We are here for you to provide the important current affairs July 4 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
Cabinet Approvals on July 4, 2018
i. Cabinet approves transfer of Defence land to Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan
ii. On July 4, 2018, The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Transfer of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)’s land measuring 5.99 acres at Tawang to the State Government of Arunachal Pradesh
iii. On July 4, 2018, The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved an exemption from charging commercial rates at the time of acquisition for the plot No. 31-B, measuring 2800 sq.meter in Chanakyapuri, Diplomatic Area to the Fijian High Commission in New Delhi.
iv. On July 4, 2018, The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approvedthe proposal submitted by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry regarding accession to the WIPO Copyright Treaty and WIPO Performers and Phonograms Treaty.
v. On July 4, 2018, The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2018.
vi. On July 4, 2018, The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for continuance of the 8 existing schemes of the Ministry of Home Affairs upto March 2020 for relief and rehabilitation of migrants and repatriates under the Umbrella scheme “Relief and Rehabilitation of Migrants and Repatriates”.
v. On July 4, 2018, The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval to rename the Agartala Airport in Tripura as ‘Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore Airport, Agartala.
vi. On July 4, 2018, The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the extension of the scheme of recapitalization of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) for the next three years i.e. upto 2019-20.
vii. On July 4, 2018, The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the creation of one post each of Vice-Chairperson and Member in the National Commission for Safai Karmacharis.
viii. On July 4, 2018, The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval to enhance the expenditure for “Special Extra Section Flights” (SESF) operations to Rs.534.38 crore plus applicable taxes for 2016-17 with built-in annual escalation of 10%.
ix. On July 4, 2018, The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2014 and approval for renewal of MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) & Saudi Organisation for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA) in Saudi Arabia.
x. On July 4, 2018, The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and United Kingdom on Law & Justice and to set up a Joint Consultative Committee……………………………………………….Click here to Read more
India’s First Global Mobility Summit to be organized by NITI Aayog in 7th-8th September 2018
i. On July 4, 2018, the think tank NITI Aayog announced that it is organising ‘MOVE: Global Mobility Summit’ in New Delhi on 7th and 8th September, 2018 in association with various ministries and industry partners.
ii. This summit will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi .
iii. The Conclave would include global CEOs and transport ministers from across the world. It will also see participation from countries like Netherlands, Slovakia, USA, UK, Netherlands, China, South Korea, Australia etc. and special Track sessions with Mayors and Governors from various major cities and capitals………………………………………………Click here to Read more
Govt sets up panel to frame norms for surrogacy centres
On July 4, 2018, The Maharashtra government set up a seven-member expert panel to prepare guidelines for surrogacy centres in the state.
Objectives:
To examine guidelines laid down by the Indian Council of Medical Research on Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), and prepare a set of regulations to implement them in the state.
Key Points:
i The committee members include health and education officials.
ii. The committee will submit its report within three months.
iii. The GR states that the guidelines of the expert panel will be followed until the Regulation of Surrogacy Bill-2016 is passed by Parliament, which can then be implemented.
iv. The committee will draft guidelines on registration of ART clinics, hospitals, surrogate mothers and couples opting for surrogacy, regulation of babies born through the method and their care.
v. It would also up grievance cells at the divisional headquarters level.
Maharastra:
♦ Capital: Mumbai.
♦ Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis.
♦ Governor: C. Vidyasagar Rao.
5 day 19th edition of World Congress of Food Science and Technology to be held in Mumbai on September 7-8,2018 : The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST)
On July 4, 2018, The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) in association with Indian National Science Academy (INSA)announced the 5-day 19th edition of its prestigious global event to be held in Navi Mumbai,
India from October 23-27, 2018.
Dignitaries expected to be present in the event will be :
This event will be inaugurated by Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Govt. of India.
i. Shri Suresh Prabhu, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Civil Aviation, Govt. of India and researchers, academicians, professionals, policy makers and industry leaders from across the globe.
Objective:
To showcase innovation, exchange breakthrough ideas and drive policy issues.
