DAILY UPDATED CURRENT AFFAIRS – 01.02.2018 TO 04.02.2018

NATIONAL India joins Ashgabat agreement • India has joined Ashgabat Agreement which envisages facilitation of transit and transportation of goods between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf to significantly boost up trade and investment. • Ashgabat Agreement aims at establishment of International Transport and Transit Corridor between the Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It was signed in April 2011 and is named after capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat. • It establishes international transport and transit corridor between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf countries. Pakistan is also its member since October 2016. PAN mandatory for entities in transaction over Rs 2.5 lakh • The government has made Permanent Account Number (PAN) mandatory for any entity conducting financial transactions of Rs 2.5 lakh or more with effect from April 1. • The 10-digit Permanent Account Number (PAN) would be used as Unique Entity Number for non-individuals, said the memorandum to the Finance Bill 2018. Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)- Chairman Sushil Chandra • It is proposed that every person, not being an individual(like director, partner, trustee, CEO, founder etc)which enters into a financial transaction of an amount aggregating to Rs 2.50 lakh or more in a financial year shall be required to apply to the Assessing Officer for allotment of PAN. • PAN is mandatory when filing Income Tax returns, tax deduction at source and bank deposits above Rs. 50,000. Centre sanctions Rs 1,500 cr for organic farming in Uttarakhand • The Centre has sanctioned Rs 1,500 crore for three years to promote organic farming in Uttarakhand. • Recently Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, Jai Ram Thakur launched Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) project to promote organic farming. • NOTE: In union budget 2018-19 , Rs. 200 crore allotted for organic farming sector Government to launch KUSUM scheme to encourage farmers for solar farming • The Union Government has announced Rs.1.4 lakh-crore Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahaabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme for promoting solar farming i.e. decentralised solar power production of up to 28,250 MW to help farmers. • The Union Budget 2018-19 has allocated Rs. 48,000 crore for the scheme for the ten-year period. • KUSUM scheme will start with building 10,000 MW solar plants on barren lands and providing 1.75 million off- grid agricultural solar pumps. • Government will provide 60% subsidy on solar pumps to farmers. It will be shared between Centre and States while 30% will be provided through bank loans. The balance cost will be borne by farmers. N Chandrasekaran Task force constituted to study AI application in military • The Ministry of Defence (Department of Defence Production) constituted a 17 member task force headed by Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran to study use and application of artificial intelligence (AI) in military. • The task force will study the whole gamut of issues surrounding strategic implications of AI(Artificial intelligence) in national security perspective, in global context. Assam Government, NBCC sign MoU for construction of Twin Tower Trade Centre in Guwahati • Assam Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) for construction of 65-storey Twin Tower Trade Centre in Guwahati. • The Union Government has planned an investment of approximately Rs 45000 crore for the development of India's North-Eastern regions bordering China, , and . • The agreement was signed ahead of the two-day Global Investors’ Summit 'Advantage Assam'. Home Ministry allots Rs. 370 crore to strengthen border infrastructure Laying emphasis on building infrastructure along the Indo-Pak and Sino-India borders, the government has sanctioned nearly Rs. 370 crore to the BSF and the ITBP for construction of bunkers and special climate- controlled huts in forward areas. BSF, ITBP will build bunkers, fortify border out-posts and construct special climate- controlled huts. Railways to set up coach factory in Maharashtra Railways Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the Railways will set up a coach factory in Maharashtra’s Latur district. The new coach plant will create an industrial ecosystem in the drought-prone region boosting shift from agriculture to industry. PM Modi inaugurates Global Investors’ Summit in Guwahati Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the two-day Global Investors’ Summit ‘Advantage Assam’ in Guwahati, Assam, a first of its kind initiative in the northeast. The two-day event, started on 3rd Feb, will showcase the state’s manufacturing opportunities and geostrategic advantages to foreign and domestic investors. Environment Ministry launches ‘Green Good Deeds’ campaign Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched ‘Green Good Deeds’ campaign. The campaign launched by the ministry aims to sensitise the people and students, in particular, about climate change and global warming. Environment Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan appealed to the teaching community to join the campaign. He said, a mobile application named Dr Harsh Vardhan developed to reach out to people across India on the campaign, has also been launched recently. India contributes $1 mn to UN Development Partnership Fund India has contributed an additional $1 million to the India-UN Development Partnership Fund earmarked for South- South cooperation. India has pledged a multi-year contribution of $100 million to the fund established in June 2017, according to the UNOSSC, and has already provided $6 million within the seven months since its launch.

