Current Affairs November 16 2018

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 INDIAN AFFAIRS

LEAP and ARPIT: 2 new programmes for higher education faculty launched by MoS HRD
On November 13, 2018, Minister of State, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Dr. Satya Pal Singh launched two new initiatives namely, Leadership for Academicians Programme (LEAP) and Annual Refresher Programme In Teaching (ARPIT) in New Delhi.

i.Additionally, he also released information brochures of both the initiatives.
About LEAP:
i .The full form of LEAP is: Leadership for Academicians Programme.
ii. It will be a three weeks Flagship leadership development training programme (2 weeks domestic and one week foreign training) for second level academic functionaries in public funded higher education institutions.
iii. The main objective is to prepare second tier academic heads to assume leadership roles in the future.
iv. This will help fulfill this critical need which will make higher education institutions perform.
v. It will be implemented through 15 NIRF top ranked Indian Institutions. They are:
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee; IIT Kanpur; NIT Trichy; Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata; Jawaharlal Nehru University; IIT (BHU); University of Delhi; Indian Institute of Technology Bombay; TISS Mumbai; University of Hyderabad ; NIEPA, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur; Jamia Milia Islamia; Banaras Hindu University and AMU.
vi. The foreign collaborating Universities identified for the training are also within the top 100 in the world global rankings. They are:
University of Michigan; NTU Singapore; Harvard University; Purdue University, USA ; University of Chicago; University of Pennsylvania / Stanford; Monash University; London School of Economics/ Oxford University; University of Cambridge and University of Virginia, USA.
About ARPIT:
i. Full form of ARPIT is: Annual Refresher Programme in Teaching.
ii. It would include online professional development of 15 lakh higher education faculty using the MOOCs platform SWAYAM.
iii. 75 discipline-specific institutions have been identified and notified as National Resource Centres (NRCs) in the first phase of its implementation.
iv. These NRCs will cater to around 13 lakh faculty of the total 15 lakh faculty in higher education.
v. They have been  tasked to prepare online training material with focus on latest developments in various disciplines containing courses of 40 hourmodule with 20 hours of video content and 20 hours of non-video content.
 vi. The courses will remain open from 1st November, 2018 to 28^th February, 2019.
Portal for SWAYAM: Click Here
Ministry of HRD:
♦ Union Minister: Shri Prakash Javadekar.
♦ Minister of State: Dr. Satya Pal Singh, Shri Upendra Kushwaha.

4th International Congress on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine inaugurated by Dr Jitendra Singh, MoSDoNER
On November 15, 2018, the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (I/C), Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated 4th International Congress on Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine.
It was held along with the Asia Pacific Geriatric Medicine Network Conference
at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
i. The Congress focuses on sensitisation and reorientation of health care professionals
ii. It had the theme: ‘Future of Geriatric Medicine practice – Are you Ready?’
iii. Discussions were held on topics such as:

• Biogerontology and social & clinical geriatrics such as diabetes, euthanasia, elder abuse and geriatric patient care.

iv. In his address, the minister stated the following:

• More than 70% of the population is below the age of 40 years, due to which India is facing bi-polar challenge.
• Non-communicable diseases spreading fast irrespective of age.
• Launch of ‘Aayushmaan Bharat’ programme and other initiatives taken by Government for senior citizens like increase in minimum pension etc.

About the conference:
The vision of the conference is to improve old age care around the world.
All India Institute of Medical Sciences:
♦ Headquarters: New Delhi.
♦ Director, AIIMS: Dr Randeep Gulleria.

India, UK signed pact to collaborate on 5 year cancer research
On November 15, 2018, India and UK signed the MOU on India-UK Cancer Research Initiative in New Delhi.

The India-UK Cancer Research Initiative was launched at the Inaugural Researchers’ Summit, which is being held in New Delhi from November 14^th to November 16^th, 2018.
About the MOU:
i. The MOU was signed between:

• Department of Biotechnology Ministry of Science & Technology, India and
• Cancer Research UK.

ii. It is a collaborative 5-year bilateral research initiative that focuses on affordable approaches to cancer.
iii. According to the MOU, both CRUK and DBT will invest £5m each in the 5-year pilot.
iv. The initiative will be overseen by a board of advisors comprising five cancer experts each from India and UK.
v. Prof. David Hunter of the University of Oxford and Dr. CS Pramesh of the Tata Memorial Hospital will serve respectively as Chair and Co-chair of the Advisory Panel.
Background:
This is a follow up of the joint statement issued by the Prime Ministers of India and UK during the visit of Prime Minister of India,Shri Narendra Modi to UK on April 18, 2018.
♦ Secretary, DBT: Dr. Renu Swarup.
♦ Cancer Research UK’s executive director: Nick Grant.

