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INDIAN AFFAIRS
Intra-state e-way bill to be rolled out in five states from April 15
Intra-State E-way (Electronic Way) bill i.e. the E-way bill for movement of goods within the state will be rolled out from April 15, 2018, starting with 5 states.
More information pertaining to roll-out of Intra-State E-way bill:
i. Five states in which Intra-State E-way bill will be rolled out from April 15, 2018 are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh.
ii. Karnataka is the only state which had rolled out Intra-State E-way bill system from April 1, 2018.
iii. In March 2018, Goods and Services Tax (GST) council had decided that Intra-State E-Way bill will be rolled out in a phased manner but not later than June 1, 2018.
iv. In context of this news, it is important to note that E-way bill system for moving goods worth over Rs 50000 from one state to another has already been rolled out since April 1, 2018.
v. E-way bill provision of the GST is an anti-evasion measure which would help in increasing tax collections by curbing trade that is being undertaken on cash basis
Modi launches India’s most powerful electric locomotive in Bihar
On April 10, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled India’s first 12000 horsepower electric locomotive from Bihar’s Madhepura locomotive factory.
Details about India’s first 12000 horsepower electric locomotive:
i. This locomotive, which is so far India’s most powerful locomotive has been developed at Madhepura’s Electric Locomotive Factory and is the first big Make-in-India project completed by Alstom of France.
ii. It has a hauling capacity of 6000 tonnes and can attain maximum speed of 120 km/hr.
iii. Railway officials have confirmed that it will be used to transport coal and iron ore.
iv. Being 100% electric locomotive, it will not only bring down operating costs for the Indian Railways but will also cut down greenhouse gas emissions.
v. With the launch of this locomotive, India has joined the league of countries – Russia, China, Germany and Sweden – that have successfully run 12000 horsepower and above capacity electric Locomotives.
About centenary celebrations of the Champaran Satyagraha:
i. PM Modi was in Bihar to attend the centenary celebrations of the Champaran Satyagraha as a part of “Chalo Champaran Campaign”.
ii. Theme of the centenary celebrations of the Champaran Satyagraha is “Satyagraha se Swachhagrah”.
Eighth Regional 3R Forum in Asia and Pacific was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Eighth ‘Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific’ was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh from 10th – 12th April, 2018.
Highlights of Eighth Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific:
i. 3R stands for – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
ii. During the course of this event, participants engaged in high-level discussions on policies, shared useful information and committed to support implementation of 3R projects in member countries.
iii. Theme of this event was ‘Achieving Clean Water, Clean Land and Clean Air through 3R and Resource Efficiency – A 21st-Century Vision for Asia-Pacific Communities’.
iv. The Eighth Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific was hosted by Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and co-organised by Environment Ministry of Japan, and the United Nations Centre for Regional Development of the Division for Sustainable Development/United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
v.500 delegates, including 40 mayors of cities from around the world and mayors of more than 100 cities across India participated in this event.
vi. The event concluded with the signing and adoption of ‘Indore 3R Declaration on Achieving Clean Water, Clean Land and Clean Air’ in cities.
Quick Facts about Regional 3R Forum in Asia and Pacific:
♦ Established in – 2009
♦ Proposed by – Japan
♦ Inaugural Forum held in – 2009, in Tokyo, Japan
Logo, Website of 11th World Hindi Conference released
On April 10, 2018, Education Minister of Mauritius, Leela Devi Dookhun Luchoomun released the logo and website of 11th World Hindi Conference in New Delhi.
About 11th World Hindi Conference:
i. 11th World Hindi Conference is scheduled to be held in Mauritius from 18th to 20th August 2018.
ii. Education Minister of Mauritius stated that a sub-committee has been formed which will keep collecting information and will update the newly released website.
iii. World Hindi Conference is a world conference on Hindi language, which brings together Hindi scholars, writers and laureates from different parts of the world.
iv. 1st World Hindi Conference was held in January 1975 in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
NITI Forum for North East holds first meeting in Agartala
First meeting of newly constituted ‘NITI Forum for North East’ was held in Agartala, Tripura on April 10, 2018.
