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INDIAN AFFAIRS
Bhogali Bihu celebrated in Assam with traditional fervour & gaiety
On 14th January 2018, the Bhogali Bihu also called as Magh Bihu festival began in Assam.
Bhogali Bihu:
i. The Bhogali Bihu is a harvest festival celebrated in Assam. The festival kick-started with the burning of traditional Meji and Bhelaghar made from thatch and fire woods.
ii. People offered prayers to God Agni. Various cultural programmes and traditional sports are held as part of the celebrations.
iii. Traditional foods were prepared at houses marking the festival. Generally the celebrations last for a week.
Some festivals of Assam:
♦ Ali-Aye-Ligang – spring festival of Mising people
♦ Ambubachi Mela – annual Hindu mela in Guwahati
♦ Barechahariya Bhaona – drama festival held every 5–6 years at Jamugurihat, in Sonitpur District
Nitish Kumar launches schemes worth over Rs 200 crore during Vikas Samiksha Yatra
On 13th January 2018, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar launched schemes worth over Rs.200 crore during his state-wide “Vikas Samiksha Yatra”.
Nitish Kumar launches schemes worth over Rs 200 crore:
i. Nitish Kumar visited Rohtas and Bhojpur districts for the “Vikas Samiksha Yatra”. He inaugurated and laid foundation stones for schemes valued at more than Rs. 200 crore.
ii. He inaugurated 257 schemes worth Rs. 222 crore, at a village in the Jagdishpur block of Bhojpur.
iii. He also visited a village under Amethi panchayat of the Sanjhauli block of Rohtas, which is the first panchayat in Rohtas to become ODF (Open Defecation Free).
Some wildlife sanctuaries in Bihar:
♦ Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary – Munger district
♦ Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary – Kaimur district
♦ Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary – Begusarai district
Indian Army establishes skill training centre for Kashmiri youth
With an objective to empower the Kashmiri youth, the Indian Army has established a Skill Training Centre at sector 10 Headquarters of Rashtriya Rifles (RR) in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Details about Skill training centre for Kashmiri youth:
i. This skill training centre is a public-private venture and has state of the art equipments.
ii. Unemployed educated youths of Pattan and its adjoining areas of Baramulla district will be imparted highly skilled training under National Skill Development Centre (NSDC).
iii. Initially, this centre will offer courses in Food Processing and Information Technology. Selected youths will be provided two weeks of specialized training.
Bikaner camel festival 2018 in Rajasthan
On 13 and 14th January 2018, the Bikaner camel festival was held in Rajasthan.
Bikaner camel festival 2018:
i. The Bikaner camel festival is celebrated every year in Rajasthan to honour camels. The Bikaner camel festival 2018 started with a procession of camels adorned with decorations and folk artists.
ii. Both Indian and foreign tourists participated in the festival. The procession was held from Junagarh fort to Karni Singh stadium.
iii. During the festival, camel dances, camel races, camel rides etc. were also held. The camel festival was organised by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture.
Some stadiums in Rajasthan:
♦ Barkatullah Khan Stadium – Jodhpur
♦ Chaugan Stadium – Jaipur
♦ Indira Gandhi Stadium – Alwar
7th edition of ‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav-2018’ begins in Karnataka
7th edition of the Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav, under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme, began in Karnataka on January 14, 2018. This event will continue till January 20, 2018.
More information about 7th edition of ‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav-2018’:
i. This event is being organised by Union Ministry of Culture. On January 14, 2018, Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilisers and Parliamentary Affairs, Ananth Kumar and Union Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Dr. Mahesh Sharma inaugurated the Mahotsav at Gandhi Nagar and Bengaluru.
ii. Key highlight of this Mahotsav will be various forms of art performances from classical and folk, music and dance, theatre to literature and the visual arts. A handloom and handicrafts-utsav is also being held at the event.
iii. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat programme was launched by Prime Minister Narednra Modi on October, 31 2016. This programme aims to celebrate the idea of unity in diversity by promoting engagement amongst the people of different States/Union Territories and thereby strengthening people-to-people bond.
iv. Under this programme, Karnataka is paired with Uttarakhand.
President of India Inaugurates Economic Democracy Conclave in Maharashtra
On January 14, 2018, President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the ‘Economic Democracy Conclave’ at Thane, Maharashtra.
More Information about Economic Democracy Conclave:
i. This conclave has been organised by Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini.
ii. Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini is a charitable organisation working in the domain of training of social-political activist.
iii. The objective of the conclave is to serve as a platform for young entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals and provide them motivation, mentoring and networking opportunities.
iv. On January 14, 2018, President Kovind also visited the Global Vipassana Pagoda in Mumbai. Â
Forest Management Certification Standard launched
On January 13, 2018, Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests (NCCF) launched India’s internationally benchmarked Forest Management Certification Standard (FMCS).
