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INDIAN AFFAIRS
Govt proposes rolling out e-Sansad, e-Vidhan in Parliament & State Legislatures
18th All India Whips’ Conference began in Udaipur, Rajasthan on January 8, 2018. The two-day conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Ananth kumar.
About e-Sansad and e-Vidhan projects:
i. Among other things, rolling out of e-Sansad and e-Vidhan in Parliament and State Legislatures will also be considered during the course of the conference.
ii. e-Sansad and e-Vidhan are Government of India’s projects under Digital India, aimed at making the functioning of Parliament and State Legislatures paperless.
iii .Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs is the Nodal Ministry for implementation of e-Sansad and e-Vidhan projects.
iv. These projects would not only make the functioning of Parliament and State Legislatures participative, transparent, responsive, productive and more accountable but will also promote Government of India’s ‘Go Green’ initiative.
BSES launches rooftop solar single-point for apartment complexes
On January 7, 2018, BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd (one of Delhi’s two electricity distribution companies) launched “Solar City Initiative”, aimed to maximise rooftop solar power use in south and west Delhi.
BSES Rajdhani’s ‘Solar City Initiative’:
i. Under this initiative, rooftop solar installations will be provided at a single point for the entire apartment complex unlike conventional method of having individual installations.
ii. This initiative has been launched in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) PACE-D and Indo-German Collaboration (GIZ).
iii. Around 150 residential societies will be targeted in the first phase. Depending on the response, the programme will be expanded to other residential segments across Delhi.
iv .From cosumers’ perspective, these installation may lead to monthly saving on bills of about Rs 750 for a period of 25 years
Delhi govt launches common card for bus, metro rides
On January 8, 2018, Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal launched a common card for rides on public buses and the metro.
Delhi Govt’s common card for bus, metro rides:
i. Delhi is thus the first city in India to have such common mobility card.
ii. This card can be used at on 200 Delhi transport Corporation (DTC) and 50 cluster buses running on different routes as well as on metro trains.
iii. The common card can also function like a debit card. It will be operational in all DTC and cluster buses from April 1, 2018.
PM Narendra Modi attends Annual DGP Conference at BSF Academy in Tekanpur
On 7th and 8th January 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the Annual Conference of DGPs and IGPs at the BSF (Border Security Force) Academy in Tekanpur, Madhya Pradesh.
Annual Conference of DGPs and IGPs:
i. The DGPs Conference is conducted annually. It has participation from top police officials from all over India. They discuss issues related to security matters.
ii. This Annual DGP Conference is held outside the national capital in line with Prime Minister’s vision to conduct such conferences all over India, not restricted only to Delhi.
About BSF Academy Tekanpur:
♦ Dircetor – Sunil Kumar Verma
♦ Motto of BSF – Duty Unto Death
Uttar Pradesh govt restricts use of loudspeakers at religious, public places
Uttar Pradesh State Government has directed all District Collectors and Superintendents of Police to take action against unauthorised loudspeakers and public address systems installed at religious and public places.
i. The officials have been directed to conduct a survey for the same and submit a detailed report to State Government on January 10, 2018.
ii. Those using loudspeakers without approval should obtain permission by January 15, 2018, failing which, action will be taken against them under the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.
iii. All unauthorised equipments would be removed by January 20, 2018 in accordance with direction of the Allahabad High Court.
Quick Facts about Uttar Pradesh:
♦ Capital – Lucknow
♦ Current Governor – Ram Naik
♦ Current Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
♦ Important National Park – Dudhwa National Park
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
World’s largest ice festival celebrated in China
34th Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, world’s largest ice festival opened on January 5, 2018 in Harbin (north-east China). The festival will continue through late February.
More Information about Ice Festival in China:
i. This year’s highlights are the ice sculptures of castles, historic landmarks and famous figures, including Moscow’s Red Square, Bangkok’s Temple of the Emerald Buddha and Beijing’s Temple of Heaven.
ii. The ice park is spread across 197-acre land. More than 10000 workers were engaged in building the ice sculptures.
iii .In 2017, the ice festival had eighteen million visitors despite -30 degrees temperature. It fetched 28.7 billion yuan tourism revenue for Harbin.
Iran bans English being taught in primary schools
Iran has banned English from being taught in primary schools across the country after its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said that teaching English will lead to Western cultural invasion.
i. Rationale cited for ban on English is that, primary education lays the groundwork for the Iranian culture among students. Thus emphasis should be laid on teaching Persian language rather than English.
ii. The ban applies to Government as well as non-government schools across Iran.
iii. Khamenei has stated that ban does not imply opposition to learning a foreign language, but opposition to promotion of a foreign culture in the country and among children, young adults and youths.
Quick Facts about Iran:
♦ Capital – Tehran
♦ Currency – Rial
♦ Current President – Hassan Rouhani
♦ Important River – Zayanderud, Karun
Saudi Arabia approves India’s plan to ferry Haj pilgrims via sea route
On 8th January 2018, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi announced that, Saudi Arabia has approved India’s plan to ferry Haj pilgrims through sea route to Jeddah.