Highlights of first meeting of NITI Forum for North East:
i. First meeting of NITI Forum for North East was chaired by Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog – Rajeev Kumar and the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jitendra Singh.
ii. Discussions at this meeting revolved around ways to boost development projects in North Eastern States of India.
iii. ‘NITI Forum for North East’ was constituted in February 2018.
iv. It was constituted with an aim to ensure sustainable economic growth of the North Eastern Region (NER) of India and review the development status in the North Eastern region at periodic intervals.
Quick Facts about NITI Aayog:
♦ Abbreviation stands for – National Institution for Transforming India
♦ Formed on – January 1, 2015
♦ Ex-Officio Chairperson – Prime Minister of India
Vice President inaugurates “Scientific Convention on World Homoeopathy Day”
On April 10, 2018, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the two-day “Scientific Convention on World Homeopathy Day” in New Delhi.
Highlights of “Scientific Convention on World Homoeopathy Day”:
i. The two-day convention has been organized by Union Ministry of AYUSH.
ii. The inaugural function was presided over by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Shripad Yesso.
iii. Nearly 1500 delegates including homoeopathic researchers, practitioners, scientists from allied sciences, industrialists, students as well as representatives of various homoeopathic associations will be attending this convention.
iv. The theme of this convention is “Innovate: Evolve; Progress: Exploring Science since 40 years”.
v. World Homeopathy Day is observed on April 10 every yeaer to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of Homoeopathy, Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann.
Haryana Government launches Water ATM policy for urban areas
Haryana State Government has come up with Water ATM Policy to provide clean drinking water to people at public places.
Overview of Haryana Sta te Government’s Water ATM Policy:
i. Distance between two water ATMs within a city would be 400 metres, which could be adjusted according to convenience of people.
ii. Spots for installation of water ATMs will be identified by the municipalities. Installation would be done mostly at public places such as bus-stands, parks, railway stations, parking areas and markets.
iii. Post installation, functioning of Water ATMs would be looked after by the municipality itself or by an agency.
iv. This responsibility may also be handed over to a company willing to look after it as a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
Quick Facts about Haryana:
♦ Capital – Chandigarh
♦ Current Governor – Kaptan Singh Solanki
♦ Current Chief Minister – Manohar Lal Khattar
♦ Important National Park – Sultanpur National Park
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
India, Vietnam discuss ways to boost ties
On April 10, 2018, Vice Foreign Minister of Vietnam, Dang Dinh Quy met Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi and held discussions on India-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership and on ways to further boost ties.
i. It is to be noted that in 2016, India and Vietnam formally upgraded their relationship status (from Strategic Partnership) to “comprehensive strategic partnership.
ii. India-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership focuses on bilateral trade and Defence cooperation.
iii. During 2018, so far, there have been two high-level visits to India from the Vietnamese side. Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc was one of the chief guests for the Republic Day Parade on January 26, 2018, while Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang also paid a visit to India in March 2018.
Quick Facts about Vietnam:
♦ Capital – Hanoi
♦ Currency – Vietnamese Dong
♦ Current President – Tran Dai Quang
♦ Important Rivers – Red River, Perfume River
India, Bangladesh sign six MoUs including 129.5 km oil pipeline deal
On April 9, 2018, India and Bangladesh signed six pacts including one for the construction of a 129.5 km-long oil pipeline between Siliguri and Parbatipur.
