreover, US also re-designated about 10 countries as egregious violations of religious ‗Countries of Particular Concern‘ under its International freedom as CPC. These Religious Freedom (IRF) Act. They are Burma (Myanmar), designations are aimed at China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, improving the respect for Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. religious freedom in these countries.

Key Facts

As per US, Pakistan was placed in this list because it continues to harass its religious minorities, tolerates extra-judicial violence in the guise of opposing blasphemy. Moreover it has state-sanctioned discrimination against groups such as Ahmadis. According to research, Pakistan is one of countries with most restrictions on religion.

Special Watch List

The Special Watch List is for countries that engage in or tolerate severe violations of religious freedom but may not rise to level of ‗Countries of Particular Concern‘ (CPC). It is new category created by Frank R Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2016. The designations are aimed at improving respect for religious freedom in these countries.

Page 103 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Saudi Arabia, UAE introduce VAT for first time By sandy On Monday, January 1st, 2018

Value Added Tax (VAT)

A VAT is type of consumption tax that is placed on product whenever value is added at stage of production and at point of retail sale. It is one of the most Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) became first common types of consumption countries of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to introduce Value tax implemented in more than Added Tax (VAT) for the first time to increase their revenue 150 countries around the world. away from oil reserves. The other members of 6 member GCC– It is charged at each step of the Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar — have also committed to ‗supply chain‘. Final consumers introduce VAT, though some have delayed plans until at least generally bear the VAT cost while 2019. businesses collect and account for the tax, in a way acting as a tax collector on behalf of the Key Facts government.

The rate for VAT is set at 5% on the majority of goods and services including petrol and diesel, food, clothes, utility bills and hotel rooms. Number of goods and services including medical treatment, financial services and public transport have been placed in either zero rated or in exempt category.

Comment

In Saudi Arabia, more than 90% of budget revenues come from oil industry while in UAE it is roughly 80%. Organisations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had long called for Gulf countries to diversify their sources of income away from oil reserves. Both countries have already taken steps to boost government coffers.

Page 104 competitiveindia.com January-2018 ECONOMY-BANKING

India becomes third largest producer of crude steel By sandy On Tuesday, January 30th, 2018

World Steel Association (WSA)

WSA is a non-profit organisation and is one of the largest industry associations in world. Its members represent approximately 85% of the world‘s steel production. It includes over 160 steel producers with 9 of the 10 largest steel companies, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes. It was founded in July 1967 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.

According to recent report published by World Steel Association (WSA), India has overtaken US to become the world‘s third largest steel producer in 2017. India‘s crude steel production has grown by 6.2% to 101.4 million tonnes (MT) in 2017 compared to 95.5 MT in the previous year.

Key Facts

China has remained world leader by producing 831.7 MT in 2017, up 5.7% from 786.9 MT in the year-ago period. Japan is second largest global steel producer and had witnessed negative growth in steel output declined by 0.1% to 104.7 MT in 2017 from 104.8 MT in 2016.

The Global steel production had reached 1,691.2 MT in 2017, up by 5.3% compared to 2016 when output was 1,606.3 MT. Crude steel production increased in all regions in 2017 except in CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), which has remained stable.

Page 105 competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018 Indian economy to grow at 7.4% in 2018: IMFIMF Emerging and developing Asia will grow at around 6.5% over 2018-19, broadly the same pace as in 2017. The US will grow 2.7% and 2.5% in 2018 and 2019, respectively, higher by 0.4 and 0.6% point than earlier estimate.

World Economic Outlook (WEO)

The report contains analysis and projections of integral elements In its latest World Economic Outlook (January 2018 update) of IMF‘s surveillance of economic released by International Monetary Fund (IMF), India is developments and policies in its projected to grow at 7.4% of its gross domestic product (GDP) in member countries and of 2018 as against China‘s 6.8%. developments in global financial markets and economic system. It The projection makes India fastest growing major economy is usually prepared twice a year following slowdown in 2017 due to demonetisation and and is used in meetings of the implementation of goods and services tax (GST). International Monetary and Financial Committee. Key Facts

IMF has projected that global economy is expected to grow 3.9% this year, faster than 3.7% forecast earlier in October 2017. Some 120 economies, accounting for three quarters of world GDP, have seen pickup in growth in year-on-year terms in 2017. It is the broadest synchronised global growth upsurge since 2010.

IMF projected India‘s GDP growth rate at 7.4% in 2018 and 7.8% in 2019. China, during the same period, is expected to grow at 6.8% and 6.4% respectively. The aggregate growth forecast for emerging markets and developing economies for 2018 and 2019 remain unchanged, with marked differences in outlook across regions.

Page 106 competitiveindia.com January-2018 India’s richest 1% corner 73% of wealth generation: Oxfam By sandy On Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018

Survey India‘s top 10% of population holds 73% of the wealth and 37% of India‘s billionaires have inherited family wealth. They control 51% of the total wealth of billionaires in the country. There are only four women billionaires in India and three of them inherited family wealth.

It will take 941 years for minimum wage worker in rural India to earn what top paid executive at a leading Indian According to latest survey released by the international rights garment firm earns in year. group Oxfam, richest 1% in India cornered 73% of the wealth generated in country in 2017. The survey shows worrying The report has urged Indian picture of rising income inequality. government to ensure that country‘s economy works for It was released as part of report titled ‗Reward Work, Not everyone and not just the Wealth‘, revealing how global economy enables wealthy elite to fortunate few. It asked accumulate vast wealth even as hundreds of millions of people government to promote inclusive struggle to survive on poverty pay. growth by encouraging labour- intensive sectors that will create more jobs; effectively Highlights of Report implementing the social protection schemes and investing Globally 82% of wealth generated in 2017 worldwide went to 1%, in agriculture. while 3.7 billion people that account for poorest half of population saw no increase in their wealth. Year 2017 saw unprecedented increase in number of billionaires, at rate of one every two days. Billionaire wealth has risen by average of 13% year since 2010. It was six times faster than the wages of ordinary workers, which have risen by a yearly average of just 2%. Women workers often find themselves at bottom of the heap and nine out of 10 billionaires are men.

In India, 67 crore population comprising the population‘s poorest half saw their wealth rise by just 1%. Wealth of India‘s richest 1% increased by over Rs 20.9 lakh crore, an amount equivalent to total budget of central government in 2017-18.

Page 107 competitiveindia.com January-2018 India ranked 81st on Global Index of Talent By sandy On Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018

Competitiveness Key Facts

Top Countries: Switzerland is followed by Singapore and US. European countries dominate top ranks, with 15 out of the top 25 places. Developed, high-income countries are still the global talent champions while Zurich, Stockholm and India was ranked 81st among 118 countries in 2017 Global Oslo take the top spots in the GTI cities‘ index of talent competitiveness (GTI) list. India has ranking. improved its position from 92nd last year. The index BRICS countries: India‘s ranking was last measures ability of countries to compete for talent i.e. how among the five BRICS countries in 2017. countries grow, attract and retain talent. It is produced by China has moved up to 43rd now, global business school INSEAD in partnership with Adecco Russia to 53rd, South Africa to 63rd and Group and Tata Communications. Brazil to 73rd position. India faces serious risk of worsening brain drain. In terms of formal Education, India ranks 67th and in Lifelong Learning it ranks 37th. In terms of pool of Global Knowledge Skills (63rd) is solid compared with other emerging markets. India also has plenty of room for improvement is in minimising brain drain while achieving brain gain by luring back some of its talented diaspora members as iit ranks 98th in the Attract pillar and in retaining its own talent it ranks 99th.

