Current Affairs – March 28, 2018

S.No Topic Page Number

1 World News 2

2 National News 3 - 6

3 State News 7

4 Banking & Economy 8 - 9

5 Sports 10 - 11

6 Awards & Honours 12

7 Appointments & Resignations 13 - 14

8 Science & Technology 15 - 16

World News

Seychelles opposition blocks military deal with India

 On March 27, 2018, Seychelles’ opposition coalition (which holds a majority in Seychelles Parliament) stated that it would not ratify a deal signed with India to build military infrastructure on its Assumption Island.  Agreement on Assumption Island Project in Seychelles was signed in 2015 during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Seychelles.  However, owing to opposition, a revised agreement, including several amendments was prepared in January 2018.  Now the opposition is not ready to ratify it as in past few months there has been public protests in Seychelles against this projects based on fear that India would appropriate the Assumption Island .

India and China agree to a roadmap for addressing trade imbalance

 The eleventh session of the China-India joint-group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science & Technology was held in New Delhi.  The session was co-chaired by the Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu and the Minister of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, Zhong Shan.  The two Ministers agreed to continue to take forward the initiatives identified in the Five Year Development Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and India signed in September 2014.

National News

NITI Aayog releases baseline ranking of aspirational districts

 On March 28, 2018, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant launched the baseline ranking for the Aspirational Districts based on published data of 49 indicators across five developmental areas of Education, Health and Nutrition, Agriculture and Water Resources, Basic Infrastructure and Financial Inclusion and Skill Development.  Mr. Kant also announced that the ‘Champions of Change’ Dashboard (created by NITI Aayog in partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh) for real-time data collection and monitoring will be open for public viewing from April 1, 2018.  District Collectors of all the aspirational districts will be able to input the latest available data of their respective districts through this Dashboard.  Besides, in order to exemplify the spirit of competitive federalism,Delta Ranking (ranking based on incremental progress) of Districts will be available from May 2018.

93% rural households with access to toilets using them: NARSS 2017-18

 As per findings of National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS) 2017-18, about 77% homes in rural areas of India have got toilets and over 93 per cent households in villages who have access to toilets are using them.  NARSS 2017-18, was conducted by an independent verification agency selected by Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation Sign On under the World Bank support project to the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G).  The survey was conducted between mid-November 2017 to mid-March 2018 andcovered 92040 households in 6136 villages of India.  It was overseen by an Expert Working Group (EWG) comprising representatives from World Bank, UNICEF, Water Aid, India Sanitation Coalition, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Sulabh International, NITI Aayog, Knowledge Links and Statistics and Programme Implementing Ministry.  The survey also re-confirmed the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status of about 96% of villages which were declared and verified as ODF by various districts and states.  The report outlined that 70% of the villages surveyed had minimal litter and minimal stagnant water.

Ministry of Power partners with skill India to support electrification scheme ‘Saubhagya’

 On March 27, 2018, Union Ministry of Power partnered with the Union Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurshipto train the manpower in six states for speedy implementation of SAUBHAGYA scheme.  SAUBHAGYA (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojna) aims to achieve universal household electrification in all parts of India in a time bound manner.  Training the manpower in six states – Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh – under this initiative, will be undertaken as a special project under Central Government’s Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).  Training will be provided to around 47000 Distribution Lineman-Multi Skills and 8500 Technical Helpers to meet the requirement of power sector.  This partnership will be instrumental in addressing the issue of lack of trained manpower, which has been the main constraint in speedy implementation of the Government’s electrification programme under SAUBHAGYA.

SAP to collaborate with NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation mission

 On March 27, 2018, SAP (Systems, Applications & Products in Data Processing) signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) with NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM).  NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is Indian Government’s endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across Indian schools, universities and industries. Under AIM, Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) have been established in schools across India to foster curiosity, creativity and imagination in young generation.  As part of the SOI, SAP will adopt 100 Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL) during 2018 to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education among secondary school children across India, specifically in Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.  SAP employee volunteers will coach and mentor students in these schools on advanced technology topics such as such as Internet of Things, design thinking, introduction to programming languages and experiential science learning, while SAP’s design lab in India, will provide training and allow students to gain hands-on experience with technology gadgets.  It is to be noted that AIM currently has similar partnerships with Intel and IBM and SAP has thus become the third partner for the programme.

CBDT extends PAN-Aadhaar linking deadline to June 30

 The CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) has extended the deadline for the PAN- Aadhaar linking from the current last date of 31 March 2018 to 30 June 2018.  The order issued by CBDT said that, the deadline for PAN-Aadhaar linking for filing I-T returns is extended till 30 June 2018.  This order by CBDT has been issued after the Supreme Court judgment that was made earlier this month, ordering extension of the March 31deadline for linking Aadhaar with several other services.  This is the fourth extension offered by the government for individuals to link their Permanent Account Number (PAN) with their biometric ID (Aadhaar).  Previous deadlines were 31 July 2017, 31 August 2017 and 31 December 2017.

