Current Affairs April 2018 for IBPS, SSC, IAS and other competitive exams.

National

• The first Informal Summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China’s President Xi Jinping was held in Wuhan. The purpose of meeting was to exchange views on overarching issues of bilateral and global importance and to elaborate their respective visions and priorities for national development in context of current and future international situation.

• The National Disaster Response Authority (NDMA) conducted its first ever mock exercise aimed at enhancing preparedness of Airport Emergency Handlers (AEHs) to respond to CBRN emergencies at airports. CBRN emergencies pertain to threats emanating due to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear material.

• The NITI Aayog has launched Atal New India Challenge under Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) with aim to bring-in innovations and technologies relevant to the people. This initiative will focus on efforts towards solving problems in core areas, which would have direct impact on improving lives of citizens and also generate employment.

• FMCG major ITC has joined hands with NITI Aayog to train 2 lakh farmers to increase their income and raise productivity of major crops in 25 “aspirational districts” across seven states in the country by 2022. These 25 aspirational districts are in Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

In recently released World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) 2018 by Reporters Without Borders, India was placed at 138th rank out of 180 nations surveyed worldwide in terms of press freedom in 2017. It was ranked at the 135th in WPFI 2017.

• The 23rd meeting of Western Zonal Council was held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat under the chairmanship of Union home minister Rajnath Singh. The meeting was attended by chief ministers of Maharashtra and Gujarat, ministers of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, administrator of UTs of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli and senior officers from Central and state governments.

• The Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched seed import-export portal to facilitate export-import of seeds and planting material. It has been developed for making trade process easy. The ministry has removed all prohibitions imposed on export of seeds of different varieties to encourage export of seeds. It also has made import export policy flexible and transparent for ascertaining availability of high quality seeds to farmers found out everywhere in world. The import export of seeds and planting material is controlled under Import Export Policy 2002-2007.

• Union Cabinet has approved renewal of long-term agreements (LTAs) for export of iron ore (lumps and fines) of grade +64% Fe content to Japan and South Korea for another five years (2018 to 2023) through state-owned trading firm MMTC. The range of quantity of iron ore to be exported will be 3.8 million tonnes per annum to 5.5 million tonnes per annum.

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) during remaining period of 14th Finance Commission (2018-20) with an outlay of Rs. 1290 crore. The restructured mission will ensure holistic development of bamboo sector by addressing complete value chain and establish effective linkage of producers (farmers) with industry.

The Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Sao Tome and Principe for Cooperation in field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy. The MoU was signed in March, 2018. The MoU will enhance bilateral cooperation between two countries in areas of Traditional Systems of Medicine. This will be of immense importance to both countries considering their shared cultural heritage.

• The Union Cabinet has given approval inclusion of certain areas in Rajasthan under Fifth Schedule to Constitution so that tribals living there can avail benefit of protective measures under its provisions. The areas to be included comprises three complete districts.

• The Union Government has entered into agreement with World Bank for flexible financing arrangement to accelerate research towards early development for biopharmaceuticals under National Biopharma Mission.

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for increase in Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Raw Jute for 2018-19 season. The MSP for Fair Average Quality (FAQ) of Raw Jute was increased to Rs.3700 per quintal for 2018-19 season from Rs. 3500 per quintal in 2017-18 season.

• The Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between India and World Health Organisation (WHO) represented by its Regional Office for South-East Asia acting through its country office in India. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The bilateral MoA was signed in March, 2018 in New Delhi. It aims to encourage cooperation between India and WHO. This will facilitate in improving public health status of people in India.

The Union Government (Ministry of Finance) has signed a Loan Agreement with the World Bank for IBRD credit of US$ 125 (equivalent) for Innovate in India for Inclusiveness Project.

• The Union Government, Madhya Pradesh Government and World Bank have signed $210 million loan agreement for Madhya Pradesh Rural Connectivity Project. The Project aims to improve durability, resilience and safety of gravel surfaced rural roads and enhance capacity of state to manage its rural roads network.

• The Ministry of Tourism has awarded Letters of Intent to 9 agencies for 22 monuments under Phase-IV of Adopt a Heritage Project: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan Scheme. It was third award ceremony of the scheme conducted by Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), State/UTs Governments in New Delhi. So far, 31 prospective monument mitras have been shortlisted under the scheme by Oversight and Vision committee for developing tourist friendly amenities at 95 monuments.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan at Ramnagar, tribal-dominated district of Madhya Pradesh on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day (24 April). The scheme aims to strengthen the country’s Panchayati Raj system and address critical gaps that hinder its success.

• The National Panchayati Raj Diwas (Day) is celebrated every year in India on 24th April. . This day marks the passing of Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with effect from 24 April 1993. The passage of 73rd Amendment Act is hailed as defining moment in history of democratic India as it permits states to take steps to organize village panchayats and provide them with necessary powers and authority necessary to facilitate them to function as units of self-government.

The Justice Rajesh Bindal committee has submitted on legal issues related to inter country removal & retention of children its report to Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD). Along with its recommendation, Committee has also submitted draft legislation- International Child Abduction bill to the Government. The WCD Ministry will be sharing the report with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Law Ministry and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for their comments and inputs.

• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has relaxed six-decade-old protected area permit (PAP) regime to allow foreign tourists to access border areas of Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur for five years with effect from April 1, 2018 with protected area permit (PAP). The move is being initiated to promote tourism, create job opportunities for the locals and generate revenue for the states. However, citizens from Pakistan, China and Afghanistan, will remain to be banned from all PAP areas, including Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur.

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved restructured Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA). The restructured scheme will focus on training, building infrastructure, stepping up initiatives for e-governance under e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project (MMP) to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It will be implemented during period from April 2018 to March 2022 with total proposed cost of the scheme is Rs. 7255 crore.

• The Commonwealth countries at the end of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London have adopted Commonwealth Cyber Declaration to take action on cybersecurity by 2020. The declaration is considered as world’s largest and most geographically diverse inter-governmental commitment on cybersecurity cooperation.