Key Points:
i. The focal theme for this edition of the prestigious congress is 25 Billion Meals a Day by 2025 with Healthy, Nutritious, Safe and Diverse Foods.
ii. It would focus on concepts of recent advances in food sciences, food processing and agriculture technologies.
iii. It will have more than 350 Speakers through 66 plus parallel scientific and industry sessions, special addresses, Oral Presentations and Workshops.
iv. Keynote speeches will be delivered on topics like Nutritionals, Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, Food Engineering, Food Chain Logistics and Food Packaging, Food Analysis, Food Quality and Safety, Food Composition, Nutrition, Health and Wellness, Sustainable Food Security, Prevention of Food Losses & Wastes and Future Foods, Capacity Building & Leadership, Training, Informatics and Networking and many more.
v. Poster presentations have already received 815 Posters out of which 411 are International Posters & 366 Oral Abstracts.
About The International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST):
♦ The International Union of Food Science and Technology is the global scientific organization and voice for food science and technology representing more than 200,000 food scientists and technologists from over 70 countries.
♦ Headquarters: Toronto Canada.
♦ President: Dr. Dietrich Knorr.
♦ Founded: 1962.
Nitin Gadkari flags off taxi ambulance services
On 4th July 2018, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari flagged off Wagon Cab’s taxi ambulance services in New Delhi.
Nitin Gadkari flags off taxi ambulance services:
i. Wagon Cab claims to be India’s first road emergency cab services provider. Wagon Cab provides medically-trained drivers in its ambulance-taxis.
ii. In the initial phase, Wagon Cab will launch 200 cabs. The drivers will be trained to handle critical situations and provide first-aid. They will be paid additional Rs 500 for this.
iii. NGO Das Foundation supports this initiative. After implementation in Delhi NCR, Wagon Cab is planning to launch this initiative throughout India.
About Wagon Cab:
♦ Status – Start up
♦ CEO & Co-Founder – Uttam Bose
Rajasthan approves 1% reservation for Gujjars
On July 4, 2018, The Rajasthan government approved 1 per cent reservation for five communities, including the Gujjar community, against their demand of 5 %.
Key Points:
i. This is under the Most Backward Classes (MBC) category.
ii. The five communities who benefit from the order of the Rajasthan government are – Godia Lohar, Banjara, Gujjar, Raika and Gadaria.
iii. This included providing 1% reservation under MBC category in recruitments held from December 9 ,2016 to December 21,2017.
iv. Earlier in 2008, Supreme Court has prescribed 50% limit for reservations under SC/ST and OBC or special categories.
Rajasthan:
♦ Chief Minister: Vasundhara Raje.
♦ Governor: Kalyan Singh.
♦ National Parks: Ranthambore National Park, Sariska National Park, Keoladeo National Park, Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
Meghalaya’s annual “Behdienkhlam” festival attended by DoNER DR. Jitendra Singh at Jowai, Meghalaya
On July 4, 2018, The Union 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 attended the 4-day Meghalaya Annual Cultural Festival, “Behdienkhlam“, held every year at the small peripheral town of Jowai, Meghalaya.
Key Points:
i. He emphasized the importance given by the present government to this region.
ii. He also added that the Prime Minister has visited Northeast over 30 times in a short span of four years.
Some of the contributions of the Government in this region:
i. Meghalaya saw its first-ever train and got included in the rail map of India.
ii. Introduction of the Act Easy Policy to boost export and business with the southeast Asian countries.
iii. Construction of 1360km long India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway to be completed by 2020.
About Behdienkhlam festival :
♦ Behdienkhlam Festival is the most celebrated Cultural festival among the Pnars. The festival held at Jowai is one of the most well known and recreational festival in Meghalaya. The Rituals in the Behdienkhlam Festival. A series of religious rites is being performed by the Daloi (chief).
Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojana 2018 : scheme to provide subsized power launched by Madhya Pradesh govt
On July 4, 2018, The Madhya Pradesh government announced Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojana 2018 (a scheme to provide subsidized power)
Objective:
It is an outstanding power bill waiver scheme for labourers and poor families.
Key Points:
The scheme is likely to cost the state exchequer Rs 1000 crore and come into effect from July 1,2018.
