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 INDIAN AFFAIRS
‘Mukhyanmantri Kisan Aaye Badhotri Solar Yojna’ : scheme launched by Delhi CM to increase the income of farmers by three to five times.
On July 25, 2018, Chief Minister of Delhi Mr. Arvind Kejriwal launched the ‘Mukhyanmantri Kisan Aaye Badhotri Solar Yojna’.
Objective:
It aims to increase the income of farmers by three to five times in the national capital.
Key Points:
i. Without affecting the agricultural activity maximum one-third of the land would be used for installation of solar panels.
ii. The minimum height for installing solar panels will be 3.5 metres.
iii. Electricity from the solar panel installed by the private companies will be bought by the government at Rs.4 per unit which will save Rs. 400 to Rs.500 crore.
iv. The scheme would increase the income of the farmers by 3 to 5 times from the present Rs.20,000 to Rs.30,000 per acre per year. Farmers will not invest in the solar installations.
Delhi:
♦ Governor: Anil Baijal.
♦ National Parks: National Zoological Park,Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.
♦ UNESCO Heritage Site: Qutub Complex, Qutub Minar, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb.
2nd meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan held in New Delhi
On 24th July 2018, the 2nd meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan was held in New Dehli.
2nd meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan held in New Delhi:
i. The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD). It was held under the Chairmanship of Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog.
ii. The programme uses technology to reduce the level of Stunting, Under-nutrition, Anemia and Low Birth Weight in Children. It also focuses on Adolescent Girls, Pregnant Women & Lactating Mothers.
iii. Ministry of Women and Child Development along with National Institute of Nutrition is developing an on-line course for nutrition.These courses will be hosted independently by Ministry of Women and Child Development (POSHAN Abhiyaan) and National Institute of Nutrition portals.
iv. POSHAN Abhiyaan aims to assure service delivery and interventions through technology.POSHAN Abhiyaan has created a peoples’ movement named Jan Andolan on Nutrition.
v. The caller tune and ringtone of the POSHAN Abhiyaan to popularize POSHAN Abhiyaan’s goal of Sahi Poshan Desh Roshan was released during the meeting.
vi. 4 protocol booklets of Yoga were prepared with help of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY).
vii. It was informed that an MoU would be signed between NASSCOM Foundation and Ministry of Women and Child Development to launch and execute POSHAN Abhiyaan in all 36 States/UTs.
viii. Also, Dr.Vinod K Paul, Member, Health & Nutrition, NITI Aayog mentioned National Nutrition Month will be celebrated in September annually.
About POSHAN Abhiyaan:
- Full form of POSHAN – Partnerships and Opportunities to Strengthen and Harmonize Actions for Nutrition in India
- Launched – 8th March 2018 from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan
‘Bijli Mitra’ Mobile app for replacement of transformers in Rajasthan
On 23rd July 2018, Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje said that, ‘Bijli Mitra’ Mobile app is launched on a pilot basis from Jhalawara, Rajasthan, to help farmers to get their defunct transformers replaced within 6 hours of registering a complaint through the app.
Bijli Mitra:
i. The process of replacing transformers takes a very long time. Hence Rajasthan government has launched the ‘Bijli Mitra’ mobile app.
ii. Rajasthan farmers can register their complaint through the app. The transformer will be replaced within 6 hours of registering the complaint.
iii. The scheme will be also expanded to other areas of Rajasthan.
Some national parks in Rajasthan:
♦ Darrah National Park
♦ Desert National Park
♦ Ranthambore National Park
Odisha CM launches ‘Green Mahanadi Mission’
On July 25, 2018, Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik launched a plantation drive named – ‘Green Mahanadi Mission’.
Key Points:
i. Under this scheme, 2 crore saplings would be planted along the Mahanadi, Ib and Tel rivers.
ii. The government has targeted to spend Rs.500 crore for the drive in the next 5 years.
iii. The drive will be carried out in 1303 villages spread across 15 districts.
iv. It covers an area of 16500 hectare and 500 km and eventually will cover 41000 hectares in 5 years.
v. This campaign was launched during the CM’s visit to Boudh and Subarnapur districts.
