Current Affairs Today July 11 2018

We are here for you to provide the important current affairs July 11 2018 which have unique updates of all daily events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, India Today, Indian Express, Business Standard, all Government official websites. Our complete current affairs helps you to get more marks in Banking, insurance, UPSC, SSC, CLAT, Railway and all other competitive Exams.

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 INDIAN AFFAIRS

DIPP and Min. of Commerce and Industry released the ranking of states on Ease of Doing Business
On July 11, 2018, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, released the final rankings of States in Ease of Doing Business in New Delhi.
Dignitaries present:
Secretary, DIPP, Ramesh Abhishek, Ms. Caroline Freund, Director, Macroeconomics, Trade and Investment, World Bank Group,Junaid Kamal Ahmad, Country Director, World Bank, India, and senior officers of DIPP, World Bank, CII and FICCI.
About Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP):
i. DIPP, Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the World Bank conducted an annual reform exercise for all States and UTs under the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP).
ii. The aim of this exercise is to improve delivery of various Central Government regulatory functions and services in an efficient, effective and transparent manner.
iii. Under the BRAP 2017 is based on a combined score consisting of Reform evidence score that is based on evidences uploaded by the States and UTs and Feedback score that is based on the feedback from the users.
iv. The feedback was collected through 50000 face-to-face interviews. 78 reforms out of 372 were identified for the survey. More than 5,000 private sector users in 23 States and UTs, including 4,300 businesses and 800 architects, lawyers and electrical contractors from across the country shared their experience.
v. Under this, DIPP organised numerous outreach programmes including 30 workshops and periodic video conferences with States and UTs.
vi. DIPP identified partner States to mentor another State and UT to facilitate implementation of reforms in States and UTs needing support. Telangana and West Bengal held extensive workshops to support Tripura and Nagaland respectively.
vii. This is all under the Ease of Doing Business in India  for improving the business and regulatory environment.
viii. The next year’s assessment will be entirely based on user feedback.
ix. Top 5 states according to the BRAP 2017 report: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, Jharkhand, Gujarat

DGFASLI and GMB sign MOU for improving working conditions in the ship recycling yards at Alang
On July 11, 2018, The Directorate General Factory Advice Service & Labour Institutes (DGFASLI) and Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at New Delhi.

Dignitaries present in the MOU:
i. This was done in the Ministry of Labour & Employment in presence of  Minister of State (Independent Charge) Labour & Employment Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Minister of State, Shipping Shri Mansuksh Mandaviya.
ii. Secretary, Labour & Employment Shri Heeralal Samariya and Secretary Shipping Shri Gopal Krishna were also present on this occasion.
Objective:
To bring changes in working of ship recycling industry and to improve safety and health of the workers and supervisors in Alang.
Key Points:
i. The MOU was signed between Dr. Avneesh Singh, Director General, DG FASLI and Vice Chairman, Shri Ajay Bhandoo from GMB.
ii. The MOU will augment the activities in the field of OSH, especially in training of workers and supervisors of Ship Recycling Yards in Alang, Gujarat. 
iii. It will also help in improving the working conditions and quality of work life of workers, thereby improving the image of industry world-over.
iv. This will also contribute in prevention of occupational injuries and diseases.
Background:
i. Ship Recycling Industry which provides employment to more than 25,000 workers and reduces about 80% rollable steel.
ii. The importance of safety is & health of workers in this sector is of utmost urgency.

Approval for additional Rs 39-cr for phase 2 of ‘Seema Darshan’ project: Gujarat CM
On July 10, 2018, The Gujarat government gave approval for additional Rs 39 crore to develop infrastructure for state’s “Seema Darshan” or border tourism project at Nadabet near Suigam in Banaskantha district in a meeting at Gandhinagar.
Objective of the Project:
To instill patriotism through a unique initiative for border tourism.
Key Points:
i. Following the approval, a proposal will be sent to Union ministries of Home and Tourism for financial assistance.
ii. The border tourism project is being developed on the pattern of Wagah Border.
iii. It entails development of an exhibition hall and a parade ground with an amphi theatre for 5,000 people.
iv. The development will be done under phase-2 of the project.
v. An investment of Rs 22 crore was made into the phase-1 of the project that was launched on December 24, 2016.
vi. The project will encourage local economic activity in the Rann of Kutchh region and in adjoining flamingo and wild ass sanctuaries.
Background:
i. A tourist can watch the border where the Gujarat’s sea coast meets the landmass. The project seeks to demonstrate how the Border Security Force (BSF) protects the border as round-the-clock sentinels.
ii. Nearly 1 lakh tourists have already participated in watching the border at Seema Darshan in an atmosphere surcharged with excitement.