Saudi Arabia approves India’s plan to ferry Haj pilgrims:
i. This announcement was made after the annual Haj agreement between India and Saudi Arabia was signed in Mecca.
ii. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi stated that, sending pilgrims through ships would reduce travel expenses greatly. Earlier, this practice of ferrying Haj pilgrims was carried out between Mumbai and Jeddah. It ceased in 1995.
iii .He also said that, Indian muslim women will go to Haj without ‘Mehram’ (male companion) for the first time. These women will also be exempted from lottery system usually followed to shortlist applicants.
About Haj Committee of India:
♦ Purpose – statutory body of Indian government which organises Islamic pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia
♦ Established under – Haj Committee Act in 2002
♦ Chairman – Chaudhary Mehboob Ali Kaiser
BANKING & FINANCE
AIIB plans to issue first US dollar bonds in June 2018
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is planning to issue its first US dollar-denominated bond by June 2018.
AIIB’s first US Dollar Bonds:
i. Soren Elbech, Treasurer of AIIB has stated that the minimum size of the issuance will be one billion dollars.
ii. Maturity of these bond will be between three and five years depending on investor demand.
iii. On account of its strong capital base and stable outlook, AIIB has received three top-notch ratings from the global credit rating agencies, S&P Global Ratings, Fitch and Moody’s.
iv. China is the largest shareholder in AIIB holding 26.06 per cent voting shares followed by India with 7.5 per share.
v. Energy, power generation, transport and rural infrastructure are AIIB’s priority areas of investment.
Quick Facts about AIIB:
♦ Opened for Business in – January 2016
♦ Headquarters – Beijing, China
♦ Current President – Jin Liqun
BUSINESS
Defence Innovation Centre to be set up in Coimbatore to assist small industries
On January 6, 2018, Defence Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman announced that a Defence Innovation Centre would be set up by CODISSIA in Coimbatore, to assist small industries in manufacturing components for the defence sector.
Information about Defence Innovation Centre in Coimbatore:
i. Coimbatore District Small Industries Association (CODISSIA) is a trade organization based in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.
ii. CODISSIA will receive initial funding of Rs 20 crore from Union Defence Ministry for setting up the Defence Innovation Centre.
iii. CODISSIA will identify small and micro units as well as start-ups, that can manufacture components required for defence production.
iv. Decision to set up this Defence Innovation Centre has been taken in line with Central Government’s “Make in India” programme.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
75th Annual Golden Globe Awards – Overview
75th Golden Globe Awards ceremony was held in California, US on January 7, 2018. The ceremony was hosted by talk show host Seth Meyers. These awards honoured excellence in film and American Television for the calendar year 2017.
i. Indian-origin actor, comedian, and filmmaker Aziz Ansari became the first man of Asian descent to win Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an actor.
ii. Actor Sterling K. Brown won the Best Actor in a TV Series, Drama category for his performance as Randall Pearson in “This Is Us.”……………………………………………Click here to Read more
Nitish Kumar receives 1st Mufti M Sayeed Award for Probity in Public Life
On 8th January 2018, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was awarded the first Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Award for Probity in Public Life at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium in Jammu.
Nitish Kumar – 1st Mufti M Sayeed Award for Probity in Public Life:
i. The function was organized by Jammu & Kashmir government. N N Vohra, Jammu and Kashmir Governor, presided over the function. He presented the 1st Mufti M Sayeed Award for Probity in Public Life to Nitish Kumar.
ii. The Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Award for Probity in Public Life award has been instituted by the Jammu and Kashmir government to mark the death anniversary of Mufti M Sayeed.
iii. Mufti M Sayeed was the founder of PDP (Peoples Democratic Party). He was the chief minister of Jammu & Kashmir twice. He died on 7 January 2016.
About Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party:
♦ Leader – Mehbooba Mufti
♦ Headquarters – Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS
Akshay to promote ‘Swachh Survekshan 2018’ in Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has agreed to partner with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to promote cleanliness in Mumbai as part of the Swachh Survekshan 2018.
About Swachh Survekshan 2018:
i. Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs commenced Swachh Survekshan 2018 survey o January 4, 2018. This survey It is being dubbed as the world’s largest cleanliness survey. It will conclude in March 2018.
ii. Under Swachh Survekshan 2018, all 4041 cities and towns in India will be rated and ranked on various parameters of sanitation and cleanliness. This will be the first such pan-India exercise.
iii. Cities will be assessed on various parameters including open defecation free status, mechanism for collection of garbage, facilities for transportation of garbage, processing of garbage using scientific methods and efforts made to encourage public participation in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Railways to deploy drones to monitor projects
Indian Railways has announced that it will start using drone Cameras (UAV/NETRA) for various railway activities, especially project monitoring and maintenance of tracks and other railway infrastructure.
Indian Railways to use Drones:
i. All railway zones have been directed to procure these drone cameras.
ii.Drone/ Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is a kind of a flying robot which can be remotely handled through software-controlled flight plans embedded in its system. It works in conjunction with Global Positioning System (GPS).
iii.’NETRA’ is an Indian, light-weight, autonomous UAV jointly developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and IdeaForge, a Mumbai-based private firm.
