Current Affairs PDF July 1-15-2018

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Current Affairs [PDF] - July 1-15, 2018
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Contents
......................... ..... . . ......... ................................................................
Current Affairs News Headlines: July 1 to 15, 2018 ................................................................................................................................................. 3
July 1, 2018 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
July 2, 2018 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
July 3, 2018 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
July 4, 2018 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
July 5, 2018 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
July 6, 2018 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
July 7, 2018 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
July 9, 2018 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 38
July 10, 2018 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42
July 11, 2018 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
July 12, 2018 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 49
July 13, 2018 .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 53
July 14, 2018 ................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 56
Multiple Choice Questions ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 59
© 2018 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 2

Current Affairs News Headlines: July 1 to 15, 2018

Current Affairs News Headlines: July 1, 2018
India
Mumbai’s Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Buildings declared World Heritage site by UNESCO
Conference of India’s heads of missions in New Delhi on June 30-July 2, theme: ‘Unprecedented
Outreach: Unparalleled Outcomes’
Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism K.J. Alphons inaugurates Institute of Hospitality Management in
Jodhpur
Noted artist Anjolie Ela Menon (78) wins National Kalidas Samman for visual arts given by MP Govt.
Economy & Corporate
Virtual ID mechanism that can be used in lieu of Aadhaar number for identity verification is now
“operational”: UIDAI
to celebrate July 1, 2018 as ‘GST Day’ to mark the first anniversary of its rollout
Banks Board Bureau (BBB) recommends 15 executive directors for elevation as MDs at various PSBs
Reliance Industries Ltd. to acquire US-based open telecom solutions provider Radisys for USD 74
million
NMDC, Kopano Logistics form joint venture for exploration of minerals in South Africa
NITI Aayog and GNFC tie up for usingVineetblockchain technology for fertiliser subsidy disbursal
Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
External debt was $529.7 billion at the end of March 2018, 12.4% more than its level at end of March
2017: RBI
Fiscal deficit exceeds 55% of the Budget estimate in just first 2 months (April-May) of the current
fiscal
World
World Social Media Day celebrated on June 30
International Day of Parliamentarism observed on June 30; marks the day of establishment of Inter-
Parliamentary Union in 1889
International Asteroid Day observed on June 30; marks the day of Earth’s largest recorded asteroid
impact in Russia in 1908
Organization of American States (OAS) approves resolution denouncing US immigration policy that
has led to the separation of children from their parents
42nd session of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO being held in Manama, Bahrain from
June 24 to July 4
7 ancient Korean mountain Buddhist temples listed as UNESCO world heritage sites
Christian sites in southern Japan added to UNESCO World Heritage list
Hello Kitty bullet train starts service in Japan
Tata Steel and Germany’s Thyssenkrupp form 50:50 JV to create Europe’s 2nd-largest steel
company after ArcelorMittal
Irrfan Khan wins Special Icon Award at the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF)
Sports
FIFA World Cup in Russia: France beat Argentina 4-3 at Kazan to enter quarterfinal
Malaysia Open Super World Tour 750 Badminton tournament: India’s challenge ends after P V
Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth lose in singles semifinals
India (213/4) beat hosts Ireland (70 in 13 overs) by 143 runs in 2nd T20I at the Malahide Cricket Club
Ground in Dublin to win 2-match series 2-0
India
National Doctors’ Day observed on July 1 to mark birth anniversary of West Bengal’s 2nd CM Dr.
Bidhan Chandra Roy
IMA’s theme for Doctors’ Day: ‘Zero tolerance to violence against doctors and clinical establishment’
Indian Medical Association (IMA) to mark July 1 to 8 as ‘Safe Fraternity Week’
Foundation day of ICAI observed as Chartered Accountants Day on July 1

Government of India celebrates 1st GST Day on July 1

More than 19,500 languages or dialects are spoken in India as mother tongues: Registrar General
and Census Commissioner
Sathyasri Sharmila, who hails from Tamil Nadu, becomes India’s first transgender lawyer
Kerala govt. declares Kozhikode and Malappuram districts, where 17 people died of Nipah in May,
free of the virus
Bengaluru realtor D. Ravishankar donates Rs 100 cr to Rotary Foundation
Karnataka govt. to file an appeal in SC against the setting up of Cauvery Water Management
Authority (CWMA)
Economy & Corporate
Deadline for PAN-Aadhaar linking extended to March 31, 2019: CBDT
K. Shrivastava takes charge as new Director General and Chairman of Kolkata-based Ordnance
Factory Board
India 73rd country with most funds (CHF 1.01 billion) in Swiss Banks, United Kingdom (CHF 403
billion): Swiss National Bank
World
India and Pakistan exchange lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen lodged in each other’s jails
Kiren Rijiju, Union MoS for Home, toVineetparticipate in the | Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster
Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com
Risk Reduction (AMCDRR 2018) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on July 3-6

Cambodia’s longest hand-woven scarf (88-cm-wide and 1,149.8-metre-long) enters Guinness World
Records
UNESCO adds 8 eight pre-Islamic Iranian archaeological sites to its World Heritage List
UNESCO adds remains of ‘Caliphate city of Medina Azahara’, a medieval Arab Muslim town in Spain,
to its World Heritage List
Ninth and final meeting of Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations concluded in
Kathmandu
Sports
Australia beat India in final to win Men’s Champions Trophy hockey title in Netherlands
Ultimate Table Tennis tournament: Dabang Smashers beat Falcons in final in Kolkata to win title
FIFA World Cup in Russia: Uruguay beat Portugal 2-1 in Sochi and Russia beat Spain 4-3 in Moscow
to enter quarterfinals
Malaysian Open badminton in Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei (Men’s) and Taiwan’s Tai
Tzu-ying (Women’s) win Singles titles
Indian Navy’s Commander Abhilash Tomy is the only Asian to participate in Golden Globe Race
(GGR) starting from France
India beat Iran 44-26 in the final to win Kabaddi Masters 2018 tournament in Dubai
India
SC extends its June 30 deadline for publication of the final draft of Assam’s National Register of
Citizens (NRC) by a month
Indigenous fighter aircraft Tejas formally commences operations from Air Force Station at Sulur
near Coimbatore
Delhi government launches ‘Happiness Curriculum’ for its school students
Former Indian Navy chief (1987-90) Admiral Jayant Ganpat Nadkarni dies in Mumbai at 86
National People’s Party (NPP) legislator Agatha Sangma resigns as member of Meghalaya Assembly
Economy & Corporate
Output of Eight Core Industries (Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Petroleum Refinery products,
Fertilizers, Steel, Cement, Electricity) rises 3.6% in May 2018
Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) rises from 51.2 in May to 53.1 in June
India agrees to provide tariff concessions on 3,142 products to Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA)
members

Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) in Assam is 1st oil PSU to adopt online legal compliance system by
introducing ‘Legatrix’
Bureaucrat Saraswati Prasad assumes charge as SAIL CMD
SoundLogic ropes in Mahendra Singh Dhoni, as a partner-evangelist
World
Leftist Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador elected new President of Mexico
China’s Mount Fanjingshan inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List
A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying an AI robot named Cimon reaches International Space Station
Meeting of trade ministers of 16 Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) countries
held in Tokyo
Anil Agarwal offers to delist Vedanta Resources Plc from LSE by buying out 33.5% of non-promoter
shareholders
Sports
FIFA World Cup in Russia: Brazil beat Mexico 2-0 in Samara and Croatia beat Denmark 3-2 at
Nizhniy Novgorod to enter quarterfinals
Rahul Dravid, Ricky Ponting and England’s woman cricketer Claire Taylor inducted into ICC Cricket
Hall of Fame
Journalist Rajat Sharma elected new President of Delhi and
Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | District Cricket Association (DDCA)
India’s Yogesh Kathuniya wing gold and creates new world record in men’s discus F36 at Para-
Athletics Grand Prix in Berlin
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen wins Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix at Spielberg
India
SC puts onus on states to check incidents of mob violence
EC launches mobile app “cVIGIL” to enable citizens to report on violation of election code of conduct
32,876 people belonging to the Bru community to be repatriated from Tripura to Mizoram following
a tripartite agreement signed by the two state governments and the Centre
Defence Ministry approves construction of 17 new baffle firing ranges for at a cost of Rs. 238 crores
Major General Jos Eladio Alcain of Uruguay will be Head of UN Military Observer Group in India and
Pakistan (UNMOGIP)
Gujarat: 4-time MLA Kunwarji Bavaliya resigns from Congress; joins BJP and is sworn as Cabinet
Minister
Milan Shankar Tare, a fisherman from Maharashtra’s Palghar district, wins National Maritime
Search and Rescue Award
Economy & Corporate
Finance Minister Piyush Goyal unveils ‘Project Sashakt’ to deal with NPAs of public sector banks
NITI Aayog to hold India’s first ‘Global Mobility Summit’ in New Delhi on September 7-8
SpiceJet flight service for Delhi flagged off from the Ahirwan airport in Kanpur under Centre’s
UDAN scheme
Telangana inks MoU with Singapore’s Surbana Jurong for Genome Valley 2.0 near Hyderabad
Payments Council of India (PCI) appoints Vishwas Patel as its new Chairman
The Sunil Mehta Committee, set up to look into the faster resolution of stressed assets, recommends
creation of an asset management company for the resolution of stressed loans worth more than
₹500 crore
World
Colombia’s Serrania del Chiribiquete national park declared UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sports
FIFA World Cup in Russia: Sweden and Switzerland beat 1-0 in St. Petersburg and Belgium beat
Japan 3-2 in Rostov-on-Don to reach quarter-finals
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announces 524-member contingent for Asian Games in Indonesia
from August 18


India
Lieutenant Governor is bound by Delhi govt’s advice, has no independent decision-making power:
SC
Centre approves renaming of Agartala Airport in Tripura as ‘Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore
Airport, Agartala
Kerala govt. sets up a panel of writers and language experts to choose an official song for the state
Cabinet approves a bill which seeks to set up DNA data banks across India to store profiles
Punjab CM orders mandatory dope test of all govt. employees from the time of their recruitment
MP govt. launches subsidised power scheme ‘Sambal’ for labourers and poor families
Cabinet approves exemption from charging commercial rates for land allotted to High Commission
of Fiji in New Delhi
Economy & Corporate
Cabinet extends recapitalisation scheme for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) for next 3 years up to
2019-20
Cabinet approves India’s accession to the WIPO Copyright Treaty and WIPO Performers and
Phonograms Treaty which extends coverage of copyright to the internet and digital environment
Cabinet approves proposal to enhanceVineet
capital base of Higher
Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | Education Financing Agency (HEFA) to
Rs 10,000 crore
Cabinet approves the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Kharif crops for 2018-19
MSP for paddy up by Rs 200/quintal, Jowar (hybrid) by Rs 730/quintal and Ragi by Rs 997/quintal
Nikkei/IHS Markit Services Purchasing Managers’ Index rises to 52.6 in June from 49.6 in May
IBBI amends norms, notifies procedures for home buyers under insolvency proceedings
RBI grants licence to Bank of China to set up branch in India
Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) managing CSCs to operate as Banking Correspondents of HDFC
Bank
Yes Bank receives SEBI’s approval to launch mutual fund
SBI Card launches ELA’ (Electronic Live Assistant), a virtual assistant for customer support and
services
Qatar government-owned Katara Holding buys Sahara India Group-owned Plaza Hotel in New York
for $600 mn
Volvo Cars launches XC40 in India at Rs 39.9 lakh
World
Former Malaysian PM Najib Razak charged with corruption
Sports
FIFA World Cup in Russia: England beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties to enter quarter-final
India (163/2 in 18.2) beat England (159/8 in 20) in 1st T20I by 8 wickets at Old Trafford, Manchester
Sports Authority of India (SAI) to be renamed as Sports India: Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh
Rathore
Australia’s Aaron Finch breaks his own record for highest individual score in a T20I, makes 172
against Zimbabwe in Harare
Commonwealth Chess Championship in Delhi: P. Karthikeyan and Tania Sachdev win Men’s and
Women’s titles respectively
India
Allow gambling, betting on sports as regulated, taxable activities: Law Commission
IGNCA introduces Five PG Diploma Courses and 6 new Certificate Courses in Art, Culture and
related subjects
Sushma Swaraj meets PM of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay in New Delhi
Chinese military delegation visits Indian Army’s Eastern Command headquarters in Kolkata
ISRO tests crew escape system for human spaceflight

Karnataka: Congress-JDS coalition govt. announces Rs. 34000 crore farm loan waiver scheme in 1st
budget, raises taxes on alcohol, petrol and diesel to fund waiver
AP: Gruha Pravesham (housewarming) of 3 lakh units built under govt. housing scheme for poor
families performed on single day in all 13 districts
AP: UNESCO to set up a ‘Design University for Gaming’ in Visakhapatnam
Uttarakhand HC in Nainital declares the “entire animal kingdom including avian and aquatic” as
legal entities
Economy & Corporate
Coal Ministry launches Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS) and mobile app
‘Khan Prahari.
CBIC develops mobile app ‘GST Verify’ to protect interest of consumers
Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance unveils ‘Jio GigaFiber’ fixed line fibre broadband service across 1,100
cities
BSNL unveils internet telephony service ‘Wings’; rollout to begin from Aug 1
Muthoot Pappachan Group ropes in Vidya Balan as brand ambassador
Priyanka Chopra remains most popular Indian on Instagram with a fan base of 25 million
Air India changes Taiwan’s name to Chinese Taipei on its website, China welcomes move
World Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
42nd World Heritage Committee of UNESCO concludes in Bahrain’s capital Manama, 19 new sites
inscribed to the World Heritage List
World’s first digital art museum inaugurated at the MORI Building Digital Art Museum in Tokyo
Sports
Tbilisi Grand Prix Wrestling in Georgia: Bajrang Punia wins gold medal in Men’s 65kg freestyle
SC asks all state cricket bodies not to hold elections before its verdict on finalisation of the draft
constitution of BCCI
India
CJI is the “master of the roster” and has the “ultimate authority” and “prerogative” to allocate cases
to different benches: SC
Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel appointed Chairperson of National Green Tribunal (NGT)
PM Modi meets Bhutan’s PM Tshering Tobgay in New Delhi
New train connecting Agartala in Tripura to Deoghar in Jharkhand flagged off
Birth anniversary of Bharatiya Jana Sangh founder Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee observed
After Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone gets 25 mn Instagram followers
Nhrc Contest
NHRC announces winners of its silver jubilee logo and slogan/tagline contest
Bansi Lal Ketki from Mumbai wins logo design contest
Tabrej Qureshi from Chhindwara (MP) wins slogan/tagline contest
Award winning tagline: ‘Awaaz Aapke Adhikar Ki’
Award winning slogan: ‘Desh may vikas ki aayge bahar, jab hoga surakshit manav adhikar’
Economy & Corporate
Foreign exchange reserves rose to USD 424.55 billion at March end 2018 from USD 400.21 billion as
of Sept end 2017: RBI
Railways approves digital Aadhaar and Driving Licence from Digital Locker as proof of identity of
passengers
Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu lays foundation of ₹250-crore Civil Aviation Research
Organisation in Hyderabad
NASSCOM opens Center of Excellence (CoE) for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Bengaluru
World
UN member states approve USD 6.69 billion dollar budget for 13 peacekeeping operations for the
year 2018-19
India to operate Sri Lanka’s loss-making Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota
US imposes tariffs on USD 34 billion worth of Chinese goods; China reciprocates

Pakistan court sentences ousted PM Nawaz Sharif to 10 years imprisonment in corruption case
Malaysian PM Mahathir Mohamad ruled out deportation of controversial Islamic preacher Zakir
Naik to India
French filmmaker and writer Claude Lanzmann, who chronicled the Holocaust, dies at 92
Sports
FIFA World Cup: France beat Uruguay 2-0 in quarterfinal at Nizhny Novgorod
Indonesian Open Badminton in Jakarta: Indian challenge ends as PV Sindhu and HS Prannoy lose in
Singles quarterfinals
India
JEE Mains and NEET — the two national level engineering and medical entrance examinations —
will be held twice a year from 2019 by a newly-formed National Testing Agency (NTA)
Bru community refugees in Tripura to be repatriated to their home state, Mizoram in the next 2
months
No-confidence motion against Raman Singh government defeated in Chhattisgarh Assembly
Rajasthan: PM Modi unveils plaque to mark the laying of foundation stone of 13 Urban Infrastructure
projects in Jaipur Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
Veteran journalist J N Sadhu dies in Shimla at 94

Kumaoni folk singer Kabutari Devi dies in Pithoragarh at 70
Economy & Corporate
Infosys Foundation offers to give Rs 200 crore to the Bengaluru metro network project
World
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo holds talks with his North Korean counterpart in Pyongyang
over dismantling of latter’s nuclear arsenal
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh to get IDs, protection to return home in Myanmar: UN
Artist Steve Ditko, who co-created Spider-Man and Doctor Strange with Stan Lee, dies at 90
Sports
FIFA World Cup quarterfinals: Belgium beat Brazil 2-1 at Kazan, England beat Sweden 2-0 at Samara
to enter semifinals
England (149/5 in 19.4) beat India (148/5 in 20) by 5 wickets in 2nd T20I at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff,
level series 1-1
Mahendra Singh Dhoni becomes 3rd Indian cricketer after Tendulkar and Dravid to play 500
international matches
India
Law Commission holds consultations with political parties on feasibility of holding simultaneous
elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies on July 8-9 in New Delhi
Union HRD Ministry extends till August 31 the term of K Kasturirangan Committee drafting a new
education policy
South Korean President Moon Jae-in arrives in India on a 4-day state visit
Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister M. M. Jacob dies in Kottayam at 90
Economy & Corporate
Over 51 lakh houses have been approved under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) in 3 years of its
implementation: Govt.
World
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in Czech Republic: ‘I Do Not Care If We Go Down in History
as Barbarians’ by Romanian Director Radu Jude wins Crystal Globe for Best Film
6th edition of the biennial World Cities Summit being held in Singapore from July 8 to 12
Sanctions against North Korea to remain in place till fully verified denuclearization: US Secretary of
State Mike Pompeo
Satyarup Siddhanta becomes 2nd Indian (after Malli Mastan Babu) to climb Mt Ojos del Salado, the

highest active volcano in the world at 6893 m on Argentina-Chile border

International Day of Cooperatives observed on July 7, is observed every year on first Saturday of July
17th World Sanskrit Conference being held at Vancouver, Canada from July 9 to 13
Sports
India’s Dipa Karmakar wins gold in women’s vault event at Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge
Cup in Mersin (Turkey)
India (201/3 in 18.4) beat England (198/9 in 20) by 7 wickets in 3rd T20I in Bristol; win 3-match series
2-1
FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals: Croatia beat Russia 4-3 on penalties at Sochi
FIFA World Cup Semifinals: France-Belgium at Saint Petersburg on July 10, England-Croatia at
Moscow on July 11
India
HRD Ministry grants “Institutions of Eminence” status to 3 public and 3 private institutes, enabling
them to get full autonomy and special incentives to project them as “world class universities”
Public sector institutes given Institutions of Eminence” status: IIT-Delhi, IIT-Bombay and the
Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
Private sector institutes given Institutions of Eminence”
Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | status: Manipal Academy of Higher
Education, BITS Pilani and Jio Institute by Reliance Foundation
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry launches India Smart Cities Fellowship (ISCF) and
Internship (ISCI) Program to provide opportunity to youth to work in the domain of Urban Planning
and Governance
FSSAI to provide training tool kit to health workers at wellness centres under Ayushman Bharat
Scheme for raising public awareness
Gujarat’s Jewish community given religious minority status by state government
Jammu: CRPF launches mobile help centre ‘Saathi’ for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims
Tamil Nadu Assembly passed the Lok Ayuktha Bill
UP: Gangster Munna Bajrangi shot dead inside Baghpat jail
Economy & Corporate
Tourism Ministry discontinues scheme to provide free SIM cards to foreign tourists on arrival in
India
ADB approves $503 million lining project of the Son canal in Shahabad-Bhojpur region of Bihar
China, India clinch deal to reduce tariffs on Indian medicines, anti-cancer drugs
Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation meets Kim Hyun-chong, South
Korea’s Minister for Trade, Industry and Energy in New Delhi
PM Modi and South Korean President Moon Jae-in jointly inaugurate Samsung Centre, the world’s
largest mobile phone factory in Noida
UK-based Liberty House gets approval from Committee of Creditors to acquire steel plant of
Adhunik Metaliks in Odisha
IFFCO inks pacts with 2 South Korean firms to explore business opportunities in agri-machinery
and farm credit sectors
NCLT upholds Tata Sons’ 2016 move sacking Cyrus Mistry as Chairman
Swedish telecommunications company Ericsson announces expansion of its “Connect to Learn”
initiative in India
Sun Pharma signs Akshay Kumar as brand ambassador for health supplement Revital H
World
China launches 2 remote sensing satellites for Pakistan from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre
United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and Brexit Secretary David Davis resign from
Theresa May cabinet
Canadian writer Michael Ondaatje’s ‘The English Patient’ wins Golden Man Booker Prize
2018 Commonwealth Short Story Prize: Sagnik Datta declared regional winner for Asia for ‘The

Divine Pregnancy in a Twelve Year Old Woman’

Sports
India’s Ajay Jayaram finishes runners-up at the White Nights International Challenge Badminton in
Russia
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel wins Formula 1 British Grand Prix at Silverstone
Squash player Dipika Pallikal appointed as Asia’s repre…
Current Affairs – News Headlines: July 11, 2018
India
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu meets President of the Senate of Rwanda Bernard Makuza in New
Delhi
FSSAI asks industry to voluntarily reduce salt, sugar and saturated fat in packaged food products
Delhi govt. to launch Mukhyamantri Tirth Yatra Yojana to send senior citizens on pilgrimage at
govt. expense
Folk virtuoso Mahendra Bhanawat to receive Kanhaiya Lal Sethia Award from Kolkata’s Vichar
Manch in December
Actor Kavi Kumar Azaad, known for playing Dr. Hansraaj Hathi on ‘Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah
Chashma’, dies in Mumbai
Economy & Corporate Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
BSE Sensex closes at 36,239.62 points (+304.90), NSE Nifty at 10,947.25 (+94.35)
Financial Benchmarks India Private Limited (FBIL) takes over from RBI the responsibility of
computation and dissemination of reference rate for USD/INR and other major currencies
Andhra Pradesh tops the annual ‘ease of doing business ranking’ of States and UTs by the World
Bank and Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). Telangana and Haryana are 2nd
and 3rd respectively.
Gujarat signs MoU with Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) to strengthen trade,
industrial relations
Switzerland first, India 67th in Global Innovation Index (GII) annual ranking published by Cornell
University, INSEAD and WIPO
Google opens India chapter of its global “Launchpad Accelerator” mentorship programme for
startups in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre inaugurated in New Delhi
First-ever India Tourism Mart to be held in New Delhi on September 16-18 by the Tourism Ministry
and Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality
World
PM Modi (42 mn) is 3rd most followed leader on Twitter after US President Donald Trump (52 mn)
and Pope Francis (47 mn)
UK: Jeremy Hunt replaces Boris Johnson as Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth
Affairs
Current Affairs – News Headlines: July 12, 2018
India
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs launches technology challenge to eliminate human entry into
septic tanks
6 new envoys presented credentials to the President: Ivan Lancaricm-Ambassador of Slovak
Republic; Ariel Andrade Galindo, Ambassador of El Salvador; Hector Cueva Jacome, Ambassador of
Ecuador; Alvaro A. Malmierca, Ambassador of Uruguay; Yogesh Punja, High Commissioner of Fiji;
and Willy Kipkorir Bett, High Commissioner of Kenya
World Population Day observed on July 11 with its theme as ‘Family Planning is a Human right’
Ministry of Water Resources Launches “Jal Bachao, Video Banao, Puruskar Pao” Contest on Water
Conservation
India and UK sign agreement on exchange of experience by legal professionals and government
functionaries

Delhi court awards 7-year rigorous imprisonment to retired captain Salam Singh Rathore in 2006
Navy War Room leak case
Assam: 90 constables recruited for Special Rhino Protection Force at Kaziranga National Park
Andhra Pradesh: 60 ‘Anna Canteens’, which will serve food for just Rs. 5, inaugurated across the
state
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex closes at 36,265.93 points (+26.31), NSE Nifty at 10,945.85 (+1.40)
India becomes world’s 6th largest economy behind USA, China, Japan, Germany and UK: World Bank
data on GDP of countries for 2017
India formally announced as the 69th shareholder of the London-based European Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Telecom Commission approves net neutrality rules which bar service providers from discriminating
against Internet content and services by blocking, throttling or granting them higher speed access
Haryana top state in per capita revenue collection under GST: State’s Finance Minister
LIC to complete 51% acquisition of debt-ridden IDBI Bank by the end of September
Bank of Baroda, South Korea’s KB Financial Group ink MoU to set up financing corridor
BSNL launches first internet telephony service in India through its mobile app ‘Wings’
India
PM Modi inaugurates Dharohar Bhawan, new HQ building of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in
New Delhi
Vice President and the President of ICWA, M. Venkaiah Naidu, appoints former diplomat T.C.A.
Raghavan as the Director General of the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA)
NITI Aayog proposes 15-point action plan titled ‘Breathe India’ to combat air pollution in ten most
polluted cities
82-year old Shridhar Chillal, who holds the Guinness World Record for having the longest
fingernails, cuts them after 66 years
Spiritual leader Dada J P Vaswani, head of the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, dies in Pune at 99
IIT-Kharagpur features among the top 100 in the Times Higher Education Golden Age University
Rankings and top 50 in the Emerging University Rankings
Railways Awards
Railways Minister Piyush Goyal gives away awards for beautification of stations premises
Ballarshah & Chandrapur (Central Railway) awarded 1st prize
Madhubani (East Central Railway) & Madurai (Southern Railway) win 2nd prize
Gandhidham (Western Railway), Kota (West Central Railway) & Secunderabad (South Central
Railway) win 3rd prize
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex closes at 36,548.41 (+282.48), NSE Nifty at 11,023.20 (+74.90)
Industrial production growth slipped to a 7-month low of 3.2% in May
Retail inflation, based on Consumer Price Index (CPI), spikes to a 5-month high of 5% in June
Govt raises threshold limit for filling appeals relating to tax cases to Rs 20 lakh
Aadhaar is “desirable” but not mandatory to avail benefits under Ayushman Bharat: National Health
Protection Mission (AB-NHPM): Govt.
Railways launch consolidated Bridge Management System (IR-BMS), a web-enabled IT application, to
store data on its 1.5 lakh bridges
Indian Army ties up with SBI on Defence Salary Package, which will include free personal accident
death and total disability cover
164th Central Public Works Department Day celebrated in New Delhi on July 12
India
Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation launches Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2018, an

independent survey to be conducted in all districts from August 1 to 31

India invites US President Donald Trump as Chief Guest at the 2019 Republic Day celebrations
Archaeological Survey of India to allow photography at all centrally protected monuments/sites,
except at Ajanta Caves, Leh Palace and Taj Mahal
Govardhan Maharaj Utsav to be organized in October every year at Govardhan Teerth of Mathura:
Tourism Minister K. J. Alphons
NCPCR recommends to the HRD Ministry to put a 10% yearly cap on fee hike in private, unaided
schools
Century’s longest total lunar eclipse of 1 hour 43 minutes to occur on July 27-28: Ministry of Earth
Sciences
Maharashtra govt. asks multiplex owners to allow people to bring outside food, reduce price of
eatables sold inside the premises
Proposal to amend J&K Panchayati Raj Act for direct election of sarpanches approved
Former Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Kanu Gohain dies in Gurugram at 68
Former Andhra CM Kiran Kumar Reddy rejoins Congress 4 years after quitting the party
Prof N. N. Wig, the doyen of Psychiatry in India, dies at 88 in New Delhi
Journalist Kalpesh Yagnik, group editor of Hindi daily ‘Dainik Bhaskar’, died in Indore at 55
Bhojpuri singer Kalpana Patowary, who hails from Assam, joins BJP
Economy & Corporate
Country’s foreign exchange reserves declined by USD 248.20 million to USD 405.81 billion in the
week to July 6
Trade deficit widens to a 43-month high of USD 16.6 billion in June
Fortis Healthcare board approves Rs 4,000-crore offer from Malaysia’s IHH Healthcare for 31.1%
stake in it
World
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres sets up panel on digital cooperation to tackle cybersecurity
threats and rise in hate speech
UN Security Council imposes an arms embargo on South Sudan
Johnson & Johnson to pay $550 million to affected women after court in US rules that its talcum
powder caused ovarian cancer
Sports
India (269/2 in 40.1) beat England (268/10 in 49.5) in 1st ODI at Trent Bridge, Nottingham by 8
wickets
Mohammad Kaif announces retirement after playing 13 Tests (624 runs) and 125 ODIs (2753 runs) for
India
IAAF World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Tampere, Finland: India’s Hima Das wins gold
medal in women’s 400m
Brazilian woman football player Marta Vieira da Silva named by UN Women as a goodwill
ambassador
Current Affairs News Headlines: July 15
India
President Ram Nath Kovind nominates 4 Rajya Sabha members: Farmer leader and former MP Ram
Shakal, sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra, classical dancer Sonal Mansingh and Founder of Delhi-based
“India Policy Foundation” Rakesh Sinha
President inaugurates the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India
in New Delhi
PM extends his best wishes to Gujarat’s Kutchi community on the occasion of Kutchi New Year,
Aashadhi Beej
UP: PM Modi lays foundation stone for Rs 23,000 crore 340-km Purvanchal highway connecting
Lucknow and Ghazipur in Azamgarh
UP: PM Modi inaugurates Varanasi City Gas Distribution (CGD) network for supply of natural gas to

city’s households, transport sector and industries

Haryana launches ‘I am not afraid of English’ initiative to make primary school students fluent in
English
Economy & Corporate
Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) Chairman Mukesh Ambani surpasses Alibaba Group’s Jack Ma to
become Asia’s richest person
World
UN finalises Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration
Home Minister Rajnath Singh calls on Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka
Bangladesh: Visiting Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates world’s largest visa centre in
Dhaka
Iceland to take vacated US seat on UN Human Rights Council
Sports
Belgium beat England 2-0 in Saint Petersburg to finish 3rd in FIFA World Cup
Hosts Sri Lanka (287,190) beat South Africa (126, 73) by 273 runs in 1st test at Galle
Wimbledon tennis: Germany’s Angelique Kerber beats Serena Williams of USA in final to win
women’s singles title.
July 1, 2018
30 June: International Day of Parliamentarism
The International Day of Parliamentarism is observed every year on June 30 across the globe with an aim
to recognise role of parliaments in national plans and strategies and in ensuring greater transparency and
accountability at national and global levels. The year 2018 marks first celebration of International Day of
Parliamentarism. The day celebrates parliaments, as the cornerstone of democracy and as institutions
designed to improve the lives of the people they represent. It is also provides opportunity for parliaments
to take stock, identify challenges, and ways to address them effectively.
Facts and Figures
Parliamentary system of government falls into two categories: bicameral (having two chambers of
parliament) and unicameral (having only one chamber). Out of 193 member countries of the United
Nations, 79 are having bicameral legislatures and 114 are having unicameral legislatures. These total 272
chambers of parliament comprise over 46000 members of parliament. The parliaments represent voice of
people, pass laws, allocate funds to implement laws and policies, and hold governments to account. The
oldest parliament is Althingi, the Icelandic Parliament founded in 930.
Background
The International Day of Parliamentarism was proclaimed by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)
by adopting resolution A/RES/72/278 in May 2018 to recognise role of parliaments in national plans and
strategies. The chosen date i.e. June 30, coincides with day in 1889, close to 130 years ago, that Inter-
Parliamentary Union (IPU)—the global organization of parliaments was founded. The resolution adopted
by UNGA called on UN and its member states to work more closely with parliaments as well as IPU on
issues relating to human rights, gender equality, health and peace and youth empowerment.
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
IPU is global inter-parliamentary institution. It was established in 1889 and was the first permanent
forum for political multilateral negotiations. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Its initial
objective was arbitration of conflicts. It played important role setting up Permanent Court of Arbitration
in The Hague. Over time, its mission has evolved towards promotion of democracy and inter-
parliamentary dialogue. It has worked for establishment of institutions at inter-governmental level,
including UN. Initially, IPU was for individual parliamentarians, but has since transformed into
international organization of parliaments of sovereign states. The national parliaments of 178 countries
are its members and 12 regional parliamentary assemblies are its associate members. The IPU has
permanent observer status at UNGA.
Banks Board Bureau recommends elevation of 15 executive directors as MD PSU bank
The Banks Board Bureau (BBB) has recommended 15 executive directors to be elevated as managing
directors (MD) at various public sector banks (PSBs). It was headed by former Department of Personnel
and Training Secretary B P Sharma. These recommendations were based on interactions held by BBB and
are subject to various clearances. The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime
Minister will take the final decision in this regard.
Banks Board Bureau (BBB)
BBB is advisory authority (autonomous and self-governing body) of Central Government comprising
eminent professionals and officials to improve governance of PSBs. It was announced by Union
Government in August 2015 as part of seven point Indradhanush Mission to revamp PSBs and based on
recommendations of RBI-appointed Nayak Committee. It is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The first BBB
was set up in February 2016 under chairmanship of former CAG Vinod Rai.
Mandate: Its broad agenda is to improve governance at state-owned lenders. Its mandate also involves
advising government on top-level appointments in PSBs and assisting banks with capital-raising plans
through innovative financial methods and instruments as well as strategies to deal with issues of stressed
assets or bad loans.
Composition: BBB comprises of Chairman, three ex-officio members (from government) and three expert
members, two of which are from private sector.
9th Heads of Mission Conference held in New Delhi
The 9th Heads of Mission Conference was held in New Delhi from June 30-July 2, 2018. It was inaugurated
by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The conference comes at the time when India is monitoring
several important global developments including sanctions imposed by United States on Russia and Iran,
and China’s new assertiveness in Indo-Pacific region.
Key Facts
The theme of three-day annual conference was ‘Unprecedented Outreach: Unparalleled Outcomes’. It saw
participation of all Indian ambassadors and high commissioners and deliberated on India’s key foreign
policy issues and goals .It provided government a common platform to brief country’s top diplomats for
promoting India’s national interests abroad and on economic reform initiatives and measures taken for
improving ease-of-doing business in the country so that these aspects can be highlighted on the global
stage.
Anjolie Ela Menon awarded Kalidas Samman for visual arts from
Madhya Pradesh Government has conferred prestigious National Kalidas Samman on noted artist Anjolie
Ela Menon (78) for her contribution to visual arts. The award was conferred in recognition of her
insightful and sensitive portrayal of the identity and spirit of women through her meaningful paintings in
a variety of media.
Anjolie Ela Menon
She is counted among India’s most accomplished artists. She is a well-known muralist and one of India’s
leading contemporary artists. Her preferred medium is oil on masonite, but she also has worked in other
media, including glass and water colour. She is recipient of numerous national and international awards
including the Padma Shri. She recently received a doctorate from Rabindra Bharati University.
Kalidas Samman
It is prestigious arts award presented annually by Government of Madhya Pradesh. The award is named
after Kālidāsa, a renowned Classical Sanskrit writer of ancient India. It was first awarded in 1980. It was
initially conferred in alternate years in fields of Classical Music, Classical Dance, Theatre and Plastic Arts.
From 1986-87 onwards, it was presented in all four fields every year. The award is presented for
outstanding achievement in one of the four categories. Some of the previous recipients are Pandit Ravi
Shankar, MF Husain, Pandit Jasraj, Shambhu Mitra, Habib Tanvir, Ebrahim Alkazi etc.
42nd session of World Heritage Committee: Four sites added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List
The 42nd session of World Heritage Committee (WHC) meeting of United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held in Manama, Bahrain has inscribed four cultural sites on the
World Heritage List. These four cultural sites are Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai (India),
Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars region (Iran), Hidden Christian Sites in Nagasaki Region (Japan) and
Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea (South Korea).
Key Facts

Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai: These two ensembles bear testimony to the phases
of modernization that Mumbai has undergone in course of the 19th and 20th centuries. Mumbai’s
Victorian ensemble includes Indian elements suited to climate, including balconies and verandas. Art Deco
edifices are found in cinemas and residential buildings, having blend of Indian design with Art Deco
imagery, creating unique style that has been described as Indo-Deco.
Sassanid Archaeological Landscape of Fars region: They are eight archaeological sites situated in three
geographical parts in southeast of Fars Province of Iran viz. Firuzabad, Bishapur and Sarvestan. These
fortified structures, palaces, and city plans date back to earliest and latest times of Sassanian Empire (from
224 to 658 CE). These sites bear witness to influence of Achaemenid and Parthian cultural traditions and
of Roman art, which had significant impact on architecture and artistic styles of the Islamic era.
Hidden Christian Sites in Nagasaki Region: It is located in north-western part of Kyushu Island. The 12
components of the site consist of 10 villages, Hara Castle and cathedral, built between the 16th and 19th
centuries. Together they reflect earliest activities of Christian missionaries and settlers in Japan. These
sites also bear unique testimony to cultural tradition nurtured by hidden Christians in Nagasaki region
who secretly transmitted their faith during period of prohibition from 17th to 19th century.
Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea: They are Buddhist mountain monasteries located
throughout southern provinces of Korean Peninsula. They are |spatial arrangement of seven temples that
Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com
comprise site, (established from 7th to 9th centuries), present common characteristics that are specific to
Korea– “madang” (open courtyard) flanked by four buildings (pavilion, Buddha Hall, lecture hall and
dormitory). They contain large number of individually remarkable structures, objects, documents and
shrines. These mountain monasteries are sacred places, and have survived as living centres of faith and
daily religious practice.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The World Heritage Sites are sites selected by UNESCO, having cultural, historical, scientific or other form
of significance and is legally protected by international treaties The list is maintained by international
World Heritage Programme administered by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The committee
comprises of 21 UNESCO member states which are elected by UN General Assembly.
Each World Heritage Site included in the list remains part of the legal territory of the state where it is
located. But inclusion of sites in the list by UNESCO is in interest of the international community to
preserve each site. Presently, Italy with 50 sites is home to the greatest number of World Heritage Sites.
Mumbai’s Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Buildings declared World Heritage site by UNESCO
Two building clusters of Victorian Gothic and Art Deco architectural styles in Mumbai, Maharashtra were
jointly inscribed in UNESCO World Heritage List. The decision was taken during 42nd session of UNESCO
World Heritage Committee (WHC) in Manama, Bahrain. This recognition will push country’s financial
capital high on global cultural map.
Recognised Structures are
This is first world heritage site that flaunts combination of 19th Century Victorian Gothic structures and 20th
Century Art Deco buildings. The ensemble of two building clusters recognized from Mumbai consists of 94
buildings primarily of 19th century Victorian Gothic revival and early 20th century Art Deco style of
architecture.
Victorian buildings of Mumbai that have earned recognition, forms part of larger Fort precinct and are
situated to east of Oval Maidan. These public buildings, include Old Secretariat (1857-74), University
Library and Convention Hall (1874-78), Bombay High Court (1878), Public Works Department Office (1872),
Watson’s Hotel (1869), David Sasoon Library (1870), Elphinstone College (1888), Prince of Wales Museum
(now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya), Maharashtra Police Headquarters, and NGMA
(National Gallery of Modern Art). The buildings of Art Deco structures that have earned recognition
includes building of first row of Marine Drive, Regal and Eros Cinemas, Ram Mahal along Dinshaw Wacha
Road, Cricket Club of India and Buildings of Backbay Reclamation scheme.
Key Facts
This is third such honour for Mumbai after Elephanta Caves and majestic Victoria Terminus (rechristened

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station) which had earned coveted tag in 1987 and 2004
respectively. With this, Mumbai has equal number of World Heritage sites as Delhi, which has three —
Red Fort, Qutub Minar and Humayun’s Tomb.
With this, the count of World Heritage Sites in India has now risen to 37, of which 29 are cultural, seven
natural and one mixed site. It makes India sixth ranked country in the list of world heritage properties. With
five sites, Maharashtra has maximum number of world heritage sites in India, including Ajanta and Ellora
caves in Aurangabad and Mumbai has three.
July 2, 2018
Income Tax department launches instant e-PAN card service
The Income Tax Department has launched instant Aadhaar-based e-PAN allotment service for individuals
seeking PAN (Permanent Account Number) service for the first time. This facility is free of cost and is
available for a limited period on first-come, first-served basis for valid Aadhaar holders. It was introduced
because of increasing number of people applying for PAN. A
Key Facts
The e-PAN will be allotted on basis of one-time password (OTP) sent on mobile number linked to Aadhaar
number of a person. It will have the same name, date of birth, gender, mobile number and address as in
Aadhaar. This facility is only for resident individuals and not for Hindu Undivided Family (HUF), firms,
trusts and companies,” the advisory said.VineetOnce e-PAN is allotted
Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | to applicant through his electronic
Aadhaar-based verification system in few seconds, the applicant will be sent the PAN card by post. The
process can be done at the official portal of the department: https://www.incometaxindiaefiling.gov.in.
Permanent Account Number (PAN)
PAN is a ten-digit alphanumeric number, issued by the Income Tax Department of India in form of a
laminated tamper proof card. It was introduced to facilitates linking of various documents, including
payment of taxes, assessment, tax demand, tax arrears etc. relating to an assesses for widening of tax base
and detecting and combating tax evasion. Its purpose is to facilitate easy retrieval of information and
facilitate matching of information relating to investment, raising of loans and other business activities of
taxpayers collected through various sources, both internal as well as external. PAN is unique to individual
or entity and it is valid across India. Once allotted to individual or entity, it is unaffected by change of
name, address within or across states in India or other factors. It enables department to link all
transactions of person with IT Department.
India, Pakistan exchange lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen lodged in each other’s jails
India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of civilian prisoners and fishermen lodged in each other’s jails.
The list was shared as per the provision of bilateral agreement on consular access signed between both
countries in May 2008. Under it, lists of prisoners have to be exchanged twice every year – on January 1
and July 1.
Key Facts
In the latest exchange, Pakistan has shared with India list of 53 civilian prisoners and 418 fishermen in its
custody, who are Indians or believed to be Indians. India handed over to Pakistan list of 249 civilian
prisoners and 108 fishermen from Pakistan lodged in Indian jails. India also shared details of reconstituted
Joint Judicial Committee in order to take further understanding reached to address humanitarian issues,
especially with respect to elderly, women and mentally unsound prisoners and that of Indian medical
experts team to visit Pakistan to meet mentally-unsound prisoners. Pakistan has also been requested to
allow visit of group of fishermen representatives to facilitate repatriation of Indian fishing boats,
presently held in Pakistan’s custody, at the earliest.
9th meeting of EPG on Indo-Nepal relations concludes in Kathmandu
The ninth and final meeting of Eminent Persons Group (EPG) on India-Nepal relations concluded in
Kathmandu, capital city of Nepal. During this two day meeting, representatives from India and Nepal
deliberated up on various bilateral issues including 1950 Peace and Friendship treaty, trade, transit and
border.
Key Facts
During the last meeting, EPG successfully prepared joint report which will be submitted to Prime

Ministers of both the countries. It has agreed to update all the bilateral treaties and agreements reached in
past between India and Nepal in line with the present reality of the two countries.
EPG members from India included Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Mahendra P Lama, Jayanta Prasad and B C
Upreti and from Nepal included Bhekh Bahadur Thapa, Nilambar Acharya, Suryanath Upadhyay and Rajan
Bhattarai. Members from India include Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Mahendra P Lama, Jayanta Prasad and B C
Upreti
Background
The EPG was formed in January 2016 by Governments of Nepal and India for reviewing the entire gamut
of Nepal-India relations and update bilateral agreements and treaties. It is a joint mechanism consisting
experts and intellectuals from India and Nepal. There are four members each from Nepalese and Indian
sides in the group.
It is mandated to review various aspects of the bilateral relations including Nepal-India Friendship Treaty
1950 and provide suggestion on ways to reshape bilateral between the two countries. During earlier
meetings of EPG, Nepali side had presented facts regarding need to review Nepal-India Peace and
Friendship Treaty of 1950 so as to update is as required by time and situation.
1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship
The treaty is a bilateral pact between India and Nepal aimed at establishing close strategic relationship
between two South Asian neighbors. It wasVineet
inked on July 31, 1950
Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | at Kathmandu by then Prime Minister of
Nepal Mohan Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana and then Indian ambassador to Nepal Chadreshwar Narayan
Singh.
The treaty has 10 articles. It permits free movement of people and goods between two countries and close
relationship and collaboration on matters of defence and foreign affairs. It envisages for eternal peace and
friendship between two nations and recognizes and respect complete sovereignty, territorial integrity and
independence of each other.
According to Articles 6 and 7 of the treaty, the two countries agree to grant, on reciprocal basis, to citizens
of one country in territories of other, same privileges in matter of residence, ownership of property,
participation in trade and commerce, movement and other privileges of similar nature.
This enables the Nepali and Indian nationals to move freely across border without passport or visa, live
and work in either country and own property or do trade or business in either country. There is a
significant number of Nepalis (in millions) living, owning property and working or doing business in India
as beneficial aspect of treaty for Nepal. Similarly, many Indians live, own property and do business in
Nepal.
Golden Globe Race: Indian Navy’s Commander Abhilash Tomy to circumnavigate globe solo, non-stop
Well-known sailor Commander Abhilash Tomy of Indian Navy has participated in historic Golden Globe
Race (GGR), which commenced from Les Sables d’Olonne harbour in western France. He will be
representing India in indigenously built sailing vessel Thuriya, a replica of 1950s sailing vessel Suhaili.
The race is expected to end at Les Sables d’Olonne in April 2019. He is the only invitee from Asia to
prestigious GGR. There are 18 participants, including one woman sailor, in the race. Commander Abhilash
Tomy is only Indian to complete solo, non-stop circumnavigation of globe in 2012-13, on-board Indian
Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Mhadei, and has covered 53,000 nautical miles under sail.
Golden Globe Race (GGR)
The GGR is being conducted by UK based sailing pioneer Sir Robin Knox Johnston to commemorate 50
years since the world’s first solo non-stop circumnavigation by him on-board Indian-built boat Suhaili, in
1968. In this race, participants are required to sail around the world, single-handed and non-stop. The race
does not allow boat designs and technology newer than 1968. It is mandatory for participants to rely
traditional means of navigation such as physical maps and observing stars. They are not allowed to use of
the Global Positioning System (GPS), satellite communication or modern navigational aids. They are
provided with satellite phone for medical emergencies.
National Doctors’ Day: July 1
The National Doctors’ Day is observed every year on 1 July across India to express gratitude and

acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the doctors’ towards our society. The observance of the
day honours legendary physician and West Bengal’s second Chief Minister, Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy whose
birth and death anniversary coincides on the same day. Indian Medical Association (IMA’s) theme for 2018
National Doctors’ Day is ‘Zero tolerance to violence against doctors and clinical establishment’,
Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy
He was born on 1 July 1882 in Patna, Bihar and died on 1 July 1962 in Kolkata, West Bengal. He was highly
respected physician and a renowned freedom fighter. He was the second Chief Minister of West Bengal
and remained in his post for 14 years from 1948 until his death in 1962.
He is often considered the great architect of West Bengal. He had founded five cities of West Bengal
Durgapur, Bidhannagar, Ashokenagar, Kalyani and Habra. He was also a member of the Brahmo Samaj. He
was an alumnus of the Medical College Calcutta of the University of Calcutta. He was awarded Bharat
Ratna, India’s highest civilian award in 1961. The Union Government has instituted Dr BC Roy National
Award in his memory. He was instrumental in formation of Indian Medical Association (IMA) in 1928 and
also in establishment of Medical Council of India (MCI).
The National Doctor’s Day was established by Central Government in 1991 to be recognized and celebrated
every year on 1st of July i.e. on the birth and death anniversary of the most famous physician of India Dr. B
C Roy.
Kerala Government declares Kozhikode and Malappuram districts free from Nipah virus
Kerala Government has declared Kozhikode and Malappuram districts free from Nipah virus infection.
These districts were declared as temporarily Nipah free as no positive case of the infecton was reported
till completion of double incubation period of the virus. Earlier in June 2018, state government had lifted
the travel advisory issued in the wake of the virus for travelling to any part of the state. It also had lifted
high alert in districts and said the virus has been brought under control and its spread checked.
Educational institutions were also reopened.
Nipah Virus (NiV) Infection
NiV infection is zoonotic disease (disease transmitted to humans from animals) that causes severe disease
in both animals and humans. The organism which causes Nipah Virus encephalitis is RNA or Ribonucleic
acid virus of family Paramyxoviridae, genus Henipavirus, and is closely related to Hendra virus.
Origin: It was first identified in 1999 during outbreak among pig farmers in Malaysia and Singapore. It
gets its name from Sungai Nipah, a Malaysian village, where pig farmers became ill with encephalitis. In
these subsequent outbreaks, there were no intermediate hosts of the virus. In Bangladesh in 2004,
humans got infected after consuming date palm sap that had been contaminated by infected fruit bats.
Natural Host: Fruit bats of Pteropodidae Family, Pteropus genus are natural host of the virus. The virus is
present in bat urine and potentially, bat faeces, saliva, and birthing fluids. Presumably, first incidence of
NiV infection occurred when pigs in Malaysian farms came in contact with fruit bats who had lost their
habitats due to deforestation.
Transmission: The virus spreads fast and is mostly fatal. Infected bats shed virus in their excretion and
secretion. It cannot be transmitted through air. It is transmitted through direct contact with infected bats,
pigs. Human to Human transmission from other NiV-infected people is also reported.
Signs & Symptoms: NiV infection in humans has range of clinical presentations i.e., from asymptomatic
infection to acute respitatory syndrome and fatal encephalitis (inflammation of brain). After exposure and
incubation period of 5 to 14 days, illness presents with 3-4 days of fever and headache, followed by
drowsiness, disorientation and mental confusion. These signs and symptoms can progress to coma within
24 to 48 hours. The mortality rate of patients infected with NiV infection is reportedly 70%. It is capable of
causing diseases in domestic animals too.
Treatment: There is no vaccine for NiV disease either for humans or animals. The main treatment for
those infected is intensive supportive care and supportive medicines. NiV Infection can be prevented by
avoiding exposure of infected people without protective gear. In disease prone areas, fruits strewn on the
ground should not be eaten, for safety.
Ravindra Dholakia committee: Government forms panel to upgrade norms for state, district level

economic data collection

The Union Government has constituted 13-member Committee for Sub-National Accounts to upgrade the
norms for computation of economic data at states and districts level in backdrop of plans to revise the
base year for National Accounts or Gross Domestic Production (GDP) calculation. It will be headed by
Ravindra H Dholakia, a retired professor of IIM Ahmedabad.
Terms of Reference of the Committee
The committee will review concepts, definitions, classifications, data conventions, data sources and data
requirements for preparation of State Domestic Product (SDP) and District Domestic Product (DDP) and
to lay down revised guidelines. It will also suggest measures for improving SDP and DDP in the country
taking into consideration availability of data and requirements of Centre and States/UTs. It will also
suggest state level annual and benchmark surveys keeping in view needs of System of National Accounts
especially in view of next base year revision. It will submit its report within one year.
Background
The Central Statistics Office (CSO), under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI)
revises the base year of macroeconomic indicators, as regular exercise, to capture structural changes in
economy and improve quality and representativeness of indices. CSO had last updated base year for GDP
calculation to 2011-12 from January 2015, replacing old series base year of 2004-05.
MOSPI is planning to change base year to 2017-18 for calculation
Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | of GDP and Index Industrial Production
(IIP) numbers from current 2011-12 with an aim to capture changes in the economy. At conference of
central and state statistical organisations (COCSSO) earlier this year, it was suggested that same
principles and concepts should be used while calculating SDP and DDP across the country to make data
comparable.
Manufacturing PMI: India’s manufacturing growth jumps to six-month high in June 2018
According to Nikkei Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), compiled by IHS Markit, India’s
manufacturing growth jumps to six-month high in June 2018. Manufacturing PMI rose to 53.1 in June
2018 from 51.2 in May 2018, the highest since December 2017. This is the 11th consecutive month that the
manufacturing PMI remained above the 50-point mark. The reading above 50 on index denotes expansion
and less than that indicates contraction in activities.
Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)
PMI is an indicator of business activity-both in the manufacturing and services sectors. It is a survey-
based measure that asks respondents about changes in their perception of some key business variables
from month before. It is calculated separately for manufacturing and services sectors and then composite
index is constructed.
Implications for economy
PMI is usually released at start of month, much before most of official data on industrial output,
manufacturing and GDP growth is made available. It is, therefore, considered as good leading indicator of
economic activity. Manufacturing growth measured by PMI is considered good indicator of industrial
output.
July 3, 2018
SC extends deadline for publication of final draft of Assam’s National Register of Citizens
Supreme Court has extended deadline for publication of final draft of Assam’s National Register of
Citizens (NRC) from earlier June 30, 2018 to July 31, 2018. This extension comes after Central Government
and the state coordinator of NRC agreed to publish it within the new time limit.
Key Facts
The NRC is being prepared to identify illegal migrants in Assam. The major northeastern state had faced
influx of people from Bangladesh since early 20th century. It is the only state having an NRC, which was
first prepared in 1951. SC for giving extension to deadline had considered report of state NRC coordinator.
The report had mentioned that it would be not be possible to release final draft of the NRC as scheduled on
June 30, 2018 due to the floods in state.
National Register of Citizens (NRC)
NRC contains the names of bona fide Indian Citizens of Assam that distinguish them from the foreigners.
It is updated periodically. However, in Assam the updation could not be carried on since 1951 due to

various political tensions such as Assam Movement of 1980s, the language movement and other ethnic
movements.
It was first updated in 1951 but since then it has been not updated due to various political tensions such as
Assam Movement of 1980s, language movement and other ethnic movements. But now it is being updated
in time bound manner after Supreme Court judgment (2014) to incorporate Assam Accord of 1985 in order
to tackle the issue of illegal immigration from Bangladesh.
NRC is being updated as per provisions of Citizenship Act, 1955 and Citizenship (Registration of Citizens
and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003. It will include names of person or their descendants
whose name appear in NRC 1951 or any of Electoral Rolls up to midnight of 24th March 1971.
The actual implementation of NRC is done by Statutory Authorities i.e. Local Registrars and District
Magistrates appointed by State Government. A senior official of State Government functions as State
Coordinator and coordinates with Registrar General of Citizen Registration (RGI) in regard to various
activities.
Delhi government launched Happiness Curriculum for its school students
The Delhi government launched ‘Happiness Curriculum’ which includes meditation, moral values and
mental exercises for its school students. It was launched by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the
presence of the Dalai Lama.
Happiness Curriculum Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
The Happiness Curriculum focuses on holistic education by including meditation, value education, and
mental exercises in conventional education curriculum. It was designed and prepared by a team of 40
Delhi government teachers, educators and volunteers over period of six months. It involves ‘Happiness’
period of 45 minutes for all students studying in nursery up to class VIII at all Delhi government schools.
Each class will begin with 5 minute meditation practice. The curriculum focuses on meditation, moral
teachings, and mental exercises, with the aim of turning students into good human being.

Index of Eight Core Industries register 3.6% growth in May 2018

According to Index of Eight Core Industries released by Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the growth
of eight core infrastructure industries has dropped to 10-month low of 3.6% in May 2018 due to decline in
production of crude oil and natural gas. This is the lowest growth rate since July 2017 when eight core
infrastructure industries had expanded by 2.9%. The growth rate recorded in April 2018 stood higher at
4.6%. In April and May 2018, the eight industries recorded 4.1% growth compared to 3.3% in same period
in 2017.
Sector wise breakaway in May 2018

Core industries
Core industries can be defined as main or key industries of the economy. In most countries, these
particular industry are backbone of all other industries. In India, there are eight core sectors comprising of
coal, crude oil, natural gas, petroleum refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity. The eight
infrastructure sectors, constitute 40.27% of the total index of industrial production (IIP).
Revised weightage in core sectors: Petroleum Refinery production (weight: 28.04%), Electricity
generation (19.85%), Steel production (17.92%), Coal production (10.33%), Crude Oil production (8.98%),
Natural Gas production (6.88%), Cement production (5.37%), Fertilizers production (2.63%).
Legatrix: NRL in Assam becomes first oil PSU to adopt online legal compliance system
Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) in Assam became first oil public sector undertaking (PSU) in India to adopt
an online legal compliance system by introducing ‘Legatrix‘. This initiative aims to induce greater
transparency NRL’s operations and augment its contribution towards Digital India Mission of the
Government.
Legatrix
Legatrix is cloud-based compliance management system to serve as onestop solution for effectively
managing organisations legal and regulatory compliances through monitoring control at different levels.
It encompasses requirements of laws like labour, IT, taxation, commercial, export-import, corporate laws
and other industry-specific laws. It will support risk tracking and compliance on real-time basis along
with creation of centralised repository, auto-generated reports and certificates, compliance calendar and
immediate updates for legal and regulatory amendments.
Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL)
NRL is public sector oil company in Assam. It is under administrative control of Union Ministry of
Petroleum & Natural Gas. It is located at Morangi, Golaghat district, Assam in India. It is joint venture
between Bharat Petroleum (61.65%), Oil India (26%) and Government of Assam (12.35%). It has capacity of 3
million metric tonnes (mmt) per year.
India to provide tariff concessions on 3,142 items to APTA members
India has agreed to provide tariff concessions on 3,142 products to Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA)
members, from July 1, 2018. The tariff concessions are implementation of results of fourth round of
negotiations under APTA, which were formally concluded and signed by the ministers of member
countries during meeting of APTA Ministerial Council in January, 2017.
Key Facts
With this implementation of the Fourth Round, the coverage of preferences of total tariff lines for each
member will come of 10,677 tariff lines (up from 4,270 items at conclusion of 3rd Round). It will also
deepen average Margin of Preference (MoP) being provided under agreement to 31.52%. The LDC members
are entitled to greater concessions on 1,249 items with average MoP of 81% under special and differential
treatment provisions of APTA.
Asia Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA)
APTA is an initiative under United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN
ESCAP) for trade expansion through exchange of tariff concessions among developing country members
of Asia Pacific Region. It is preferential trade agreement (PTA), under which basket of items as well as
extent of tariff concessions are enlarged during trade negotiating rounds which are launched from time to
time.
APTA was signed in 1975 and was formerly known as Bangkok agreement (renamed to present name in
2005). UNESCAP’s Trade and Investment Division in Bangkok, Thailand serves its secretariat. It is the first
plurilateral and oldest preferential trade agreement among developing countries in Asia-Pacific .The six
member countries of APTA are Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, Korea and Sri Lanka.
APTA aims to promote economic development through adoption of mutually beneficial trade liberalization
measures that will contribute to intra-regional trade expansion and provides for economic integration
through coverage of merchandise goods, services, investment and trade facilitation.
5th RCEP intersessional ministerial meeting held in Tokyo, Japan
The 5th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) intersessional ministerial meeting was
held in Tokyo, Japan. It was first RCEP ministerial gathering to be held outside ASEAN countries. It was
co-chaired by Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing and his Japanese counterpart
Hiroshige Seko.
Key Facts
During the meeting, ministers from member countries had in-depth discussions on issues such as trade,
service, investment and rules at the meeting. They recognized importance of early conclusion o RCEP
negotiations consistent. They also reaffirmed their resolve to work together and achieve agreement that
will allow economies of different levels of development to actively participate in and benefit from open and
inclusive regional economic integration.
Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
RCEP is a proposed proposed free trade agreement (FTA) or comprehensive regional economic integration
agreement between the 10-ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam) and its six FTA partners (Australia, New Zealand, India, China,
Japan and Korea).
Its negotiations were formally launched at 2012 ASEAN Summit in Cambodia. Till 2017, 16 RCEP member
states accounted for population of 3.4 billion people with total GDP (in terms of PPP) of $49.5 trillion,
approximately 38% of the world’s GDP (combined GDPs of China and India makes up more than half that
amount) and 29% of world trade. RCEP is viewed as an alternative to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a
proposed trade agreement that includes several Asian and American nations but excludes China and India.

Tejas: Indigenous fighter aircraft commences operations from Sulur Air Force Station
Indigenous fighter aircraft Tejas of No 45 Squadron (The Flying Daggers) of Indian Air Force (IAF) has
formally commenced operations from Sulur Air Force Station in Tamil Nadu. With deployment of Tejas, its
squadron ‘Flying Daggers’ took up active wartime role towards safeguarding national skies.
Key Facts
Southern Air Command (SAC) based at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has been entrusted with
responsibility of integrating Tejas fighter aircraft in IAF’s Concept of Operations. It has been involved in
training aircrew of fighter aircraft Tejas. Sulur Air Force Station will now undertake operations and
maintenance of the indigenous fighter aircraft.
Tejas figher aircraft
Tejas is the first advanced fly-by-wire Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) designed, developed and manufactured
indigenously by state owned Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL). It is lightweight single-seat multi-
role jet fighter. It has been pegged as world’s smallest and lightest supersonic fighter. It is powered by a
single engine. It has tailless and compound delta wing design.
It was developed and manufactured under Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme, which began in the
1980s to replace India’s ageing MiG-21 fighters. It is equipped with satellite-aided Inertial Navigation
System. It has digital computer-based attack system and autopilot mode. It can fire Air to Air missiles,
carry bombs and precision guided ammunition. It has limited reach of a little over 400-km. It will be
mainly used for close air-to-ground operations.
Note: LCA Tejas is not India’s first indigenous fighter to be inducted into IAF. In April 1967, IAF had
formed the first operational squadron with the indigenous HF-24 Marut fighter.
July 4, 2018
Genome Valley 2.0: Telangana Government inks MoU with Singapore’s Surbana Jurong
Telangana Government has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based
engineering & consulting firm Surbana Jurong for preparing roadmap for Genome Valley 2.0. It will be an
upgraded version of life sciences and biotechnology industrial cluster state’s capital city Hyderabad.
Genome Valley
Genome Valley is India’s first organized pharma-biotech cluster for life sciences R&D activities and largest
life sciences destination in Asia, being home to over 200 companies employing 10,000 people. It is already
home to multinationals such as Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, DuPont, Mylan, US Pharmacopeia among
others. It includes 6 of world’s top 10 R&D companies and three of India’s largest vaccine manufacturers.
The cluster was conceptualized in 1999 in Shamirpet, Hyderabad, India. It is spread over 600 sq kms in
vicinity of Hyderabad. It is India’s first systematically developed R&D cluster, boasting world-class
infrastructure facilities in form of Industrial/Knowledge Parks, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Multi-
tenanted wet laboratories and Incubation facilities. It synergizes a healthy mix of companies in realm of
biopharma, vaccine manufacturing, agri-biotech, Clinical Research Management (CRM), regulatory and
testing, and other related areas.
Genome Valley 2.0
Genome Valley 2.0 is vision to upgrade cluster into world-class knowledge led integrated corridor in self-
sufficient life sciences ecosystem. It is being envisioned to transform into industry led knowledge based
ecosystem to become a driver for local economic development. It will introduce world class knowledge
cluster and lay master plan to transform the ecosystem into a smart satellite town of Hyderabad. Its
expansion will enable more global companies to establish and expand their operations.
Vishwas Patel appointed as Chairman of Payments Council of India
Payments Council of India (PCI) has appointed Vishwas Patel, Director at Infibeam Avenues as its new
Chairman. He will take over from Naveen Surya, who has been elevated to post of Chairman Emeritus. He
has been associated with PCI since its inception in 2013 and was serving as PCI’s co-Chairman. PCI also
has appointed Loney Antony, Managing Director, Hitachi Payment Services, as its new co-Chairman.
Payments Council of India (PCI)
PCI is an apex non-governmental body representing companies in payments and settlement system. It
was formed in 2013 under aegis of IAMAIVineet(Internet and Mobile
Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | Association of India) to cater needs of
digital payment industry in India. It was formed for representing various regulated non-banking payment
industry players and to help resolve various industry level issues and barriers in payments and settlement
system.
It works with all its members to promote payments industry growth and support goal of ‘Cash to Less
Cash Society’ and ‘Growth of Financial Inclusion’ which is also vision shared by Government of India and
Reserve Bank of India (RBI). PCI works closely with regulators i.e. RBI, Finance Ministry and any similar
government, departments, bodies or institutions to make ‘India a less cash society’.
Defence Ministry approves construction of 17 new Baffle Firing Ranges
The Union Ministry of Defence has sanctioned construction of 17 new baffle firing ranges at various
Military Stations, Cantonments, Training Establishments. The proposed baffle shooting ranges can
facilitate firing from 300 to 500 meters.
Key Facts
These 17 new firing ranges will be in addition to 60 similar firing ranges existing all over the country.
They will come at Southern Command (7 ranges), Eastern Command (3), Northern Command (2), South
Western (1) and Central Commands (1). Besides, one range is proposed at Central Command for Officers
Training Academy, Gaya, Bihar.
Background
Baffle firing ranges are covered shooting practice areas which prevent possible accidents due to stray
bullet injuries. In recent times, due to growth of civilian population around cantonments areas, possibility
of accidents due to stray bullet injuries have increased. In order to prevent accidents and casualties
without affecting the training requirements of Armed Forces new baffle ranges were approved.
NITI Aayog to organise India’s First Global Mobility Summit
NITI Aayog is going to organise ‘MOVE: Global Mobility Summit’ on September 7-8, 2018 collaboration
with various ministries and industry partners. The summit will be held in New Delhi and will be
inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It will help to drive India’s goals for vehicle
electrification, renewable energy integration and job growth, thus, speeding up India’s transition to a
clean energy economy.
MOVE: Global Mobility Summit
Objectives: The summit aims to bring together and engage with key stakeholders within rapidly
transforming global mobility landscape and to evolve public interest framework for shared, connected,
zero emission agenda for the future. It also aims to encourage synergies between indigenous industries
such as automobile manufacturing, information technology, electronics, telecommunications to integrate
with global supply chains. It also envisages mobility as key driver for generating employment, providing
innovative solutions to improve efficiency and efficacy of transport sector and accelerate economic
growth.
Key Features: The summit will feature global political leaders from mobility space and will see
participation of over 1200 participants from across world including government leadership, research
organizations, academia, industry leaders, think tanks and civil society organisations.
Key Themes: The summit will be organised along key tracks (themes) to anchor debate and deliberations
on towards preparing collective mobility agenda. These themes or tracks are asset utilization and services,
comprehensive electrification, alternative energy, reinventing public transit and logistics and goods
transport.
KIMIS: KVIC launches e-marketing system
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) launched its in-house developed, single-umbrella e-
marketing system named Khadi Institution Management and Information System (KIMIS) in New Delhi.
The system can be accessed from anywhere in the country for sale and purchase of Khadi and Village
Industries products.
Khadi Institution Management and Information System (KIMIS)
KIMIS will serve as in-house single umbrella billing software for sale and purchase that could be
monitored, round-the-clock, from any part of India. It has been developed by KVIC IT team. It will give
real-time data of sales and also give updated status of stocks of khadi bhawans and godowns, allowing
better planning and control of inventory. Vineet
480SinghKhadi institutions and showrooms of KVIC will be linked
| vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
with this billing software. The software will be useful in raising demand and supply of goods in high
demand.
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
KVIC is a statutory body formed under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956. It is an
apex organization under the aegis of Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Functions of KVIC
It plans, promotes, organizes and implements programmes for development of Khadi and village
industries in rural areas. It creates and manages reserves of raw materials and supplying them to
producers, creating common service facilities for processing of raw material and semi-finished goods. It
promotes sales and marketing of Khadi Products. It also encourages and promotes research in production
techniques and equipments in Khadi Industries.
cVigil: Election Commission launches app to report model code violations
The Election Commission of India has launched Cvigil mobile application for citizens to report any
violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during elections. The app aims at empowering people
across the country to share evidence of malpractice by political parties, their candidates and activists
directly with ECI. At present its beta version has been released and will be made available for use during
forthcoming Assembly elections Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and Rajasthan.
Features of cVigil
It will allow anyone in election-bound state to report violations of MCC. By using this app, vigilant citizens
can immediately report on incidents of misconduct anonymously and in real-time by clicking picture or
record video of upto two minutes and uploading it on the app.
The identity of the complainant will be kept confidential and will be provided with Unique ID to track and
receive the follow up updates on the mobile. The app also has inbuilt features to prevent its misuse. It will
be active only in States where elections have been announced.
The app also facilitates sharing of geo-tagged photographic and video evidence without disclosing identity
of sender. The uploaded information will be transmitted to control room and from there to field units or
flying squads, mapped on Geographic Information System (GIS) for further action.
Background
So far, complaints about violations of MCC often were not followed instantly, leading to violators escaping
detection from action squads. Besides, lack of any documented evidence in form of pictures or videos was
seen as hurdle in verifying complaint. Further, absence of robust response system to quickly and
accurately identify scene of occurrence of violations with help of geographical location details hampered
election officers’ ability to apprehend violators. The cVigil app is expected to fill in all these gaps and

create fast-track complaint reception and redressal system.