• 12th edition of National Civil Services Day was observed on April 21, 2018 across India. This year observance of the day focussed on ‘Evolving Strategies for Transforming Aspirational Districts’. On this day, function is organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Civil servants from various corners of country come together and meet each other and learn from each other’s experiences of working in the public domain. On this day, the Prime Minister Award for Excellence in Public Administration is bestowed upon best civil servants.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has decided to roll out ‘Integrated initiative for prevention & control of viral hepatitis’ under National Health Mission (NHM) for prevention and control of viral hepatitis. The initiative will have budgetary support of more than Rs. 517 crore for three years. India is committed to eliminating the viral hepatitis by 2030.

• The Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs inaugurated new office of Central Project Monitoring Unit for e-Vidhan project of Government at Parliament House Annexe. It was launched by Union Minister of State (MoS) for Parliamentary Affairs, Statistics and Programme Implementation Vijay Goel.

• Hydro power major Sutlej Jal Vidut Nigam (SJVN) Limited has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ministry of Power for generating 9200 million units for the year 2018-19. The MoU was signed in New Delhi by Power Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla and SJVN Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) Nand Lal Sharma.

• The Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted by Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed One Nation One Tax policy for seamless movement of commercial vehicles across the country. The two day meeting of GoM held in Guwahati, Assam was attended by transport ministers from Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Kerala, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya and Jharkhand. The GoM is headed by Rajasthan transport minister Yoonus Khan.

• The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2018 (CHOGM 2018) was held in London, United Kingdom. It was overall 25th meeting of the heads of government of the Commonwealth of Nations. It was also first CHOGM held following United Kingdom’s decision to withdraw from European Union. This decision has resulted for Britain to strengthen its economic ties with and play greater role in Commonwealth. India was represented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has published new draft rules to make mandatory for automobile manufacturers to provide high security registration plates (HSRP) to all new vehicles from January 1, 2019. The HSRP to be fitted in all classes of motor vehicles will have tamper-proof plates with host of in-built security features and is expected to offer increased protection against theft. HSRP was made mandatory in some States 2005 but failed to take off.

• The Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has launched integration of e-SANAD portal and NAD – National Academic Depository in a bid to make education system in India more transparent.

• The Ministry of Human Resources Development (HRD) in collaboration with Ministry of External Affairs has approved ‘Study in India’ programme to attract foreign students to pursue higher education in India. The programme is similar to initiative launched by Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Canada. It aims at boosting country’s share of international students and subsequently, improve global reputation and rankings of Indian educational institutions.

• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has introduced updated ‘QR code’ for offline Aadhaar verification to strengthen its privacy measures during usage. The updated ‘QR code’ is aimed at adding an extra layer of privacy to Aadhaar after UIDAI introduced the concept of virtual identification.

• India has won six elections to United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) bodies, five of them unanimously. In these polls, India won places on executive boards of four UN bodies, three commissions and committee.

The first meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan was held in New Delhi. It saw participation of NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar, CEO Amitabh Kant and representatives of various ministries of Central and State Governments.

• Law Commission of India, the government’s highest law advisory body has released draft White Paper recommending holding of simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The commission, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice B.S. Chauhan has decided to seek opinion of all stakeholders, including political parties, on the issue.

• The Union Ministry of Communications has launched DARPAN-PLI application for seamless collection of premium for Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) policies. The app launched under DARPAN Project will help in collection of premium of these two policies at branch post offices anywhere in India, with online updation of the policies.

• The India-Wiesbaden Conference 2018 was held from April 16-17, 2018, in New Delhi. The title of conference was ‘Securing Global Supply Chains through Government-Industry Partnerships towards Effective Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540’

• The Union Government (Finance Ministry) in consultation withReserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched first tranche of sovereign gold bonds (SGBs) for current fiscal (FY 2018-19). It will be sold through banks, designated post offices and recognised stock exchanges namely NSE and BSE and Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL).

The Union Government (Finance Ministry) has signed Loan Agreement with World Bank for IBRD loan of US $48 million for Meghalaya Community – Led Landscapes Management Project (MCLLMP) The project aims to strengthen community-led landscapes management in selected landscapes in Meghalaya by 2023.

• Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled beta version of portal (www.tariff.trai.gov.in) to enable consumers see tariffs of different TSPs (telecom service providers) and different Licensed Service Areas (LSAs) at single place. The first of its kind platform to be backed by the government aims to bring on one platform telecom tariffs offered by different operators and in different service areas.

• India is coordinating with China and other Asian countries to raise voice against Asian premium charged by Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Indian Oil Corporation Chairman Sanjiv Singh will coordinate with head of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to chalk out strategy that will result in getting better price from OPEC countries.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Health and Wellness Centre in Bijapur, Chhattisgarh to mark the launch of Ayushman Bharat Yojana- National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM). The insurance scheme dubbed as Modicare was announced in Union Budget 2018 and was approved by Union Cabinet in March 2018 with budgetary support of Rs 10,500 crore. It is world’s largest government-funded healthcare programme.

• The Union Government launched “Gram Swaraj Abhiyan- Special Interventions”, an high-intensity outreach programme to deliver welfare schemes to select villages which need particular attention. It was lunched on the occasion of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti (14th April).

The E-Way Bill system for Intra-State movement of goods was rolled out in five more states‑Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. The E-Way Bill system for all inter-State movement of goods valued over Rs 50,000 was rolled-out from 1st April 2018. At that time, Karnataka was only state which had rolled out e-way bill system for intra-state movement of goods. The roll-out of e-Way Bill system in these States will facilitate trade and industry so far as the transport of goods is concerned. This will also help in paving way for nation-wide single e-Way Bill system.

• The US Department of Treasury has included India in the monitoring list of its major trading partners that merit close attention to their currency practices and macroeconomic policies. The list was part of semi-annual report on Macroeconomic and Foreign Exchange Policies of Major Trading Partners of the United States.