6^th Indian Social Work Congress (ISWC) held in New Delhi
From 1^st to 3^rd November 2018, 6^th Indian Social Work Congress (ISWC) was held in New Delhi.

Key Points:
i. The ISWC was jointly organized by National Association of Professional Social Workers in India (NAPSWI) and Department of Social Work (Delhi School of Social Work), University of Delhi.
ii. Theme of 6^th ISWC 2018 was “Human Development and Social Inclusion: Imperatives for Social Work Education and Practice”.
iii. ISWC aimed to provide a platform to social work professionals to discuss issues related to human development, social justice and inclusion, share and exchange experiences of social work educators, etc.
iv. Late Dr. Martha Farrell was honoured with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” for her lifelong work towards gender equality, women’s empowerment and prevention of sexual harassment at workplace.
About National Association of Professional Social Workers in India (NAPSWI):
♦ President – Prof. Sanjai Bhatt
♦ Secretariat – Ahmednagar, Maharashtra

Delhi Police Commissioner launches e-learning portal ‘NIPUN’
On 14^th November 2018, the Delhi Police Commissioner Amulya Patnaik launched ‘NIPUN’, an e-learning portal to impart in-service training to its personnel.
i. NIPUN aims to provide online training and information through specialized courses designed by experts.
ii. It aims to enable information sharing between the faculty and trainees at the Police Training Institutes of the Delhi Police.
ii. It will help police officers investigating cases by offering online resource and information on law, standing orders, investigation checklists, forms for case files, latest High Court and Supreme Court rulings.
iii. Most of the courses have been developed in-house. Some have been developed in collaboration with the University Grant Commission (UGC), FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), NHRC (National Human Rights Commission), NCPCR (National Commission for Protection of Child Rights), and Janaki Devi Memorial College, Delhi University (DU) under the project “The Collaborative Learning and Partnership” (CLAP).

4-day 3^rd India International Cherry Blossom Festival celebrated in Meghalaya
On November 14, 2018, the 4-day 3^rd India International Cherry Blossom Festival was celebrated at Polo 5th Ground, Shillong, Meghalaya.

i. The festival celebrates the unique autumn flowering of the Himalayan Cherry Blossoms.
ii. The 2018 edition was inaugurated by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in the presence of Japanese Ambassador to India, Kenji Hiramatsu.
iii. The four-day long festival was organised by:

• The Forest and Environment Department, Govt of Meghalaya,
• Institute of Bio-resources and Sustainable Development and
• Indian Council for Cultural Relations.

iv. The Japanese presence and participation turned it into an international event and strengthening of relationship has been the main criteria.
v. Alongside many cultural event, several Japanese cultural events, a Japanese Food Pavilion and a Higher Education Stall in partnership with the Embassy of Japan in India was established.
vi. During the programme, the Chief Minister handed over the Meghalaya Entrepreneurship Recognition Award (MEG-ERA) to Perastill R Sangma, an entrepreneur from Garo Hills.
Background:
Cherry Blossom is a widely popular flower in Japan as well.
Japan:
♦ Capital: Tokyo.
♦ Currency: Japanese yen.

Biotechnology Policy 2018 launched by Odisha government to promote biotechnology investments
On November 15, 2018, the Odisha government launched a Biotechnology Policy 2018 at the Make in Odisha Conclave held in Bhubaneswar.
Objective:
To make Odisha a top biotech investment destination in the country.
Key Points:
i. This is a part of the development of the biotechnology sector in Odisha which will be based on three key pillars – innovation, entrepreneurship and investment.
ii. According to the Biotechnology Policy 2018,

• the government would provide full support for formation of public-private partnerships, bio incubation centres and biotech finishing schools,
• It will give attractive incentives for stakeholders to invest in Odisha

iii. In the Summit, Odisha government had signed an agreement with ITES, Singapore to building a 64 acre skill development centre named ‘Odisha Biotech Park’ in Bhubaneswar to support the biotechnology sector in the state.
iv. For this project, Bharat Biotech has shown interest to invest Rs. 500 crore to set up a vaccine manufacturing unit over an area of 33 acres.
Odisha:
♦ Chief Minister: Naveen Patnaik.
♦ Governor: Prof. Ganeshi Lal.
♦ Lakes : Chilika Lake, Kanjia Lake, Anshupa Lake, Balimela Reservoir.
♦ Dams: Rengali Dam, Kala dam, Pitamahal Dam, Kansbahal Dam, Tikhali Dam, Deras Dam, Salia Dam, Ghodahada Dam, Kuanria Dam.
♦ Festivals: Kalinga Mahotsav, Chandan Yatra, Durga Puja, Konark Dance Festival, Rath Yatra, Deepabali, Kumar Purnima.

