We are here for you to provide the important Current Affairs January 10 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
PM Modi launches road, sewerage projects in Maharashtra
On January 9,2019,PM Modi, launched the four-laning of Solapur-Osmanabad section of NH-211, underground sewerage system and three sewage treatment plants.It was launched in road and underground sewerage system projects developed at an investment of Rs.1,100 crore.
KeyPoints:
i. Mr. Modi also laid the foundation stone for a Rs.1,811 crore housing project of 30,000 units under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.Mr. Modi commissioned the four-laned 98.717 km Solapur- Tuljapur-Osmanabad section on NH-211 (New NH-52). The Rs.972.50-crore toll road project will improve connectivity between Solapur and the Marathwada region.
ii. The housing project will benefit the homeless poor like rag pickers, rickshaw pullers, textile and beedi workers.
iii. Mr. Modi laid the foundation stone for the Rs.244 crore water supply and sewerage system as part of area-based development in the Solapur smart city area.This project, developed under the smart city mission, is expected to bring about significant improvements in service delivery.
About Maharashtra
♦ Capital:Mumbai
♦ CM:Devandra Fadnavis
♦ Governor:Vidyasagar Rao
♦ India’s first Jean Monnet centre of excellence was opened in Mumbai.
Cabinet approves ST status to 6 Assam communities
On 9th January 2019,Union Cabinet has approved Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six communities of Assam.The communities that are proposed to be extended ST status include, Koch Rajbongshi, Tai Ahom, Chutiya, Matak, Moran and the tea tribes.
The move came before the centre introduced the Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 in Lok Sabha.This amendment bill will give a status to the various tribal people
About Assam
♦ Capital:Dispur
♦ Chief minister:Sarbananda Sonowal
♦ Governor:Jagdish Mukhi
♦ The 3rd Dwijing festival took place in the bank of aie river at chirang district of Assam
Lok Sabha passes “The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill – 2019”
On 08th January 2019, the Lok Sabha passed “The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019” by voice vote after a brief discussion.
The Bill has been formulated recognizing the need for regulation of the use and application of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) technology, for establishing identity of missing persons, victims, offenders, under trials and unknown deceased persons.
Key points
i. The bill was introduced by Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan. The Atal Bihari Vajpayee government had set up a DNA profiling advisory committee.
ii. The key components of this Bill include establishment of a DNA Regulatory Board and accreditation of DNA laboratories undertaking DNA testing, analysing.
iii. Establishment of the National and Regional DNA Data Banks, as envisaged in the Bill, will assist in forensic investigations.
iv. The Bill will add value in empowering the criminal justice delivery system by enabling the application of DNA evidence, which is considered the gold standard in crime investigations
About the Lok Sabha
♦ Speaker: Sumitra Mahajan (16th Lok Sabha)
♦ No. of Seats: 545
Lok Sabha has passed the Personal Laws (Amendment Bill), 2018
On 07th January 2019, the Lok Sabha has passed the Personal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018. The bill was moved by Minister of State for Law PP Chaudhary. The bill was introduced as various recommendations were made to remove leprosy as a ground for divorce.
Key points
i. The bill seeks to remove leprosy as a ground for divorce in five personal laws Hindu Marriage Act(1955), Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act(1939),Divorce Act(1869), Special Marriage Act(1954) and the Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act(1956).
ii. In 2010 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a Resolution on the ‘Elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members’, which was signed and ratified by India.
iii. The Law Commission of India in its 256th Report recommended the elimination of discrimination against people affected by the disease.
iv. Leprosy is a chronic infectious bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. Leprosy mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes.
“Web- Wonder Women” Campaign launched to recognize Indian origin female drivers-of- change: Women and Child Development Ministry
On January 9, 2019, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, has launched an online campaign, ‘#www: Web- WonderWomen’.
Objective:
To recognize the exceptional women who have been driving positive agenda of social change via social media.
Key Points:
i. The partners of the campaign are: Breakthrough and Twitter India.
ii. Entries via Nominations from across the world are now invited open till 31st January, 2019.
iii. Nominations have been invited in a large number of categories including Health, Media, Literature, Art, Sports, Environmental protection, fashion among others.
iv. The shortlisted entries will be open for public voting on Twitter and the finalists will be selected by a specialized panel of judges.
For more details: Click Here
Ministry of Women and Child Development:
♦ Union Minister: Smt Maneka Gandhi.
♦ Minister of State: Dr. Virendra Kumar.
♦ Secretary: Shri Rakesh Srivastava.
Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (CARE) approved by UGC for better research publications
On January 7, 2019, the Minister of State (HRD), Dr. Satya Pal Singh announced that the University Grants Commission (UGC) approved list of journals and the proposal to establish a Consortium for Academic and Research Ethics (CARE).
Objective:
Aim to refine and strengthen the Credibility of Research Publications.
Key Points:
i. The good quality Research Journals in disciplines will be maintained by CARE and referred to as ‘CARE Reference List of Quality Journals’. The disciplines are:
- Social Sciences, Humanities, Languages, Arts, Culture, Indian Knowledge Systems etc.
ii. The ‘CARE Reference List of Quality Journals’ will be regularly updated and published by the UGC and the Members of the Consortium at their respective websites and will be used for all academic purposes.
iii. Additionally, to review its quality mandate relating to promotion of Research and to review the existing M.Phil/ Ph.D Regulations, the UGC constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. P. Balram.
Background:
♦ A research paper led by Professor Bhushan Patwardhan had found that 88% of 1,009 journals recommended by universities and included in the white list were dubious and only 112 journals met the criteria set by UGC to be included in the list.
UGC:
♦ Headquarters: New Delhi.
♦ Chairman: Prof. D. P. Singh.
Indian Forest Service to be renamed as Indian Forest and Tribal Service: DoPT
On January 8, 2019, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) proposed renaming of the Indian Forest Service as Indian Forest and Tribal Service.
i. The move was made for the IFS to be more receptive towards tribals and forest dwellers.
ii. This was made after a directive from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) suggested to do so.
About Indian Forest Service:
♦ It came into existence in 1996 under the All India Services Act, 1951.
Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT):
♦ Minister of State: Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Andaman to be First Island to operate seaplanes under UDAN-3
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved operations of seaplanes in the Andaman Islands under UDAN-3 (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) making Andaman the first island of India to operate seaplanes.
Key Points
i. The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu has approved operations on 13 water aerodrome routes out of five are from Andaman islands which others are from dams in Gujarat and coastal areas in Kerala.
ii. The Islands of Andaman that would be connected through seaplanes are Campbell Bay, Car Nicobar, Havelock, Hutbay, Neil, Long island and Diglipur.
iii. Operation of Seaplanes which are commonly used in Maldives and Mauritius is a part government’s ambitious regional connectivity scheme and it will give a huge push to tourism in the strategically important region.
About Andaman & Nicorbar Islands
♦ Capital: Port Blair
♦ Lieutenant Governor: Admiral (Ret.) Devendra Kumar Joshi
J-K Law Department set up a 3-year state law commission under the chairmanship of Justice M K Hanjura
On January 7, 2019, the Jammu and Kashmir Law Department set up a State law commission, for three years, under the chairmanship of Justice (Retd) M K Hanjura.
Key Points:
i. It will have a chairperson, two full-time members and two part-time members.
ii. The Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Secretary Shri. Achal Sethi will be the ex-officio member of the commission.
iii. The functions of the Commission are:
- To identity redundant and obsolete laws that can be repealed and suggest measures for quick redress of public grievances
- To examine the laws that affect the poor and carry out post-audit of socio-economic legislations,
- To ensure speedy clearance of arrears and reduction in costs and quick and economical disposal of cases.
Jammu & Kashmir:
♦ Lakes: Mansar Lake, Dal lake, Anchar Lake, Khushal lake, Tarsar Lake.
National Parks in Jammu and Kashmir:
♦ Dachigam National Park, Hemis National Park, Kishtwar National Park, Salim Ali National Park
“Development of North East Circuit: Umiam (Lake View) – U Lum Sohpetbneng- Mawdiangdiang – Orchid Lake Resort” project under Swadesh Darshan inaugurated by Meghalaya CM
On January 9, 2019, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri. Conrad K Sangma, inaugurated the project “Development of North East Circuit: Umiam (Lake View) – U Lum Sohpetbneng- Mawdiangdiang – Orchid Lake Resort” under Tourism Ministry’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
About the Project:
i. The project was sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism in July 2016 for Rs. 99.13 Crores.
ii. It has facilities like:
Traditional Healing Centre, Tribal Rejuvenation Centre, Tourist Information Centre, Multipurpose Hall, Log Huts, Cafeteria, Sound and Light show, Souvenir Shops, Water Sports Zone, Zip Line, Canopy Walk, Trekking Routes, Cycling Track, Last Mile Connectivity, Caravan Parking, Public Toilets, and Solid Waste Management.
Other News:
The Ministry has sanctioned 16 projects for Rs. 1349.04 crores covering all North Eastern States under its schemes of Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD.