• The first regional conference of eastern states on Water Resources was held in Kolkata, West Bengal in bid to address outstanding water resources issues. It was conveyed by Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation.

• Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has launched web-based application e-FRRO (e-Foreigners Regional Registration Office) to allow foreign tourists and travellers to avail of paperless and cashless visa-related services.

• Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises has extended Phase-1 of FAME India Scheme to provide financial support to electric and hybrid vehicles by another six months till 30 September 2018 or till launch of phase-II. FAME India Scheme stands for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles.

The Union Government has constituted 13-member task force to prepare road map and fast-track implementation of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology or drones in the country. It will be headed by Minister of State (MoS) for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha and will have representatives from government, PSUs, industry and sectoral experts.

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed agreement for upgradation of Yagyi – Kalewa section of highway in Myanmar to two lane with earthen shoulder. This project is part of India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway and will be NHAI’s first international project.

• The Supreme Court has reiterated that Chief Justice of India (CJI) is first among equals and has exclusive prerogative to allocate cases and constitute benches. The ruling was given by SC bench led by the CJI Dipak Misra dismissing PIL that sought directions to regulate CJI’s power to form benches and allocate cases.

• The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have approved $140 million loan for project aimed at improving rural roads (connectivity) in Madhya Pradesh. It was approved at meeting of Board of Directors of AIIB recently held in Beijing, China.

• India, world’s third-largest energy consumer after US and China hosted 16th International Energy Forum (IEF) Ministerial Meeting from 10-12th April 2018 in New Delhi. It was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is second time India hosting IEF Ministerial meeting. It had earlier hosted 5th IEF Ministerial in 1996 at Goa.

The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) under Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued Expression of Interest (EoI) for first offshore wind energy project of India. The global EoI is for prospective offshore wind energy developers for developing 1000 MW (1 GW) offshore wind energy project in Gulf of Khambat, off the coast of Gujarat.

• The Union Cabinet has approved signing of Host country (Headquarters) Agreement between India and International Solar Alliance (ISA). The agreement was signed between Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and ISA in March, 2018.

• The Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of understanding (MoU) between India and United Kingdom and Northern Ireland on the return of Illegal Migrants. Decision in this regard was taken at Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

• India and Morocco have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the field of Mining and Geology for a period of 5 years to promote mineral exploration. It was signed in New Delhi after the bilateral discussions between Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar and his Moroccan counterpart Aziz Rabbah.

• India’s first high-speed electric locomotive with 12000 horsepower (HP) engine has been flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Madhepura Electric Locomotive Factory in Bihar. It is first big Make-in-India project developed and completed by Indian Railways in collaboration with French firm Alstome.

The first meeting of the newly constituted NITI Forum for Northeast was held in Agartala, Tripura. It was was organised by NITI Aayog and Ministry of Development of North East Region (DoNER) and North Eastern Council (NEC). It was co-chaired by NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajeev Kumar and Minister of State (Independent Charge), for DoNER, Jitendra Singh. Representatives of all eight member northeastern states Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura participated in it.

• The eleventh edition of World Hindi Conference (विश्व हिंदी सम्मेलन) will be hosted by Mauritius in its capital city Port Lois in August 18-20, 2018. The conference provides common platform to several Hindi scholars, writers and laureates from different parts of the world to contribute the language. It will be organised by Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India in association with Government of Mauritius. The theme of the Conference is “

• The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has constituted 12-member committee to review enforcement of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) provisions under Companies Act, 2013. It will be headed by Regional Director (Western Region) Manmohan Juneja. Besides, there will be two sub-committees viz. legal and technical that will go into various aspects in relation to compliance with CSR provisions.

• The Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has launched new website and mobile application of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK). It was launched by Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot in New Delhi.

• India donated US $1 million to support Swaziland’s National Disaster Management Agency as well as food grains. India also expressed commitment to developmental partnership to create local capacities Swaziland and across Africa. The commitment came after India’s President Ram Nath Kovind addressed Swaziland’s parliament, becoming first visiting Head of the State to do so. Indian President Kovind visited Swaziland on the second leg of his three-African nation tour which also included Equatorial Guinea and Zambia.

India and World Expo 2020 Dubai have signed participants contract for India’s pavilion in prestigious World Expo 2020 held once in 5 years. The contract provides for setting up of India pavilion at Expo 2020 on extra-large plot (about one acre) in Opportunity segment.

• The National Safe Motherhood Day (NSMD) is celebrated every year on April 11 to create awareness on proper healthcare and maternity facilities to pregnant and lactating women. It also seeks to create awareness about the institutional delivery, reducing anemia among women and better pre and post natal health care are necessary for mothers. The theme of 2018 NSMD was ‘Respectful Maternity Care’.

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) launched ‘Project Dhoop’ to address rising incidence of Vitamin D deficiencies (VDD), particularly amongst the young people. The project aims to encourage schools to shift their morning assembly to around noon-time, mainly between 11 am to 1 pm to ensure maximum absorption of Vitamin D in students through natural sunlight.

• The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has brought in secured digitally-signed QR Code on e-Aadhaar. It will contain photograph of Aadhaar holder in addition to demographic details. The small QR code will be on front side of cutaway portion of e- Aadhaar, with demographic data. It will also have UIDAI digital signature to make this information more secured and tamper-proof.

• The Eighth Regional 3R Forum in Asia and Pacific was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It was co-organized by Ministry of Housing and Affairs, Japan’s Environment Ministry, and United Nations Centre for Regional Development (UNCRD).

The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry has banned over-the-counter sale of 14 steroid creams to prevent indiscriminate sale of ointments containing steroids and antibiotics without prescription. These 14 preparations were included under Schedule H of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 to impose the ban.

• India and South Korea signed mutual recognition of certificate of competency of seafarers to provide Indian seafarers employment on over 500 Korean ships. It was signed during four-day visit of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to South Korea.

• India and Nepal have agreed to boost cooperation in connectivity sector as they decided to develop inland waterways for cargo movement within Protocol to Treaty of Transit between India and Nepal. It was decided during delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart K P Sharma Oli.