First-ever metal craft exhibition inaugurated in Leh
On July 11, 2018, the first-ever metal craft exhibition was held in Chilling village, Leh.
Objective:
To promote and preserve the metal craft tradition of Ladakh.
Key Points:
i. It was organised by the Youth Association for Conservation and Development Hemis High Altitude National Park, in collaboration with Heritage Home Chilling, showcasing the indigenous craft to the visitors.
ii. The exhibition of this 400-year-old craft will remain open for the next two months.
iii. Chilling is known for its metal craftwork, which began decades ago and it is considered to be its identity.
iv.This event would encourage and involve young generations in the village to continue this craft.
v. The exhibition, therefore, aims to dissolve the reluctance of the youth towards this age-old craft.

Gujarat signs MoU with KOTRA to strengthen trade, industrial relations
On 10th July 2018, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the Industries and Mines Department under the Gujarat government and Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) in Delhi.
Gujarat signs MoU with KOTRA:
i. Under this MoU, the priority sectors focused are Chemical, Petrochemical and Pharmaceuticals, New and Renewable Energy, Start-up Ecosystem, Textiles and Apparels, Urban Infrastructure, Food Processing and Agro related industries, Skill Training and Development, Automobile, etc.
ii. KOTRA is the national trade and investment promotion organisation that is operated by the Government of the Republic of Korea.
iii. The MoU was signed by Principal Secretary Industries and Mines MK Das on behalf of Gujarat Government and Dr. Kwon, Pyung-oh on behalf of KOTRA.
iv. The MoU was signed with an aim to improve and strengthen Korea – Gujarat trade and industrial investment relations and to encourage ongoing dialogue and cooperation.
v. The Industries Department of Gujarat and KOTRA will help each other to offer in-market support to their respective mission delegates to travel abroad.
vii. KOTRA will also participate in Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2019 that will be held from 18^th to 20^th January 2019.
viii. Gujarat’s export to South Korea was nearly $1 Billion in 2017-18, which was nearly 25% of India’s total export to South Korea.
ix. KOTRA will open an office in Ahmadabad to promote trade and economic cooperation mainly between Gujarat and South Korea.
x. A Vibrant Gujarat promotional delegation would visit South Korea soon.
Some National Parks in Gujarat:
♦ Gir Forest National Park
♦ Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch
♦ Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

The Union Minister of State (MoS) for Human Resource Development Shri Upendra Kushwaha’s visit to Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI)
On July 11, 2018, The Union Minister of State (MoS) for Human Resource Development Shri Upendra Kushwaha returned from an Official Visit to the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) which was from 10-11 July 2018.
i. This is the first ever Ministerial visit from India to Majuro, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI). India was one of the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) in April 1995.
Key Points:
i. Meeting was held between MoS and H.E. Dr. Hilda Heine, President of the RMI and Minister of Foreign Affairs, John M. Silk and several Cabinet members of the RMI.
ii. Discussions on bilateral relations and commitment on areas such as blue economy, adaptation-mitigation practices for climate change, disaster preparedness, health, education, renewable energy among others.
iii. RMI showed interest and discussed in the fields of education, healthcare and wellness, acknowledging the importance of yoga.
iv. RMI also shared its interest to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) at the earliest.
v. RMI showed strong support for India’s permanent membership at the reformed UNSC.
vi. Both the countries will cooperate under the framework of Forum for India Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC).
vi. MoS extended an invitation for H.E. President of RMI to visit India at a mutually convenient date.
India’s Contribution:
i. India committed to extend a grant of USD 300,000 for a Water and Sanitation Project Proposal of Aur Atoll Local Government.
ii. India also gave USD 1.35 million for various projects relating to purchase of equipment, disaster relief, national export strategy, community and local government projects harnessing solar energy.
iii. India offered five slots to nationals of RMI at the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme.
About Forum for India Pacific Islands Co-operation (FIPIC):
♦ FIPIC was formed in November 2014, to strengthen India’s relationship with the Pacific Island Countries.
♦ The first FIPIC summit was held at the level of Heads of Government in November 2014 in Suva, Fiji, followed by the FIPIC-II summit held in August 2015, in Jaipur, India.
♦ Government of India also hosted ‘India-Pacific Islands Sustainable Development Conference’ in Suva, Fiji from 25 to 26 May, 2017.