Background:
Since Mahanadi’s water level is decreasing the plantation drive will help to grow trees along the river banks which would in turn hold the water and eventually raise the water level.
Odisha:
♦ 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.
Tamil Nadu government unveils draft state forest policy
Tamil Nadu government has released the draft state Forest Policy that aims to conserve forests and wildlife, ecosystems, and climate change mitigation etc. It was released by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami as per the Vision Tamil Nadu 2023 document released by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in 2014,preserving the ecology was among the themes of the document.
Draft state forest policy of Tamil Nadu government:
i. It aims to increase forest cover, protect wetlands and other waterbodies in Tamil Nadu.The
objectives are conservation of biodiversity, wildlife, rehabiliation and restoration of degraded forests, coastal ecosystem conservation etc.
ii. The policy includes engagement of local tribal communities in protection, conservation and wildlife management.
iii. Tamil Nadu has nearly 30.92 % of the forest declared as ‘protected areas’. It has 15 wildlife sanctuaries, 5 National parks, 15 bird sanctuaries, 3 biosphere reserves and 4 project tiger areas.
iv. The Nation Forest Policy, 1988, states that the area under forest and tree cover should be improved to 33 % of the geographical area of India.
v.As per this policy, Tamil Nadu will develop innovative strategies to enhance forest and tree cover from current 21.76 %Â to 33 % by 2030.
vi. The Forest department will also develop mangroves in Tamil Nadu as ‘bio-shield’ along the coast as per the policy.
vii. The policy will also offer a major role for women in forest management and also the National Forestry Commission has recommended allocation of 2.5 % of the budget for forest and wildlife improvement.
Some wildlife sanctuaries in Tamil Nadu:
♦ Sathyamangalam Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Vallanadu Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Thaawarchand Gehlot Attended Global Disability Summit 2018 in London, UK
On 24th July 2018, Thaawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment attended the Global Disability Summit 2018 held in London, United Kingdom.
Global Disability Summit 2018:
i.The motto of Global Disability Summit 2018 was to firm up the commitments of the country leaders towards the cause of persons with disabilities.
ii.Global leaders assured their commitments for elimination stigma and discrimination, promoting inclusive education, economic empowerment, technology and innovation in assistive devices, data desegregation etc.
iii.Leaders from over 40 countries participated in the summit. The leaders have committed to work towards economic empowerment of persons with disabilities.
iv. Thaawarchand Gehlot reiterated India’s commitments to international principles. He mentioned Indian Government’s initiatives for empowerment of persons with disabilities.
v. Ms. Shakuntala Doley Gamlin, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities was also a part of Indian delegation.
Some important stadiums in India:
♦ Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Cricket Stadium – Guwahati, Assam
♦ Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium – Guwahati, Assam
♦ Satindra Mohan Dev Stadium – Silchar, Assam
Pitch Black – 2018: Indian Air Force for first time participates in multinational exercise in Australia
On 24th July 2018, an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent consisting of four Su-30 MKI, one C-130 and one C-17 aircraft, landed at Darwin Air Force Base, Australia, to participate in the Pitch Black – 2018 exercise.
Pitch Black – 2018:
i. The Indian fighters are supported by a C-130J Super Hercules and a C-17 Globemaster-III.
ii. This is the first time, an IAF contingent is taking part in a multinational air exercise in Australia with Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
iii. Pitch Black – 2018 is held from 27th July to 17th August 2018. It is a biennial multi-national large force employment exercise conducted from RAAF bases Darwin and Tindal.
iv. Pitch Black – 2018 involves more than 100 aircraft from all over the world. It offers the air-warriors an opportunity to function in a dynamic warlike environment.
v. On the way to Australia, IAF engaged with the Indonesian and Malaysian Air Forces.