• The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas launched Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan. Under it gas connections will be distributed to identified beneficiary women in the national capital.

• India has agreed to build strategic railway link between Raxaul in Bihar and Kathmandu in Nepal to facilitate people-to-people (P2P) contact and bulk movement of goods. The announcement was made after delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart K P Sharma Oli who was on three-day visit to India.

President Ram Nath Kovind embarked on three-nation official state visit to African countries of Equatorial Guinea, Swaziland and Zambia from April 7 to 12, 2018. It will be first-ever visit by any head of state of India to Equatorial Guinea and Swaziland. Indian President’s visit to Zambia will be taking place after 29 years.

• The Union Government will launch GOBARdhan Yojna, a central government scheme nationally from Karnal district of Haryana by end of April 2018. GOBAR is acronym for Galvanising Organic Bio Agro Resources.

• The Indian Railways has inducted three 09-3x Dynamic Tamping Express machines for improved mechanised Track Maintenanc. This advanced technology simulator is presently only available in five countries including India.

• The Ministry of Coal has launched UTTAM (Unlocking Transparency by Third Party Assessment of Mined Coal) Application for coal quality monitoring. The app aims to ensure transparency and efficiency in coal quality monitoring process and bring coal governance closer to people.

• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has constituted 5-member working group (committee) to examine taxation aspects related to High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) who are migrating abroad to other jurisdictions. The Working Group will be headed by Pragya Sahay Saksena, a joint secretary with Foreign Tax & Tax Research Division of CBDT.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has constituted 10-member committee to regulate online portals, including news websites, entertainment sites and media aggregators.

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed concept of open architecture-based public Wi-Fi grid to bring down the cost of internet by 90%. It is much needed as broadband proliferation across country is important pillar of Digital India and Wi-Fi serves as cheapest option given low cost of equipment and free spectrum.

• The Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) will provide loans worth about US $4.5 billion (Rs 29,200 crore) to Bangladesh for financing of various social and infrastructure projects. In this regard, Exim Bank has entered into agreement with Bangladesh Government in October 2017 to extend this line of credit (LoC) facility on behalf of Government of India (GoI).

• The National Maritime Day (NMD) is observed every year on 5 April to commemorate the maiden voyage of the first Indian owned ship “SS Loyalty” (the first ship of the Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd) sailed from Bombay to London on 5th April 1919. It was crucial step for India shipping history when sea routes were controlled by the British. It marked red letter day in maritime history of India, a country known for its seafaring abilities since ancient days.

• The 9th India-Japan-US trilateral meeting was held in New Delhi and was represented by senior diplomats by three countries. It held consultations on regional and global issues of mutual interest and focussed on connectivity, counter-terrorism and other regional and global issues of common concern.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Revised Cost Estimates (RCE) of scheme of Updation of National Register of Citizens (NRC), 1951 in Assam. The NRC scheme is specific to Assam only and covers about 3.29 crore applicants.

• The Union Cabinet chaired gave its approval for rightsizing Competition Commission of India (CCI) from one Chairperson and six Members (totalling seven) to one Chairperson and three Members (totalling four). It will be done by not filling existing two vacancies of members and one more additional vacancy, which is expected in September 2018 when one incumbent member complete his term.

• The Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Technical Cooperation in Rail Secto. The MoU was signed in February 2018 with Federal Transport Authority – Land & Maritime of UAE.

• The Union Cabinet has been apprised of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Canada to foster cross-border partnerships focused on research excellence and industry-academic collaboration. The MoU was signed in February 2018 in New Delhi.

• The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved signing of Cooperation Arrangement between India and Afghanistan for cooperation in the field of food safety and related areas. The agreement will be singed between Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW) and Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation & Livestock (MAIL), Afghanistan.

The Union Cabinet has given its ex post facto approval to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Iran on establishment of an expert group on trade remedy measures. The MoU was signed in February, 2018 during visit of Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani to India. It aims to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

• The Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc), Bengaluru was adjudged as overall best Indian university in National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2018 or NIRF-3 released by Ministry of Human Resource Development . This year it is third edition NIRF survey and was released as part of India Rankings 2018 for the Educational Institutions.

• The Ministry of Commerce and Industry have launched digital initiatives of Export Inspection Council (EIC) for ease of export to boost to India’s potential for agricultural and food export.

• Central Government has notified inclusion of 120 castes/communities, their synonyms and sub-castes in the Central List of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) for different States/Union Territories in the last three years. It was informed by Ministry of State for Social Justice and Empowerment in written reply in Lok Sabha.

• Ministry of Tourism in close collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had launched Adopt a Heritage Project. Under it, selected public sector companies, private sector companies and individuals will develop tourist amenities at heritage sites. They will be called as ‘Monument Mitra’ and adopt the sites essentially under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity.

The 114th meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) between India and Pakistan was held in New Delhi. Representatives from both sides discussed Indus Water Treaty (IWT) dispute and resolution of outstanding issues.

• To ensure safe future for young women, West Bengal government has launched a scheme called “Rupashree”. This scheme was earlier announced by Amit Mitra, the Finance Minister of West Bengal, at the time of budget. Under this scheme government provides one-time financial support for marriage of poor girls.

International

• The Malaria Summit was held in London, United Kingdom organisations to make game-changing commitments towards beating malaria. It was organized by non-profit organisation Malaria No More in conjunction with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and supported by British Prime Minister Theresa May.

• United Nations has launched UN Road Safety Trust Fund to improve road safety worldwide to save lives and prevent the loss of opportunity associated with road accidents. UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is secretariat for the trust fund. The fund has potential to galvanise global efforts to address road safety situation, building on progress made and experience gained over Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020.