15th Meeting of India-US joint working group on counter terrorism held in New Delhi

 On 27 March 2018, the 15th meeting of the India-US Counterterrorism Joint Working Group was held in New Delhi.  The India delegation was led by Ministry of External Affairs Joint Secretary Mahaveer Singhvi. US delegation was led by U.S. State Department’s Principal Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Alina L. Romanowski.  Threats posed by terrorist groups throughout the world and in their respective regions including cross border terrorism in the South Asian region were reviewed by the working group.  Both countries ensured to strengthen information exchange on world’s most dangerous terrorist groups and individuals.  They discussed efforts to curb the funding and operations of regional and global terrorist organizations.  Also international and bilateral cooperation on justice, law enforcement and capacity building efforts to counter terrorism and UN Security Council Resolution 2396 were discussed.

India to be ready with 5G roadmap by June: Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan

 India will be ready with a full roadmap for 5G technology by June this year, Telecom Secretary Aruna Sundararajan said on Tuesday.  Terming 5G important for India’s massive “digitisation and digitalisation” efforts, Sundararajan said the government is working with all stakeholders including the industry, academia and startup community, to become a frontrunner in the area of 5G.

 “A high-level forum on 5G which includes global experts, industry experts, IITs, IISc, has already commenced work and done a fair amount of deliberation. By June, India will have full roadmap ready on this,” she said addressing a COAI event.

Government has Setup of National Academic Depository (NAD) for digitalization of school records:

 Government has setup National Academic Depository (NAD) which is a 24×7 online store house of academic awards digitally lodged by various academic institutions/school boards/eligibility assessment bodies.  The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been designated as authorized body to operationalise NAD.

IM-PDS approved for implementation during 2018-19 and 2019-20

 A new central sector scheme namely “Integrated Management of Public Distribution System (IM-PDS)” has been approved for implementation during 2018-19 and 2019-20.  The key objectives of the scheme are to integrate PDS system/portals of States/UTs with Central System/portals, introduction of National Portability, and de-duplication of ration cards/beneficiary, etc.

State News

MP has the highest number of tribal habitations fully covered by drinking water supply

 The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has informed that under the Scheme ‘National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP), 10% of the total allocation of funds is earmarked to be used for the supply of drinking water to Scheduled Tribe (ST) dominated habitations.  Madhya Pradesh has the highest number of 55770 fully covered tribal habitations with the safe drinking water in the country followed by Odisha 52427 ,Jharkhand 53476 numbers of habitations.

Banking & Economy

SBI card launches exclusive credit card for doctors

 On March 27, 2018, SBI Cards announced that it has partnered with Indian Medical Association (IMA) to launch ‘Doctor’s SBI Card’, which has been designed to complement the distinct lifestyles and needs of doctors.  SBI Cards is a joint venture between India’s largest bank, State Bank of India and The Carlyle Group, while IMA is the voluntary representative organisation of Doctors.  Among other features just like regular cards,unique proposition of ‘Doctor’s SBI Card is the professional indemnity insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh to protect doctors against professional risks and liabilities.  This is an industry-first feature which covers legal and defense costs as well as out of court settlements and court awards emanating on account of unforeseen events of claims raised by patients or related parties.

India signs $80 million loan agreement with ADB to boost youth employability in HP

 Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India have signed $80 million loan agreement to modernize technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions in State of Himachal Pradesh.  Funds procured through this loan will be used to conduct short-term and long-term training programsin growth areas including electronics, automobiles, pharmaceutical, tourism and hospitality, health care etc  Relevant and good quality TVET programs will be developed which will improve employment prospects of nearly 65000 youths by 2022.  Funds will be deployed in establishing a polytechnic for women, seven Rural Livelihood Centres, six city Livelihood Centers and upgrade 11 employment exchanges into model career Centres.

RBS India facilitates setting-up of women in tech forum

 Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in India will facilitate to set up ‘WomenInTech (WIT) Forum that will work towards encouraging women to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).  WIT Forum will not only work towards creating awareness among young women about career opportunities in STEM but will also provide scholarships for economically weaker section.

 It will also provide mentoring and upskilling to increase the employability of women in STEM careers.  Professional consultancy network Deloitte is the knowledge partner for this initiative.  In the context of this news, it is important to note that nearly 2.5-3 million new jobs will be created in the IT and IT enabled services sector by 2025

SBI hikes interest rates on fixed deposits above two years

 India’s largest bank, State Bank of India (SBI) has hiked interest rates on fixed deposits (FDs) over two years for retail customers with effect from March 28, 2018.  For term deposits below Rs. 1 crore,for 2 years to less than 3 years, interest rate has been increased from 6.50 percent to 6.60 percent, while for deposits from 3 years to less than 5 years it has been raised to 6.70 percent from 6.50 percent earlier.  Deposits below Rs. 1 crore, kept for 5 years to up to 10 years will get 6.75 percent as compared to 6.50 percent earlier.  For all tenors, interest rates on deposits of Senior Citizens and SBI Pensioners of age 60 years and above will be 0.50 percent higher.