About Swadesh Darshan:
♦ The scheme was launched in 2014 -15 and as on date the Ministry has sanctioned 74 projects worth projects for Rs. 5932.05 Crore to 30 States and UTs.
♦ 9 projects have been inaugurated as on date under the scheme.
Ministry of Tourism:
♦ Minister of State: Shri. K. J. Alphons.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
UN office on drugs and crime (UNODC) released “Global Report on Trafficking in Persons 2018”
On 7th January 2019, UN office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released a latest Global Report on “Trafficking in Persons”, which reveals that the number of human trafficking victims around the world is on the rise while armed groups and terrorists are trafficking women and children to generate funds and recruit.
Key points:
i. This report shows that human trafficking is on the rise with sexual exploitation of victims the main driver. Children now account for 30 per cent of those being trafficked, and far more girls are detected than boys.
ii. This report shows that more victims of human trafficking were reported to the United Nation’s agency in 2016 than at any time over the past 13 years.
iii. Trafficking for sexual exploitation is the most prevalent form in European countries, whilst in sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, forced labour is the main factor driving the illicit trade.
iv. While the average numbers of reported victims had fluctuated during the earlier years for which UNODC had collected data, the global trend has shown a steady increase since 2010.
v. Yuri Viktorovick Fedotov, a high level diplomat of Russian Federation said that “We need to step up technical assistance and strengthen cooperation, to support all countries to protect victims and being criminals to justice, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”.
About United Nation office on drugs and crime (UNODC)
♦ Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
♦ Executive Director: Yuri Fedotov
♦ Founded: 1997
BANKING & FINANCE
RBI allows ‘tokenisation’ for more secure card transactions
On 08th January 2019, the Reserve Bank of India has allowed tokenization of debit, credit and prepaid card transactions to enhance the safety of the digital payments ecosystem in the country.
Key points
i. The central bank has allowed card schemes like Visa, Mastercard and others to start issuing tokens for third party payment applications as well.
ii. “Tokenisation and de-tokenisation” shall be performed only by the authorized card network and recovery of original Permanent Account Number (PAN) should be feasible for the authorized card network only.
iii. Tokenisation acts as an additional layer of security as it masks sensitive card data such as the 16-digit Account Number, expiration date and security code.
About the RBI
♦ Headquarter: Mumbai
♦ Governor: Shaktikanta Das (25th governor)
CAG report on the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management
On 8th January 2019, The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) released a report on the “Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM)” reveals that the government should frame a policy on off- budget financing and sources of such funding in view of its fiscal implication. CAG further said that the government should also consider disclosing the details of off- budget borrowings through disclosure statements in Budget as well as in accounts.
Key points:
i. The objective of the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act, 2003 was to provide for the responsibility of the central Government to ensure inter- generational equity in fiscal management and long- term macro- economic stability.
ii. CAG said that the off- budget financing was being used to deter fertilizer arrears, food subsidy bills and outstanding dues of Food Corporation of India (FCI) through borrowings.
iii. The report said “Such off Budget arrangement, deters committed liability (subsidy arrears/bills) or create future liability and increases cost of subsidy due to interest payment.
About CAG (comptroller and Auditor General of India)
♦ CAG, established by Article 148 of the Constitution of India audits all receipts and expenditure of the Government of India and state governments.
♦ Incumbent and 13th CAG of India: Rajiv Mehrishi
NABARD through its venture capital entity NABVENTURES Ltd will provide early stage capital to agriculture and rural enterprises
On January 8, 2019, NABVENTURES Ltd, the venture capital entity incorporated by NABARD under the Companies Act, will launch its maiden early stage capital fund offer to agriculture and rural enterprises.
i. This would support the agriculture and rural enterprises and fill the gap of adequate institutional support to them.
ii. It would also promote various enterprises to create more sustainable employment.
NABVENTURES Ltd:
♦ It is incorporated to operate and manage SEBI registered Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) with a primary investment objective to contribute to the development of agriculture, allied sector, Food Processing and sectors contributing to rural development.
♦ Headquarters: Mumbai.
♦ Chairman: Dr. Harsh Kumar Bhanwala.
Fresh CLSS Subsidy of Rs 175.56 cr from NHB given to Aadhar Housing Finance
On January 8, 2019, National Housing Bank (NHB) gave fresh subsidy worth Rs 175.56 crore under Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) to housing finance company, Aadhar Housing finance.
i. The credit would be passed on to the loan accounts of 7,592 customers in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low Income Group (LIG)who were eligible under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
ii. This will reduce their monthly payable instalments.
Other News:
As on 31st Dec 2018, Aadhar has received and passed on government CLSS subsidy to close to 10,000 families.