• The World Homoeopathy Day (WHD) is observed every year on April 10 to pay tribute to Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann, founder and father of Homeopathy system of medicine. Observance of day seeks to spread more knowledge about this form of medicine in mainstream public health. This year it is 263rd birth anniversary of founder of Homoeopathy.On this occasion, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated scientific convention on WHD 2018 in New Delhi organised by Ministry of AYUSH. The theme of two-day convention wass “Innovate: Evolve, Progress: Exploring Science since 40 years”.

Singapore and China have inked Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote greater collaboration between companies from both countries in third-party markets along China’s ambitious Belt and Road routes.

• The Soft Drinks Industry Levy also known as soft drinks sugar tax or sin tax or sugar tax came into force in United Kingdom as part of government’s plan to combat obesity and sugar related disease. With introduction of sugar levy, UK joins few countries, including Mexico, France and Norway that have introduced similar fat taxes.

• The World Health Day (WHD) is observed every year on 7 April to mark anniversary of founding of World Health Organization (WHO) on this day in 1948. Observance of the day focuses on disseminating knowledge and awareness about human health, increasing life expectancy by adding good health to lives of people and promoting healthier living habits across globe. The day also provides with unique opportunity to mobilize action around specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.

• As a part of three-day international conference on “Accessible Tourism”, Nepal has launched its first accessible trekking trail for differently abled and elders in Pokhara city.

Business, Economy & Banking

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has further liberalised External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) Policy by including more sectors in the window in a bid to facilitate cheaper access of overseas funds to Indian companies.

• The Office of United States (US) Trade Representative (USTR) has once again placed India on ‘Priority Watch List’ in its annual Special 301 Report on the state of intellectual property protection. In 2018 Special 301 Report, the USTR has placed 12 countries on its Priority Watch List. Special 301 Report identifies US trading partners that do not adequately or effectively protect and enforce IP rights or deny market access to its innovators and creators that rely on protection of their IP rights.

• The National Stock Exchange’s (NSEs) arm India Index Services & Products Ltd (IISL) has launched Nifty equity savings index that will serve as benchmark for equity saving funds offered by various mutual funds. The index will capture performance of portfolio having exposure to equity, equity arbitrage and debt instruments in similar way to the investment philosophy of equity savings funds.

• Global credit rating agency Fitch has kept India’s sovereign rating unchanged at ‘BBB-‘ with stable outlook. This rating is at junk bond or lowest investment grade with stable outlook. A rating upgrade changes profile of country and makes it attractive to investors. In 2017, Moody’s had upgraded India’s rating (to Baa2 from Baa3) after gap of nearly 14 years, while Standard & Poor’s (S&P) retained its BBB- rating with stable outlook.

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has granted First Licence to Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd for Liquid Chlorine on all India basis as per Indian Standard (IS) 646:1986. This is the First Licence granted on All India basis. The licence has been made operative with effect from April 2018 for a period of one year.

• According to recently released Migration and Development Brief by World Bank, India has retained top position as recipient of remittances with about $69 billion in 2017. India was followed by China ($64 billion), Philippines ($33 billion), Mexico ($31 billion), Nigeria ($22 billion) and Egypt ($20 billion).

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the country’s largest IT outsourcing company created history by becoming the first Indian company to reach $100 billion market capitalisation (m-cap) milestone. Market capitalisation is value of company that is traded on stock market, calculated by multiplying total number of shares by present share price. The Indian IT giant hit $100 billion in market capitalisation after it crossed Rs 3,447 per share, assuming the current value of the rupee at 66.2150 against the US dollar.

• India and Finland have reached an agreement on the tax dispute with Nokia under Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) system. The resolution covers disputes pertaining to Nokia India as well as Nokia Corp. This involves payment of Rs 1,600 crore, a sum that was deposited with government by Nokia in March 2018.

• India has pressed the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations to set up an independent credit rating agency of the five-member group. It was on sidelines of the first meeting of BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors held along with IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, US.

The first International SME (Small, Medium Enterprises) convention will be held in New Delhi from 22ndto 24th April, 2018. It has been organised by Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises. It aims to provide platform to allow Entrepreneur to Entrepreneur (E2E) exchange of ideas, free and fair business discussions, mutual sizing of opportunities and ways to address them.

• According to International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) World Economic Outlook (WEO) for April 2018, India is now the world’s sixth largest economy at $2.6 trillion (interms of GDP), displacing France. The five economies ahead are United States, China, Japan, Germany and United Kingdom.

• The NASSCOM (National Association of Software & Services Companies) and TechUK launched new UK-India Tech Alliance.The leading technology trade bodies of India and UK inked memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK.

• The Union Finance Ministry may come out with Rs. 10,000 crore follow-on fund offer of Bharat-22 exchange traded fund (ETF) as it looks to dilute stake in Coal India Limited (CIL) to meet the minimum public holding norm. Besides, it is also keen to takeETF route to sell off government shares held through Specified Undertaking of the Unit Trust of India in private companies (SUUTI)—ITC, Axis Bank and L&T.

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) has projected India to grow at 7.4% in 2018 and 7.8% in 2019. It also held that India will again emerge as world’s fastest-growing major economy at least for the next two years (2019 and 2020).

Ministry of Commerce and Industry has launched FIEO GlobalLinker, a digital platform for MSME exporters to digitise their businesses and join global community of growing businesses. It has been developed by Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO).

• The World Bank in its twice-a-year South Asia Economic Focus report has projected growth rate of 7.3% for India in 2018 and 7.5% for 2019 and 2020. The growth is expected to accelerate from 6.7% in 2017 to 7.3% in 2018 and to subsequently stabilise supported by sustained recovery in private investment and private consumption.

• The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has formally announced that it is reviewing eligibility of India, Indonesia and Kazakhstan in Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) based on concerns about countries’ compliance with program. The reviews are based on Trump administration’s new GSP country eligibility assessment process as well as GSP country eligibility petitions.

• The second edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC-2018) will be held in New Delhi on October 25-27, 2018. It will be organised by Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).