Bandhan bank becomes India’s 8th most valued bank

 Bandhan Bank, the new entrant on Dalal Street, which registered 27 per cent gain on the very first day of its market debut has become the 8th most valued bank in India leaving behind Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank.  Meanwhile, HDFC Bank continues to be the most valued bank in India with a market capitalisation of nearly Rs 4.8 lakh crore followed by SBI and Kotak Mahindra Bank, which have a market value of Rs 2.02 lakh crore and Rs 1.98 lakh crore respectively.

Sports

Virat Kohli wax statue to be unveiled at Madame Tussauds Delhi

 Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli’s wax figure will soon be unveiled at Madame Tussauds, Delhi.  Madame Tussauds wax museum in Delhi is known for the portrayal of the famous names in the world of entertainment, sports, history and politics.  The main Madame Tussauds wax museum is in London and smaller museums are located in a number of other major cities of the world including New York, Berlin, Beijing, Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney.  Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar and Critiano Ronaldo are other sportsperson featured at Madame Tussauds Delhi.

Steve Smith, David Warner hit with 12-month ban

 On 28 March 2018, Steve Smith and David Warner were banned from playing for Australia by Cricket Australia after the balltampering scandal during the Cape Town Test against South Africa.  It was found out that sandpaper was used in an attempt to rough up the ball. Opener Cameron Bancroft has been given a ninemonth ban for executing the plan in the third South Africa Test.  Steve Smith has been banned from captaining the Australian national team for two years. It is said that, David Warner, former vicecaptain, will never be considered for any leadership position in the future.  Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft will have to wait 12 months for them to be considered for a leadership role.

ISSF Junior World Cup- Manu Bhaker, Anmol Won Gold

 The duo of Manu Bhaker and Anmol secured India’s seventh gold medal in the ISSF Junior World Cup in Sydney, Australia.  The pair won the mixed 10-meter air pistol event with a qualification world record.  They finished 5.6 advantage over their closest rivals, China’s Liu Jinyao and Li Xue.  Overall, India occupied the second placed with 17 medals, including seven gold. China lead the tally with 21 podium finishes, including eight gold medals.

Muskan bags gold in 25m women’s Pistol event

 Muskan Bhanwala won the gold medal at the Shooting Junior World Cup as she topped the women’s 25 metres Pistol event.

17th Sub-junior national wushu championship begins in jammu

 The four-day 17th Sub-junior National Wushu Championship began in Jammu.  The national level sports event is being organised in the winter capital city of Jammu by the the Wushu Association of India in collaboration with J&K State Sports Council at MA Stadium.

Awards & Honours

President confers Gallantry Awards in Delhi

 On March 27, 2018, President Ram Nath Kovind presented Gallantry Awards and distinguished service decorations at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.  President Kovind presented three Kirti Chakra, 17 Shaurya Chakra, 14 Param Vishisht Seva Medals (PVSM), one Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) and 22 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals (AVSM).  These awards were announced on the eve of Republic Day.  Kirti Chakra is the second highest peacetime gallantry award (After Ashok Chakra),presented for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the field of battle.  Kirti Chakra was presented to CRPF Commandant Chetan Cheetah and Major Vijayant Bist of the 4th Battalion of the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry. Major David Manlun of the 164 Infantry Battalion of the Naga Regiment was honoured posthumously with the Kirti Chakra.

Two Indian activists shortlisted for Commonwealth Youth Awards 2018

 Two Indian activists Mirnalini Dayal and Yogesh Kumar have been selected among 20 finalists for the Commonwealth Youth Awards 2018 for their contribution towards achieving gender equality.  Mirnalini Dayal and Yogesh Kumar have been selected from across 53 Commonwealth member-countries.  Mirnalini Dayal has been chosen for her work as a campaign leader for ‘Health Over Stigma’.  Yogesh Kumar has been shortlisted for establishing the social enterprise ‘Even Cargo’.  Both the finalists are based in Delhi. They were selected for their work towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal No. 5 on gender equality.  All finalists will be granted 1,000 pounds to continue their development work along with a trophy and certificate.  The Regional Young Persons of the Year will be granted 3,000 pounds, and the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year will receive 5,000 pounds.