Page 108 competitiveindia.com January-2018 ONGC to acquire Government’s entire 51.11% stake in By sandy On Monday, January 22nd, 2018

HPCL Background

In 2017-18 Union Budget, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced that state-run oil companies will be merged to create ‗oil major‘. Following this Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCAE) in July 2017 had granted ‗in-principle‘ approval to the strategic sale of HPCL to ONGC. This also included change in management control, but allowed HPCL to retain its brand as subsidiary of the national oil The Union Government and state-run oil explorer ONGC explorer. clinched deal for acquisition of government‘s 51.11% stake in Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPCL) for a consideration of Rs. 36,915 crore. The deal will be closed by Market Share end of January 2018. Earlier empowered panel headed by finance minister Arun Jaitley had approved price bid for During 2016-17, HPCL had turnover acquisition. The all-cash deal will help government boost its of Rs 2,13,489 crore and profit after non-debt capital receipts and meet disinvestment target (Rs tax of Rs 6,502 crore. It markets 72,500 crore). around 35.2 million tonne of petroleum products accounting for Significance market share of about 21%and has around 15,000 fuel retail outlets. ONGC contributes around 70% of Through this acquisition, ONGC is gaining midstream and Indian domestic production of crude downstream presence and access to marketing network. oil and natural gas. This acquisition will make ONGC India’s first vertically integrated oil major, having presence across value chain in sector. The integrated entity will have advantage of having enhanced capacity to bear higher risks, take higher investment decisions and neutralising impact of volatility of global crude prices. As for HPCL, deal will help it in further leveraging synergy at various levels of vertical value chains as part of integrated oil and gas group. It also will enable ONGC to mitigate risk of crude price volatility.

Page 109 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Mauritius was largest source of FDI in India in 2016-2017: RBI By sandy On Saturday, January 20th, 2018

Unlisted companies had higher share of FDI equity capital vis-a- vis listed companies. Further, over 80% of 15,169 companies that reported inward FDI were subsidiaries of foreign companies (single foreign investor holding over 50% of total equity). According to Census on Foreign Liabilities and Assets of Indian Direct Investment Companies 2016-17 released by Reserve Bank The manufacturing sector of India (RBI), Mauritius was largest source of foreign accounted for nearly half of total investment (FDI) in India. FDI at market prices, information and communication The census yields carry comprehensive information on market services (ICTS) and financial and value of foreign liabilities and assets of Indian companies insurance activities were other arising on account of FDI, ODI and other investments. major sectors that attracted FDI. Total sales, including exports, of foreign subsidiaries in India Key Facts increased by 18.7% during 2016- 17 whereas their purchases, Mauritius was largest source of FDI in India (21.8% share at including imports, increased by market value) followed by USA, UK, Singapore and Japan. 20.1%. Singapore (19.7%) was major ODI destination, followed by Netherlands, Mauritius, and US. 18,667 companies had participated in census, of them 17,020 had FDI/overseas direct investment (ODI) in their balance sheets in March 2017. 96% of responding companies were unlisted in March 2017 and most of them had received only inward FDI.

Page 110 competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Monday, January 15th, 2018 IRFC’s green bonds: India INX lists 1st debt security at IFSC

Green Bonds

Bonds basically are debt instruments which help issuer to get capital while the investors receive fixed income in the form of interest. In case of Green Bonds, the issuer gets capital from the investors only if investment (capital) is being raised to fund green projects relating to renewable energy or The India International Exchange (India INX) has listed the emission reductions etc. Indian Railway Finance Corporation‘s (IRFC‘s) green bonds on its debt listing platform-Global Securities Market (GSM). With this, IRFC green bonds became first debt security to be India International Exchange listed on exchange at International Financial Services (India INX) Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat‘s GIFT city. India INX‘s GSM segment is India‘s first debt listing platform. It allows Indai-INX is India s first international raising funds in any currency of choice by both foreign and exchange at IFSC Gujarat International Indian issuers from investors across the globe. Financial Tech (GIFT) City, Gandhinagar. It is wholly-owned Indian Railway Finance Corporation subsidiary of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), through its global bourse. It is one of the world‘s most advanced and IRFC is finance arm of Indian Railway. It raises financial fastest trading technology platforms resources for expansion and running through capital with turn-around time of 4 micro markets and other borrowings. It raises money mainly seconds. It will operate for 22 hours a through financial bonds and from banks and financial day allowing international investors and institutions. In 2017, IRFC had raised $500 million from 10- NRIs to trade from anywhere across year green bond from investors in Asia, Europe and offshore globe. It trades in equity derivatives, US through listing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE). currency derivatives, commodity derivatives including Index and Stocks. It also offers depository receipts and bonds.

Page 111 competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Sunday, January 14th, India’s first-ever FDI in fertiliser sector: Yara acquires Tata Chemicals 2018 urea plant

Norwegian fertiliser giant Yara International has announced completion of its acquisition of Tata Chemicals‘ 1.2 million tonnes per annum production capacity urea plant at Babrala in Uttar Pradesh.

The Rs. 2,682-crore acquisition deal includes transfer of all assets and liabilities (including working capital) relating to Babrala unit. It marks first foreign direct investment (FDI) in India‘s highly regulated urea sector.

Key Facts

The acquisition represents a major step of Yara as it deepens its footprint in India, world‘s second largest fertiliser market after China. Moreover, a greenfield urea-ammonia plant of this size at Babrala will entail a setting up cost of $1 billion.

Yara is headquartered in Oslo, Norway. Current it does annual sales of $35-40 million in India. Much of it comprises premium micronutrients, complex and water-soluble fertilisers used in high- value crops such as banana, grapes, apples, sugarcane, chilli and vegetables grown mainly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.

Page 112 competitiveindia.com January-2018 World Bank Report projects 7.3% growth for India in 2018 By sandy On Thursday, January 11th, 2018

India‘s prospects will further improve with improved labour market reforms, education and health reforms as well as relaxing investment bottleneck. India has favourable demographic profile which is rarely seen in other economies. In this, improving The 2018 Global Economics Prospect (GEP) released by the female labour force participation World Bank has projected India‘s growth rate to 7.3% in 2018 rate is going to be important. and 7.5 for the next two years i.e. 2019 and 2020.

According to report, India, despite initial setbacks from Global Economic Prospects demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax (GST), is estimated to have grown at 6.7% in 2017, higher than 6.5% estimated by GEP is World Bank Group‘s Government. flagship report that examines global economic developments and prospects with special focus Key Highlights of 2018 GEP on developing and emerging market economies. It is issued India has enormous growth potential compared to other twice a year in January and June. emerging economies with implementation of comprehensive The January edition includes in- reforms. In all likelihood, India is going to register higher depth analyses of topical policy growth rate than other major emerging market economies in challenges while June edition next decade. contains shorter analytical pieces.