Details about 6 MoUs signed between India and Bangladesh:
i. India-Bangladesh Friendship pipeline between Siliguri (on Indian side) & Parbatipur (on Bangladesh’s side) is aimed at transporting 1 million tonnes diesel per annum from India to Bangladesh.
ii.Other pacts include, an MoU on cooperation between Prasar Bharati and Bangladesh Betar, agreement between Department of Atomic Energy, India and Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and an MoU for setting up an Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Urdu Chair in Dhaka University.
iii. Other two MoUs were pertaining to projects for setting up language labs in 500 schools in Bangladesh and upgrade different roads in Rangpur city.
iv. All these MoUs were signed during the course of India’s Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale’s visit to Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Quick Facts about Bangladesh:
♦ Capital – Dhaka
♦ Currency – Taka
♦ Current Prime Minister – Sheikh Hasina
♦ Neighbouring Countries – India, Myanmar
India, Peru to hold next round of FTA talks this week
Officials of Union Commerce Ministry are in Peru for the second round of negotiations for proposed free trade agreement (FTA) to boost two-way commerce between both the countries.
FTA between India and Peru:
i. Under FTA, the partner countries reduce or eliminate duties on most of the goods traded between them.
ii. Besides, related norms and rules are also eased to promote trade in services and increase bilateral investments.
iii. FTA with Peru, is part of India’s efforts to enhance its engagements with regions like Africa, South America and Central Asia in wake of uncertainties in its traditional markets, including the US and Europe.
iv.As per Federation of India Export Organisations (FIEO), Peru holds huge potential for exports and thus having an FTA with Peru would be beneficial for Indian exporters.
v. Motor vehicle, cars, iron and steel products, cotton yarn and fabrics are the main items exported from India to Peru, while imports from Peru include bulk minerals and ores, gold, fertilisers crude and zinc.
Quick Facts about Peru:
♦ Capital – Lima
♦ Currency – Sol
♦ Current President – Martin Vizcarra
BANKING & FINANCE
J&K Bank launches special financing scheme for industrial units
Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Bank has launched ‘Add on Working Capital GST’, a special financing scheme to help the state industry cope with the delay in reimbursement of Goods and Services Tax (GST) under special tax relief.
About J&K Bank’s ‘Add on Working Capital GST’ scheme:
i. This scheme was launched by J&K Finance Minister Syed Altaf Bukhari in the presence of Minister for Industry and Commerce Chander Parkash Ganga.
ii. By ensuring healthy cash flow, this scheme will provide relief to industrial units in J&K that are facing stressed liquidity position due to Goods and Services Tax regime.
iii. Under this scheme, revolving credit facility will be extended at most competitive rate of 9 per cent and that too with minimum documentation.
Quick Facts about J&K Bank:
♦ Founded in – 1938
♦ Headquarters – Srinagar, J&K
♦ Current Chairman & CEO – Parvez Ahmad
♦ Tagline – Serving To Empower
BUSINESS
Tech Mahindra, Balbix launch AI-powered predictive cyber risk platform
Tech Mahindra has partnered with Balbix, a breach avoidance platform provider, to launch the security industry’s first AI (Artificial intelligence)-powered continuous threat assessment and prioritised actionable risk intelligence platform.
Tech Mahindra, Balbix launch AI-powered predictive cyber risk platform:
i. Tech Mahindra along with Balbix provides intelligent security operations center (iSOC). Using this, cyber-breaches can be predicted and proactively avoided by continuously monitoring IT inventories.
ii. iSOC can prioritise actionable intelligence for proactive handling of identified critical risks. It also prevents security incidents and decreases compliance verification cycles from months to minutes.
iii. iSOC also enhances reporting by accurately measuring overall breach risk and cyber-resilience.
iv. The Tech Mahindra and Balbix platform uses deep learning and specialised AI algorithms to predict how attacks can occur and propagate. It offers actionable insights to reduce breach.
About Tech Mahindra:
♦ Type – a digital transformation, consulting and business re-engineering services and solutions provider
♦ Chairman – Anand G Mahindra
Google Home, Home Mini launched in India
Google Home and Home Mini Bluetooth speakers have been launched in India.