Under Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojana 2018 (a scheme to provide subsidised power):
i. Power connection under the Mukhyamantri Jan Kalyan (Sambal) Yojana would be provided free of cost to the beneficiaries.
ii. Over 1 crore 83 lakh workers registered under Sambal Yojana in the state till now
iii. Registered labourers of the unorganised sector and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families would be provided electricity at a cost of Rs 200 per month.
iv. In case the bill is lower than Rs 200, the beneficiary will have to pay the actual bill amount and in instance of the bill amount crossing Rs 200, the difference amount would be subsidised by the state government
v. People whose power consumption is below 1000 watts would be eligible for this scheme. The beneficiaries can operate a fan, a television, and bulbs. vi.Under the power bill waiver scheme, pending dues (as on June 1, 2018) of registered labourers of the unorganised sector and poor families would be waived completely.
vi. A total outstanding electricity bill worth 5179 crores rupees is to be waived off.
vii. The scheme is expected to benefit 88 lakh families in the state.
Madhya Pradesh:
♦ Chief Minister: Shivraj Singh Chouhan
♦ Governor: Anandiben Patel.
♦ UNESCO Heritage Site: Sanchi , Bhimbetka rock shelters, Khajuraho Group of Monuments.
‘POSHAN ABHIYAN’: special drive against malnutrition launched by Gujarat CM
On July 4, 2018, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani launched ‘Poshan Abhiyan’–a statewide mission to eradicate malnutrition among children by providing them nutritious food through Anganwadi centres.
Key Points:
i. The nationwide Poshan Mission was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Rajasthan on March 8 this year.
ii. This mission would ensure that every newborn and mother get nutritious food for the first 1000 days of the birth.
iii. As many as 60 lakh beneficiaries would be covered across the state through a network of 53,000 Anganwadi centres under this mission.
Other Schemes launched along side ‘Poshan Abhiyan’:
i. The chief minister also launched ‘Purna’ project to eliminate malnutrition among girls in the age group of 14 to 18.
ii. ‘Purna’ stands for Prevention of Under Nutrition and Reduction of Nutritional Anaemia among Adolescent Girls.
iii. This mission will focus on children, girls and pregnant women of those districts that are still lagging behind in nutrition parameters.
iv. Rs 270 crore to control malnutrition among those girls.
Gujarat:
Unesco Heritage Sites: Champaner-Pavagadh Archeological Park, Rani ki Vav, Historic City of Ahmedabad.
Agartala Airport to be named after Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore
On 4th July 2018, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to name the Agartala airport in Tripura after Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore, the erstwhile ruler of Tripura.
Agartala Airport to be named after Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore:
i. The airport was constructed in 1942. Land for the airport was donated by Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore.
ii. People of Tripura and the Tripura government were demanding since a long time to rename the airport to honour Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore.
iii. Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore came to the throne of the erstwhile Tripura princely state in 1923.
iv. This airport is the second busiest airport in the north east. It offers main air connectivity to Tripura.
Some National parks in Tripura:
♦ Clouded Leopard National Park
♦ Rajbari National Park
Odisha government enhances incentives for inter-caste marriage
Odisha’s ST and SC Development Minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi said that, the government has decided to increase the inter-caste marriage incentive from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh.
Odisha government enhances incentives for inter-caste marriage:
i. This will be implemented with retrospective effect from September 2017. Ramesh Chandra Majhi said that the marriage in which one of the spouses belonged to the SC community and the other to an upper caste, will be considered for the incentive.
ii. The incentive amount will be deposited in a joint account of the couple in any nationalised bank. They can withdraw the amount only after 3 years of marriage.
iii. The amount would be provided to the beneficiaries, irrespective of their economic background. They can buy land or household articles with that amount.
Maharashtra government allocates Rs 15 crore for Acharya Balshastri Jambhekar Sanman Yojana
On 4th July 2018, Maharashtra government allocated Rs 15 crore for the implementation of a pension scheme for senior journalists, called Acharya Balshastri Jambhekar Sanman Yojana.
Maharashtra government allocates Rs 15 crore for pension scheme for journalists:
i. Maharashtra government has made a provision of Rs 15 crore for implementing the Acharya Balshastri Jambhekar Sanman Yojana.
ii. The provision has been made under the grants-in-aid (non salary) to the Director of Publicity.
iii. It has also allocated Rs 250 crore to National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) as the state’s share to the special purpose vehicle of Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project.
iv. It has been decided to offer additional funds of Rs 159.63 crore for the purchase of two helicopters for the air travel of very very important persons (VVIPs).
v. Also, it has been decided to make an additional provision of Rs 35 crore for CCTV projects in Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad etc.
vi. It has been decided to make a provision for newly generated basic infrastructure facilities for the naxal-hit Gadchiroli district.