China grew at 6.8% in 2017, 0.1% more than that of India, while in 2018, its growth rate is projected at 6.4%. In next two years, China‘s growth rate will drop marginally to 6.3 and 6.2%, respectively. In comparison with China, which is slowing, India growth will gradually accelerate.

To materialise its potential, India needed to take steps to boost investment prospects. On productivity side, India has enormous potential with respect to secondary education completion rate. India is also undertaking measures in terms of non- performing loans and productivity.

Page 113 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Forex Reserves scale record high of $409.366 billion By sandy On Saturday, January 6th, 2018 in December 2017 Key Facts

As on 29 December 2017, FCAs which form key component of reserves, rose by $4.42 billion from the previous week to $385.103 billion. FCAs are maintained in major currencies like euro, US dollar, pound sterling, Japanese yen etc. Movement in FCA occur mainly on account of purchase and sale of foreign exchange by RBI, income arising out of deployment of Forex reserves, external aid receipts of government and revaluation of assets. During this period, Gold

reserves remained stable at $20.716 billion. Special drawing rights (SDR) from According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India‘s IMD rose by $8.9 million from the foreign exchange (Forex) reserves have scaled to fresh previous week to $1.511 billion. SDR is an record high of $409.366 billion as on December 29, international reserve asset created by 2017. The surge was due to massive spike in foreign IMF and allocated to its members in currency assets, which is key component of the proportion of their quota at IMF. reserves. The Reserve Position in the IMF rose by $12.1 million to $2.035 billion. Forex Reserves The forex are reserve assets held by a central bank in foreign currencies. It acts as buffer to be used in challenging times and used to back liabilities on their own issued currency as well as to influence monetary policy. Almost all countries in world, regardless of size of their economy, hold significant foreign exchange reserves.

The components of India‘s FOREX Reserves include Foreign currency assets (FCAs), Gold, Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and RBI’s Reserve position with International Monetary Fund (IMF). FCAs constitute largest component of Indian Forex Reserves.

Page 114 competitiveindia.com January-2018 SCIENCE-TECHNOLOGY

NASA interested in India-made thermal spray coating By sandy On Monday, January 29th, 2018 technology Thermal Spray Coating Technology

Thermal spray coating refers to number of processes in which substrate is coated to improve functional performance. It involves the deposition of coatings from stream of high velocity finely divided particles in National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is molten or semi-molten state interested in new India-made thermal spray coating technology impinging onto the substrate. used for gas turbine engine in spacecraft. Many types of coating materials It has been developed by Dr. Satish Tailor, Rajasthan-based can be applied by thermal spray researcher working with Jodhpur-based Metallizing Equipment processes. These coatings can Company (MEC). range in thickness from thousandth of inch up to eighth of inch. Thermal spray coatings are Key Facts used to protect parts from wear, abrasion, corrosion, high The technology is called controlled segmented Yttria-Stabilised temperatures, etc. and also to Zirconia (YSZ)-Plasma sprayed coating technology. It has build dimensions on undersized potential to reduce thermal spray coating cost by almost 50%. It parts. develops vertical cracks (segmentation) in coating, beneficial for gas turbine engine application used in spacecraft.

The new technology has advantage over current, costly techniques such as SPS or EB-PVD deposited coatings. These present technologies develop such cracks through very expensive processes (in several crore) and are not controllable.

Significance

The YSZ thermal barrier coatings produced by atmospheric plasma sprayed (APS) technique has potential of wider industrial and strategic acceptability. It can be industrially adopted to make a strain-tolerant coating more economical.

Page 115 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Rotavac: First India-designed vaccine to pass WHO test By sandy On Friday, January 26th, 2018

Significance

This recognition signifies credible industrial, scientific and regulatory process in place to develop vaccines in India. It paves the way for health and humanitarian organizations such as UNICEF, GAVI and Pan-American Health Organization to procure Rotavac for public health vaccination programmes across the world. Rotavac became first Indigenously developed vaccine from India to be pre-qualified by World Health Organisation (WHO). It means that vaccine can be sold internationally to Rotavirus several countries in South America and Africa. It is a most common causative So far, several vaccines from India have been pre-qualified by agent of moderate-to-severe WHO, but Rotavac is first vaccine entirely developed locally to diarrhoea (MSD) among infants get this status in safety and efficacy. below 11 months age group in India. It spreads from person to person due to bacterial and Rotavac parasiting agents that are primarily transmitted through Rotavac conceived and developed by the Hyderabad-based contaminated food or water. It is Bharat Biotech Limited. It protects against childhood responsible for estimated 36% of diarrhoea caused by the rotavirus. It was developed under the hospitalisations for childhood joint collaboration between India and United States in area of diarrhoea around world and for medical research. estimated 200,000 deaths in low- It was developed under public-private partnership (PPP) and middle-income countries. In model that involved Ministry of Science and Technology, India, diarrhoea caused by institutions of the US Government and NGOs in India rotavirus, kills nearly 80 thousand supported by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. children under age of 5 years and up to 10 lakh hospitalizations each The vaccine was built on strain of the virus isolated at the All year. India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi over 30 years ago. It has been included in India‘s national immunisation programme. The vaccine was tested in field for over a year, have not shown any negative effect.

Page 116 competitiveindia.com January-2018 China launches two BeiDou-3 navigation satellites into By sandy On Saturday, January 13th, 2018 space BeiDou

BeiDou is 2nd generation of Chinese homegrown navigational system seen as rival to US‘s Global Positioning System (GPS). It was named after Chinese term for plough or Big Dipper constellation.

It comprises constellation of total 35 satellites in two separate satellite constellations viz. limited test system (operational since 2000) and full-scale global navigation system which is currently under construction. The first BeiDou satellite was sent into space in 2000. China has successfully launched two BeiDou-3 satellites to provide navigation and positioning services to It became operational in December countries along Belt and Road initiative (BRI) by the end 2011, with constellation of 10 satellites of 2018. providing services in China only. In December 2012, it began offering The two satellites were designated as BeiDou-3 M7 and services to customers in Asia-Pacific BeiDou-3 M8 (26th and 27th satellites) in BeiDou region. On its completion in 2020, it will Navigation Satellite System (BDS). provide services to global customers.

Currently it used for civilian services in Key Facts field of navigation, messaging, transportation and weather forecasting These two satellites were launched on board of Long sectors. It also has military applications. March-3B carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in southwestern province of Sichuan. This was first launch of the BeiDou satellites in 2018. China is plannig to send 18 BeiDou-3 satellites into space in 2018.

These two satellites were based on newly-developed dedicated satellite bus and weigh about 1 metric ton each. Both spacecraft had two deployable solar arrays and are designed to be operational for about 12 years. These newly-launched satellites represent third phase of BDS system (BeiDou-3). The first BeiDou-3 satellite was launched in March of 2015

Page 117 competitiveindia.com January-2018 JioCoin: Reliance Jio planning to launch its By sandy On Friday, January 12th, 2018 The most popular application of technology so far own cryptocurrency has been cryptocurrency. But it is not limited to, financial transactions and can be also used in smart contracts, supply chain management logistics, sharing economy, crowdfunding, governance, file storage and date management and IoT.

Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd is planning to create its own cyptocurrency, JioCoin. The Jiocoin project is being led by Mukesh Ambani‘s elder son Akash Ambani.

Under it, Reliance Jio is planning to build a 50-member team of young professionals to work on blockchain technology, which can also be used for multiple applications and develop various blockchain products. Reliance Jio is also aspiring to get into Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technology will come in handy there.

Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is decentralized incorruptible digital ledger for storing data across a peer- to-peer network. It decentralizes information without it being copied. Information is held on blockchain through shared database which can be accessed on real-time basis. This database is not stored on physical servers but on cloud, which makes it easy to store unlimited data.

Blockchain technology is not controlled by any single entity and has no single point of failure. It is transparent and incorruptible. It Internet of Things (IoT) is kind of self-auditing ecosystem of digital value and blockchain network automatically IoT is a network of devices such as smartphones, checks every transaction that happens in it. wearable devices, home appliances and vehicles, connected to internet, which enables these objects to connect and exchange data. Blockchain technology has potential to address security risks to IoT as it provides a shield against data tampering by labelling each block of data.

Page 118 competitiveindia.com January-2018 SpaceX launches secretive Zuma mission By sandy On Tuesday, January 9th, 2018

SpaceX has developed the Falcon 1 and Falcon 9 launch vehicles, both designed to be reusable, thus reducing the cost of lauch. It also has developed Dragon spacecraft to supply cargo to ISS. It is also developing manned version of Dragon.

In 2008, SpaceX had created history by launching first privately funded, liquid-propellant rocket Falcon 1 to reach orbit in 2008. It also became California-based Private spaceflight company SpaceX has first privately funded company to launched secret Zuma Mission for US government. It was successfully launch, orbit and launched on board of SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Cape recover spacecraft (Dragon) in 2010. Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, US. It was also first private company to send a spacecraft to ISS, in 2012.

Zuma Mission It is a secret mission in its nature or purpose and the agency behind it remains a mystery. It has been manufactured by Northrup Grumman, Virginia-based aerospace and defence company. It was delivered to low-Earth orbit (LEO).

SpaceX

SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies Corporation) is aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company headquartered in California, US. It was founded in 2002 by Internet tycoon Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors and former PayPal entrepreneur with the goal of creating the technologies to reduce space transportation costs and enable colonization of Mars.

Page 119 competitiveindia.com January-2018 NASA to launch two missions — GOLD and ICON to explore By sandy On Friday, January 5th, 2018 the ionosphere One of missions‘ goals is to measure how upper atmosphere changes in response to hurricanes and geomagnetic storms. GOLD will also explore how upper atmosphere reacts to geomagnetic storms, which are temporary disturbances of Earth‘s magnetic field caused by solar activity.

At night, GOLD will examine disruptions in ionosphere, which are mainly dense, unpredictable bubbles of charged gas that appear over equator and tropics, sometimes interfere with radio communications. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) will launch two missions — GOLD and ICON later this year. Ionosphere They will team up to explore the ionosphere, located 96 km above Earth‘s surface. The ionosphere is located between The Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) 60 and 400 km above the mission will be launched in January 2018 and Ionospheric mesopause. It contains electrically Connection Explorer (ICON) will be launched later this year. charged particles known as ions, and hence, it is known as ionosphere. Radio waves Key Facts transmitted from the earth are reflected back to the earth by this The two missions will be complementary to each other. ICON layer and is used for radio will launched in low-Earth orbit (LEO) located at 560 km above propagation to distant places on the Earth, like a close-up camera. GOLD will be launched in Earth. In this layer temperature geostationary orbit over Western Hemisphere, about 35,398 km starts increasing with height. above earth. It will help in full-disk view of ionosphere and upper atmosphere beneath it every half hour.

The two missions can cooperate with each other when ICON passes through GOLD‘s field of view and each mission can get snapshot of same region. This overlap in their data will make it easier to identify reasons for changes in upper atmosphere at a given time.

Page 120 competitiveindia.com January-2018 ENVIRONMENT

India Ranked 177 in Environmental Performance By sandy On Wednesday, January 24th, 2018 Air Quality (household solid fuels and Index (EPI) PM2.5 exposure) 1. Water & Sanitation 2. Heavy Metals (lead exposure) 3. Biodiversity & Habitat 4. Forests (tree cover loss) 5. Fisheries 6. Climate & Energy (CO2, Methane and Black Carbon Emissions) 7. Air Pollution (SO2 and NOx emission) 8. Water resources (wastewater treatment)  Agriculture (sustainable practice) The above 10 environmental issue categories are then divided into two policy objectives viz. Environment health and Ecosystem Vitality. The overall EPI is based on a India has been ranked 177 among 180 countries in the country‘s performance in these 10 issue Environmental Performance Index (EPI) – 2018. This categories and two policy objectives. High index has been developed by Yale University and rank in the EPI shows long-standing Columbia University in collaboration with the World commitments to protecting public health, Economic Forum and the Joint Research Centre of the preserving natural resources and European Commission. This report has been released decoupling greenhouse gas (GHG) on 23 January, 2018 on the sidelines of World Economic emissions from economic activity. Forum meet in Davos. The 2018 Report Key Notes About India Top and Bottom Five Countries in 2018 EPI  The report has ranked India as fourth  Top 5 countries are Switzerland, France, Denmark, worst country worldwide in curbing Malta and Sweden environmental pollution. India has  To bottom countries are Nepal, India, Congo, slipped from 141st position in 2016 Bangladesh, Burundi report.  The low rank of emerging economies including China (120) and India (177) About the Index indicates strain population pressures and rapid economic growth impose on the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is calculated environment. on the basis of data gathered from 24 individual metrics  As per the report, substantial populations of environmental performance. These 24 individual still suffer from poor air quality, most metrics are then aggregated into a hierarchy that begins notably in India, China, and Pakistan with 10 major environmental issues categories. (169). Report also notes that the low scores on the EPI are indicative of the need for national sustainability efforts on a number of fronts, especially cleaning up air quality, protecting biodiversity and reducing GHG (green house gas) emissions.

Page 121 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Elcysma Ziroensis: New moth species discovered in By sandy On Monday, January 15th, 2018

Arunachal Pradesh Talley Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

It is a wildlife sanctuary as well as a bio-diversity hotspot located in Arunachal Pradesh. It is situated at altitude of 2400 metres with rivers like Pange, Sipu, Karing and Subansiri flowing through the Reserved Forest and Sanctuary. Talley is plateau with dense forest of silver fir trees, pine clad plateau of beautiful grandeur, and vast wasteland. It mainly comprises sub-tropical and alpine forests and has variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endangered. It is home to Researchers from Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) highly endangered species like have discovered a new species of moth, scientifically named clouded leopard. Pleioblastus Elcysma Ziroensis from Talley Wildlife Sanctuary in simone is a bamboo variety only Arunachal Pradesh. found in Talley Valley. Arunachal Pradesh as a whole contains 40% The discovery was published in the Journal of Threatened of the floral and faunal species in Taxa, an international journal on conservation and India. taxonomy.