Google Home, Home Mini in India:
i. Google Assistant-powered speakers will be available on Flipkart and in 750 retail stores in India.
ii. Google Home is priced at Rs 9,999 and Home Mini at Rs 4,499 in India. They were launched at Google’s I/O 2016 conference. This is the first time Google has launched its speakers in India.
iii.Google Home and Home Mini can be activated by saying ‘Ok Google’. Google Home works with Android TVs also and can be used to control Netflix.
iv. Google Home and Home Mini are offered with six months of ad-free music experience by Saavn and Gaana.
v. They will answer user’s questions like how long will it take to reach a place, horoscope, weather, etc.
vi. Google has tied up with NDTV, Times of India, Aaj Tak and Dainik Bhaskar in India for news content. Google Home can also be connected with Google Chromecast. It also works with Youtube.
About Google:
♦ CEO – Sundar Pichai
♦ Headquarters – California, U.S.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS
Manu Bhaker will be the brand ambassador of Haryana’s Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign
Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has been named the brand ambassador of Haryana’s Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign.
Manu Bhaker – brand ambassador of Haryana’s Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign:
i. This campaign will be launched by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on 25th April 2018.
ii. Vaccination for around 85 lakh children aged between nine months and 15 years will be done in this campaign.
iii. This campaign will continue for 5-6 weeks. Decision regarding this was taken in a meeting of State Level Steering Committee for Measles Rubella Campaign chaired by Chief Secretary, D S Dhesi.
iv. As part of this campaign, immunisation will be done in 22,626 government and private schools, 25,771 Anganwadi centres, construction sites, brick kilns, poultry farms, other high risk zones and urban areas.
Some National Parks in Haryana:
♦ Sultanpur National Park
♦ Kalesar National Park
AIIMS professor Balram Bhargava appointed DG of ICMR
On 10th April 2018, Balram Bhargava was appointed the Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Secretary of the Department of Health Research.
Balram Bhargava – DG of ICMR:
i. Balram Bharagava is currently Professor/Senior Consultant Cardiologist at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He has been appointed the DG of ICMR for a 3 year term or until 60 years of age, as per an order issued by the Personnel Ministry.
ii. Also, scientist Renu Swaroop has been appointed the Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology.
iii. Renu Swaroop is at present senior adviser in the Department of Biotechnology. She has been appointed as Secretary for a two year term or until 60 years of age.
About Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR):
♦ Headquarters – Delhi
♦ Formed – 1911
Ban Ki-moon elected as Chairman of Boao Forum
On 9th April 2018, former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was elected chairman of the Boao Forum for Asia.
Ban Ki-moon – Chairman of Boao Forum:
i. Ban Ki-moon replaces Japan’s Yasuo Fukuda. His appointment took place at the annual session of the forum named the “Asian Davos”. The annual session takes place between 8th and 11th April 2018.
ii. Also, former governor of the People’s Bank of China Zhou Xiaochuan was appointed vice-chairman of Boao Forum for Asia.
iii. Over 2,000 political and economic leaders, including heads of large multinational firms, take part in this annual session.
About Boao Forum for Asia:
♦ Formed – 2001
♦ Secretariat of Boao Forum for Asia – Beijing, China
Labour Secretary M Sathiyavathy took charge as member of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
On 9th April 2018, Labour Secretary M Sathiyavathy took charge as a member of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
M Sathiyavathy – member of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC):
i. U P Singh has been given additional charge as secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment. He is a senior IAS officer. He is currently secretary in Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
ii. M Sathiyavathy is an IAS officer of 1982 batch of Union Territories cadre. Vinay Mittal, chairman of the UPSC, administered her oath.
iii. She was the first woman chief of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). She was joint director general in the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Controller, ISRO Satellite Centre, Department of Space, member secretary, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, and additional secretary and financial adviser, Ministry of Civil Aviation.