iv. Nearly 4,000 military personnel and around 140 aircraft from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and the United States are taking part in this exercise.
v. IAF contingent includes: four Sukhoi Su-30MKI multirole fighters, an Ilyushin Il-78 tanker, a Lockheed Martin C-130J-30 stretched Super Hercules, and a Boeing C-17 transport aircraft, 45 Garud special forces personnel.
vi. During the flight from India to Australia and on the way back, Su-30 MKI will perform air to air refueling with IL-78 tankers.
vii. During its return leg from Darwin to Subang, Su-30 MKI will be refueled in air for the first time by RAAF KC-30A.
viii. Su-30MKI is a twin-seater and has twin-engine. It was developed by Sukhoi, a Russian aircraft maker and license-built in India.
ix. Recently, the Indian Air Force had also conducted the Gaganshakti-2018 Exercise.
About Indian Air Force:
♦ Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) – Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
BANKING & FINANCE
Indian banks and financial institutions (FIs) signed an inter-creditor agreement (ICA) to expedite the resolution of banks’ non-performing assets (NPAs)
On 23rd July 2018, Indian Finance Minister Piyush Goyal said that, Indian banks and financial institutions (FIs) signed an inter-creditor agreement (ICA) to expedite the resolution of banks’ non-performing assets (NPAs), or bad loans, and enable smooth credit flow.
Inter-Creditor Agreement (ICA):
i. The Inter-Creditor Agreement (ICA) was developed on recommendations by a committee headed by Punjab National Bank (PNB) Chairman Sunil Mehta under the control of Indian Banks’ Association (IBA).
ii. It is worked out under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC). Piyush Goyal informed this, at a convention organised by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).
iii. Most of the entities in the banking system and major NBFCs (non-banking finance companies) like REC, PFC have joined the ICA.
iv. The ICA is signed by 22 public sector banks, including the India Post Payments Bank, 19 private sector banks and 32 foreign banks.
v. Also, 12 major financial institutions like LIC and HUDCO have also signed the agreement.Other private organisations like ICICI Bank will also join the ICA after obtaining approval from their board.
vi. The ICA will act as a platform for banks and financial institutions to come together and take joint actions for resolution of stressed accounts.
vii. The lender with the highest exposure will be authorised to develop the resolution plan. It will be then presented to the lenders for their approval and once approved , it will be binding on all the lenders party to the ICA.
viii. The binding decision will be through approval of the majority lenders defined as those with 66 % share in the aggregate exposure.The accumulated NPAs in the Indian banking system have crossed Rs 9 lakh crore.
Tag lines of some banks:
♦ Allahabad Bank – A tradition of trust
♦ Andhra Bank – Where India Banks
♦ Bank of India – Relationships beyond Banking
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
SEBI approves Bharti Infratel, Indus Tower merger deal
On July 25, 2018, Sebi has given approval to the merger of Bharti Airtel and Indus Towers.
i. Bharti Airtel has received clearance from the BSE and NSE for the merger and will approach for approval of National Company Law Tribunal.
About the Merger:
i. The merger of Bharti Airtel will Indus Towers would create the largest mobile tower operator in the world outside China.
ii. It will have over 163,000 towers across 22 telecom service areas in India.
iii. The combined company will own 100 per cent of Indus Towers — jointly owned by Bharti Infratel (42 percent holding), Vodafone (42 percent), Idea Group (11.15 percent) and Providence (4.85 percent).
iv. Post the deal, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone will jointly control the combined company.
v. Vodaphone will have 29.4 per cent holding and 783.1 million new shares.
vi. Airtel will have 37.2 per cent in the combined entity.
vii. The transaction values Indus Towers at Rs 71,500 crore.
Background:
This merger was announced in April 2018 by Bharti Airtel, Idea Cellular and Vodafone Group.
Bharti Airtel:
♦ CEO: Gopal Vittal.
♦ Headquarters: New Delhi.