Some wildlife sanctuaries in Maharashtra:
♦ Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary
“cVIGIL” : app to enable citizens to report on violation of election code of conduct launched by Election commission of India
On July 3, 2018, The Chief Election Commissioner Shri. O.P. Rawat, along with the Election Commissioners Shri Sunil Arora and Shri Ashok Lavasalaunched a mobile app, called ‘cVIGIL’.
Objective:
Aimed at citizens to report any violation of the model code of conduct during elections.
About the App:
i. The app requires an Android smartphone equipped with a camera, good internet connection and GPS access. The operating system should beAndroid Jellybean and above. The application supports all the latest Android smartphones.
ii. The report of violations of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) that comes into effect from the date of announcement of elections and goes on till a day after the polls.
iii. To prevent misuse the app will not allow uploading of the pre-recorded or old images and videos
iv. The app will not facilitate saving of the photos or videos recorded using the ‘cVIGIL’ app into the phone gallery either.
v. It will be active only in States where elections have been announced. The moment a citizen exits an election-bound State, the app will become inactive.
How it works:
i. The vigilant citizen has to click a picture or record a video of upto two minutes’ duration of the scene of violations of the model code which will be uploaded in the app The automated location mapping will be done by the app using the Geographic Information System.
ii. The user will get 5 minutes to report an incident after having clicked a picture or a video.
iii. After its successful submission through the app, the vigilant citizen gets a Unique ID to track and receive the follow up updates on her or his mobile.
iv. The identity of the complainant will be kept confidential.
v. The information beeps in the District Control Room of a Field Unit. A field unit consists of Flying Squads, Static Surveillance Teams, Reserve teams etc. and has GIS-based mobile application called ‘cVIGIL Dispatcher’, which allows the unit to directly reach the location through navigation technology .
vi. If the incident is found correct, the information is sent to the National Grievance Portal of the Election Commission of India for further action and the vigilant citizen is informed.
Use:
i. The application will be made available for general use by all, right from the forthcoming Assembly elections in the States of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and Rajasthan.
ii. Thus, it will also serve as a pilot initiative before the next Lok Sabha General Elections.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
New America, a US think tank announces India US Fellows Exchange programme
New America, an American think tank has announced a fellows exchange programme to enable India and the US to utilise technology in a better manner to improve the lives of their citizens.
New America announces India US Fellows Exchange programme:
i. The Exchange programme is funded by the Ford Foundation. It will bring fellows from India to the United States, and fellows from the United States to India.
ii. The Exchange programme aims to develop novel technology-based solutions to policy challenges.
iii. This programme also aims to improve and strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and the United States.
Tag lines of some banks:
♦ South Indian Bank – Experience Next Generation Banking
♦ Syndicate Bank – Faithful. Friendly
♦ UCO Bank – Honors Your Trust
BANKING & FINANCE
World Bank arm International Finance Corporation (IFC) invests $100 mn in Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd. (M&M).
On July 4, 2018, World Bank group member International Finance Corporation (IFC) invested $100 million in Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd. (M&M).
Objective:
To give financial assistance to small and medium enterprises
Key Points:
i. This would be through secured non-convertible debentures.
ii. This would enhance financial support towards tractor finance which in turn will improve mechanized farming by cutting costs by 25% and raising productivity by 20%.
iii. This is in line of the Prime Minister’s vision of doubling farmers income by 2022.
About IFC:
♦ Headquarters: Washington D.C., US.
♦ Founded: 20 July 1956.
♦ Member Countries: 184 countries
♦ CEO: Philippe Le Houerou.
About Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Ltd.:
♦ It is India’s largest tractor financer.
♦ Parent organization: Mahindra Group.
♦ CEO: Anand Mahindra.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Two 50MW Solar Projects in Ananthapuramu Solar Park commissioned by Tata Power
On July 4, 2018, Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd. (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power, has announced the successful commissioning of two solar projects of 50 MW each in Ananthapuramu Solar Park, located in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Key Points:
i. These projects are under a 25 year power purchase agreement (PPA) signed with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
ii. These two grid connected solar power projects have been developed under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM) Phase II, Batch-III and have been implemented through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Mode.
iii. The total renewable power operating capacity is around 2.2 GW, out of which, 1.3 GW consists of solar projects and 931 MW comprises wind projects.
iv. Earnings from this project is Rs.26.79 billion (~$0.39 billion) for FY 2017-18 mainly due to a 46 percent increase in its renewable business.