• According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s forex (foreign exchange) reserves have touched record high of $424.864 billion in April 2018. The surge was due to massive spike in foreign currency assets (FCAs), a key component of the reserves. The forex reserve had crossed $400-billion mark for the first time in September 2017, but has since been fluctuating.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has tightened reporting norms for the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) under which individual can transfer up to US $2,50,000 abroad in a year. The purpose of tightening of norms is to improve monitoring and also to ensure compliance with LRS limits.

• The Union Finance Ministry has reconstituted Banks Board Bureau (BBB) and appointed former bureaucrat Bhanu Pratap Sharma as its chairman. It will replace earlier BBB headed by former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Vinod Rai as its two-year term ended in March 2018. The reconstituted BBB will have two-year tenure, same as its predecessor.

• According to data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), factory output measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) had grown 7.1% in February 2017. It was mainly driven by robust performance of manufacturing sector coupled with higher offtake of capital goods and consumer durables. The IIP recorded growth of 8.54% in November 2017, 7.1% in December 2017 and 7.4% in January 2018. During April-February period, IIP has slowed to 4.3% from 4.7% compared to same period 2017-18 fiscal.

• The Asian Development Outlook 2018 released by Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected India’s economic growth to 7.3% in 2018-19 fiscal and further to 7.6% in 2019-20 fiscal. The ADB’s growth projection is in line with that of rating agency Fitch, but is lower than Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) forecast of 7.4%.

• India ranked 130th out of 186 economies in recently released Index of Economic Freedom 2018 that measures the degree of economic freedom in the countries of the world. In this edition of index, India with score of 54.5 jumped 13 places from 143rd rank in previous year (2017) with a score of 52.6 points.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has delegated powers to Finance and Petroleum Ministers to award oil and gas exploration blocks to successful bidders under Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP). Under HELP, exploration blocks are to be awarded twice in a year and currently awarding of blocks requires the CCEA’s approval. Delegation of these powers will expedite decision making process on awarding blocks and further enhance ease of doing business in petroleum and natural gas sector.

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has relaxed rules for state-owned Coal India Ltd (CIL) for extraction of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) lying below coal seams in its blocks in bid to quickly boost production. Till now, CIL had to apply to oil ministry for a licence to extract coal-bed methane (CBM) from its coal blocks.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has placed 11 public sector banks (PSBs) out of 21 State-owned banks under its Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework because of deteriorating performance. Three-four more PSBs are expected to be brought under PCA framework.

• The Reserve Bank of India switched back to gross domestic product (GDP) model from the gross value added (GVA) methodology to provide its estimate of economic activity in the country. The switch to GDP is mainly to conform to international standards and global best practices.

• India’s largest private sector lender ICICI Bank became first Indian bank to go live on SWIFT’s (Society for World Interbank Financial Telecommunication System) Global Payment Innovation (GPI), an improved cross-border payments service.

The Global Logistics Summit (GLS-2018) was held in New Delhi from April 5-6, 2018 to improve logistics and connectivity which are vital for increasing intra-state and international trade flows.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its first bimonthly policy review for financial year 2018-19 has decided to maintain status quo in policy rates by keeping repo rate unchanged at 6.0%. This decision was taken by RBI’s six member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) headed by RBI Governor Urjit Patel.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted an inter-departmental group to study and provide guidance on feasibility to introduce fiat digital currency backed by it. It will be submitted by end-June 2018.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has deferred adoption of Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) by commercial banks for year (till April 2019) due to unpreparedness of banks to migrate to the new accounting system.

• According to Steel Users Federation of India (SUFI), India has overtaken Japan to become world’s second largest producer of crude steel in February 2018. China is the largest producer of crude steel in the world, accounting for more than 50% of the production. Earlier in 2015, India had overtaken US to become third largest producer of crude steel.

The Union Cabinet has approved closure of Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) Burn Standard Company Ltd (BSCL) under Ministry of Railways. This decision was taken in view of continuous poor physical and financial performance of company for more than decade despite financial assistance and other support from government and low probability of its revival in future.

• The Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has relaxed algorithm trading norms at commodity derivatives exchanges. The market regulator has raised limit of trading using algorithm trading process up to 100 orders per second by user from the existing limit of 20 orders per second.

• According to monthly survey Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), India’s manufacturing sector activity fell to five-month low in March 2018. It felled from 52.1 in February 2018 to five-month low of 51.0 in March 2018 indicating slowest improvement in operating conditions recorded by survey since October 2017.

• The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has entered into 14 Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (UAPA) and 2 Bilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (BAPA) in March 2018. The 2 bilateral APAs were entered into with US . With the signing of these Agreements, CBDT has entered total 219 APAs. This includes 199 Unilateral APAs and 20 Bilateral APAs. Of this, 67 APAs (58 Unilateral and 9 Bilateral) were signed in FY 2017-18.

• Indian Army has signed Memorandum of Undertaking (MoU) with HDFC Bank on the Defence Salary Package. It is renewed version first MoU signed between Indian Army HDFC Bank and in 2011 and renewed in March 2015. The current MoU is tailor made to suit requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families.

According to index of eight core industries released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, eight core infrastructure sectors grew by 5.3% in February 2018. It was mainly due to robust performance of refinery products, fertilizer and cement segments. The core sectors expanded by 6.1% in January 2018 and it grew by just 0.6% in February 2017. Cumulatively, these 8 sectors grew by 4.3% in April-February 2017-18 against 4.7% in the same period last fiscal.

• According to report released by global startup ecosystem map Startupblink, India was ranked 37th out of 125 countries in global startup ecosystem in 2017.

• The Central Bureau of Excise and Customs (CBEC) under Finance Ministry has imposed a 10% duty on imports of key smartphone components such as populated printed circuit boards (PCBs), camera modules and connectors. At present there is zero import duty imposed on the three components.

• According to Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), the subscriber base of Atal Pension Yojana (APY) stood at 97.05 lakh at end of 2017-18 fiscal. It was lower than target of 1 crore set by pension regulator PFRDA.