Aadhar Housing Finance:
♦ Headquarters: Mumbai.
♦ Non-Executive Chairman: Mr. Kapil Wadhawan.
Indian Army and Punjab National Bank (PNB) singed MOU for updated salary packages
On January 8, 2019, Indian Army and Punjab National Bank (PNB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Defence Salary Package.
i. The signing ceremony was chaired by:
- From Indian Army: Adjutant General, Lt Gen Ashwani Kumar and
- PNB’s side: Mr Naveen Kumar (General Manager).
ii. Salient features of the MOU are:
- free ‘RAKSHAK PLUS’ Scheme for serving pers and veterans,
- overdraft facility range from Rs 0.75 to 3.0 lakhs,
- multicity ‘At Par’ cheques,
- instant credit of outstation cheques,
- preferential allotment of lockers at concessional AMC and
- free SMS alerts.
Punjab National Bank:
♦ Headquarters: New Delhi.
♦ MD & CEO: Shri. Sunil Mehta.
Indian Army:
♦ Chief of Army Staff: General Bipin Rawat.
IRCTC tied up with Bharti AXA General insurance company to offer free travel insurance for air travellers
On 9th January 2019,IRCTC tied up with Bharti AXA General insurance company to provide free travel insurance to the air travellers. This insurance is applicable to only those who book ticket in the official website of air ticketing irctc,IRCTC Air – air.irctc.co.in.
Through this tie up,every passenger would be availed of insurance upto 50 lakhs in case of accidental death or life time disability.This facility is made available to everyone irrespective of class of travel.Thee premium of the insurance will be borne by Irctc itself and it is applicable to both one way and round way travels.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
India’s GDP expected to grow at 7.3% in 2018-19: World Bank
On 9th January 2019, World Bank projected India’ GDP, expected to grow at 7.3% in the fiscal year 2018-19, and 7.5% in the following two years. The Bank said India will continue to be the fastest growing major economy in the world. In India, the growth has accelerated, driven by an upswing in consumption, and investment growth has firmed as the effects of temporary factors wane, the World Bank said in its latest report.
Key points:
i. Domestic demand has strengthened as the benefits of structural reforms such as Goods and services Tax (GST) harmonization and bank recapitalization take effect.
ii. In 2018,China’s Projection is 6.5 and 6.2% each in 2019 and 2020 and 6% in 2021, according to the January 2019 Global Economic Prospects report released by the World Bank.
iii. Strong domestic demand is envisioned to widen the current account deficit to 2.6 per cent of GDP next year.
iv. The World Bank’s estimate suggest that India’s potential growth rate is around 7%, and is expected to remain around 7% .
What is GDP?
Gross domestic product is a monetary measure of the market value of all final goods and services produced in a period of time, often annually or quarterly.
About World Bank
♦ Founded on: 1946
♦ President: Jim Yong Kim
♦ Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States
♦ CEO: Kristalina Georgieva
World Economic Forum: India is set to become world’s third largest consumer market after US and China in 2030
On 9th January 2019, a report by World Economic Forum today said that India is set to become the world’s third largest consumer market behind only USA and China by 2030.The report titled “Future of Consumption in Fast- Growth Consumer Market- India” also noted growth of the middle class will lift nearly 25 million household out of poverty.
Key points:
i. The report said consumer spending in India is expected to grow from 1.5 trillion US dollar at present to 6 trillion US dollar by 2030.
ii. The report said that with the annual GDP growth rate of 7.5%, India is currently the world’s 6th largest economy.
About World Economic Forum:
♦ Headquarters: Cologny, Switzerland
♦ Founder and Executive Chairman: Klaus Schwab
♦ Founded: 1971
India’s GDP set to eclipse US’ by 2030: Standard Chartered
On 08th January 2019, Standard Chartered released its long term forcast which states that India will surpass the U.S to become the world’s second largest economy by 2030 while China will be at First Position.
Key points
i. China will become the largest economy by 2020, using purchasing power parity exchange rates and nominal GDP
ii. India to accelerate to 7.8 percent by the 2020s while China will moderate to 5 percent by 2030 reflecting a natural slowdown given the economy’s size.
iii. According to Standard Chartered Asia’s share of global GDP which rose to 28 percent in 2018 from 20 percent in 2010 will likely reach 35 percent by 2030.