Other projects in the Solar Park:
In May 2018, Azure power commissioned a 50 MW project in Ananthapuramu Solar Park in Andhra Pradesh. The project is spread across 250 acres and will supply power for 25 years to Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI).
About Ananthapuramu Solar Park:
♦ The Ananthapuramu Solar Park is spread over a total area of 7,924.76 acres in Nambulapulakunta mandal located in the Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh.
About TATA Power:
♦ In 2017, Tata Power was the top rooftop installer in 2017 followed by CleanMax and Fourth Partner Energy.
IndiaFirst ties up with Oxigen to sell its insurance products at Oxigen retail outlets
IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited, has announced its tie-up with Oxigen Services India Pvt. Ltd., to enable distribution of its insurance products at Oxigen retail outlets.
IndiaFirst ties up with Oxigen:
i. IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited will offer PoS Insurance Khata. This product enables a customer to increase his life cover and create savings in a ways that suits his budget.
ii. Also, a digitalized customer interface with eKYC, will provide best value for money to the customers and a fully integrated technology support. This product is also economical.
iii. IndiaFirst Life Insurance and Oxigen Services, aim to create access to customers in remotest areas of India. It will also help retailers, to create a new segment of POS agents in India.
About IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited:
♦ MD and CEO – R. M. Vishakha
♦ IndiaFirst Life Insurance Company Limited is a joint venture between – Bank of Baroda, Andhra Bank and Legal and General (UK)
Paddy MSP raised to Rs.1,750/quintal, in steepest hike since 2012-13
On 4th July 2018, the government increased the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy by a record Rs 200 per quintal amounting it to Rs 1,750 per quintal.
Paddy MSP raised to Rs.1,750/quintal, in steepest hike since 2012-13:
i. This decision was made by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
ii. Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that, the cabinet has approved the MSP of 14 kharif (summer-sown) crops for the 2018-19 season.
iii. CACP (Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices) has calculated production cost of paddy at Rs 1,166 per quintal.
iv. The government has increased the MSP of paddy (common grade) by Rs 200 to Rs 1,750 per quintal for 2018-19 season.
v. The MSP of Grade A variety of paddy has been increased by Rs 160 per quintal to Rs 1,750. The increase in paddy MSP is 50-51 % over its production cost.
v. The increase in the MSP will cost the exchequer over Rs 15,000 crore. The MSP of cotton (medium staple) has been raised to Rs 5,150 from Rs 4,020 and that of cotton (long staple) to Rs 5,450 from 4,320 per quintal.
vi. The CACP has stated the production cost of medium staple cotton as Rs 3,433 per quintal. The MSP increase is 50 % over the cost.
vii. In pulses, tur MSP has been increased to Rs 5,675 per quintal from Rs 5,450. Moong has been increased to Rs 6,975 per quintal from Rs 5,575.
viii. Urad MSP has been increased to Rs 5,600 from Rs 5,400 per quintal. The MSP of tur and urad has been increased by up to 66 % over their production cost.
ix. In oilseeds, MSP of soyabean has been increased to Rs 3,399 per quintal from Rs 3,050. MSP of groundnut (shell) has been increased to Rs 4,890 per quintal from Rs 4,450.
x. Sunflower seed has been increased to Rs 5,388 per quintal from Rs 4,100, Sesamum has been increased to Rs 6,249 per quintal from 5,300 and niger seed to Rs 5,877 per quintal from Rs 4,050.
xi. There is 50 % increase in the MSP of oilseeds over the cost of production.
About Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP):
♦ Chairman – Prof. Vijay Paul Sharma
♦ Formed – 1965
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Milan Shankar Tare selected for the 2018 National Maritime Search and Rescue Award
Milan Shankar Tare, a fisherman of Palghar district, Maharashtra, has been selected for 2018 National Maritime Search and Rescue Award.