Key Facts

Elcysma Ziroensis is commonly called Apatani Glory, named after a local tribe called Apatani. It was discovered at an elevation of 1,700m in Ziro. This discovery represents the first record of Elcysma from Arunachal Pradesh.

This species has only been seen during autumn, notably in month of September. This indicates that it is univoltine species, meaning it has one brood of young in a year.

Page 122 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Environment Ministry refuses captive breeding of Chiru By sandy On Saturday, January 13th, 2018 Chiru inhabits high-altitude Tibetan plateau and requires large expanse of land for its movement and ranging patterns to fulfil its feeding and breeding requirements. Rearing it in captivity is extremely difficult. Besides, any attempt to do conservation breeding at very high altitude regions of Ladakh may not be economical or feasible as humans The Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate cannot be posted there continuously Change (MoEFCC) has refused to allow captive breeding of for more than 2-3 months. Moreover Chiru (Tibetan antelope), whose underfur is used for making Chinese also have failed to keep Chiru famous shahtoosh shawls. in captivity due to its poor survival rates. The suggestion for captive breeding was made by Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science & Technology, Environment & Forests asking to consider captive breeding Chiru (Tibetan antelope) as it will add to livelihood of people of Kashmir. Its Scientific name is Pantholops hodgsonii. This antelope is Shahtoosh shawls considered to be close to goat family. It lives at a 3,250-5,500 metre Chiru for long time have been hunted for their underfur, elevation in high altitude plains and which is renowned for its quality which is traditionally woven montane valleys comprising of alpine into an extremely fine fabric to make Shahtoosh shawls. It and desert steppe and pasture, takes three to five hides to make a single shawl. Moreover, distinguished by low vegetation cover the wool cannot be sheared or combed and to collect the fur, and productivity. Predators such as the animals have to be killed. At present, Shahtoosh shawls‘ wolf, lynx, snow leopard, and red fox sale and possession is banned in India and in many countries. are predators of chirus and their young calves. Protection Status: „Near Threatened‘ in Parliament panel view IUCN Red List. It has been enlisted in Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act, The Parliament panel was of view that MoEFCC should 1972. To enhance its protection, its conserve and breed Chiru goat, which can then be given to prime habitats have been declared as shawl makers for collecting hair. This would increase Wildlife Sanctuaries viz. Karakorma number of these goats but would also add to sustainable Wildlife Sanctuary and Changthang livelihood opportunities of people of Kashmir, who are lot Cold Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. dependant on the handicraft of embroidered shawls. It also cited that China and Mongolia are breeding Chiru goats for its wool, which is very expensive. The cost of an embroidered shahtoosh shawl can run into crores of rupees.

MoEFCC Argument

Chiru is assessed as ‗Near Threatened‘ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2017. Their current low population can only be maintained with continued high levels of protection in its natural. Any relaxation in protection regime of animal will lead to rapid population decline due to commercial poaching.

Page 123 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Flamingo festival held at Pulicat lake in Andhra Pradesh By sandy On Monday, January 8th, 2018

Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is one of the biggest habitats for some hundreds of pelicans and other birds. It is located about 20 km north of the Pulicat Lake on the Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border. This sanctuary spread in an area about 459 hectares and plays important role in nesting of various birds especially migratory birds. Every year during winter season from October to March, different species of migratory birds, roosting migrants and some rare and endangered The three-day annual Flamingo Festival was held at Pulicat species from various parts of the world lake and Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary in Sullurpet mandal. visit the habitat. Flamingo Festival is held every year to promote tourism in Pulicat and Nellapattu. Pulicat lake

Key Facts Pulicat Lake is the second largest brackish water lake or lagoon in India after Chilika Flamingo Festival is being organised for the past 12 years. Lake. It is located on border of Andhra Migratory birds from Siberia have visit this place during Pradesh and Tamil Nadu with over 96% of winter season for breeding. Somewhere between 9,000 to it in Andhra Pradesh and 4% in Tamil 12,000 migratory birds arrive at Pulicat region for Nadu situated on Coromandal Coast in breeding this season. South India. The lake encompasses Pulicat Lake Bird Sanctuary. The barrier island of Usually around 80 different avian species migrate to Sriharikota separates the lake from the Pulicat for breeding. They hunt in shallow waters of lake Bay of Bengal and is home to Satish and breed there. Once the breeding season concludes, they Dhawan Space Centre. Arani and Kalangi fly away to their native land with their offspring in tow. are two rivers which feed the lagoon. The Buckingham Canal, a navigation channel, Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is part of the lagoon on its western side.

Page 124 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Scientists discover four new balsam species in Arunachal By sandy On Thursday, January 4th, 2018 Pradesh

Balsams

Balsams are commonly known as jewel weeds because of diverse colour of their flowers. They are distributed throughout the Eastern Himalayas and the Western Ghats, Sri Lanka, South East Asia, Africa and Madagascar. Their genus is called Impatiens, signifying impatient nature of their fruits which explode when touched. India is home to more than 230 balsam species.

Scientists have discovered four new balsam species from various locations in Eastern Himalayas in northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. They are Impatiens haridasanii, Impatiens pseudocitrina, Impatiens nilalohitae and Impatiens roingensis. Infrastructure project like road widening works, deforestation and other development activities are posing a threat to the natural habitat of the new species.

Key Facts

Impatiens haridasanii: It was discovered in Pongchan. The species is characterised by small yellow flowers and hairy leaves. It has been named after Haridasan, former scientist, State Forest Research Institute, Arunachal Pradesh, for his contribution to the taxonomy of the north-eastern States. Impatiens pseudocitrina: It was discovered in Anjaw district. It sports bright yellow flowers with small red spots on the throat and has long spur at the back. Its name denotes similarities with I. citrina. Impatiens nilalohitae: It was discovered from the Lower Dibang valley. It grows to height of more than one metre and has dark purple flowers with pale yellow throat and green stalk. Its name denotes dark purple colour in Sanskrit. Impatiens roingensis: It was found growing in Roing and Upper Siang. It has clustered white flowers with yellow patch on the mouth and hooked spur.

Page 125 competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018 Schistura Larketensis: New species of blind fish discovered inside Meghalaya cave Significance

Though there are about 200 known species of similar kind of fish inhabiting streams and rivers throughout Indochina and Southeast Asia, this is first such discovery of blind fish. The new fish species can be immediately distinguished from all other species of Schistura (excluding Schistura papulifera for its vestigial subcutaneous eyes appearing as black spots). The high level of siltation, pollution and acidification in Jaintia Hills due to coal mining and cement plants is threatening local cave biodiversity.

Scientists have discovered a new species of blind fish named Schistura larketensis inside a cave in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya. The fish has been named after Larket village, where the cave has been found to encourage local people to take up biodiversity conservation.

