current affairs prelims quick revision’ · pdf filecurrent affairs quick revision for...

Current Affairs Quick Revision For 2017- (Mar 2017 to May 2017)

CURRENT AFFAIRS PRELIMS QUICK REVISION’ 2017

1. Social Issues

2. Polity Issues

3. Government Schemes

4. Economy Issues

5. International Relations

6. Summits

7. Science

8. Environment

9. Defence

10. Culture

11. Miscellaneous

Quick Revision Prelims 2017

Part 1 - June, July & August 2016

Part 2 – September, October & November 2016

Part 3 – December 2016, January & February 2017

Part 4 – March, April & May 2017 (would be available by 25th May 2017)


SOCIAL ISSUES

1. UN appoints David Beasley to head World Food Programme

United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres has appointed David Beasley as

head of the Rome-based World Food Programme (WFP).

The WFP is the food-assistance branch of the United Nations. It is the world’s largest

humanitarian organization addressing hunger and promoting food security.

It is a member of the United Nations Development Group (UNDG) and part of its

Executive Committee.

2. Government to redefine blindness to meet WHO stipulation

As defined under the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB), a person

unable to count fingers from a distance of six metres is categorised as “blind” in India,

against the WHO’s stipulation of three metres.

The Union Government has decided to change a four-decade-old definition of blindness

to bring it in line with the World Health Organisation (WHO) criteria and ensure the Indian

data on blindness meets the global estimates.

3. March 24: World TB Day

The World Tuberculosis Day (WTD) is observed every year on March 24 to raise public

awareness about the global epidemic of Tuberculosis (TB) and efforts to eliminate the

disease.

WTD is observed to commemorate discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, bacillus

(bacteria) causing TB on 24th March, 1882 by German microbiologist Dr Robert Koch.

2017 Theme (Campaign): “Unite to End TB”. This year it is second year of a two year

“United to End TB” Campaign.

WHO has placed special focus on uniting efforts to “Leave no one behind” including

actions to address stigma, discrimination, marginalization and overcome barriers to

access care.

It commonly affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It is the second

biggest killer disease worldwide next only to HIV/AIDS.

4. India ranks 122 in 2017 World Happiness Report

India ranked at 122 out of 155 countries in the World Happiness Report 2017, four

notches below its previous rank of 118

It is published by the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network on the eve of

International Day of Happiness (20 March).

India was behind the majority of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

(Saarc) nations, apart from Afghanistan, that stood at 141.

Norway emerged at the top, displacing three-time topper Denmark for the first time.

Denmark dropped to second place.

The happiness rankings are based on six factors: GDP per capita, healthy years of life

expectancy, social support (as measured by having someone to count on in times of

trouble), trust (as measured by a perceived absence of corruption in government and


business), perceived freedom to make life decisions, and generosity (as measured by

recent donations).

5. India ranks 131 in 2016 Human Development Index

India came down by one slot and was ranked 131st among 188 countries on Human

Development Index (HDI) 2016 released by the United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP).

Devised and launched in 1990, HDI is a statistic which ranks countries into four tiers of

human development on the basis of indicators like life expectancy, education and per

capita income.

6. India ranks 148 in 2017 UN Women in Politics Map

In recently released 2017 Women in Politics Map report, India was ranked low at 148th

position in representation of women in executive government.


It was released by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and UN Women, on the sidelines

of 61st Commission on Status of Women, the largest inter-governmental forum on

women’s rights and gender equality.

The theme for this year: women’s economic empowerment in the changing world of

work.

Top 10 countries with highest women in parliament: Rwanda, Bolivia, Cuba, Iceland,

Nicaragua, Sweden, Senegal, Mexico, Finland and South Africa.

7. NFHS 4 shows improved sex ratio, decline in infant mortality rate

National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) for 2015-16 unveiled by The Union Ministry of

Health and Family welfare.

It has shown positive trends in key health indicators, including an decline in infant

mortality rate (IMR) and improvement in sex ratio at birth during 2015-16.

For the first time it provides district level estimates.

Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has declined from 57 to 41 per 1,000 live births between

NFHS-3 (2005-06) and NFHS-4..

Sex ratio at birth (number of females per 1,000 males) has improved from 914 to 919 at

the national level over the last decade. It is highest in Kerala (1,047), followed by

Meghalaya (1,009) and Chhattisgarh (977). Haryana also witnessed a significant

increase from 762 to 836.

Institutional births: Increased by 40 percentage points from 38.7% in NFHS-3 to 78.9% in

NFHS 4.

Total Fertility Rate (TFR): It also has declined to 2.2 children per woman from 2.7 in

NFHS-3. Thus, it is moving closer to target level of 2.1.

Full immunization coverage: Children within the age of 12-23 months have been fully

immunized (BCG, measles and 3 doses each of polio) and DPT increased by 18

percentage points to 62% in NFHS-4 from 44% in NFHS-3.

Underweight children: There was a decline by 7 percentage points, a consequence of

improved child feeding practices and focus on nutritional aspects of children. There was

“substantial” decline of anaemia from 69% in NFHS-3 to 58% in NFHS-4 among children

aged 6-59 months.

8. Government signs Financing Agreement with World Bank for Tejaswini Project

India signs Financing Agreement with World Bank for Tejaswini: Socio-Economic

Empowerment of Adolescent Girls and Young Women Project.

The project seeks to empower the adolescent girls with basic life skills and thereafter

provide further opportunities to acquire market driven skill training or completion of

secondary education, depending on the inclination of the beneficiary.

The project will be delivered in 17 Districts of Jharkhand.

The project has three main components, (i) Expanding social, educational and economic

opportunities (ii) Intensive service delivery (iii) State capacity-building and

implementation support. The closing date for the project is 30th June, 2021.


9. Cabinet approves ratification of 2 ILO conventions on prohibiting child labour

The government has approved ratification of two fundamental conventions of

International Labour Organization (ILO) to address concerns related to child labour.

The Cabinet approves ratification of -- Minimum Age Convention (No 138) concerns

minimum age for admission to employment and Worst Form of Child Labour

Convention (No 182) concerns prohibition and immediate action for elimination of the

worst form of Child labour.

India would be legally binding to comply with the provision of the two conventions. India

would join countries who have adopted the legislation to prohibit and place severe

restrictions on the employment and work of children.

India is a founder member of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which came

into existence in 1919. At present, the ILO has 187 members.

India by ensuring proper implementation of the provisions of the Child and Adolescent

Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 which now completely prohibits

employment or work of children below 14 years in any occupation or process, which is

also crucial for the attainment of elimination of child labour as a Sustainable

Development Goals by 2030.

10. Iceland set to become world’s first country to neutralise gender pay gap

Iceland is set to become the first country in the world to neutralise gender pay gap.

In this regard, a bill was introduced in Iceland’s parliament that makes mandatory for

public and private businesses to prove they offer equal pay to employees. The bill entails

companies and institutions of a certain size (25 or more employees), to undertake a

certification of their equal-pay programmes.

According to World Economic Forum (WEF)’s 2015 Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI),

Iceland was ranked first and was followed by fellow Nordic nations Norway, Finland and

Sweden

11. India develops National Action Plan to combat Antimicrobial resistance

AMR (Antibiotic drug resistance) is developed in the micro-organisms. AMR is the ability

of a microorganism such as bacteria, viruses etc., to render the anti-microbial such as

antibiotics, antivirals and anti-malarials ineffective against them. It results in failure of

standard treatments and the spread of infections.

Antimicrobial resistance is a serious threat to global public health that requires action

across all government sectors and society.

Health & Family Welfare ministry announced the finalization of India’s comprehensive

and multi-sectoral National Action Plan at the Inter-Ministerial Consultation on AMR

containment’ held at New Delhi. The Ministers later signed a ‘Delhi Declaration’.

The National action plan has objectives of enhancing awareness, strengthening

surveillance, improving rational use of antibiotics, reducing infections and promoting

research.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has set up a National Anti-Microbial

Resistance Research and Surveillance Network (AMRRSN) to enable compilation of

data of AMR at the national level.


National Programme for Containment of AMR is under implementation in 12th Five Year

Plan.

12. First malaria vaccine to be tested in Kenya, Ghana and Malawi in 2018

The World Health Organization has announced that it is ready to test the first malaria

vaccine in the real world setting in 2018.It will be tested on people from three African

countries—Ghana, Kenya and Malawi.

The injectable vaccine, called RTS,S or Mosquirix, was developed by British drugmaker

GlaxoSmithKline to protect children(5-17 years) from the most deadly form of malaria in

Africa.

In 2015, the vaccine received approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The RTS, S vaccine works by targeting the liver phase of the malaria parasite’s life cycle

as the parasite multiplies inside the liver after getting introduced into the body by a

mosquito bite.

Malaria remains a major health challenge, infecting more than 200 million people every

year and killing about half a million. Children in Africa are the most vulnerable. In 2015, 88

per cent of global cases and 90 per cent of global deaths occurred in Africa

The WHO is hoping to eradicate malaria by 2040 despite increasing resistance to anti-

malarial drugs—a problem that exists not just in Africa but also in India.

13. Kerala hosts country’s first ever transgender athletic meet

The first-ever athletics meet for transgenders was held at Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram’s

Central Stadium, at least 132 people from as many as 12 districts participated in it.

Organised by the Kerala government and the Sexual and Gender Minority Federation

(SGMF).

Back in 2014, in a landmark judgement, the Supreme Court had ruled that under the law,

transgenders had equal rights and were granted legal status to the third gender.

Kerala, on their part, took the initiative to promote equal rights for transgenders. Last

year, in December, the first transgender school was opened in Kochi.

14. New Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine against Pneumonia Launched

The Ministry of health and family welfare introduced Pneumococcal Conjugate

Vaccine (PCV) that protects against diseases such as pneumonia, ear infections, sinus

infections and meningitis in a phased manner.

PCV protects against Streptococcus pneumonia, a bacteria which can cause these

illnesses.

Although PCV was first introduced in 2000, five of the highest burden countries—India,

Indonesia, Chad, China, and Somalia—have not been using the vaccine in their routine

immunization programmes.

Lack of access to antibiotics is a bigger issue than antibiotic resistance and scaling up

vaccines against diseases such as pneumonia could reduce the need for antibiotics.

The Lancet study estimated that 169,760 under-5 pneumonia deaths in India could be

averted with universal antibiotics access.


15. Swachh Sarvekshan-2017: Indore is the Cleanest City

Indore has been declared the cleanest city in India among 434 cities surveyed for the

government cleanliness ranking by the Quality Council of India, according to the Swachh

Survekshan 2017 report.

Report was released by Union Urban Development Ministry .

Madhya Pradesh’s capital — Bhopal — came second. Mysuru, which had topped the list

in 2016, came fifth this year. State-wise, Gujarat has the highest number, with 12 of its

cities among the top 50 clean cities followed by Madhya Pradesh with 11 and Andhra

Pradesh with eight. Union Territory Chandigarh, which had stood second last year,

slipped to the eleventh position this year.

The worst performing cities are: Gonda of Uttar Pradesh (434th), Bhusawal of

Maharashtra (433rd), Bagaha of Bihar (432nd), Hardoi of Uttar Pradesh (431st), Katihar

of Bihar (430th), Bahraich of Uttar Pradesh (429th), Muktsar of Punjab (428th), Abohar of

Punjab (427th), Shahjahanpur of Uttar Pradesh (426th), Khurja of Uttar Pradesh (425th).

16. Odisha’s Sualgiri, Swalgiri Communities Notified as Scheduled Castes

Odisha's Sualgiri and Swalgiri communities have been notified as Scheduled Castes by

the new law.

The president gave the nod to the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order (Amendment)

Act, 2017. The SC category status will entitle these communities to reservation

in government jobs and admission in educational institutions, besides some other

financial benefits.

The Constitution empowers the president to specify the scheduled castes in states and

union territories in a list of notified scheduled castes. It also allows the list to be modified

by Parliament.

The new law has also replaced the term Union Territory of Pondicherry to Puducherry in

the Constitution (Pondicherry) Scheduled Castes Order, 1964.

17. HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar launches Vidya-Veerta Abhiyan

HRD Ministry launched Centre’s Vidya Veerta Abhiyan to encourage 1,000 educational

institutions to display portraits of war heroes on campus. The Param Veer Chakra (PVC)

is India’s highest military decoration.

As part of this campaign, universities and schools will dedicate a 15×20 feet wall on

campus to display portraits of Param Veer Chakra awardees.

Centre will not fund this campaign, but this will be done by institutions on voluntary basis

with money collected by students and teachers.


POLITY ISSUES

1. Government Unveils Online Vigilance Clearance system, e-service book.

The online system aims to fast track process of cases of vigilance clearance for

senior-level appointments in central government.

Initially, the system will be made available for board-level appointments done by Public

Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) for Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).

It will reduce time taken for vigilance clearance from three months to a day or two.

e-Service Book It will electronically maintain service records, including leave, history

of work done by employees at various departments, house building allowance and other

relevant details.

It has been started on pilot-project mode for the employees of Ministry of

Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions and soon it will be extended to other

departments as well.

2. Shivalik region getting fragile': HC orders complete mining ban in Uttarakhand

Ordering a "complete ban" on all mining activities in the state for four months, the

Uttarakhand high court directed the state government to constitute a high-powered

committee to look into various aspects of mining activities and find out whether

mining activity should be permitted in the state at all.

The Shivalik region of the Himalayas is further getting fragile by mining activities.

Mining activities are required to be regulated by the state to ensure that no illegal mining

is carried out.

3. Mental Healthcare Bill decriminalizing suicide attempt passed by Parliament

The new Mental Healthcare Bill that decriminalises attempt to suicide and bans use

of electric shock therapy for treating children with mental illness was passed.

An important factor in the Bill is that it separates attempt to suicide from the Indian

Penal Code. In effect, IPC provisions cannot be invoked in case of an attempt to

suicide.

The Bill gives an opportunity to a person to provide advance directions on the kind

of treatment they would want in case diagnosed with a mental illness in future.

4. Union Defence minister Arun Jaitley has given the green light to widespread

military reforms.

The reforms are based on a report by the Lt General (retired) DB Shekatkar committee,

which made recommendations on enhancing the combat potential of India’s three

armed forces, rationalising the defence budget, and improving the teeth-to-tail

ratio.

The panel wants the military to move out of non-core areas such as the National

Cadet Corps (NCC), remove duplicity among the three services, and make

institutions such as the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)

and ordnance factory boards more accountable through project audits and by

shelving outdated concepts.


A major recommendation is that the defence budget should be 2.5% to 3% of the

GDP. The committee called for redefining the revenue and capital heads in the budget.

5. Environment Ministry official to chair animal welfare board

The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), a statutory advisory body under the

Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF), will now be

permanently chaired by a senior MoEF official.

In its 55-year history the organisation has always been chaired by somebody outside

government, such as veterinarians, animal welfare activists or retired judges.

The Chennai-based organisation, which derives its legal structure from the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, frames a range of rules on how animals

ought to be humanely treated everywhere.