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DAILY UPDATED CURRENT AFFAIRS – 01.02.2018 TO 04.02.2018

The fund focuses on the Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States. International Conference on ‘DemetriosGalanos and His Legacy’begins in New The International Conference on ‘DemetriosGalanos and His Legacy’ was inaugurated at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) in New Delhi. Many senior scholars and young researchers from Greece as well as from India are attending the conference. IGNCA is organizing the 8-days International Conference on, ‘DemetriosGalanos and His Legacy’. The 8-day long convention is being held in Delhi and Varanasi, in addition to organizing the exhibition and folk music of Greece. Maharashtra becomes first state to set up welfare board for transgenders The Maharashtra government has decided to set up a Transgender Welfare Board to protect their Constitutional and human rights. This will make Maharashtra the first Indian state to have such a board. An amount of ₹5 crore has also been set aside to provide education, housing, and employment for the transgender community. First defence industrial corridor between Chennai, Bengaluru Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the first corridor will link Chennai and Bengaluru and will pass through Coimbatore and several other industrial clusters.The defence budget was increased by 7.81 per cent to Rs 2.95 lakh crore against last year’s Rs 2.74 lakh crore, belying expectations of a significant hike when the armed forces are facing growing challenges on the borders with Pakistan and China. CBEC to be renamed CBIC by April The change of name of apex indirect tax policy making body Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) to Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is likely to happen by April after the budgetary exercise gets Parliament nod. 4 Rivers in J&K declared ‘Nat Waterways’ Four major rivers, including Jhelum and Chenab, in Jammu and Kashmir have been declared “national waterways”. It paved the way for inland navigation on them to boost water transport and tourism. The Union government has declared four rivers namely Chenab, Indus, Jhelum and Ravi as national waterways, which would be developed in a phased manner. New tunnel planned in Arunachal Pradesh • With increased friction along the border with China, the government is focussing on improving connectivity in such areas. Arun Jaitley proposed the construction of a new tunnel in Arunachal Pradesh. • The tunnel is to be constructed under Sela Pass. Earlier Rohtang tunnel was built which has ensured all-weather connectivity to the Ladakh region and “Zozila Pass tunnel” is being constructed.

INTERNATIONAL 2017 Global Democracy Index • 2017 Global Democracy Index (GDI) released by UK-based company, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). • The index ranks 165 independent states and 2 territories on basis of 60 indicators grouped in five different categories viz. electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties, the functioning of government, political participation and political culture. It categories countries into four broad categories viz. full democracy, flawed democracy, hybrid regime and authoritarian regime based on their score on a scale from 0 to 10. • Norway topped the list.India world’s largest democracy was ranked 42nd among 165 independent states. Rwanda becomes first poor country to provide eye care for all • Rwanda has become the first low-income country to provide universal eye care for its 12 million population. • The government has partnered with the organisation Vision for a Nation (VFAN) to train more than 3,000 eye care nurses based in 502 local health centres, prescribing glasses and referring those with serious eye problems to national clinics. • Rwanda-Capital: Kigali, Currency: franc, President: Paul Kagame Japan launches smallest rocket ever to carry tiny satellite into orbit • The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on February 3, 2018 launched the world’s smallest rocket with the ability to put a tiny satellite into orbit. The rocket lifted off from the Uchinoura Space Center in Kagoshima prefecture, south-western Japan. • It is No 5 vehicle of the SS-520 series and improved version of JAXA’s SS—520. It carried a microsatellite TRICOM-1R. UAE launches world’s longest zip line The has made a record by opening the world’s longest zip line, measuring 2.83 kms in length. Guinness World Records officials certified the zip line in Ras al-Khaimah. Canada moves to make its national anthem gender-neutral Canada’s Upper House of Parliament has passed a bill to modify the country’s national anthem in a bid to make it gender-neutral. The words “thy sons command” in the second line of the anthem will be replaced with “all of us command”. The bill requires royal assent by Governor General Julie Payette to become law. celebrated its 70th Independence Day today Sri Lanka celebrated its 70th Independence Day on 4 February 2018. It was on this day in 1948 that Sri Lanka, then Ceylon, gained independence from 133 years of British colonial rule.

ECONOMY India-US trade estimated to touch $140 billion in 2017 Trade between India and the US is estimated to have jumped substantially from USD 118 billion in 2016 to USD 140 billion in 2017, according to an advocacy group that aims to promote bilateral trade. In 2016, India was the ninth

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DAILY UPDATED CURRENT AFFAIRS – 01.02.2018 TO 04.02.2018 largest trading partner of the US and one of the major countries with which America has had trade deficit of more than USD30 billion which is expected to continue in 2017 as well. CRISIL, SIDBI Launch India’s First MSE Sentiment Index The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Shri Arun Jaitley launched CriSidEx, India’s first sentiment index for micro and small enterprises ( MSEs) developed jointly by CRISIL & SIDBI. CriSidEx is a composite index based on a diffusion index of 8 parameters and measures MSE business sentiment on a scale of 0 (extremely negative ) to 200 ( extremely positive) .

PERSON IN NEWS Dinesh Srivastava: Distinguished scientist Dinesh Srivastava took over as Chief Executive of Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC). He has succeeded G Kalyanakrishnan who retired on superannuation. Srivastava will also be Chairman of NFC board. Neelam Kapoor: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed senior bureaucrat Neelam Kapoor as Director General (DG) of the Sports Authority of India (SAI).SAI is an apex National Sports body set up in 1984 by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for the development of sport in India.It is headquartered at, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Delhi). Kalamandalam Geethanandan: Acclaimed Ottanthulal artist Kalamandalam Geethanandan passed away while performing at Avittathur Mahavishnu Temple in Kerala.

AWARD Sahitya Akademi Bhasha Samman award Magahi writer Shesh Anand Madhukar was honoured with Sahitya Akademi Bhasha Samman award. He is second writer of Magahi language to be given this award. Odisha wins Geospatial World Excellence Award 2018 Odisha Government has won ‘Geospatial World Excellence Award-2018’ for successful IT application for tracking of mineral production, dispatch and value accrued on real-time basis through its i3MS web-based software.The award was presented at the Geospatial World Forum Meeting held at Hyderabad, Telangana. Shabnam Asthana wins Times Power Woman 2017 award Shabnam Asthana has been awarded the ‘Times Power Women of the Year 2017’- for Global PR. These awards were initiated to celebrate the victories of women who have been a great source of inspiration. Goa CM inaugurates Nobel Prize Series India 2018 The 2nd edition of ‘Nobel Prize Series India 2018 with a theme Science Impact Lives’ and the ‘Nobel Science Exhibition and the India Science Exhibition: Ideas Changes the world’ was inaugurated by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in Goa. Malaysian chef wins International Young Chef Olympiad 2018 The 4th edition of International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) concluded in New Delhi with Lai Jia Yi from winning the top spot and Indian student chef Surya Sekhar Roy Choudhury claiming the second position. Touted as the “World’s biggest culinary battle of student chefs”, the competition was judged by eminent celebrity chefs and Michelin-starred winners including Sanjeev Kapoor, Ranveer Brar, John Wood, Chris Galvin, Scott Baechler, and Enzo Oliveri.

SPORTS Vidarbha claim U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy • After winning their maiden Ranji Trophy earlier this season, Vidarbha has recorded another first by winning the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy. • U-19 team defeated Madhya Pradesh on the basis of first innings lead in the final held at Nagpur. Earlier Vidarbha beat Delhi to win maiden ranjiy title 2017. • The Cooch Behar Trophy is India's national cricket tournament for under-19 players. It has been held annually since the 1945-46 season. • The trophy was donated by, and named after, the family of the Maharaja of Cooch Behar. In Cooch Behar Trophy Test Matches are played over four days. Mary Kom wins gold at India Open boxing: India won 7 golds at India Boxing Tournament • The Olympic medallist Mangte Chungneijang Mary Kom defeated Josie Gabuco 4-1 in the 48kg category to Wins Gold In India Open Boxing in New Delhi. • Boxers Sanjeet, Manish Kaushik, Pwilao Basumatar, Lovlina Borgohain, Pinki Rani and Manisha emerged victorious at the event in Delhi. • But former world champion L Sarita Devi (60kg) settled for a silver medal after losing to Finland's Olympic bronze- medallist Mira Potkenon. U-19 World Cup final • India has lifted the ICC Under-19 World Cup for the record fourth time. They defeated Australia by eight wickets at bay oval at Mount Maunganui in New Zealand, who were also eyeing the title for the fourth time. • India’s star batsman Manjot Kalra led his team to the victory as he made brilliant unbeaten century riding on eight fours and three sixes. He was adjudged Man of the Match and Shubman Gill Man of the Series. • India u-19 won four title under the captaincy of Prithvi Shaw(2018),Mohammad Kaif (2002), Virat Kohli (2008) and Unmukt Chand (2012).India with 4 titles is the most successful team in this format. • South Africa will host the 2020 u-19 world cup. West Indies will host the 2020 u-19 world cup.

