Current Affairs February 1 2019

We are here for you to provide the important Current Affairs February 1 2019, which have unique updates of all daily events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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INDIAN AFFAIRS

Overview of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visit to Surat
On 30^th January 2019, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited Surat and Dandi in Gujarat.

• PM Modi dedicates National Salt Satyagraha Memorial in Dandi to the nation
• PM lays foundation stone for extension of terminal building at Surat Airport
• PM inaugurates state-of-the-art Hospital in Surat
• PM addressed New India Youth Conclave in Surat………………………………..Click here to Read more

Government approves 4 lakh houses under PMAY(U)
On 30^th January 2019, Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry approves construction of 4 lakh houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). It makes the total numbers of houses to about 71.5 lakh.
Key Points
i. PMAY(U) is a scheme launched by PM Narendra Modi in June 2015 to ensure Housing for all by 2022. It is on its way of achieving the target of one crore homes for urban area in the Country.
ii. Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have been sanctioned nearly one lakh houses each. PMAY(U) is achieving every month in steady and strong manner.
iii. The approval was given at a meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) of the PMAY(U)
iv. A total of 940 project with a project cost of Rs.22492crores with central assistance of Rs.7180cr has been approved in the meeting.
About Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
♦ Union Minister: Hardeep Singh Puri
♦ Secretary: Durga Shankar Mishra

Implementation models under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
On 30^th January 2019, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) proposes three models through which the states can implement the scheme. The models are insurance model, trust-based model and hybrid model.
Key Points
i. In insurance model the premiums are paid to the insurance company which administers and pay the claim.
ii. In trust based model each state forms its own trust to manage the scheme and claims will be disbursed from a corpus created from central and state government contributions.
iii. In hybrid model a part of the claim comes under the insurance model while the balance gets processed under the trust.

India’s unemployment rate hit 4 decade high of 6.1%in 2017-18 ; says NSSO Survey
On 31^st January 2019, as per National Sample Survey Office’s (NSSO’s) periodic labour force survey (PLFS) India’s unemployment rate hit a 45 year high of 6.1%in 2017-18. It is the first comprehensive survey on employment conducted by a government agency after demonetization.
Key Points
i. Unemployment is higher in urban areas which is 7.8%  as compared to 5.3% in rural areas of the country. The unemployment rate is at its highest level as in 1972-73.
ii. Unemployment rate among youth reached a record high level in 2017-18 as compared to that in the overall population.
iii. Youth’s moving away from the Agriculture sector as it is becoming less remunerative and moving to urban areas.
iv. Rate of jobless rural males rose to 17.4% from 5% and among rural jobless females the rate became 13.6% from 4.8%.

Government renames DIPP as Department for promotion Of Industry and Internal Trade
On 30^th January 2019,Centre has renamed the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) as Department of promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). DPIIT will work under the aegis of Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Key Points
i. The decision has been taken on the demand of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) for forming a separate ministry for internal trade.
ii. Matters related to internal trade were earlier under the domain of Ministry of consumer affairs and now under the promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.
iii.So far, DIPP was framing policies only related to foreign direct investment, now DPIIT will also deal with issues concerning promotion of internal trade, including retail trade; welfare of traders and their employees; matters relating to facilitating ease of doing business; and startups.

BESAFE’s 3^rd Annual Conference on ‘Measurable impacts of behavioural based safety implementation in Indian Industry’ held in New Delhi
On 30^th January 2019, BESAFE’s 3^rd annual conference on Measurable impacts of Behavioural Based Safety Implementation in Indian Industry was held at the PHD Chambers of Commerce, New Delhi
Key Points
i. The Forum for Behavioral Safety (BESAFE) is a Mumbai based non-profit Organization spreading the cause of fostering a safe and healthy work place in Indian Industry.
ii. The event is conducted in collaboration with the Indo American Chamber of Commerce and Vision OSH, New Delhi.
iii. Behavioral Based Safety (BBS) as an application of behavioural science has been widely accepted world worldwide as an important tool of building a safely accepted world wide as an important tool of building a safely cultural in industry, helping achieving zero accident.
iv. The conference would enable Indian Industry to achieve zero harm criterion to save life as well as business. During the conference Indian companies implemented BBS will share the results achieved towards zero harm mission.
v. Indian workplaces is vulnerable to accidents. Most of the safety management system have aimed at controlling unsafe conditions.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar inaugurates new campus of National Museum Institute at Noida 
on January 30, 2019,Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Prakash Javadekar inaugurated new Campus of the National Museum Institute in Noida.
i. This institute was formed with the total cost of Rs.90.40 crore in a span of four years.

Punjab govt gave approval for ‘Smart Village Campaign’ worth of Rs 385 crores
On January 29, 2019, Punjab government approved a rural development scheme”‘Smart Village Campaign” worth Rs 384.40 crore to build village infrastructure and provide essential amenities.
i. Getting approved by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, Reformation and implementation of the scheme would be financed with funds from the 14th Financial Commission and MGNREGA 
ii. The SVC is aimed at improving the condition of rural areas by supplementing the ongoing government schemes for building infrastructure and providing essential amenities,
About Punjab
♦ Capital: Chandigarh
♦ Chief minister: Amarinder Singh
♦ Governor: V.P. Singh Badnore
♦ Punjab has a total of 13,276 villages in Punjab.