A petition by AWBI and a 2011 MoEF notification were instrumental to the SC banning

jallikattu in Tamil Nadu in 2014 on the grounds that it was cruel to the animals and also

put participants at risk.

6. Parliament passes Enemy Property Bill

According to the bill, “Enemy property” refers to any property belonging to, held or

managed on behalf of an enemy, an enemy subject or an enemy firm.

Successors of those who migrated to Pakistan and China during partition will have

no claim over the properties left behind in India.

The government has vested these properties in the Custodian of Enemy Property

for India, an office instituted under the central government.

The purpose of bill is to clarify the 1968 Act. Inheritance law will not be applicable on

Enemy Property. However The tenants of those property will be governed by the

Tenancy Act.

7. Lok Sabha Passes the Admiralty Bill, 2016

The Bill aims to establish a legal framework to consolidate the existing laws relating

to admiralty jurisdiction of courts, admiralty proceedings on maritime claims, arrest of

vessels and related issues.

It also aims to replace archaic laws which are hindering efficient governance. The Bill

confers admiralty jurisdiction on High Courts located in coastal states of India and

this jurisdiction extends upto territorial waters.

8. Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Bill, 2016 Passed

The Maternity Benefit Act 1961 protects the employment of women during the time of

her maternity and entitles her of a ‘maternity benefit’ – i.e. full paid absence from

work – to take care for her child.

Maternity leave available to the working women to be increased from 12 weeks to

26 weeks for the first two children.

Maternity leave for children beyond the first two will continue to be 12 week.

Maternity leave of 12 weeks to be available to mothers adopting a child below the age

of three months as well as to the “commissioning mothers”. The commissioning


mother has been defined as biological mother who uses her egg to create an

embryo planted in any other woman.

9. Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana

The scheme will be distribute free of cost physical aids and assisted-living devices

for senior citizens belonging to BPL category.

It will be implemented through the sole implementing agency ‘Artificial Limbs

Manufacturing Corporation (ALIMCO), a PSU under Union Ministry of Social

Justice and Empowerment.

The eligible elderly beneficiary will get devices such as walking sticks, elbow crutches,

walkers/crutches, tripods/quadpods, hearing aids, wheelchair, artificial Dentures and

Spectacles.

It is the first-of-its-kind Central Sector Scheme (CCS) in India, to be fully funded by the

Central Government. It is expected to benefit 5,20,000 Senior Citizens.

10. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved amendments to the New

Urea Policy–2015

The amendment is related to the production beyond Re-Assessed Capacity (RAC), to

protect the production beyond RAC by urea units and boost indigenous urea

production in the country.

It also raises ceiling imposed on production beyond RAC during the year 2016-17 to

enable all urea unit to produce additional production.

Department of Fertilizers has been authorized to take appropriate decision in

consultation with Department of Expenditure to address any future fluctuation in Import

Parity Price (IPP).

11. The Union cabinet approved the setting up of a regulator for the railways—the Rail

Development Authority (RDA).

The long-awaited regulator will perform four primary functions—tariff determination;

ensuring fair play and level playing field for stakeholder investment; setting

efficiency and performance standards; and dissemination of information.

The RDA will be an independent body with separate budget. The independence is

ensured through separate budget, appointment and removal process.

The regulator, to be headed by a chairman and comprising three members, will have

a five-year term and be empowered to engage experts.

12. The Union Cabinet has approved MoU between India and Bangladesh for fairway

development on two stretches.

They are Ashuganj-Zakiganj stretch of Kushiyara river and Sirajganj-Daikhawa

stretch of Jamuna river, the dreging would be jointly done.

The MoU will considerably help to reduce the logistics cost of cargo movement to

North Eastern states of India.

It will also reduce the dependence and congestion through the narrow Siliguri

Chicken’s Neck corridor.


13. Centre sets up National Board of Electric Mobility

Centre notified the constitution of the National Board of Electric Mobility (NBEM). It also

nominated six members of eminence and expertise from the automobile industry

into it, including Vikram Kirloskar (Toyota Kirloskar Motors), Vinod Dasari (Ashok

Leyland), Pawan Goenka (Mahindra & Mahindra) and Sudarshan Venu (TVS Motors)

The NBEM will examine, formulate and propose short- as well as long-term plans

and contours of the mission programme on electric mobility.

One of its key functions will be to explore and recommend collaborations and tie-ups

for technology acquisitions, obtaining technical experts and explore possible agreements

with leading R&D centres globally to facilitate availability of technology to the domestic

industry.

14. The Lok Sabha has passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, 2016

The bill seeks to amend the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 that provides for legal standards

for motor vehicles, grant of driving licenses, and penalties for violation of these

provisions. It proposes Aadhaar-based verification for grant of online services

including learner's licence.

He said the government has also proposed compulsory vehicle recall, amendments

like third party insurance, relief to good Samaritans, stricter punishment and fines

to traffic rule violators.

The bill specifically targets traffic offenders with stringent penal provisions. The bill

has identified priority areas for improving road safety. Stricter penalties are proposed

for high risk offences such as drunken driving, dangerous driving, overloading,

non-adherence to safety norms by drivers.

15. Parliament passes Constitution (SCs) order (Amendment) Bill, 2017

Modify the list of SCs for Odisha: It makes castes Sualgiri, Swalgiri as synonyms to

the Sabakhia caste in the list of SCs for the state.

Modification of name of Pondicherry: It modifies name of the Union Territory of

Pondicherry to Puducherry by incorporating changes in the Constitution (Pondicherry)

Scheduled Castes Order, 1964.

16. Lok Sabha has passed Constitution 123rd Amendment Bill, 2017

It seeks to insert a new article 338B in the constitution which provides for NCBC, its

composition, mandate, functions and various officers. Insert a new article 342-A which

empowers the president to notify the list of socially and educationally backward

classes of that state / union territory. Since the National Commission for Backward

Classes Act, 1993 becomes irrelevant once this bill becomes an act; Lok Sabha has

also passed a separate bill to repeal that act.

17. The government has reduced the number of centrally sponsored schemes to 28

umbrella schemes from 66

The 28 schemes have been classified further, wherein six schemes have been

categorised as ‘core of the core’, 20 schemes as ‘core’ and the remaining two as optional

schemes.


Core Schemes: For these schemes Funding pattern is generally 60:40 for general

states and for North Eastern and himlayan states, it is 90:10.

Core of The core Schemes: These schemes are fully funded by the centre.

18. April 21: Civil Services Day

The Civil Services Day is organized on 21st April every year, when civil servants re-

dedicate themselves to the cause of the citizens and renew their commitment to public

service.

This day coincides with the date on which SardarVallabhbhai Patel had addressed the

first batch of probationers at the All India Administrative Service Training School at

Metcalfe House, New Delhi in 1947.

In the event, 8 break away sessions were held on the replication initiatives awarded by

the Prime Minister and 4 Priority Programmes, the names of which include;

‘PradhanMantri Jan DhanYojana’, ‘Swachh Bharat (Gramin)’, ‘SwachhVidyalaya’

and ‘Soil Health Card’.

19. The agriculture ministry has unveiled “The State/UT Agricultural Produce and

Livestocks Marketing (promotion and facilitation) Act, 2017

It will introduce features such as a single market within a state, private wholesale

markets, direct sale by farmers to bulk buyers, and promotion of electronic trading.

traders will be able to transact in all markets within a state by paying a single fee

and sell perishables such as fruits and vegetables outside existing mandis (wholesale

markets).

The state governments as per the draft law are required to appoint an independent

entity ‘director of agricultural marketing’ who would function as a sole authority to

grant the licence for the establishment of a new market yard in the state concerned.

20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik)

‘Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik’ means ‘the common man flies’. The PM flagged of the

first UDAN flight under Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) on Shimla-Delhi sector.

Around 45 unserved and under-served airports are set to be connected under

UDAN scheme to make flying more affordable. The airports to be connected under

UDAN include Bhatinda, Bhavnagar, Durgapur, Jaisalmer, Puducherry, and

Shimla.

Under this scheme, five operators will operate flights services on 128 routes that will

connect 70 airports through 19-78 seater aircrafts. The operators are Air India

subsidiary Airline Allied Services, Air Deccan, Air Odisha, Turbo Megha, and Spice

Jet.

As per the modalities of the scheme, airfare for a one-hour journey of 500 km has

been capped at an all-inclusive charge of Rs. 2,500. For longer routes and flight

duration, the pricing will vary

only 50% of the seats will be sold at Rs 2500 per seat per hour. The airlines can sell

the rest of the tickets at market rates.


21. Assam declared as ‘Disturbed’ Area Under AFSPA for 3 More Months

As per the notification, the entire Assam besides bordering areas of Meghalaya

has been declared as “Disturbed Area.

The government has cited various violent activities carried out by certain insurgent

groups like ULFA, NDFB and others as a reason behind the extension of AFSPA.

The AFSPA has been under force in the three Arunachal Pradesh districts since

January 2016.

AFSPA is collective name of several acts passed by Indian parliament for

providing special powers to the Indian Armed Forces and to provide army officers

and jawans legal immunity for their actions in disturbed areas.

22. Real Estate Act Passed

The Real Estate Act which aims to protect the interests of homebuyers by ensuring

transparency has come into effect.

Since land is a state subject, real estate sector comes within the ambit of the state

governments.

Buyers and developers of real estate property can seek relief by approaching Real

Estate Regulatory Authorities against violation of the contractual obligations and other

provisions of the Act.

Under the act, the Regulatory authorities are required dispose of complaints in 60

days and Appellate Tribunals will be required to adjudicate cases in 60 days.


GOVT. SCHEMES & PROGRAMMES

1. Swachh Shakti Saptah campaign launched

A campaign titled "Swachh Shakti Saptah" to emphasize on active involvement of

women in the Swachh Bharat Mission.

The week-long campaign is being jointly implemented and monitored by the Rural

Management and Development Department and the Social Justice Empowerment and

Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim.

2. Government launches Bharat ke Veer web portal and application

A web portal and mobile application named “Bharat ke Veer” inaugurated on the

occasion of Valour Day of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) i.e. 9th April.

The portal is an IT based platform, with an objective to enable willing donors to

contribute towards the family of a braveheart who sacrificed his/her life in line of

duty.

The amount so donated will be credited to the account of ‘Next of Kin’ of those Central

Armed Police Force/Central Para Military Force soldiers. The idea is contributed by actor

Shri Akshay Kumar.

This platform is technically supported by National Informatics Centre (NIC) and powered

by State Bank of India (SBI). To ensure maximum coverage, a cap of Rs. 15 lakh is

imposed on donation and donors will be alerted if amount exceeds, so they can choose

to divert part of the donation to another account.

3. Government to launch SAMPADA scheme for food processing

The Ministry of Food Processing launched an umbrella programme SAMPADA (Scheme

for Agro-Marine Produce Processing and Development of Agro-Processing

Clusters) for food processing sector.

It will integrate on-going schemes like mega food parks and cold chain projects as well

as new schemes aimed at reducing food wastage and doubling farmers’ income by

2022. It will help to create infrastructure for linkage of entire supply chain.

To create infrastructure for improving the entire food supply chain, three schemes—

‘Creation/ Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities’, ‘New Agro-

Processing Clusters’ and ‘Backward and Forward Linkages’ are on anvil.

4. Jharkhand police initiates Tare Zameen Par programme for underprivileged kids

To enlighten children in naxal-affected areas of Jharkhand's Palamau district, Jharkhand

Police has initiated Tare Zameen Par program to encourage children to lead happy lives.

People from all sections of society took part in the program for contributing basic

amenities for children. Locals are appealed to donate bags, shoes, books and clothes

that would be distributed among poor children.

5. ‘Digi Yatra’ initiative to make flying simpler

A new initiative under the Ministry of Civil Aviation -- 'Digi Yatra' -- which will

use Aadhaar card or passport number and a digital mode (mobile phones) to verify

passengers and ease the security and boarding procedure.

http://www.business-standard.com/search?type=news&q=Bharat


It’s aiming to make a passenger’s complete Air Travel experience digital/ paperless.

In addition, the ministry is also in the process of coming up with an approach to have a

no-fly list based on safety.

The government has decided to come with a no-fly list in the wake of instances of unruly

behaviour by air passengers that endanger the safety of all passengers in an aircraft.


ECONOMY

1. India ranks 87th on energy architecture performance: WEF

India has been placed at 87th position among 127 countries in the global Energy

Architecture Performance Index (EAPI) 2017 released by World Economic Forum.

EAPI is a composite index developed by WEF in collaboration with Accenture Strategy. It

focuses on tracking specific indicators to measure the energy system performance of

the countries.

Top 5 Countries:

(1) Switzerland (2) Norway (3) Sweden (4) Denmark and (5) France

Bahrain is ranked the lowest at 127th.

India marginally improved its position by three places from 90th last year, but, ranks

among the worst for pollution.

2. Mission Fingerling to achieve Blue Revolution

The Union Ministry of Agriculture has launched Mission Fingerling, a program to

enable holistic development and management of fisheries sector in India.

Recognizing the potential and possibilities in the fisheries sector, Government of India

has envisaged a program named ‘’Blue Revolution’’ to unlock the country’s latent

potential through an integrated approach.

The Blue Revolution, in its scope and reach, focuses on creating an enabling

environment for an integrated and holistic development and management of fisheries for

the socio economic development of the fishers and fish farmers.

Greater emphasis will be on infrastructure with an equally strong focus on management

and conservation of the resources through technology transfer to increase in the income

of the fishers and fish farmers.

Fish Fingerling production is the single most important critical input visualized to

achieve fish production targets under the Blue Revolution.

Government has identified 20 States based on their potential and other relevant factors

to strengthen the Fish Fingerling production and Fish Seed infrastructure in the country.

This program will facilitate the establishment of Fingerling rearing pond and hatcheries to

ensure the fish production of 426 crores fish fingerling, 25.50 crores Post Larvae of

shrimp and crab in the country.

3. CCEA approves Policy for Early Monetization of Coal Bed Methane Gas

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved Policy for Early

Monetization of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Gas Marketing and Pricing Freedom for CBM

Gas.

Coalbed methane (CBM or coal-bed methane), coalbed gas, coal seam gas, or coal-

mine methane is a form of natural gas extracted from coal beds. The term refers to

methane adsorbed into the solid matrix of the coal.

It is called 'sweet gas' because of its lack of hydrogen sulfide. Coalbed methane is

distinct from a typical sandstone or other conventional gas reservoir, as the methane is

stored within the coal by a process called adsorption. The methane is in a near-liquid

state, lining the inside of pores within the coal (called the matrix).


Unlike much natural gas from conventional reservoirs, coalbed methane contains very

little heavier hydrocarbons such as propane or butane, and no natural-gas condensate. It

often contains up to a few percent carbon dioxide.

The policy provides marketing and pricing freedom to the CBM Contractors to sell

the CBM at Arm’s Length Price in the domestic market.

While discovering the market price for Arm’s Length Sales, the Contractor has to ensure

a fully transparent and competitive process for sale of CBM with the objective that the

best possible price is realized for the gas without any restrictive commercial practices.