Key Facts

Schistura larketensis has lost its sight during its living evolution in perpetual darkness inside the cave. It has also lost its pigments too while adapting to its habitat in the dark waters.The orbital diameter of fish decreases gradually as its matures with eyes completely absent in older individuals. Small and faintly blackish spot-like depressions are seen in place of eyes, indicating evolutionary and morphological adaptations.

Background

Researchers had discovered the new blind fish in cave during an expedition several years ago. The cave is about 880 meters above sea level and over 7 km in length. The new fish sample was collected from small stagnant pools which are of few square meters in area and about 1-2 metres in depth. These pools are about 1600 feet high from main entrance of cave. The pool bed is mostly sandy with pebbles.

Page 126 competitiveindia.com January-2018 BILLS-ACTS

Government notifies the Companies By sandy On Monday, January 8th, 2018

(Amendment) Act, 2017 Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 required approval of the company in a general meeting for payment of managerial remuneration in excess of 11 percent of the net profits. The Amendment Act now requires that where a company has defaulted in payment of dues to any bank or public financial institution or non-convertible debenture holders or any other secured creditor, the prior approval of the bank or public financial institution concerned or the non-convertible debenture holders or other secured creditor, as the case The Central Government notified the Companies may be, for such payment of managerial (Amendment) Act, 2017 (Amendment Act) on remuneration shall be obtained by the company 3rd January, 2018. The provisions of this before obtaining the approval in the general Amendment Act shall come into force on the date meeting. or dates as the Central Government may appoint by notification(s) in the Official Gazette. A few provisions in the Amendment Act have important bearing on the working of the Insolvency and Section 247 of the Companies Act, 2013 Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Code). prohibited a registered valuer from Section 53 of the Companies Act, 2013 prohibited undertaking valuation of any assets in which he issuance of shares at a discount. The Amendment has a direct or indirect interest or becomes so Act now allows companies to issue shares at a interested at any time during or after the discount to its creditors when its debt is converted valuation of assets. The Amendment Act now into shares in pursuance of any statutory prohibits a registered valuer from undertaking resolution plan such as resolution plan under the valuation of any asset in which he has direct or Code or debt restructuring scheme. indirect interest or becomes so interested at any time during three years prior to his appointment as valuer or three years after valuation of assets was conducted by him.

The Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017 is available www.ibbi.gov.in and www.mca.gov.in.

Page 127 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Parliament passes Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code By sandy On Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018 Amendment Bill, 2017 Key Features of Bill

The bill redefines resolution applicant mentioned in code as person who submits resolution plan after receiving invite by insolvency professional to do so. It amends provision related to eligibility in IBC to state that insolvency professional will only invite those resolution applicants to submit plan, who fulfil Parliament has passed Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code certain criteria laid down by him with (Amendment) Bill, 2017 after it was passed by both the approval of committee of creditors houses. The Bill amends Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and other conditions which may be (IBC), 2016, and replaces Ordinance promulgated in specified by Insolvency and November 2017 to pave way for tightening loopholes in Bankruptcy Board. existing code and make resolution process more effective. It prohibits certain persons from submitting resolution plan in case of Background defaults. These include: (i) wilful defaulters, (ii) promoters or The IBC was enacted by the Parliament in 2016 to find time- management of the company if it has bound resolution for ailing and sick firms, either through outstanding non-performing debt for closure or revival, while protecting interests of creditors. over year and (iii) disqualified Successful completion of resolution process is expected to aid directors, among others. in reducing rising bad loans (NPA-non Performing assets) in the banking system. The bill bars the sale of property of a defaulter to such persons who is ineligible to be a resolution applicant during liquidation. It inserts provision to specify that person contravening any provisions of IBC, for which no penalty has been specified, will be punishable with fine ranging between Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 crore.

Page 128 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Parliament passes NABARD (Amendment) Bill, 2017 By sandy On Tuesday, January 2nd, 2018

The Bill provides that Union Government alone must hold at least 51% capital share of NABARD. Further, it transfers share capital held by RBI valued at Rs. 20 crore to Union Government. Currently RBI holds 0.4% of paid-up capital of NABARD and remaining 99.6% is Parliament has passed the National Bank for Agriculture and held by Union government and this Rural Development (Amendment) Bill, 2017 with the causes conflict in RBI‘s role as approval of Rajya Sabha. Lok Sabha already had passed the banking regulator and shareholder in bill in August 2017. NABARD.

The Bill seeks to amend National Bank for Agriculture and The Bill replaces terms ‗small-scale Rural Development (NABARD) Act, 1981. The Act establishes industry‘ and ‗industry in tiny and NABARD for providing and regulating facilities like credit for decentralised sector‘ with terms agricultural and industrial development in the rural areas. ‗micro enterprise‘, ‗small enterprise‘ and ‗medium enterprise‘ as defined Key Features of the Bill in MSME Development Act, 2006. Further, it allows NABARD to provide financial assistance to banks if they The Bill allows Union Government to increase capital of provide loans to the MSMEs. NABARD from Rs. 5000 crore to Rs 30,000 crore. Further, it allows Union Government to increase the capital more than The Bill substitutes references to Rs 30,000 crore in consultation with the Reserve Bank of provisions of the Companies Act, India (RBI), if necessary. 1956 with references to the Companies Act, 2013. It includes provisions dealing with definition of a government company and qualifications of auditors.

REPORTS-NO POSTS

RESIGNATIONS-NO POSTS

Page 129 competitiveindia.com January-2018 DEFENCE

VINBAX: Indian, Vietnam hold first military exercise in Jabalpur By sandy On Monday, January 29th, 2018

Background

Defence ties between India and Vietnam have been on an upswing with the primary focus being cooperation in the maritime domain. Both countries had signed a protocol The India-Vietnam Bilateral Army Exercise (VINBAX-2018) was on defence cooperation in 1994. conducted at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh. It is the first military The partnership was thereafter exercise between the two countries. The six day-long military elevated to strategic level in exercise (from January 29 to February 3, 2018) was conducted as 2007 and pact on boosting part of joint training undertaken with friendly foreign countries by bilateral defence cooperation Indian Army. was signed in 2009. The strategic partnership was elevated to a comprehensive Key Facts strategic partnership in September 2016. VINBAX-2018 was Table Top Exercise to carry out training for Peace Keeping Operations under United Nations (UN) mandate. It was jointly undertaken between 15 officers each from Indian Army and Vietnam People‘s Army. The joint exercise was especially designed to enable and train officers from Vietnam in United Nations Peace Keeping Operations. The joint exercise was of mutual interaction and shared experiences amongst both armies. It also further strengthened cultural and historical ties between both nations and took bilateral relations forward to greater heights.