Appointments & Resignations

SC appoints Justice Jawad Rahim as acting chairperson of NGT

 On 27 March 2018, Justice Jawad Rahim was appointed as the acting chairperson of National Green Tribunal (NGT) by the Supreme Court.  Justice Jawad Rahim is a judicial member of National Green Tribunal (NGT). He will perform his duties as acting chairperson of NGT until a regular appointment is made.  He will also participate in the selection process of other members of the NGT. However, it has been made clear that his appointment is an interim arrangement and a regular appointment will be made soon for the post of the Chairman of NGT.

Pradosh Kumar Rath to be new chairman cum managing director of RINL

 Pradosh Kumar Rath has been shortlisted as the new chairman cum managing director (CMD) of RINL (Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd).  At present, Pradosh Kumar Rath, is Director (Operations) at RINL. Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) selects candidates for top positions at public sector units.  PESB had interviewed six candidates including Pradosh Kumar Rath for the chairman cum managing director position at RINL. Pradosh Kumar Rath was selected as the top choice by PESB on 27th March 2018.  Pradosh Kumar Rath’s appointment is subject to clearance by the Central Vigilance Commission and the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.  If his appointment gets clearance, Pradosh Kumar Rath will get a 3 year tenure at RINL as CMD. RINL’s current CMD P Madhusudan will retire on 31 May 2018.

Indu Bhushan appointed CEO of Ayushman Bharat national health protection mission

 On 27 March 2018, Indu Bhushan was appointed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission.  Indu Bhushan is the Director General of East Asia Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Philippines. He has been appointed as CEO of Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission for 2 years.  Earlier, he was Director General of the Strategy and Policy Department in ADB. He joined ADB in 1997.

Rahul Dravid appointed state election icon for Karnataka assembly polls

 Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer Sanjiv Kumarannounced that, cricketer Rahul Dravid will be the state election icon for Karnataka Assembly polls.  Sanjiv Kumar said that, disabled government employees will be appointed as polling staff in selected polling stations for the first time.  He added that, 450 all-women polling stations will be set up. The Election Commission of India has announced a single phase poll for the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on 12 May 2018.  The Karnataka Legislative Assembly comprises 224 members. Votes will be counted on 15 May 2018.

Win Myint elected as President of Myanmar

 On 28 March 2018, Win Myint was elected as President of Myanmar by Myanmar’s parliament.  Win Myint replaces Htin Kyaw as President of Myanmar. Last week Htin Kyaw resigned citing health reasons.  Win Myint is 66 years old. He is former speaker of Myanmar’s House of Representatives. He is a member of National League for Democracy.  He was made a vice-president of Myanmar last week. On 28 March 2018, the Myanmar Parliament voted for the three vicepresidents to elect one of them to the post of President.  Win Myint secured 403 votes and defeated Myint Swe who obtained 211 votes and Henry Van Tio who got 18 votes.

Shekhar Kapur appointed as chairman of central panel of 65th NFA

 Veteran director Shekhar Kapur has been appointed as chairman of the central panel of the 65th National Film Awards.  Mr Kapur is known for his work in Hindi cinema and International cinema.

Ethiopia’s ruling coalition elects Abiye Ahmed as new PM

 Ethiopia’s ruling coalition has elected Abiye Ahmed as new Prime Minister, following the resignation of Hailemariam Desalegn last month.

Science & Technology

NASA to launch GRACE-FO mission to observe Earth’s frozen regions

 On March 27, 2018, US space agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that during 2018, it will launch two new satellite missions to enhance the view of Earth’s frozen regions.  Firstly, NASA in collaboration with German Research Centre for Geosciences will launch the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission (as a continuation of the original GRACE mission) which will track fluctuations in Earth’s gravity field in order to detect changes in mass, including the mass of ice sheets and aquifers.  Thereafter, Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) will be launched to measure the changing elevation of ice around the world. ICESat-2 will use a highly advanced laser instrument.  These missions are significant as it will offer insights into changes in Cryosphere (portions of Earth’s surface where water is in solid form viz. sea ice, glaciers, ice caps etc.) which are impacting lives of people all around the world.

AIFF launches scouting App to unearth talent

 On 27 March 2018, All India Football Federation (AIFF) launched “Scout-Me”, a mobile based scouting application to discover future players.  AIFF has become the first National Sports Federation to launch a mobile based scouting application to discover future players. Scout Me app will make the scouting process easy.  Scout-Me app has been developed by Kush Pandey. Kush Pandey is 17 years old. He is a football enthusiast.  He had represented Delhi at the National Championships. He also leads his school football team.

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation launches new portal for pensioners

 On 28 March 2018, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched a new portal which enables EPFO pensioners to obtain pension-related information.  This portal will help users to obtain details like pension payment order number, payment order details, passbook information and other related information.  It will also help pensioners to check the status of their life certificate. It will also furnish details and reason for stoppage of pension.

 The enhanced “Track eKYC” facility for the convenience of members has also been introduced to verify status of Aadhaar seeded against their Universal Account Number (UAN).  The facility can be accessed at Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)’s website: www.epfindia.gov.in