Acer unveils Swift 7, the ‘world’s thinnest laptop’
Acer has launched new Acer Swift 7 laptop, which it claims to be the world’s thinnest laptop.
Swift 7 – world’s thinnest laptop:
i .The new Acer Swift 7 will be available in the US from March 2018. The starting price will be $1,699 (Rs. 107,500).
ii .Acer Swift 7 has a thickness of 8.98mm. It has a 14-inch full-HD touchscreen panel and Corning Gorilla Glass NBT protection.
iii. It features Windows 10 operating system. It is powered by Intel Core i7 processor. It has 8GB of LPDDR3 RAM and 256GB PCIe SSD storage. It also supports LTE through built-in Nano-SIM slot and eSIM functionality.
iv. It has a backlit keyboard. It provides fingerprint reader and face detection through Windows Hello. It has 10 hours of battery life on a single charge.
About Acer Inc.:
♦ Headquarters – Xizhi, New Taipei, Taiwan
♦ CEO & President – Jason Chen
SpaceX launches secretive Zuma mission
On 7th January 2018, SpaceX launched a secretive US government payload named Zuma.
SpaceX launches Zuma:
i. Maker of the payload is Northrup Grumman. He said that the payload was for US government. He added that it would be delivered to low-Earth orbit.
ii. But nature of the mission and agency behind it were not revealed. The payload is on its way to low-Earth orbit.
iii. SpaceX returned the tall portion of the Falcon 9 rocket to landing at Cape Canaveral, after launch.
About SpaceX:
♦ CEO and CTO – Elon Musk
♦ Headquarters – Hawthorne, California, U.S.
SPORTS
Neel Joshi loses in the British Junior Open squash
On 7th January 2018, Neel Joshi lost in the finals of the British Junior Open squash in U-15 category at Birmingham, England.
Neel Joshi loses in British Junior Open squash:
i. England’s Sam Todd defeated India’s Neel Joshi 8-11, 16-14, 11-0, 14-12 in the finals of the U-15 category of British Junior Open squash. Sam Todd won the U-15 British Junior Open squash title.
ii. Another Indian player Tushar Shahani lost to Egypt’s Omar El Torkey in the semi-finals of U-17 category.
About Squash Rackets Federation of India:
♦ Location – Chennai
♦ President – Debendranath Sarangi
♦ Secretary – K.Rajendiran
OBITUARY
Actor Shrivallabh Vyas passes away
On 7th January 2018, actor Shrivallabh Vyas passed away in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Death of Shri Vallabh Vyas:
i. Shrivallabh Vyas had acted in more than 60 Hindi films. He has also performed in television and theatre. He stopped acting after he collapsed in his hotel room in Gujarat in 2008.
ii. His popular films are Lagaan, Sarfarosh, Abhay, Aan: Men at Work, Shool, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero and Sankat City. He is survived by his wife Shobha Vyas and two daughters.
About National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC):
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
♦ MD – Nina Lath Gupta
Powerlifting world champion Saksham Yadav passes away
On 7th January 2018, Saksham Yadav, powerlifting world champion, died due to injuries, at the AIIMS Trauma Centre in New Delhi.
Death of Saksham Yadav:
i. Saksham Yadav met with a car accident and was admitted in an extremely critical condition at the AIIMS Trauma Centre.
ii. Saksham Yadav bagged a gold medal in the 2017 world weightlifting championship. Along with Saksham five other men including Rohit, a weightlifter, were also injured in the accident.
About All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS):
♦ Type – group of autonomous public medical colleges of higher education
♦ Locations – New Delhi, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Jodhpur, Patna, Raipur, Rishikesh
Senior sports journalist Shashikant Bhagwat passes away
On 8th January 2018, Shashikant Bhagwat, senior sports journalist, passed away due to heart attack in Pune, Maharashtra.
Death of Shashikant Bhagwat:
i. Shashikant Bhagwat was 61 years old. He is survived by his wife, a son and daughter. He worked with ‘Sakal’, a Marathi newspaper, and retired after several years of service.
ii.He was also the president of the Pune Shramik Patrakar Sangh and the Pune Patrakar Prathishthan.
About International Federation of Journalists:
♦ General Secretary – Anthony Bellanger
♦ President – Philippe Leruth
♦ Location – Brussels, Belgium
Peter Sutherland, former WTO director general passes away
On 7th January 2018, Peter Sutherland, former World Trade Organization (WTO) director general died after brief illness.
Death of Peter Sutherland:
i. Peter Sutherland was 71 years old. He was also a long-serving chairman of BP (BP.L), an oil and gas company. He also served as chairman of the overseas arm of Goldman Sachs.
ii. He was also Ireland’s European Union commissioner and attorney general in the 1980s.
About Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.:
♦ Headquarters – New York, U.S.
♦ Chairman & CEO – Lloyd Blankfein