BANKING & FINANCE

Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launches Kisan Suvidha loan product for small and marginal farmers
On 30^th January 2019, ‘Kisan Suvidha loan’ for small and marginal farmers launched by Ujjivan Small Finance Bank. The scheme will attempt to reach the bottom of the pyramid with products and services.

Key Points
i. Kisan Suvidha loan can be used by farmers for both agriculture and allied activities. The product is specially designed to cater to the needs of customers for various allied and agricultural activities.
ii. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank launched the product in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Karnataka and Odisha with an eye to expand the product offerings.
iii. It provides loans to individuals with an amount ranging from Rs. 60000 to Rs. 2 Lakh to fulfill the customized needs of the mass market segment.
iv. The loan does not require any collateral. Ujjivan becomes the 1^st bank to offer loans for agriculture and allied activities.
About Ujjivan Small Finance Bank
♦ Headquarters – Bengaluru
♦ Founded- 1 February 2017
♦ MD and CEO – Samith Ghosh

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Israel Aerospace industries announces agreement worth $93 million with Indian Navy Cochin Shipyard
On 30^th January 2019 an agreement was signed between Israel and Aerospace Industries, Indian Navy and Cochin Shipyard for providing Naval Medium Range Surface to air missile systems to India.
Key Points
i. The agreement worth of $93 million for provision of Naval Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) systems. As per the contract Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will provide complementary systems for the air defense system.
ii. Indian Navy and IAI held an interception test abroad INS Chennai, which assessed for the first time potential collaboration between ship.
iii. IAI will provide complementary systems for the air defense system (ADS) and also involve follow up orders for a range of maintenance and other services for various sub systems of IAI’s advanced MRSAM ADS.
iv. MRSAM family is an operational air-defense system used by Israelis navy as well as by India’s Naval Air and ground forces.
About Israel
♦ Capital: Jerusalem
♦ Currency: Shekel
♦ President: Reuven Rivlin

FMCG sector to clock double digit growth
On 29^th January 2019, as per Nielsen study the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry is likely to grow between 11% and 12% in 2019 which is a little lower than 13.8% in 2018.
Key Points
i. Growth of FMCG industry in the 4^th quarter of 2018 was 15.9% and the study account the calendar year while making projections.
ii. The growth in current year is primarily on back of conductive macro economic environment, Rural consumption, sustained benefits of GST regime and election impact.
iii. Nielsen expects the sustained government focus on rural infrastructure and surging non farm income in rural areas to support rural FMCG consumption story.

AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Republic Day Parade: Gorkha Brigade wins best marching contingent award 
On January 30, 2019, Gorkha Brigade received the best marching contingent trophy of the Republic Day parade whereas ,The CRPF won the best marching contingent prize for the para-military forces.

i. In the category of tableaux ,Tripura ‘s tableau depicted Gandhian way of fuelling rural economy and won the first prize whereas Jammu and Kashmir’s tableau depicted the state’s composite culture and ethnic diversity won the second place  and Punjab’s tableau which represented the theme of Jallianwala Bagh massacre of 1919, which evoked memories of Independence struggle received the third prize.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

Vice Admiral MS Pawar, AVSM, VSM Assumes Charge as Deputy Chief of The Naval Staff 
On January 30, 2019,Vice Admiral MS Pawar, AVSM, VSM took charge as the Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff.

i. During the 25 years of his shipping regime ,he served as navigating officer in several ships like INS Magar,Indian Naval Ship Nashak ,and Mauritius National Coast Guard Ship Vigilant – the senior ship of the No. 1 Patrol Vessel Squadron.
 ii. He also received prestigious Herbert Lott Prize and the Vishist Seva Medal in 2010 and the Ati Vishist Seva Medal in 2016.

Punit Goenka re-elected as new BARC India chairman
Punit Goenka , managing director and CEO, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd has been re-elected the new chairman of TV viewership measurement company, BARC India.   

i. Punit Goenka was the founder of BARC India.
ii. Punit Goenka succeeded Nakul Chopra who completed his year-long tenure as chairman

Lt Gen Rajeev Chopra takes over as NCC Director General 
On January 31, 2019, Lt Gen Rajeev Chopra took charge as the Director General of NCC (DGNCC) in New Delhi .He has been awarded Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for his distinguished service in January 2018.
In his career, he has commanded an infantry battalion in Operation Rhino (Assam) and a Brigade in Eastern Command and was the Inspector General of  insurgency-torn state of Manipur.

Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar took charge as Western Naval Command chief
On January 31, 2019, Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar P, PVSM, AVSM, VSM took charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command in Mumbai

i. Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar succeeded Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, who retired upon superannuation, after a career span of four decades in the Indian Navy.
ii. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2006, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2014 and Param Vishist Seva Medal in 2019 by the President of India.