Resolution 2427: to protect children in armed conflict adopted by UN Security Council
On July 9, 2018, The 15 member UN Security Council  adopted Resolution 2427 aimed at formulating a framework for protection, rights, well-being and empowerment of children throughout the conflict cycle at the UN Headquarters in New York City.
i. The adoption of the resolution preceded a high-level open debate on children and armed conflict, which was chaired by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, whose country holds the presidency of the Security Council for July.
ii. It opposes the recruitment and use and exploitation of children by parties to armed conflict.
iii. It also condemns attacks against schools and hospitals and the denial of humanitarian access by parties to armed conflict and all other violations of international law committed against children in situations of armed conflict.
Background:
i. Over 21,000 cases of grave violations of children’s rights in armed conflict have been verified by the United Nations for 2017.
ii. Among the violations in 2017, some 15,000 were perpetrated by non-state armed groups and about 6,000 were committed by government forces, according to the report.

Library for Nepali academicians inaugurated by PM of Nepal KP Sharma Oli
On July 11, 2018, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated a library built by the Indian Government in the presence of Indian Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri.
Dignitaries present in the inauguration:
The inaugural event was attended by representatives of Ministries of Urban Development, Culture, Civil Aviation and Tourism, Government of Nepal, community leaders and a large number of friends of the India-Nepal relationship.
Key Points:
i. This would provide research and reference facilities to the researchers and academicians of India and Nepal.
ii. It has a facility of an advanced offset press for printing of books.
iii. Nepal received financial assistance of NRs. 43.94 million from India for construction of the building.
iv. The Nepal Academy with the Indian Government has planned to develop the library as a digital library.
About India’s contribution to Nepal:
i. With the completion and handing over of the building the Government of India, so far, had completed Projects worth NRs. 486.5 million in Kathmandu District only.
ii. This includes Schools, Libraries, Hospitals and other health facilities, Art Gallery, Food Laboratory, Hostel Buildings for Women & Girls and Community Centers.
iii. Additionally, there are twelve projects under different stages of construction with Indian assistance of NRs. 407 million. 
iv. Earlier, the Government of India had donated 47 ambulances, 3 special medical van and 41 buses to various organizations in Kathmandu District.
About The Nepal Academy:
i. Established in 1957, the Nepal Academy is a Government of Nepal Organisation and is a counterpart of Sahitya Academy of India.
ii. The Nepal Academy is a premier national institution devoted to the promotion of languages, literature, culture, philosophy, research and the overall development of cultural and intellectual fields by bringing together and coordinating national and international activities.

Additional 10% tariffs on $200b of Chinese goods announced by Trumps administration
On July 11, 2018, US President Donald Trump‘s administration announced a package of 10% tariffs targeting Chinese exports worth USD 200 billion.
i. This is in the backdrop of Trump administration urging China to stop its unfair practices and open its market which China refused to do.
ii. Earlier in March, the US imposed massive trade tariffs amounting to USD 60 billion on China, in an effort to stop the latter from stealing “intellectual property” from American companies.
iii. In retaliation, China imposed trade tariffs on the US amounting to USD 3 billion in April.

In a first, Indian Naval aircraft (IN P8I) deployed for RIMPAC exercise
Indian Navy’s P8I long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft from Indian Naval Ship (INS) Rajali has inducted at Hawaii to take part in the Rim of Pacific Multinational Naval exercise (RIMPAC-18) for the first time.
Indian Naval aircraft (IN P8I) deployed for RIMPAC exercise:
i. This is the first time, an Indian Naval aircraft has entered so far east into the Pacific. Also, it has become the first Indian Naval aircraft to cross the International Date Line, undertaking the longest ferry of around 3300 nm from Guam to Hawaii.
ii. It is also the first Indian Naval aircraft to participate in RIMPAC. 26 nations are taking part in RIMPAC 18.
iii. Tactical exercises like Anti-Submarine Warfare and Maritime Reconnaissance missions will be conducted in RIMPAC 18.
iv. This will help in improving the interoperability skills of the Indian Navy. During the exercise, IN P8I will operate from Joint Airbase Hickam, Honolulu in Hawaii.
About Rim of Pacific Multinational Naval exercise (RIMPAC):
♦ World’s largest international maritime warfare exercise
♦ Frequency – biennial
♦ Hosted by – United States