Milan Shankar Tare – 2018 National Maritime Search and Rescue Award:
i. Milan Shankar Tare saved the lives of 12 people from a sinking fishing boat named Shivneri in May 2018.
ii. He used his judgement to locate the sinking boat in the dark. He also urged other boats to join the rescue operation off the Satpati coast.
iii. The National Maritime Search and Rescue Award honours his brave act at sea and selfless duty with the highest traditions of maritime fraternity.
iv. The award consists of a commendation certificate and cash prize. It will be presented to Milan Shankar Tare in New Delhi on 5th July 2018.
Some important sea ports in India:
♦ Kandla Port – Gujarat
♦ Paradip Port – Odisha
♦ Haldia port – West Bengal
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS
Vishwas Patel appointed as Chairman of Payments Council of India
On 2nd July 2018, the Payments Council of India announced that, it has appointed Vishwas Patel as its new Chairman.
Vishwas Patel – Chairman of Payments Council of India:
i. Vishwas Patel is the Director of Infibeam Avenues. He replaces Naveen Surya, who has been promoted as Chairman Emeritus.
ii. Vishwas Patel has been associated with the Payments Council of India since 2013. He was serving as Co-Chairman of Payments Council of India.
iii. Also, Loney Antony, Managing Director, Hitachi Payment Services has been appointed the new Co-Chairman of Payments Council of India.
About Payments Council of India:
♦ Purpose – represents companies in the payments and settlement system
♦ Formed in – 2013
♦ Formed under – Internet and Mobile Association of India [IAMAI]
Indian-American Uttam Dhillon appointed the Acting Director of Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), United States
On 3rd July 2018, Uttam Dhillon, an Indian-American White House lawyer, took charge as Acting Director of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), United States.
Uttam Dhillon – Acting Director of DEA:
i.Uttam Dhillon succeeds Robert Patterson. Robert Patterson retired recently.
ii. Till recently Uttam Dhillon worked in the White House as deputy counsel and deputy assistant to US President Donald Trump.
iii. Uttam Dhillon has served in the White House, the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, Congress, and as a career federal prosecutor.
iv. In 2006, he was confirmed by the Senate as the first Director of the Office of Counter narcotics Enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Uruguay’s Major General Jos Eladio Alcain appointed Head of UNMOGIP
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed a Uruguay Army general Major General Jose Eladio Alcain as the chief military observer of the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).
Jos Eladio Alcain – Head of UNMOGIP:
i. Major General Jose Eladio Alcain will succeed the incumbent UNMOGIP chief Major General Per Gustaf Lodin of Sweden. Per Gustaf Lodin will finish his 2 year agreement this month.
ii. Jose Eladio Alcain joined the Uruguayan Army in 1977. He was the Director of the National Health Service of the Armed Forces.
iii. The UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) was established in January 1949.
iv. The first team of unarmed military observers came to Jammu and Kashmir to monitor the ceasefire between India and Pakistan and to assist the Military Adviser to the UN Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP).
v. India has said that UNMOGIP has become irrelevant after the Shimla Agreement and the establishment of the Line of Control.
About UN Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP):
♦ Established – 1948
♦ Established by – UN Security Council
SPORTS
ICC introduces stricter sanctions for ball-tampering
International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced stricter sanctions for ball-tampering.
ICC introduces stricter sanctions for ball-tampering:
i. The new regulations were introduced at its annual conference held in Dublin, Ireland. Ball-tampering has been upgraded from a level 2 to a level 3 offence.
ii. Tampering with the ball will be now penalized with a ban of up to 6 Tests or 12 ODIs.
iii. ICC also added obscenity and personal abuse to the list of offences to bring better behaviour on the field.
iv. Also, even the concerned member board could be held responsible for its players’ behaviour.
About BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India):
♦ CEO – Rahul Johri
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
IMPORTANT DAYS
America Independence Day – July 4
On 4th July 2018, the 242nd America Independence Day was celebrated in the United States.
America Independence Day:
i. On 4th July 1776 the 13 colonies that were at war with the British, announced the US Declaration of Independence that stated that they regarded themselves as 13 independent states that are not ruled by the British.
ii. This day is celebrated every year as America Independence Day. This day is a federal holiday in the United States.
iii. The 13 colonies were: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Providence, Connecticuit, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Carolina, Georgia.
Some important lakes in India:
♦ Kukkarahalli lake – Karnataka
♦ Lingambudhi Lake – Karnataka
♦ Honnamana Kere – Karnataka