Uruguay’s Major General Jos Eladio Alcain appointed Head of UNMOGIP
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has appointed Major General José Eladio Alcain of
Uruguayan Army as Head of Mission and Chief Military Observer for UN Military Observer Group in India
and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). He will succeed Major General Per Gustaf Lodin of Sweden, who completed his
two-year assignment.
UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP)
UNMOGIP has been established by UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution and started its operations in
1949. It has been tasked with monitoring the ceasefire line or tasked with monitoring the ceasefire line
between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. UNMOGIP has 44 military observers,
25 international civilian personnel from 10 countries and 47 local civilian staff. The group is financed by
the United Nations regular budget.
Mandate: UNMOGIP’s military observers conduct field tasks (field trip, area recce, field visit and
observation post) along LoC. As part of 1949 Karachi Agreement, it also conducts investigations into
alleged ceasefire violation complaints, which two parties (India and Pakistan) can submit to it. Its findings
of investigations are shared with UN Secretary-General and summary of investigations with two parties.
India’s Opposition
India has maintained that UNMOGIP has Vineet outlived its utility and
Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | is irrelevant after the Shimla (Accord)
Agreement and consequent establishment of Line of Control (LoC) in 1971. In Shimla Agreement, India and
Pakistan had agreed to change ceasefire line to LoC and held that they will resolve their disputes
bilaterally without third party interference. In 2014, India had asked UNMOGIP to wind up its work in
Kashmir and in 2017, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had reiterated that UNMOGIP does not have
mandate to monitor situation in Kashmir. However, Pakistan continues to welcome UNMOGIP mission
based there. On India opposition, UN Secretary-General has held that given the disagreement between
India and Pakistan about UNMOGIP’s mandate and functions, it can only be terminated by decision of UN
Security Council.
July 5, 2018
Sambal scheme: MP Government launches subsidised power scheme for labourers and poor families
Madhya Pradesh Government has Sambal Yojana, an outstanding power bill waiver scheme and
subsidised power scheme for labourers and poor families. Under this scheme, Below Poverty Line (BPL)
families and registered labourers of unorganised sector from the state will be provided electricity at cost
of Rs 200 per month,
Sambal Yojana
The objective of scheme is to make sure that all households have power facility in the state. The
beneficiaries will be provided with power free of cost connection.
Intended Beneficiaries: Below Poverty Line (BPL) families and registered labourers of unorganised sector
are targeted beneficiaries of the scheme. People not using air-conditioners, electric heaters and whose
power consumption is below 1000 watts would be eligible for this scheme. It will benefit more than 88
lakh families in the state. So far, around one crore 83 lakh workers are registered under the scheme.
Key Features of the scheme: Under its subsidised power segment, registered labourers of unorganised
sector and BPL families will be provided with electricity at Rs 200 per month. In case the bill is lower than
Rs 200, beneficiaries will have to pay actual bill amount and if bill amount is crossing Rs 200 then,
difference amount will be subsidised by state government. Pending dues of beneficiaries will be waived off
completely under scheme. The beneficiaries of the scheme will be able to operate fan, television and bulbs.
Cabinet approves Umbrella Schemes for Relief and Rehabilitation of Migrants and Repatriates
The Union Cabinet has approved continuance of 8 existing schemes of Ministry of Home Affairs for relief
and rehabilitation of migrants and repatriates upto March 2020 under Umbrella scheme Relief and
Rehabilitation of Migrants and Repatriates. The schemes will provide relief and rehabilitation assistance
to refugees, displaced persons, civilian victims of terrorist, communal, Left Wing Extremism (LWE)
violence and cross border firing and mine and IED blasts on Indian territory and riot victims of various
incidents etc.

8 schemes are
Central Assistance for one-time settlement of displaced families from Pak Occupied Jammu and
Kashmir (PoJK) and Chhamb settled in J&K.
Rehabilitation Package and up-gradation of infrastructure of Bangladeshi Enclaves and Cooch Behar
District after transfer of enclaves between India and Bangladesh under Land Boundary Agreement
(LBA).
Relief assistance to Sri Lankan refugees staying in camps in Tamil Nadu and Odisha.
Grant-in-Aid to Central Tibetan Relief Committee (CTRC) for 5 years for administrative and social
welfare expenses of Tibetan settlements.
Grant-in-Aid to Tripura Government for maintenance of Brus lodged in relief camps of Tripura.
Rehabilitation of Bru and Reang families from Tripura to Mizoram.
Grant of enhanced relief of Rs. 5.00 lakh per deceased person, who died during 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots.
Central Scheme for Assistance to Civilian Victims, Family of Victims of Terrorist, Communal, LWE
Violence and Cross Border Firing and Mine and IED blasts on Indian Territory.
Background
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had launched 8 schemes at different points of time to enable
migrants and repatriates, who have suffered on account of displacement to earn reasonable income and to
facilitate their inclusion in mainstream economic activities.
Cabinet approves renaming of Agartala Airport as Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore Airport, Agartala
The Union Cabinet approved proposal of renaming Agartala Airport in Tripura as ‘Maharaja Bir Bikram
Manikya Kishore Airport, Agartala. The decision comes in the wake of long pending demand of people of
Tripura as well as Government of Tripura for paying tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore.
Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore
He was the king of Tripura from 1923 to 1947 before its merger with India. He was enlightened and
benevolent ruler. He is considered the father of modern architecture in Tripura, as entire planning of
present-day Tripura was initiated during his rule. As a visionary ruler, he had travelled extensively across
globe and took several steps for all-round development of Tripura. He is also considered one of the
pioneers in land reforms. In 1939, he reserved land for local Tripura tribals, which was later instrumental
in creation of Tripura autonoumus district council.
Background
Agartala Airport was constructed in 1942 on the land donated by Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore.
Due to his initiative, an aerodrome at Agartala was constructed that has evolved as second busiest airport
in North East and provides crucial air connectivity to Tripura. Hence, Agartala Airport was renamed after
him as a befitting tribute to Maharaja Bir Bikram Manikya Kishore.
Cabinet approves extension of Scheme of Recapitalization of Regional Rural Banks
Union Cabinet has approved extension of scheme of recapitalization of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) for
next three years (upto 2019-20). This will enable RRBs to maintain minimum prescribed Capital to Risk
Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) of 9%. It will ensure strong capital structure and minimum required level of
CRAR. This will facilitate financial stability of RRBs and enable them to play greater role in financial
inclusion and meeting credit requirements of rural areas.
Key Facts
The scheme of Recapitalization of RRBs was started in 2010-11 and was extended twice in the year 2012-13
and 2015-16. The last extension was upto March 2017. Total amount of Rs. 1107.20 crore, as Central
Government share, out of Rs. 1450 crore, was released to RRBs upto March, 2017. The remaining amount
of Rs.342.80 crore will be utilized to provide recapitalization support to RRBs whose CRAR is below 9%,
during the extended three years period.
This will be in addition to announcement made in 2018-19 Budget for relating to allowing financially
strong RRBs to raise capital from sources other than Central Government, State Government and Sponsor
Bank. The identification of RRBs requiring recapitalization and amount of capital to be provided will be
decided in consultation with NABARD.
Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)
RRBs were set up as government-sponsored, regional based rural lending institutions under Regional
Rural Banks Act, 1976. They are scheduled commercial banks (Government banks) and are configured as
hybrid micro banking institutions, combining local orientation and small scale lending culture of
cooperatives and business culture of commercial banks.
Objective: They have been created with a view to serve primarily rural areas of India with basic banking
and financial services. They fulfill credit needs of relatively unserved sections in rural areas-small and
marginal farmers, agricultural labourers and socio-economically weaker sections and small entrepreneurs
in rural areas for development of agriculture, trade, commerce, industry and other productive activities.
RRBs can also set branches set up for urban operations and their area of operation may include semi
urban or urban areas too.
Ownership: RRBs are jointly owned by Central Government, concerned State Government and Sponsor
Banks with the issued capital shared in the proportion of 50%, 15% and 35% respectively.
Functions: provide banking facilities to rural and semi-urban areas, they carry out government operations
like disbursement of wages of MGNREGA workers, distribution of pensions etc, they provide para-
Banking facilities like locker facilities, debit and credit cards. They can also function as Small financial
banks.
Cabinet approves accession to WIPO Copyright Treaty and WIPO Performance and Phonograms Treaty
The Union Cabinet has approved India’s accession to WIPO Copyright Treaty, 1996 and WIPO Performers
and Phonograms Treaty, 1996 which extends coverage of copyright to the internet and digital environment.
The proposal was submitted by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of
Commerce and Industry.
Key Facts
The approval is step towards objective laid in National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy adopted by
Government which aims to get value for IPRs through commercialization by providing guidance and
support to EPR (End Point Royalties) owners about commercial opportunities of e-commerce through
Internet and mobile platforms. Both treaties provide framework for creators and right owners to use
technical tools to protect their works and safeguard information about their use i.e. Rights Management
Information (RMI) and Protection of Technological Protection Measures (TPMs).
Benefits
These treaties will help India to enable creative right-holders enjoy fruit of their labour, through
international copyright system that can be used to secure return on investment made in producing and
distributing creative works. It will also facilitate international protection of domestic rights holder by
providing them level-playing field in other countries as India already extends protection to foreign works
through International Copyright order and these treaties will enable Indian right holders to get reciprocal
protection abroad. It will instil confidence and distribute creative works in digital environment with
return on investment and spur business growth and contribute to the development of a vibrant creative
economy and cultural landscape.
Copyright Act, 1957
Copyright Act, 1957 governs the subject of copyright law in the country. Its administration was
transferred to DIPP in March 2016. The Act was amended in 2012 to bring it in conformity, with WCT and
WPPT. It includes amendment in definition of Communication to the public to make it applicable to digital
environment (Section 2(ff)) as also introduced provisions related to Technological. It also includes
Protection Measures (Section 65A) ad Rights Management Information (Section 65B); Moral rights of
performers (Section 38B); Exclusive rights of the performers (Section 38A); safe harbour provisions over
electronic medium (Section 52 (1) (b) and (c)),
WIPO Copyright Treaty
It came in force in March 2002 and has been adopted by 96 contracting parties till date. It is Special
agreement under Berne Convention (for protection of literary and artistic works). It has provisions to
extend protection of copyrights contained therein to the digital environment. It also recognises rights
specific to digital environment of making work available, to address on-demand and other interactive
modes of access.

WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty

It came in force on May 2002 and has been adopted by 96 contracting parties. It deals with rights of two
kinds of beneficiaries, particularly in digital environment. In includes (i) Performers (singers, musicians,
actors etc.) (ii) Producers of Phonograms (Sound recordings). It empowers right owners in negotiations
with new digital platforms and distributors. It also recognizes moral rights of performers for first time
and provides exclusive economic rights to them.
National Commission for Safai Karamcharis: Cabinet approves creation of posts of Vice-Chairperson and
Member
Union Cabinet has approved creation of one post each of Vice-Chairperson and Member in the National
Commission for Safai Karmacharis (NCSK). The decision aims at optimizing functioning of NCSK and
fulfilling desired objectives of welfare and development of target group. At present, it has sanctioned
strength of four members and a chairperson. With this posts, sanctioned strength of NCSK will be one
Chairperson, one Vice-Chairperson and five members.
National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK)
NCSK is statutory body established under National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993. It was
established in 1994 to deal with the grievances of persons engaged in manual scavenging. It aims to
promote and safeguard interests and rights of Safai Karamcharis and Manual Sacavengers and works for
welfare of both. Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
It is mandated to work towards elimination of inequalities in status facilities and opportunities for Safai
Karamcharis. It has important role to ensure rehabilitation of all identified manual scavengers on time-
bound basis. It is mandate is to study, evaluate and monitor implementation of various schemes for Safai
Karamcharis as autonomous organisation. Under Section 31 of Prohibition of Employment as Manual
Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013, NCSK perform flowing functions
Monitor implementation of Act.
Enquire into complaints regarding contravention of provisions of Act.
Advice Central and State Governments for effective implementation of Act.
Working for welfare of both Safai Karamcharis and Manual Sacavengers.
Cabinet approves DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018
The Union Cabinet has approved The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2018. The Bill
aims at expanding application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen justice
delivery system of the country.
Key Features of the Bill
It allows law enforcement agencies to collect DNA samples, create “DNA profiles” and special databanks
for forensic-criminal investigations. It states that all DNA data, including DNA samples, DNA profiles and
records, will be only used for identification of the person and not for any other purpose.
It creates DNA Profiling Board (DPB) that will be final authority that will authorise creation of State-level
DNA databanks, approve the methods of collection and analysis of DNA-technologies. It makes
accreditation and regulation mandatory for DNA laboratories.
It allows government to set up DNA data banks across India to store profiles. These banks will maintain
national database for identification of victims, accused, suspects, undertrials, missing persons and
unidentified human remains.
It also empowers government to impose jail term of up to 3 years and fine of up to Rs. 1 lakh on those who
leak information stored in such facilities. It prescribes similar punishment for those who seek information
on DNA profiles illegally.
Significance
Bill will ensure that with proposed expanded use of DNA profiling technology in the country, there will be
also assurance that DNA test results are reliable and data remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms
of the privacy rights of our citizens. It will also ensure speedier justice delivery and increased conviction
rate.
It will also enable cross-matching between persons who have been reported missing on one hand and
unidentified dead bodies found in various parts of the country on other, and also for establishing the

identity of victims in mass disasters.

It will set in place, an institutional mechanism to collect and deploy DNA technologies to identify persons
based on samples collected from crime scenes or for identifying missing persons.
Background
The utility of forensic DNA profiling based technologies for solving crimes and to identify missing persons
is well recognized across the world. It has proven value in solving cases involving offences that are
categorized as affecting human body (such as rape, murder, human trafficking or grievous hurt) and those
against property (including burglary, theft and dacoity).
The aggregate incidence of such crimes in the country, as per statistics of the National Crime Records
Bureau (NCRB) is in excess of 3 lakhs per year in the year 2016. Of these, only very small proportion is
being subjected to DNA testing. The expanded use of DNA profiling technology in these criminal cases will
result in speedier justice delivery and also in increased conviction rates, which at present is only around
30% (NCRB Statistics for 2016).
NBWL adds 4 species in Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species
The standing committee of National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has recently added four species- Northern
River Terrapin, Clouded Leopard, Arabian Sea Humpback Whale and Red Panda into Centre’s Recovery
Programme for Critically Endangered Species. They were added on the recommendation by Wildlife
Division of Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
Key Facts
Norther River Terrapin: It is species of riverine turtle found in rivers that flow in Eastern India. It is
hunted for its meat and carapace. It is native of Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Clouded Leopard: It is found in Himalayan foothills. It is threatened due to habitat loss, poaching for its
skin and is also as a live pet trade. The IUCN in its Red List assessment of 2016 has categorized Clouded
Leopard as ‘Vulnerable’ and indicating declining trend in its population.
Arabian Sea Humpback Whale: It is a species found in all of major oceans. This species migrates from the
Oman coast through the Arabian sea, along the Indian coasts till the Sri Lankan coast. Ship strikes,
unforgiving fishing gear and siesmic exploarations pose grave threat to it.
Red Panda: It is closely associated with montane forests with dense bamboo-thicket. It is found Sikkim,
West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh. It is poached for its meat, and for use in medicines, and as a pet. The
IUCN has categorized Red Panda as ‘Endangered’. As per its Red List assessment of 2015, population of
this species is decreasing.
Recovery Programme for Critically Endangered Species
The progamme is one of the three components of centrally funded scheme, Integrated Development of
Wildlife Habitats (IDWH). It was started in 2008-09. IDWH is meant for providing support to protected
areas (national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation reserves and community reserves except tiger
reserves), protection of wildlife outside protected areas and recovery programmes for saving critically
endangered species and habitats.
So far, 17 species were identified under this recovery programme. These are Snow Leopard, Bustard
(including Floricans), Dolphin, Nilgiri Tahr, Hangul, Marine Turtles, Edible Nest Swiftlet, Dugongs, Asian Wild
Buffalo, Nicobar Megapode, Manipur Brow-antlered Deer, Vultures, Malabar Civet, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic
Lion, Swamp Deer and Jerdon’s Courser.
July 6, 2018
CBIC develops GST Verify mobile app to protect interest of consumers
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has developed mobile app ‘GST Verify’ to protect
interest of consumers. It is android app to verify if the person collecting GST from consumer is eligible to
collect it or not.
Key Facts
The app provides details of person or company collecting GST. It has been developed by B Raghu Kiran
joint commissioner GST Hyderabad and can be used all across the country. It will allow customers to
verify their bill if any GST amount mentioned is of genuinely registered person or not. This will help
consumers to save the amount shown as tax from fraudster they are cheating them.

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)

CBIC is the nodal national agency responsible for administering Customs, GST, Central Excise, Service
Tax & Narcotics in India. It is part of the Department of Revenue under Union Ministry of Finance. It is
headquartered in New Delhi.
It is one of the oldest government departments of India (established in 1855 by the then British Governor
General of India, to administer customs laws in India and collection of import duties / land revenue). It was
renamed to present name from Central Board of Excise & Customs (CBEC) in March 2017.
CBIC deals with tasks of formulation of policy concerning levy and collection of customs and central
excise duties and service tax, prevention of smuggling and administration of matters relating to customs,
central excise, service tax and narcotics. It is administrative authority for its subordinate organizations,
including Central Excise and Service Tax Commissionerates, Custom Houses and Central Revenues
Control Laboratory.
BSNL unveils internet telephony service Wings
State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced soft launch of its
first Internet telephony service Wings in India to be rolled out from August 1, 2018. It also launched
prepaid initiative in its landline offerings and a rent free landline connection for existing subscribers.
Wings
To use the service of Internet telephony through Wings, customer
Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | needs to install soft app on any of its
smart devices (like smart mobile handset/tablet/ laptop) having internet to make and receive calls from
anywhere in India and abroad with any party (mobile/landline). Through wings, customer can make or
receive calls by using internet service of any operator. This service will use mobile numbering scheme,
provided using IP based access network of IMS NGN Core switches to allow users to make and receive
calls over the Internet via their landline or mobile phone.
Background
This comes after Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had refreshed VoIP guidelines in October
2017 and that was approved by Telecom Commission in May 2018. It has allowed full-fledged internet
telephony by telecom operators which will enable calls from app to app of licensed service providers as
well as on phone numbers
It only allows authorised licensed holders to provide full-fledged internet telephony and not over-the-top
players like Google Duo, WhatsApp that allow only app-to-app calling. In effect, telcos have been allowed
to piggyback on each other’s data networks in case of voice calls over WiFi and these calls can terminate
on mobile or landline networks.
UNESCO to set up Design University for Gaming in Visakhapatnam
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) will set up ‘Design
University for Gaming’ in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. In this regard, UNESCO delegation has
entered into an agreement with Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board (APEDB).
Design University for Gaming
The Design University for Gaming will help UNSECO to develop edutech gaming in state, with the target
of providing 50,000 jobs in 10 years. For this UNESCO has requested State Government to provide 100
acres of land in Visakhapatnam for developing the city as International Gaming and Digital Learning Hub.
Gaming and IT giants like UBSoft, Samsung, Microsoft etc are ready to establish their centres in
Visakhapatnam.
United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
UNESCO is UN organization that helps preserve historical and cultural sites worldwide. It is special multi-
country agency, formed in 1945 and based in France. It promotes literacy and sex education as well as
improving gender equality in countries around world. It is also known for recognising world heritage sites
and work to preserve cultural and heritage sites such as ancient ruins, villages and temples, and historic
sites.
Government launches Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System and Khan Prahari mobile app
The Union Ministry of Coal has launched Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS) and
Mobile Application ‘Khan Prahari’. The CMSMS and the mobile app have been developed by CMPDI, Ranchi
a Subsidiary of CIL and Bhaskarcharya Institute of Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG).
Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS)

The CMSMS is web based GIS application through which location of sites for unauthorised mining can be
detected. Its objective is reporting, monitoring and taking suitable action on unauthorised coal mining
activities. The basic platform used in the system is of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology’s
(MeiTY) map which provides village level information. The leasehold boundary of all coal mines are
displayed on this map. The system uses satellite data to detect changes by which unauthorised mining
activity extending beyond allotted lease area to take suitable action. It also uses information provided by
responsible citizens using smartphones using Khan Prahari mobile app.
Khan Prahari
It is tool used for reporting any activity taking place related to illegal coal mining like rat hole mining,
pilferage etc. Using it, one can upload geo-tagged photographs of incident along with textual information
directly to system. It uses both satellite data and human information to capture information on
unauthorised mining activities. Once incident is reported through this app, information will be
automatically directed to nodal officers to take suitable action on those activities. The complainant can
also track his complaint through it without identity being revealed.
ISRO conducts first test of crew escape module for India’s manned mision to space
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted test of Crew Escape System that
provides escape mechanism for astronautsVineet
if Singh
the| vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com
launch operation | is aborted. The crew escape system is
being developed as part of the he proposed human spaceflight programme. It was first pad abort test
critical for future human space mission that demonstrated safe recovery of crew module in case of any
exigency at the launch pad. The test lasted little more than three minutes and involved aborting space
capsule at launch to save astronaut.
Background
India at present does not have human space flight programme. Only three countries United States of
America (USA), Russia and China have human space flight programmes. The only Indian citizen to ever
travel to space was fighter pilot Rakesh Sharma who flew aboard Soyuz T-11 (spacecraft of former USSR) in
1984.
ISRO is preparing report to be submitted to government for approval for human space flight programme.
Critical technology developments and demonstration for indigenous human space flight capability are in
progress. The crew module systems, space suit, recovery systems, crew escape systems and elements of
environmental control and life support systems already have developed by ISRO.
ISRO already has designed phased programme in place to execute such mission. Once it gets government
approval, it will be ready to demonstrate and execute human space flight within short time frame. If the
programme approved, it could take less than 10 years for ISRO to take human to space once.
Uttarakhand HC declares entire animal kingdom as legal entities
The Uttarakhand High Court has declared entire animal kingdom i.e. all animals, including avian and
aquatic species as legal entities with rights, duties and liabilities of living person. The order was given by
Division Bench of Justice Rajiv Sharma and Justice Lok Pal.
Background
The Division Bench of High Court was hearing PIL by Narayan Dutt Bhatt, filed in 2014 where petitioner
had sought directions to restrict movement of horse carts (tongas) between India and Nepal through
Banbasa in Champawat district of Uttarakhand. However, High Court had enlarged scope of petition in
larger public interest to promote protection and welfare of the animals.
Court Ruling
The court ruled that entire animal kingdom, including avian and aquatic ones are legal entities and have
distinct persona with corresponding rights, duties and liabilities of living person. All the citizens
throughout state are hereby declared persons in loco parentis as human face for welfare and protection of
animals.
It directed State Government that no animal, including horses moving between India and Nepal, carries
excess weight. It also banned use of any sharp equipment throughout state to avoid bruises, swelling,
abrasions or severe pain to animals.

It also directed all veterinary doctors across Uttarakhand to mandatorily treat animals brought to them
by citizens of the state. If animal cannot be brought to doctor, then vet must personally visit and attend
the stray cattle, or animal without delay.
Legal entity
In common law jurisprudence, there are two types of persons, natural persons or human beings and
artificial person, which are also known as juristic persons, juridical entity or legal person other than
natural person. Legal or juristic persons are created by law and recognised as legal entity, having distinct
identity, legal personality and besides duties and rights. They include private business firm or entity, non-
governmental or government organisations, trusts and societies, besides others.
Allow gambling, betting on sports as regulated, taxable activities: Law Commission
The Law Commission of India (LCI) in its report “Legal Framework: Gambling and Sports Betting including
Cricket in India”, has recommended that gambling and betting on sports be allowed as regulated activities.
It recommended number of changes in law for regulating betting for making it taxable under direct and
indirect tax regimes and used as source for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). The commission is
led by former Supreme Court Justice BS Chauhan
LCI Recommendations
Parliament may also enact model law for regulating gambling that may be adopted by states or
Parliament also may legislate in exercise of its
Vineet Singhpowers under |Articles 249 or 252 of the Constitution. In
| vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com
case legislation is made under Article 252, states other than consenting states should be free to adopt the
same.
It recommended linking Aadhar or PAN card of individual indulging in betting and gambling and making
transaction cashless to regulate illegal activities such as money laundering. It also recommended
amending laws regulating forex and India’s FDI policy to allow investments in casino and online gaming
industry.
It suggests amending Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 and rules made thereunder and
also Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy to encourage Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in casino and
online gaming industry, lawfully permitting technological collaborations, licensing and brand sharing
agreements, etc.
FDI in casino and online gaming industry will bring substantial amounts of investment to those states
that decide to permit casinos, propelling the growth of the tourism and hospitality industries, while also
enabling such states to generate higher revenue and employment opportunities.
Law Commission of India (LCI)
The LCI is a non-statutory and non-constitutional body constituted by the Union Government from time
to time. The first commission was constituted in 1955 and since then various commissions were re-
constituted every three years. It is usually headed by a retired Supreme Court judge or former Chief
Justice of a high court. The Secretary Department of Legal Affairs and Secretary, Legislature Department
of Union Ministry of Law & Justice are ex-officio members of the Commission. So far, various Law
Commissions have submitted 262 reports to make important contribution towards codification and
progressive development of laws of the country.
July 7, 2018
Alternative cereals can save water: Study
According to recent study, if Indian farmers make big switch from growing rice and wheat to alternative
cereals such as maize, sorghum and millet, it could reduce demand for irrigation water by 33%. This could
also improve nutritional availability to consumers.
Methodology of study
The study was conducted by researchers from US based Earth Institute, Columbia University and Indian
School of Business, Hyderabad. For their analysis, they had considered water as well as cereal-production
data from 1996-2009 (period when cereal production grew by 230%). They had used proxy — Crop Water
Requirement (CWR), which is product of water required by crop and harvested area to calculate water
consumption in every district in this period, as actual water consumption data was not available.
Key Findings of Study

The combined production of alternative cereals was larger than that of wheat in the 1960s, but their
relative contribution to cereal supply has steadily dwindled. These alternative cereals also
disproportionately account for supply of protein, iron, and zinc among kharif crops.
The rice is the least water-efficient cereal when it came to producing nutrients, and was the main driver in
increasing irrigation stresses. Replacing rice with alternative cereal production with maize, finger millet,
pearl millet, or sorghum could save irrigation and improve production of nutrients such as iron by 27%
and zinc by 13%. It can help distribute nutrient production across the country and reduce impact of single
local climate shock to national grain production.
UN approve US $6.69 billion dollar budget for 13 peacekeeping operations
The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has
approved US $6.69 billion dollar budget for 13 peacekeeping operations for year 2018-19. This is second
year in row in which committee has made significant cuts to overall peacekeeping budget.
Key Facts
The budget approved for missions include MINUJUSTH (UN Mission for Justice Support in Haiti),
MINUSCA (Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Central African Republic), MINURSO
(Mission for Referendum in Western Sahara), MONUSCO (Stabilisation Mission in Democratic Republic of
the Congo) and UNIFIL (Interim Force in Lebanon). The United States is biggest contributor to UB, paying
22% of $5.4 billion core budget and 28.5% of the US $7.9 billion peacekeeping budget. China is other top
contributor with 10.3% followed by Japan with 9.7 %.

Reforms
The Committee also approved significant management reforms including creation of two new
departments focused on political and peacebuilding affairs and four stand-alone divisions for Africa aimed
at streamlining UN’s operations. These are first reform approved in more than 40 years. They will result
in restructuring that cuts through silos and UN bureaucracy, removes redundancies, increases
commonsense UN coordination and ultimately makes UN a more accountable, transparent, and efficient
organisation.
NASSCOM opens Center of Excellence (CoE) for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Bengaluru
Indian IT industry apex body NASSCOM (National Association of Software & Services Companies) has
opened Centre of Excellence for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (CoE-DSAI) in Bengaluru,
Karnataka. The centre was set up in collaboration with Karnataka Government with an aim to nurture
innovation in emerging disruptive technologies such as AI and to leverage the power of data science.
CoE-DSAI
The centre aims to support small and mid-sized businesses (SMB) by fast-tracking their product
developing, providing market access and assist them by co-creating programs along with other industry
partners and start-ups. It will work with governments and universities to provide emerging businesses
with required mentorship, talent and skills. It will create platform for industry to academia to co-create
digital solutions for Industry 4.0. It will work with Government & enterprises to make available large
data-sets for training model, create a technology platform (cloud + on premise) with requisite library of
solutions.
NASSCOM-NITI Aayog Partnership
NASSCOM also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NITI Aayog to collaboratively foster
applied research, accelerating adoption and ethics, privacy and security. Under it, NASSCOM will facilitate
collaboration between NITI Aayog and CoEs. It will also include NITI Aayog as knowledge partner.
Comment
Both these initiatives have been taken with aim to strengthen country’s AI ecosystem and will serve as
platform for intelligence-sharing and technology collaboration between stakeholders to build collective
capabilities for industry and country in the cutting-edge areas artificial intelligence.
National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM)
NASSCOM is global non-profit trade association (organisation) of Indian Information Technology (IT) and
Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. It facilitates business and trade in software and services
and encourages the advancement of research in software technology. It is registered under the Indian
Societies Act, 1860. Its headquarters are in New Delhi.
It has regional offices in Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune and
Thiruvananthapuram. The global IT trade body has over 2000 members, of which over 250 are companies
from the China, EU, Japan, US and UK. NASSCOM’s member companies are in the business of software
development, software services, software products, IT-enabled/BPO services and e-commerce.
International Day of Cooperatives: July 7, 2018
The International Day of Cooperatives (IDC) was observed on July 7 (first Saturday of July) across the
world to promote co-operative model as it contains core aspects of sustainable development and is based
on ethical values and principles. The 2018 theme of the Day was ‘Sustainable societies through cooperation’,
aimed at creating sustainable societies through cooperation. Co-operatives around world celebrate this
day in various fashions and each year the organising institutions agree on a theme for the celebrations.
International Co-operative Day (IDC)
IDC is an annual celebration of the co-operative movement. It has been observed on first Saturday in July
since 1923 by International Co-operative Alliance (ICA). It was proclaimed as first Saturday of July by
United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting resolution 47/90 on December 16, 1992 to mark the
centenary of establishment of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). Since 1995, United Nations’
International Day of Co-operatives has been observed jointly alongside International Co-operative Day.
Co-operatives Movement
Co-operatives foster external equality as they
Vineet Singhare community-based
| vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | and are committed to sustainable
development of their communities – environmentally, socially and economically. It open membership
model affords access to wealth creation and poverty elimination. In co-operatives, contribute equitably to,
and democratically control, capital of their co-operative. Co-operatives Movement has been recognised as
distinct and major stakeholder in both national and international affairs.
AAI to set up Civil Aviation Research Organisation in Hyderabad
State-run Airports Authority of India (AAI) is going to set up state-of-the-art Civil Aviation Research
Organization (CARO) at Hyderabad’s Begumpet Airport. Foundation stone of the centre was laid by Union
Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu. For this project, AAI has earmarked Rs 1,200 crore which will be
spent over 12 years for research and development (R&D).
Civil Aviation Research Organization (CARO)
CARO will be spread over 27 acres and cater needs of growing needs air navigation services and airport
and engineering research. It is expected to be built in three years. It will houses latest infrastructure and
be equipped with simulators. Its focus will be on pursuing inter-disciplinary solutions to improve the civil
aviation sector.
CARO will find indigenous solutions to meet the challenges posed by growing air traffic and for enhancing
safety, capacity and efficiency of aircraft operations in the country. It will take up research work on four
priority areas: increasing airport throughput with existing infrastructural limitations, airspace
optimization, cost-effective infrastructure solutions for upcoming 56 airports under Region Connectivity
Scheme (RCS) and integrating drones in civil airspace.
Background
India’s civil aviation sector is growing at hectic pace of over 20% and this growth is expected to continue
in same momentum in future. This will require significant improvement to existing infrastructure and
creation of new infrastructure to keep pace with the progress. The new research centre is expected to play
important role in developing solutions and addressing problems airports currently face.
Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel appointed Chairperson of National Green Tribunal
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed Justice AK Goel as new Chairperson of
National Green Tribunal (NGT). He will have tenure of five years from date he assumes office or till he
reaches age of 70 years, whichever is earlier. His appointment comes after he retired as Supreme Court
Judge.
Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel
Justice Goel had enrolled at Bar in 1974. He had practised before Punjab & Haryana High Court for 5 years
and Supreme Court and Delhi High Court for about 22 years. He was elevated as judge of Punjab &
Haryana High Court in 2001 before being transferred to Guwahati High Court in September 2011, where
he became Chief Justice in December 2011. He was then transferred as Chief Justice of Orissa High Court
in October 2013. He was elevated to Supreme Court in July 2014.