More Information about Forest Management Certification Standard:
i. The FMCS enlists measures to be taken for responsible utilisation of natural resources and trade of forest products.
ii. NCCF launched this standard in association with the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, Textiles, Commerce and Industry and other forest-based stakeholders.
iii. FMCS envisages policy changes through commercial power, rather than central or local power. Besides, it lays emphasis on market acceptance rather than regulatory compliance as an enforcement mechanism.
iv. National Certification Scheme for Sustainable Forest Management was also launched on January 13, 2018.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
WEF ranks India 30th on global manufacturing index; Japan tops list
India has ranked 30th on Global Manufacturing Index released by World Economic Forum (WEF). As per ‘Readiness for the future of production report’, related to Global Manufacturing Index, Japan has been found to have the best structure of production.Â
i. India has been placed in the ‘Legacy’ group along with Mexico, Philippines, Hungary, Russia, and Turkey, among others.
ii. The report has outlined that India is the 5th-largest manufacturer in the world. In 2016, India’s manufacturing value stood at over USD 420 billion……………………………………….Click here to Read more
Global Manufacturing Index – Top 10 Countries:
| 1 | Japan |
| 2 | South Korea |
| 3 | Germany |
| 4 | Switzerland |
| 5 | China |
India signs MoU with UK to enable return of illegal Indian migrants abroad, sharing of criminal records
On 10th January 2018, India signed a MoU with the United Kingdom for the return of illegal Indian migrants within a month of their detection by UK authorities.
India signs with MoU with UK:
i. The MoU was signed by Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, and Caroline Nokes, UK Minister of State for Immigration, in Britain.
ii. Kiren Rijiju had gone on a week-long visit to Britain along with an Indian delegation.
iii. The MoU will enable return of illegal Indian immigrants in UK and also sharing of criminal records. Indian agencies have found nearly 2,000 Indians illegally staying in UK.
Some MoUs signed by India in 2017:
♦ India & Kenya – Cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors
♦ India & Pakistan – Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear Installations and Facilities
♦ India & Uruguay – For cooperation and mutual assistance in Customs Matters
India contributes USD 50000 towards UN youth mission
On January 12, 2018, India contributed USD 50000 to the United Nations’ youth mission.
i. Office of United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres’ Envoy on Youth works to raise international awareness and bring attention to youth issues across the world.
ii. It also promotes the engagement of youth and seeks their involvement in works related to sustainable development, peace and security, human rights and humanitarian action.
ii. Paulomi Tripathi, a First Secretary in India`s UN Mission, handed over the contribution to the UN Youth Envoy, Jayathma Wickramanayake.
iii. This contribution is in addition to the regular payments made by India to the UN`s general and peacekeeping budgets. It is voluntary and does not have any condition attached to it.
BANKING & FINANCE
India INX lists IRFC’s green bonds, becomes first debt security at IFSC
On January 13, 2018, Bombay Stock Exchange’s (BSE’s) India International Exchange (India INX) listed Indian Railway Finance Corporation’s (IRFC’s) green bonds on its debt listing platform, Global Securities Market (GSM).
Information related to listing of IRFC’s green bonds:
i. Green Bonds: Main difference between regular bond and Green Bond is that funds raised through Green Bonds are used for financing projects/business activities that are environment-friendly. Examples – projects in the areas of renewable energy, sustainable water management and clean transportation.
ii. IRFC’s green bonds have thus become the first debt security to be listed on an exchange at International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) in Gujarat’s GIFT city.Â
iii. IRFC’s Green bonds have an annual yield of 3.835 per cent.
iv. India INX’s Global Securities Market (GSM) on which IRFC Green Bonds have listed is India’s first debt listing platform, that allows foreign and Indian issuers to raise funds in any currency of choice.
BUSINESS
Finance Minister unveils India’s First agri-Options by NCDEX
On January 14, 2018, Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister, Arun Jaitley launched India’s First Agri-commodity Options in Guar Seed on National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) platform in New Delhi
i. Options contract offers the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a stock/commodity/asset at an agreed-upon price (referred to as strike price) during a certain period of time up to a specific date.
ii. Guar seed options, which have been uniquely designed by NCDEX and approved by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), will prove to be a useful tool for farmers in hedging the price fluctuation risk………………………………………………………..Click here to Read more
Johnson & Johnson partners with Maharashtra government on health interventions
On 11th January 2018, Maharashtra Health department and Johnson and Johnson signed a MoU to train rural midwives and social health activists regarding tuberculosis and maternal and infant mortality.