BANKING & FINANCE

RBI injected Rs 12,000 crore liquidity via OMO on November 15
On November 15, 2018, Reserve Bank of India pumped in Rs 12,000 crore into the system through purchase of government securities.

i. This was done via conduction of an Open Market Operations for an aggregate amount of Rs 120 billion through multi-security auction using the multiple price method.
ii. In the announcement it stated that RBI would purchase government dated securities maturing in 2021, 2022, 2024, 2027 and 2033 bearing various interest rates.
iii. The eligible participants submitted their offers in electronic format on the Reserve Bank of India Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) system on November 15.
iv. According to the statement,

• The Stocks were issued for a minimum amount of Rs. 10,000/- (nominal) and in multiples of Rs. 10,000/- thereafter.
• The result of the auctions will be announced on November 16, 2018 (Friday) and payment by successful bidders will be on November 19, 2018.
• The Government Stocks were issued by credit to Subsidiary General Ledger Account (SGL) of parties maintaining such account with Reserve Bank of India or in the form of Stock Certificate.
• Interest on the Government Stock will be paid half-yearly.

v. Benefits of the OMO operations are:
The OMO operation will help ease tight liquidity situation triggered by series of default by group companies of IL&FS.
As per RBI’s earlier statement, the system liquidity will move into deficit in the second half of 2018-19.
For More information: Click Here , Click Here.
Background:

• OMOs are the tools which can be used to either inject or drain liquidity from the system.
• It is employed to adjust rupee liquidity conditions in the market on a durable basis.
• If there is excess liquidity, the RBI resorts to sale of securities and sucks out the rupee liquidity. Similarly, when the liquidity conditions are tight, it buys securities from the market, thereby releasing money into the market.

RBI:
♦ Founded: 1^st April 1935.
♦ Headquarters: Mumbai.
♦ 24^th Governor: Dr. Urjit Patel.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Natural Gas may become world’s 2nd largest energy source by 2030: Report by IEA
On November 13, 2018, according to report by International Energy Agency (IEA) titled World Energy Outlook 2018, natural gas is expected to overtake coal as the world’s second largest energy source after oil by 2030.
Highlights:
i. This change is expected due to a drive to cut air pollution and the rise in liquefied natural gas (LNG) use.
ii. Energy demand would grow by more than a quarter between 2017 and 2040.
iii. Global gas demand would increase by 1.6 percent a year to 2040 and would be 45 percent higher by then than the present.
iv. Global electricity demand will grow 2.1 percent a year and will account for a quarter of energy used by 2040.
v. CO2 emissions would rise by 10 percent to 36 gigatonnes in 2040, mostly driven by growth in oil and gas.
vi. The estimates are based on the IEA’s “New Policies Scenario” that reflects legislation and policies to reduce emissions and fight climate change.
Among the countries:
i. Among the countries, China is the world’s third-biggest user of natural gas behind the United States and Russia.
ii. Emerging economies in Asia would account for about half of total global gas demand growth which will double to 60 percent by 2040.
International Energy Agency:
♦ Headquarters: Paris, France.
♦ Executive Director: Dr Fatih Birol.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

Justice Govind Mathur takes oath as Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court
On 14^th November 2018, Justice Govind Mathur was sworn in as the chief justice of the Allahabad High Court.

i. He was administered the oath by Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik. In 2004, Justice Govind Mathur was appointed as a judge in the Rajasthan High Court.
ii. In 2017, he was transferred to the Allahabad High Court. He worked as University of Rajasthan’s standing counsel.
iii. He also worked for Indian Oil Corporation, Water and Power Consultancy Services, New Delhi and the National Council for Teacher’s Education.

Sanjay Karol sworn in as new Chief Justice of Tripura HC
On 14^th November 2018, Justice Sanjoy Karol was sworn in as the 4^th Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court.
i. Tripura Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki administered the oath of office and secrecy to Justice Sanjoy Karol.
ii. Earlier, Sanjoy Karol was a judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. He replaces Justice Ajay Rastogi who was promoted as a judge of the Supreme Court.
iii. Sanjoy Karol became a judge of the Himachal Pradesh High Court in 2007.