National Green Tribunal (NGT)
The NGT was established in 2010 under National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 for effective and expeditious
disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural
resources. It draws inspiration from Article 21 of Constitution of India, which assures the citizens of India
the right to a healthy environment.
NGT is guided by principles of natural justice and not bound by procedure laid down under Code of Civil
Procedure, 1908. It is mandated to make and endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals finally within
6 months of filing. New Delhi is Principal Place of Sitting NGT. Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are
zonal sitting benches of tribunal.
Functions: It specialises in adjudicating on matters relating to environment, forests and harm to people or
property due to neglect of environmental obligations of infrastructure projects. It is equipped with
necessary expertise to handle environmental disputes involving multi-disciplinary issues. It also includes
enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to
persons and property and for matters connected therewith.
It adjudicates matters and environmental cases related to Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
1974; Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Public Liability
Insurance Act, 1991; Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Composition: It consist of full time chairperson (retired judge of Supreme Court of India or Chief Justice
of High Court), judicial members and expert members. The minimum number of judicial and expert
member prescribed is 10 in each category and maximum number is 20 in each category. The chairperson
may invite any person or more person having specialized knowledge and experience in particular case
before the tribunal to assist the same in that case.
Supreme Court once again upholds Chief Justice of India as Master of Roster
The Supreme Court in latest ruling once again has upheld Chief Justice of India (CJI) as ‘Master of Roster’.
According to ruling given by SC bench of Justices A.K. Sikri and Ashok Bhushan, CJI is an individual judge
and not the powerful collective of five senior-most judges of Supreme Court called the ‘Collegium’. CJI has
exclusive authority to allocate cases to fellow judges and is spokesperson of the court.
Background
The judgment was based on petition filed by former Union Law Minister Shanti Bhushan for considering
expression CJI should be read as meaning Collegium for the purpose of allocation of cases. The petition
had mentioned that to have collegium of Supreme Court judges collectively to allocate cases rather than
leave the entire power in the hands of CJI in his administrative capacity as the ‘Master of Roster’. This is
the third time Supreme Court has declared its Chief Justice as the ‘Master of Roster’. Earlier the apex
court in two separate judgments in November 2017 and April 2018 had upheld CJI ‘s complete
administrative authority to allocate cases and constitute Benches.
Recent SC Ruling (on petition of Shanti Bhushan)
Court agreed with the submission of Attorney General K K Venugopal that if allocation of cases and
constitution of benches is given in multiple hands, it will lead to differences and hurdles in smooth
distribution of work.
Role of Chief Justice: Though, Constitution is silent on role of Chief Justice and does not have there is no
specific provision relating thereto either in Constitution or even in any other law, but judicial position in
previous judgments of court on this topic was based on sound conventions and has developed healthy
practice over time.
As per these precedents and conventions, CJI is empowered to exercise leadership on the court, and in this
role he is expected to be spokesperson and representative of judiciary in its dealings with executive,
among others. CJI has authority and responsibility for administration of the apex court, which gives him
ultimate authority for determining the distribution of judicial work load.
CJI being the first among equals: The phrase is generally relatable to judicial function designed to
emphasise fact that voices of members of particular bench, which may include ‘Chief Justice’, are given

equal weight and that in deciding cases. In such bench opinion of Chief Justice carries same weight and is
no different from those of other members of the bench. Thus, in given case, there is possibility that Chief
Justice’s view may be minority view and in that eventuality, outcome of case may be what majority
decides. The word first in this this case signifies only fact that Chief Justice is the seniormost judge of the
court.
July 9, 2018
17th World Sanskrit Conference held in Vancouver, Canada
The 17th World Sanskrit Conference was held at Vancouver, Canada from 9th July to 13th July, 2018. It
was inaugurated by Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar. The purpose of this
conference was to promote, preserve and practice Sanskrit language all over world by the people.
Key Facts
The World Sanskrit Conference is being held in various countries across the globe once in every three
years under the auspices of the International Association of Sanskrit Studies. So far it has been held thrice
in India. This year, more than 500 scholars and delegates from over 40 countries participated in this
conference and exchanged their knowledge by presenting papers on various subjects followed by
discussions from amongst the members.
Special panel discussion were held on over dozen topics like History & Education of Women in Vedic
Literature, Mimamsa Beyond the Yagasala,Vineet
Sanskrit Buddhist Manuscripts,
Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | The Yuktidipika Forging Place
for Sankhya, Research on Gargiyajyotisa and Introducing Bhagavata Purana Commentaries. Over 500
papers on various themes were presented during the 5-day conference.
6th edition of biennial World Cities Summit held in Singapore
The sixth edition of biennial World Cities Summit was held in Singapore from July 8 to 12, 2018. Its theme
was “Liveable & Sustainable Cities: Embracing the Future through Innovation and Collaboration“. The summit
was held together with Singapore International Water Week and CleanEnviro Summit Singapore.
Key Facts
The summit was jointly organised by Singapore’s Centre for Liveable Cities and Urban Redevelopment
Authority. This year theme went beyond themes of urban governance and liveable cities, to embrace
future of cities through technology, innovation and collaboration. The summit explored ways for making
cities more liveable and resilient through better governance and planning, technology and social
innovations as well as collaborations with various stakeholders with other cities. It brought together over
20,000 attendees and record number of mayors from over 100 cities around the world to drive future-
forward solutions. It provided unique integrated global platform to drive integrated urban solutions,
connect global business experts, policy-makers, industry leaders and innovators through strategic
collaborative efforts and cutting-edge technologies.
World Cities Summit
It is biennial international conference series on public governance and sustainable development of cities.
It provides platform for government leaders and industry experts to address liveable and sustainable city
challenges, share integrated urban solutions and forge new partnerships. It brings together practitioners
and policy makers with leading experts in their field to identify innovative solutions to the most pressing
challenges facing cities. The first summit, was held in Singapore in June 2008 and focused on the theme of
“Liveable and Vibrant Cities”.
JEE (Main), NEET to be held twice a year, over multiple days: HRD Ministry
Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has announced that two of India’s most popular
competitive exams, Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) (Main) and National Eligibility and Entrance Test
(NEET), will now be held twice a year and over multiple days. Both exams will be conducted by newly
formed National Testing Agency (NTA). It will also conduct National Eligibility Test (NET).
Key Facts
All these exams were earlier conducted by Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Henceforth, JEE
(Main) for undergraduate admission into various engineering colleges will be held twice a year in January
and April. NEET for admission into medical and dental courses will be held in February and May. NET to
determine eligibility for post of assistant professor or award of junior research fellowship will be held in

December.
NTA will conduct these exams will be held over many days and students will have option to choose date.
Moreover, if student appearing for JEE (Main) and NEET both times in a year, best of his/ her two scores
will be taken into account. All tests will be computer-based and practice modules will be made available on
NTA website.
For conducing these exams, NTA will create network of test centres and students will be able to use them
free of charge. These exams will be conducted more securely, at par with international norms and there
will be no issues of leakage and it will be more student-friendly, open, scientific.
Significance
By holding these competitive professional career exams twice a year, students will not lose one year
because there will be two examinations before admission. This will give students more choice and reduce
stress due to single exam conducted on one single day in year. This will give more chances to students,
thereby giving adequate opportunity to bring out his/her best.
Background
The Union Cabinet approved in November 2017 approved setting up of the NTA as an autonomous body to
conduct examinations for entrance to higher educational institutions. Apart from above three exams, NTA
will also conduct Common Management Admission Test (CMAT) and Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test
(GPAT). JEE (Advanced) exam conducted forVineet IITs
Singh |entrance will be
vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | not conducted by NTA.
Mt Ojos del Salado: Satyarup Siddhanta becomes second Indian to climb world’s highest volcano
Satyarup Siddhanta has become second Indian mountaineer after Malli Mastan Babu to climb Mt Ojos del
Salado (6893 m), the highest volcano in the world on Argentina-Chile border. He is certified mountaineer
from Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling. He has skied last degree to South Pole by covering
distance of 111 km. In December 2017 he summited Vinson Massif, becoming only fifth Indian civilian to
complete the seven summits (Messner’s List).
Mt Ojos del Salado
Mt Ojos del Salado is a stratovolcano (volcano built up of alternate layers of lava and ash) in Andes
Mountain range on Argentina–Chile border. It is the highest active volcano in the world, situated at
altitude of 6,893 m. It is also the second highest mountain in tWestern Hemisphere and Southern
Hemisphere and highest in Chile. Its name means “Eyes of the Salty One” in Spanish and comes from
enormous deposits of salt that in the form of lagoons or “eyes”, appear in its glaciers. Due to its location
near tAtacama Desert, it has very dry conditions with snow usually only remaining on peak during winter.
Despite the generally dry conditions, there is permanent crater lake about 100 m in diameter at elevation
of 6,390 m on eastern side of mountain. It is highest lake of any kind in the world.
67th plenary meeting of North Eastern Council held in Shillong, Meghalaya
The 67th plenary meeting of North Eastern Council (NEC) was recently held in Shillong, Meghalaya. It was
chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The meeting was attended by Union Minister of
Development of NER and Governors and Chief Ministers of the north-eastern States.
Key Facts
The meeting discussed development projects of Northeast States. It also reviewed various presentations
on matters related to all-round development of NER. The status of NEC-funded projects was also
discussed. It also deliberated on livelihood programmes, management of water resources, afforestation
and doubling farmer’s income, by 2022, road connectivity, Implementation of Poshan Abhiyan and
Ayushman Bharat etc. It also evaluated security and connectivity matters in the region. For the first time
since it was established in 1971, NEC discussed topics related to security in the region. It also discussed
issues related to Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) and proposed Naga accord.
North Eastern Council (NEC)
NEC is the nodal agency for economic and social development of North Eastern Region (NER) which
consists of eight states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim
and Tripura. It was constituted in 1971 under North Eastern Council (NEC) Act, 1971 (Thus NEC is statutory
body). In June 2018, the chairmanship of NEC was transferred by Union Cabinet to Home Minister from
Minister of Development of NER.

NEC servers as an apex level body for securing balanced and coordinated development and facilitating
coordination with NER states. It has been mandated to function as regional planning body for NER. It
gives priority to schemes and projects while formulating regional plan for this area benefiting two or
more states.
Six bids to supply 110 fighters for IAF
Six global aircraft manufacturers have responded Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Request for Information (RFI) to
supply 110 fighter aircrafts to replace its ageing fleet of MiG-21s and MiG-27s, which are being phased out
of service. Of the six bids received, Lockheed Martin F-16 and SAAB Gripen are single-engine fighters, while
Dassault Rafale, Boeing F-18, Eurofighter Typhoon and United Aircraft Corporation MiG-35 are twin-engine
fighters.
Key Facts
The bids now will be evaluated after which IAF will issue Request For Proposal (RFP) with exact
specifications of aircraft to be procured. The RFP is expected by early 2019. It has not specified exact
requirement of fighter jets, opening up contest to both single-and twin-engine jets. Both configurations
were equally competent and final choice will depend on price and extent of technology transfer.
The processes including technical evaluation and selecting one aircraft will be completed in less than two
years. After that, it depends on how fast the contract negotiations can be completed. It believed that
technical evaluation and trials can be completed very quickly, as all aircrafts already have been tested
extensively earlier. The entire cost of procurement of 110 fighter jets will be worth over $15 billion. Single-
engine aircraft will cost lower than twin-engine jets, both in unit and operational costs.
Background
The IAF had issued RFI on April 6, 2018 with deadline July6, 2018. It stated Government is planning to buy
110 fighters jets, of which 85% will have to be built in India under ‘Make in India’ programme in
partnership with Strategic Partner or Indian Production Agency. The procurement will be processed
through Strategic Partnership (SP) model under Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP).
Need for new aircrafts
The IAF needs minimum strength of 42 fighter squadrons to dominate and tackle two-front collusive
threat simultaneously from China and Pakistan. Currently, IAF has 32 fighter squadrons. Further due to
retirement of old aircrafts, the number of fighter squadrons will further go down by 2021. By then, 11
squadrons of Mig-21 and Mig-27, which are 35 to 45 years old, will be retiring from service. So to mitigate
the shortfall, IAF is procuring new advance fighter aircrafts.
MHA to upgrade National Information Security Policy and Guidelines to secure government data
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will be upgrading National Information Security Policy and
Guidelines (NISPG) to secure government data and control access to it inorder to prevent sensitive
information making its way to internet. The upgraded and updated policy will cover issues pertaining to
the Official Secrets Act.
Background
MHA has been designated as the lead agency for the protection of the “Information” in Cyberspace. In
2013, cybersecurity, which was sole preserve of MHA, was moved to National Security Council Secretariat
(NSCS) under Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Besides, critical infrastructure was moved to National
Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) and non-critical part to Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MeITY). Recently in June 2018, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had presided over
meeting to review evolving cyberthreats and had directed that NISPG to be upgraded and updated for
government sector.
National Information Security Policy and Guidelines (NISPG)
NISPG has been prepared by MHA, based on experience of existing security standards and frameworks
and global best practices and experience of implementation in the wake of expanding information security
threat scenario. It aims at improving information security posture of organization possessing any
information, including classified information and does not restrict organizations from adopting additional
stringent practices over and above these guidelines. It elaborates baseline information security policy and
highlights relevant security concepts and best practices, which government ministries, departments, and

organizations must implement to protect their information.
Dipa Karmakar: First Indian to win gold in Gymnastics World Challenge Cup
India’s leading gymnasts Dipa Karmakar created history by becoming first Indian gymnast to win gold
medal in the vault event of FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup at Mersin, Turkey. This is her
first medal in World Challenge Cup. Dipa Karmakar scored 14.150 to clinch the gold medal. Indonesia’s
won silver medal with 13.400 points followed by Turkey’s Goksu Uctas Sanli who clinched bronze medal
with score of 13.200. Dipa also topped qualification with score of 13.400.
Dipa Karmakar
She was born on 9 August 1993 in Agartala, Tripura. In August 2016, she scripted history by becoming first
Indian female gymnast to qualify for final vault event at 2016 Rio Olympics, with score of 14.833. She
missed out on the bronze medal in finals of the Women’s Vault event by finishing 4th with overall score of
15.066.
She is first Indian female gymnast ever to compete in Olympics, and first Indian gymnast to do so in 52
years. She is only fifth woman in gymnastics history to land Produnova vault (handspring double front).
She is also one of the five women who have successfully landed on very difficult Produnova vault in
competition.
At 2014 Commonwealth Games held at Glasgow she had created history becoming the first Indian female
gymnast to win medal (bronze) in history of the games. She also had won bronze medal at Asian
Gymnastics Championships and had finished fifth at the 2015 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships.
Awards and Honours: Government of India has honoured her with Khel Ratna award in August 2016 for
her commendable performance in Rio Olympics 2016. She was also awarded Padma Shri, India’s fourth
highest civilian award in 2017.
Government to launch Global Housing Construction Technology Challenge under PMAY-U
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is going to launch Global Housing Construction
Technology Challenge as part of technology sub-mission of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-
U). The challenge aims to accelerate PMAY-U’s target of providing ‘housing for all’ as the scheme is
moving at pace far slower than its rural counterpart.
Global Housing Construction Technology Challenge
Through this global challenge, MoHUA will invite ideas for innovative technologies for mass housing
projects that can help build houses faster, cheaper and of better quality with sustainable green materials.
The selected technologies will be tried and tested to be found suitable to geographical conditions of six
different urban areas selected across the country with varying terrains such as hilly, plain, or earthquake-
prone etc.
Four parameters in challenge are time, cost, quality, and sustainability. The winning technologies will be
used to build 1,000 houses, multi-storey or otherwise, depending on area type, in each of these places. The
technology will chosen in such a way that it is scalable so that it can be used to construct cheaper and
faster mass housing in similar areas.
Significance
The global challenge will invite best innovative ideas from across globe for alternative technologies that
go beyond brick-and-mortar building model used widely in Indian construction. The winning
technologies, selected based on criteria laid down by a technical committee of MoHUA under this
challenge, will be used to build mass houses in tie-up with states, for economically weaker sections and
low-income groups under affordable housing project vertical of PMAY-U. Such houses will be constructed
in varying geo-climatic zones across the country. The winning technologies will be used to construct
houses within the next six to seven months, as against the one-year period required to finish such a
project.
Background
Under PMAY-U, around 8 lakh houses have been constructed since its launch in June 25, 2015. It does not
even account for 10% of revised MoHUA target of providing 1.2 crore houses by 2022. As against this,
under rural component of the scheme, PMAY-Gramin, 48.26 lakh houses have been built, with pace almost
on course of meeting target of 2.95 crore houses by 2022.
51 lakh houses approved under Pradhan Mantri
Vineet Singh Awas Yojana
| vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | (Urban) in 3 years: Government
The Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has announced that over 51 lakh houses have been
approved under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) in the three years of its implementation. Out of 51
lakh sanctioned houses, over 28 lakhs houses are already in various stages of construction. Over 8 lakh
houses have already been completed.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban)
PMAY(U) aims provide affordable houses to all poor in urban areas by 2022. It is new version of Prime
Minister’s Housing For All by 2022 vision. Its objective is to construct two crore houses across nation. It
covers entire urban area consisting of 4041 statutory towns with initial focus on 500 Class I cities.
Intended beneficiaries of scheme are Poor people (BPL) and People living under Economically Weaker
Sections (EWS) and LIG (Low income Group) categories in urban establishments of country. It also targets
people living under MIG (middle income Group). Government provides subsidy ranging between Rs. 1 lakh
to 2.30 lakh to people from above categories in order to make them secure.
July 10, 2018
China, India clinch deal to reduce tariffs on Indian medicines, anti-cancer drugs
China has announced that it has clinched deal with India on reduction of tariffs (import duties) on Indian
medicines including anti-cancer drugs. However, it is not yet clear whether it has agreed to grant licences
to Indian companies to sell cancer drugs in its huge market.
Key Facts
Indian drugs, especially cancer-curing medicines are in big demand in China as they are far cheaper than
their western counterparts. Earlier in May 2018, China had lifted tariffs on the import of cancer drugs. But
it had failed to enthuses Indian pharmaceutical companies as they are not legally able to market their
drugs in China as it requires licence from the country’s food and drug administration.
In recent times, China has announced series of measures to expand its economy by opening up it to
outside world and actively expand imports to uphold free trade global regime and as measure to fight
against protectionism. It also earlier had announced to cut on import duties on over 8,500 Indian items as
part of measures under to relax taxes on more goods from India and other countries to absorb impact of
trade war with United States (US) which has heated up.
Background
India has been demanding the opening of China’s IT and pharmaceutical sectors as part of measures to
reduce a US $51 billion trade deficit in over US $84 billion bilateral trade. Both countries have stepped up
negotiations for Chinese imports of Indian rice, sugar and pharmaceuticals after informal meeting
between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Wuhan.
Saathi: CRPF launches mobile help centre for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has launched Saathi, a mobile help centre to reach out to people
undertaking annual pilgrimage to 3,880-metre high holy cave shrine of Amarnath. It will provide help and
information to yatris staying in camps outside the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. This will be in
addition to security provided by CRPF to the yatra routes.
Key Facts
CRPF personnel of Saathi mobile help centre will be visiting various camps in Jammu and apprise pilgrims
about security measures to be kept in mind. They will provide other relevant information to yatris. In
addition, they will also provide first aid treatment to people in need and would also be distributing
medicines.
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
CRPF is the largest central armed police force or paramilitary force in India with total 246 Battalions. It
functions under Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). It was established in 1939, under Crown
Representative’s Police but after independence, it was made statutory police force after enactment of
CRPF Act, 1949.
Its mission is to enable government to maintain rule of law, public order and internal security effectively
and efficiently, preserve national integrity and promote social harmony and development by upholding
supremacy of the Constitution.
Its primary role is to assist States/Union Territories in police operations to maintain law and order and
contain the insurgency. Apart from anti-Naxal operations, | CRPF personnel also carries out several
Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com
operations in situations of crisis like terrorist attacks, counter-terrorism operations, rescuing citizens
during terrorist attacks among others.
IFFCO inks pacts with two South Korean firms for agri-equipment and finance business
Fertiliser cooperative major IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited) has entered into
strategic partnership with two leading South Korean firms to explore business opportunities in agri-
machinery and farm credit sectors. These two firms are LS Mtron Ltd, a South Korean agriculture
equipment manufacturer and NH Capital co. Ltd., South Korea’s leading financial services provider.
Key Facts
The farm machinery and agriculture credit sector are still evolving in India. Over the years, IFFCO has
been expanding its footprint beyond chemical fertiliser and was scouting for partner to venture into farm
machinery and agri-credit sectors for long time. The entry of established player like IFFCO in these
emerging sectors will certainly infuse much-needed competition and freshness in the sector. Under this
strategic partnership, IFFCO together South Korean firms will explore business opportunities involving
supply, sales and distribution of agricultural machinery and finance to fulfil the market demand in India.
Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO)
IFFCO is large scale fertiliser cooperative federation in India which is registered as Multistate Cooperative
Society. It is one of India’s biggest cooperative society which is wholly owned by Indian Cooperatives. It
was founded in 1967 with just 57 cooperatives and at present it has amalgamation of over 36,000 Indian
Cooperatives with diversified business interests ranging from General Insurance to Rural Telecom apart
from its core business of manufacturing and selling fertilisers. It is headquartered in New Delhi.
Samsung inaugurates world’s largest mobile phone factory in Noida
South Korean technology giant Samsung inaugurated the world’s largest mobile manufacturing unit in
Noida, Uttar Pradesh. It was jointly inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean
President Moon Jae-in.
Key Facts
Samsung Electronics facility at Sector 81 in Noida will help company to double its current manufacturing
capacity for mobile phones in Noida from 6.8 crore units a year to 12 crore units a year (10 million phones
in a month), in phase-wise expansion that will be completed by 2020.
The facility will allow Samsung to make phones at a lower cost due to its scale when other phone making
hubs such as China are getting more expensive. 70% phones manufactured in this facility will be
earmarked for domestic market in Indian and remaining 30% will be exported to Middle-Eastern and
African nations.
The new factory has been built at investment of Rs. 4,915 crore on 35-acre land. It will generate 2,000

direct jobs. At present, Samsung provides 70,000 direct and indirect jobs in country, 5,000 of them are
employed in Noida. Production in this new facility will range from low-end smartphones priced below
$100 to company’s flagship models.
Comment
India is world’s second-largest smartphone market after China (after it overtook US). According to a study
by Cisco Systems, there will be 780 million connected smartphones in 2021, compared with 359 million in
2016. This new facility is expected to help Samsung to consolidate its leadership position in Indian mobile
market, which currently is facing strong competition in smartphone segment by Chinese players such as
Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo and others.
ADB approves Lining Project of Son Canal in Bihar
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved Lining Project of Son canal in Shahabad-Bhojpur region
of Bihar. The estimated cost of this project is US $503 million (Rs 3272.49 crore) out of which US $352
million is being provided by ADB. This project on completion will bring immense benefits to agriculture
sector of Shahabad – Bhojpur region of Bihar. Ministry of Power has requested ADB and Ministry of
Finance to expedite and tender for first phase of lining of the main canal and branches by October 2018.
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
ADB is a regional development bank which aims to promote social and economic development in Asia. It
was established in December 1966. It is headquartered in Manila,
Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | Philippines. It has total 67 members, of
which 48 are from within Asia and the Pacific and 19 outside. The ADB’s main objective is to assist its
members and partners, by providing loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments to
promote social and economic development.
The ADB has been modelled closely on the lines World Bank. It has similar weighted voting system where
votes are distributed in proportion with members’ capital subscriptions. As of 2014, Japan was largest
shareholder (capital subscription) of ADB having 15.7% shares followed by US (15.6%), China (6.5%), India
(6.4%), and Australia (5.8%).
1st India Tourism Mart to be held in New Delhi in September 2018
The first India Tourism Mart (IMT) will be held in New Delhi from 16 September 2018 to create a global
tourism mart for India on lines of major international travel marts. It will be organized by Ministry of
Tourism in partnership with Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH). India
Convention Promotion Board (ICPB) will coordinate the whole event.
India Tourism Mart (IMT)
The objective of first IMT will be to create annual Global Tourism Mart for India in line with major
international travel marts being held in countries across the world. It will provide platform for all
stakeholders in tourism and hospitality industries to interact and transact business opportunities. It will
provide platform for States to showcase their products to international buyers, opinion makers and
bloggers and attract more tourists to their respective states.
Over 300 international buyers from markets like North America, West Europe, East Asia and Latin
America, influencers and bloggers are expected to attend the event. It will also provide opportunity to
buyers to see the world class tourism facilities available in India like airports, tourist destinations, hotels,
upcoming facilities and possibility in field of adventure tourism.
China launches two remote sensing satellites for Pakistan
China successfully launched two remote sensing satellites PRSS-1 and PakTes-1A of Pakistan on board of
Long March-2C rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. It was overall 279th mission for the Long
March rocket series (mainly used to send satellites into low Earth or Sun-synchronous orbits) and first
international commercial launch in nearly two decades after it carried Motorola’s Iridium satellites into
orbit in 1999.
Key Facts
PRSS-1: It is China’s first optical remote sensing satellite sold to Pakistan. It can carry out day and night
monitoring. It also has viewing capacity even in clouded conditions. It will be used for land and resources
surveying, agriculture research, urban construction, monitoring of natural disasters and to provide
remote sensing information for (CPEC) under China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). It is China’s

first optical remote sensing satellite sold to Pakistan and overall 17th satellite developed by China
Academy of Space Technology (CAST) for an overseas buyer.
PakTES-1A: It is Pakistan’s indigenously developed scientific experiment satellite developed by engineers
from its space agency SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission).
Comment
The launch of the two satellites marks yet another space cooperation between China and its all-weather
ally Pakistan. The satellites will provide space remote sensing information services for strategic US$ 50
billon China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through. Pakistan already had five
satellites in space but lacks heavy duty launchers and satellite fabrication facilities and is dependent on
China. India is way ahead of Pakistan in space technology, with 43 operational satellites in space. India also
has its indigenous radar imaging satellites with all-weather surveillance capability.
Gujarat Government grants religious minority status to Jews
Gujarat Government has granted religious minority status to Jews living in the state. In this regard,
State’s Department of Social Justice and Empowerment has issued GR to this effect. Gujarat is third state in
India to grant religious minority status to Jews after West Bengal and Maharashtra.
Key Facts
As religious minority members professing faith of Judaism, Jews in the states will get religious minority
rights envisaged in Constitution of India and various
Vineet acts and rules
Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | of the state government. They will also
get benefits of welfare schemes formulated for religious minority communities within the jurisdiction of
Gujarat.
Background
Gujarat has small Jewish community with no more than 170 members and majority of them located in
Ahmedabad. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, during his official visit to Israel in June 2018, had announced
that his government was in the process of granting religious minority status to the community. Gujarat
also had hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his six-day India visit in January 2018.
Judaism
Judaism is one of the oldest religions of the world, evolved in Egypt about 3,700 years ago. It believes in
the unity and oneness of universal Creator. Judaism is the religion, philosophy and way of life of the
Jewish people. Jews have been living in India for over 2,000 years ever since they first landed on West
coast of India. Indian Jews are known as a peace-loving community. They follow Hebrew calendar. They
have special thanks giving ceremony known as Eliyahoo-ha-Nabior i.e. ‘gratitude to Elijah the Prophet’, on
festive occasions.
Indian Jews fall into five categories
Bene Israel – meaning Children of Israel. Marathi speaking. Arrived in Maharashtra 2,100 years ago.
Cochin Jews – arrived in India 2,500 years ago and settled down in Kerala as traders.
Baghdadi Jews – Jews who came to India as traders from West Asia, mainly from Baghdad. They are
settled mainly in Mumbai, Pune and Kolkata.
Bene Menashe – The Manipur Jews constitute a community which sees itself as descendants of the
Manasseh (Menashe) Tribe (which is one of the 10 lost tribes of Jews).
Bene Ephraim – also called “Telugu Jews”. They are a small group who speak Telugu. Their observance of
Judaism dates to 1981.
HRD Ministry grants Institutions of Eminence status to 3 public and 3 private institutes
The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has granted Institution of Eminence (IoE)
status to six educational institutions. It includes 3 Institutions from Public Sector and 3 from Private
Sector. They were selected by Empowered Expert Committee headed by former Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC) N Gopalaswami.
Selected institutions are
Public Sector: Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru (Karnataka); Indian Institute of Technology (IIT),
Bombay (Maharashtra) and IIT, Delhi.
Private Sector: Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences, Pilani (Rajashtan); Manipal Academy of Higher
Education, Manipal (Karnataka) and proposed Jio Institute of Reliance Foundation in Pune (Maharashtra)

under Green Field Project.

Institutions of Eminence (IoE)
The scheme of IoE was rolled out by University Grants Commission (UGC). It aims to help 20 higher
education (10 public and 10 private) institutions from country break into top 500 global rankings in 10
years, and then eventually break into top 100 over time.
Benefits: These selected institutions will have greater autonomy compared to other higher education
institutions. They will be free to decide their fee for domestic and foreign students and have flexible
course duration and structure. They will be exempted from approvals of government or UGC for academic
collaborations with foreign institutions, except institutions in MEA and MHA’s list of negative countries.
10 government institutions selected will also get Rs 1,000 crore each from HRD Ministry to achieve world-
class status. There will be no financial assistance to the private institutions.
Performance: Once identified, IoE are targeted must target break into top 100 bracket in one
internationally reputed ranking framework in 10 years.
Eligibility: Only higher education institutions, currently placed in the top 500 of global rankings or top 50
of National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), are eligible to apply for eminence tag. The private
IoE can also come up as greenfield ventures provided sponsoring organisation submits convincing
perspective plan for 15 years.
July 11, 2018
Gujarat signs MoU with Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency to strengthen trade, industrial
relations
Gujarat Government’s Industries and Mines Department has signed Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) to strengthen trade, industrial relations.
KOTRA is national trade and investment promotion organisation operated by South Korea Government.
Key Facts
The MoU was signed with aim to recognize mutual desire to further enhance and strengthen India
(Gujarat) and South Korea trade and industrial investment relations and encourage ongoing dialogue and
cooperation. Under this MoU, both Industries Department of Gujarat and KOTRA will assist each other to
provide in-market support.
The priority sectors in focus under this MoU are chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceuticals; new and
renewable energy; start-up ecosystem; textiles and apparels; urban infrastructure; Food Processing and
Agro related industries; Skill Training and Development; Automobile, etc.
Background
Gujarat is a leading destination for foreign investment and bilateral trade. It is a key contributor to India-
South Korea economic relationship. Gujarat’s export to South Korea was around $1 Billion in 2017-18,
which is approximately 25% of India’s total export to South Korea. In recent past, South Korean companies
in the field of manufacturing, textiles and chemicals have also expressed interest in investing in Gujarat.
FSSAI launches Eat Right Movement to promote safe and healthy food
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched national campaign ‘The Eat Right
Movement’ to improve public health and combat lifestyle diseases. FSSAI also launched Eat Right tool kit
and Safe and Nutritious Food at Workplace campaign.
The Eat Right Movement
It is voluntary and collaborative movement built on two broad pillars – “Eat Healthy and “Eat Safe”. It is
collective effort to encourage people towards making right food and dietary choices. It focuses on both
sides- demand and supply side to come together.
On demand side it focuses on empowering citizens to make right food choices. On supply side, it requests
food businesses to reformulate their products, provide better nutritional information to consumers and
make investments in healthy food as responsible food businesses.
Under this campaign, FSSAI has asked industry to voluntarily reduce salt, sugar and saturated fat in
packaged food products. Edible oil industry, bakeries, halwais and FMCG companies, including Nestle
India, HUL and Patanjali have took pledge to reduce the level of salt, sugar and fat in food products.
Eat Right tool kit
The kit aims serve as supplementary engagement resource to be mainstreamed in national nutrition and
public health programmes at grassroots level. It includes components on eating safe such as maintaining
hygiene and sanitation and food adulteration. It has simple message on eating healthy food and avoiding
food with high fat, sugar and salt.
Safe and Nutritious Food at Workplace (SNF@Workplace)
It is nation-wide campaign to help people eat safe, eat healthy and eat right at their workplaces. It
promotes safe and healthy diets through The Orange Book (its resource book) and through FSSAI-trained
Food Safety Supervisors (FSS) and Health and Wellness Coordinators (HWC) at every workplace across the
country.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
FSSAI is a nodal statutory agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health in India through
regulation and supervision of food safety. It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act,
2006 and operates under aegis of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
India-South Korea Technology Exchange Centre inaugurated in New Delhi
The India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre was inaugurated at National Small Industries Corporation
premises in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Minister of State (I/C) MSME Giriraj Singh and Minister of
SMEs and Start-ups of South Korea, Hong Jong- hak.
India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre
The purpose of centre is to create platform for MSMEs of India and South Korea where they can be
assisted to identify and exchange latest technologies, share management expertise, product development
and technology applications for product development.
The centre will work towards identifying Indian technologies which can be exported to Korea and find
suitable Korean partners for the same. It will initiate various cooperative MSME projects complimenting
each other’s strengths in MSME sector.
It will also create Technology Data Bank from each side to encourage technology transfers, production of
high quality products in India. It will also encourage Joint Ventures (JVs) and business matching between
Indian and South Korean SMEs, besides others.
India, Rwanda sign MoU for promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue
India’s upper house of parliament Rajya Sabha and Senate of Rwanda has signed Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) for promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue capacity building and cooperation. It
was signed between Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu and visiting President of
Senate of Rwanda, Bernard Makuza in New Delhi.
Key Facts
The MoU has 6 articles of cooperation and seeks to promote inter-Parliamentary dialogue, capacity
building of parliamentary staff, organisation of conferences, forums, seminars, staff attachment
programmes. It also calls for conducting workshops and exchanges, collaboration in mutual interest in
regional and international multilateral parliamentary bodies in furtherance of bilateral relations and
friendship between the two countries.
Significance: This is for the first time in 76 years since Rajya Sabha came into being, it has entered into
MoU with foreign counterpart for promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue. Besides, it makes Venkaiah
Naidu first Chairman of Rajya Sabha to sign such agreement with foreign counterpart.
Global Innovation Index (GII): India ranks 57th
In recently released Global Innovation Index (GII) 2018, India was ranked 57th among 130 countries. It was
11th edition of GII and was jointly released by Cornell University, INSEAD and World Intellectual Property
Organisation (WIPO). This year, India has moved up 3 places as compared to 60th rank in GII 2017 and
emerged as top-ranked economy in Central and South Asia.
Key Highlights