• The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) celebrated its foundation day this year on April 2, 2018. The day was celebrated as day of Sampark (connect), Sanwad (interaction), Suraksha (security) and Sampreshan (disseminate). Several initiatives were launched on this occasion. They are MSME contact programme; Samridhhi, a virtual assistant; revamped SIDBI website (www.sidbi.in) and Bankability Kit.

Multi Modal Logistics Park at Balli Station near Madgaon in Goa was recently inaugurated. The part is located on Konkan Railway route. It has been set as per MoU entered between Konkan Railway & Container Corporation of India Ltd (CONCOR). It will benefit trade and industry from economic transport solutions and state of art facilities.

• India has replaced Vietnam to become second largest producer of mobile phones in 2017. This information has been shared by government on the basis of data provided by Indian Cellular Association.

• As per previous decision of GST council, the e-way Bill System for Inter-State movement of goods across the country is being introduced from April 1, 2018. From this date, the businesses and transporters moving goods worth over Rs. 50,000 from one state to another will have to carry an electronic or e-way bill.

Government Schemes

The Union Government (Ministry of Finance) has signed a Loan Agreement with the World Bank for IBRD credit of US$ 125 (equivalent) for Innovate in India for Inclusiveness Project.

• The first meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan was held in New Delhi. It saw participation of NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr Rajiv Kumar, CEO Amitabh Kant and representatives of various ministries of Central and State Governments.

The Union Ministry of Communications has launched DARPAN-PLI application for seamless collection of premium for Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) policies. The app launched under DARPAN Project will help in collection of premium of these two policies at branch post offices anywhere in India, with online updation of the policies.

Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises has extended Phase-1 of FAME India Scheme to provide financial support to electric and hybrid vehicles by another six months till 30 September 2018 or till launch of phase-II. FAME India Scheme stands for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles.

• Uttar Pradesh Government has launched Ganga Hariteema Yojana (also known as Ganga Greenery scheme) in 27 districts of the state located on the bank of river Ganga. It was launched by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a function organised on bank of Sangam the confluence of rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati.

• Tamil Nadu Government launched bi-lingual ‘Uzhavan’ (farmer) mobile application in a bid to use technology for benefit of farmers. It was launched by Chief Minister K Palaniswami in state capital Chennai. The app available in Tamil and English language will allow ryots to have access to nine types of services, including details about their crop insurance.

Ministry of Tourism in close collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had launched Adopt a Heritage Project. Under it, selected public sector companies, private sector companies and individuals will develop tourist amenities at heritage sites. They will be called as ‘Monument Mitra’ and adopt the sites essentially under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity.

Science & Technology

• Google Arts & Culture in partnership with Ministry of Tourism has unveiled 360-degree virtual reality (VR) video for global ‘Incredible India’ tourism campaign. As part of it, Google Arts & Culture will provide users with immersive 360-degree view of India’s heritage, festivity, spirituality and adventure.

• National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) and Department of Telecommunications (DoT) have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on technical knowledge sharing for establishing nationwide Time Stamping and Time Synchronization network (TSTSN) and traceability of Time signal to UTC NPL Time.

Researchers have discovered the world’s smallest land fern named Malvi’s adder’s-tongue fern (Ophioglossum malviae) inAhwa forests of Western Ghats in Gujarat’s Dang district. Ferns are seasonal and mostly grow with first monsoon rains. They are not very common even in the locality they are found in.

• Scientists have discovered a giant mosquito with a wingspan of 11.15 centimetres in China’s Sichuan province. The mosquito belongs to the world’s largest mosquito species Holorusia mikado. This species mosquito was first found in Japan and normally have wing span of about eight centimetres.

• The World Malaria Day (WMD) is being observed every year on 25 April across the world to recognise the global efforts to control preventable vector borne disease malaria. It also seeks to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for elimination and control of malaria.

• Scientists from CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) have found four bacterial strains that remove sulphur from fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal. Sulphur is one of the major pollutants emitted during the combustion of fossil fuels.

• Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have identified two small potent molecules Pep-I and Pep-II, for their inhibitory activity to treat Chikungunya disease. The antiviral activity of these molecules was so high that their small amount was able to achieve almost 99% reduction in virus. Currently, there are no drugs to treat chikungunya or any vaccine to prevent it.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), a new planet-hunting spacecraft onboard of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Carnival, Florida, US. TESS mission is designed to carry out first spaceborne all-sky transiting exoplanet survey.

• The World Liver Day (WLD) is observed every year on April 19 to build awareness and understanding importance of liver in human body and how liver ailments can be treated. The 2018 theme for WLD is ‘Riding New Waves in Liver Diagnosis, Staging & Treatment’. As per World Health Organisation (WHO), liver diseases are 10th most common cause of death in India.

• 34 leading global technology firms including Facebook, Microsoft, HP, ARM, Cisco, and Oracle have signed Cybersecurity Tech Accord to work together on cybersecurity issues. Under it, signatory companies have agreed to collaborate on stronger defence systems, no offensive cyberattacks, and protect against tampering of their products, capacity building and collective action. The participant companies view Tech Accord as Digital Geneva Convention.

• The Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO) has postponed launch of India’s second lunar mission ‘Chandrayaan-2’ from April 2018 to October-November 2018. The launch was postponed for additional tests suggested by national level committee to review Chandrayaan-2.

• The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved use of Acuvue Oasys Contact Lenses with Transitions Light Intelligent Technology, world’s first contact lens that automatically darkens when exposed to bright light. It is first of its kind contact lens to incorporate same technology that is used in eyeglasses that automatically darken in the sun.

Recent National Institute of Virology (NIV) study has found that Indian Aedes aegypti mosquito that transmits dengue and chikungunya viruses is easily susceptible to zika virus. During the study it was found that Indian Aedes aegypti mosquito infected with African strain MR-766 of zika virus (ZIKV) can easily transmit infection.

• Weather scientists have predicted normal monsoon in June-September 2018 monsoon season as prevailing conditions as well as neutral ENSO were favourable for good monsoon rainfall. India receives 89 cm of rainfall during four-month monsoon season, which is almost 75% of its annual rainfall. In 2017 monsoon season, country as whole had received rainfall that was 95% of its long-period average.