Sanjay Kumar Seth takes oath as Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court
On 14^th November 2018, Justice Sanjay Kumar Seth was sworn in as the 24th Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

i. Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandi Ben Patel administered the oath of office to Justice Sanjay Kumar Seth.
ii. Earlier, Justice Sanjay Kumar Seth was made acting Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court after Chief Justice Hemant Gupta was promoted to the Supreme Court.
iii. He had served as an additional advocate general. Later, he was appointed as a judge to the Madhya Pradesh high court in 2003. He was made a permanent judge in 2004. He would retire in June 2019.

Ashok Chawla resigned as Yes Bank’s non-executive chairman
On November 15, 2018, Ashok Chawla, Yes Bank’s non-executive chairman, stepped down with immediate effect.
i. He resigned for the bank to find a new contender to fill in the Chairman’s duty.
ii. Apart from Yes bank , Chawla is also the chairman of National Stock Exchange since 2016.
iii. He had also worked as chairman of fair trade regulator CCI or Competition Commission of India.
Other News:
i. Additionally, the bank’s head of audit committee Vasant Gujarathi should be resigning as head of the audit committee due to adverse comments of the RBI on the bank’s audit.
ii. His position will be given to Uttam Prakash Agarwal as an additional director (independent).
Background:
Chief executive Rana Kapoor had also left his role, after he was denied extension of his role from the RBI.
YES Bank:
♦ Headquarters: Mumbai.
♦ Tagline: Experience our Expertise

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India Post launches e-commerce portal
On 13^th November 2018, India Post announced the soft launch of its e-commerce portal.

Key Points:
i. Department of Posts has done only soft launch of the portal. The full fledge operations of the service will begin after mid-December 2018.
ii. India Post will utilise its parcel business network for this purpose. Department of Posts has been focusing on e-commerce sector to improve its revenue receipts.
About India Post:
♦ Director General – Ms. Meera Handa
♦ Registered Office – New Delhi

SPORTS

Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah maintain top positions in ICC ODI rankings
India captain Virat Kohli and fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah maintained their top positions in the batsmen and bowlers ranking respectively in the latest ICC (International Cricket Council) ODI (One Day International) rankings published on 13^th November 2018.

Key Points:
i. Virat Kohli remained in the number one position in the ODI batsmen ranking with 899 points. Limited overs vice-captain Rohit Sharma remained in the second place.
ii. Shikhar Dhawan is the third Indian in the top-10 list. He has secured 8^th position. Former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is ranked 20th in the list.
iii. In the ODI bowler’s ranking, Jasprit Bumrah remains in number one position with 841 points.  Kuldeep Yadav remains in third place. Yuzvendra Chahal is in fifth position.
iv. Rashid Khan of Afghanistan is the top-ranked ODI all-rounder in world cricket with 353 points.
v. In the overall team rankings, India remains in second position with 121 points, behind England with 126 points.
About International Cricket Council (ICC):
♦ CEO – Dave Richardson
♦ Chairperson – Shashank Manohar
♦ Headquarters – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

15-year-old Kashmiri student Aabid Hamid wins gold for India at World Kick Boxing Championship in Argentina
Aabid Hamid, a 15-year-old Kashmiri student, has won gold medal, at the World Kick Boxing Championship in Argentina, held from 5^th to 10^th November 2018.

Key Points:
i. Aabid Hamid won gold medal in the 52kg category. He was the only gold medal winner from India in the tournament. He was part of nine-member Team India.
ii. Eight other players including three from Kashmir won silver medals. Master Hashim, Ms Abrou and Mr Irshad Ahmad Ganie are among the silver medal winners

Australia’s John Hastings retires from International Cricket
On 14^th November 2018, Australia all-rounder John Hastings announced his retirement from all forms of cricket due to a lung disease.

Key Points:
i. John Hastings is 33 years old. He has planned to focus on media commitments after retirement.
ii. He had already retired from ODI (One Day International) and Test cricket in 2017. He had been playing in T20 cricket.
iii. He is a right-arm medium-fast bowler and bowling all-rounder. He has 50 wickets from 39 international matches.
iv. He has scored 369 international runs in 29 ODIs, 9 T20Is and 1 Test match combined.
v. He had played in Indian Premier League (IPL) for Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Kochi Tuskers Kerala teams.
v. He had also played in the Pakistan Super League for Quetta Gladiators and in Australia’s 2017 Big Bash League for Melbourne Stars team.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Philosophy Day – November 15, 2018
On 15^th November 2018, World Philosophy Day was celebrated all over the world.

Key Points:
i. When: In 2005, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) established World Philosophy Day. It is celebrated every year on the third Thursday of November.
ii. Why: This day highlights the value of philosophy for the development of human thought, for individuals and the society.
About UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization):
♦ Director General – Audrey Azoulay
♦ Headquarters – Paris, France