Oxigen announces signs MOU with Fincare Small Finance Bank for partnership in branchless banking
On July 25, 2018, Oxigen and Fincare Small Finance Bank signed an agreement to start Branchless Banking services, using Oxigen’s flagship Point of Sale device called the Oxigen Micro ATM Super PoS.
i. Fincare Small Finance Bank would offer bill payment services through internet and mobile banking, also it would expand other services like POS, network, micro-ATMs, pre-paid cards, BBPS, UPI and Bharat QR and Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS).
ii. Oxigen would take Fincare’s banking solution to the unbanked/underbanked segments.
iii. Through this tie up Fincare’s business would be enhanced by setting up Business Correspondent outlets at Oxigen Retail Touchpoints, as well as expand its product and service offerings.
About Oxigen Micro ATM Super PoS:
i. It does real-time branchless banking, merchant payments, and services.
About Oxigen:
♦ Founded: 2004.
♦ Headquarters: Gurugram.
♦ Oxigen has a retail network of 1, 00,000 outlets, with 35000 of them conducting branchless banking.
About Fincare Small Finance Bank:
♦ Formed From: Disha Microfin Limited
♦ Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka.
♦ It commenced operations in July 2017, following the approval by the RBI to 10 entities in September 2015.
SPORTS
15th National youth athletics championships
i. The 15th National Youth Athletics Championships were held at Manjalpur Sports Complex in Vadodara from July 21- 23 , 2018.
ii. It was organized by Gujarat State Amateur Athletics Association under Athletics Federation of India.
iii. Dhanvir and 100 meter hurdles gold medalist Aparna Roy were declared as ‘best athletes’ of the meet.
iv. Haryana won the team championships title with 165 points. Kerala came second with 150……………………………………………Click here to Read more
Junior Asian Wrestling Championship
The Junior Asian Wrestling Championship was held in New Delhi from July 17-22, 2018.
Junior Asian Wrestling Championship is conducted by United World Wrestling (UWW) annually.
In the Freestyle team :
i. Iran topped the team championships with 189 points .
ii. India ranked second with 173 points and Uzbekistan ranked third with 128 points.
iii. India won 8 medals comprising of : 2 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 Bronze.
In the Greco Roman team :
i. Iran topped the rankings with 225 points followed by Kazakhstan (2nd) and Kyrgyzstan (3rd).
ii. India ranked 4th with 129 points.
iii. India won 5 medals comprising of: 1 Gold, 2 Silver and 2 Bronze.
In the Women’s Wrestling team:
i. Japan topped the ranking with 213 points followed by China (2nd) with 168 points.
ii. India ranked 3rd with 135 points.
iii. India won 5 medals comprising of: 2 Silver and 3 Bronze…………………………………………………Click here to Read more
Gold:
| Player | Event |
| Sachin Rathi | 74 kg |
| Deepa Punia | 86 kg |
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Ramachandra Guha pens “Gandhi: The years that changed the world (1914-1948)” book
A book titled “Gandhi: The years that changed the world (1914-1948)” has been written Ramachandra Guha. This book will be released in September 2018.
Gandhi: The years that changed the world (1914-1948):
i. This book will be will be published by Penguin Random House India. Ramachandra Guha is a popular historian and author. He is 60 years old.
ii. He has written several bestselling books like “India After Gandhi” and “Gandhi Before India”.
iii. “Gandhi: The years that changed the world (1914-1948)” is said to be the most definitive new biography of Gandhi.
iv. This book will narrate the story of Gandhi’s life, from his departure from South Africa to his assassination in 1948. It will also tell the history of Indian freedom movement.
v. This book also contains Gandhi’s arguments with B.R. Ambedkar, Mohammad Ali Jinnah and Subhas Chandra Bose, etc. This book is a follow up to “Gandhi Before India” (2013).
Some important bird sanctuaries in India:
♦ Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary – Gujarat
♦ Kutch Bustard Sanctuary – Gujarat
♦ Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary – Gujarat