India
India has maintained its top place in centralVineet
and south Asia region. It has consistently moving up on global
ranking from 81st in 2015 to 57th this year. In fact, it has climbed up the list third year in row. It ranked at
66th position in 2016 and 60th last year.
Strengths: These indicators have helped India to improve its ranking. It includes India’s human capital
(graduates in science & engineering), growth rate of GDP per worker, exports of information and
communication technology (ICT) and services, productivity growth and creative goods exports etc.
Weakness: India has fared badly on indicators such as ease of starting business, political stability and
safety, overall education and environmental performance
Global Innovation Index (GII)
The GII global ranking is published by World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) – a specialized
agency of United Nations in association with Cornell University and graduate business school INSEAD. It
ranks nations based on 80 indicators, ranging from intellectual property filing rates to R&D, online
creativity, mobile application creation, computer software spending, education spending, scientific &
technical publications and ease of starting business.
India’s Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is one of the knowledge partners which assists GII team in
bringing out the annual ranking. GII is published annually since 2007 and is considered leading
benchmarking tool for business executives, policy makers and others seeking insight into state of
innovation around the world. It is being used by them to evaluate progress on continual basis.
UN Security Council adopts Resolution 2427 to protect children in armed conflict
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted Resolution 2427 aimed at providing legal
framework for mainstreaming protection, rights, well-being and empowerment of children throughout
the conflict cycle. The resolution has won unanimous approval of the 15 members of the council.
Resolution 2427
The resolution strongly condemns recruitment and use of children in armed conflicts as well as their re-
recruitment, killing and rape, maiming and other forms of sexual violence and abductions. It also
condemns attacks against schools and hospitals and denial of humanitarian access by parties to armed
conflict and all other violations of international law committed against children in situations of armed
conflict.
It demands that all relevant parties immediately put end to such practices and take special measures to
protect children. It also emphasizes responsibility of all states to put end to impunity and investigate and
prosecute those responsible for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other egregious
crimes perpetrated against children.
It reiterates UNSC’s readiness to adopt targeted and graduated measures against persistent perpetrators
of violations and abuses committed against children. It calls on member states and UN to mainstream
child protection into all relevant activities in prevention of conflict, during conflict and post-conflict
situations with aim of sustaining peace and preventing conflict.
It recalls importance of ensuring that children continue to have access to basic services during the conflict
and post-conflict periods, including education and health care and urges UN member states and bodies
and civil society to take specifically into account girls’ equal access to education.
It also stresses importance of long-term and sustainable funding for mental health and psychosocial
programming in humanitarian contexts and ensuring all affected children receive timely and sufficient
support and encourage donors to integrate mental health and psychosocial services in all humanitarian
responses.
Background
According to annual report of UN Secretary-General on children and armed conflict, over 21,000 cases of
grave violations of children’s rights in armed conflict were verified in 2017. It is drastic increase from
previous year (2016) with 15,500 violations. Among the violations in 2017, over 15,000 violations were
perpetrated by non-state armed groups and about 6,000 were committed by government forces.
UN Security Council (UNSC)
UNSC is most powerful and one of the six principal organs UN. Under, UN Charter it has primary
responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 members, including five
permanent ones with power of veto. The five permanent
Vineet Singh members
| vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | are China, France, Russia, UK and US.
10 non-permanent members are elected for two-year terms each. Its powers include establishment of
peacekeeping operations, establishment of international sanctions, and authorization of military action
through UNSC resolutions. It is only UN body with authority to issue binding resolutions to member
states.
Functions of UNSC
It is responsible for determining existence of threat against peace and to respond to act of aggression. It is
also responsible for finding peaceful means to settle conflict or dispute between states. In some cases, it
resorts to sanctions or even authorise use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.
It also recommends to UNGA appointment of UN Secretary General and admission of new members to the
UN.
July 12, 2018
Andhra Pradesh Government launches 60 Anna Canteens
Andhra Pradesh Government has launched 60 Anna Canteens across the state in the first phase to provide
subsidised food to urban poor. These canteens aim to tackle hunger in urban areas. They will offer
breakfast, lunch and dinner at Rs 5 a meal. They will be run by Akshaya Patra Foundation.
Key Facts
The first Anna Canteen named former undivided Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N T Rama Rao was
launched in March 2016. It was opened on pilot basis close to Government Transitional Headquarters at
Velgapudi in Amaravati. Later, only three more canteens were opened at other places. Now State
Government has come out with plan to set up 203 ‘Anna Canteens’ across the state.
Other States having subsidised food canteens are
Tamil Nadu is first state of launch ‘Amma’ canteens in February 2013 in Chennai. It success had inspired
other states to adopt the concept of subsidised food canteens. Rajasthan (Annapurna Rasoi Yojana),
Madhya Pradesh (Deendayal canteens), Delhi (Aam Aadmi canteens), Odisha, and Karnataka have started
their own versions of subsidised food canteens.
India and UK sign MoU on exchange of experience by legal professionals and government functionaries
India and United Kingdom has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the
sphere of Law & Justice and establishing Joint Consultative Committee. The MoU was signed by Law
Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad and UK’s Secretary of State for Justice David Gauke in London.
Key Facts
The MoU aims to enhance bilateral cooperation in legal affairs which would provide framework for
promoting greater cooperation between judicial and legal professionals in both countries through
exchange of expertise and training. It takes care of concerns and requirements in field of exchange of

experience by legal professionals, government functionaries and their training and effective legal aid
mechanism for resolution of disputes before various courts, tribunals, etc. It also proposes establishment
of Joint Consultative Committees.
Wings: BSNL launches India’s first internet telephony service
State-run telecom firm BSNL through its mobile app ‘Wings’ launched India’s first internet telephony
service. Through this app, BSNL customers will be able to make calls to any phone number, domestic or
international. Before this service, phone calls on mobile apps were possible within users of particular app
(such as Whatsapp, Duo etc) and not on telephone numbers.
Key Facts
The Wings service will allow calls from mobile phone to any number, domestic or international using
internet. It requires mobile data of any operator or wifi services. It will allow customers to make video or
audio calls by paying fee and also send SMSs. This service will use mobile numbering scheme, provided
using IP based access network of IMS NGN Core switches to allow users to make and receive calls over the
Internet via their landline or mobile phone.
Background
This comes after Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had refreshed VoIP guidelines in October
2017 and that was approved by Telecom Commission in May 2018. It allowed full-fledged internet
telephony by telecom operators which willVineet
enable calls from app
Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | to app of licensed service providers as
well as on phone numbers. It only allows authorised licensed holders to provide full-fledged internet
telephony and not over-the-top players like Google Duo, WhatsApp that allow only app-to-app calling. In
effect, telcos have been allowed to piggyback on each other’s data networks in case of voice calls over WiFi
and these calls can terminate on mobile or landline networks.
Government launches technology challenge to eliminate human entry into septic tanks
Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoUHA) has launched Technology Challenge: Identifying
solutions for cleaning of Sewerage Systems and Septic Tanks to promote suitable techniques for cleaning
sewers and septic tanks it to eliminate need for human entry in them.
Key Features of Challenge
The main objective of the challenge is to eliminate human intervention in cleaning of sewers and septic
tanks. It also aims to identify technological as well as business process innovations to avoid human
intervention in cleaning of sewers and septic tanks. It will also endorse viable business models that are
suitable for different size, geographies, and class of cities.
The challenge will be conducted for two separate categories. Category A: technological solutions for
cleaning and maintenance of sewerage systems to eliminate need for human entry, Category B:
technological solutions for cleaning and maintenance of septic tanks to eliminate need for human entry.
The challenge will be part of Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention that will be held on
October 2, 2018. Individual innovators, consortium partners, companies, academic institutions, R&D
centers, NGOs, Parastatal and municipal bodies can participate in this challenge.
Special jury comprising experts from MoUHA, faculty from IITs/IIMs and representatives of leading civil
society groups will evaluate and scrutinize the technological solutions submitted by participants. They
will broad criteria for evaluation of proposals will take into considerations, operational effectiveness of
technology, life or durability of machinery, ease of use (automation), ease of availability and economies of
scale, adaptability and Versatility, made in India and lastly environmentally sustainability.
India becomes world’s 6th largest economy in 2017: World Bank
According to updated World Bank figures on GDP of countries for 2017, India has become world’s sixth-
biggest economy surpassing France to seventh place. India’s gross domestic product (GDP) amounted to
$2.597 trillion at the end of 2017, as against $2.582 trillion for France.
Key Facts
Top largest economies: At end of 2017, United States was world’s largest economy with size of US $19.39
trillion, followed by China (US $12.23 trillion) at the second place. Japan (US $4.87 trillion) and Germany
(US $3.67 trillion) are at third and fourth places, respectively. Britain is still world’s fifth-biggest economy
with a GDP of $2.622 trillion.

Per capita GDP: India, with population of around 1.34 billion is poised to become world’s most populous
nation, whereas France’s population stands at 67 million. This means India’s per capita GDP will continue
to amount to just fraction of that of France which is still roughly 20 times higher.
India’s economy Growth: India has grown at seven-quarter high of 7.7% in the three months ended March
2018, helped by higher government spending and investment. Manufacturing and consumer spending
were main drivers of Indian economy in 2017.
5th largest economy: India has doubled its GDP within decade and is expected to power ahead as key
economic engine in Asia, even as China economy is slowing down. In near future India is also expected to
surpass fifth largest economy United Kingdom.
Background
According to International Monetary Fund (IMF), India is projected to grow at 7.4% in 2018 and 7.8% in
2019, mainly boosted by household spending and tax reform. This compares to world’s expected average
growth of 3.9%. Besides, London-based Centre for Economics and Business Research has predicted that in
future, India will overtake both Britain and France in terms of GDP and has good chance of becoming
world’s third-biggest economy by 2032.
India’s genetically modified crop area fifth largest in world: Report
According to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA) latest
‘Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/ GM Crops in 2017’ report, India with 11.4 million hectares (mh)
has world’s fifth largest area cultivated under genetically modified (GM) crops in 2017. India’s entire GM
crop area is under single crop BT Cotton incorporating genes from Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt soil
bacterium coding for resistance against heliothis bollworm insect pests.
Key Highlights of report
United States has highest area under transgenic crops, at 75 mh. It is followed by Brazil (50.2 mh),
Argentina’s (23.6 mh) and Canada (13.1 mh). In 2017, farmers across the world have planted 189.8 mh under
transgenic crops. This is as against 1.7 mh in 1996, the year when transgenic crops were grown
commercially for the first time.
The highest share in world’s total 189.8 mh GM crop area in 2017 is of soyabean (94.1 mh), followed by
maize (59.7 mh), cotton (24.1 mh), canola (10.2 mh), alfalfa (1.2 mh) and sugar-beet (0.50 mh). The GM traits
of these crops (due to introduction of alien genes into host plants) included both insect-resistance and
tolerance for application of glyphosate herbicide.

Government launches Jal Bachao, Video Banao, Puruskar Pao Contest on Water Conservation
Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has launched fortnightly
video contest “Jal Bachao, Video Banao, Puruskar Pao”. The contest aims to engage with people of the
country on the important issues of water conservation and water management. For running this contest,
Ministry has joined hands with MyGov portal (www.mygov.in). The contest will last till 4th November
2018 and three winners will be chosen every fortnight.
Jal Bachao, Video Banao, Puruskar Pao
In this contest, participants can make and upload videos by capturing efforts, significant contributions,
best practices in the field of water conservation, water resource development and management and
optimum water utilization in different parts of the country. They can also submit any innovative
advertisement or commercial on water Conservation.
It should be uploaded on YouTube and share publicly accessible link of it on video link section of MyGov
contest page. The duration of video should be minimum 2 minutes and up to 10 minutes. It should be
either in Hindi, English or any other regional language. It must not violate any provision of Copyright Act,
1957 or Intellectual Property Rights of any third party.
The participants will be judged on basis of elements of creativity, originality, composition, technical
excellence, artistic merit, quality of video, content and visual impact. The prize amount for first, second
and third positions is Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.
Entire Men’s Hockey team included in Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
The Mission Olympic Cell (MOC) of Union Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has included entire Men’s
Hockey team of India under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). This is first instance that entire
team has been made beneficiary of the scheme as earlier only individual athletes from different sports
were included as beneficiaries of the scheme.
Key Facts
The decision to include hockey was taken after India’s performance had improved as they had finished
runners up in Champions Trophy in Netherlands. The 18 team members will be provided with monthly
allowance of Rs. 50,000 each under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS). The women’s team may
be also included in the TOPS after reviewing its performance in the upcoming World Cup and following
Asian Games.
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)
TOPS was launched by Ministry of Sports within the ambit of National Sports Development Fund (NSDF).
It aims at identifying and supporting potential medal prospects for upcoming Olympic Games. It will
provide selected sportspersons customized training at institutes having world class facilities and also
other necessary support is being provided to the elite athletes. It will also provide a benchmark for
selection of athletes on par with international standards.
Under it, Sports Authority of India (SAI) and federations, which are members of Mission Olympic Cell
(MOC), will be nodal agencies for disbursal for fund. They will make payments directly to beneficiary
person and institution concerned on behalf of athletes. Abinav Bindra Committee was constituted to
identify and support potential medal prospects for
Vineet Singh 2020 and 2024
| vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | Olympic Games under the scheme.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development: India formally announced as 69th shareholder
India was formally inducted as 69th shareholder of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(EBRD). This comes after entire membership process completed recently and after EBRD’s board of
governors, which represents all existing shareholders voted unanimously in favour of India’s application
in March 2018. India had applied for EBRD membership in December 2017.
Key Facts
India being shareholder, will only take shareholding in EBRD and will not be recipient of EBRD financing.
But it may benefit India indirectly through EBRD projects or if Indian companies invest alongside the
bank. It will pave way for more joint investment with Indian companies across EBRD’s regions of
operation. It opens up further joint investment prospects for India in markets such as Central Asia, Egypt
and Jordan.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
EBRD is a multilateral developmental investment bank. It was established in 1991 after fall of Berlin wall to
promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in emerging Europe. It is owned by 65 countries and two
EU institutions. It is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.
It initially focused to help former Communist states build their economies after the Cold War. Later it
expanded to support development in more than 30 countries from central Europe to central Asia. Now it
works only in countries that are committed to democratic principles using investment as tool to build
market economies.
It invests in 38 emerging economies across three continents (North America, Africa, Asia and Australia)
with predefined set of criteria that aim to make its countries more competitive, better governed, greener,
more inclusive, more resilient and more integrated.
July 13, 2018
Indian Army inks MoU with SBI on Defence Salary Package
Indian Army has singed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with State bank of India (SBI) on Defence
Salary Package. It is revised version of first MoU between SBI and Indian Army signed in 2011 and was
renewed again in February 2015 to add suited requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families.
Key Facts
Number of additional facilities have been incorporated in revised MoU which includes free personal
accident death cover, free permanent total disability cover and other accidental benefits to the deceased
soldier and family. The revised MoU will benefit large number of serving and retired Army personnel who
have their accounts with the SBI
Currently Indian Army has MoUs on Defence Salary Package with 11 public and private sector banks.

These MoUs are considered for inception and renewal with banks on analyzing their utility and suitability
to requirements of serving soldiers, pensioners and families.
IR-BMS: Indian Railways launches consolidated Bridge Management System
Indian Railways has launched its first consolidated Bridge Management System (IR-BMS), a web-enabled
IT application to store data on its 1.5 lakh bridges. It was launched by Union Railway Minister Piyush
Goyal days after bridge in Mumbai collapsed on a railway track.
Bridge Management System (IR-BMS)
The IR-BMS aims for meaningful assimilation, analysis and dissemination of information related to
various activities about its bridges. It is web-based platform that will show bridge master data, works
data, information regarding inspection and monitoring and maintenance of bridges and other essentials.
Government raises threshold monetary limit for filling appeals relating to tax cases
Union Finance Ministry has hiked threshold monetary limit for tax departments to file appeals all three
levels of appeal — Appellate Tribunals, High Courts, and Supreme Court. The move is aimed at
significantly decreasing taxpayer greivances and litigation burden of tax departments in courts and
tribunals across the country.
Key Facts
Tax departments, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) files appeals in ITAT (Income Tax Appellate
Tribunal) while Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) files appeals in CESTAT (Customs,
Excise and Service Tax Appellate Tribunal) and also in High Courts and Supreme Courts.
Under new limits tax departments CBDT and CBIC can file appeals in ITAT/CESTAT only if the tax
amount involved is Rs 20 lakh or more, up from Rs 10 lakh at present. Moreover, appeals can be filed in
High Courts if tax amount involved in litigation is Rs 50 lakh (up from Rs 20 lakh at present). For appeals
in Supreme Court, the threshold limit has been hiked to Rs 1 crore (from Rs 25 lakh at present).
The new threshold limits will result in 41% reduction litigation from CBDT’s side, including 34% cases in
ITAT, 48% of cases in case of High Courts and 54% of cases in case of Supreme Court. Similarly, in case of
CBIC, it will result in reduction in 18% of cases as 16% of cases will be withdrawn in CESTAT, 22% in High
Courts, and 21% in Supreme Court.
This decision will give relief to taxpayers. It is also based on premise that the cost of litigation is
sometimes more than the recovery sought. It will also create trust in tax administration and give relief to
honest, small and mid-sized taxpayers. It will promote tax friendly environment and help to promote ease
of doing business.
Background
More than 66% of cases are stuck in litigation involve 1.8% in value. In many cases, cost of litigation is
higher than the recovery. As per Economic Survey 2017-18, even though success rate of tax department at
all three levels of appeal — Appellate Tribunals, High Courts, and the Supreme Court is under 30% for
both direct and indirect tax litigation, it remains undeterred and persists in pursuing litigation at every
level of the judicial hierarchy making it the largest litigant in India. The tax department unambiguously
loses 65% of its cases. Over period of time, the success rate of tax departments has only been declining,
while that of assessees has been increasing.
Dharohar Bhawan: PM Narendra Modi inaugurates new HQ building of Archaeological Survey of India
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Dharohar Bhawan’ – the new headquarters building of the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at 24, Tilak Marg in New Delhi.
Dharohar Bhawan is four-storeyed building built over 2.58 acres at a cost of Rs 300 crore. It houses
Central Archaeological Library, with a collection of 1.5 lakh books and journals. The library is treasure
trove for researchers and has collections not available elsewhere.
Dharohar Bhawan
ASI’s new headquarters building is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including energy efficient
lighting and rainwater harvesting. It hosts rare portfolios related to Ajanta, Ellora and many sites of
archaeological importance.
It includes Central Archaeological Library with collection of about 1.5 lakh books and journals. It hosts
valuable archaeological treasure trove in India and World. It has large collection of books on Archaeology,

Indology, Epigraphy, Indian culture and its past, etc.

It houses authentic records related to archaeology, such as ASI reports, etc., diary of Alexander
Cunningham (founder of ASI), John Marshall, etc. It also has original collection of religious books and
books on cultural heritage of India, such as sacred books on Hindus, Manusmiti, Kautilya’s Athasastra.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
ASI is the premier organization for the archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of
the country. Its prime objective is to maintain archaeological sites, ancient monuments and remains of
national importance. It was established in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham.
ASI regulates all archaeological activities as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and
Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. It functions under Ministry of Culture. It also regulates
Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
Former diplomat TCA Raghavan appointed as Director General of Indian Council of World Affairs
Former careered diplomat Dr. TCA Raghavan was appointed as the Director General (DG) of Indian
Council of World Affairs (ICWA). He was selected by Governing Body and Governing Council of ICWA
headed by Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu. The post of DG is equivalent to the rank of Secretary to
Government of India. Dr. Raghavan is Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of 1982 batch. He had served as
India’s High Commissioner to Islamabad (Pakistan) and Singapore. He has also served in Indian missions
in London, Kuwa and Thimphu. Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA)

It was established in 1943 by group of Indian intellectuals as think tank. It was established as non-official,
non-political and non-profit organisation under Registration of Societies Act 1860. It was declared
institution of national importance by Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), 2001 enacted by Parliament.
ICWA is devoted exclusively for the study of international relations and foreign affairs. Vice President of
India is its ex-officio President. It had conducted historic international conferences like Asian Relations
Conference in 1947 under leadership Sarojini Naidu and United Nations and New World Order in 1994
Nilgiri tahr: Climate change threatening 60% of its habitat
According to recent study published international journal Ecological Engineering, climate change is
threatening the Nilgiri tahr,. It is estimated that endangered wild goat could lose approximately 60% of its
habitat, starting from 2030s. There are only around 2,500 Nilgiri Tahrs left in the wild and their
population is small and isolated. It makes them vulnerable to local extinction. The study emphasises need
for ecological restoration of Nilgiri tahrs. It also highlights demand for comprehensive species
management plan.
Nilgiri tahr
It is state animal of Tamil Nadu. It is endemic to Western Ghats from the Nilgiris to Kanyakumari. It is
confined to a narrow belt of higher elevation (altitudes) of Shola Forests in Western Ghats.
Protection Status: IUCN in its red data book has classified it as Endangered (number fewer than 2,500
mature individuals). Besides it is protected species under Schedule I of Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972.
Index of Industrial Production (IIP): Industry growth slips to 7-month low of 3.2% in May 2018
According to the data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), factory output measured in terms of
the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) has slipped to seven-month low of 3.2% in May 2018. It was mainly
due to sluggish performance of manufacturing and power sectors coupled with poor offtake of fast
moving consumer goods (FMCG).
Besides, IIP was revised down to 4.8% in April 2018 from previous estimates of 4.9%. During April-May
2018, the IIP had recorded growth of 4.4% as compared to 3.1% in same period year ago. The IIP had
expanded by 2.9% in May 2017 and previous low was 1.8% in October 2017.
Breakaway of May 2018 IIP
Manufacturing sector: It grew by just 2.8%, marginally up from 2.6% in the corresponding period last
year.
Power generation growth: It decelerated sharply to 4.2% as compared to a high of 8.3% year ago.
Mining sector output: It recorded an impressive growth of 5.7% as against 0.3% in May last year.
FMCG sector: It was the worst performer among user based goods segment, as its output declined by 2.6%

as against a growth of 9.7% year ago.

Use-based classification: Its growth rates in May 2018 over May 2017 are 5.7% in primary goods, 7.6% in
capital goods, 0.9% in intermediate goods and 4.9% in infrastructure/construction goods. The consumer
durables and have recorded growth of 4.3% in the month under review.
Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
IIP is composite indicator that measures short-term changes in volume of production of basket of
industrial products during given period with respect to chosen base period. It is compiled and published
monthly by Central Statistical Organization (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Base year: CSO had revised base year of IIP from 2004-05 to 2011-12 in May 2017 to capture structural
changes in economy and improves quality and representativeness of indices. The revised IIP (2011-12)
reflects changes in industrial sector and also aligns it with base year of other macroeconomic indicators
like Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Sector wise items and weightages: It covers 407 item groups. Sector wise, the items included falls into 3
categories viz. Manufacturing (405 items), Mining (1 items) & Electricity (1 item). The weights of three
sectors are 77.63%, 14.37%, 7.9% respectively. The revised combined weightage of eight core Industries in
the IIP is 40.27%.
Government sets up task force on ways to reduce import
The Union Government constituted a high-level task force under Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary PK
Sinha to identify various items and policy interventions to reduce dependence on imports. It will suggest
ways to cut import of those items which can be manufactured or explored in the country. The task force
includes secretaries from Departments of Commerce, Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Revenue,
Skill Development, Defence Production, Petroleum, Steel, Electronics and Telecommunications.
Background
The move holds significance as India is heavily dependent on imports of several items such as oil,
machinery, electronic hardware, pharmaceuticals ingredients including (active pharmaceuticals
ingredients), gold and chemicals. On an average, India’s imports stand at around US $450 billion per year.
In financial year 2017-18, the inbound shipments grew about 20% to US $460 billion.
India’s oil imports during same fiscal had risen by 25.47% to US $109.11 billion. Though increase in imports
of intermediates and raw materials reflects boost in economic activities, but the inbound shipments of
final goods impact domestic manufacturers. Earlier, concerns were raised over high dependence on
pharmaceutical ingredients from China by trade experts.
Scientists perform world’s first 3D, colour X-ray on human body
Scientists from New Zealand have performed world’s first-ever 3-D, colour X-ray on human. It has
potential to improve the field of medical diagnostics. The new device is based on the traditional black-and-
white X-ray but incorporates particle-tracking technology called Medipix developed by European
Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).
Key Facts
The Medipix technology developed by CERN works like camera detecting and counting individual sub-
atomic particles as they collide with pixels while its shutter is open. This allows for high-resolution, high-
contrast pictures. Its small pixels and accurate energy resolution makes this new imaging tool able to get
images that no other imaging tool can achieve. The technology is being commercialised by New Zealand
company MARS Bioimaging, linked to the universities of Canterbury and Otago which helped develop it.
Significance: This colour X-ray imaging technique can produce clearer and more accurate pictures and
help doctors give their patients more accurate diagnoses. The images very clearly show difference
between bone, muscle and cartilage and also the position and size of cancerous tumours.
July 14, 2018
India invites US President Donald Trump to be Republic Day chief guest in 2019
Union Government has invited United States President Donald Trump to be the chief guest at 2019
Republic Day celebrations. The invite was reportedly followed up with multiple rounds of diplomatic talks.
If President Trump accepts the invitation, he will be second serving US President after Barack Obama to
be invited as chief guest of Republic Day Parade. It will indicate importance of the Indo-U.S. relationship.

Background
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited US President Trump and his family to India when he visited
Washington in June 2017. His daughter Ivanka Trump, who is seen as President’s adviser, had travelled to
India in September 2017 as head of US delegation for Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) at PM Modi’s
invitation.
Earlier Chief guests of India’s Republic Day parades are 2018- 10 Leaders of ASEAN Countries (It was first
Republic Day event that saw participation of many leaders at same time as chief guests), 2017- Sheikh
Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi), 2016- Francois Hollande (President of
France), 2015-Barack Obama (US President), 2014- Shinzo Abe (Japanese Prime Minister), 2013-Jigme
Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (King of Bhutan), 2012-Yingluck Shinawatra (Then Prime Minister of
Thailand), 2011- Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (Then President of Indonesia).
Archaeological Survey of India allows photography at Centrally protected monuments
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has issued order allowing photography within premises of protected
monuments and sites. The order was issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi questioned ASI’s rules
prohibiting visitors from taking photographs at certain monuments while inaugurating ASI’s new
headquarters Dharohar Bhawan in Delhi’s Tilak Marg area.
Key Facts
Under the new order, photography will beVineet
allowed within premises
Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | of Centrally protected monuments
maintained and managed by ASI. However photography will remain prohibited near Ajanta Caves, Leh
Palace (both housing paintings that can be damaged by camera flash) and mausoleum of Taj Mahal
ASI administers and manages 3,686 ancient monuments and archaeological sites, and remains of national
importance. Earlier, historians, academicians and professional photographers were required to take
permission from ASI for photography in protected monuments.
Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation launches Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2018
Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS) has launched Swachh Survekshan Grameen
2018 (SSG 2018) in New Delhi, a rural cleanliness survey to rank all states and districts on basis of
qualitative and quantitative evaluation.
Key Facts
The objective of SSG 2018 is to undertake ranking of states and districts on basis of their performance
attained on key quantitative and qualitative Swachh Bharat Mission-Grameen (SBM-G) parameters. The
rankings will be based on taking into account set of comprehensive cleanliness parameters.
The criteria of SSG-2018 include survey of public places, citizens’ perspective of cleanliness, their
recommendations and data from SBM-G. As part of it, 6,980 villages in 698 districts across India will be
covered. It will cover total 34,000 public places namely schools, anganwadis, public health centres,
haat/bazaars/religious places in these villages.
The SSG 2018 will assign 65% weightage to findings and outcome and 35% to service level parameters to
be obtained from Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) of the MDWS. The weights to
different elements of SSG are direct observation of sanitation in public places (30%), citizen’s feedback on
sanitation parameters (35%), service level progress on sanitation progress in the country as per SBMG-
MIS (35%).
The SSG 2018 will be conducted by independent survey agency in all districts from 1st to 31st August 2018.
It will also take feedback from over 50 lakh citizens on SBM related issues through direct interaction as
well as online feedback. The top performing states and districts are expected to be awarded on 2nd
October 2018.
UN Secretary General sets up panel on digital cooperation to tackle cybersecurity threats
United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres has established first-of-its-kind panel on digital
cooperation aimed at addressing concerns of cybersecurity threats and rise in hate speech. The high-level
panel on digital cooperation will be co-chaired by US philanthropist Melinda Gates and China-based
Alibaba founder Jack Ma.
Key Facts
The panel will have 20 members in total and include leaders from technology, public policy, science and

academia etc. Senior Indian diplomat Amandeep Singh Gill along with former diplomat Jovan Kurbalija
will be executive directors of panel’s secretariat. It will map trends in digital technologies, identify gaps
and opportunities and outline proposals for strengthening international cooperation. It will focus on
cyber-bullying, abuse rise, fake news, cyber crime and security aspects.
Background
Digital technologies are expanding rapidly and are changing economies and societies at warp speed. At
the same time, world is only beginning to address its dark side– such as cybersecurity threats, risks of
cyberwarfare magnification of hate speech and violations of privacy. Global community is also facing
uncertainness about security, equity, ethics, and human rights in digital age. Fake news, poisoning of data,
electoral manipulation are concerns that have been highlighted by recent developments. So there is need
to seize potential of technology while safeguarding against risks and unintended consequences.
Century’s longest total lunar eclipse of 1 hour 43 minutes to occur on July 27-28
Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has announced that Century’s (2001 AD to 2100 AD)longest total lunar
eclipse of 1 hour 43 minutes will occur on July 27-28, 2018. The entire eclipse will be visible from all parts
of India. It will also be visible in region covering Asia, Australia, and Russia – except northern part,
Europe, Africa, east of South America and Antarctica. The partial eclipse of Moon will begin on July 27,
2018. Later, Moon will be gradually covered by Earth’s shadow and totality phase will begin on July 28 and
the total eclipse will last up to 2h 43m. Then the Moon will start to gradually come out of Earth’s shadow
and partial eclipse will end on July 28, 2018.

Longest Total Lunar Eclipse
In this particular eclipse, Moon will be passing through central part of Earth’s umbral shadow. During this
time, Moon is located at apogee (i.e. at farthest from the Earth) in its orbit and will be moving at slower
speed in its orbit. During this transition phase, it will take longer time for Moon and greater distance of
Earth’s umbral shadow to travel, making it longest duration of total eclipse of this century. Such long
duration of total lunar eclipses earlier had occurred on July 16, 2000 for totality duration of 1 hour 46
minutes and on June 15, 2011 for totality duration of 1 hour 40 minutes.
NCPCR drafts fee regulations to check arbitrary increases in school fees
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has drafted fee regulations to put in place
uniform fee framework to check frequent and arbitrary increases in school fees by unaided private
schools. NCPCR is country’s apex child rights body. It will recommend these draft regulations to Union
Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD).
Draft regulations
It proposes 10% yearly cap on the fee hike permissible by private, unaided schools. It suggests setting up
district fee regulatory authority in states to monitor school fee increases. It suggests formula for
determining fees, based on school’s location, costs incurred, revenue earned, student strength and other
parameters. It proposes fines on schools if they violates uniform fee framework. These schools will be
fined 1% of revenue it generates for first instance of violation of these rules and it will increase to 2 % and
5% for second and third violation. For any subsequent violation, it proposes to place school in no
admission category and bar it from admitting new students.
Note: The regulation of education-related matters is domain of HRD ministry, but NCPCR has stepped in
to draft fee regulations for unaided schools, citing Section 13 of Commission for Protection of Child Rights
(CPCR) Act, 2005 and Section 32 of Right to Education (RTE) Act, which gives it authority to review
safeguards under law to protect of child rights and recommend measures.
Background
There are around 3,50,000 private, unaided schools (24% of all schools) where 75 million children or 38% of
all students, study. Such schools do not receive any grant from government and have to generate their
own revenue for sustenance. Many cities across India have of late seen parents protest arbitrary fee hikes
by such schools. In Mumbai and Delhi, for instance, arbitrary fee hike in such schools in last year varied
between 10 % and 40 %.
National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)
NCPCR is a statutory body set up in 2007 under Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005. Its

objective is to protect, promote and defend child rights in India including rights adopted in the United
Nations Convention on the Rights of Children, 1989, ratified by India in 1992. (This convention defines
child as a human being below 18 years of age).
UNSC adopts Resolution 2428 to impose arms embargo on South Sudan
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted Resolution 2428 (2018) to impose an arms
embargo on South Sudan, almost five years after ruinous civil war was started in infant country. The
resolution was drafted by United States and won minimum nine votes needed in favor to none against
with 6 abstentions.
Yes votes: United Kingdom, United States, Sweden, Poland, Ivory Coast, France, Kuwait, Netherlands and
Peru. Abstentions from voting: Bolivia, China, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Russia
Resolution 2428 (2018)
It calls upon all UN member states to prevent supply, sale or transfer to South Sudan — from or through
their territories till 31 May 2019. The embargo is related to arms and related material and withholds
training, technical and financial assistance related to military activities or materials. In addition, it lays
out several exemptions to the country’s arms embargo including for material and activities related to
humanitarian activities and lists details related to the inspection of shipments and cargo bound for South
Sudan.
Background Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
The civil war in South Sudan started in 2013, two years after it gained independence from Sudan, when
President Salva Kiir accused his then-deputy Riek Machar of plotting coup against him. Over the years,
long-standing intense rivalry between Kiir and Machar intensified fighting with more than dozen warring
factions. The civil war has killed tens of thousands of people and forced millions to flee their homes,
triggering humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has peacekeepers in the country as part of the United
Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). In June 2018, President Kiir and his rival Riek Machar had
agreed to permanent ceasefire, raising hopes of peace deal to end their country’s devastating civil war. But
several ceasefires had previously been violated by the warring parties.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Who has been elected the new Director General (DG) of International Organization for
Migration (IOM)?
[A] Christine A. Elder
[B] Abraham Hanson
[C] Antonio Vitorino
[D] George Crennan
Correct Answer: C [Antonio Vitorino]
Notes:
Antonio Vitorino, a lawyer and politician from Portugal, has been elected Director General of
International Organization for Migration (IOM). He will succeed William Lacy Swing on 1st October
2018. IOM is the UN Migration Agency and is the leading inter-governmental organization in the field of
migration with over 10,000 staff serving in over 400 offices across more than 150 countries. It provides
services and advice to Governments and migrants, such as humanitarian assistance to migrants in need,
including refugees and internally displaced people.
2. India has pledged how much amount of aid to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees (UNRWA)?
[A] $5 million
[B] $10 million
[C] $25 million
[D] $30 million
Correct Answer: A [$5 million]
Notes:
India has pledged $5 million in assistance to the UN agency working for the welfare of Palestinian