CBM contractors have also been permitted to sell the CBM to its any affiliate, in the

event contractor cannot identify any buyer.

Royalty and other dues to the Government, however, shall be payable on the basis of

Petroleum Planning & Analysis Cell (PPAC) notified prices or selling prices, whichever

is higher.

The policy is expected to incentivize the CBM operation in the country to boost gas

production and will generate economic activities.

It will in turn be beneficial for creating more employment opportunities in CBM operations

and related activities.

4. Cabinet approves North East Road Network Connectivity Project Phase I

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved North East Road

Network Connectivity Project (NERNCP) Phase I for development of 403 kms of

National Highways in Meghalaya and Mizoram.

Out of 403 km, approximately 52 kms will be in Meghalaya and 351 km in Mizoram.

The project will be executed in EPC Mode.

The projects will encourage sub-regional socio-economic development by improvement

of infrastructure in Meghalaya and Mizoram. It will also enhance the connectivity with

inter-state roads and International Borders.

The work for development to two lane standards are under scheme "North East Road

Network Connectivity Project Phase I" with loan assistance of Japan International

Cooperation Agency (JICA).

5. Govt. announces open acreage licensing policy to boost oil output

In order to boost the country’s output of oil and gas through greater foreign investment,

the government has announced an open acreage licensing policy (OALP), which will

allow the bidders to select areas where they want to drill.

The policy will also give the operators the much needed freedom in pricing and

marketing for oil and gas.

The objective of OLAP is to increase India’s indigenous oil and gas production by

maximizing the potential of already discovered hydrocarbon resources in the country.

OALP offers single license to explore conventional and unconventional oil and gas

resources to propel investment in and provide operational flexibility to the investors.

Under it, Government will conduct auction of oil and gas blocks twice a year, with the first

round being held in July 2017.


The selection of oil blocks will be based on seismic and well data provided by

Directorate-General of Hydrocarbons in National Data Repository which offers total of

160TB data of India’s 26 sedimentary basins.

The OALP auction will be held under the overhauled exploration licensing policy,

allowing pricing and marketing freedom to operators and shifts to a revenue sharing

model.

6. CCEA approves changes in Mega power policy of 2009

According to the amendment, a developer must tie up at least 65 percent of installed

capacity through competitive bidding and up to 35 percent of installed capacity

under regulated tariff as per the policy of the host state.

This dispensation would be one time and limited to 15 projects which are located in

the states having mandatory host State power tie up policy of PPAs under regulated

tariff.

The second amendment extends the maximum time period for furnishing final

certificates to tax authorities to 60 months instead of 36 months from the date of

import for provisional mega projects.

7. The Union Ministry of Textiles has launched PowerTex India, a three-year

comprehensive scheme for Powerloom Sector Development.

The PowerTex India scheme aims to boost common infrastructure and modernisation of

the powerloom sector in the country.

PowerTex India scheme comprises new R&D in power loom textiles, new markets,

branding, subsidies and welfare schemes for the workers.

Major components : In-situ Upgradation of Plain Powerlooms; Group Workshed Scheme

(GWS); Yarn Bank Scheme; Common Facility Centre (CFC); Facilitation, IT, Awareness,

Market Development and Publicity for Powerloom Schemes, Tex Venture Capital Fund

and Grant-in-Aid and Modernisation & Upgradation of Powerloom Service Centres

(PSCs).

It also has two new schemes : Pradhan Mantri Credit Scheme (PMCS) for powerloom

weavers and solar energy scheme (SEC) for powerlooms.

8. Indian Government Withdraws FAME Subsidies For Mild Hybrid vehicles

The FAME or ‘Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles’

was introduced in 2015 as a part of NMEM(National Mission on Electric Mobility) and

offered discounts of up to Rs 29,000 for two wheelers and up to Rs 1.38 lakh for four

wheelers.

Mild hybrid technology is different from plug-in or conventional hybrid vehicles.

Mild hybrid vehicles use the energy generated while applying the brakes and turns

it into electric energy that is then stored in a battery.

This energy can then be used to turn the starter motor when the car’s start stop

system needs it. In most cases, a mild hybrid will turn its engine off when at idle or

when it comes to a halt at a traffic signal.


9. Japan has officially recognized bitcoin and digital currencies as legal money along

the lines of other fiat currencies

The recognition means regulations governing banks and financial institutions will be

applicable to crypto-currency and digital currencies exchange platforms.

They will be also required to comply with strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know

Your Customer (KYC) requirements, along with annual audits.

Bitcoin is a form of digital currency or virtual currency created and held

electronically. No one controls it i.e not regulated by any central bank or government.

It is also called a “cryptocurrency” since it is decentralized and uses cryptography

to prevent double-spending, a significant challenge inherent to digital currencies.

10. Government launches URJA MITRA app

Union Ministry of Power has launched URJA MITRA app for empowering citizens by

real time information sharing on power supply.

The app is a first of its kind which provides a central platform, web-portal

(www.urjamitra.com) as well as mobile app for state power Distribution utilities to

disseminate power outage information to rural/ urban power consumers through

SMS/ push/email notifications across the country.

11. All GST Bills Passed In Lok Sabha

The lower house passed four bills- Central GST Bill, Integrated GST Bill, Union Territory

GST Bill, and The GST (Compensation To States) Bill.

Since, these bills were tabled as money bills, the Rajya Sabha can only make

recommendations on the proposed laws and that too within 14 days of the bills being

sent to the upper house.

The GST Council has finalised the process of fitting various goods and services. The

four bands of tax rates have been fixed at 5 percent, 12 percent, 18 percent and 28

percent. This apart, another category of tax between 40 percent and 65 percent will be

imposed on luxury goods like high-end cars, pan masala, aerated drinks and tobacco

products.

Food grains will be zero-rated to insulate people from inflationary pressures. There

has been no consensus yet on tax rate for gold.

A decision has also been taken to levy a cess in order to raise funds to compensate

states for the revenue losses they will incur.

Demerit goods or sin goods such as luxury cars, pan masala, aerated drinks, and

tobacco and tobacco products, will invite a tax of 28 percent plus the cess.

12. India’s GDP Growth Forecast for 2017 Revised Downward by UN

In the report titled, World Economic Situation and Prospects, the UN has projected

a 7.3% growth for India in 2017.

India remains one of the fastest growing developing economy which is ahead of

China. China is projected to grow at 6.5% in 2017 and 2018.

The report has warned that the stressed balance sheets of the Indian banks is likely

to have an adverse impact on investment rebound in the country.


13. World bank’s Power Accessibility List: India jumps 73 Spots to be ranked 26th

India has jumped 73 spots to be ranked 26th in World Bank’s electricity

accessibility list. The country was ranked 99th in 2014.

A person applying for new electricity connection would be able to get the connection

within 24 hours in areas where power infrastructure is available and in areas where

there is no power infrastructure, electricity connection would be given in a week.

The Ministry of Power has also launched a new app, GARV-II to provide real-time

data of all six lakh villages of the country.

14. The government has released new-look index of industrial production (IIP) and the

wholesale price index (WPI).

Instead of the earlier 2004-05, base year for the IIP and the WPI will be 2011-12.

Already, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and

gross value addition etc., have 2011-12 as the base year.

The new series of IIP will include technology items like smart phones, tablets, LED

television etc.

Under the mineral group, new items like copper concentrate, lead concentrate and

garnet have been added and other items like copper ore, gypsum, kaolin, dolomite,

and magnesite have been dropped.

Introduction of the new series would make all the key macroeconomic

indicators such as IIP, WPI, CPI and national accounts to have a common base of

2011-12, paving way for easier comparisons among them.


INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Turkey 'ends' Euphrates Shield campaign in Syria

Turkey says it has "successfully" ended its seven-month Euphrates Shield military

campaign in northern Syria.

Turkey launched the offensive last August to push Islamic State militants away from

its border and also to stop the advance of local Kurdish fighters.

Ankara however fears this would fuel an insurgency being waged by the banned

Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in south-eastern Turkey.

2. The US Senate voted to approve Montenegro as the 29th member of the North

Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

The move to add Montenegro as the 29th member was backed by President Donald

Trump.

NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance, based on the North Atlantic Treaty,

which was signed on 4 April 1949, headquartered at Brussels, Belgium.

The organization constitutes a system of collective defence whereby its member

states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party.

3. India, Pakistan to review Miyar project

India and Pakistan agreed on redesigning the Miyar Hydroelectric project, at the

end of two-day talks of Indus Water Commissioners in Islamabad.

Miyar Hydroelectric Project is located in District Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

on the Miyar Nallah which is a major tributary of Chenab River. It was also agreed

that the Lower Kalnai and the Pakal Dul projects would be inspected again.

Kishenganga is in arbitration while officials of the two countries are meeting in

Washington in April,2017 on the Ratle project on the invitation of the World Bank.WB

is the Guarantor of the 1960 Indus Water Treaty.

4. US, South Korea Kicked Off Annual Foal Eagle Exercise

United States and South Korean troops kicked off the 2017 iteration of their large-

scale annual Foal Eagle exercises.

The exercises will run through April and will overlap with the Key Resolve exercise.

The related Key Resolve, a largely-computer simulated exercise, will be conducted

from March 13 to 23.

Also land-swap deal reached between the South Korean government and the Lotte

Group conglomerate that clears the way for the installation of a Terminal High

Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile battery on the Korean

Peninsula.

The US has never renounced the use of a first nuclear strike and the THAAD

system is designed to neutralise Chinese nuclear retaliation.

5. Beijing-backed Carrie Lam won a triangular electoral contest to become the first

woman chief executive of Hong Kong


Hong Kong is a special administration region of China, which rules it under the

“one country, two systems” principle. Under the system, Hong Kong enjoys a

degree of autonomy and rights not seen in the mainland.

The Hong Kong election is not a direct one; candidates are voted by an election

committee, mostly comprising pro-Beijing members.

6. Israel approves new settlement for first time in 2 decades

The new settlement will be built near the existing settlement of Shilo, which is nearby

to the Amona site, an illegal settler outpost that was demolished in February 2017 under

the orders of Israel’s Supreme Court.

West Bank and east Jerusalem are disputed territories claimed by the Palestinians which

were captured by Israel in 1967, as parts of a future state.

7. Myanmar Becomes 7th Member of South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation

(SASEC)

SASEC countries, which comprise Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar,

Nepal and Sri Lanka, launched SASEC Vision 2017-25 for the economic growth of the

sub-region.

As a project-based partnership, the SASEC programme has been helping realise

regional prosperity by enhancing cross-border connectivity, facilitating faster and

more efficient trade and promoting cross-border power trade.

The SASEC programme was formed in 2001 in response to the request of the four

countries of South Asia -- Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal -- from ADB to assist

in facilitating economic cooperation among them.

These four countries comprise the South Asia Growth Quadrangle (SAGQ), formed

in 1996, as a vehicle for accelerating sustainable economic development through

regional cooperation.

8. Turkey Referendum: President Erdogan wins sweeping powers

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan won the referendum on granting him

sweeping new powers by a clear majority.

The new system Erdogan envisages will resemble those in France and the US and

would help to bring calm to the turmoil caused by the Kurdish insurgency, Islamist

militancy and conflict in neighbouring Syria, which has resulted in a huge refugee

influx.

9. Cuba, Morocco re-establish diplomatic ties after 37 years

Guided by the mutual will to develop friendly relations, the two governments agreed

to re-establish ties as well as political, economic and cultural cooperation.

Morocco cut ties with Havana in 1980 after Cuba recognised Western Sahara as

the independent Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Morocco claims the territory

as its own.

After Cuba’s diplomatic reestablishment with Morocco, Israel, South Korea and

Somalia remain the only countries which do not have any ties with Cuba.


10. Kazakhstan opens consulate in Chennai

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations

between India and Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan is rich in natural resources, minerals, oil and gas and chemical products. It

is the largest exporter of Uranium to India.

11. Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has been re-elected with an emphatic victory

Mr Rouhani, a moderate who agreed a deal with world powers to limit Iran's nuclear

programme won 57% of the votes.

While oil exports have rebounded and inflation is back at single-digits, unemployment

remains high, especially among the young people.

12. China, ASEAN agree on framework for South China Sea code of conduct

China and the ASEAN members had committed to sign a code of conduct around 15

years ago. But the pace of the negotiations was slow as China claimed the South China

in its entirety.

In the absence of the code of conduct, each country followed a separate document

called the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China

Sea (DOC), which has a provision committing parties to explore ways to build trust and

confidence based on the principles of equality and mutual respect.

With this agreement ,a legally binding code of conduct, disputes in the strategic South

China Sea are bound to go down.

13. One Belt One Road (OBOR) summit

Belt and Road Forum (BRF) is a gathering of world leaders from across the globe,

organized by China to showcase its plans to build a network of trade routes under the

One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative.

The two-day Belt and Road Forum identified and agreed on 270 deliverable goals

of Belt and Road Initiative.

As of now, 68 countries and international organisations have signed belt and road

agreements with China.

India, however, has boycotted the summit owing to sovereignty concerns related to

the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Unlike India, none of the other

countries have sovereignty related issues with OBOR initiative.

Although India skipped the initiative, 6 of its neighbours namely Pakistan, Sri

Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Afghanistan attended the summit and

signed 20 infrastructure deals with China at the Belt and Road Forum (BRF).


SUMMITS & ORGANISATIONS

1. 3rd G20 Framework Working Group meeting held in Varanasi

The 3rd G-20 Framework Working Group(FWG) meeting under the German presidency

concluded in Varanasi on 28- 29th, March 2017.

It was co-hosted by department of Economic Affairs, and Reserve Bank of

India (RBI).

The first two G 20 FWG meetings under the G-20 German presidency have already been

held at Berlin in Dec 16 and at Riyadh in Feb 17.

Since the inception of the FWG in 2009, this is the fourth occasion that India is hosting

this meeting.

The G-20 is the group of 19 countries and European Union (EU) deliberating on global

economic issues.

G-20 FWG in Varanasi discussed the current global economic situation and the policy

options that countries can pursue to counter the important development challenges.

Focus was on the inclusive growth agenda of G-20 and to formulate a framework that

will help countries to frame specific inclusive growth policies.

2. IORA Leaders Summit held in Jakarta

First Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Leaders’ Summit was held in Jakarta,

Indonesia from March 5 to 7, 2017.

The theme of the summit was ‘Strengthening Maritime Cooperation for a Peaceful,

Stable and Prosperous Indian Ocean’.

From India, Vice President attended the two-day summit.


It discussed issues of regional interest such as maritime security, disaster relief and

humanitarian assistance, fisheries management, people-to-people exchanges, trade and

investment and tourism.

Three documents were adopted during the Summit. The first was the IORA/Jakarta

Concord that lays out the vision for the cooperation among the 21 IORA member states

on maritime safety and security. The two other documents adopted were the

"Declaration on Preventing Violent Extremism and Countering Terrorism" and the

"Action Plan of IORA for the next 5 years".