Indian naval ship INS Sumitra becomes first-ever warship to enter port of Sabang in Indonesia
On 11^th July 2018, Indian naval ship INS Sumitra became the first-ever warship to enter port of Sabang in Indonesia.
INS Sumitra – first-ever warship to enter port of Sabang in Indonesia:
i. INS Sumitra was received by traditional dancers and Indonesian traditional band. It was welcomed by Indian Ambassador to Indonesia PK Rawat, Indonesian foreign affairs officials, Indian embassy officials, Indian businessmen and Indonesian naval and air force officers.
ii. INS Sumitra was deployed in Malacca Straits. In May 2018, during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta, he met with Indonesian President Joko Widodo and it was decided that New Delhi will develop the Indonesian port Sabang in the Indian Ocean.
iii. This port is strategically important and it is close to the Andamans. Already, India is building up the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a tri-service command to watch over the eastern Indian Ocean, mainly the Malacca Strait.
iv. The Malacca Strait is the main international shipping route through which merchant and military vessels transit between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea.
v. Getting access to Sabang Port will enable the navy to dominate Malacca effectively. The Indian and Indonesian armies train together in the Garuda Shakti exercises.
vi. From 24^th May to 9^th June 2018, a navy corvette, INS Kulish, and a Dornier maritime patrol aircraft of the Andaman & Nicobar Command conducted the annual “India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol”.
About Indian Navy:
♦ Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) – Admiral Sunil Lanba
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi

BANKING & FINANCE

India named world’s sixth largest economy by surpassing France: World Bank data
On July 11, 2018, India has become the world’s sixth largest economy overtaking France, according to World Bank data on gross domestic product (GDP) of countries for 2017.
i. India has recorded a GDP of USD 2,597,491 million, followed by USD 2,582,501 of France, while United Kingdom recorded a GDP of USD 2,622,434 million.
ii. India has recovered from the effects of demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
iii. World Bank has predicted the GDP of India in FY2019 to be 7.3%.
iv. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also stated that it expected India to re-emerge as one of the fastest growing major economies in the 2018 – 2019 period, projecting the country’s growth rate at 7.4 percent in 2018.
v. Further, the international financial organisation forecasted a rate of growth of 7.8 percent for 2019.
The economies of other countries:

HDFC securities launched MF transactions on Facebook messenger through Arya
On July 11, 2018, HDFC securities announced launch of Mutual Funds transactional capabilities on Facebook Messenger through their virtual assistant, Arya.
About the feature:
i. Through conversational style of investing, customers will invest in a language they understand and not get caught up in stock market jargons.
ii. It is a familiar platform for investing that gives a time independent and an all-inclusive (portfolio status, research, stock quotes) window.
The procedure:
i. Go to Facebook Messenger and search for hdfcsec.Arya
ii. Can open a trading account
iii. Post login, one can complete MF transactions including investments(SIP/ Lumpsum) and redemption(Partial/All)
iv. Portfolio holding view is available
v. No login required for research recommendations and stock quotes
Other features:
i. This project also includes vision  to innovate and provide intuitive and relevant digital solutions to customers through a theme called “The Pace of Innovation” of HDFC Securities.
ii. This particular feature, apart from mutual fund investments, facilitates a quick overview of total portfolio holding, getting the latest stock quotes and opening an account.
About HDFC Securites:
♦ It is a subsidiary of HDFC Bank. It is one of the leading stock broking companies in India.
♦ Headquarters: Mumbai.
♦ Founded: 2000.
♦ CEO: Dhiraj Relli.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

BSNL starts first internet telephony service in India
On 11^th July 2018, BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) launched India’s first Internet telephony service named “Wings”.

Wings:
i. Wings was launched by Minister of state (Independent charge) for Communications Manoj Sinha.
ii. Now, customers can use their BSNL landline on their mobile phone with Internet Telephony. Using this service customers can make and receive calls over the Internet from anywhere in India or abroad.
iii. This service will use a Mobile Numbering Scheme. It will require an SIP Client (soft app) to be downloaded and installed on a smart device (laptop, smartphone, tablet).
iv. Internet telephony is a kind of communications technology that allows voice calls and other telephony services like fax, SMS and other voice-messaging applications to be transmitted through the Internet.
v. The service will cost Rs.1099 as One Time Fee and offer audio video calling for 1 year.
vi. Registration for this service will begin this week. The services will be activated from 25^th July 2018.
vii. The procedure to use this service is as follows:

• Download the Wings App
• Enter Your Landline number and Username and password
• Now you can use your BSNL Landline on your mobile Phone with Wings

About BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited):
♦ Chairman & Managing Director and Director – Anupam Shrivastava
♦ Corporate and Registered Office – New Delhi

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

PM Modi third most followed leader on Twitter, Sushma Swaraj most followed female world leader
On July 11, 2018, according to a ‘Twiplomacy’ study on ‘world leaders on social media’ conducted by communications firm Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW), Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the third most followed world leader on Twitter with 42 million followers on his personal account @NarendraModi.

i. BCW’s Twiplomacy study 2018 identified 951 Twitter accounts – 372 personal and 579 institutional accounts – of heads of state and government and foreign ministers of 187 countries
Key Points:
i. As of May 18, 2018, Modi is just behind US President Donald Trump and Pope Francis.
ii. With 52 million interactions over the past 12 months, Narendra Modi stands to be the second most influential leader in the world after US President Donal Trump.
iii. Prime Minister @NarendraModi has featured on more than 20,000 Twitter lists, way behind President Trump, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, and three others.
iv. The official account of the Prime Minister @PMOIndia boasts of the fourth largest following with 26 million followers.
v. Sushma Swaraj, India’s External Affairs Minister also made it to the top 10 list of the most followed world leaders, with more than 10 million followers on Twitter.
vi. She is the most followed female world leader, as well as foreign minister on Twitter with 11 million followers.
vii. Among foreign ministries, India stands third on the micro-blogging site with more than 1 million followers.
Other facts about the study:
i. Ninety-seven per cent of all 193 United Nations (UN) member states have an official presence on Twitter, except, the governments of only six countries, namely- Laos, Mauritania, Nicaragua, North Korea, Swaziland, and Turkmenistan.
ii. According to the Twitter lists on @Twiplomacy, more than 4,600 embassies and 1,400 ambassadors are now active on Twitter, including Luo Zhaohui, the Chinese Ambassador to India (@China_Amb_India).
The Top 8 of the list are as follows:

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

Olympian Dipa Karmakar  to be named Tripura’s brand ambassador
On July 11, 2018, The BJP Tripura state committee proposed the government to appoint gold medal winner in the prestigious FIG World Challenge Cup in Mersin in Turkey Dipa Karmakar, as brand ambassador of the state.

i. 24 year old Dipa had created history becoming the first Indian to finish fourth in gymnastics at the Olympics.
ii. She is also the first from her country to win a gold medal in an international gymnastics event.
Background:
i. The Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has been relentlessly working to make Tripura a model state within next three years.
ii. It will be good if the government makes her ambassador of the state to promote tourism, horticulture and investment hub.

Nina Tshering La appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Democratic Republic of Congo
On July 11, 2018, Ms. Nina Tshering La has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Democratoc Republic of Congo.
i. Ms. Nina Tshering La, presently Deputy Chief of Mission, Hanoi has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
ii. She is expected to take up the assignment shortly.

Tushar Arothe resigns as India women’s cricket coach
On 10^th July 2018, India Women’s Cricket Team Coach Tushar Arothe resigned from his position citing personal reasons.
Resignation of Tushar Arothe:
i. On 10^th July 2018, BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) accepted Tushar Arothe’s resignation.
ii. Tushar Arothe cited personal reasons for his resignation. But a senior official from Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said that, few senior players had difference in opinion with Tushar Arothe’s style of training.
iii. During his stint with the Indian Women’s Cricket Team, the team reached the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup in 2017.
iv. In 2018, the team won the 3-match One Day International (ODI) series and 5-match T20I series in South Africa. Also, the team reached the final of the Asia Cup held in Malaysia.
v. Now, BCCI is looking for a new coach to replace Tushar Arothe.
About Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI):
♦ CEO – Rahul Johri
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai

ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

At least 51% stake in PNB Housing Finance sold by PNB and Carlyle Group
On July 11, 2018, Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Carlyle Group initiated the process of selling at least 51 per cent stake in the mortgage lender PNB Housing Finance.
i. Earlier in May 2018, Quality Investment Holdings sold 4.8 per cent stake in PNB Housing Finance for Rs 1,024 crore through an open market transaction.
About PNB Housing :
i. PNB Housing Finance, a subsidiary of PNB, claims to be the fifth largest housing finance company with the asset under management of Rs 62,252 crore as on March 31, 2018.
ii. PNB owns 32.79 per cent stake and Carlyle Group, through its investment vehicle Quality Investment Holdings Quality Investment Holdings, owns 32.36 per cent of the paid up equity share capital of PNB Housing Finance.
iii. The company had registered a rise of 58 per cent in its net profit at Rs 829.41 crore in fiscal ended March 2018. Total income during the year stood at Rs 5,516.96 crore.
iv. PNB Housing had disbursed Rs 33,195 crore loans during 2017-18, an increase of 61 per cent over the preceding fiscal year. Its asset under management stood at Rs 62,252 crore as on March 31, 2018.
PNB Housing Finance:
♦ Founded: 11 November 1988
♦ Parent Organization: PNB
♦ Headquarters: India
Punjab National Bank:
♦ Tagline: The name you can bank upon.
♦ MD & CEO: Shri Sunil Mehta.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Aurobindo Pharma gets USFDA nod for Azithromycin tablets
Drug firm Aurobindo Pharma has received final approval from the US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) to manufacture and market Azithromycin tablets that is used for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate infections in the US market.
Aurobindo Pharma gets USFDA for Azithromycin tablets:
i. The approval has been given for the strengths of 250 mg and 500 mg. The product will be launched in July 2018.
ii. The approved product is generic equivalent of Pfizer Inc’s Zithromax tablet. The approved product has an estimated market size of USD 132 million for the 12 months ending May 2018.
About Aurobindo Pharma:
♦ Founded – 1986
♦ Independent Director & Non-Executive Chairman – Mr.K.Ragunathan

Noradrenaline helps humans sense the world: study by Tel Aviv University
A study by Tel Aviv University has confirmed that, Noradrenaline, a neurotransmitter is responsible for arousal in the brain as it plays a major role in human beings to sense the world around them.
Noradrenaline helps humans sense the world:
i. A study regarding this has been published in the Current Biology journal. Until recently, it was believed that noradrenaline is involved in alertness, stress, attention and decision making.
ii. This study has revealed that, noradrenaline plays a major role in earlier stages of perception and determining our ability to perceive events around us.
iii. The scientists conducted a series of experiments on 30 participants at the Sagol Brain Institute at Tel Aviv Medical Center.
iv. participated in 3 different sessions in which they received drugs that lowered noradrenaline levels; drugs that increased noradrenaline levels; or a placebo.
v. After taking the medication, the participants were instructed to perform visual tasks like detecting and discriminating between low-contrast images. Their brain activity was measured through EEG or fMRI.
vi. It was found that noradrenaline affected the participants’ ability to detect low-contrast images.
Tag lines of some banks:
♦ Oriental Bank of Commerce – Where every individual is committed
♦ Punjab National Bank – The Name you can Bank Upon
♦ Punjab & Sind Bank – Where Service Is A Way Of Life

SPORTS

India finished joint-third with Iran at Archery Asia Cup Stage 3 in Taipei, bag three silver medals and one bronze
On July 10 2018, India bagged three silver medals and a bronze to finish joint third with Iran in the Asia Cup World Ranking Tournament Stage 3 in Taipei.
i. Korea topped the tally with 14 medals, 8 of them being gold. Taipei bagged 5 medals with two gold medals.
ii. It will be concluded in two days to avoid the incoming super typhoon Maria.

OBITUARY

World’s Ugliest Dog Zsa Zsa Passes Away
On 10^th July 2018, Zsa Zsa, the reigning World’s Ugliest Dog winner, passed away in her sleep, in the United States.
Death of Zsa Zsa:
i. Zsa Zsa was an English Bull Dog. She was 9 years old. She won the “World’s Ugliest Dog” title last month in the United States.
ii. Megan Brainard was Zsa Zsa’s owner. A prize money of $1,500 was awarded for winning the “World’s Ugliest Dog” title.
Some important dams in India:
♦ Lower Vaitarna Dam – Vaitarna River
♦ Ukai Dam – Tapi River
♦ Upper Aliyar Dam – Aliyar River

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Population Day – July 11
World Population Day is celebrated every year on July 11. July 11 was established as World Population Day in 1989 by the United Nations.

Theme for 2018:- “Family Planning is a Human right”
Purpose of World Population Day
i. It aims to spread awareness on issues such as overpopulation, under-population and birth control.
ii. UNFPA website called for government to “fulfill their commitments to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health care” and published the message as agreed at the 1994 international conference on population to celebrate the World Population Day.