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DAILY UPDATED CURRENT AFFAIRS – 01.02.2018 TO 04.02.2018

Saurav Ghosal becomes the highest-ranked Indian squash player India’s leading squash player, Saurav Ghosal jumped five places to No 14 to become the highest ranked Indian in the latest Professional Squash Association (PSA) rankings released. Ghosal beat Joshna Chinappa who slipped three places to No 17 while Dipika Pallikal Karthik remained on 20. Sindhu loses to Beiwen Zhang in India Open final Star Indian shuttler P. V. Sindhu fell to fifth seeded Beiwen Zhang from the US in the women’s singles final of the $350,000 India Open BWF World Tour Super 500 held in New Delhi.

MISCELLANEOUS 32nd Surajkund International Crafts Mela held in Haryana The 32nd edition of Surajkund International Crafts Mela was held at Faridabad, Haryana. It was formally inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in the presence of Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar.This year Uttar Pradesh is theme state and Kyrgyzstan is the partner nation.It is annual cultural festival hosted since 1987 to showcase richness and diversity of the handicrafts and cultural heritage of India. Floating ‘island’ to clean up Neknampur Lake The Floating Treatment Wetland (FTW) was inaugurated on World Wetlands Day (February 2) in Neknampur Lake in Hyderabad to clean and purify the polluted waterbody. Plants planted on FTW can clean the lake by absorbing nitrates and other pollutants in the water. 7th India Energy Congress held in New Delhi • 7th India Energy Congress was held in New Delhi where more than 400 experts met to discuss and debate the energy transition being witnessed, Energy 4.0 – the fourth energy revolution and draw map for 2030, in view of technological and digital disruptions already underway and those visible across the horizon. • It was organised by World Energy Council India (WEC India) and inaugurated byUnion Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh. Maharashtra Government approves Ghodazari Wildlife Sanctuary The Maharashtra Government has approved Ghodazari in Chandrapur district as new wildlife sanctuary in the state. The decision was taken at 13th meeting of Maharashtra State Board for Wildlife (SBWL), chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Punjab Government bans sale of 20 insecticides Punjab Government’s Department of Agriculture has issued directions to discontinue the sale of 20 pesticides (insecticides) including Endosulfan harmful to health of humans and environment with immediate effect. PM Modi Pens Book ‘Exam Warriors’ to Help Students Reduce Stress Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new book – Exam Warriors – launched aims to help students breeze through their examinations. The book reportedly urges young students to tackle their examinations with zeal and energy. Modi has constantly reiterated the fact the exams should be viewed as ‘festivals’ in order to reduce stress, on his monthly talk show – Mann ki Baat. Anjana Sukhani pens book for housewives’ budgeting blues Actress Anjana Sukhani, seen in films like “Salaam-e-Ishq”, “Golmaal Returns” and “Allah Ke Banday” has penned a book titled ‘Hisaab Kitaab’. The book is a how-to book on household budgeting. It is a book that conducts a discourse with housewives and working women who run their homes with limited resources without seeming to cut corners. Women are very good at saving up for a rainy day. Cochin Shipyard Signs MoU with Russia Cochin Shipyard signed a MoU with United Ship Building Corporation of Russia to collaborate in design and development of state of the art Vessels for waterways. The MoU will cater to the demand for different kinds of vessels.

IMPORTANT Day 2 Feb: World Wetlands Day • The World Wetland Day (WWD) is observed every year on 2 February to raise awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet. • This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands (also called as Ramsar Convention) in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea. • The theme for year 2018 is “Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future“. • For first time, World Wetland Day was celebrated in year 1997. • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration Assam government organized the national-level celebration of World Wetlands Day 2018 at Deepor Beel, a Ramsar Site in Guwahati. World Cancer Day: 4 February • World Cancer Day is being observed on 4th February every year to raise awareness about cancer, its treatment and to encourage methods of its prevention. The primary goal of the day is to reduce the illness and related deaths by 2020. • For 2016 to 2018, the theme for observing World Cancer Day is ‘We Can. I can.’ Under this theme, people are expected to, individually and collectively, understand and work towards lessening the impact and harmful effects of the condition globally.

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