Page 130 competitiveindia.com January-2018 IAF Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala posthumously conferred with By sandy On Friday, January 26th, 2018 Ashok Chakra On November 18, 2017, the Rashtriya Rifles-Garud team, acting on intelligence inputs, surrounded house in Chandragarh village in Hajin in J&K, when they came under heavy fire from terrorists holed up inside. Nirala, armed with light machine gun (LMG) had displayed conspicuous bravery in confronting terrorists and killing two to three of them despite himself being hit by bullets. The gunfight resulted in the killing of six terrorists. Corporal Nirala had exhibited most conspicuous gallantry President Ram Nath Kovind awarded India‘s highest peacetime in fighting with terrorists and made military decoration Ashok Chakra (31) posthumously to Indian Air Force (IAF) Garud commando Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala. supreme sacrifice. He had laid down his life after gunning down two terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. He is the third Ashok Chakra for the IAF Ashoka Chakra and its first for ground combat. Other two IAF officers are Rakesh Sharma (first and still only Indian citizen to go to space) and It is India‟s highest peacetime military Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon posthumously decorated decoration awarded for valor, with the Param Vir Chakra in 1972. courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the battlefield It is the Corporal Jyoti Prakash Nirala peace time equivalent of the Param Vir Chakra and is awarded for the most conspicuous bravery or some He had joined the IAF in 2005 and was ‗Corporal‘ when he was martyred. He was part of small Garud commando batch attached daring or pre-eminent valour or self- sacrifice other than in the face of the to Indian Army‘s specialized counter-insurgency force, Rashtriya enemy. Rifles under the aegis of ‗Op Rakshak‘ in J&K, when he was martyred.

Page 131 competitiveindia.com January-2018 OPV Vijaya: Indian Coast Guard patrol vessel launched By sandy On Monday, January 22nd, 2018

Its navigation and communication system are capable of operating in tropical conditions. It also has capacity to carry one integral twin engine helicopter which will further enhance operational, surveillance, search and rescue capability. It will be manned by 102 crew, including 14 officers.

Background

The Defence Ministry as part of rapid expansion of Indian Coast The second indigenously built offshore patrol vessel (OPV) Guard to strengthen maritime named Vijaya built by Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Shipyard for security mechanism had signed Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was launched at Kattupalli Rs 1,432 crore contract with L&T Shipyard, Tamil Nadu. It is expected to be inducted into Shipyard at Kattupalli to service by September 2018 after trials on the equipment. indigenously design and build seven OPVs. The first OPV named Vikarm as part of the OPV Vijaya deal was launched in October 2017. It was country‘s first-ever The OPV is 98 metre long and 14.8 metres wide with gross such defence craft to be built in tonnage of 2,100 tonnes. It has endurance of 5,000 nautical private shipyard. It will be miles with cruising speed of 12-14 knots which can be inducted into service by March increased to 26 knots. The ship is fitted with two units of 2018 after completing necessary diesel driven engines of 9,000 kw each with low fuel trials on fitted equipment and consumption. machineries. It is equipped with state-of art radar, navigational and communication system. It will be utilised for day and night patrol and surveillance, anti-terrorist, anti-smuggling operations and coastal security. It is fitted with 30 mm automatic gun with Fire Control System (FCS) and two units of 12.7 mm gun with FCS.

Page 132 competitiveindia.com January-2018 DAC clears procurements of assault rifles and By sandy On Wednesday, January 17th, 2018 carbines The revised procedure will make the procedure industry friendly, with minimal government control. It will now allow Defence Ministry to accept suo motu proposals from industry and also allow start-ups to develop equipment for armed forces.

The minimum qualification criteria to The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by participate in ‗Make II‘ projects also was Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has relaxed by removing conditions related to cleared procurement proposal of 72,400 assault credit rating and reducing financial net rifles and 93,895 carbines on fast track basis for Rs worth criteria. Now all vendors meeting 3,547 crore. criteria will be allowed to participate in prototype development process instead of DAC also simplified ‗Make II‘ procedure which only two vendors earlier. In addition there prescribes guidelines to be followed to develop and will be no need to submit detailed project manufacture defence equipment through Indian report. Industry. After accord of approval by DAC, all clearances will be accorded by Service Procurement of assault rifles Head-Quarters (SHQ) which will also set up project facilitation teams to hand-hold the The procurement of assault rifles aims enable the industry. Defence Forces to meet their immediate requirement for troops deployed on borders. They will be processed under government-to-government route to conclude deals at the earliest. Army had decided to go for two different rifles — import a high-tech rifle in small numbers for infantry soldiers on front lines and procure the indigenous rifle in large numbers to meet balance requirement.

Make II procedure

The simplification of Make II procedure aims encourage participation of private sector in defence design and production and give boost to ‗Make in India‘ programme in Defence Sector. Make II procedure prescribes guidelines to develop and manufacture defence equipment through Indian industry.

Page 133 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Vajra Prahar: Indo-US joint military exercise to be held in By sandy On Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 Seattle Share best practices between two armies.

 Develop joint strategies by sharing expertise of conducting operations in a counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism environment.  Capitalise on rich repository of experiences of each other armies. The Indo-US joint military exercise ‗Vajra Prahar‘ will be held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Seattle in third week of January in line with the increasing military cooperation Background between both countries. ‗Vajra Prahar‘ is Indo-US Special In this edition of bilateral exercise, Indian Army team from Forces joint training exercise the Pune-headquartered Southern Command will participate. conducted alternately in India and The exercise will mainly focus on special operations in urban the US started in 2010. It is areas. conducted annually, but there was a gap of three years between 2012 and Key Facts 2015. The last edition was held in Jodhpur in March 2017. The aim of the Vajra Prahar exercise is to promote military relations between two countries by enhancing interoperability and mutual exchange of tactics between Special Forces. Its objectives are to

Rizhao: China commissions new missile frigate By sandy On Sunday, January 14th, 2018

Rizhao

The Rizhao missile frigate is 140 metres long and 16 metres wide. It was designed and made in China. It has a displacement of nearly 4,000 tonnes. It is equipped with advanced weapons systems and has ability to attack enemy ships and submarines on its own or in coordination with other naval forces. It was launched in April 2017. Frigates are naval vessels China‘s People‘s Liberation Army Navy has commissioned intermediate between corvettes and Rizhao, a new missile frigate, in a naval port in Dalian, China. destroyers. It is China‘s indigenous missile frigate named after Rizhao city in Shandong Province of China.

Page 134 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Indian Navy decommissions INS Nirbhik and INS Nirghat By sandy On Saturday, January 13th, 2018 warships Key Facts

INS Nirbhik and INS Nirghat in their new avatars were commissioned at Poti in erstwhile USSR (now in Russia) in December 1987 and December 1989 respectively. These ships belonged to Killer squadron and were forward deployed off Gujarat on numerous occasions for patrolling

Indian Navy has decommissioned INS Nirbhik and INS Nirghat warships at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai (Maharashtra), after a glorious 30 and 28 years respectively in the service of They had four gas turbine engines the nation. that enabled them to achieve fast speeds close to 40 Knots. Their During their glorious service over almost three decades, weapon package included four these ships had participated in numerous operations Surface to Surface missile, medium including Operations Parakram and Vijay. range AK 176 gun and close range AK 630 in addition to small calibre guns packs a lethal punch. These ships were manned by a crew of 70 sailors and seven officers.

These ships were inheritors of proud legacy as their original avatars were flag bearers of naval offensive action on Karachi Harbour during India- Pakistan war in 1971.