refugees to help bolster its “severe funding crisis” following US’ cut in its annual aid to United Nations
Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). A total of 20 countries, including India,
announced contributions to the 2018 budget of the UNRWA for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
during a meeting. While India pledged $5 million, Sweden will contribute $250 million over four years,
the UK $51 million and the UAE $50 million among other donors. UNRWA has been providing health,
education, relief and social services, as well as emergency humanitarian assistance, to some 5.3 million
Palestinian refugees across its five fields of operation — Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and the
Gaza Strip — for 65 years.
3. The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble of which Indian city has recently declared as a
UNESCO World Heritage Site?
[A] Pondicherry
[B] Panaji
[C] Kochi
[D] Mumbai
Correct Answer: D [Mumbai]
Notes:
In a remarkable achievement, the Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensemble of Mumbai has been declared
as a World Heritage site by the United Vineet
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) on 30th June 2018. The decision was taken at the 42nd session of the UNESCO World
Heritage Committee at Manama in Bahrain. This makes Mumbai city the second city in India after
Ahmedabad to be included on the World Heritage List. Now, India has overall 37 World Heritage
Inscriptions with 29 Cultural, 07 Natural and 01 Mixed sites. While India stands second largest in
number after China in terms of number of World Heritage properties in ASPAC (Asia and Pacific) region,
it is overall sixth in the world.
4. Which state government has signed pact with the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early
Warning System (RIMES) for effective disaster management?
[A] Assam
[B] Odisha
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Odisha ]
Notes:
On June 29, the Odisha government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Regional
Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) for enhancing early warning system for
effective management of all kinds of disaster in the state, including flood, drought, heat wave, lightning,
and road accidents. The MoU will help state government to integrate new generation digital algorithm-
based technologies and best practices from 48 RIMES member countries with the Odisha State Disaster
Management Authority (OSDMA). The RIMES is a UN Registered international and inter- governmental
institution, owned and managed by its 48 Members and Collaborating States for building capacities in
the generation and application of user-relevant early warning information.
5. The 2018 International Day of Tropics is observed on which date?
[A] June 27
[B] June 28
[C] June 29
[D] June 30
Correct Answer: C [June 29 ]
Notes:
The International Day of Tropics is observed every year on June 29 to raise awareness to the specific
challenges faced by tropical areas, the far-reaching implications of the issues affecting the world’s
tropical zone and the need, at all levels, to raise awareness and to underline the important role that
countries in the tropics will play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The day
celebrates the extraordinary diversity of the tropics while highlighting unique challenges and
opportunities nations of the Tropics face. It provides an opportunity to take stock of progress across the
tropics, to share tropical stories and expertise and to acknowledge the diversity and potential of the
region.
6. Who has taken over charge as the new chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and
Customs (CBIC)?
[A] P K Sinha
[B] B K Chaturvedi
[C] Ajit Seth
[D] S Ramesh
Correct Answer: D [S Ramesh]
Notes:
S Ramesh, a 1981 batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service (Customs and Central Excise), has taken
over charge as the new chairman of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), the apex
policy-making body for indirect taxes. Prior to his elevation, he was Member (Administration) in the
Board. He succeeded Vanaja N Sarna, who superannuates on June 30, 2018. The CBIC is the apex body
for administering the levy and collection of indirect taxes of the Union of India viz. Central Excise duty,
Customs duty and Service Tax, and for facilitating cross border movement of goods & services. It is a
part of the Department of Revenue under the Ministry of Finance. It deals with the tasks of formulation
of policy concerning levy and collection ofVineet
Customs & Central Excise duties and Service Tax, prevention
of smuggling and administration of matters relating to Customs, Central Excise, Service Tax and
Narcotics to the extent under CBEC’s purview.
7. Under whose captain ship, the Indian Kabaddi team clinched the 2018 Kabaddi Masters Dubai
title?
[A] Ajay Thakur
[B] Monu Goyat
[C] Surjeet Singh
[D] Pradeep Narwal
Correct Answer: A [Ajay Thakur]
Notes:
Indian Kabaddi team clinched the Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018 title by defeating Iran 44-26 in the
summit clash in Dubai on June 30. In a battle between the top two sides of the world, the three-time
world champions did not give Iran any ground to recover with Captain Ajay Thakur and youngster
Monu Goyat led the raid charts. India’s defence was also excellent with Surjeet Singh returning with
seven tackle points. India inflicted two all-outs on Iran, en route the massive victory. The six-nation
invitational tournament was organised by International Kabaddi Federation (IKF). The Indian team will
now focus on the Asian games. India is the reigning world champions and they now hold the title of the
Kabaddi Masters too.
8. Which committee has been constituted by the Union Government to upgrade norms for state &
district level economic data collection?
[A] Kabir Khan committee
[B] Sanjay Gupta committee
[C] Ravindra H Dholakia committee
[D] R S Kashyap committee
Correct Answer: C [Ravindra H Dholakia committee]
Notes:
The Union government has constituted a committee a 13-member committee to upgrade the norms for
computation of economic data at states and districts level in the backdrop of plans to revise the base
year for National Accounts or GDP calculation. The Committee for Sub-National Accounts will be headed
by Ravindra H Dholakia, a retired professor of IIM Ahmedabad. Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation (MOSPI) will change the base year to 2017-18 for the calculation of GDP and IIP numbers
from the existing 2011-12 with an aim to capture changes in the economy. The panel will review the
concepts, definitions, classifications, data conventions, data sources and data requirements for
preparation of State Domestic Product (SDP) and District Domestic Product (DDP) and to lay down

revised guidelines. It will also suggest measures for improving SDP and DDP in the country taking into
consideration availability of data and requirements of the Centre and states/union territories.
9. Which state to host the conference of Ministers for Power, New & Renewable Energy of States &
Union Territories?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: D [Himachal Pradesh]
Notes:
The conference of Ministers for Power, New & Renewable Energy of States & Union Territories will be
held on 3rd July at Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The purpose of the conference is to review the
implementation of various ongoing Schemes/ Programmes & deliberate on a host of issues pertaining to
Power and Renewable Energy sectors. The excerpts of the issues to be discussed on the conference are
as follows: 100% Household Electrification (under Saubhagya) by December 2018, UDAY performance
assessment, shifting to prepaid system in three years and 24X7 Power for All – From 1st April 2019. The
delegates will also discuss the proposed draft amendments in the provision of Captive Generating Plant
in Electricity Rules, 2005 and flexibility inVineet
utilization of Coal. The conference will be inaugurated by R K
Singh, Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy.
10. Which Indian journalist has authored the book “Eleventh Hour” to pay tribute to the men in
uniform?
[A] Karan Thapar
[B] Arun Shourie
[C] Hussain Zaidi
[D] Madhu Trehan
Correct Answer: C [Hussain Zaidi]
Notes:
The novel “Eleventh Hour” is authored by Crime writer Hussain Zaidi to pay tribute to the men in
uniform. The book is inspired by and derived from real-life events – a vast stash of RDX that has
remained undiscovered since the Mumbai serial blasts of 1993 and the agencies totally clueless about it;
the jailbreak in Bhopal of five men; the hijacking of an Indian ship and a commercial vessel by Somali
pirates and Pakistan’s designs to spread terror in India. The novel is published by HarperCollins India.
Zaidi, who has done investigative, crime and terror reporting in various newspapers, is the author of
several books including “Black Friday”, “Dongri to Dubai”, “Mafia Queens of Mumbai” and “Byculla to
Bangkok”. Several of his books have been adapted into movies including the eponymous “Black Friday”,
directed by Anurag Kashyap; “Shootout at Wadala”, based on “Dongri to Dubai”, directed by Sanjay
Gupta; and “Phantom”, based on “Mumbai Avengers”, directed by Kabir Khan.
11. Which Indian cricketer has recently inducted into ICC Cricket Hall Of Fame?
[A] Sachin Tendulkar
[B] Saurav Ganguly
[C] V V S Laxman
[D] Rahul Dravid
Correct Answer: D [Rahul Dravid]
Notes:
Former India captain Rahul Dravid and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting have been inducted into
the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame for their stupendous achievements in international cricket. Along with
Dravid and Ponting, retired England woman wicketkeeper-batter Claire Taylor was also named in the
‘Hall of Fame’ during a ceremony in Dublin, Ireland on July 1, 2018. With this, Dravid became only the 5th
player from India to be named in the elite list. The other four Indians are former skippers Bishan Singh
Bedi, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Anil Kumble.
12. As per US State Department’s 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report, which country has been

tagged “worst human trafficking nation”?

[A] Iraq
[B] Pakistan
[C] North Korea
[D] Myanmar
Correct Answer: C [North Korea]
Notes:
As per US State Department’s 2018 Trafficking in Persons Report, North Korea has been tagged “worst
human trafficking nation” for the 16th straight year, citing the use of forced labour. North Korea has
been included in the Tier 3 category, which is the lowest ranking, along with China, Russia and Iran. The
report stated that the North Korean government does not fully meet the minimum standards for the
elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so. It is continued to use forced
labour in prison camps and labour training centres. In a stark contrast, South Korea has been ranked at
the highest category, that is, in the list of Tier 1 countries for the 16th consecutive year, along with US,
UK, France and Canada.
13. NITI Aayog has partnered with GNFC Ltd. to implement fertiliser subsidy disbursement
through which technology?
[A] Internet of Things Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
[B] Blockchain
[C] Cryptocurrency
[D] Counterparty
Correct Answer: B [Blockchain]
Notes:
NITI Aayog and Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC) have signed a
Statement of Intent (SOI) to implement fertiliser subsidy disbursement through Blockchain Technology.
Both will work on implementing a Proof-of-Concept (PoC) application for using the technology in
subsidy disbursements. They will jointly develop the use case, under take research, interact with
multiple stakeholders, develop Blockchain solutions, exchange learnings, organise forums, and
disseminate learnings across their networks. It must be noted that approximately Rs 70,000 crore of
subsidy is disbursed to manufacturing units every year for selling around 31 million MT of fertilisers
below cost and the fertilizer subsidy disbursal takes two to three months’ time. With the implementation
of Blockchain Technology, it is expected that the distribution will become effective and efficient, and
subsidy transfer could be automated and made real time.
14. Which Indian journalist has become the new president of Delhi and Districts Cricket
Association (DDCA)?
[A] Prannoy Roy
[B] Sudhir Chaudhary
[C] Rajat Sharma
[D] Vikram Chandra
Correct Answer: C [Rajat Sharma]
Notes:
Rajat Sharma, who is the Chairman and Chief Editor of Hindi news channel INDIA TV, has become the
new president of Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA) for a period of 3 years. He beat former
cricketer Madan Lal by 517 votes in the DDCA election 2018. The results of the DDCA polls were
announced on 2nd July 2018 and Sharma’s group swept the elections winning all 12 seats. Sharma’s team
will consist of Rakesh Kumar Bansal, who has been elected as the vice-president with 48.87% votes in his
favour. Meanwhile, Vinod Tihara has been elected as Secretary, Om Prakash Sharma is the new
Treasurer and Rajan Manchanda is the Joint Secretary. Rajat Sharma was conferred with Padma
Bhushan award in 2016.
15. Which country’s team has won the 2018 Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy?
[A] Belgium
[B] Argentina
[C] Australia
[D] India
Correct Answer: C [Australia]
Notes:
Australian hockey team has won the 2018 Men’s Hockey Champions Trophy by defeating India in the
final via penalty shoot-off at Breda, the Netherlands on July 1, 2018. It was Australia’s record 15th
Champions Trophy title. While India won their second consecutive silver medal, hosts the Netherlands
bagged the bronze beating Olympic champions Argentina 2-0 in the third-fourth place match. The 2018
Hockey tournament was the 37th and the last edition of the prestigious Hockey Champions Trophy for
men. It will be replaced by the Hockey Pro League (HPL) in 2019.
16. Who has been conferred with the National Kalidas Samman in visual arts by the Madhya
Pradesh government?
[A] Kalamandalam Gopi
[B] Anjolie Ela Menon
[C] Satish Gujral
[D] Puttaraj Gavai
Correct Answer: B [Anjolie Ela Menon] Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
Notes:
Anjolie Ela Menon, the well known muralist, has recently been conferred with the prestigious National
Kalidas Samman by the Madhya Pradesh government in Delhi for her contribution in visual arts. The
award was conferred in recognition of her insightful and sensitive portrayal of the identity and spirit of
women through her meaningful paintings in a variety of media. Beside her, Artist A. Ramachandran was
also conferred with the Kalidas Award. Menon is counted among India’s most accomplished artists and
is the recipient of numerous national and international awards including the Padma Shri. She recently
received a doctorate from Rabindra Bharati University.
17. Which of the following is the world’s first medicine made from marijuana that has been
approved by the US Food and Drug Administration ?
[A] Aconite
[B] Epidiolex
[C] Nux Vomica
[D] Calendula
Correct Answer: B [Epidiolex]
Notes:
For the first time, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the world’s first-ever cannabis-
based medicine “Epidiolex” made from marijuana. It is a milestone approval that could spur more
research into a drug that remains illegal under federal law. The drug, manufactured by UK-based GW
Pharmaceuticals, will be used to cure children aged 2-years old, who suffer from Dravet Syndrome and
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, rare childhood-onset forms of epilepsy. Epidiolex is a purified form of
cannabidiol (CBD), one of the hundreds of molecules found in the marijuana plant. It contains less than
0.1% of Tetra-Hydro-Cannabinol (THC), which makes people high. In simple words, the new drug is an
oral solution of cannabidiol (CBD) and does not cause intoxication or a high.
18. The International Asteroid Day (IAD) is observed on which date?
[A] June 27
[B] June 30
[C] June 28
[D] June 29
Correct Answer: B [June 30 ]
Notes:
The International Asteroid Day (IAD) is observed every year on June 30 to raise public awareness about
the asteroid impact hazard and to inform the public about the crisis communication actions to be taken
at the global level in case of a credible near-Earth object threat. In December 2016, the United Nations

General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/71/90 to proclaim Asteroid Day globally on June 30.
The day is an annual global event which is held on the anniversary of the Siberian Tunguska event that
took place on 30th June 1908, the most harmful known asteroid-related event on Earth in recent history.
19. Who will chair the first meeting of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)?
[A] Kavindra H Dholakia
[B] Suryanath Upadhyay
[C] Bhagat Singh Koshyari
[D] S Masood Hussain
Correct Answer: D [S Masood Hussain]
Notes:
On July 2, the first meeting of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) will be held at
Central Water Commission (CWC) office in New Delhi to resolve disputes over sharing of river water
among Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry. The meeting of the 9-member Authority will be
chaired by the CWC Chairman S Masood Hussain, who is also heading the Cauvery Authority. The
meeting will discuss the issues including water storage in Cauvery basin reservoirs, the release of
Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu from Karnataka as per the schedule and duly complying with all aspects of
the judgement of the Supreme Court in this regard. As per Supreme Court’s direction, the Central
Government constituted CWMA on 1st June 2018. The CWMA is an umbrella body, which will monitor
water management on a day-to-day basis, Vineet
including the water level and inflow and outflow of reservoirs
in all the basin states.

20. The Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) has become the India’s first oil Public Sector Undertaking
(PSU) to introduce online legal compliance “Legatrix”. It is located in which state?
[A] Assam
[B] Manipur
[C] West Bengal
[D] Jharkhand
Correct Answer: A [Assam ]
Notes:
The Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) in Assam has become the first oil public sector undertaking (PSU) to
adopt an online legal compliance system by introducing ‘Legatrix’. The cloud-based compliance
management system ‘Legatrix’ is a one-stop solution for effectively managing the organisation’s legal
and regulatory compliances through monitoring control at different levels. It encompasses the
requirements of laws like labour, taxation, IT, commercial, export-import, corporate laws and other
industry-specific laws. This initiative augments the NRLs contribution towards the Digital India Mission
and induces greater transparency in its operations.
21. India’s first dedicated ‘Khadi Mall’ will soon be set up by which state government?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Gujarat
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Jharkhand
Correct Answer: D [Jharkhand ]
Notes:
India’s first dedicated ‘Khadi Mall’ will soon be set up by the Jharkhand government to boost market for
khadi and khadi made products. The land in the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) campus will be
made available to the Khadi Board to develop the country’s first Khadi mall. The artisans would be
provided technological aid for value addition in their products, while rural, urban and tourism ‘haats’
will provide them markets for their goods.
22. Which of the following National parks has become the largest habitat of the endangered
estuarine crocodiles in India?
[A] Jim Corbett National Park
[B] Bhitarkanika National Park

[C] Ranthambore National Park

[D] Nagarhole National Park
Correct Answer: B [Bhitarkanika National Park]
Notes:
The Bhitarkanika National Park (BNP) of Odisha has become the largest habitat of the endangered
estuarine crocodiles in India with a record number of their nesting sites spotted in it. Recently, the
enumerators have spotted 101 nests of crocodile in Kanika, Gahirmatha, Mahakalapada and Rajnagar
wildlife forest range divisions under the park. As per the January 2018 crocodile census report, the water
bodies of Bhitarkanika are home to 1,698 saltwater crocodiles. Estuarine crocodiles are also found in
West Bengal’s Sundarban areas having the country’s largest mangrove cover. Besides, the mangrove
wetlands in Andaman Islands are home to these species, but those cannot match the density and
population of crocodile available in the wild habitats of Bhitarkanik National Park (BNP).
23. Who has been selected for the 2018 National Maritime Search and Rescue Award?
[A] Milan Shankar Tare
[B] Rutv Thakur
[C] Radhika Sharma
[D] Milind Kumar
Correct Answer: A [Milan Shankar Tare] Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
Notes:
Milan Shankar Tare, a fisherman from Maharashtra’s Palghar district, has been selected for the 2018
National Maritime Search and Rescue Award. The award recognises Tare’s act of bravery at sea and
selfless duty in sync with the highest traditions of maritime fraternity. On 9th May 2018, Tare saved the
lives of 12 people from a sinking fishing boat named Shivneri. He used his judgement to locate the
distressed boat in the dark. He also alerted other boats to join the rescue operation off the Satpati coast.
The prestigious award consisting of a commendation certificate and cash prize will be presented to Tare
in New Delhi on 5th July.
24. UNESCO has recently declared which national park of Colombia as a world heritage site?
[A] Chiribiquete Natural Park
[B] Los Nevados National Park
[C] Chicamocha National Park
[D] Tayrona National Park
Correct Answer: A [Chiribiquete Natural Park]
Notes:
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has inscribed
Colombia’s Chiribiquete National Park (CNP) on its list of world heritage sites. The park, which straddles
the southern provinces of Caquetá and Guaviare, is the country’s largest and has one of the highest rates
of plant diversity in the northern Amazon. It is also famous for its table-top rock formations known as
tepuis, which rise out of the forest. The national park was established on September 1989, after hundreds
of rock paintings dating as far back as 18,000 years BCE were discovered on the vertical rock faces of the
area. It is the ninth site in Colombia to be given world heritage status.
25. Which Indian stock exchange has tied up with Bombay Metal Exchange (BME) to develop
commodity derivatives markets?
[A] Bombay Stock Exchange
[B] National Stock Exchange
[C] Multi Commodity Exchange of India
[D] Calcutta Stock Exchange
Correct Answer: A [Bombay Stock Exchange]
Notes:
Premier stock exchange Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) has signed pact with the Bombay Metal
Exchange (BME) for the growth and systematic development of commodity derivatives markets in the
non-ferrous metals complex. Through this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the BSE and the BME
will co-ordinate and work jointly on initiatives to deepen the understanding of commodity market
among stakeholders. The BME will assist the BSE in designing new and innovative deliverable products
in commodities like aluminium, copper, zinc, nickel and lead among, others.
26. The 2018 National Doctors Day (NDD) is celebrated on which date in India?
[A] July 8
[B] July 4
[C] July 1
[D] July 10
Correct Answer: C [July 1]
Notes:
The National Doctors’ Day is celebrated on July 1 all across India to express gratitude and acknowledge
the dedication and commitment of the doctors’ towards our society. It is an attempt to emphasize on the
value of doctors in our lives and to offer them our respects by commemorating one of their greatest
representatives. The day is also marked to honour the legendary physician and the second Chief
Minister of West Bengal, Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. Dr Roy was a highly respected physician and a
renowned freedom fighter. He is often considered the great architect of West Bengal, who founded five
eminent cities, Durgapur, Kalyani, Bidhannagar, Ashokenagar, and Habra.
27. Which of the following has been ranked the “Best Dental College” in India?
[A] Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College and Hospital
[B] Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences

[C] King George’s Medical University
[D] Ragas Dental College
Correct Answer: B [Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences]
Notes:
The Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences (MAIDS) under the Government of NCT of Delhi has been
ranked the “Best Dental College” in India for the 7th year in a row. The evaluation was done on the basis
of reports of independent rating agencies of Hansa Research, Drshti Strategic Research Services and
Nielsen India. MAIDS outshone 310 dental colleges to become No 1 in dental education in India. The
MAIDS is the first and only dental hospital in India to be accredited by the National Accreditation of
Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH). The institute offers a five-year undergraduate
programme, Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), with an annual intake of 40 students and is the only
government institute to offer a postgraduate program, Master of Dental Surgery (MDS), in all nine
dental specialties.
28. Who has won the 2018 men’s singles Malaysian Open Badminton tournament?
[A] Srikanth Kidambi
[B] Tommy Sugiarto
[C] Kento Momota
[D] Lee Chong Wei
Correct Answer: D [Lee Chong Wei ]
Notes:
Malaysian shuttler Lee Chong Wei has won the Malaysian Open Badminton men’s singles title for a
historic 12th time. In the men’s final in Kuala Lumpur on July 1, he defeated young Japanese shuttler
Kento Momota in straight games 21-17 23-21 in 71 minutes. In the women’s singles final, top seed Tai Tzu
Ying from Taiwan defeated China’s He Bingjiao by 22-20, 21-11.
29. Jayant Ganpat Nadkarni, who passed away recently, was the chief of which Indian Armed
Force?
[A] Indian Army
[B] Indian Air Force
[C] Indian Navy
[D] Indian Coast Guard
Correct Answer: C [Indian Navy]

Notes:
Admiral Jayant Ganpat Nadkarni (86), the former Chief of the Naval Staff, has passed away in Mumbai,
Maharashtra on July 2, 2018. He was the 14th chief of the Indian Navy from December 1987 to November
1990. He participated in the Liberation of Goa and played a stellar role in the India-Pakistan War 1965
and in 1971. Nadkarni is a recipient of the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, Nausena
Medaland the Vishisht Seva Medal for his distinguished service.
30. Which state/UT government has launched ‘Happiness Curriculum’ for students up to class 8?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Pondicherry
[D] Delhi
Correct Answer: D [Delhi]
Notes:
Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, launched the ‘Happiness Curriculum’ for students of
nursery to Class 8 in government schools on July 2, 2018. The curriculum was launched in the presence
of the Dalai Lama. Students across schools can expect a ‘happiness’ period of 45 minutes. Each class will
begin with a five-minute meditation session. The Happiness period was designed and prepared by a
team of 40 Delhi government teachers, educators and volunteers over a period of six months. It will also
include value education and mental exercises.
31. Who is the newly appointed Director General of Ordnance Factories (DGOF) & Chairman of the
Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)?
[A] P K Shrivastava
[B] Saurabh Kumar
[C] P W Ralegankar
[D] S P Mishra
Correct Answer: A [P K Shrivastava]
Notes:
P.K. Shrivastava has taken over charge as the new Director General of Ordnance Factories (DGOF) and
chairman of the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) with effect from July 1, 2018. Previously, he was
Additional DGOF and member at OFB, and was in charge of Armoured Vehicles, headquartered in Avadi,
Chennai. The OFB is an industrial organisation, functioning under the Department of Defence
Production of Ministry of Defence. The headquarters of OFB is located in Kolkata, West Bengal.
32. India’s first-ever state-of-the-art e-waste recycling unit will come up in which city?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] Mumbai
[C] Delhi
[D] Kolkata
Correct Answer: A [Bengaluru]
Notes:
India’s first-ever state-of-the-art e-waste recycling unit will come up in Bengaluru, which produces an
estimated one lakh tonne of electronic waste a year. The Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and
Technology (CIPET), a research institute that comes under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, will
set up the unit in the next four months. The purpose to set-up an e-Waste recycling unit is to provide a
complete solution for recycling of plastics wastes generated from Waste Electrical & Electronic
Equipments (WEEE). Bengaluru, which accounts for about a third of India’s software exports and is
home to about 7,000 startups, occupies 3rd place in the country in producing e-waste after Mumbai and
Delhi. Currently, e-waste generation in India is estimated to reach 52 lakh tonnes in 2020, with India
being ranked as one of the top five generators of e-waste.
33. The famous cultural festival “Behdienkhlam 2018” was celebrated in which state?
[A] Mizoram
[B] Tamil nadu

[C] Meghalaya
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Correct Answer: C [Meghalaya ]
Notes:
The famous cultural festival “Behdienkhlam 2018” was celebrated at the small peripheral town of Jowai,
the District headquarters of Jaintia Hills District in Meghalaya with joy and religious fervour. The
festival witnessed a colourful display of 12 rots or ‘rath’ at the sacred pool ‘Aitnar’. It is the most
celebrated religious festival among the Pnars Tribals. It is celebrated mid-July every year after the
sowing is over. The festival ends with a final salutation to the divine powers when the women of the
tribe offer sacrificial food to their almighty. The festival is also known as the festival for chasing away
the Demon of Cholera.
34. Who has become the first serving Indian Army officer to complete Ironman competition?
[A] Manoj Pandey
[B] Balwan Singh
[C] Vikram Dogra
[D] Udi Adam
Correct Answer: C [Vikram Dogra]
Notes:
Major General Vikram Dogra has become the first serving Indian Army officer and the only General
across the world to have successfully completed a gruelling ‘Ironman’ competition held in Klagenfurt,
Austria on July 1, 2018. The Ironman is an international triathlon consisting of three consecutive events-
3.8 km of swimming, 180 km cycling and 42.2 km of running (a full marathon). It is considered one of the
toughest one-day sporting events in the world.The competitors have to complete the events in sequence
within 17 hours to earn the title of ‘Ironman’. Maj Gen Dogra completed the event in 14 hours and 21
minutes. More than 3000 athletes from 50 countries participated in the event. Maj Gen Dogra, who is
currently posted as Director General Resettlement, was one of the participants.
35. Which country to host the 19th edition of IUFoST World Food Science and Technology
Congress 2018?
[A] Italy
[B] India
[C] New Zealand
[D] Canada
Correct Answer: B [India ]
Notes:
India will host the 19th edition of IUFoST World Food Science and Technology Congress 2018 in Navi
Mumbai from October 23-27, 2018. The IUFoST stands for ‘International Union of Food Science and
Technology’. The 5-day event will bring together researchers, academicians, professionals, policy makers
and industry leaders from across the globe to showcase innovation, exchange breakthrough ideas and
drive policy issues. The focal theme for the 19th edition of the prestigious World Congress of Food
Science and Technology is ’25 Billion Meals a Day by 2025 with Healthy, Nutritious, Safe and Diverse
Foods’. IUFoST 2018 will provide insight on key concepts on recent advances in food sciences, food
processing and agriculture technologies.
36. Which high-level committee has submitted its report to Finance ministry to tackle Non-
Performing Assets (NPAs) and to create credit capacity?
[A] Rajnish Kumar committee
[B] Viral Acharya committee
[C] V S Jayakumar committee
[D] Sunil Mehta committee
Correct Answer: D [Sunil Mehta committee]
Notes:
The Sunil Mehta committee which was formed with a view to tackle Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) and

creating credit capacity submitted its report with recommendations to Union Finance Minister Piyush
Goyal on July 2, 2018. The Sunil Mehta panel presented project ‘Sashakt’ and has recommended a five-
pronged strategy to deal with NPAs in the country’s banking system. The five-pronged strategy includes
— SME Resolution Approach (SRA), Bank Led Resolution Approach (BLRA), AMC / AIF led resolution
approach, NCLT / IBC approach, and asset-trading platform. The report recommends a five pronged
approach for loans from Rs 50 crore, Rs 50-500 crore and loans above Rs 500 crore. The committee has
also suggested an asset trading platform for both performing and non-performing assets. The plan
focuses on turning around assets in a manner that will create additional jobs by reviving businesses and
prevent job losses from foreclosures.
37. Which state government has launched an outstanding power bill waiver scheme ‘Sambal’ for
labourers and poor families?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Odisha
[C] Tripura
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Correct Answer: A [Madhya Pradesh]
Notes:
The Madhya Pradesh government has launched an outstanding power bill waiver scheme and subsidised
power scheme ‘Sambal’ for labourers and poor families. The purpose of the scheme is to make sure that
all the households have power facility in the state. One crore 83 lakh workers registered under Sambal
Yojana in the state till now. Under this scheme, outstanding electricity bill worth five thousand 179
crores rupees is to be waived off. Under the subsidised power segment of this scheme, registered
labourers of the unorganised sector and Below Poverty Line (BPL) families would be provided electricity
at a cost of Rs 200 per month while Power connection would be provided free of cost to the beneficiaries.
In case the bill is lower than Rs 200, the beneficiary will have to pay the actual bill amount and if the bill
amount crossing Rs 200, then the difference amount would be subsidised by the state government.
38. Which city is set to host the Monsoon session of the Maharashtra Legislature after a gap of 47
years?
[A] Aurangabad
[B] Nashik
[C] Mumbai
[D] Nagpur
Correct Answer: D [Nagpur]
Notes:
Nagpur, the second capital of Maharashtra, is set to host the Monsoon session of the state Legislature
today after a gap of 47 years. This will be the fourth time that the monsoon session of the state
Legislature, normally held in Mumbai, will take place in Nagpur. The session will commence in Nagpur
from July 4 to 20, 2018. Traditionally, Nagpur hosts the winter session of the legislature in December
every year whereas the budget and monsoon sessions are held in Mumbai. According to an official of the
Vidhan Bhavan, the monsoon sessions of the state Legislature were earlier held in Nagpur in 1961, 1966
and 1971. As per the Nagpur Pact-1953, the district in the Vidarbha region was accorded the status of
second capital of Maharashtra. The pact also required one session of the state Legislature to be held in
Nagpur every year.
39. Which unique app has been launched by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for people to
report model code violations?
[A] cVigil
[B] pVigil
[C] eVigil
[D] mVigil
Correct Answer: A [cVigil]
Notes:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched user-friendly android app “cVigil” for citizens to

report any violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during elections. The unique Internet-based beta
version of the application ‘cVIGIL’ stands for “citizens’ vigil”. The app will be active only in States where
elections have been announced. The application will be operationalised for the first time from the
forthcoming Assembly elections in the States of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and Rajasthan.
By using this app, citizens can immediately report on incidents of misconduct within minutes of having
witnessed them and without having to rush to the office of the returning officer to lodge a complaint.
The user will get 5 minutes to report an incident after having clicked a picture or a video. To prevent any
misuse, the app will not allow uploading of the pre-recorded or old images and videos. The new app is
expected to fill in all these gaps and create a fast-track complaint reception and redressal system.
40. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) launched its e-marketing system “KIMIS”
in New Delhi. What does “KIMIS” stands for?
[A] Khadi Institution Management and Infallible System
[B] Khadi Institution Management and Industrial System
[C] Khadi Institution Management and Infographic System
[D] Khadi Institution Management and Information System
Correct Answer: D [Khadi Institution Management and Information System]
Notes:
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched its in-house developed & single
integrated e-marketing platform named Khadi Institution Management and Information System (KIMIS)
in New Delhi on July 3, 2018. The system can be accessed from anywhere in the country for the sale and
purchase of Khadi and Village Industries products. This software will give real-time data of sales and will
also give the updated status of stocks of khadi bhawans and godowns, allowing better planning and
control of inventory of the KVIC. Approx 480 Khadi institutions and showrooms are linked with this
billing software and it will be useful in raising demand and supply of goods in high demand.
41. The Union government has constituted a ministerial panel to decide on fund allocation from
CRIF for infrastructure projects. The panel will be headed by whom?
[A] Minister of Finance
[B] Minister of Information and Broadcasting
[C] Minister of Labour and Employment
[D] Minister of Road Transport and Highways
Correct Answer: A [Minister of Finance]
Notes:
The Union government has constituted a ministerial panel headed by the finance minister to decide
about fund allocation for infrastructure projects from the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF)
announced in the budget. The 4-member committee will approve recommendations made by the sub-
committee headed by the Economic Affairs Secretary on list of infrastructure projects to be financed
from the CIRF. Other members of the committee include Minister of Road Transport and Highways;
Shipping; Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Railways Minister and Human
Resource Development Minister. The 15-member sub-committee has secretaries from different
ministries who will examine and evaluate proposals received from ministries on infrastructure projects.
Besides, it will prioritize the list of infrastructure projects each year for being financed by the fund. The
budget 2018 has amended the Central Road Fund Act, 2000, and has renamed the Central Road Fund as
CRIF.
42. The 2018 World Sports Journalists Day (WSJD) is observed on which date?
[A] July 5
[B] July 4
[C] July 3
[D] July 2
Correct Answer: D [July 2]
Notes:
The World Sports Journalists Day (WSJD) is observed every year on July 2 to mark the services of sports
journalists for the promotion of sports. This day has been earmarked as the official day of celebration
because of its significance as the date when the International Sports Press Association (ISPA) was
established at the 1924 Paris Olympics. The purpose of the day is to encouraged sports journalists to
strive for excellence in their work and to set an example to the world – not only to the world of sport,
but to the world at large.
43. India’s first Global Mobility Summit will be organised by NITI Aayog in which city?
[A] Bhopal
[B] Chennai
[C] New Delhi
[D] Pune
Correct Answer: C [New Delhi]
Notes:
India’s first ‘MOVE: Global Mobility Summit’ will be organised by NITI Aayog in New Delhi on
September 7-8, 2018. The six themes for the summit are: Asset Utilization and Service, Comprehensive
Electrification, Alternative Energy, Reinventing Public Transit, Logistics and Goods Transport, and Data
Analytics and Mobility. The purpose of the MOVE Summit is to bring together and engage with key
stakeholders within the rapidly transforming global mobility landscape and to evolve a public interest
framework for a shared, connected, zero emission and inclusive mobility agenda for the future. This
Summit will help drive Government’s goals for vehicle electrification, renewable energy integration and
job growth and also speed up India’s transition to a clean energy economy. Approx 1,200 experts from
across the world including Government leadership, Industry leaders, Research Organizations, Academia,
Think Tanks and Civil Society Organisation will participate.