About Standard Chartered
Headquarter: London
Chairman: Jose Vinals
I&B Ministry Hikes Advertisment Rates For Print Media By 25%
On 8th January 2019,Ministry of informaion and broadcasting ‘s decided to increase the advertisment rates by 25% to the small and medium sized newspaper agencies.This new price is valid upto three years.
i. This step is taken under the recommendation of the 8th rate structure committee meeting.According to the recent report,this decision would help the religional and vernacular newspapers which rely highly on advertisment for their renvenue and it is considered to be the good step for the small and medium newspaper agencies.The last hike was done in the year 2013.
ii. National Parks (NP): Mahatama Gandhi Marine (Wandoor) NP, Middle Button Island NP. North Button NP, South Button NP, Mount Harriett NP, Rani Jhansi Marine NP, Campbell Bay NP, Galathea Bay NP
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Andhra Pradesh’s Polavaram project enters Guinness Book of World Record for concrete pouring
On 7th Januray 2019, the Polavaram project of Andra pradesh got its place in the Guinness book of world record.This project entered the guinness by pouring 32,315.5 cubic meters of concrete non-stop in 24 hours.This project surpassed the leading record of 21,580 cubic metres which was achieved by Abdul Wahed Bin Shabib project
Key Points:
i. The state government invested Rs 15,380.97 crore on the project ; the central government is to release Rs3,517.84 crore.
ii. Polavaram irrigation project,is a multipurpose terminal reservoir will irrigate 38.78 Lac acres of land
iii. It will also set up of 960 mw hydro power plant which will provide drinking water to 540 villages with a population of 28.5 Lac.
About Andra Pradesh
♦ Capital:Amaravati
♦ Cheif Minister: Chandrababu Naidu
♦ Governor:E. S. L. Narasimhan
♦ With the start of a new year,Andhra Pradesh is to have a separate high court in its capital city.
2018 Confederation of African Football Player of the Year award given to Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah
On January 8, 2019, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah was conferred with the 2018 Confederation of African Football Player of the Year award, for the second time, in Senegal.
i. He also won the BBC African Footballer of the Year award for the second time in December 2018.
ii. He beat Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane of Senegal and Arsenal and Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to the title.
iii. Among other awardees, Houston Dash and South Africa forward Thembi Kgatlana was named Women’s Player of the Year.
Other News:
Confederation of African Football (CAF) also announced that Egypt will host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Confederation of African Football (CAF):
♦ Headquarters: Cairo, Egypt.
♦ President: Ahmad Ahmad.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
‘Police-E-Eye’ app launched by Coimbatore city traffic police to enable report of traffic violations
On January 7, 2019, Coimbatore city traffic police launched a mobile application ‘Police-E-Eye’ for the public to report on traffic violations to police and to keep a check on the same.
i. The app was developed by Aveon Infotech Pvt. Ltd under its Corporate Social Responsibility.
ii. The violations so filed can be photographed which will be sent to the police along with the location, time and date with the help of GPS.
Tamil Nadu:
♦ Chief Minister: Edappadi K Palaniswam.
♦ Governor: Shri. Banwari Lal Purohit.
SPORTS
Egypt to host 2019 Africa Cup of Nations
On 08th January 2019, Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Executive Committee announced that Egypt will host African Cup for the fifth time in 2019. South Africa was the other country who made a bid to host the event.
Key points
i. The Cup of Nations will take place from June 15 to July 13, 2019.
ii. Egypt has already hosted the African Cup in 1959, 1974, 1986 and 2006.
iii. The tournament will be enlarged to 24 teams from its standard 16 teams.
iv. Guinea’s football federation announced that it has agreed to move its staging of the Nations Cup from 2023 to 2025.
v. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah retained his CAF Player of the Year Award at the CAF Awards on 08th January 2019 at Dakar, Senegal.
About Egypt
♦ Capital: Cairo
♦ Currency: Egyptian Pound
♦ President: Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
USA Cricket announced as ICC’s 105th member
On 08th January 2019, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced USA Cricket as its 105th member. USA Cricket came into existence after USACA was expelled in June 2017 for lack of cooperation in terms of unifying the cricket community in the country.
Key points
i. The application of USA Cricket to become the 93rd Associate member in compliance with the ICC constitution, was accepted as per the recommendation of the seven-member Membership Committee to the ICC Board last year.
ii. In October 2018 USA Cricket had appointed Paraag Marathe president of 49ers Enterprises and Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the 49ers as the Chair of the Board.
iii. The International Cricket Council (ICC) was founded at Lord’s on 15 June 1909 as the Imperial Cricket Conference with Australia, England, and South Africa as its founding members.
iv. The Imperial Cricket Conference was renamed the International Cricket Conference in 1965.
About International Cricket Council (ICC)
♦ Headquarter: Dubai, UAE
♦ Chairman: Shashank Manohar
♦ CEO: David Richardson