Page 135 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Defence Ministry clears Rs.2420 Crore worth contracts for By sandy On Friday, January 5th, 2018 Navy, Army P-8I Training Solution

The P-8I Training Solution will be brought from Boeing for Rs.1949.32 crore. It will be brought along with 10-year comprehensive maintenance service. This training solution accurately simulates P-8I aircraft and mission systems. It will help Indian Navy realistically train and rehearse for sophisticated missions involving P-8I aircraft, at fraction of the cost of live aircraft training.

The P-8I aircraft manufactured by The Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) has approved Boeing is equipped for long range procurement of P-8I Training Solution for Indian Navy and anti-submarine warfare, anti- Low Intensity Conflict Electronic Warfare System (LICEWS) surface warfare, surveillance, for Indian Army at total cost of Rs 2419.32 crore. intelligence and reconnaissance in support of broad area, maritime and These contract proposals were earlier cleared by Defence littoral operations. Its Acquisition Council (DAC) and now final approval has now communication and sensor suite been given by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. includes indigenous equipment developed by defence PSUs and private manufacturers. It is capable Low Intensity Conflict Electronic Warfare System of instant punitive response and (LICEWS) maintaining watch over India‘s immediate and extended areas of This system will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited interest. for Rs. 470 crore. It will equip Indian Army with upgraded communications infrastructure that will help forces to The first P-8I aircraft was inducted effectively deal with advanced communications systems being in Indian Navy in 2013. As of date, 8 used by terrorist groups. aircraft based at INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu have been fully integrated into Indian Naval operations. In 2016, MoD placed follow-on order for 4 additional P-8I and their delivery will begin in 2020.

Page 136 competitiveindia.com January-2018 China develops underwater surveillance networks in Indian By sandy On Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018 Ocean, South China Sea Underwater surveillance network

The network is underwater surveillance system based on network of platforms — buoys, satellites, surface vessels and underwater gliders — that gather data from Western Pacific, South China Sea and Indian Oceans. The system works by gathering information about underwater environment, particularly water China has successfully developed new underwater temperature and salinity, which navy surveillance network to help its submarines get stronger lock can then use to more accurately track on targets while protecting nation‘s interests along maritime target vessels as well as improve Silk Road, which also includes Indian Ocean. The project is navigation and positioning. The new part of unprecedented military expansion fuelled by China‘s surveillance system will enable desire to challenge United States in world‘s oceans. Chinese submarines to steer a much safer course through difficult waters as well as improving their targeting ability.

Page 137 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Defence Ministry gives final nod for Barak missiles, PGM By sandy On Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018 bombs

Precision-guided munitions (PGM)

The 240 KAB-1500 PGMs will be procured from Rosoboron export of Russia at a cost of Rs.1,254 crore. PGM is variant of the KAB PGMs. It has been in service of IAF and has been employed by Su-30 fighter jets. Due to the value of the contract, the approval of Defence Ministry was required,‖ a defence official said. This procurement will address the deficiency of Precision Guided Munitions in IAF arsenal and also enhance offensive capabilities of the The Defence Ministry has given its final approvals for the IAF. procurement of 131 Barak missiles for Indian Navy and 240 precision-guided munitions (PGM) for Indian Air Force (IAF) together estimated at Rs.1,714 crore. The proposals were Barak surface-to-air missiles cleared by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. It is a (SAM) regular procurement through the revenue expenditure. 131 Barak surface-to-air missiles (SAM) and associated equipment will be bought from Israel‘s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd for Rs.460 crore. They will be installed on all frontline warships of the Indian Navy. These are SAM designed to be used as a ship-borne anti-missile defence system.

Page 138 competitiveindia.com January-2018 SPORTS

PM Narendra Modi launches Khelo India School Games By sandy On Wednesday, January 31st, 2018

Khelo India Programme The Khelo India programme was introduced by Ministry of Sports and Youth affairs to revive sports culture in India at grass-root level. Its objective is to build strong framework for all sports played in our country and establish India as great sporting nation. It is expected to help scout young talent from schools in various disciplines and groom them as future sports champions. Talented players will be identified under it in priority sports disciplines at various levels Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the inaugural of first by High-Powered Committed and edition Khelo India School Games (KISG) open at the Indira each will be provided annual Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh for 8 years. Key Facts The first KISG were held under the Khelo India Programme to highlight India‘s young sporting talent and showcase India’s sports potential. It was held across 16 disciplines in Under-17 age category. 5,000 school children from 29 states and seven union territories participated in mega sporting event held from January 31 to February 8, 2018. Total of 199 gold medals, 199 silver medals and 275 bronze medals were awarded at first KISG.

Page 139 competitiveindia.com January-2018 Australian Open 2018: Roger Federer wins Men’s By sandy On Monday, January 29th, 2018 Singles title Other Category Winners

 Women‟s Singles: Caroline Wozniacki (Denmark) won women‘s Singles title in 2018 Australian Open by defeating Simona Halep (Romania) by 7–6(7–2), 3–6, 6–4 score.  Men‟s Doubles: Oliver Marach (Austria) and Mate Pavić (Croatia) pair won the title by defeating Juan Colombian pair of Sebastián Cabal and Robert Farah by 6–4, 6–4 score.  Women‟s Doubles: Tímea Babos (Hungary) Swiss tennis player Roger Federer (World No. 2) has and Kristina Mladenovic (France) pair retained his Men‘s Singles title by winning 2018 won the title by defeating Russian pair of Australian Open. In the summit clash played at Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina by Melbourne, he defeated Croatia‘s Marin Cilic (World 6–4, 6–3 score. no. 6) in five sets 6-2, 6-7, 6-3, 3-6, 6-1. It was Federer‘s  Mixed Doubles: Gabriela Dabrowski sixth Australian Open Crown (earlier won in 2004, (Canada) and Mate Pavić (Croatia) pair 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2017) and overall 20th Grand won the title by defeating Tímea Babos Slam singles titles. With this, he joins elite group of (Hungary) and Rohan Bopanna (India) by Margaret Court, Serena Williams and Steffi Graf who 2–6, 6–4, [11–9] score. have won 20 or more Grand Slam singles titles.

Page 140 competitiveindia.com January-2018 By sandy On Monday, January 1st, 2018

Vidarbha wins 2017 Ranji Trophy tournament Ranji Trophy

Ranji Trophy is a domestic first-class cricket championship played in India between teams representing regional cricket associations. The trophy is named after England and Sussex cricketer Kumar Shri Ranjitsinhji and was first played in 1934. At Vidarbha cricket team won 2017 Ranji Trophy tournament. It present, the championship is played is Vidarbha‘s first Ranji Trophy title. In the final match held between 27 teams which include 21 at Holkar stadium in Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Vidarbha states (of 29 Indian states) and Delhi thumped 9-wicket win over Delhi. (UT). The format of Ranji Trophy is Round-robin then knockout. After conceding 252-run first innings lead, Delhi was bowled Mumbai has won Ranji title for out for 280 in their second innings, setting a target of merely record 41 times (10 of them being 29 runs for Vidarbha. Vidarbha lost only one wicket and took won with innings wins) after playing only five overs to chase down the target. in record 45 finals.

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