44. Who has become the first-ever transgender woman to be crowned Miss Universe Spain?
[A] Catriona Gray
[B] Jenna Talackova
[C] Angela Ponce
[D] Alexandra Daddario
Correct Answer: C [Angela Ponce]
Notes:
Angela Ponce from Seville has created by becoming the first-ever transgender woman to be crowned
Miss Universe Spain, after beating 22 contestants. She will representing her country at the 67th Miss
Universe 2018 pageant in Philippines in December 2018. This comes six years after the Miss Universe
organisation put an end to the ban on transgender contestants in the competition in 2012.
45. Pandharichi Wari, which has started recently, is the most important pilgrimage of which
state?
[A] Telangana
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra]
Notes:
“Pandharichi Wari” is the most important pilgrimage of Maharashtra. It is more than 700 years old
tradition in which devotees of Lord Vitthala called Varkari trace the route to Pandharpur. This year, in
2018, Wari will resume from July 6. For this holy function, thousands of devotees will trace WARI route
from Dehu and Alandi, the native places of Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshvar Maharaj in
Pune district, on foot. Both the sants were the renowned devotee of Lord Vitthala. Dnyaneshwar’s
palakhi leaves from Alandi, while Tukaram’s begins at Dehu. The chants of Vitthal Vitthal Jay Hari
Vitthal will resonate in the air next 20 days when Wari will resume from Dehu. It will reach its final
destination at the Vithoba temple in Pandharpur on July 22 for Ashadhi Ekadashi celebration. Upon
reaching Pandharpur on Ashadi Ekadashi, these devotees take a holy dip in the sacred Chandrabhaga
River/Bhima River before proceeding to visit the Vitthal temple.
46. Who has been appointed new Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad (UoH)?
[A] Tirath Singh Thakur

[B] R. M. Lodha
[C] L Narasimha Reddy
[D] Jagdish Sharan Verma
Correct Answer: C [L Narasimha Reddy]
Notes:
Justice L Narasimha Reddy, the former Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, has been appointed as
Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad for a period of three years. President Ram Nath Kovind in his
capacity as Visitor of the University appointed Justice Reddy as Chancellor of of UoH. Justice Reddy,
who is also the Chairman of the Central Administrative Tribunal, served as a Judge of the Andhra
Pradesh High Court, between 2001 and 2015.
47. The Kerala government has set up a panel to choose an official song for the state. Who is the
convenor of the panel?
[A] K P Mohanan
[B] Ezhachery Ramachandran
[C] M M Basheer
[D] Rani George
Correct Answer: D [Rani George] Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
Notes:
The Kerala government has constituted an expert panel comprising eminent writers and language
experts to choose an official song for the state. Rani George, the Cultural Department Secretary, would
be the convenor of the panel. While eminent critic M Leelavathi, poet Ezhachery Ramachandran, M M
Basheer, M R Raghava Warrier and K P Mohanan would be the members of it. The expert panel would
select a suitable song from among the entries received and shortlisted by the Akademi.
48. Which country is hosting the 8th International Convention of Saurashtra Patel Cultural Samaj
2018?
[A] United States
[B] Brazil
[C] South Africa
[D] India
Correct Answer: A [United States]
Notes:
The 8th International Convention of Saurashtra Patel Cultural Samaj 2018 has started in California,
United States on July 5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed International Convention through
video conferencing on July 6. He appealed to NRI community to motivate at least five foreign families to
visit India every year for Bharat Darshan. This can pave a new way to serve the purpose of Ek Bharat
Shresht Bharat Abhiyan, ultimately providing a great boost to India’s tourism development. He also
talked about how NRIs can contribute to the success of Mahatma Gandhi’s dream, Swachh Bharat. He
also appealed to the NRI community to work towards the dream of creating a New India.
49. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has launched ‘GST Verify’ app to
protect interest of consumers. The app is developed by whom?
[A] Sanjukta Parashar
[B] Manish Shanker Sharma
[C] B Raghu Kiran
[D] Shivdeep Lande
Correct Answer: C [B Raghu Kiran]
Notes:
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has launched a mobile app ‘GST Verify’ to
protect interest of consumers. It is an android app to verify if the person collecting GST from the
consumer is eligible to collect it or not. It also provides the details of the person/company collecting GST.
This app, developed by B Raghu Kiran joint commissioner GST Hyderabad, can be used all across the

country. Here, after downloading the app, customers can check the bill if there is any GST amount
mentioned, if yes verify through this app if she/he is genuinely registered person or not. This will help
customers save the amount shown as tax from the fraudster if he is cheating them.
50. UNESCO has signed pact with which state government to set up Design University for
Gaming?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Karnataka
[C] Punjab
[D] Assam
Correct Answer: A [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
The Andhra Pradesh government and the delegates of United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) have recently signed a pact for the establishment of a Gaming Digital
Learning Hub in the state. As per agreement, UNESCO will soon set up the Design University for
Gaming in Visakhapatnam. For the installation of the university, UNESCO has asked the state
government to allocate 100 acres of land in Visakhapatnam for developing the city as International
Gaming and Digital Learning Hub. The hub is being seen as potential medium for creating around
50,000 jobs in 10 years. The UNESCO delegates stated that Gaming Technology will be the best source of
income in future and IT giants like UBSoft, Samsung, Microsoft etc are ready to establish their centres in
Visakhapatnam.
51. Which of the following will become the first central paramilitary force to opt for e-ticketing
instead of Railway warrant?
[A] Assam Rifles
[B] National Security Guard
[C] Central Reserve Police Force
[D] Sashastra Seema Bal
Correct Answer: B [National Security Guard]
Notes:
The National Security Guard (NSG) will be the first central paramilitary force to opt for e-ticketing
instead of the railway warrant under an agreement signed with the Indian Railway Catering and
Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The MoU was signed between NSG and IRCTC at the headquarters of the
special force in New Delhi. This system will eliminate the need for carrying railway warrants by the NSG
personnel. Under the MOU, the IRCTC will extend the ticketing facility to the NSG headquarters and it
may be later provided to the field units. A railway warrant is a voucher issued for train travel for certain
categories such as government employees, security force personnel and retirees at subsidised rates or
free of charge, exchangeable for a ticket.
52. Who has been appointed as new Chairman of Payments Council of India (PCI)?
[A] Naveen Surya
[B] Arif Sheikh
[C] P Sreelekha
[D] Vishwas Patel
Correct Answer: D [Vishwas Patel]
Notes:
Vishwas Patel, who is Director at Infibeam Avenues, has been appointed as new Chairman of Payments
Council of India (PCI), the apex body representing the companies in the payments and settlement
system. He succeeded Naveen Surya, who has been elevated to the post of Chairman Emeritus. PCI has
also announced the appointment of Loney Antony, Managing Director, Hitachi Payment Services as its
new Co-Chairman. PCI was formed under the aegis of Internet and Mobile Association of India [IAMAI]
in 2013 to cater the needs of the digital payment industry.
53. The Ministry of Coal has launched which mobile app to curb illegal coal mining activity in the
coalfield areas of the country?

[A] Khan Dost

[B] Khan Prahari
[C] Khan Saviour
[D] Khan Rakshak
Correct Answer: B [Khan Prahari]
Notes:
The Ministry of Coal has launched the Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS) and
‘Khan Prahari’ mobile application in New Delhi. The basic purpose of CMSMS is reporting, monitoring
and taking suitable action on unauthorised coal mining activities. The CMSMS is a Web-based GIS
application through which location of sites for unauthorised mining can be detected. The basic platform
used in the system is of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology’s (MeiTY) map which provides
village level information. The leasehold boundary of all the coal mines will be displayed on this map. The
system will use satellite data to detect changes by which unauthorised mining activity extending beyond
the allotted lease area can be detected and suitable action can be taken on it. The ‘Khan Prahari’ app uses
space technology to curb illegal coal mining activity in the coalfield areas of the country, and provides
people with a platform where they can report such incidents. One can upload geo-tagged photographs of
the incident along with textual information directly to the system.
54. Which country to operate Sri Lanka’s loss-making Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in
Hambantota?
[A] India
[B] Germany
[C] China
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: A [India ]
Notes:
India will operate the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport as a Sri Lanka-India joint venture in
Hambantota. The $210 million facility, 241km south-east of Colombo, is dubbed the “world’s emptiest
airport” due to a lack of flights. Mattala airport, named after former president Mahinda Rajapaksa, was
funded through high interest Chinese commercial loans. The airport was officially opened in March
2013. It has the capacity to handle one million passengers a year and is expected to handle five million
passengers, 50,000 tonnes of cargo and 6,250 air traffic operations per annum by 2028.
55. Which state government has launched ‘Poshan Abhiyan’ to eradicate malnutrition?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Tripura
[C] Gujarat
[D] Mizoram
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat]
Notes:
On July 4, the Gujarat government launched a statewide mission ‘Poshan Abhiyan’ to eradicate
malnutrition among children by providing them nutritious food through Anganwadi centres. The state
government has also launched ‘Purna’ project to eliminate malnutrition among girls in the age group of
14 to 18. ‘Purna’ stands for Prevention of Under Nutrition and Reduction of Nutritional Anaemia among
Adolescent Girls. The nationwide National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan) was launched by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan on March 8, 2018.
56. Which state High Court has declared the entire animal kingdom as legal entity in the State?
[A] Uttar Pradesh
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Uttarakhand
Correct Answer: D [Uttarakhand ]
Notes:
In a unique ruling, the Uttarakhand High Court has recently declared the “entire animal kingdom
including avian and aquatic” as legal entities with a distinct persona and corresponding rights, duties
and liabilities of a living person. A Division Bench of Justices Rajiv Sharma and Lokpal Singh bestowed
the unique status on animal kingdom while issuing a series of directions to prevent cruelty against
animals. All the citizens throughout the State of Uttarakhand are hereby declared persons in loco
parentis as the human face for the welfare/protection of animals. The court also declared all
Uttarakhand natives the guardians of animals and endowed them with the duty to ensure their welfare
and protection.
57. Bajrang Punia has clinched gold in which weight category at the 2018 Tbilisi Grand Prix?
[A] 86kg category
[B] 65kg category
[C] 74kg category
[D] 57kg category
Correct Answer: B [65kg category]
Notes:
Bajrang Punia from India has clinched gold in the 65kg category at the 2018 Tbilisi Grand Prix
tournament by defeating Iranian wrestler Mehran Nasiri in the final in Georgia on July 6, 2018The win
shows that Bajrang will be a serious medal contender at the upcoming Asian Games in Indonesia. He will
represent India in the 65kg after WrestlingVineet
Federation of India (WFI) handed him exemption from trials.
. Punia is the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist.

58. Who has become the first from the minority community to contest assembly elections in
Pakistan?
[A] Sunita Parmar
[B] Bishnu Chattopadhyay
[C] Bhawani Shankar Chowdhry
[D] Mukesh Kumar Chawla
Correct Answer: A [Sunita Parmar]
Notes:
Sunita Parmar, a Hindu woman in Sindh province, has created history by becoming the first from the
minority community to contest the provincial assembly elections in Pakistan that are scheduled to be
held on July 25. Parmar, who is from the Meghwar community will contest as an independent candidate
for the Sindh Assembly constituency from Tharparkar district which has the highest number of Hindus
in Pakistan. Sunita vowed to improve standards of education for women and poor health facilities in her
constituency.
59. Who has been sworn in as new Chief Justice of the Hyderabad High Court for the states of
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh?
[A] T G Lingappa
[B] R Nagendra Rao
[C] Thottathil B Radhakrishnan
[D] K E Krishna Murthy
Correct Answer: C [Thottathil B Radhakrishnan]
Notes:
Justice Thottathil Bhaskaran Nair Radhakrishnan has been sworn in as new Chief Justice of the
Hyderabad High Court for the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh in Hyderabad. Governor of
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh ESL Narasimhan administered the oath at a function in the Raj Bhavan
on July 7, 2018. Justice Radhakrishnan was Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court before being
shifted to Hyderabad. He was the Acting Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court for a brief period.
60. Who has been appointed the new chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT)?
[A] Umesh Dattatraya Salvi
[B] Adarsh Kumar Goel
[C] Jawad Rahim
[D] Lokeshwar Singh Panta

Correct Answer: B [Adarsh Kumar Goel]
Notes:
Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel, who retired from the Supreme Court on 7th July 2018, has been appointed
the new chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT). His tenure as NGT Chairperson has been
specified as being for a period of 5 years from the date he assumes office, or till he reaches the age of 70
years, whichever is earlier. He will succeed Justice Jawad Rahim, who is the acting chairperson of NGT.
The NGT was established on October 18, 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act for effective and
expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other
natural resources. The tribunal’s principal bench is located in New Delhi while its zonal benches are in
Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai and its circuit benches are in Shimla, Shillong, Jodhpur and Kochi.
61. The Civil Aviation Research Organisation (CARO) will be set up at which airport by the
Airports Authority of India (AAI)?
[A] Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport
[B] Birsa Munda Airport
[C] Begumpet Airport
[D] Raja Bhoj Airport
Correct Answer: C [Begumpet Airport] Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
Notes:
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will set up a state-of-the-art Civil Aviation Research Organisation
(CARO) at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad to find indigenous solutions to meet the challenges posed by
the growing air traffic and for enhancing safety, capacity and efficiency of aircraft operations in the
country. Union aviation minister Suresh Prabhu has recently laid the foundation stone for CARO which
will be spread over 27 acres and cater to air navigation services and airport/engineering research. It will
houses latest infrastructure and be equipped with simulators. The CARO will take up research work on 4
priority areas: increasing airport throughput with the existing infrastructural limitations; airspace
optimization; cost-effective infrastructure solutions for the upcoming 56 RCS airports and integrating
drones in civil airspace.
62. Who has been appointed as new member of the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council
(BCCC)?
[A] Arundhati Nag
[B] Mahir Sen
[C] Uday K Varma
[D] Vikramajit Sen
Correct Answer: C [Uday K Varma]
Notes:
Uday Kumar Varma, the former Information and Broadcasting secretary, has been appointed as new
member of the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC), a self-regulatory body for general
entertainment channels. Varma, who is former IAS officer of 1976 batch from the Madhya Pradesh cadre,
succeeded Wajahat Habibullah. The 13-member council, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice
Vikramajit Sen, has actor Sharmila Tagore, theatre person Arundhati Nag and JNU professor Ira
Bhaskar as some of its members, besides representatives of the National Commission for Women,
National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights and the National Commission for Minorities,
among others. The BCCC is an independent self-regulatory body set up by the Indian Broadcasting
Foundation (IBF) in June 2011 to look into complaints pertaining to all non-news general entertainment
channels in India.
63. Who has become the 3rd Indian cricketer to reach the coveted milestone of playing 500
international matches?
[A] M S Dhoni
[B] Virat Kohli
[C] Rohit Sharma
[D] Ravichandran Ashwin
Correct Answer: A [M S Dhoni]

Notes:
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has become the 3rd Indian cricketer to reach the coveted milestone of playing
500 international matches. He achieved this feat during the second T20 International against England at
Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on July 6, 2018. Today’s T20 International was Dhoni’s 92nd in the shortest
format. Apart this, the former India captain has played 90 Test matches and 318 One Day Internationals.
Dhoni is now the 9th player in the history of cricket and only the third Indian player, after Sachin
Tendulkar (664 matches) and Rahul Dravid (509), to complete 500 international games. Some of the
other names to feature on this list are – Mahela Jayawardene (652), Ricky Ponting (560), Shahid Afridi
(524) and Jacques Kallis (519).
64. The Union Government has declared the area around Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) as an
Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). The MTR is located in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Karnataka
Correct Answer: B [Tamil Nadu]
Notes: Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
On July 6, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) declared the 438
sq. km. of area around Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). The move will
prohibit construction and commercial mining activities and restrict hotels and resorts near the reserve
in the Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu. The area supports an ecologically sustainable habitat in the Western Ghats
landscape for about 60-65 tigers, 600 to 800 Asian elephants and gaur apart from other animals of
significance. This reserve harbours 227 species of birds, 50 species of fish, 21 species of amphibians and
34 species of reptiles. The reserve, comprising the wildlife sanctuary and the national park, extending
over an area of 321 sq. km, was declared a core/critical tiger habitat in 2007. The reserve is a critical part
of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve spread over 5,500 sq. km.
65. Which city is hosting the International Round Table Conference on “Data for New India”?
[A] Hyderabad
[B] Guwahati
[C] Pune
[D] New Delhi
Correct Answer: D [New Delhi ]
Notes:
The International Round Table Conference on “Data for New India’’ has organised by the Ministry of
Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in New Delhi during 9-10th July, 2018. The Conference
was inaugurated by D.V. Sadananda Gowda. The purpose of the Round Table Conference is to identify
innovative ideas for improving the statistical system in India, taking cue from the best practices
followed in advanced countries like Canada, UK and Australia. Such a Conference is being organized in
India for the first time. In the Conference, the experts from National and International agencies would
deliberate on key statistical issues, such as data governance structure and capabilities, organizational
issues, managing data systems in a federal structure and resource mobilization for ensuring quality
statistical products to be produced. The conference is expected to suggest measures paving way for
initiating the reform process in the Indian Statistical System.
66. J N Sadhu, the Veteran journalist has passed away. He was associated with which newspaper?
[A] The Indian Express
[B] The Hindu
[C] Danik Bhaskar
[D] Times of India
Correct Answer: A [The Indian Express]
Notes:
J N Sadhu (94), the Veteran journalist, has passed away in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. He worked with

The Indian Express for nearly 35 years. Sadhu retired from The Indian Express over three decades back
and settled down in Shimla. After retirement, he was into active writing as freelance journalist.
67. Kabutari Devi, the famous folk singer has passed away. She belonged to which state?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Sikkim
[C] Assam
[D] Uttarakhand
Correct Answer: D [Uttarakhand]
Notes:
Kabutari Devi (70), the famous Kumaoni folk singer, has passed away in Pithoragarh , Uttarakhand on
July 7, 2018. Devi, whose songs depicted the struggles in the life of Pahari women, shot to fame after her
maiden performance at All India Radio, Lucknow in the 1980s. The folk singer has received several
honours, which includes the Ministry of Culture, Government of Uttarakhand for her outstanding
contribution which echoed the sound of Kumaon hills. Devi is remembered by folk historians as an
original voice that represented the culture of the hills.
68. Which Indian gymnast has clinched a gold in the vault event of FIG Artistic Gymnastics World
Challenge Cup 2018 in Turkey? Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
[A] Ankita Kumari
[B] Aruna Reddy
[C] Dipa Karmakar
[D] Deepa Malik
Correct Answer: C [Dipa Karmakar]
Notes:
India’s premier gymnast Dipa Karmakar from Tripura clinched gold with a score of 14.150 in the vault
event of FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup at Mersin in Turkey on July 8, 2018. This is Dipa’s
first medal in a World Challenge Cup. She had topped the qualification also with a score of 13.400. Dipa
has also qualified in balance beam finals by finishing third in the qualification with a score of 11.850. She
returned to action after nearly two years of lay-off due to Anetrior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury.
69. Which country is hosting the 17th World Sanskrit Conference (WSC-2018)?
[A] India
[B] Brazil
[C] Australia
[D] Canada
Correct Answer: D [Canada]
Notes:
The Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister, Prakash Javadekar inaugurated the 17th
World Sanskrit Conference (WSC) in Vancouver, Canada on July 9, 2018. More than 500 scholars and
delegates from over 40 countries are participating in the 5-day conference and will exchange their
knowledge by presenting papers on various subjects. There will be a special panel discussion on over a
dozen topics like – History and Education of Women in Vedic Literature, Sanskrit Buddhist Manus,
introducing Bhagavata Purana Commentaries and research on the Gargiyajyotisa. Over 500 papers on
various themes are likely to be presented during the conference. The purpose of this conference is to
promote, preserve and practice the Sanskrit language all over the world by the people. The World
Sanskrit Conference is being held in various countries across the globe once in every three years and so
far it has been held thrice in India.
70. Mundakkal Mathew Jacob, who passed away recently, was associated with which political
party?
[A] Indian National Congress
[B] Bharatiya Janata Party
[C] Nationalist Congress Party

[D] Communist Party of India

Correct Answer: A [Indian National Congress]
Notes:
Mundakkal Mathew Jacob (90), popularly known as M. M. Jacob, has passed away in Pala near Kottayam
on July 9, 2018. He was the senior Congress leader and former Meghalaya Governor MM Jacob. Jacob, a
former Union Minister, had also served as deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha in the 80s. Hailing from
Ramapuram in the Kottayam district, Jacob had served as a general secretary and treasurer of the Kerala
Pradesh Congress Committee and the Chairman of the Kerala State Seva Dal Board. He was also a
member of the AICC for many years.
71. Recently, the term of K Kasturirangan Committee was extended by the Government of India
(GoI). The committee was constituted for which purpose?
[A] To draft new education policy
[B] To draft new income-tax policy
[C] To draft new FDI policy
[D] To draft new forest policy
Correct Answer: A [To draft new education policy]
Recently, the Union Human Resource Development Ministry has extended the term of K. Kasturirangan
Committee to draft a new education policy till August 31. The committee, which was supposed to submit
the report by 30 June, had sought an extension to give final shape to the policy and the minister has
approved it. This is the third extension granted to the panel. Initially, it was supposed to submit its
report by December 2017. The existing National Education Policy (NEP) was framed in 1986 and revised
in 1992. A new National Education Policy (NEP) was part of the BJP manifesto. Apart from
Kasturirangan, the committee has 8 members, including mathematician Manjul Bhargava. The
committee headed by the former ISRO chief will also take into account the report of a panel headed by
former cabinet secretary TSR Subramanian. K Kasturirangan headed ISRO between 1994 and 2003 and
was awarded the country’s second-highest civilian honour — Padma Vibhushan — in 2000.
72. What is the theme of the 2018 International Day of Cooperative (IDC)?
[A] Co-operatives ensure no one is left behind
[B] Peace-building through Co-operatives
[C] Choose co-operatives, choose equality
[D] Sustainable societies through cooperation
Correct Answer: D [Sustainable societies through cooperation]
Notes:
The International Day of Cooperatives (IDC) is observed every year on first Saturday of July to recognize
and reaffirms the role of cooperatives in economic, social and cultural development and in the
achievement of social policy objectives. The 2018 IDC was celebrated on the 7th of July with theme
‘Sustainable societies through cooperation’. The 2018 theme is to create an opportunity for cooperatives
to show how they run successful businesses while respecting our natural environment and the
resources it offers.
73. Who authored the book “Winning Like Sourav: Think & Succeed Like Ganguly”?
[A] Mihir Bose
[B] Sundeep Misra
[C] Abhirup Bhattacharya
[D] Nirad C. Chaudhuri
Correct Answer: C [Abhirup Bhattacharya]
Notes:
The book “Winning Like Sourav: Think & Succeed Like Ganguly” has been authored by Abhirup
Bhattacharya. As per the book, Ganguly’s mantra was simple: If he believed that a youngster was
talented, he would have enough opportunities to prove his worth. This provided a much-needed calmer
atmosphere for the young player as it was certain that he will not be dropped after one failure. Ganguly
is credited with nurturing players such as Yuvraj Singh, Mohammed Kaif, Zaheer Khan, Virender
Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and building concept of ‘Team India’ and ‘Men in Blue’. It was Sourav
Ganguly’s gamble on talented youngsters waiting for the opportunity that helped India from losing one
of its greatest cricketers of all times – Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Ganguly had taken over the reins of the
Indian cricket team from Sachin Tendulkar after the match-fixing exposes in 2000. Bhattacharya says
the book, replete with statistics and anecdotes, is not a biography but attempts at drawing management
lessons and inspiration from the life of an exemplary skipper like Ganguly.
74. Which novel has won the 2018 Golden Man Booker Prize?
[A] In a Free State
[B] The English Patient
[C] Wolf Hall
[D] Moon Tiger
Correct Answer: B [The English Patient]
Notes:
‘The English Patient’, the wartime love story by Michael Ondaatje, has won the Golden Man Booker Prize
at the closing event of the Man Booker 50 Festival in Royal Festival Hall at Southbank Centre in London
on July 8, 2018. The prize was instituted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Man Booker prize.
The English Patient is a compelling work of fiction – both poetic and philosophical. It is that rare novel
which gets under your skin and insists you return to it time and again, always yielding a new surprise or
delight. It moves seamlessly between the Vineet
epic and the intimate – one moment you’re in looking at the
vast sweep of the desert and the next moment watching a nurse place a piece of plum in a patient’s
mouth. That movement is mirrored in the way your thoughts, while reading it, move between large
themes – war, loyalty, love – to tiny shifts in the relationships between characters.
75. Who has become the oldest Indian woman to complete an Ironman Triathlon?
[A] Pooja Mishra
[B] Anju Khosla
[C] Anjali Jain
[D] Priya Mukherjee
Correct Answer: B [Anju Khosla]
Notes:
Anju Khosla (52) has become the oldest Indian woman to complete an Ironman Triathlon, which is one of
the toughest one-day sporting events. The New Delhi resident completed her first full Ironman
Triathlon, in Carinthia, Austria, in 15 hours, 54 minutes and 54 seconds. It comprises 3.86 km swimming
leg, 180.25 km bike leg followed by a marathon (42.2 km), to be completed without a break. In Austria, out
of the 2,761 competitors, 2,315 crossed the finish line with Anju 38th out of 41 in her age category (W50).
Among women, she was 319th out of 336 athletes and overall 2,257th.
76. Which Indian sportswoman bagged bronze in the 48 kg category at the 2018 IWF Junior World
Weightlifting Championships at Tashkent?
[A] Punam Yadav
[B] Jhilli Dalabehera
[C] Kavita Devi
[D] Kunjarani Devi
Correct Answer: B [Jhilli Dalabehera]
Notes:
Indian lifter Jhilli Dalabehera from Odisha bagged the bronze medal in the 48 kg category at the 2018
IWF Junior World Weightlifting Championships at Tashkent, Uzbekistan on July 7, 2018. She lifted 167
kg (75 kg + 92 kg) in 48kg to finish third on the podium. With this, Jhilli has become the second woman
lifter after Saikhom Mirabai Chanu (in 2013) to win a medal in the Junior World Championships.
77. Which country is hosting the 6th edition of biennial World Cities Summit (WCS-2018)?
[A] Singapore
[B] India
[C] South Africa

[D] China
Correct Answer: A [Singapore]
Notes:
The 6th edition of biennial World Cities Summit (WCS-2018) has started in Singapore with theme
“Liveable & Sustainable Cities: Embracing the Future through Innovation and Collaboration” from July
8. The 2018 theme will explore how cities can be more liveable and resilient through better governance
and planning, technology and social innovations, as well as collaborations with various stakeholders and
with other cities. It is an exclusive platform for government leaders and industry experts to address
sustainable city challenges, share integrated urban solutions and forge new partnerships. The key
highlights of the Summit include the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize and the annual World Cities
Summit Mayors Forum. The 5-day event is co-organised by the Centre for Liveable Cities and the Urban
Redevelopment Authority. It is held in conjunction with the Singapore International Water Week, the
CleanEnviro Summit Singapore, and the Singapore International Transport Congress and Exhibition.
78. Which city to host the first-ever ‘India Tourism Mart (ITM)’?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Lucknow
[C] Pune
[D] Panaji Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]

Notes:
The first-ever ‘India Tourism Mart (ITM)’ will be hosted by the Ministry of Tourism in New Delhi from
16th to 18th September 2018. Regarding to this, the Tourism Ministry has partnered with the Federation
of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH) to organize the event. The purpose of the
event is to create an annual Global Tourism Mart for India in line with major international travel marts
being held in countries across the world. The Mart will provide a platform for all stakeholders in the
tourism and hospitality industries to interact and transact business opportunities.
79. Which Indian sportsperson will represent Asia in the prestigious Athletes Advisory
Commission of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)?
[A] Dutee Chand
[B] Dipika Pallikal
[C] Vikas Gowda
[D] Mary Kom
Correct Answer: B [Dipika Pallikal]
Notes:
India’s ace squash player Dipika Pallikal has been appointed as Asia’s representative in the prestigious
Athletes Advisory Commission of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF). The appointment was
made by the CGF. The CGF Athletes Advisory Commission was proposed in August 2017 and had
reached out to all 71 member Commonwealth Games Associations (CGAs) to nominate an athlete with
the potential to serve the Athletes Commission. Each continent is represented by one athlete in
CGFAAC. The Indian Olympic Association/CGA India had proposed the name of Commonwealth gold
medallist Pallikal to represent Asia in the CGFAAC. The CGFAAC is the body that represents and speaks
on behalf of all Commonwealth athletes. The CGFAAC currently comprises seven highly-accomplished
Commonwealth athletes and medallists with significant previous Games and sports, civic and academic
leadership experience.
80. Who will lead Indian men’s hockey squad in the 18th Asian Games 2018?
[A] Chinglensana Singh Kangujam
[B] Birendra Lakra
[C] PR Sreejesh
[D] Rupinder Pal Singh
Correct Answer: C [PR Sreejesh]
Notes:
Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will lead the 18-member Indian men’s hockey squad in the 18th Asian Games,
which is scheduled to begin in Jakarta and Palembang from August 18. Midfielder Chinglensana Singh
Kangujam has been named vice-captain for the tournament and he will be joined by the experienced
Sardar Singh, Manpreet Singh, Simranjeet Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad in the midfield. In India’s
forward-line, Akashdeep Singh has made a comeback in the squad while experienced SV Sunil, Mandeep
Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and Dilpreet Singh have retained their places in the team. The team’s
defence will be handled by Rupinder Pal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar, Amit Rohidas,
Surender Kumar and Birendra Lakra.
81. Which state hosted the 67th plenary meeting of North Eastern Council (NEC)?
[A] Arunachal Pradesh
[B] Tripura
[C] Nagaland
[D] Meghalaya
Correct Answer: D [Meghalaya]
Notes:
The 67th plenary meeting of North Eastern Council (NEC) has started at Shillong in Meghalaya on 9th of
July, which was chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. NEC is a regional planning body of
eight Northeastern states. DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh, Governors and Chief Ministers of all the
Northeastern states took take part in the 2-day meeting, which is being held for the first time after the
Union Cabinet brought NEC under direct control of the Home Ministry. During the meet, they reviewed
various presentations on matters related to all-round development of north-eastern region. Apart from
this some of the major issues including transformation of several districts in the region, strengthening
livelihood programmes, water resources management, doubling farmers’ income by 2022, road
connectivity, Implementation of ‘Poshan Abhiyan’ Ayushman Bharat pertaining to the northeastern
states were discussed in the plenary.
82. The Odisha government has partnered with which organisation for development of cancer
care facilities in the State?
[A] Apollo
[B] Tata Trust
[C] Vedanta
[D] AIIMS
Correct Answer: B [Tata Trust]
Notes:
The Odisha government and Tata Trust will jointly spend Rs 1,000 crore for development of cancer care
facilities in the State over the next 5 years. Under the Odisha comprehensive cancer care programme, a
state-of-the-art Tata Memorial Hospital will be set up in Bhubaneswar. The State will provide 25 acres of
land free of cost for the hospital. The existing Acharya Harihar Cancer Care Hospital at Cuttack will also
be upgraded. A special purpose vehicle called the Odisha Cancer Care Foundation will be constituted as
the management entity. It will be under the chairmanship of the Secretary of Health and Family Welfare
Department. It was also decided that 15 clinical units having different levels of cancer treatment
facilities will be set up across the State. Comprehensive diagnostic facilities will be made available in
government medical colleges at Burla, Bhawanipatna, Berhampur, Koraput, and Capital Hospital in
Bhubaneswar.
83. Which Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) has launched mobile help centre “Saathi” for
Amarnath Yatra pilgrims?
[A] National Security Guard
[B] Border Security Force
[C] Central Reserve Police Force
[D] Sashastra Seema Bal
Correct Answer: C [Central Reserve Police Force]
Notes:
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has launched a mobile help centre “‘Saathi’” to reach out to
people undertaking the annual pilgrimage to the 3,880-metre high holy cave shrine of Amarnath. The
initiative ‘Saathi’ was launched by Abhay Vir Chauhan , the Inspector General of CRPF (Jammu Sector).
The purpose of this initiative is to provide help and information to yatris staying in camps outside the
Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. The CRPF personnel of the mobile help centre will be visiting
various camps in Jammu and apprising the pilgrims about the security measures to be kept in mind. In
addition , the trained CRPF personnel of the centre would provide first aid treatment to people in need
and would also be distributing medicines. Beside this, a help desk of the CRPF is already functional at the
Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp and another named ‘Madadgaar’ (helper) at the Jammu Tawi Railway
Station and other information centres.
84. Which company has set up the world’s largest mobile phone factory in Noida?
[A] Apple
[B] Samsung
[C] Xiaomi
[D] Oppo
Correct Answer: B [Samsung ]
Notes:
South Korean consumer electronics major, Samsung has set up the world’s largest mobile phone factory
in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The facility was inaugurated jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and
South Korean President Moon Jae-in. The new plant will help the company raise its capacity in a phased
manner, from 68 million units at present, to 120 million by 2020. Presently all Samsung mobile phones,
including its flagship Galaxy S9, S9+ and Galaxy Note8, are manufactured at its Noida plant. The Noida
factory, which was set up in 1996 , is one of the first global electronics manufacturing facilities set up in
India. A bigger manufacturing plant, which is spread over 129000 sq. metres, will help Samsung meet
the growing demand for its innovative products and services across the country and also fulfil the
company’s goal of making India an export hub for the world.
85. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved how much amount for lining project of the
Son canal in Shahabad – Bhojpur region of Bihar?
[A] $352 million
[B] $388 million
[C] $452 million
[D] $622 million
Correct Answer: A [$352 million]
Notes:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved Lining Project of Son Canal in Shahbad-Bhojpur
region of Bihar, which would benefit the agriculture sector immensely in the region. The estimated cost
of this project is USD $503 million out of which US $352 million is being provided by ADB. This project
on completion will bring immense benefits to agriculture sector of Shahbad-Bhojpur region of Bihar.
86. Which state government has recently granted religious minority status to Jews living in the
state?
[A] Manipur
[B] Kerala
[C] Goa
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: D [Gujarat ]
Notes:
The Gujarat Government has granted religious minority status to Jewish community living in the state.
The GR to this effect was issued on July 6 by the state’s Department of Social Justice and Empowerment.
As religious minority members professing the faith of Judaism, they shall get the religious minority
rights envisaged in the Constitution and various acts and rules of the state government. They shall also
get benefits of welfare schemes formulated for religious minority communities within the jurisdiction of
Gujarat. With this, Gujarat has become the 3rd state in India to grant religious minority status to Jews
after West Bengal and Maharashtra.
87. The Union Sports Ministry has recently sanctioned Rs. 5 lakh aid to National Level Archer

Gohela Boro. She hails from which state?

[A] Tripura
[B] Manipur
[C] Assam
[D] Nagaland
Correct Answer: C [Assam]
Notes:
Union Minister of State (I/C) Youth Affairs and Sports, Rajyavardhan Rathore has sanctioned financial
assistance of Rs. five lakh to National Level Archer Gohela Boro for her medical treatment. The financial
assistance has been given from Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund for Sportspersons.
This is in addition to financial assistance of over Rs. 3.37 lakh already provided to her upto January 2018.
The archer is suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus combined with other multiple disorder. She
hails from village Amguri in Kokrajhar district of Assam.
88. What is the theme of the 2018 World Population Day (WPD)?
[A] Family planning – Say what you need
[B] Family Planning – Call for people
[C] Family Planning – Save Earth Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
[D] Family planning is a human right

Correct Answer: D [Family planning is a human right]
Notes:
The World Population Day (WPD) is observed every year on July 11 to bring attention on the urgency and
importance of population issues. One must know that Earth has limited resources & for humanity to
prosper, we must use them optimally. The 2018 theme is “Family planning is a human right”. Let’s take a
conscious call while planning our families, so our children can coexist with the environment without any
dearth of resources.
89. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched which movement for
healthier FMCG food products?
[A] The Eat Right Movement
[B] The Eat Healthy Movement
[C] The Eat Safe Movement
[D] The Eat Calculative Movement
Correct Answer: A [The Eat Right Movement]
Notes:
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched ‘The Eat Right Movement’ to
empower the citizens by improving their health and well-being. It is a platform to provide credible
information to help make informed and healthful eating choices. It is built on two broad pillars – “Eat
Healthy and “Eat Safe”. “Eat Healthy” is about making healthy food choices. “Eat Safe” is about ensuring
food safety from procurement to consumption and disposal of food. Led by the FSSAI, it is a collective
effort, to nudge the citizens towards making right food and dietary choices. The aim of the programme
is to cut down salt/sugar and oil consumption by 30% in three years.
90. Which Indian destination has bagged the 4th best tourist spot in Lonely Planet’s top five “2018
Best in Asia” list?
[A] Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
[B] Ajanta Caves
[C] Western Ghats
[D] Bhimbetka Rock Shelters
Correct Answer: C [Western Ghats ]
Notes:
The Western Ghats (India) bagged the 4th best tourist spot in Lonely Planet’s top five “2018 Best in Asia”
list, a collection of 10 of the best destinations to visit in the continent for the year. The Western Ghats is

older than the Himalayas and well known for its rich and unique flora and fauna. It is one of the Hottest
Biodiversity Hotspots and UNESCO World Heritage site. It supports the life of 7,402 species of flowering
plants, 1814 species of non-flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, 179 amphibian
species, 6000 insects species and 290 freshwater fish species. Lonely Planet is considered a Bible by
travellers worldwide. The list is topped by Busan in South Korea, followed by Uzbekistan and Ho Chi
Minh City (Vietnam).
91. What is the India’s rank in the 2018 Global Innovation Index (GII)?
[A] 85th
[B] 60th
[C] 44th
[D] 57th
Correct Answer: D [57th ]
Notes:
India has been ranked 57th most innovative nation among 130 countries in the 11th edition of Global
Innovation Index (GII-2018), which is developed jointly by Cornell University, INSEAD and the World
Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). GII is a leading bench-marking tool for business executives,
policymakers and others seeking insight into the state of innovation around the world. The ranking is
constantly being used to evaluate progress on a continual basis. The GII ranks 126 economies based on
80 indicators. It is now in its 11th edition and has become a major input for policymakers on innovation
around the world. On the global front, Switzerland maintained its number one position in the Global
Innovation Index rankings. Other countries that fell in the top 10 list were Netherlands, Sweden, the UK,
the US, Finland, Denmark, and Germany.
92. Which telecom company has become the India’s first Mobile operator to launch Internet
Telephony Services in India?
[A] BSNL
[B] Reliance Jio
[C] Vodafone
[D] Idea
Correct Answer: A [BSNL]
Notes:
State-run telecom firm BSNL has become the India’s first Mobile operator to launch Internet Telephony
Services. The facility will allow users to dial any telephone number in India through its mobile app. Now,
BSNL Customers will be able to make calls using BSNL’s mobile app “Wings” to any phone number in the
country and even from abroad. The app can be activated using internet anywhere in the world and calls
can be made. The fee of Rs 1,099 includes unlimited calling within India. Before this, phone calls on
mobile apps were possible within users of a particular app and not on telephone numbers. Using this
service, BSNL customers will be able to make calls on any network in the country even by using BSNL
wi-fi or any other service provider. The services will be activated from July 25 onwards.
93. Who is the newly appointed President of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU)?
[A] Furqan Qamar
[B] Ranbir Singh
[C] Sandeep Sancheti
[D] P. B. Sharma
Correct Answer: C [Sandeep Sancheti]
Notes:
Dr. Sandeep Sancheti, who is the Vice Chancellor of SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST),
has assumed charge as the 97th President of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The AIU was
founded in 1925, and initially it was known as the Inter-University Board of India. The AIU currently has
more than 720 members, represented by Vice Chancellors. It facilitates coordination and mutual
consultation among Universities and acts as a liaison with the Central and State governments. Besides
promoting academic excellence nationally and internationally, the AIU is also a body that is very much
involved in cultural and sporting activities in higher education domain.

94. M. Venkaiah Naidu became the first Chairman of Rajya Sabha to sign an MOU. He signed an
agreement with which country for promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue?
[A] Egypt
[B] Rwanda
[C] Spain
[D] Argentina
Correct Answer: B [Rwanda]
Notes:
The Rajya Sabha has, for the first time in 76 years since it came into being, entered into a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) with a foreign counterpart for promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue. With
this, M. Venkaiah Naidu became the first Chairman of the Rajya Sabha to sign such an agreement. He
signed an MOU with the visiting President of the Senate of the Republic of Rwanda, Bernard Makuza, on
10th July 2018. The MOU with 6 articles of cooperation seeks to promote Inter-Parliamentary dialogue,
Capacity building of parliamentary staff, Organisation of conferences, forums, seminars, staff
attachment programmes, workshops and exchanges, Collaboration in mutual interest in regional and
international multilateral parliamentary bodies in furtherance of bilateral relations and friendship
between the two nations.
95. The Union Government has grantedVineet
the SinghInstitutions of| Eminence (IoEs) status to which of the
following public sector universities?

[A] IIT-Bombay
[B] IIT-Kanpur
[C] IIT-Kharagpur
[D] IIT-Kolkata
Correct Answer: A [IIT-Bombay]
Notes:
The Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has granted “Institutions of Eminence” (IoEs)
status to IIT-Delhi, IIT-Bombay and the Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in the public
sector, and Manipal Academy of Higher Education, BITS Pilani and Jio Institute by Reliance Foundation
in the private sector. The Jio Institute has been selected under the Greenfield Category. The aim of this
move is to improve the level of educational institutes in the country, so that they can compete with
foreign institutions. The goal is to bring them into the top 500 institutions in the world within the next
10 years, and eventually in top 100. The Government will grant Rs 1,000 crore funds to the three public
institutions in the next five years though; the private institutes will not be eligible for government
funding.
96. Which Indian naval ship has become the first-ever warship to enter port of Sabang in
Indonesia?
[A] INS Vikramaditya
[B] INS Sumitra
[C] INS Sahyadri
[D] INS Viraat
Correct Answer: B [INS Sumitra]
Notes:
On July 10, the Indian naval ship INS Sumitra became the first-ever warship to enter port of Sabang in
Indonesia. It was received by traditional dancers and Indonesian traditional band. The ship was
welcomed by Indian Ambassador to Indonesia PK Rawat, Indonesian foreign affairs officials, members
from Indian embassy, Indian businessmen and Indonesian naval and air force officers onboard. The
warship was deployed in Malacca Straits. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jakarta in May
2018, in a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo, it was decided that New Delhi will develop
the strategically important Indonesian port Sabang in the Indian Ocean, close to the Andamans.
97. Which state has topped the ‘Ease of doing business’ rankings, as per State Business Reform
Assessment 2018?

[A] Telangana
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Gujarat
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
Ramesh Abhishek, secretary in Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), has released State
Business Reform Assessment 2018 at an event in New Delhi on July 10. In it, Andhra Pradesh has topped
the ease of doing business rankings, while Telangana is in 2nd and Haryana is in 3rd position. DIPP in
collaboration with the World Bank conducts an annual reform exercise for all States/UTs under the
Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP). In it, 17 states have achieved a reform evidence score of more than
90% and 15 have achieved a combined score of 90% and more. While Chhattisgarh has topped in terms of
property registration, Rajasthan has topped in terms of construction permit. West Bengal has topped in
terms of labour regulation and Karnataka topped in terms of environmental registration. Uttarakhand
has topped in terms of land availability and Odisha has topped in terms of paying taxes. Uttar Pradesh
tops in terms of obtaining utility permit.
98. Which Indian University has discovered a pigment in wild edible mushroom that may help
fight against cancer? Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
[A] Goa University

[B] IISC Bangalore
[C] IIT Roorkee
[D] University of Calcutta
Correct Answer: A [Goa University]
Notes:
Recently, the mycological laboratory of the Department of Botany in Goa University announced the
discovery of a new pigment from local wild mushrooms that may help fight against cancer. The result
was confirmed after more than two decades of research experience on local wild mushrooms. The
chemical nature of the brown or black color pigment in wild edible mushrooms ‘Roen alamis or
Termitomyces’ species has a new sulphur-rich melanin pigment with immense bio-industrial,
biomedical and biotechnological potential. This may help to fight against cancer and tumors. People of
Goa who consume these mushrooms are actually eating sulphur-rich melanin. The Goa University has
declared it as world’s first sulphur-rich edible melanin. Its structure is similar to black pigment found in
human hair. Basically, the melanin is a protective pigment in the skin that helps in blocking Ultraviolet
(UV) radiation from damaging DNA and possibly causing the skin cancer.
99. Which union ministry has launched technology challenge to eliminate human entry into septic
tanks?
[A] Ministry of Urban Development
[B] Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation
[C] Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
[D] Ministry of Rural Development
Correct Answer: C [Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs]
Notes:
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched a technology challenge on identifying
solutions and promoting suitable techniques for cleaning of sewerage systems. The objective is
eliminating human entry into septic tanks and manholes. The challenge will be a part of the Mahatma
Gandhi International Sanitation Convention which will be held on 2nd of October 2018. The proposals
have been invited by the MoHUA from interested innovators, companies, academic institutions, research
and development centers, NGOs and municipal bodies, to provide innovative technical solutions which
eliminate the need for human entry into sewers. According to the 2011 census, there were more than 2
million toilets in the country which had to either be serviced manually or disposed waste into open
drains.
100. The India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre has been established in which city?

[A] New Delhi

[B] Chennai
[C] Pune
[D] Shimla
Correct Answer: A [New Delhi]
Notes:
The India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre has been established at the National Small Industries
Corporation (NSIC) premises in New Delhi. It was inaugurated by Giriraj Singh (Minister of State (I/C)
MSME ) and Hong Jong- hak (Minister of SMEs and Start-ups of Republic of Korea). The purpose of the
Technology Exchange Centre is to create a platform for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) of
India and Korea where they can be assisted to identify and exchange latest technologies, share
management expertise, product development and technology applications for product development. The
centre will work towards identifying Indian technologies which can be exported to Korea and find
suitable Korean partners for the same.
101. Who has become the 2nd Indian mountaineer to climb Mt Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano
in the world?
[A] Malavath Purna
[B] Premlata Agarwal Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
[C] Satyarup Siddhanta

[D] Love Raj Singh Dharmshaktu
Correct Answer: C [Satyarup Siddhanta]
Notes:
Satyarup Siddhanta (35) has become the 2nd Indian mountaineer after Malli Mastan Babu to climb Mt
Ojos del Salado, the highest volcano in the world. Satyarup is also set to be the first Indian to climb Mt
Sidley, the highest volcano of Antarctica. Mount Ojos del Salado is a stratovolcano (a volcano built up of
alternate layers of lava and ash) in the Andes on the Argentina-Chile border and the highest active
volcano in the world at 6,893 metres (22,615 ft).
102. The Rajasthan government has signed a MoU with which techonological giant to provide free
digital training to students?
[A] Facebook
[B] Microsoft
[C] Infosys
[D] Wipro
Correct Answer: B [Microsoft]
Notes:
The Rajasthan government has signed a MoU with Microsoft to provide free digital training to 9,500
students of 50 government colleges in a year. It will also train 500 faculty members. The objective of this
pact is to develop technical education at government colleges, capacity building, increasing digital
literacy and improving digital education in Rajasthan. The initiative will enhance the employability of
youth in the state in addition to empowering them with technical education. Microsoft will also train
educators from government colleges through the Microsoft Innovative Educator Programme, building
capacity for innovative use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the classroom
103. For the first time, which Indian Naval Aircraft has been deployed for Rim of Pacific
Multinational Naval exercise (RIMPAC-18)?
[A] Poseidon Eight India (P 8I)
[B] Poseidon Nine India (P 9I)
[C] Poseidon Seven India (P 7I)
[D] Poseidon Six India (P 6I)
Correct Answer: A [Poseidon Eight India (P 8I)]
Notes:

For the first time, Indian Navy’s Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft Boeing P- 8I (Poseidon Eight India)
from Indian Naval Ship (INS) Rajali has inducted for participating in the 26th edition of RIMPAC-18, the
Rim of the Pacific Multinational Naval exercise. During the exercise, IN P8I will be operating from Joint
Airbase Hickam, Honolulu in Hawaii. This is the first time ever that an Indian Naval aircraft has
traversed so far east into the Pacific. In doing so, the aircraft has attained many additional firsts for an
IN aircraft. It is the first IN aircraft to cross the International Date Line, undertaking the longest ferry of
nearly 3300 nm from Guam to Hawaii and the first IN aircraft to participate in RIMPAC. RIMPAC is the
world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise. It is hosted and administered by the United
States Navy’s Pacific Fleet, headquartered at Pearl Harbor.
104. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted which resolution to protect
children in armed conflict?
[A] Resolution 2657
[B] Resolution 2537
[C] Resolution 2347
[D] Resolution 2427
Correct Answer: D [Resolution 2427]
Notes:
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted Resolution 2427 to protect children in armed
conflict. It aimed at providing legal framework for mainstreaming protection, rights, well-being and
empowerment of children throughout the conflict cycle. The resolution 2427, which won unanimous
approval of the 15 members of the council, strongly condemns the recruitment and use of children by
parties to armed conflict as well as their re-recruitment, killing and maiming, rape and other forms of
sexual violence, and abductions. It demands that all relevant parties immediately put an end to such
practices and take special measures to protect children. The resolution also emphasizes the
responsibility of all states to put an end to impunity and to investigate and prosecute those responsible
for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and other egregious crimes perpetrated against
children. The council was chaired by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven.
105. Which state government has launched the ‘Anna Canteens’ across the state that will offer
subsidised food for the poor?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Odisha
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Kerala
Correct Answer: C [Andhra Pradesh]
Notes:
On July 11, the Andhra Pradesh government launched the much-awaited ‘Anna Canteens’ in various
parts of the state that will offer subsidised food for the poor. About 100 canteens were opened in 35
Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the first phase. They would serve breakfast, lunch and dinner for just Rs 5 a
plate on week days. The canteens across the State offer a uniform menu that includes idli on all days or
puri, upma and pongal on select days for breakfast and rice with a curry, pickle, dal or sambar and curd
for lunch and dinner. In it, anyone can make a donation in the name of their near and dear ones on
special occasions and the names of the persons would be displayed at the respective canteen. Each
canteen is expected to serve at least 350 plates of food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The capacity
could be extended up to 500 plates when needed. The project is taken up by the Akshaya Patra
Foundation, which provides the meals, in collaboration with the Municipal Administration and Civil
Supplies Departments.
106. Which state government will launch ‘One farmer one transformer’ scheme to curb electricity
losses?
[A] Punjab
[B] Maharashtra
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Goa
Correct Answer: B [Maharashtra]
Notes:
The Maharashtra government will launch ‘One farmer one transformer’ scheme from 15th August to
curb electricity losses. Under this scheme, the state Government will provide electrical connection for
high voltage distribution line to about two lakh farmers of the state. It will ensure uninterrupted power
supply in the state.
107. India’s first private sector unit for manufacturing Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) and Light
Bullet Proof Vehicles (LBPV) will be set up in which city?
[A] Patna
[B] Kota
[C] Indore
[D] Guwahati
Correct Answer: B [Kota]
Notes:
India’s first private sector unit for manufacturing Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) and Light Bullet Proof
Vehicles (LBPV) will be set up by DCM Shriram Industries Group on the campus of Shriram Rayons in
Kota. These UAVs and LBPVs are likely to be used by defence and para-military forces in the country.
The UAVs will help in surveillance, while LBPV will protect defence and para-military forces against
light automatic weapon fire, IED blasts and small
Vineet grenade attack.
Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com | The UAVs will be able to fly to a height
of 500 to 2000 km, while LBPVs can operate in difficult terrains and has off-road abilities. Shriram
Rayons, a company of DCM Shriram Industries Group, manufactures rayon tyrecord in Kota for last 54
years.
108. Who has been appointed as Director General of Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA)?
[A] TCA Raghavan
[B] Ranjan Kumar Mishra
[C] Nalin Surie
[D] Pritam Jain
Correct Answer: A [TCA Raghavan]
Notes:
Dr. TCA Raghavan, a 1982 batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has been appointed as
Director General of Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) with effect from 24th July 2018. The post is
equivalent to the rank of Secretary to the Government of India (GoI). Earlier, Dr. Raghavan has served as
India’s High Commissioner to Islamabad and Singapore and has served in our missions at London,
Thimphu and Kuwait.
109. Indian Army has recently signed a MoU with which Public Sector Bank on the Defence Salary
Package?
[A] Punjab National Bank
[B] Bank of India
[C] Bank of Baroda
[D] State Bank of India
Correct Answer: D [State Bank of India]
Notes:
On July 12, Indian Army signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Bank of India
(SBI) on the Defence Salary Package that will include free personal accident death, free permanent total
disability cover and other accidental benefits to the deceased soldier and family. The revised MoU will
benefit a large number of serving and retired Army personnel who have their accounts with the SBI. The
first MoU between SBI and the Indian Army was signed in 2011 and was renewed in February 2015. The
renewed MoU will be valid till January 3, 2019.
110. Dada JP Vaswani, the renowned Spiritual leader passed away. Who was his Guru?
[A] PL Vaswani
[B] ML Vaswani

[C] TL Vaswani
[D] GL Vaswani
Correct Answer: C [TL Vaswani]
Notes:
Dada JP Vaswani (99),the Spiritual leader and head of Sadhu Vaswani mission, has passed away in Pune,
Maharashtra on July 12, 2018. Born in Hyderabad, Sindh (Pakistan) on 2nd of August 1918, Vaswani was a
world renowned spiritual leader known for promoting vegetarianism and animal rights. He is credited
to have written over 150 self-help books. Sadhu Thanwardas Lilaram Vaswani, who founded Sadhu
Vaswani Mission, was his Guru. He was the recipient of the 1998 U Thant Peace Award, given by the
United Nations. Dada Vaswani’s birthday is celebrated as a Global Forgiveness Day.
111. Which state government has given in-principle approval for ‘Seema Darshan’ project for
border tourism ?
[A] Jammu & Kashmir
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Gujarat
[D] Sikkim
Correct Answer: C [Gujarat ] Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
Notes:
The Gujarat government has given in-principle approval for ‘Seema Darshan’ project for developing
more infrastructure facilities from T-Junction to Zero Point at Nadabet near Suigam in Banaskantha
district to instill patriotism through a unique Gujarat initiative. The project, which is being developed on
the pattern of Wagah Border, will include an exhibition hall and a parade ground with an amphitheatre
for 5,000 people. People can watch the border where the Gujarat’s seacoast meets the landmass. The
project seeks to show how the BSF jawans protect the border round-the-clock. The project will
encourage local economic activity in the Rann region, alongside visit to adjoining flamingo and wild ass
sanctuaries.
112. The play script “Hello Farmaish”, which is being shortlisted for The Hindu Playwright Award
2018, is written by whom?
[A] Nayantara Nayar
[B] Sneh Sapru
[C] Alistair Bennis
[D] Manjima Chatterjee
Correct Answer: B [Sneh Sapru]
Notes:
The play script “Hello Farmaish”, which is being shortlisted for The Hindu Playwright Award 2018, is
written by Sneh Sapru. The play script is a satire that describes as a drama with bold streaks of magic
realism. The winner of The Hindu Playwright Award will be announced on August 9, 2018 on the eve of
the opening of the 14th edition of The Hindu Theatre Fest in Chennai on August 10. The award,
instituted in 2008, carries a prize of Rs 2 lakh for the best original, unpublished and unperformed play
script in English.
113. India has become the newest member of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(EBRD). Where is the headquarter of EBRD?
[A] Berlin
[B] Geneva
[C] London
[D] Paris
Correct Answer: C [London]
Notes:
India has become the 69th shareholder of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
(EBRD). This move will enable Indian companies to undertake joint investments in regions in which the
EBRD operates. Here, India takes a shareholding in the EBRD but it will not be a recipient of EBRD
financing. London-headquartered EBRD is a multilateral development bank set up in 1991 after the fall of
the Berlin Wall. It aims to promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in emerging Europe and
invests in 38 emerging economies. The EBRD is also working closely with leading Indian organisations,
such as FICCI, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), the Associated Chambers of Commerce &
Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
114. Prof N N Wig, who passed away recently, was associated to which branch of medical science?
[A] Psychiatry
[B] Cardiology
[C] Pediatrics
[D] Neurology
Correct Answer: A [Psychiatry]
Notes:
Prof N N Wig, the doyen of Psychiatry in India, has passed away in Chandigarh on July 13, 2018. He led
many pioneering studies related to mental health at national and international levels and headed
departments in various prestigious institutions like AIIMS, Delhi and PGIMER, died here at the age of 88
after a brief illness. Born on 1st October 1930 in Gujranwala (Pakistan), Wig founded the psychiatry
department in Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in 1963. He
dedicated his entire life towards creating awareness among people towards mental illness. He also
contributed to the classification of psychiatric disorders in India and at the international level.
115. Hima Das, who has created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold at the
IAAF World Under- 20 Athletics Championships, is belong to which state?
[A] Punjab
[B] Assam
[C] West Bengal
[D] Jharkhand
Correct Answer: B [Assam]
Notes:
Sprinter Hima Das has created history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold at the IAAF
World Under- 20 Athletics Championships in Tempere, Finland on July 12, 2018. Das, who is from Dhing
village in Assam’s Nagaon distrist, has clinched the top spot in the women’s 400 meters final race on the
third day of the competitions. She clocked 51.46 seconds to win the gold. No woman before Das has won
a gold medal in a World Championship at any level, be it youth, junior or senior. She is also the first
Indian, men or women, to have won a gold in a track event at the world level.
116. The book “Aluminium: The Future Metal” has been authored by whom?
[A] Aruna Sharma
[B] Anil Gopishankar Mukim
[C] Haribhai Chaudhary
[D] Tapan Kumar Chand
Correct Answer: D [Tapan Kumar Chand]
Notes:
The book “Aluminium: The Future Metal” has been authored by Tapan Kumar Chand, the CMD of
NALCO. It gives a comprehensive overview of the strategic metal and its futuristic role in the growth of
industry and economy of the country. The book is recently released by Narendra Singh Tomar , the
Union Minister of Mines, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.
117. Who is the newly-appointed chairman of the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission
(RERC)?
[A] Ghan Shyam Verma
[B] Shrimat Pandey
[C] Tarun Mathur
[D] Pankaj Pareek

Correct Answer: B [Shrimat Pandey]

Notes:
Shrimat Pandey is the newly-appointed chairman of the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission
(RERC) and will have tenure of five years. Justice Pradeep Nandrajog, the Chief Justice of Rajasthan High
Court, administered oath of office to Pandey. The Commission was established on 2nd January 2000
under the ERC Act, 1998 o play a more effective role in the development of energy sector.
118. Which country’s President has been invited as chief guest in the 2019 Republic Day of India?
[A] Japan
[B] United States
[C] Maldivies
[D] Portugal
Correct Answer: B [United States]
Notes:
The Government of India (GoI) has invited US President Donald Trump to be chief guest at the 2019
Republic Day Parade. The US is yet to officially accept India’s invite, which offered in April 2018. The
invitation has been extended against the backdrop of tensions over tariffs, with the Trump
administration pressurizing India to reduce oil imports from Iran. In addition, the abrupt postponement
of the heavily anticipated 2+2 dialogue dealt
Vineet a significant
Singh blow| to the Indian government. However, the
US claimed that the delay would not affect ties, and the summit has been scheduled to take place in
September 2018.
119. Which city hosted the 4th National Conclave on Mines and Minerals to strengthen mineral
auction regime?
[A] Indore
[B] New Delhi
[C] Raipur
[D] Chandigarh
Correct Answer: A [Indore]
Notes:
The 4th National Conclave on Mines & Minerals was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh on 13th July 2018
for showcasing blocks which will be auctioned by the states in FY 2018-19 to the potential investors. The
aim of the conclave was to carry forward the efforts of the Union Government for strengthening the
mineral auction regime as well as help in expediting auctions and bring in greater participation from the
stakeholders. This Mining Conclave provided unique opportunity to the State Governments to showcase
their auctionable mineral blocks with regard to its exploration, mineral resources, transport
connectivity from mineral block, policy scenario in State and incentives to attract prospective investors.
It also provided a great opportunity to the investors to identify the mineral blocks and participate in the
auction of suitable mineral blocks.
120. Which state government has constituted Heritage Cabinet to preserve the history and
culture of state?
[A] Chhatisgarh
[B] Odisha
[C] Assam
[D] Tripura
Correct Answer: B [Odisha ]
Notes:
The Odisha Government has constituted Heritage Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to
preserve the history and culture of Odisha. The Heritage Cabinet will maintain coordination between
the institutions and departments working to preserve and spread Odia language, culture and literature.
It will also prepare policies, and prepare and approve short-term and long-term plans. In short, the aim
of the Heritage Cabinet is to spread and preserve history and culture of Odisha and enrich Odia
language further. The Cabinet comprises eight members, including the Chief Minister. While the Chief
Secretary will be Secretary of Heritage Cabinet, secretary in the department of Odia Language,
Literature and Culture will be its convenor. The secretaries of all the departments concerned will be
special invitees.
121. Who has won the 2018 women singles’ Wimbledon tennis tournament?
[A] Maria Sharapova
[B] Simona Halep
[C] Angelique Kerber
[D] Serena Williams
Correct Answer: C [Angelique Kerber]
Notes:
Angelique Kerber has won the 2018 women singles’ Wimbledon tennis tournament by defeating 7-time
winner Serena Williams by 6-3 6-3. With the win, Kerber has become the first German woman to win the
title since Steffi Graf in 1996. Serena was bidding a record-equaling 24th major trophy.
122. The Bansagar Canal Project is in news. It is a joint venture of which of the following states?
[A] Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh
[B] Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar
[D] Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar
Correct Answer: D [Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar]
Notes:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day tour of eastern Uttar Pradesh, dedicated the 171 km
long Bansagar Canal Project to the nation in Mirzapur on July 15, 2018. The project, which is a joint
venture of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, has been constructed at the cost of about Rs 3400
crore. This project will provide a big boost to irrigation in the Mirzapur and Allahabad districts of Uttar
Pradesh and about two Lakhs farmers will be benefited. Apart from dedicating the Bansagar Canal
Project, PM Modi dedicated a bridge over River Ganga at Balughat in Chunar, which will facilitate
connectivity between Mirzapur and Varanasi. PM also laid the Foundation Stone of the Mirzapur
Medical College. Beside this, Mr Modi will also lay the Foundation of two bridges on local river Belan.
The construction of both the bridges is much awaited demands of villagers of Halia block of the district
for better transportation particularly in rainy season.
123. Which country has become the Vice-Chair (Regional Head) of the Asia Pacific Region of World
Customs Organisation (WCO)?
[A] Malaysia
[B] Singapore
[C] India
[D] Japan
Correct Answer: C [India]
Notes:
India has become the Vice-Chair (Regional Head) of the Asia Pacific Region of World Customs
Organisation (WCO) for a period of two years, from July 2018 to June 2020. According to a Finance
Ministry release, the position will enable India to take on leadership role of Asia Pacific Region of the
organization. The WCO has divided its Membership into six Regions. Each of the six Regions is
represented by a regionally elected Vice-Chairperson to the WCO Council. Currently, WCO represents
182 Customs administrations across the globe that collectively process approximately 98% of world
trade. As the global centre of Customs expertise, the WCO is the only international organization with
competence in Customs matters and can rightly call itself the voice of the international Customs
community.
124. The UNSC has adopted which resolution to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan?
[A] Resolution 2428
[B] Resolution 2426
[C] Resolution 2425
[D] Resolution 2427
Correct Answer: A [Resolution 2428]

Notes:
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has adopted a resolution 2428 (2018) to impose an arms
embargo on South Sudan. The measure will stop the flow of weapons to armed groups in the country. It
is in addition to the current sanctions, till May 31, 2019. Under the terms of Resolution, all Member
States must prevent arms and related equipment of all types from entering South Sudan. The Resolution
2428 renews a travel ban and asset freeze against designated individuals and entities till May 31, 2019. It
also renews the mandate of the Panel of Experts, who assists the work of the sanctions committee, until
July 1, 2019. The resolution expresses deep concern at the failures of South Sudanese leaders to bring an
end to the hostilities and condemns the continued and flagrant violations of previous peace agreements.
125. The play script “Guilt” which is being shortlisted for The Hindu Playwright Award 2018, is
written by whom?
[A] Swetanshu Bora
[B] Annie Zaidi
[C] Sumit Ray
[D] Parag Motwani
Correct Answer: A [Swetanshu Bora]
The play script “Guilt”, which is being shortlisted for The Hindu Playwright Award 2018, is written by
Bengaluru-based Swetanshu Bora. The play script is about re-discovering relationships, post tragedy. An
actor and playwright, Mr. Bora performs and writes in Hindi and English. The winner of The Hindu
Playwright Award will be announced on August 9, 2018 on the eve of the opening of the 14th edition of
The Hindu Theatre Fest in Chennai on August 10. The award, instituted in 2008, carries a prize of Rs 2
lakh for the best original, unpublished and unperformed play script in English.
126. Kalpesh Yagnik, the veteran journalist passed away. He was associated with which
newspaper?
[A] Financial Express
[B] Times of India
[C] The Hindu
[D] Dainik Bhaskar
Correct Answer: D [Dainik Bhaskar]
Notes:
Kalpesh Yagnik (55), the veteran journalist and Dainik Bhaskar Group, has passed away in Indore,
Madhya Pradesh on July 14, 2018. Born on 21st June 1963, Yagnik was associated with the Bhaskar Group
since 1998. He was both an excellent writer and editor who wrote on social issues.Tim
127. Which committee has been constituted by the Central Government to review Companies Act
2013?
[A] Injeti Srinivas Committee
[B] Avinash K. Srivastava Committee
[C] Raghvendra Singh Committee
[D] Sanjay Mitra Committee
Correct Answer: A [Injeti Srinivas Committee]
Notes:
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has constituted a 10 Member Committee, headed by the Injeti
Srinivas (Secretary of Ministry of Corporate Affairs), for review of the penal provisions in the Companies
Act, 2013. The basic aim of the committee is to examine de-criminalisation of certain offences and to
suggest ways to replace it with in-house mechanism, where a penalty could be levied in instances of
default. The committee will examine the existing compoundable offences in the Companies Act – 2013
viz. offences punishable with fine only or punishable with fine or imprisonment or both. It is also
required to be seen as to whether any non-compoundable offences punishable with imprisonment only,
or punishable with imprisonment and also with fine under the Companies Act, 2013 may be made
compoundable. The Committee shall submit its report within 30 days to the Central Government for
consideration of its recommendations.

128. Recently, Raghunath Mohapatra was nominated as a member of Rajya Sabha by President
Ramnath Kovind. Mohapatra is related to which of the following fields?
[A] Odia Literature
[B] Sculpture
[C] Agriculture Research
[D] Bengali Cinema
Correct Answer: B [Sculpture]
Notes:
Recently, President Ram Nath Kovind has nominated 4 Rajya Sabha members viz. Farmer leader and
former MP Ram Shakal, sculptor Raghunath Mohapatra, classical dancer Sonal Mansingh and Founder of
Delhi-based “India Policy Foundation” Rakesh Sinha. Raghunath Mohapatra is an internationally
renowned sculptur famous for his stone carvings. Practicing since 1959, Mr. Mohapatra has trained over
2000 students. He has contributed to the preservation of traditional sculpture and ancient monuments,
and has worked on the beautification of the Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri. Mr. Mohapatra’s famous works
include a six-feet high statue of the Sun God carved in grey sandstone in the Central Hall of Parliament,
the lotus carving at Vir Bhoomi memorial of Rajiv Gandhi in New Delhi, and the Wooden Buddha in
Paris. Vineet Singh | vineet.vineetsingh@gmail.com |
129. The Kutchi New Year is celebrated as which of the following?

[A] Uttrayan
[B] Bestu Varas
[C] Bishuva Sankranti
[D] Aashadhi Beej
Correct Answer: D [Aashadhi Beej]
Notes:
Kutchi community celebrates its New Year on Aashadhi Beej, which falls in month of Ashada (July /
August).
130. ‘I am not afraid of English’ initiative has been launched by which state recently?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Haryana
[C] Punjab
[D] Uttarakhand
Correct Answer: B [Haryana]
Notes:
Haryana has launched ‘I am not afraid of English’ initiative to make primary school students fluent in
English.

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Current Affairs News Headlines: July 1 to 15, 2018

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Government of India celebrates 1st GST Day on July 1

Risk Reduction (AMCDRR 2018) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on July 3-6

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Current Affairs News Headlines: July 5, 2018

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US imposes tariffs on USD 34 billion worth of Chinese goods; China reciprocates

Veteran journalist J N Sadhu dies in Shimla at 94

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highest active volcano in the world at 6893 m on Argentina-Chile border

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Divine Pregnancy in a Twelve Year Old Woman’

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independent survey to be conducted in all districts from August 1 to 31

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city’s households, transport sector and industries

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economic data collection

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Index of Eight Core Industries register 3.6% growth in May 2018

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create fast-track complaint reception and redressal system.

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WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty

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identity of victims in mass disasters.

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Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)

Coal Mine Surveillance & Management System (CMSMS)

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contributor with 10.3% followed by Japan with 9.7 %.

in October 2013. He was elevated to Supreme Court in July 2014.

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organizations must implement to protect their information.

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under Green Field Project.

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