Johnson & Johnson partners with Maharashtra government:
i. The MoU was signed between Maharashtra state government and Johnson and Johnson in the presence of Deepak Sawant, Maharashtra Health Minister.
ii. Nearly 10,000 auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) and 60,000 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in Maharashtra will be trained by Johnson and Johnson at the district level.
iii. The districts included are Nanded, Beed, Jalgaon, Dhule, Aurangabad, Jalna, Gadchirol, Hingoli and Nadurbar. Maternal and infant mortality rate is higher in these nine districts.
iv. They will also be trained to treat just born babies in the “golden minute” and protect them from infections. This agreement is valid for 2 years.
v. Johnson and Johnson will also aid in spreading awareness about TB (tuberculosis) among mine workers and their families.
About Johnson & Johnson:
♦ Headquarters – New Jersey, US
♦ Chairman & CEO – Alex Gorsky
Karnataka tops States with Investment Intentions of Rs. 1.49 lakh crore
R V Deshpande, Karnataka Minister for Large, Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development has stated that Karnataka has topped among all states with investment intentions of Rs. 1.49 lakh crore till October 2017.
Investment Intentions – Karnataka:
i. Investment intentions worth of Rs. 1.49 lakh crore in Karnataka accounts for 43 per cent of India’s total investment intentions.
ii. This announcement was made by Mr. Deshpande while addressing the third meeting of Council for Trade Development and Promotion at New Delhi.
iii. Mr. Deshpande also stated that Karnataka has topped in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows and has performed well in exports, contributing about 40% in electronics and software services.
Quick Facts about Karnataka:
♦ Capital – Bengaluru
♦ Current Governor – Vajubhai Vala
♦ Current Chief Minister – Siddaramaiah
♦ Important National Park – Bandipur National Park
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS
Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) appoints Pramod Agarwal as new chairman
The Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has named Pramod Agarwal as its new chairman.
Pramod Agarwal – Chairman of GJEPC:
i. Pramod Agarwal has been appointed as the chairman of GJEPC and Colin Shah has been appointed as the vice-chairman of GJEPC for the year 2017-19.
ii. Pramod Agarwal replaces Praveenshanker Pandya. Pramod Agarwal is also the chairman of Derewala Group based in Jaipur.
iii. He is also the Chairman of Indian Institute of Gem and Jewellery, Jaipur. He is a Member of Committee of Administration (COA) of GJEPC, Board of Director of All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF) and Executive Member of Jewellers Association, Jaipur.
About Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC):
♦ Aim – to promote the Indian gem and jewellery industry and its products
♦ Established in – 1966
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
ENVIRONMENT
New moth species ‘Elcysma Ziroensis’ discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
A new moth species named ‘Elcysma Ziroensis’ has been discovered in the Talle Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh.
Elcysma Ziroensis:
i. This discovery has been published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa. It was published by Jyoti Gogoi, J J Young and Punyo Chada.
ii. This new species has been scientifically named Elcysma Ziroensis. It would be commonly called Apatani Glory. This has been named after a local tribe called Apatani.
iii. The Elcysma Ziroensis is seen only during autumn, mainly, in September.
Some wildlife sanctuaries of Arunachal Pradesh:
♦ Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary – Upper Dibang Valley district
♦ Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary – West Kameng District
♦ Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary – Lohit District
SPORTS
Kagiso Rabada becomes world’s highest ranked Test bowler
Kagiso Rabada, South African fast bowler, has become the number-one ranked bowler in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings.
Kagiso Rabada – world’s highest ranked Test bowler in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings:
i. Kagiso Rabada achieved this feat after helping his team win over India in the first Test at Newlands on 13th January 2018.
ii. Kagiso Rabada is the 7th South Africa bowler to top the ICC Test Bowling Rankings. In the MRF Tyres ICC Player Rankings for Test Batsmen, Australian Steve Smith has secured the first position.
About Madras Rubber Factory Limited (MRF):
♦ Headquarters – Chennai
♦ Founder – Late K. M. Mammen Mappillai
OBITUARY
Kerala MLA KK Ramachandran Nair passes away
On 14th January 2018, KK Ramachandran Nair, Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) legislator, passed away at Apollo hospital, in Chennai.
Death of KK Ramachandran Nair:
i. KK Ramachandran Nair was 65 years old. He had been taking treatment for a liver disease for a brief period of time.
ii. He has a Master of Economics degree from NSS College, Pandalam. He had also finished his degree in law from Government Law College, Thiruvananthapuram. In 2016 he won in the assembly election from Chengannur and became an MLA.
Some rivers of Kerala:
♦ Periyar River
♦ Bharathappuzha River
♦ Pamba River
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Sanjay Manjrekar launches autobiography, titled ‘Imperfect’
On 10th January 2018, Sanjay Manjrekar launched his autobiography named ‘Imperfect’, in Mumbai.
Imperfect:
i. The book ‘Imperfect’ was released by Dilip Vengsarkar, Sanjay Manjrekar’s first international captain.
ii. The book was published by Harper Collins. Sanjay Manjrekar has played 37 Test matches. His first test appearance was in the Delhi Test against the West Indies.
About Harper Collins:
♦ Headquarters – New York City, US
♦ Founded – 1989