IORA is an international organisation consisting of coastal states bordering the Indian

Ocean, established in 1997 to promote cooperation in the IOR.It is based on the

principles of Open Regionalism for strengthening Economic Cooperation particularly on

Trade Facilitation and Investment, Promotion as well as Social Development of the

region.

3. India becomes associate member of IEA

India has joined the International Energy Agency as an associate member.India's entry

into the elite group which the developed countries had set up in in 1974 after the OPEC

cartel shocked the world with a steep increase in oil prices.

Inclusion of India, the world's third-largest oil consumer, is an important achievement

for the body that has acted as the energy watchdog for the developed world and has also

promoted clean energy and environment protection.

With India as a member, International Energy Agency now formally covers 70% of the

world's energy consumption.

India is already a partner of the International Energy Agency, but the upgradation of the

status will enhance its status and weight in its dialogue with major oil Suppliers and

consumers.

Presently IEA has 29 member countries. India is lone associate member of IAE.

Headquarters (Secretariat): Paris, France. It acts as energy policy advisor to 29 member

countries and also non-member countries like China, India and Russia.

Publications: World Energy Outlook report.

4. India ranks 40 in WEF’s 2017 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index

India was ranked 40th among the 136 economies across the world in 2017 Travel and

Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) released by the World Economic Forum (WEF).

WEF's biennial report is based on the theme 'paving the way for a more sustainable and

inclusive future'.

Asia-Pacific also emerged as the most-improved region.

5. G20 Digital Ministerial Meeting on Digital Economy held in Germany

G 20 Digital Ministers’ Meet on Digital Economy: Better International Cooperation

Needed to Check Cyber Crimes and Cyber Terrorism was held in Dusseldorf,

Germany.

It concluded with adaptation of declaration on ‘Shaping Digitalisation for an

Interconnected World’.


It talked about the need for greater availability of affordable broadband connectivity,

broader adoption of digital technologies and services improved digital skills and literacy,

greater digital entrepreneurship for the digital economy to achieve the Sustainable

Development Goals.

The ministerial conference was held according to the G20 Task Force on the digital

economy established in G20 summit held in Hangzhou, China in 2016.

It comprises total 19 countries plus the European Union (EU), representing 85% of global

GDP, 80% of international trade, 65% of world’s population. Its members include

Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, India, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy,

Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, UK, US and

EU.

6. India to host 18th World Road Meeting

New Delhi, India is set to host the 18th World Road Meeting (WRM 2017) on

November 13, the International Road Federation (IRF) said.

The WRM, the biggest global platform for road engineers, safety and transport experts

and companies engaged in road safety products, will be attended by over 4,000

delegates from across the world.

The theme of this year is 'Safe Roads and Smart Mobility: The Engines of Economic

Growth'.

The WRM, which is held every four years, gives a platform to come together, meet and

discuss issues relevant to road infrastructure and mobility and to exhibit and showcase

their products.


SCIENCE

1. Israeli Scientist develop ingestible 3D-printed snake-like robot

Scientists have developed a tiny, ingestible 3D-printed snake-like robot that can

navigate through the small intestines, and could one day be used to visualise the

digestive system in real time.

The robot, called SAW (single actuator wave-like robot), moves in a wave-like motion.

The external shape of the robot is a 2D projection of a rotating helix. The result is a

continuously moving wave.

2. ISRO has developed lithium ion battery for satellite and launch vehicle

applications.

Four types of batteries have been developed – 1.5Ah, 5Ah, 50Ah and 100Ah. Out of

these, 1.5Ah & 50Ah have been used for space applications and 5Ah & 100Ah batteries

are qualified and is ready for induction in space applications.

ISRO has supplied 50 Ah lithium-ion cells to Automotive Research Association of

India (ARAI). Lithium-ion battery developed by ISRO was successfully

demonstrated in a prototype two-wheeler.

Technology is ready for transfer to Indian industries for undertaking the production of Li-

ion batteries. BHEL has expressed interest in the transfer of technology.

Batteries are the key component of any electric vehicle. At present, all lithium-ion

batteries are imported and it's very expensive.

Such batteries have high-power, but these weigh less and their volume is much

less as well in comparison to conventional batteries.

3. Let there be light: Germans switch on 'largest artificial sun

German scientists are switching on “the world’s largest artificial sun” in the hope that

intense light sources can be used to generate climate-friendly fuel.

The Synlight experiment in Jülich, consists 149 souped-up film projector spotlights

and produces light about 10,000 times the intensity of natural sunlight on Earth.

When all the lamps are swivelled to concentrate light on a single spot, the instrument can

generate temperatures of around 3,500C – around two to three times the temperature

of a blast furnace.

The Synlight experiment is investigating the possibility that this setup could be used to

power a reaction to extract hydrogen from water vapour, which could then be used

as a fuel source for aeroplanes and cars.

4. The 105th session of Indian Science Congress will be hosted by Osmania

University (O.U) here during January 3-7, 2018

The conference will meet with the theme `Science and Technology - Reaching the

Unreached’.

This will be sixth time that the university will be hosing the conference. The Congress

will be meeting in Hyderabad for the seventh time.

Set up in 1914, Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA), supported by the

Government of India, is the oldest science scientific organisation in the country.


5. ISRO commissions world’s third-largest hypersonic wind tunnel

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) created history by commissioning the

world’s third-largest hypersonic wind tunnel , next only to the ones in the United

States (US) and Russia ,at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

These tunnels have wide spectrum of simulation capabilities in terms of Mach

number, Reynolds number and re-entry velocities.

6. Green nod for Neutrino Project suspended.

The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal on Monday suspended the

Environmental Clearance (EC) granted to the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO)

that was to come up in Theni.

The Tribunal was informed that the Madhikettan Shola National Park in Idukki district

of Kerala was just about 4.9 km from the proposed project site and the Tamil Nadu-

Kerala border was just a kilometre away.

Since it was near a national park, the INO was also asked to get clearance from the

National Board for Wildlife. Taking into account these new facts, the Bench disposed

of the petition and asked the INO to make a fresh application.

7. GRAPES-3 Telescope upgraded to detect Solar storms

The GRAPES-3 experiment is located at Ooty in India. It was started as a collaboration

of the TIFR and the Japanese Osaka City University, and now also includes the

Japanese Nagoya Women’s University.

GRAPES-3 (Gamma Ray Astronomy PeV EnergieS phase-3) experiment had

detected the effect of a solar storm that hit the earth in June 2015.

It is specially designed to study cosmic rays with an array of air shower detectors

and a large area muon detector. It aims to probe acceleration of cosmic rays in the

four astrophysical settings.

GRAPES-3 has an important role in understanding the propagation of storms from the L1

point (Lagrange point 1) to its impact on the Earth. The upgraded detector will have an

increased coverage and improved capacity to determine the direction of incident cosmic

rays.

8. LHC: Five new particles hold clues to sub-atomic glue

The Large Hadron Collider has discovered new sub-atomic particles that could help to

explain how the centres of atoms are held together. i.e. The Strong Force.

The particles are all different forms of the so-called Omega-c baryon, whose

existence was confirmed in 1994. The new particles were found to be in excited

states — a particle state that has a higher energy than the absolute minimum

configuration (or ground state). The uniqueness of this discovery is that observing five

new states all at once is very rare.

9. 'Lost' Chandrayaan-1 found orbiting Moon: NASA

India’s first lunar probe, Chandrayaan-1, which was considered lost, is still orbiting the

moon.


The ISRO lost communication with Chandrayaan-1 on August 29, 2009, almost a year

after it was launched on October 22, 2008.

Finding a derelict spacecraft at lunar distance that has not been tracked for years is

tricky because the moon is riddled with mascons (regions with higher-than-

average gravitational pull) that can dramatically affect a spacecraft’s orbit over time,

and even cause it to have crashed into the moon.

10. PAU develops country’s first Bt cotton varieties

Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana said that it has developed country's first

genetically-modified (Bt) varieties of cotton — the seeds of which could be reused by

farmers, resulting in saving the repeated cost.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has identified three Bt cotton varieties —

namely PAU Bt 1, F1861 and RS 2013 — for cultivation in states of Punjab, Haryana and

Rajasthan.

PAU Bt 1 and F 1861 were developed by PAU, whereas, RS 2013 was developed at

Rajasthan Agricultural University (RAU), Bikaner. While the PAU Bt 1 was completely

developed at Punjab Agricultural University, the F 1861 and RS 2013 varieties were

converted to Bt version by Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur.

The entire three varieties carry ''cry1Ac'' gene imparting resistance against bollworm

complex.Notably, cotton is the only genetically-modified seed that’s legally allowed in

India.

11. European Space Agency (ESA) successfully launched Sentinel-2B satellite.

The Sentinel-2B satellite is part of satellites system under the Copernicus Program

that monitors Earth. It will join its twin Sentinel-2A, which has been in orbit since 2015.

They will take high-resolution, colour and infrared images for a wide array of

environmental initiatives, including crop forecasting and monitoring natural disasters.

Copernicus observation program is the world’s largest single earth observation

programme. It is directed by the European Commission in partnership with ESA.

It consists of constellation of seven Sentinel Earth observation satellites.

12. The Government establishes Banana Research Centre in Vaishali

It is second such in the country after the National Research Centre for Banana at

Tiruchirapalli in Tamil Nadu.

It will focus on the reasons for less production of banana and will work on expansion

of its cultivation, plant protection, suitable utilisation of various parts of it such as pulp

and fibre, marketing, processing, and value addition.

13. DRDO signs deal with firm to manufacture key alloy

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) signed a technology

transfer agreement with Jindal Stainless (Hisar) Limited (JSHL) for manufacturing High

Nitrogen Steel (HNS).

HNS is not only tough but also has a much higher ballistic strength than normal

steel. In addition to being non-magnetic and corrosion-resistant, the HNS cost is

about 40% less compared to Rolled Homogenous Armour Steel (RHA).


14. Drug price regulator National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has

increased price of stents by around 2%

A coronary stent is a tube-shaped medical device placed in the arteries that supply

blood to the heart.

It keeps the arteries open in the treatment of coronary heart diseases.The Procedure of

Placing the stents in an artery is called Angioplasty.

In February 2017, the NPPA had brought stents under price control and capped ceiling

price of coronary stents. It was the first medical device to be brought under price control.

NPPA is nodal government regulatory agency that controls the prices of pharmaceutical

drugs in India. It functions under the aegis of Union Ministry of Chemical and Fertiliser.

15. New way to fight drug resistant superbugs

A process known as plasmapheresis that is somewhat like kidney dialysis, involves

the removal, treatment, and return of blood plasma from circulation.

It is followed by replacement of antibodies with those from blood donations. This

treatment restored the ability for the patients’ blood to kill their infecting Pseudomonas

bacteria.

The procedure was used for Bronchiectasis , a disease that leads to permanent

enlargement of the airways in the lung.

16. Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched Cyber Physical

Systems (CPS) programme

CPS is an interdisciplinary field that deals with the deployment of computer-based

systems that do things in the physical world, such as, for instance, the self-driven

cars produced by Google and Tesla.

Autonomous unmanned vehicles (UAVs) and aircraft navigation systems and

smart grids (where electricity is optimally distributed on the basis of calculations in real

time by micro-processors) also qualify as CPS.

17. North India to get DNA bank for wildlife

Scientists at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Bareilly are in the

process of collecting DNA samples of all wild animals to set up the bank.

At present, the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES) in

Hyderabad is the only such facility in the country.

The bank has ‘positive sample’ meaning ‘known sample’ which will have DNA

sequencing. In future, if we get some ‘unknown sample’ like hair or skin, then with the

help of the DNA bank, we can tell which animal it belongs to.

18. ISRO and Agriculture Ministry Team Up To Geo-Tag Agricultural Assets

The Union Agriculture Ministry has joined hands with the National Remote Sensing

Centre (NRSC), a wing of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for geo-

tagging agricultural assets.

At present, officials provide information on the assets manually, so there is no

transparency. Geo-tagging will provide us realistic status of assets, thus not only


help in monitoring and utilising but also be extremely useful in formulating schemes for

development in the agricultural sector.

It will also help in avoiding duplication. utilisation of space technology would help farmers

get access to pesticide testing labs, storage infrastructure, and market-related

information.

19. Nakshe Portal

It will offer free

download of 3,000

Topographic maps

or Open Series Maps

(OSM) in a pdf

format on 1:50,000

scale through

Aaadhar enabled

user authentication

process.

The maps are meant

for development

activities in the

country, and can be

also used to plan

scientific expeditions,

research and planning

development projects.

Survey of India is a

chief mapping

agency of the country

and comes under the

Department of

Science and Technology. Formed in Year 1767, making it oldest scientific department

in India and one of the oldest survey establishments in the world.

20. Belle II Detector integrated with superKekb Accelerator

The High Energy Accelerator Research Organisation (KEK) completed the ‘rolling-in’

of the Belle-II experiment in Tsukuba, Japan.

Roll-in refers to the operation of moving the entire Belle II detector system from its

assembly area to the beam collision point.

The experiment is designed to study violations of the Standard Model of particle physics.

Belle-II has a significant Indian participation both on experimental and theoretical

sides. The fourth layer of the six-layer i.e. highly sensitive particle detector has been

built by Indian scientists from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR),

Mumbai.

MNNIT Jaipur, IISER ,IIT Guwahati, Bhubaneshwar and others are also participating in

this experiment.


21. MOAB

The official name used by the US Air Force for GBU-43 is the ‘Massive Ordnance Air

Blast bomb (MOAB). GBU-43 is nicknamed as the ‘Mother of All Bombs’.

GBU-43 is one of the largest non-nuclear bomb ever used in the battlefield. The

bomb has been dropped to destroy a system of tunnels and caves used by the ISIS

fighters to move around freely making easier for them to target US military advisers and

the Afghan forces.

The idea behind an "air burst" weapon, as opposed to a weapon that explodes on

impact with the ground, is to increase its destructive range. A bomb that penetrates

the ground and then bursts tends to send all of its energy either down into the ground or

straight up into the air. An air burst

weapon sends a great deal of its energy

out to the side.

MOAB, however, is not the largest bomb

ever made. Russia in 2007 tested ‘Aviation

Thermobaric Bomb of Increased Power’,

nicknamed as the “Father of All Bombs.

22. BRABO:First Made in India industrial

robot

BRABO stands for “Bravo Robot. The robot

has been developed indigenously for

micro, small and medium enterprises

(MSME) in India, by TAL Manufacturing

solutions.

Other than the motors and drives for the

Robo-arm, all the other parts of the robot

were indigenously manufactured in India.

23. LHS 1140b: Another planet in habitable

zone discovered

Astronomers have discovered yet another

planet, called LHS1140b, which is

expected to be present in the Goldilocks

Zone. Goldilocks Zone refers to a

habitable zone where the temperature is

neither too high nor too low.

The planet is found to be rocky, like the

Earth but is over six-times as massive as

Earth and about 1.5-times larger and falls under the category of ‘Super Earth’.

Rocky planets within the habitable zone are the best candidates to find evidence of

some form of life.

So far, astronomers have identified 52 potentially habitable planets and around 3,600

planets outside our solar system.


With the launch of James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) by NASA in 2018, chances

of studying planets and detecting a familiar atmosphere will increase manifold.

JWST will succeed the Hubble space telescope.

24. NASA's Cassini spacecraft is back in contact with Earth after its successful first-

ever dive through the narrow gap between the planet Saturn and its rings.

Launched in 1997, Cassini arrived at Saturn in 2004. Following its last close flyby of

the large moon Titan on April 21, Cassini began what mission planners are calling its

"Grand Finale."

During this final chapter, Cassini loops Saturn approximately once per week, making

a total of 22 dives between the rings and the planet.

The spacecraft is on a trajectory that will eventually plunge into Saturn's atmosphere

-- and end Cassini's mission -- on Sept. 15, 2017.

25. Scientists at IIT Delhi Develops Cheapest Respiratory Filter, Nasofilter

Nasofilters’ which is capable of restricting up to 95% of dust and air pollutants.

Involving a cost of Rs 10, it is the cheapest naso filter available.

The Nasofilter employs an has an assembly of millions of small-sized pores

that creates a thin flexible membrane that gives protection against the finest

particulate pollutants especially the PM2.5 concentration. It offers protection for at

least eight hours and therefore helps in reducing the risk of respiratory diseases.

The filter is capable of getting struck with the user’s nasal orifice and would prevent

the entry of foreign particulate matter like PM2.5 particles, bacteria and pollen allergens.

26. The Union Cabinet cleared the proposal to construct 10 indigenous pressurised

heavy water nuclear reactors with a total capacity of 7,000 MW

Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as

both moderator and coolant.

The ten reactors will be part of India’s latest design of 700 MW PHWR fleet with state-of-

the-art technology meeting the highest standards of safety.

Cabinet also approved a new coal linkage policy called the Scheme for Harnessing

and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India (SHAKTI) that will award fuel supply

agreements (FSAs) to coal plants already holding letters of assurance (LoAs).

27. US to Sell high-tech chemical protective clothing to India

The United States will be selling high-tech Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit

Technology (JSLIST) protective clothing worth $75 million to India.

JSLIST protective clothing when used with the chemical protective mask would

shield the Indian Soldiers from exposure to any kind of chemical, biological,

radiological and nuclear warfare that can result in a serious injury.

28. Ransomware Cyber Attack Plays Havoc in Several Countries including India

A global cyber attack has crippled nearly hundred countries, including India. A cyber

gang called Shadow Brokers, which is a mysterious organisation is held responsible

for this massive cyberattack.


The organisation has carried out the attack by stealing a hacking tool called ‘Eternal

Blue’ from the National Security Agency (NSA), America’s powerful military

intelligence unit.

Hackers have spread ransomware known as WannaCry, WanaCrypt0r 2.0, WannaCry

and WCry, often through emails. The files in the infected computers gets locked up in

such a way that the user cannot access them anymore.

It then demands payment in cryptocurrency Bitcoin to retrieve the locked files.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software when infected restricts the user

access until a ransom is paid to unlock it.

In India, Andhra Pradesh’s police computers have come under the cyberattack.

Computers in 18 police units in Chittoor, Krishna, Guntur, Visakhatpatnam and

Srikakulam districts have been affected.

29. Railways to acquire EOTT system to run trains without guards

The End of Train Telemetry (EoTT) equipment is used to establish communication

between the locomotive driver and the last wagon of the train to ensure that the

train is running with all coaches/wagons as a complete unit.

The equipment is designed to do the guard’s job by giving indication to the loco driver

in case of parting of coaches or wagons from the rear side of the train.

Each set of EoTT device is estimated to cost approximately Rs 10 lakh. EoTT

system comprises two units – one unit called cab display unit (CDU) fitted on the

locomotive and the other is sense and brake unit (SBU) fitted on the last coach or

wagon of the train.

Both the units are fitted with radio transmitter which communicate with each

other. In case of a train parting, the system is designed to indicate to the driver the

parting of the train and to apply brakes to the rear unit, thus averting collision of the rear

portion with the front portion of the train.

30. THAAD

The US’ Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system is

operational in South Korea to guard against missile threats emanating from North

Korea.

THAAD is a missile defence system capable of intercepting and destroying short and

medium-range ballistic missiles in their final flight phase.

The interceptor by using its kinetic energy destroys the incoming ballistic missile.

Hence it is considered safer as it does not make use of warheads to destroy

missiles.

The THAAD system in many ways is similar to Israel’s missile defence system

called Iron Dome. Iron Dome helps Israel to prevent Gaza attacking Israel’s urban

and highly sensitive areas. Iron Dome has a much shorter detection range than

THAAD.

31. India successfully launched the South Asia Satellite

Fully funded by INDIA and touted it as an “invaluable gift” to its South Asian

neighbours, which would provide communication and disaster support to the region.


The South Asia Satellite, also known as GSAT-9, is a geosynchronous

communications and meteorology satellite operated by the Indian Space Research

Organisation (ISRO) for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)

region.

The standalone satellite has a liftoff mass of about 2,230 kg. GSAT-9 is the first

Indian satellite to use electric propulsion albeit partially. It carries only 25% of the

normal chemical fuel package compared to other Indian satellites, a xenon based

electric propulsion system is used for orbital functions of the spacecraft.

32. Railways to track wagons, coaches with RFID tags

Indian Railways is set to make use of the radio-frequency identification tags (RFID)

for tracking of wagons, coaches and locomotives to ensure the effective and

transparent functioning of the system.

The RFID tags have been designed by the Centre for Railway Information System

(CRIS).

The RFID uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags

attached to objects. The RFID tags contain electronically stored information. Unlike a

bar code, the tag need not be within the line of sight (LoS) of the reader, so it can

be easily embedded in the tracked object.


ENVIRONMENT

1. El Salvador becomes world’s first country to ban metal mining

El Salvador became the first country in the world to ban the mining of metals. It is a

landmark move for environmental protection.

The law bans "prospection, exploration, exploitation, extraction or processing of metallic

minerals."

Some Latin American countries thrive on mineral exports but local communities complain

of environmental risks from toxic metals used in the process. It will protect poor rural

communities threatened by proposed mining projects.

2. Kanha tiger reserve becomes first in India to get official mascot

Kanha has become the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot —

Bhoorsingh the Barasingha — to present the hard ground swamp deer as the spirit of

the reserve and spread awareness to save it from possible extinction.

Barasingha, or swamp deer, is the state animal of Madhya Pradesh.

The Kanha tiger reserve, spread over Mandla and Balaghat districts, is the only place in

the world where the species exists.

It has been listed vulnerable in the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)

Red List of Threatened Species.

3. Cyclone Debbie makes Landfall in Australia’s Northeast Coast

Cyclone Debbie caused major damage, torrential rain and power cuts in Queensland. It

is a category four storm, whipping gusts of up to 263km/h (163mph).

4. Earth Hour observed across the World

This year Earth Hour is at 8:30pm on 25 March 2017 and it is 11th edition.

The initiative began in Australia in 2007 as a grass roots gesture by the World Wildlife

Fund (WWF) and other volunteer organisations, together.

This event is observed annually in March end, encouraging all to switch off nonessential

lights for 1 hr.

5. 3rd World Conference on Environment held in New Delhi

The President of India inaugurated Third World Conference on Environment organized

by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi (March 25, 2017).

Govt argues for a plan for sustainable development balancing the need to protect the

environment and continued growth

The conference discussed various issues like air pollution, water pollution, economics

and clean technology, and the role of courts and tribunals for environmental protection.

The Conference was held under the aegis of UNEP, in collaboration with MoEFCC and

Ministry of Water Resources.


6. Assam Government launches SaCReD initiative to make Majuli carbon neutral

island

Government of Assam launched Sustainable Actions for Climate Resilient Development

(SaCReD) initiative to develop Majuli, the world’s largest river island, as the country’s

first carbon neutral district and a biodiversity heritage site.

It was launched on the occasion of International Day of Forests (observed on March 21).

SaCReD Initiative will also ensure that infrastructure in Majuli has less carbon. It aims to

battle climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Forests are Lives campaign was also launched to underline the importance of Assam’s

rich forest and biodiversity. It urges people to take a pledge to conserve its biodiversity to

make the state pollution free.

7. March 22: World Water Day

World Water Day, on 22 March every year, is about taking action to tackle the water

crisis.

This year's theme is Wastewater.

In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated March 22 as World

Water Day. World Water Day is coordinated by UN-Water in collaboration with

governments and agencies like United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),

United Nations Environment, United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-

HABITAT), United Nations University (UNU)

The Sustainable Development Goals, launched in 2015, include a target 6 to ensure

everyone has access to safe water by 2030, making water a key issue in the fight to

eradicate extreme poverty.

8. Uttarakhand HC recognise Ganga and Yamuna Rivers as living entity

The Uttarakhand high court has recognized the Ganga and the Yamuna as so-called

living entities, giving the rivers that have seen years of damage at the hands of humans,

a legal voice.

First time a court has recognized a non-human as a living entity in India.

The recognition came while the court was hearing a 2014 public interest litigation (PIL).

Uttarakhand HC verdict Ganga and Yamuna, all their tributaries, streams are declared as

legal persons [or] living persons in order to protect the recognition and the faith of

society. They will have the status of a legal person with all corresponding rights, duties

and liabilities of a living person in order to preserve and conserve them.

9. Scientists discover world’s first fluorescent frog in Argentina

Scientists have discovered the world’s first fluorescent frog in Argentina that sports a

muted palette of greens, yellows and reds under normal light, but gives off a bright blue

and green glow in the dark.

The ability to absorb light at short wavelengths and re-emit it at longer wavelengths is

called fluorescence, and is rare in terrestrial animals.

Three molecules hyloin-L1, hyloin-L2 and hyloin-G1 were responsible for green

fluorescence.


10. Odisha, Jharkhand ,West Bengal and Chhattisgarh to conduct joint Elephant

census

First such attempt by the States of Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and

Jharkhand have decided to conduct a synchronised elephant census between May 9

and 12.

The four States together have the maximum number of human-elephant conflict-

prone regions in India.

The States will conduct the census based on an identical set of rules — using the direct

and indirect counting methods. The dates have been chosen specifically as the

sighting of elephants is expected to be easier on the night of May 10 — a full moon

night.

The direct counting method is based on sighting of elephants while the indirect

method uses the ‘dung decay’ formula, in which the the analysis of elephant dung is

used to estimate the population.

11. Mass coral bleaching occurring in Great Barrier Reef for 2nd year

For the second consecutive year, Australia's Great Barrier Reef is experiencing

mass coral bleaching.

Coral is composed of thousands of small creatures called polyps that can only thrive

in a very narrow range of temperatures.

Warmer water temperatures can result in coral bleaching. When water is too warm,

corals will expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn

completely white. This is called coral bleaching. When a coral bleaches, it is not dead.

Corals can survive a bleaching event, but they are under more stress and are subject to

mortality.

The back-to-back bleaching is also an indication that the coral is losing its ability to

recover from extreme heat.

This year more bleaching is being observed in this central part of the Reef, which last

year escaped widespread severe bleaching.

12. New canyon system found near Kovvada, Andhra Pradesh

This discovery was made by team of scientists from CSIR-National Institute of

Oceanography (NIO) in Visakhapatnam by clearly mapping the ocean floor between

Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam.

Canyon systems are generally formed by the flow of river water into the sea and

they could be as old as the river system, which is close to 23 million years.

The new canyon system was probably formed by river Kandivalasa. It is very huge

and its depth varies from about 90 metres at the starting point to about 2,500

metres at the deepest point. It extends to about 50 to 70 km deep into the sea.

13. India Launches second stage of HCFCs phaseout plan

It is estimated that with this plan, there would be a net direct CO2-equivalent emission

reductions of about 8.5 million metric tonnes annually from 2023.


HCFCs are used in various sectors like refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) and

foam manufacturing.

India has secured $44.1 million from Multilateral Fund for implementation of

Montreal Protocol for phasing out 8,190 MT of HCFC consumption between 2017 to

2023.

The Montreal Protocol seeks to cut the production and consumption of ozone

depleting substances in order to protect the earth’s fragile ozone layer. It also aims

at phase out HCFCs by 2030.

Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) generally contain chlorine, fluorine, bromine, carbon,

and hydrogen in varying proportions and are often described by the general term

halocarbons. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform

are important human-produced ozone-depleting gases that have been used in many

applications including refrigeration, air conditioning, foam blowing, cleaning of electronics

components, and as solvents. Another important group of human-produced halocarbons

is the halons, which contain carbon, bromine, fluorine, and (in some cases) chlorine and

have been mainly used as fire extinguishers.

14. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has

launched the web portal for obtaining Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances.

The portal is a web-based system for obtaining clearances required from the Ministry

under the (CRZ) by the Project proponents for ease of doing business.

The user-friendly portal enables submission of applications for CRZ clearance in a

single-window interface and facilitates quick flow of information related to CRZ

clearances.

CRZ is the zone along the coastal stretches of seas, bays, estuaries, creeks, rivers

and backwaters along the coastline specially demarcated for regulated development

activity.

The regulations in this zone are governed by the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ),

2011 issued under the under Section 3 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

15. WCCB’s Operation Thunderbird and Operation Save Kurma for fight against

wildlife crime

Operation Thunderbird is the code-name for INTERPOL’s multi-national and multi-

species enforcement operation for wildlife protection.

Preceding this operation, WCCB had convened a species specific operation on

turtles, code named OPERATION SAVE KURMA” from December 15 last year to

January 30, this year.

The operation brought about awareness among the enforcement agencies to focus on

the existing trade routes and major trade hubs in the country, which will be

specifically focused in future.

It has resulted in huge seizures of 2, 524 Live species of scheduled animals, 9 wild

animal carcasses, 19.2 kg elephant ivory, 1 tiger skin, 1 organ pipe coral, 1 jar snake

venom, 8 leopard skins and 1 Indian Mujtac skin.


16. World wildlife Day:3rd March

This year's theme for 2017 World Wildlife Day is "Listen to the Young Voices". The

idea behind the theme being that the youth, who will be the future leader and the

decision maker of the world, should be encouraged to act at both local level and global

levels to protect endangered wildlife.

World Wildlife Day is observed in order to celebrate and raise awareness of the

world's wild animals and plants and recognise the important role of CITES in

ensuring that international trade does not threaten the survival of species.

The 2016 theme was "The future of wildlife is in our hands", with a sub-theme "The

future of elephants is in our hands".

17. Madras HC orders TN Government to enact law to remove Seemai Karuvelam trees

Seemai Karuvelam (prosopis juliflora) is invasive species of tree harmful to the

environment as it sucks lot of water ultimately affect the environment and agricultural

activities.

Seemai Karuvelam tree species are native to West Africa. It was brought to Tamil

Nadu in 1960s as fuelwood. It is an invasive species that has infiltrated the water

bodies and dry lands of Tamil Nadu.

State Government should enact a law with prohibitory and penal clauses to eradicate

this hazardous species.

18. A river in New Zealand has become the first in the world to be granted the same

legal rights as a person.

After 140 years of negotiation, Māori tribe wins recognition for Whanganui river- the

third-largest in New Zealand, meaning it must be treated as a living entity.

The new status of the river means if someone abused or harmed it the law now sees

no differentiation between harming the tribe or harming the river because they are

one and the same.

Two guardians will be appointed to act on behalf of the Whanganui river, one from

the crown and one from the Whanganui iwi.

19. Barmer-Munawab, Pipad Road-Bilara rail routes declared as Green Corridors

The North Western Railway has declared the Barmer-Munawab and Pipad Road-Bilara

rail routes in Rajasthan as Green Corridors.

The 114 km long Rameswaram-Manamadurai stretch in Tamil Nadu is the country's

first green rail corridor. With the opening of the above two routes, the total number of

green corridors have increased to five.

The Okha-Kanalus and Porbandar-Wasjaliya railway sections of Gujarat are the other

two routes that have been declared green corridors.

About the green rail corridors:

The Green Corridor is a commitment to clean environment under the 'Swachh Rail-

Swachh Bharat' initiative. The Indian Railways have set the target of providing bio-toilets

in all the coaches by September 2019.


Trains in the green corridor have been fitted with bio-toilets, which ensure zero discharge

of human waste on the rail tracks thereby improving cleanliness and hygiene

Bio-toilets store the discharge in a bio-digester tank, which has anaerobic bacteria,

fitted underneath the train coach in a small space.The bacteria has the ability to convert

human faecal matter into water and small amount of gases like Methane.

20. Government launches BS-IV grade fuels

Bharat Stage-IV grade fuels have been introduced from April 1, the BS-VI standard fuels

have been targeted to be launched from 2020.

Migration to BS-IV fuels shows India's resolve under the leadership of the Prime Minister

to cut down emissions in a voluntary commitment to @COP21.

The Supreme Court has banned the sale of BS-III vehicles from April 1. On and from

April 1, 2017, such vehicles that are not BS-IV compliant shall not be sold in India by any

manufacturer or dealer, whether two-wheeler, three- wheeler, four-wheeler or

commercial vehicles.

The proposed BS-VI regulation will reduce diesel sulphur content to a maximum 10 ppm,

enabling the introduction of advanced emission control technologies.

As the technology for BS-V is not very different, it was decided to go straight to BS-VI

grade fuels from BS-IV.

Bharat stage emission standards (BSES) are emission standards instituted by GoI to

regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engines, including motor

vehicles.

The standards and timeline for implementation are set by Central Pollution Control Board

(CPCB) under the Ministry of Environment & Forest and Climate Change.

21. India, UK to set up Green Growth Equity Fund under NIIF for green energy

India and Britain agreed to jointly set up a fund with corpus contributions of 120 million

pounds each to finance Indian infrastructure projects.

It came after the ninth India-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue.

The Green Growth Equity Fund will be a sub-fund of National Infrastructure and

Investment Fund (NIIF) to finance energy needs in India.

India set up the NIIF in December 2015 as an investment vehicle for funding

commercially viable Greenfield, Brownfield and stalled projects.

Last year, the government announced that it is in the process of setting up two sub-funds

under NIIF -- one in clean energy, which will primarily focus on renewable energy and

another with focus on highway project.

22. 19th commonwealth forestry conference held in Uttarakhand

The 19th Commonwealth Forestry Conference was held at Forest Research Institute

(FRI)Dehradun, Uttarakhand.

This is for the second time India hosted the conference after it was hosted for first time

in 1968.

They focused issues on biodiversity conservation and management, livelihood and

economic security from forests, diversification, multiple uses and sustainable harvest,

forest and climate change.


They also shared their ideas and researches on ‘Forests for Prosperity and Posterity’ in

consonance with Aichi targets of the UN Convention on Conservation of Biological

Diversity (UNC-CBD) and Sustainable Development Goals.

23. Tree-dwelling crab species Kani maranjadu found in Kerala

A new species of long legged, tree-dwelling crabs in Western Ghats of Kerala had been

discovered by the scientists.

The new species named Kani maranjandu after the Kani tribe in Kerala are substantially

different from other congeners.

Kani maranjandu is the first crab species of its kind to offer a record of an arboreal crab

(species that lives in trees).

Characteristic traits: Its upper shell is hard, its male abdominal structure and

reproductive parts and diagnostic elongated walking legs (no other genus has).

24. Union Cabinet approves Collaboration Agreement to support Belmont Forum

Secretariat

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for collaborative Agreement with French

National Research Agency (ANR), France for supporting the Belmont Forum Secretariat.

The Cabinet also approved continued financial support to Belmont Forum Secretariat

beyond 2017.

The Belmont Forum, created in 2009, is a high level group of the world's major and

emerging funders of global environmental change research and international science

councils.

India is a member of Belmont Forum, besides Australia, Brazil, Canada, European

Commission, France, Germany, Japan, Netherland, South Africa, UK and USA etc.

Ministry of Earth Science (MoES), represents India in the Belmont Forum since 2012.

In order to coordinate the activities of the Belmont, a Secretariat is hosted by one of the

Belmont forum member on rotational basis. ANR, France is hosting the Secretariat from

January, 2015 to December, 2017.

25. Depression in Bay of Bengal named “Tropical Cyclone Maarutha”

A depression in the East Bay of Bengal has intensified into a tropical cyclone named

Maarutha, which was centered over the East-Central Bay of Bengal.

The cyclone's track is north-easterly, which is expected to take it towards the Myanmar

coast for a likely landfall.

The tropical cyclones rotate anti-clockwise in the northern hemisphere and are classified

into three types viz. Tropical Depression ( winds of 38 mph or less); Tropical Storm

(winds of 39 to 73 mph); hurricane (winds of 74 mph) and major hurricane (winds of 111

mph).

Hurricanes are called typhoons in western North Pacific, while similar storms in the

Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean are called cyclones. Tropical Cyclones in Indian

Ocean.


26. Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Tripura chosen for Krishi Karman Awards,

2015-16

The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has selected Tamil Nadu in

large category (production more than 10 million tonnes), Himachal Pradesh in

medium category (1 to 10 million tonnes) and Tripura in small category (less than 1

million tonnes) for the Krishi Karman Award2015-16 for commendable increase in

food grain production.

Tripura gets this national award for the second time. The northeastern state first received

the award in the 2009-10 fiscal.

Meghalaya too gets commendation prize for total food grain production.

27. RGIA gets carbon neutrality status

The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad has achieved carbon neutral

status. It is the first in the Asia-Pacific region to attain this status.

Airports Council International (ACI) has certified it. The ACI’s Airport Carbon

Accreditation programme was initiated in June 2009 and consists of four levels:

‘mapping’ (level 1), ‘reduction’ (level 2), ‘optimisation’ (level 3) and ‘neutrality’ (level 3+).

RGIA adopted many sustainable measures like proactive energy conservation,

generation of renewable energy, carbon sinking through extensive greenbelt and various

other environment protection initiatives to achieve this status.

Airports Council International (ACI) is the only global trade representative representing

the world’s airport authorities. It is a member of Air Transport Action Group (ATAG). It

was established in 1991 and develops standards, policies and recommended practices

for airports.

28. April 22: Earth Day

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22.

First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day events in more than 193 countries are now

coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network.

The concept of observing Earth Day was formally proposed by John McConnell at a

UNESCO conference on Environment in 1969.

On Earth Day 2016, the landmark Paris Agreement was signed by the United

States, China, and some 120 other countries.

The theme for 2017 is "Environmental & Climate Literacy".

29. Goldman Environmental Prize for Prafulla Samantra

Social activist Prafulla Samantra was announced one among six winners of the Goldman

Environmental Prize for his “historic 12-year legal battle that affirmed the indigenous

Dongria Kondh’s land rights and protected the Niyamgiri Hills from a massive, open-pit

aluminum ore mine.”

Samantara is only the sixth Indian to win the prize after Medha Patkar, M.C. Mehta,

Rasheeda Bi, Champaran Shukla and Ramesh Agrawal since 1990 when the award was

first instituted.

The Goldman Environmental Prize was created in 1990 to honour environmentalists

undertaking risk to their lives for the cause of protecting the environment.


The award is given to six persons, one from six geographical regions of the world,

namely, Africa, Asia, Europe, Islands and Island Nations, North America, and South &

Central America.

The prize is given by Goldman Environmental Foundation having its headquarters in San

Francisco. The prize is also called as the Green Nobel.

30. Study on Common Risk Mitigation Mechanism (CRMM) for Solar Power Generation

Projects in Solar Rich Countries Commissioned

Argentina, Burkina-Faso, Chad, France, India, Ivory Coast, Mali, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria,

Senegal, Uganda and Yemen have jointly supported commissioning of a study to define

and structure a Common Risk Mitigation Mechanism (CRMM) for solar power generation

projects in solar rich countries.

Involved ministry is New and Renewable Energy.

This is a major step in the implementation of the Paris Declaration of the International

Solar Alliance (ISA) adopted on November 30, 2015, on the side lines of COP21and of

the ISA programme aimed at mobilising affordable finance.

Under the ISA, solar rich countries lying fully or partially between the Tropics are invited

to share and aggregate data regarding their needs and objectives; emulate successful

practices; and set up common mechanisms and instruments, in order to address

obstacles to deployment at scale of solar energy.

31. Madhav Chitale Committee Recommends Measures for De-silting Ganga

The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has

formulated a committee headed by Madhav Chitalein July 2016 to prepare guidelines for

desilting the Ganga from Bhimgauda in Uttarakhand to Farakka in West Bengal.

It recommended creation of sand registry for de-silting of the Ganga and alsoan institute

be established for flood routing studies.

The committee in its report says erosion, sediment transport and siltation are very

complex phenomena. It is impossible to apply a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to sediment

management and control, because the issues involved are frequently very regionally-

specific.

The committee suggests good agricultural practices, river bank anti-erosion works and

avoiding encroachment of flood plain and reclamation of adjoining lakes along the river.It

also recommended de-silting of adjoining lakes to increase their storage capacities and

Also asked for the modification in the bridges across the Ganga which are causing large

afflux (more than one per cent of normal depth) to reduce the sediment deposition and

erosion of banks on the upstream.

32. Purnima Devi Burman and Sanjay Gubbi Wins Prestigious Whitley Awards

Sanjay Gubbi of Karnataka and Purnima Barman of Assam have won the prestigious

Whitley Award for their contributions in wildlife conservation. Whitley awards are

popularly known as Green Oscars.

Purnima Devi Burman has been selected for her efforts for the conservation of greater

adjutant storks and its habitat.


Sanjay Gubbi has been selected for his contribution to protect tiger corridors in

Karnataka.He helped to increase the size of protected areas in Karnataka by 37%.

Whitley Awards are instituted by the U.K.-registered charity Whitley Fund for Nature.

These awards are given annually to recognise national and regional conservationists in

wildlife and nature.

33. PM Launches Narmada Seva Mission for Conservation of Narmada

Prime Minister launched the Narmada Seva Missionin Amarkantak, for the conservation

of the crucial river, which is a lifeline of Madhya Pradesh.

The Central Pollution Control Board recently found that at least in three stretches of the

Narmada, water quality is not even good for bathing.

Narmada Samagra’ is founded which aimed at protecting the river .

What is the Narmada Seva Yatra?

Started: December 11, 2016 from Amarkantak, the origin place of the River Narmada

Distance covered on the southern bank: 1831 km

Distance covered on the northern bank:1513 km

Ended: May 15, 2017 at Amarkantak (148 days)

34. India’s First Bio Refinery Plant inaugurated in Pune

Union Minister of Road Transport and Highway inaugurated the country’s first bio-

refinery plant which produces ethanol from the variety of biomass. The project is

situated at Rahu in Pune district.

The demonstration plant built by Praj industries.

The inaugurated Bio‐refinery plant is capable of producing one million litres of ethanol

per annum by processing a variety of biomass like rice and wheat straw, cotton stalk,

bagasse, cane trash, corn cobs & stover with superior product yields.

Biofuel is cost‐effective and pollution‐free. Ethanol blending is the practice of blending

petrol with ethanol. Globally many countries including India, have resorted to ethanol

blending to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions.


MISCELLANEOUS

1. Government launches e-challan and m-parivahan apps for enforcement of traffic

rules

Two mobile applications —e-challan and m-parivahan to provide a comprehensive

digital solution for enforcement of traffic rules launched by The Union Ministry of Road

Transport and Highways. M-Parivahan is a citizen-centric app and e-challan is a law

enforcement app.

M-Parivahan: It will bring convenience to citizen and transparency in the system and safety

of passenger.

2. India becomes net exporter of power for the first time

First time India has turned around from a net importer of electricity to net exporter of

electricity.

India has exported around 5,798 million units to Nepal, Bangladesh and Myanmar which

is 213 million units more than the import of around 5,585 million units from Bhutan.

3. Srinath Narayanan set to become India’s 46th Grandmaster

Srinath Narayanan is set to become India's 46th Grandmaster after he defeated

Spanish GM David Anton Guijarro at the ongoing Sharjah Masters 2017 chess

tournament.

4. West Bengal wins 2017 Santosh Trophy

West Bengal won the 2017 Santosh Trophy of football by defeating Goa by 1-0 goals. It

was 71st edition of Santosh Trophy and overall record 32nd win of West Bengal.

5. French mathematician Yves Meyer wins 2017 Abel Prize

French mathematician Yves Meyer was awarded the 2017 Abel Prize for his work on

wavelets, (small waves or ripples).

A mathematical theory with applications in data compression, medical imaging and

the detection of gravitational waves.

Theory is used for applications ranging from image compression to the detection of

gravitational waves from the merging of black holes.

6. Tamil Nadu wins Vijay Hazare Trophy

Tamil Nadu won the 2017 Vijay Hazare Trophy of cricket for record fifth time defeating

Bengal.

7. First fully India-made train Medha flagged off at Dadar station

First India-made train (rake) Medha was flagged off at Dadar station in Mumbai.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Srinath-Narayanan

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Grandmaster

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/David-Anton-Guijarro


The rake (group of coaches) costs Rs.43.23 crore, approximately Rs. 1 crore less than

imported German-made Bombardier rake. It will save foreign exchange worth $50 lakh

per EMU rake along with 25% manufacturing cost.

8. Konkani Writer Mahabaleshwar Sail selected for Saraswati Samman 2016

Eminent Konkani writer Mahabaleshwar Sail has been honoured with the Saraswati

Samman 2016 for his novel Hawthan.

'Hawthan' is a work of fiction presenting the cultural map of the traditional potter

community of Goa.

Saraswati Samman

It is an annual award bestowed upon Indian citizen for his outstanding literary work

written in any Indian language mentioned in Schedule VIII of Constitution and

published during last 10 years.

Eminent Hindi author Harivansh Rai Bachchan was the first recipient of this award for his

autobiography in four volumes

9. Shahid Afridi appointed ambassador of Blind Cricket World Cup

Shahid Afridi has been appointed as the ambassador for the fifth edition of the Blind

Cricket World Cup.

The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) is going to host fifth edition of the tournament

which will be played in ODI format in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Pakistan in

January 2018.

10. Sachin Tendulkar appointed as official ambassador of women’s World Cup 2017

Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar was announced as the official ambassador of

Women's Cricket World Cup 2017 by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on the

occasion of International Women's Day.

11. RavichandranAshwin awarded Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy

Third Indian player to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy after being named the ICC

Cricketer of the Year and the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year.

The off-spinner thus became the 12th overall to win the prestigious Trophy.

He follows in the footsteps of Rahul Dravid (2004) and Sachin Tendulkar (2010).

He had finished 2015 as the number-one ranked Test bowler in the world, a position he

twice reclaimed in 2016.

12. DawitIsaak selected for 2017 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize

DawitIsaak, Eritrean-Swedish journalist, has been chosen to receive the 2017

UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.

The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, created in 1997, honours a

person, organisation or institution that has made an outstanding contribution to the

defence and promotion of press freedom anywhere in the world.

The prize, worth US$45,000, is awarded each year on the occasion of World Press

Freedom Day on 3 May.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Saraswati-Samman

http://indianexpress.com/about/shahid-afridi/


13. American singer & song writer Bob Dylan accepts Nobel literature award

American singer and song writer Bob Dylan has accepted 2016 Nobel Prize for

literature since December 2016 awards ceremony.

He is the first song writer to win this prestigious award.

He was awarded for creating new poetic expressions within the great American song

tradition. He is first American to win the prize since novelist Toni Morrison in 1993.

14. Germany becomes first NATO member to launch cyber command unit

Germany has become the first North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member to

launch a self-contained cyber command unit, which is designed to shield IT and

weapons systems from growing attacks.

The Cyber and Information Space Command (Kdo CIR) will have a status equal to that

of the army, navy, and air force. The Kdo CIR is the youngest branch of Germany’s

military “Bundeswehr”.

It will operate and protect the military’s own IT infrastructure and computer-assisted

weapons systems, and tackle online threats. The center would also focus on war-game

offensive skills and capabilities.

15. India ink defence deals with Israel for advanced MRSAM

India and Israel have inked defence deals worth over $2 billion for advanced medium-

range surface-to-air missile (MRSAM) systems.

As part of the deal, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will provide the Indian Army with

Barak-8 advanced MRSAM systems.

It has been developed jointly by IAI and India’s Defence Research and Development

Organisation (DRDO).

Using its Multi-Function Surveillance and Threat Alert Radars (MF-STARs), as well as

weapon control systems with data links, it can detect and track hostile aerial threats at a

range of 100-km and destroy them at 70-km.

16. 64th National Film Awards

The 64th National Film Awards for year 2016, Marathi film Kasaav won the award in the

Best Feature Film category and Fireflies in the Abyss won in the Non-Feature Film

Category. Telugu drama film SathamanamBhavathi directed by SatishVegesna was

selected as the Best Popular film providing wholesome entertainment.

Best Actor is Akshay Kumar (Rustom)

Best Supporting Actress: ZairaWasim (Dangal)

Best Hindi Film: Neerja

Best Film on social issue - Pink

It was established in 1954.These awards are presented by the President of India in

the official ceremony.

17. MalalaYousafzai to become youngest United Nations Messenger of Peace

MalalaYousafzai is to become the youngest United Nations Messenger of Peace.


Yousafzai, will help in promoting girl's education around the world as part of her

new role.

18. 12th Indo-Mongolian Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant held in Vairengte

The 12th edition of Indo-Mongolian Joint Military Exercise Nomadic Elephant 2017 has

begun at Vairengte in Mizoram.

The first joint Nomadic Elephant was held in 2004 and since then it is annually held.

The exercise is aimed at training the troops in counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism

operations (CICT Ops) under the United Nations mandate.

19. Colson Whitehead wins 2017 Pulitzer Prize for ‘Underground Railroad’

Colson Whitehead’s celebrated novel The Underground Railroad has won the 2017

Pulitzer Prize for fiction. The novel is about an escaped slave that combined liberating

imagination and brutal reality.

Earlier in November 2016, the novel had received the National Book Award of US.

This makes Colson Whitehead first person to win Pulitzer and National Book Award for

fiction in last 20 years.

The Pulitzer Prize is an annual award for achievements in newspaper, magazine and

online journalism, literature, and musical composition in the United States.

20. Operation Meghdoot

Operation Meghdoot was an Indian armed forces operation launched on 13 April 1984.

Facts about this operation:

Operation Meghdoot was launched by Indian Armed Forces to capture the Siachen

Glacier in Kashmir.

The operation was entrusted to one of the Kumaon Battalions, supported by Ladakh

Scouts. Initial assault was led by Maj (later Col ) RS Sandhu, VrC. This military

operation was unique because it was the first assault launched in world’s highest

battlefield.

Indian troops landed on Bilafond La on Saltoro ridge, west of Siachen glacier, on

April 13, 1984. It was a Baishakhi day. The operation resulted in Indian troops

gaining control of the entire Siachen glacier, giving India strategic advantage and

also maintaining status quo.

21. Nepal and China to conduct Sagarmatha Friendship-2017

Nepal and China hold their first-ever joint military exercise named ‘Sagarmatha

Friendship-2017’ with a special focus on combating terror and disaster management.

Sagarmatha is the Nepali name of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, that is

bordering between Nepal and China.

22. UNESCO’s Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize 2017 winners

UNESCO has named GiuseppinaNicolini, Mayor of Lampedusa (Italy) and the non-

governmental organisation SOS Méditerranée (France) as the winners of Felix

Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize 2017 “for their work to save the lives of refugees and

migrants and welcome them with dignity”.


UNESCO’s Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize was created in 1989 to honour living

individuals and active public or private bodies or institutions that have made significant

contribution to peace.

The Prize was established by a resolution supported by 120 countries and was adopted

by the General Conference of UNESCO at its 25th session.

23. Newton wins Jury Prize for Best Film at the Hong Kong International Film Festival

Hindi film ‘Newton’ has won the Jury Prize for Best Film at the Hong Kong

International Film Festival.

The film had its world premiere at Berlinale and got its first global recognition by winning

the Art Cinema award for the Forum section at Berlinale. The film also went to 16th

Annual Tribeca Film Festival.

The Hong Kong International Film Festival was founded in 1976 and is Asia’s oldest

international film festival.

24. India becomes world’s fifth largest military spender

According to the latest report from the Stockholm International Peace Research

Institute(SIPRI)-India is fifth on the list of the world’s biggest military spenders as its

military expenditure grew to $55.9 billion in 2016.

The US remains the world’s largest military followed by China, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.

SIPRI was established in 1966 as independent international institute dedicated to

research into conflict, armaments, arms control and disarmament. The organization

provides data, analysis and recommendations to policymakers, researchers, media and

the interested public.

25. India’s first sea ropeway to connect Mumbai &Elephanta Island

India’s first and longest ropeway to connect Mumbai with the famous Elephanta Island in

the Arabian Sea.

The 8-km ropeway will begin from Sewri in Mumbai’s east coast and end at Raigad

district’s ElephantaIsland,aUnesco World Heritage site.

Elephanta Island is a 16 sq. km island that has several archaeological remains famous

for its cave sculptures.

The island is locally known as Gharapuri Caves. It is located in Mumbai Harbour, east of

Mumbai, Maharashtra.

26. K Viswanath wins DadasahebPhalke Award for 2016

Filmmaker and actor KasinadhuniViswanath, has won the DadasahebPhalke award for

the year 2016 for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.

The award is conferred by the Union Government for outstanding contribution to the

growth and development of Indian Cinema.

The Award was established in 1969 to commemorate the birth centenary year of father

of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke. It is the highest official recognition (award) in

Indian cinema.


27. China launches first indigenously built aircraft carrier

China launched its second aircraft carrier and, the first to be developed and built

indigenously from the Dalian shipyard in Liaoning Province.

The new aircraft carrier will be able to operate China’s Shenyang J-15 fighter jets and

will be more dedicated to military and humanitarian operations.

28. Bhubaneswar: First Indian city to win Pierre L’enfant Awards-2017

Bhubaneswar has become the first Indian city to win the elusive Pierre L’enfant

International Planning excellence award 2017.

The award is given out by the American Planning Association (APA) for good and

advanced town planning and engaging its residents in the planning process.

Pierre L’enfant was a French-born American architect and civil engineer

He is credited for designing the layout of the streets of Washington DC in the United

States.

29. India successfully carries out fresh user trial of Agni-III ballistic missile

India has successfully carried out a trial of Agni-III ballistic missile from Abdul Kalam

Island.

The missile has a two-stage solid propellant system and is capable of re-entering the

atmosphere at a very high velocity.

Missile Agni-III is an intermediate range (3,000 km to 5,000 km) missile with two stages.

It is surface-to-surface nuclear capable intermediate-range ballistic missile indigenously

developed by DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme

(IGMDP).

30. Prime Minister Releases Book Series written by MS Swaminathan

The Prime Minister released a two-part book series on the eminent agricultural

scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan.

The series is titled - M.S. Swaminathan:The Quest for a world without hunger.

Dr. M S Swaminathan is known as the Father of the Green Revolution in India for

his leadership and success in introducing and further developing high-yielding varieties

of wheat in India.

31. Bilateral Exercise SIMBEX-17 between Indian & Republic of Singapore Navy

Commences

The bilateral exercise involving Indian Navy and Republic of Singapore Navy has

commenced in South China Sea.

SIMBEX stands for “Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercises“.

The major thrust of the exercise will lie on Anti-Submarine Operations (ASN), Integrated

operations with Surface, Air and Sub-surface Forces, Air Defence and Surface

Encounter Exercises.

The Indian & Republic of Singapore Navy began participating in the bilateral exercises in

1994.

The earlier edition of the bilateral exercise, SIMBEX-16 was held atVisakhapatnam in

Bay of Bengal.


32. Indian Scientist ShrinivasKulkarni Wins Prestigious Dan David Prize

Indian scientist ShrinivasKulkarni has won the prestigious Dan David prize as

recognition for his contributions made in the field of astronomy.

He is a pioneer in the field of time-domain astrophysics.

The Dan David Foundation was established in 2000 by the late Dan David, an

international businessman and philanthropist.

Dan David prizeawarded each year in the categories of “Past,” “Present” and

“Future” to people who have made exemplary contributions to humanity in the field of

sciences, humanities, or for their work in civil society.

33. Indian Army gets its First Artillery Gun in 30 Years

After 30 years of the induction of Bofors howitzers, Indian Army will get its first artillery

guns called M777 from BAE Systems, USA.

Indian Army has plans to equip 169 regiments with 3,503 guns by 2020.

The deal for procuring M777 guns from the United States was initiated in 2010.

The 155 mm/39-caliber howitzers will increase the army’s capabilities in high altitude and

will be deployed in the northern and eastern sectors.

34. AnshuJamsenpa:

First Indian

Women to scale

Mount Everest

Four Times

AnshuJamsenpa,

a native

ofBomdila in

Arunachal

Pradesh has

scripted history by

becoming the first

Indian woman to

scale Mount

Everest for the

fourth time.

35. Mt Lhotse records First Summit in 3 years

Indian climber DebasishBiswas and a woman climber from New Zealand were the first

to successfully climb Mt Lhotse.

After the destruction caused by an avalanche above the icefall section in 2014 and the

devastating earthquakes in 2015, the climbers could not summit Mt Lhotse in the past 3

years.

Mt Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain in the world. The first three highest mountain

ranges are Mt Everest, K2 and Kangchenjunga.


36. Amitabh Bachchan appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for Hepatitis in South-East

Asia Region

World Health Organization (WHO) has appointed Amitabh Bachchan as its Goodwill

Ambassador for Hepatitis in South-East Asia Region.

He has been appointed to boost awareness to stop the spread of hepatitis, which is one

of the leading causes of liver cancer and cirrhosis.

Hepatitis viruses is one of the common cause of liver damage but other infections, toxic

substances such as alcohol, certain medicine, food contaminants, bad lifestyle and

autoimmune diseases may also result in chronic hepatitis.

37. ‘CASO’ to be reintroduced as Part of Counter Terrorism Operations

Indian Army has planned to re-introduce cordon and search operations (CASO) as a

part of its counter terrorism operations after a gap of 15 years.

The major objective behind the reintroduction of combing operations is to bring the

situation in the Kashmir Valley under control.

Army will carry out CASO in a major way to flush out militants in the militancy-hit areas of

south Kashmir, indicating a change in strategy.

CASO was a regular feature of Army’s counter-terrorism operations in the 1990s. The

security forces made use of “area domination and sweep” operations in the 1990s.

38. India- Indonesia Co-Ordinated Patrol Commences

The 29th series of India–Indonesia CORPAT is schedule at Port Blair under the aegis

of Andaman and Nicobar Command.

The Indonesian Naval Ship KRI SutediSenoputra has arrived at Haddo Wharf, Port Blair

to mark the commencement of the 29th series of IND–INDO CORPAT.

The bilateral exercise aims to enhance mutual understanding and inter–operability

between the two navies.

The main aim of CORPAT is to keep the vital part of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

safe and secure for commercial shipping, International trade and legitimate marine

activities.

39. India elected as President of UN-Habitat

India has been unanimously elected as the president of the UN-Habitat.

An organ of the United Nations promoting sustainable human settlements across

the globe.

India has been elected as the President of UN-Habitat 3rd time after 2007 and 1988.

The UN-Habitat was established in 1978.

The Governing Council of UN-Habitat is an inter-governmental policy making and

decision making body that aims to promote integral and comprehensive approach to

human settlements.

Assist the countries and regions in addressing human settlement problems and

strengthen cooperation among countries over the issue of human settlement.


40. Agni-II Ballistic Missile Test Fired Successfully

India has successfully carried out a trial of Agni-II ballistic missile from a defence test

facility in the Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.

Agni-II missile is a nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface missile which forms a part of

India’s strategic forces arsenal for nuclear deterrence with a range of over 2000 km. It

can carry a payload of 1000kg.

Agni-II weighs 17 tonnes and the range of the missile can be increased to 3000 km by

reducing the payload. It can be fired from both rail and road mobile launchers.

41. World’s Highest Railway Bridge to Come up Over Chenab River

The Chenab river in Jammu and Kashmir will be spanned by the world’s highest

railway bridge that is expected to be 35 metres taller than the Eiffel Tower.

The bridge will connect Bakkal (Katra) and Kauri (Srinagar). The bridge will be a part

of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project.

It will surpass the record of the Beipan river Shuibai railway bridge (275 m) in China.

The Indian Railways is also planning to install sensors on the bridge to check the wind

velocity. The sensors will turn the track signal red to prevent the train movement if the

wind speed exceeds 90 kmph.

42. Tejas Express: New Premier Train between Mumbai and Goa

Indian Railways rolled out the luxurious feature-packed Tejas Express, fully air-

conditioned train,to bear speeds of up to 200 kmph but for now the train will ply at a

maximum speed of 130 kmph.

Tejas Express has also been proposed for Delhi-Chandigarh and Surat to Mumbai

route.

The facilities in the train include coaches with bio-vacuum toilets, water-level indicators,

tap sensors, hand dryers, and integrated braille displays.

The train has got all the ultra-modern amenities like on-board infotainment, wi-fi, CCTV,

fire and smoke detection facilities, tea and coffee vending machine etc.

The train coaches are manufactured in Kapurthala and will have automatic entrance

door, a first for non-suburban trains in the Indian Railways.

43. Indian Navy successfully test fires Barak missile from INS Vikramaditya

India's navy successfully fired its first surface-to-air Barak missile from its aircraft

carrier INS Vikramaditya.

INS Vikramaditya is the country’s sole aircraft carrier (after retirement of INS Viraat in

March 2017).

It was built in 1987 and had served the Soviet navy (named as Baku).

44. BrahMos missile successfully test-fired

An extended range version of the BrahMos cruise missile has been successfully test

fired. The latest 450-km range version of the cruise missile was tested from the

Integrated Test Range (ITR) Chandipur.

BrahMos Aerospace, an Indo-Russian joint venture.


45. Indo-Nepal joint Military exercise Surya Kiran-XI held in Uttarakhand

The Indo-Nepal Joint Military Exercise Surya Kiran XI commenced at Pithoragarh,

Uttarakhand.

The Nepal Army is being represented by the officers and troops of the elite Durga Baksh

Battalion. The Indian Army is represented by the Ekta Shakti Battalion of the Punjab

Regiment.

It will focus on skills required for natural disaster management, counter-insurgency and

jungle warfare.

46. India-Oman joint military exercise Al-Nagah-II 2017 held in Himachal Pradesh

India and Oman army conducted their second joint exercise “Al Nagah-II 2017” at

Bakloh in Himachal Pradesh. This will be the second joint military exercise between

the two country.

The first edition of the exercise was held at Muscat, Oman in 2015.

Joint exercise aims to acquaint both forces with each other’s operating procedures in the

backdrop of counter insurgency, counter terrorism environment.

47. World’s oldest aircraft carrier INS Viraat decommissioned

The world’s longest serving warship INS Viraat was decommissioned by the Indian Navy

at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai, after nearly six decades of service.

It was also the last British-built ship serving with the Indian Navy. It was built in 1943

during the Second World War and was first commissioned as the HMS Hermes into the

British Royal Navy in November 1959.

It was commissioned into the Indian Navy on May 12, 1987. It had played a major role in

Operation Jupiter in 1989 in the Sri Lankan peace keeping operation.

It also had participated in the standoff Operation Parakram in 2001-20012 when India

and Pakistan were engaged in a standoff post the Parliament terror attack.

Its last operational deployment was for participation in International Fleet Review held at

Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh in February 2016.

48. Indigenously developed weapon-locating radar SWATHI handed to Army

The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) formally handed over an

indigenously developed Weapon Locating Radar (WLR) system dubbed as ‘SWATHI’ to

Indian Army.

It has a range of 50 km which brings all artillery guns presently in service worldwide

under its coverage.

.

49. Supersonic interceptor missile successfully test-fired

Indigenously developed supersonic Advance Area Defence (AAD) interceptor missile

was successfully test-fired.

It validates the reliability of its two layered Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system.

It can destroy the incoming hostile ballistic missile in the endo-atmospheric region

(less than 30 km altitude) at a low altitude of less than 30 kms.

It has its own mobile launcher, secure data link for interception, independent tracking

and homing capabilities and sophisticated radars.


50. Iran successfully tests ballistic missile Hormuz 2

Iran successfully tested a ballistic missile Hormuz 2.

Hormuz-2 is a naval strike ballistic missile intended to hit moving targets at sea with high

precision.

It has a range of nearly 300 kilometers. It is similar in appearance to the anti-ship Khalij-

e-Fars (Persian Gulf) ballistic missile. Earlier, Iran successfully tested the S-300 surface-

to-air missile defence system purchased from Russia.


CULTURE

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated an exhibition titled "Swachhagraha –

Bapu Ko Karyanjali – Ek Abhiyan, Ek Pradarshani" in New Delhi To mark the 100

years of Champaran Satyagraha.

The exhibition will showcase Champaran Satyagraha and it will connect essential

principles of Satyagraha with Swachhagraha.

It will also showcase the ground covered by the Swachh Bharat Mission in creating a

mass movement towards a clean India.

2. Kempe Gowda Festival organized by the Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Foundation in

New Delhi.

Kempe Gowda was a chieftain under the Vijayanagara kings and ruled over most parts

of Karnataka in the 16th century.

Kempe Gowda was a just and humane ruler and is widely accepted as the founder of

Bangalore. He visualized a city with military cantonment, water tanks, temples etc,

which provide employment to tradesmen.

He is also credited with building the Basavanagudi Bull temple, Ulsoor Someshwara

temple and Gavi Gangadhareshwara temple, all of which are stronger even today.

3. PM felicitates descendants of 16 families associated with the Paika rebellion of

1817.

Paika Rebellion of 1817 is an armed rebellion against British colonialism. The revolution

was in response to the tinkering of the revenue system by the British in 1803.

The main cause of the revolution was the takeover of the rent-free land that had been

given to the Paiks for their military service to the Kingdom of Khurda.

Bakshi Jagabandhu Bidyadhar, the military chief of the King of Khurda, led the

army of Paikas and forced the British to retreat.

4. Assam plans to develop birth place of Srimanta Sankardev Batadrava

Srimanta Sankardeva is a 15th – 16th century social and religious reformer, poet,

playwright and preacher of the vaishnavite cult.

Sankaradev is credited for inspiring the Bhakti Movement in Assam. The ideas of

Sankaradev were based on Bhagavata Purana.

Sankaradev is widely credited for developing new forms of music (Borgeet); theatrical

performances (Ankia Naat, Bhaona); dance form (Sattriya), and literary language

namely Brajavali.

5. International Conference on Dara Shikoh

The International conference on “Dara Shikoh - Reclaiming Spiritual Legacy of

India was to be held on April 27 and 28.

The conference was organised by the Indian Council Of Cultural Relations (ICCR).

The conference saw the participation of eminent scholars from

the US, Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and India.


The objective of the conference is to highlight Dara Shikoh’s contributions to

bring about spiritual homogenisation of Hinduism and Islam .

Dara Shikoh dedicated himself to create a bridge of Hindu-Muslim Unity and was so

learned that translated 50 Upanishads from Sanskrit to Persian for

the Muslim Scholars.

6. Prime Minister unveiled translated volumes of Vachana in 23 Indian languages on

the occasion of Basava Jayanti.

Basavanna was 12th century philosopher, statesman, Kannada poet and a social

reformer who lived in Karnataka during the reign of the Kalachuri-dynasty king Bijjala

I. He served as the chief minister of his kingdom.

During his tenure as Chief Minister, he introduced many new public institutions

like Anubhava Mantapa (“hall of spiritual experience”) that would facilitate men and

women from all socio-economic backgrounds to have a healthy and open discussi

-on various spiritual and mundane questions of life.

7. PM attends UN Vesak Day, 2017 celebrations in Sri Lanka

PM attended the Buddhist festival ‘Vesak Day’ (Buddha Jayanti) that

commemorates birth, enlighten and death of Buddha.

As a part of the celebrations, International Buddhist Conference was also held in

which over 400 delegates from more than 100 countries participated.

Ashoka’s daughter Sanghamitta is believed to have brought a branch of original

Bodh tree to Anuradhapura. Theravada Buddhism is widely practiced in Sri Lanka.

Last year Vesak celeberations were held at Lumbini that saw China taking advantage

of strained relations between India and Nepal.

8. The Registrar of Geographical Indications Registry, Chennai, has accorded GI Tag

for the much famed Banganapalle Mango of Andhra Pradesh.

A GI tag specifies that the product comes from a specific region.

Banganapalle mango is known for its sweetness and is known as “the King of fruits.”

Banganapalle mangoes can retain their quality under cold storage even up to three

months and have been growing in Andhra Pradesh for over 100 years.

The primary centre of origin of the fruit is Kurnool district comprising

Banaganapalle, Paanyam and Nandyal mandals. It also known as Beneshan,

Baneshan, Benishan, Chappatai and Safeda.

9. Endangered Kurukh gets official language status in West Bengal

Kurukh, an endangered tribal language of the Dravidian family, is set to get a new

lease of life in West Bengal. It is spoken by the Oraon tribal community, who live

Dooars (North Bengal).

Most of the tribal languages in the State have their origins in the Austro-Asiatic and

Tibeto-Barman families, Kurukh is an exception. The language is marked as being in

a "vulnerable" state in UNESCO's list of endangered languages.

The only example of a tribal language having its origin from the Dravidian family is

Malto, which is not spoken in West Bengal, but in the Rajmahal hills of Jharkhand.


Santhali, Munda and Hoe languages belong to the Austro-Asiastic family, while the

languages spoken by the Lepcha, Tamang and Bhutia tribes of the Darjeeling hills

were of the Tibeto-Burman group.

The Kurukh script is called Tolong Siki. It resembles that of any Dravidian language.

10. International Buddhist Conference

The three days “International Buddhist Conference” organized by Ministry of Culture

and Nava Nalanda Mahaviahra, Deemed University was inaugurated by His Holiness

The Dalai Lama at Rajgir, Bihar.

The Main theme: Buddhism in 21st century: Perspectives and Responses to Global

challenges and Crises.

There were two highlights of the inaugural session. One is the release of the reprint of

the PaliTripitaka in Devanagri script by His Holiness the Dalai lama. The second

highlight was the announcement of the opening of the department of the Buddhist

science for the first time in Asia.

Tripiṭaka, also referred to as Tipiṭaka or Pali Canon, is the traditional term for the

Buddhist scriptures. Each Buddhist sub-tradition had its own Tripitaka for its

monasteries, written by its sangha, each set consisting of 32 books, in three parts or

baskets of teachings: (1) the basket of expected discipline from monks (Vinaya Piṭaka),

(2) basket of discourse (Sūtra Piṭaka, Nikayas), and (3) basket of special doctrine

(Abhidharma Piṭaka).


PLACES IN NEWS

1. Coral Reefs at mouth of Amazon River

A team of scientists from Brazil and the United States discovered the reef in the muddy

waters at the mouth of the Amazon.

The reef appears to sprawl across more than 3,600 square miles of ocean floor at the

edge of the South American continental shelf, from the southern tip of French Guiana to

Brazil’s Maranhao State.

The finding is surprising because large rivers normally create gaps in reef

distribution due to unfavorable conditions such as salinity, pH and light

penetration. However, this coral reef system seems to be healthy.

2. Black Necked Crane

The black-necked crane is an endangered bird that has chosen a remote – untouched

from modern ills – area deep inside Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh as its

wintering site.

Zemithang on the Nyamjang Chhu river in the Pangchen Valley of Tawang district is its

chosen winter abode. Zemithang is one of the only two wintering sites of the black-

necked crane in India, the other being Sangti Valley in neighbouring West Kameng

district.

3. Salma Dam

Salma Dam, officially the Afghan-India Friendship Dam, is a hydroelectric and

irrigation dam project located on the Hari River in Chishti Sharif District of Herat

Province in western Afghanistan.

The Water and Power

Consultancy Services (India)

Ltd (WAPCOS), a company

owned by the Indian Ministry of

Water Resources, constructed

the dam.

4. India, Iran and Afghanistan

ink trade corridor pact

The plan is simple: to

connect Chabahar by rail to

Zahedan in Iran to Zaranj in

Afghanistan and there

onwards into Delaram which

is also in Afghanistan. If

Afghan goods come up to

Zahedan, they can be

transported by a 1,380-km rail link to Chabahar and shipped to India.


5. Mogao Caves

The Mogao Caves also known as the Thousand Buddha Grottoes form a system of

492 temples 25 km southeast of the center of Dunhuang, an oasis strategically located

at a religious and cultural crossroads on the Silk Road, in Gansu province, China.

The caves may also be known as the Dunhuang Caves.

6. Dadaab Refugee Camp

Located in Kenya, the camp began to grow with the outbreak of instability and

violence in Somalia in the early 1990s and is currently home to approximately 260,000

people.

The government has long held the view that Dadaab has been used as a base by the

al-Shabaab terror group.

7. Gilgit –Baltistan

Pakistan wants to make it its 5th province.

During Tribal rebellion in 1947, British Gave

this region to Pakistan on lease.

Mostly inhabited by Shia, Noor and Sunni

groups.

8. Baluchistan

45% land area of Pakistan;5% population

Borders with Iran and Afghanistan; Quetta –

capital , stronghold of Taliban

CPEC passes through this province

Has resources like Natural Gas, atomic

minerals and also has a nuclear research

facility.

9. Indira Sagar(polavaram) Project,AP

Indira Sagar (Polavaram) project is located on

river Godavari near Ramayyapet village of Polavaram Mandal of West Godavari

district in Andhra Pradesh.

The project implements Godavari-Krishna link under Interlinking of rivers project.

The project envisages transfer of 80TMC of surplus Godavari water to river Krishna

which will be shared between AP, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

The project has been accorded national project status by the central government.

10. Manibhadra Project

The Manibhadra project was part of the Centre's river-linking initiative to connect the

Mahanadi with the Godavari in Andhra Pradesh.

11. Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, also known as Patnitop Tunnel, is a road tunnel in

the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir on NH 44 (former name NH

1A before renumbering of all national highways)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunhuang

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silk_Road

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gansu

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_tunnel


It is India's longest road tunnel with a length of 9.28 km. It is the first tunnel in the country

with a fully integrated tunnel control system.

The tunnel reduces the distance between Jammu and Srinagar by 30 km and cut travel

time by two hours. The all-weather tunnel bypasses snowfall and avalanche prone areas

in winter.

12. Border Haats

Currently, four border haats are operational, along the India-Bangladesh border.

Two border haats are located in Meghalaya at Kalaichar and Balat and two are located

in Tripura at Srinagar and Kamalasagar.

The trade at border haats is permitted to be carried out in Indian Rupees/Bangladesh

Taka and on barter basis.

In addition to the four functional border haats, Government of India and Government of

the People’s Republic of Bangladesh have approved six more border haats-two in

Tripura at Palbasti and Kamalpur and four in Meghalaya at Bholaganj, Nalikata, Shibbari

and Ryngku.

13. Two more tiger reserves soon in Uttarakhand

The Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, which falls under the Terai Arc Landscape

spanning across India and Nepal, and the Surai Range in the Terai East division of

the Uttarakhand forest department are the two proposed tiger reserves.

Uttarakhand now has two tiger reserves – the Corbett Tiger Reserve and the Rajaji

Tiger Reserve.

With the two new tiger reserves, Uttarakhand, would become the first State in North

India to get four tiger reserves.

14. Mhadei River Dispute

Between the states of Goa,Karnataka and Marashtra

The river originates in western Ghats and also known as Mandovi in Goa.

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