P C Mohanan and J V Meenakshi resigned from National Statistical Commission
On 30^th January 2019, the two non-governmental members of National Statistical Commission P C Mohanan and J V Meenakshi quit over ‘disagreements’ with the government on the release of jobs data.
Key Points
i. P C Mohanan was the acting Chairperson of the autonomous body and J V Meenakshi was a NSC member. P C Mohanan was a former member of the Indian Statistical Services and J V Meenakshi was a professor at the Delhi School of Economics.
ii. The NSC Chairperson post is now left with Amitabh Kant, NITI Aayog Chief and Pravin Srivastava, Chief Statistician as its member.
iii. Mr. Mohanan and Meenakshi had tenure upto 2020. They resigned over the government’s failure to recognize the commission’s contribution and a delay in the release of new National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) data.
About National Statistical Commission
♦ Formed – 1 June 2005
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi

ICICI Bank sacks Chanda Kochhar
On 30^th January 2019, ICICI Bank decided to terminate the contract of former Managing Director and CEO Chanda Kochhar. A panel lead by B.N Srikrishna found that she violated the bank code of conduct.
Key Points
i. The board also decide to retrieve bonuses paid to her from April 2009 to March 2018. During the period Kochhar was paid a performance bonus of about Rs.9.8cr.
ii. In 2017, CBI regulators preliminary enquiry based on allegations made by whistle blower around Gupta that loans given to the Videocon Group in 2012.
iii. Chanda Kochhar assumed charge as MD and CEO of ICICI Bank on May 1, 2009 and resigned on October 2018. Bank appointed Sandeep Bakshi as CEO for after her resignation.
About ICICI Bank
♦ Headquarter: Mumbai
♦ MD & CEO: Sandeep Bakshi
♦ Tagline: Hum Hai Na, Khyal Apka

ACQUISITION & MERGER

Paytm acquired Night Stay(hotel booking platform) 
On January 31, 2019,Noida based digital payments company Paytm acquired the Noida-based last-minute hotel booking app, NightStay .And  NightStay founder Nasr Khan will lead the hotel-booking services at Paytm.
i. And Paytm planned to invest 70 million for its growth in the travel segment

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

World’s largest digital sky survey issues biggest-ever astronomical data release  
On January 28, 2019,The Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI) in US in partnership with the University of Hawai’s Institute for Astronomy released the second edition of data from Pan-STARRS , the Panoramic Survey Telescope & Rapid Response System — the world’s largest digital sky survey.
i. This second released survey contained over 1.6 petabytes of data , which makes it the largest volume of astronomical information ever released.
ii. The Pan-STARRS observatory consists of a 1.8-meter telescope equipped with a 1.4 billion pixel digital camera,which was the first survey to observe the entire sky visible from Hawai.

Scientists Developed Artificial Pancreas Smartphone App For Diabetics
On January 28, 2019, Scientists developed an artificial pancreas smart phone app that will help to analyze blood sugar levels in diabetes patients. This application is formed with the capacity of to connect with glucose monitors, insulin pump devices, and decision-making algorithms.
i. This application system is formed with a glucose range of 70-180 micrograms per decilitre

ENVIRONMENT

Global warming’s impact on El Nino in 2019  
El Nino is a climatic chain characterized by high air pressure in the Western Pacific and low air pressure in the eastern.
i. El Nino occurs once in every 15 years and results in heavy drought, flood ,dust and snow storm resulting in million of dollar loss to the public in Tropical Pacific region
ii. According to certain reports,El Nino is forecasted to give a rise in vector-borne diseases, including those spread by mosquitoes, in Central and South America.And Drought caused by El Nino can be widespread, affecting southern Africa, India, Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands

SPORTS

ICC roped in Coca-Cola as official sponsor
On January 31, 2019,The International Cricket Council (ICC) signed a five-year global partnership deal with beverage manufacturer Coca-Cola Company.ICC and Coco-cola’s partnership will be continue till 2023

i. Five years sponsorship includes all ICC events like the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 in England, Wales, the ICC men ’s and women’ s T20 World Cups in Australia in 2020, the ICC Women ’s World Cup 2021 in New Zealand and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India in 2023 .
ii. ICC also signed sponsorship with Alcobev brands, Royal Stag and Bira 91.

OBITUARY

Former umpire Dara Dotiwalla, who officiated in the famous tied Test match between India and Australia passed away  
 On January 31, 2019, Former Umpire Dara Dotiwalla, who organized the famous tied Test match between India and Australia passed away in Chennai due to old age .
i. The first Test in which Dotiwalla officiated was India versus England at Kanpur in 1982, whereas,the last one was India versus West Indies at Delhi in 1987.

IMPORTANT DAYS

International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements 2019
On January 29, 2019, UNESCO launched  2019 as The International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements in Paris

The launch of International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements 2019 also recognized 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements by the Russian scientist, Dmitri Mendeleev,one of the father of Modern Chemistry.