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched IRNSS-1I navigation satellite from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The satellite was launched on board of PSLV-C41 (height of 44.4 meters and weight of 321 tonnes) after the normal lift-off and was successfully placed in the designated orbit. It was overall 20th flight of PSLV-XL version and 41st successful mission of total 43 of PSLV.

• The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi has installed Massive Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) lab on campus for standardisation, R&D and manufacturing of 5G equipment. It will be the first of its kind 5G lab in the country and has been set-up at Bharti School of Telecommunication Technology and Management.

• According to recently published study, over quarter of nitrogen on Earth comes from weathering of planet’s bedrock. For centuries, prevailing science indicated that all of nitrogen on Earth available to plants comes from atmosphere. This study could greatly improve climate change projections.

IIT-trained Australian scientist of Indian origin Veena Sahajwalla has launched world’s first microfactory that can transform components from electronic waste items into valuable materials for re-use.

• Researchers have discovered new class of antibiotics called odilorhabdins or ODLs that fights drug resistance. It was produced by symbiotic bacteria found in soil-dwelling nematode worms that colonise insects for food. The bacterium helps to kill insect and secrete antibiotic to keep competing bacteria away.

• NASA’s will launch humanity’s first mission Parker Solar Probe (PSP) to the Sun in July 31, 2018. It is undergoing final preparations for its scheduled launch on board of NASA’s Delta IV Heavy launch vehicle from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. After its launch, the probe will orbit directly through solar atmosphere — the corona — closer to surface than any human-made object has ever gone.

• The RH-300 MKII sounding rocket developed by IRSO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) was successfully launched from Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

• The Union government has banned imports of hormone oxytocin to stop its misuse in livestock industry, where it causes hormonal imbalances and shortens the lives of milch animals. The Government has decided to rely on domestic production to satisfy requirements of hormone. It has asked customs officials to step up vigilance against those likely to try and smuggle oxytocin into India.

According to recently published Internet Security Threat Report, India emerged as third most vulnerable country in terms of risk of cyber threats, such as malware, spam and ransomware in 2017. India has moved up by one place over previous year. The report was published by security solutions provider Symantec. The global threat ranking of countries was based on 8 metrics viz. malware, spam, bots, phishing, network attacks, web attacks, ransomware and cryptominers.

• NASA has successfully conducted Advanced Supersonic Parachute Inflation Research Experiment (ASPIRE) to test supersonic parachute that will help its space exploration missions to land on Mars. The parachute was launched aboard of sounding rocket from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in US. It was tested in sky, mimicking conditions of entering red planet.

• China’s out-of-control Tiangong-1 space lab has re-entered Earth’s atmosphere, landing in middle of the South Pacific Ocean near world’s ‘spacecraft cemetery or graveyard’. Most of its parts were burned up during gravity-propelled re-entry process.

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has lost contact with India’s most powerful communication GSAT-6A satellite in less than 48 hours after it was launched. The loss in contact is believed to have been caused by power system failure or short circuit on the satellite.

Awards & Honors

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was awarded National Intellectual Property (IP) Award 2018 in category “Top R&D Institution/Organization for Patents and Commercialization”. The National IP Award is awarded annually by Indian Intellectual Property Office (under Ministry of Commerce and Industry) in various categories on outstanding innovators, organizations and companies in fields of patents, designs, trademarks and geographical indications on the occasion of World IP Day (26 April).

• Gujarati poet, playwright and academic Sitanshu Yashaschandra was selected for 2017 Saraswati Samman for his collection of verses (poetry) titled "Vakhar" published in 2009. It was 27 edition of the award.

• Jailed Egyptian photojournalist Mahmoud Abu Zeid, popularly known as Shawkan, will be awarded United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Press Freedom Prize for year 2018. He was arrested in August 2013 for covering deadly demonstration at Rabaa Al-Adawiya Square in Cairo (Egypt’s capital) between security forces and supporters of ousted Islamist president Mohammed Morsi. He is one of 700 defendants facing charges of killing police and vandalising property during the clashes.

• Madhya Pradesh was selected for the Most Film Friendly State award 2017 for its efforts towards easing filming in state. MP was acknowledge for easing filming in state by offering excellent on ground support and filmic infrastructure and creating well-structured web site. Uttarakhand was given Special Mention certificate in recognition of its efforts made towards creating film friendly environment. The awards will be presented by President Ram Nath Kovind in May 2018 during presentation of the 65th National Film Awards in New Delhi.

The 2018 Pulitzer Prizes were awarded by Pulitzer Prize Board for work during 2017 calendar year. In Journalism, New York Times won most awards of any newspaper, with three, bringing its total to 125 Pulitzer Prizes. The New York Times and The New Yorker have jointly won the Pulitzer Prize, in the Public Service category for long-running Harvey Weinstein saga of sexual harassment and abuse in Hollywood. In Letters, Drama & Music, Andrew Sean Greer’s comic novel Less won best Fiction award.

• Late veteran actor and politician Vinod Khanna was posthumously honoured with prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award 2017. He is the 49th recipient of the award, considered as the highest honour in Indian cinema given by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

• The 65th National Film Awards for year 2017 were announced by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 13 April 2018. Assamese film Village Rockstars won the award in the Best Feature Film category. Baahubali 2: The Conclusion directed by S. S. Rajamouli was selected as the Best Popular film providing wholesome entertainment. Shekhar Kapur was the head of the Jury this edition of awards feature films.

Sports

• The Law Commission of India (LCI) has recommended to declare Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as a public body. It also recommended BCCI and its all member cricket associations to be brought under Right to Information (RTI) law regime.

Current Affair April 2018

Share with your Friends

Join The Discussion

Comments ( 0 )

Month Wise: Current Affair April 2018

Current Affair April 2018

Share with your Friends

Join The Discussion

Comments ( 0 )