About Union Public Service Commission (UPSC):
♦ Chairman – Vinay Mittal
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
Rishad Premji appointed Nasscom chairman for 2018-19
On 10th April 2018, Nasscom (National Association of Software and Services Companies) announced that it has appointed Rishad Premji as its chairman for 2018-19.
Rishad Premji – Nasscom chairman for 2018-19:
i. Rishad Premji is Wipro’s Chief Strategy Officer and Board member. Also, Keshav Murugesh, CEO of WNS Group, has been appointed the vice chairman for 2018-19.
ii. Rishad Premji has been a member of Nasscom’s Executive Council. He was the vice chairman of Nasscom for 2017-18.
iii. Rishad Premji replaces Raman Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of Quatrro Global Services.
About Nasscom:
♦ President – Debjani Ghosh
♦ Established – 1988
Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban wins new term
On 8th April 2018, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban won a third consecutive term as Prime Minister.
Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban wins new term:
i. Viktor Orban is 54 years old. He will serve a third consecutive term as Hungarian Prime Minister.
ii. Hungary’s National Election Office said that, Viktor Orban’s party Fidesz won nearly half of the votes, with 93% of votes counted. Fidesz is expected to win a two-thirds majority in parliament.
iii.Hence Viktor Orban might have a two-thirds majority for the third time.
About Hungary:
♦ Capital – Budapest
♦ Currency – Forint
♦ Official language – Hungaria
♦ President – János Áder
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Earth’s bedrock: New source of global nitrogen discovered
A study by National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded researchers at the University of California (UC), Davis, states that more than a quarter of total available nitrogen is derived from the weathering of Earth’s bedrock.
Earth’s bedrock: New source of global nitrogen:
i. The results of this study has been published in the journal Science. The study says that, up to 26 % of the nitrogen in ecosystems is obatined from rocks, and remaining is obtained from atmosphere.
ii. This study states that rock weathering is a major source of nitrogen to soils and ecosystems worldwide. This research was co-funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Some dams in India:
♦ Tehri Dam – Bhagirathi River
♦ Lakhwar Dam – Yamuna River
♦ Idukki Dam – Periyar River
ENVIRONMENT
1200-year-old Buddha cliff carvings found in Tibet
Cliff carvings of Buddha that are 1,200 years old have been discovered in eastern Tibet.
1200-year-old Buddha cliff carvings found in Tibet:
i. The regional cultural relics protection research institute said that, the Cliff carvings of Buddha were found in Acur township in Chagyab County of the Qamdo City.
ii. The discoveries date back to the Tibetan Tubo Kingdom era. This era is said to be the most powerful period in Tibet’s history.
iii. The carvings are inscribed on cliffs that are around 10 metres in total. The carvings are said to be made in 9th century, based on their style.
Some important temples in India:
♦ Vaishno Devi Temple – Katra, Jammu & Kashmir
♦ Golden Temple – Amritsar, Punjab
♦ Tirupati Balaji (Tirumala Venkateswara Temple) – Chittor, Andhra Pradesh
SPORTS
FC Goa, Forca Goa Foundation launch soccer programme for kids
FC Goa in collaboration with the Forca Goa Foundation, is introducing “FC Goa Soccer Schools”, a soccer programme for kids.
FC Goa Soccer Schools:
i. FC Goa is a professional football franchise. The FC Goa Soccer Schools programme will be launched on 20th April 2018.
ii. This programme is aimed at developing football in Goa and to provide opportunity to more children to play football.
iii. The schools will function from 20th April 2018 to 20th May 2018 (one month), for children from 8 to 14 years of age.
iv. FC Goa Head of Youth Development Derrick Pereira has developed a special coaching plan to develop the technical skills of children.
v. The programme will be conducted at two venues: one in North Goa and another in South Goa.
vi. Children will be grouped into U10, U12 and U14 for the programme, based on their ages.
Some wildlife sanctuaries in Goa:
♦ Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary
