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VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE

Current Affairs

TNPSC

(MAY- 2016)

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My Dear Aspirants,

Greetings to all of you! “What we think we become” Gautama Buddha we all have dreams To

make dreams come into reality it takes a lot of determination, dedication, self discipline and

continuous effort.

We at VETRII IAS Study Circle are committed to provide the right guidance, quality coaching

and help every aspirants to achieve his or her life’s cherished goal of becoming a civil servant.

The class room coaching at VETRII IAS Study Circle is meticulously planned to equip the

aspirants with all the relevant facts and fundamentals of the subjects. Further the VETRII IAS

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Wishing You All The Very Best !!

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Vetrii IAS Study Circle.

TNPSC VETRII IAS

CURRENT AFFAIRS

INDEX

SL. NO

TITLE

PAGE NO

1. NATIONAL 1

2. ECONOMY 5

3. SOCIAL ISSUES 10

4. PERSONALITIES 13

5. AWARDS & HOUNOUS 17

6. TAMIL NADU 18

7. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 20

8. INTERNATIONAL 26

9. COMMITTEES 30

Vetrii's TNPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS

STUDY CIRCLE

Page 1

NATIONAL AFFAIRS Gujarat Government accords minority status to Jain community

The Gujarat Government has accorded minority status to the Jain community in

the state.

In this regard state government has issued a government resolution (GR) giving

minority status to the Jain community.

Key facts

The decision has nothing to do with reservations and the new status will benefit the

poor among the Jain community.

The poor among the minority community can avail of various scholarships,

government welfare schemes.

Jain institutions will also get special status like the one given to Christian and

Muslim institutions as per Article 30 of Indian Constitution.

The previous UPA Government at the Centre had conferred the minority status on

the Jain community at the national level in January 2014. Jains were the 6th

community to have minority status after Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and

Parsis.

Under the Constitution, religious and linguistic minorities enjoy special rights. The

minority status helps to give constitutional safeguards to minority communities and

make them eligible for welfare programmes of the Union Minority Affairs Ministry.

PM Narendra Modi, Sri Lankan President release Simhastha

Declaration

The Prime Minister along with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena have

released ‘Simhastha Declaration’ at Ninora village in Ujjain.

Both leaders addressed the concluding session of the three day International Vichar

Mahakumbh held on side-lines of the month-long Simhastha mela.

PM Narendra Modi in his address appealed saints to conduct Vichar Kumbh every

year with devotees and discuss social issues like the need to educate the girl child or

plant trees.

He also called Kumbh as the biggest example of excellent management and he

advised academic institutions to adopt Kumbh as a management case study.

Key highlights of Declaration

Simhastha Declaration has 51 sacred points for betterment of mankind that will

start new discourse not only in India but around the world.

It is also a prescription on how a duty-centred system that had been the origin of

Indian philosophy of life is relevant in today’s India.


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Saints and seers, subject experts and scholars from the country and abroad also

discussed on various issues in the sessions of ‘Vichar Mahakumbh’.

Sessions on sustainable development, sanitation and climate change, peace, values

of life, agriculture and cottage industry were also organised.

Himachal Pradesh Government launches PEHAL, a vision

document of the Shimla District

Himachal Pradesh Government has launched ‘PEHAL’, a vision document of the

Shimla District administration for raising education standards.

It was launched by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh in Shimla. PEHAL is an attempt

to integrate the various stakeholders in the development story of the district.

Key facts

The aim of the PEHAL programme is to identify certain thrust areas which have a

direct bearing on the lives of the people at grassroots.

The five areas identified under PEHAL are Forest Rights, Primary Education,

Campaign against drugs, Health and Sanitation and skill development and Women

Empowerment.

The initiative also aims at building a resource base of semi-skilled and skilled

women.

Under Pehal, empowering the people with requisite skills under the livelihood

mission will include basic masonry, electrical work, home appliances reparing and

plumber courses.

Punjab and Haryana HC stays quota for Jats, five other

communities in Haryana

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has stayed the reservation for Jats and five

other communities provided by the Haryana government.

The reservation for these communities was provided under a newly carved

Backward Classes (C) category as per provisions of Backward Classes (Reservation

in Services and Admission in Educational Institutions) Act, 2016.

The court gave its ruling on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of the

above Act which was passed unanimously by the Haryana Assembly in March 2016.

The five other communities which were provided reservation under the Act were

Jat Sikhs, Bishnois, Muslim Jats, Rors and Tyagis. They were entitled to 10 per cent

reservation in government services and also admission to educational institutions.

Earlier the Supreme Court also had ruled that Jats could not be treated as

backward, the state assembly had no right to pass the law.

However, the Supreme Court, in the case of Ram Singh and others versus the Union

of India, held that Jats were not backward socially, educationally and politically.


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Comment

The Act provided 10 per cent quota in government jobs and educational

institutions, and 6 per cent in Class I and II posts. It was provided in exclusion to

the already notified 27 per cent quota for Other Backward Classes (Block A and B)

and 10 per cent to Economically Backward (EB) Persons. Thus, it had violated the

reservation ceiling of 50 per cent imposed by the Supreme Court.

Karnataka Government decides to set up Asia’s first Rice Technology Park in Gangavati

Karnataka Government has decided to go ahead with the establishment of Asia’s first Rice Technology Park at Gangavati in Koppal district.

Apart from it state government has decided to set up a Maize Technology Park at Ranebennur in Haveri district.

Key facts

Both parks will be established on the public-private participation model as a one-stop solution to all problems of rice and maize growers.

As a value addition, the rice technology park would have facilities for rice flour, rice bran oil, rice rava, rice-based alcohol, noodles, animal and poultry feed and paddy husk used for power generation and brick-making.

These parks would pave the way for opening new avenues for rice and maize growers.

It will help growers to add value to their produce and get better returns and also enhance quality of the produce.

India’s first Scorpene class submarine INS Kalvari undergoes first sea trial

INS Kalvari, Indian Navy’s first indigenous Scorpene-class stealth submarine, has recently launched for the first sea trial in the Mumbai naval dockyard.

It is a diesel-electric attack submarine which is built under the strategic Project 75 by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in collaboration with French naval defence and energy company DCNS.

Key facts

INS Kalvari is also known as Tiger Shark (or S50). It is expected to be commissioned into Indian Navy by September 2016.

It has superior stealth capability and is designed to operate in all theatres including the tropics.

It is built using special steel that can withstand high yield stress that can withstand high hydrostatic force and enabling to dive deeper.

Operations capability:

It can undertake various operations including multifarious warfare, Anti-submarine warfare, Intelligence gathering, mine laying, area surveillance etc.

Attack Ability:


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It can launch attack on the enemy using precision guided weapons and attack can be launched from underwater or on surface.

Weapons:

It is equipped with Weapons Launching tubes (WLT) that can carry weapons on board and can be easily reloaded at sea.

Union HRD Ministry to launch ASMITA, student tracking system The Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has decided to launch

ASMITA, a student tracking system programme.

ASMITA is acronym for All School Monitoring Individual Tracing Analysis and shall be launched under Shala Asmita Yojana (SAY).

Key facts

SAY aims to track the educational journey of school students from Class I to Class XII across the 15 lakhs private and government schools in the country.

ASMITA will be an online database which will carry information of student attendance and enrolment, learning outcomes, mid-day meal service and infrastructural facilities among others. Students will be tracked through their Aadhaar numbers and incase those not having unique number will be provided with it.

Cyclonic storm ROANU hits eastern coast of India

Cyclonic Storm Roanu, an active tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal has hit the

eastern coast of India. It is the first tropical cyclone of the annual cyclone season.

Roanu originated from a deep depression (low pressure) area that formed south of

Sri Lanka and later gradually drifted north and intensified into a cyclonic storm.

Key facts

In its early stages, the storm was responsible heavy rainfall in Sri Lanka causing

flooding in its northern parts.

It also brought torrential rainfall to the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra

Pradesh and is also affecting Odisha and West Bengal.

It is forecast to make a landfall on the coast of Bangladesh.

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the Roanu Cyclone is

likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm. It also has issued heavy to very heavy

rainfall warning to coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and coastal West

Bengal under the influence of the cyclonic storm coupled with gusty winds speeds

reaching 90-100 kmph.

Shashi Kapoor: Veteran actor Shashi Kapoor’s autobiography titled ‘Shashi Kapoor –

the Householder, the Star’ was released recently. The biography has been authored

by film journalist Aseem Chhabra and with forword by Karan Johar.


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ECONOMICS ISSUES

RBI to issue Rs 1000 bank notes with inset letter R The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will shortly issue banknotes of 1000 rupees

denominations with inset letter ‘R’ in both the number panels.

These new banknotes will be issued in the Mahatma Gandhi Series – 2005. Besides, all the banknotes in the denomination of 1000 rupees issued by RBI in the past would continue to be legal tender.

New features

The design of these new 1000 rupees banknotes is similar in all respects to the earlier issued banknotes of same denominations in Mahatma Gandhi Series – 2005.

On the obverse side:

These banknotes will have all the other security features, including ascending size of numerals, bleed lines and enlarged identification mark.

On the reverse side:

These banknotes will bear signature of RBI Governor Raghuram G Rajan. It will also have the year of printing ‘2016’ printed.

World Bank approves $625-million loan for India’s Rooftop Solar Programme

The World Bank’s Board has approved 625 million dollars loan to support India’s grid connected rooftop solar programme to generate clean energy.

The loan will be provided by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), lending arm of World Bank and has a maturity of 20 years and a 19.5 year grace period.

Key facts

The project will finance the installation of at least 400 MW of grid connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (GRPV) across India.

These solar PV installations will provide clean, renewable energy and reduce Green House Gases (CHGs) emissions by displacing thermal generation.

The project will also strengthen the capacity of key institutions and support the development of the overall solar PV market.

It will be implemented by the State Bank of India (SBI) which will on-lend funds to solar PV aggregators/developers and end-users, who wish to invest in mainly industrial and commercial rooftop PV systems.

Financing to these aggregators/developers will be provided to those with sound technical capacity, creditworthiness and relevant experience as per SBI standards.

The Board also approved a co-financing loan of 120 million dollars on concessional terms and a 5 million dollars grant from Climate Investment Fund’s (CIF) Clean Technology Fund. The cofinancing loan has maturity of 40 years and a 10 year grace period.


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SEBI tightens P-note norms to keep vigil on foreign investments to curb black money inflow

The market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has tightened the Participatory Notes (P-note) norms.

The main purpose of this decision is to keep vigil on foreign investments to curb black money inflows in the country.

In this regard, SEBI has introduced Know Your Client (KYC) compliance for holders of these instruments in order to bring them on a par with domestic investors. SEBI also has sought information on the ultimate beneficiaries of these products.

What are Participatory notes?

Participatory Notes are offshore/overseas derivative instruments (ODIs) issued by registered foreign institutional investors (FII) to overseas investors. They are commonly known as P-Notes.

P-Notes are issued to overseas investors who wish to invest in the Indian stock markets without registering themselves with the market regulator SEBI.

Investing through P-Notes is very simple and is very popular amongst FIIs. SEBI had permitted FIIS to participate and register in the Indian stock market in 1992.

P-Notes are not used within the country but are mainly used outside India for making investments in shares listed in the Indian stock market.

For example, India-based brokerages buy securities from the Indian stock and then issue P Notes to foreign investors for the securities. Any capital gains or dividends collected from the underlying securities go back to the investors.

Advantages Ease of Trading:

Trading through P-Notes is easy because they are like contract notes transferable by endorsement and delivery.

Tax Saving:

Some of the entities route their investment through P-Notes to take advantage of the tax laws of certain preferred countries.

Disadvantages Anonymity:

Any entity investing in P-Notes is not required to register with SEBI. It enables

large hedge funds to carry out their operations without revealing their identity. Money Laundering:

P-Notes are used by money launderers. They first take funds out of country through hawala and then get it back using P-Notes.

NITI Aayog to replace 5-year plans with 15-year vision document

Atma Ram Nadkarni: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has

appointed Senior advocate of Bombay High Court Atma Ram Nadkarni as Additional

Solicitor General.


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Union Government’s apex think tank NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog has decided to come up with a 15-year vision document in tandem with global trends and economic growth.

NITI Aayog which had replaced erstwhile Planning Commission (PC) in 2015, with its 15-year vision document will also abandon the concept of five-year plans prepared by the PC since 1951.

Key facts

The first 15-year vision document will come into effect from 2017-18 after the end of the 12th Five year plan. It will be formulated with central objective of eradication poverty.

It will come along with a seven-year National Development Agenda which will lay down the programmes schemes, and strategies to achieve the long-term vision

The long vision document (perspective plan) will comprise of three-year macroeconomic framework.

The framework will predict growth indicators that will be synced with the 14th Finance Commission recommendations.

It will also be coterminous with the UNDP’s 2030 sustainable development goals to which India is committed to meet broader social objectives.

The 15-year vision document will also include defence and internal security. They were not been a part of five-year plans.

The NITI Aayog will also create a dashboard for monitoring, evaluation and review of the implementation of vision document.

The 14th Finance Commission recommendations will remain in force till financial year 2019-20. It had favoured giving states more united funds along with greater fiscal responsibility in implementing centrally-sponsored schemes. To this effect, it had increased the states’ share in central taxes from 32% to 42%.

UNDP’s 2030 sustainable development goals include 16 long-term goals and 169 sub-targets to be achieved by 2030.

Union Cabinet approves country’s first National Intellectual Property Rights Policy

The Union Government has approved National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy, 2016 to promote the IP regime and to encourage innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in India.

The first of its king policy in the country seeks to strengthen legislative and legal framework of IPRs, their commercialization and reinforce enforcement and adjudicatory mechanisms for IPR infringements.

The Policy lays down seven objectives : IPR Awareness:

Outreach and Promotion- It seeks to create public awareness about the social, economic and cultural benefits of IPRs among all sections of society

Generation of IPRs: It seeks to stimulate the generation of IPRs.

Legal and Legislative Framework: It call for a strong and effective IPR laws, which will have balance the larger public interest and interests of rights owners.


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Administration and Management: It seeks to strengthen and modernize service oriented IPR administration.

Commercialization of IPRs: Provide appropriate value for IPRs through commercialization.

Enforcement and Adjudication: Seeks to strengthen the adjudicatory and enforcement mechanisms for combating IPR infringements.

Human Capital Development: Seeks to expand and strengthen human resources, capacities and institutions for teaching, research, training and skill building in IPRs.

Other highlights of the Policy : Recognises abundance of innovative and creative energies in the country and prioritizes the need to tap and channelise these energies towards a better and brighter future for all.

Exploit and create synergies between all forms of intellectual property (IP), concerned agencies and statutes in the country.

Sets in place an institutional mechanism for monitoring, implementation and review of IP regime.

Aims to incorporate and adapt global best practices to the Indian scenario.

Makes the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), under the Union Commerce Ministry nodal agency for regulating IP rights in the country.

Seeks to weave in the strengths of the Government, R&D organizations, educational institutions, corporate entities including start-ups, MSMEs and other stakeholders in the creation of an innovation-conducive environment.

Facilitates a transparent, stable and service-oriented IPR administration in the country.

Recognizes that India has well-established TRIPS-compliant administrative, legislative and judicial framework to safeguard IPRs. Meets international obligations while utilizing the flexibilities provided in the international regime to address its developmental concerns.

Reiterates India’s commitment to the Doha Declaration on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement and Public Health.

Income Declaration Scheme 2016 to open from 1st June 2016

The Income Declaration Scheme 2016 or four month window for declaration of domestic black money shall come into effect from 1st June 2016.

The window provides an opportunity to all persons who have not declared income correctly in earlier years to come forward and declare their undisclosed incomes.

Under this scheme

The declared income would be taxed at the rate of 30 per cent plus ‘Krishi Kalyan’ cess of 25 per cent on taxes payable and a penalty at the rate of 25 per cent of the

Adi Praman: Maharashtra Government has launched Adi Praman, a web-based

application for state’s tribal population to get the caste validity certificates online.


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taxes payable. Thus the total tax to be paid will be 45% of the income declared under the scheme.

The declarations can be filed online or with the Principal Commissioners of Income-tax. The surcharge and penalty must be paid by 30th November, 2016.

Assets specified in the declaration will be exempted from Wealth tax. These declarations will also enjoy immunity from prosecution under the IT Act and Wealth Tax Act and also the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988.

Non-payment of total taxes, penalty and surcharge in time or declaration by misrepresentation or suppression of facts shall render the declaration void. Other penal consequences will also follow accordingly.

The scheme is part of Finance Act, 2016 and will remain in force till 30th of September. However, foreign assets or income to which the Black Money Act 2015 applies are not eligible for declaration under this scheme.

1 May: International Workers Day : Every year 1st May is being observed as

International Workers Day to pay tribute to workers’ sacrifices in achieving

economic and social rights all over the world.


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SOCIAL ISSUES Union Government launches UJALA Scheme The Union Government has launched National LED programme – Unnat Jyoti by

Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA).

It was launched by Union Minister for State (IC) for Power, Coal and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Key facts

The UJALA scheme is being implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), a joint venture of PSUs under the Union Ministry of Power.

It is LED based Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP). Under it, 3 crore LED Bulbs will be distributed in Madhya Pradesh in the next 6 months.

Under it, people of Madhya Pradesh will get subsidiesed 9W energy efficient LED bulbs by paying just 85 rupees per LED bulb.

The scheme will help reduce electricity bills of consumers, contribute to the energy security of India and also help in environment protection.

Background

The Scheme was launched as part of Union Government’s efforts to spread the

message of energy efficiency in the country. LED bulbs have a very long life, almost

50 times more than ordinary bulbs, and 8-10 times that of CFLs, and therefore

provide both energy and cost savings in the medium term. It will help in saving of

energy around 24 crore units every year.

Union Government launches Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana The Union Government launched Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) for

providing free of cost LPG (cooking gas) connections to women from BPL Households.

It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Maldepur Morh, Ballia in Uttar Pradesh.

The tagline for the scheme is Swachh Indhan, Behtar Jeevan. Key facts

Under PMUY, each of the beneficiaries will receive monetary support of about 1,600 rupees to get a connection of cooking gas. It includes administrative cost, pressure regulator booklet and safety hose

The scheme seeks to empower women and protect their health by shifting them from traditional cooking based on unclean cooking fuels or on fossil fuels to clean cooking gas.

It is being implemented by Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. It is for the first time this ministry is implementing a welfare scheme.

The identification of eligible BPL families will be made in consultation with the State Governments and the Union Territories.

It will be implemented over three years’ time frame namely in the FY 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19.


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Union Cabinet approved signing of MoC between MWCD and Gates Foundation

The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC) between Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD) and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).

It was signed for the cooperation in Information and Communication Technology enabled Real Time Monitoring (ICT-RTM) of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and other related technical matters.

The MoC would cover 162 high malnutrition burden districts of 8 States viz. Chhatisgarh, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtrta, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

The MoC would help in

Implementation of ICT-RTM of ICDS for timely intervention for ensuring proper service delivery by the authorities.

Technical support through high quality technical teams of nutrition experts.

Putting up in place a shared national communication campaign, communications guidelines and strategy and customizing communications.

It will also bring different products and material to local contexts along with developing plans for large scale dissemination.

The Foundation would provide

Technical support for strengthening capacities to deliver nutrition especially during preconception, pregnancy and first two years of life at the national and state level

Funding to applicable organisation that meet eligibility criteria as will be mutually agreed upon by the Foundation and MWCD.

The funding will be used to provide support and technical assistance for designing, development of Common Application Software (CAS) to drive the ICT-RTM of ICDS Systems Strengthening and Nutrition Improvement Project (ISSNIP) and Support System/ Support the ministry in developing a shared national communication campaign for child and maternal nutrition among the target population.

The phase-I of ISSNIP will be rolled out ICT-RTM through 1 Lakh Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) in 162 high burden districts of 8 participating States. The beneficiaries target group will cover children of age group 0-6 years, pregnant women and Lactating Mothers.

4th SAIEVAC Ministerial Meeting begins in New Delhi The fourth edition South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children

(SAIEVAC) Ministerial Meeting has begun in New Delhi.

The 3 day landmark meeting (from 9 to 11 May 2016) is being hosted by the Union Ministry of Child and Women Development.

Key facts

Chandranna Bima Yojana : Andhra Pradesh Government has launched Chandranna

Bima Yojana, an insurance scheme for the working class people.


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The meeting will assess progress and developments of the past decade of regional effort of SAIEVAC and identify priorities for SAIEVAC for the next five years.

Delegates from the governments and civil society organizations of India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are participating in it.

It will set strategies and agree on commitments to ensure the security and protection of the children of the region.

The Ministerial meeting will be preceded by a two day technical consultation focusing on critical issues of child violence and protection in the region.

India is going to showcase some of its major initiatives like Childline-1098, Trackchild and Khoya Paya, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) 2012 among others.

The 4th Ministerial Meeting marks 30 years since that SAARC summit made a commitment in 1986 by installing children as a ‘summit-level concern.

What is SAIEVAC?

SAIEVAC is apex body of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations created to bring governments of the region into active engagement for child protection against violence.

May 3: World Press Freedom Day World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) is being

observed on 3 May every year across the world to raise awareness of the importance

of freedom of the press.


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PERSONALITIES

Mexican diplomat Patricia Espinosa selected as executive secretary

of UNFCCC

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has selected Mexican diplomat Patricia

Espinosa as the executive secretary of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework

Convention on Climate Change).

She will replace the incumbent Christiana Figueres when her term ends in July

2016. Prior to this selection she was serving as Mexico’s ambassador to Germany

Earlier she had served as Mexico’s representative at the UN in New York for drug

traffic, human rights, women promotion, social development and children’s rights.

In her new role, she will play an important role in implementing the Paris

Agreement on Climate Change that was approved by 195 countries in December

2015 during UNFCCC’s COP 21 held in Paris, France.

About UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change)

The UNFCCC is an international environmental treaty negotiated at the Earth

Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 and entered into force in 1994.

It has near universal membership as it has 196 countries and European Union (EU)

as its members.

It is the parent treaty of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol which was ratified by 192 of the

UNFCCC Parties.

The ultimate objective of both treaties is to stabilize greenhouse gas (GHGs)

concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human

interference with the climate system.

Shashank Manohar elected unopposed as ICC’s first independent

Chairman

Veteran cricket administrator Shashank Manohar (58) was elected unopposed as

ICC’s (International Cricket Council) first independent Chairman.

He was the sole nominee for the position and the ICC Board has now unanimously

supported his appointment. He will have tenure of two years.

Background

He was elected to the post after the ICC Full Council’s approval of constitutional

amendments proposed by the Board following its April 2016 meeting.

The amendments had abolished the post of the ICC President and created the post

of independent Chairman.


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The provision of ICC chief can’t be associated with a cricket board was also added in

these amendments. In order to comply with provisions of ICC rules, Shashank

Manohar had resigned from the post of BCCI president.

About Shashank Manohar

Shashank Manohar by profession is a prominent lawyer.

Born on 29 September 1957 in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

He had twice served as the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India

(BCCI), from 2008 to 2011 and from November 2015 to May 2016.

As a cricket administrator he is known for his impeccable clean image and track

record & integrity in cricketing circles.

About Inernational Cricket Council (ICC)

ICC the international governing body of cricket.

Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Established: 1909 as Imperial Cricket Conference by representatives from England,

Australia and South Africa. It took up its current name in 1989.

ICC has 106 members: 10 Full Members that play Test matches, 57 Affiliate Members

and 38 Associate Members.

Functions:

Responsible for the organisation and governance of cricket’s major international

tournaments including Cricket World Cup.

Appoints umpires and referees that officiate at all sanctioned Test matches, One

Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals.

Promulgates the ICC Code of Conduct, which sets professional standards of

discipline for international cricket.

Co-ordinates action against corruption and match-fixing through its Anti-

Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU)

UN appoints Mary Robinson, Macharia Kamau as special envoys

for El Nino, Climate

United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has appointed Mary

Robinson and Macharia Kamau as UN’s Special Envoys for El Nino and Climate.

These appointments come at a time of great urgency as the drought and flooding

associated with El Niño have created massive needs across the world.

The El Niño has worst affected four regions of East Africa, Southern Africa, Central

America and the Pacific.

Key facts

These UN Special Envoys will provide the leadership required to tackle challenges

and responses to climate change and El Niño in order to scale up our humanitarian

response.


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Mary Robinson:

She is former President of Ireland. Previously she had worked as the UN High

Commissioner for Human Rights and as UN special envoy for climate change.

Macharia Kamau:

He is Kenyan diplomat.

Presently, he is working as ambassador to the United Nations. He is also former

president of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Board.

He also had served as co-chair of the UN General Assembly working group on

sustainable development goals.

El Niño:

It is a weather phenomenon, which occurs every two to seven years. It affects

rainfall patterns and causes both drought and flooding.

Anurag Thakur unanimously elected BCCI President Anurag Thakur (41) was unanimously elected as President of BCCI (Board of Control for

Cricket in India) by the board’s special general meeting (SGM) held in Mumbai.

He is 34th BCCI President and shall have tenure till September 2017. He succeeds

Shashank Manohar who stepped down to take get elected as ICC’s first independent

chairman.

Thakur is the second youngest BCCI President after Fateh Singh Gaekwad who was the

youngest BCCI President to get elected at the age of 33 in 1963.

Before getting elected as President, Thakur had resigned as BCCI Secretary. He is a BJP

MP in Lok Sabha from Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh.

Besides, Ajay Shirke was named as successor of Thakur as BCCI Secretary. Shrike will

represent BCCI at the chief executives committee meetings of the ICC.

About Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)

BCCI is the national governing body for cricket in India and is considered as world’s

richest cricket board. It was established as BCCI in 1928 by replacing Calcutta Cricket

Club.

It is a private club consortium, registered as a society under the Tamil Nadu Societies

Registration Act, 1975.

It is member of ICC and has authority to select players, umpires and officials to

participate in international cricket events and exercises total control over them.

e-nivaran: The Income Tax (IT) department has launched electronic grievance

redressal system ‘e- nivaran’ to fast track taxpayer grievances and ensure early

resolution of their complaints.


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President appoints Kiran Bedi as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed BJP leader and former IPS officer Kiran

Bedi as the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Puducherry as per Article 239 of the Constitution.

The a post LG was vacant for the past two years after the Union Government had sacked Virendra Kataria from the post in July 2014.

Since then, it was under the additional charge of Ajay Kumar Singh, Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

About Kiran Bedi

Kiran Bedi was the first woman to join the Indian Police Service (IPS) in 1972. She remained in service for 35 years before taking voluntary retirement in 2007.

At the time of retirement, she was posted as Director General (DG), Bureau of Police Research and Development.

She had started her career as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Chanakyapuri area of Delhi. In her service she also had served in Delhi, Goa, Chandigarh and Mizoram.

As DCP of North Delhi, she had launched a campaign against drug abuse. Later it evolved into the Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation (renamed to Navjyoti India Foundation in 2007).

In 2003, she became the first Indian woman to be appointed as a Police Advisor to UN Secretary-General in the Department of Peace Keeping Operations.

She was one of the pioneers of anti-corruption crusade in 2011 along with Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal against then UPA government.

In 2015, she had joined BJP and had unsuccessfully contested the 2015 Delhi Assembly election as the party’s Chief Ministerial candidate.

Awards and Honours:

President’s Police medal (1979), Ramon Magsaysay Award (1994) UN Medal for outstanding service (2004).

10 May 2016: World Migratory Bird Day World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) is being

observed across the world on the second weekend in May. This year, WMBD is being

observed on 10th May. The day seeks to raise awareness and highlight the need for the

protection of migratory birds and their habitats.


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AWARDS & HONOUS

South Korean author Han Kang wins 2016 Man Booker International Prize

South Korean author, Han Kang, has won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize for her novel

‘The Vegetarian’.

With this Han becomes the first South Korean to win this prestigious literary prize. The writer and her British translator Deborah Smith will share the 72,000 dollars prize money.

Han’s novel ‘The Vegetarian’ tells a story of a wife (Yeong-hye lead character) who decides to become a vegetarian. The decision provokes cruelty from her husband, and from her father, and obsession from her sister’s husband, as the woman, she dreams obsessively about becoming a tree.

The novel was picked unanimously by the panel of five judges chaired by Boyd Tonkin. It was chosen amongst six other novels.

About Man Booker International Prize

Man Booker International Prize is an international literary award.

The award given to a living author of any nationality for a body of work published in English or generally available in English translation.

The Man Booker International Prize is sponsored by Man Group plc, which also sponsors the Man Booker Prize for Fiction.

World’s Smallest (Nano) Thermometer: Scientists have developed world’s Smallest

(Nano) Thermometer using DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) structures that can fold and

unfold at specifically defined temperature functions.

May 11: National Technology Day : National Technology Day is being observed across

India on May 11 to glorify the importance of science in day-to-day life and motivate

students to adopt science as a career option.


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TAMIL NADU

Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2016 Results

Ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) Party under the

leadership of Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha has emerged victorious in the 2016 Tamil

Nadu Assembly Election.

AIADMK Party emerged victorious by winning 134 seats (38.4% votes) out of 234

seats of the Legislative Assembly in the state. The opposition Dravida Munnetra

Kazhagam (DMK) has won 89 seats (35.6% votes) while Indian National Congress

(INC) won 8 seats.

With this victory, AIADMK Chief J. Jayalalitha became the first Chief Minister in

32 years to be voted back to power. She won from Dr. RK Nagar constituency in

Chennai.

DMK Patriarch M. Karunanidhi has won for a record 13th time (since 1956) from

his home turf of Tiruvarur.

Background

The election for fifteenth Assembly of Tamil Nadu was held in single phase on 16

May 2016 for the 234 seats.

J Jayalalithaa sworn-in as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister for sixth

time

Ms. J Jayalalithaa has sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for record sixth

time after winning 2016 state assembly election with absolute majority.

State Governor Dr.K. Rosaiah administered the oath of office and secrecy to her at

oath taking ceremony held at the Centenary Auditorium, Madras University.

Besides, Governor also administered oath of office and secrecy to the 28 ministers

of her government.

This is J Jayalalithaa’s second consecutive term as chief minister and sixth overall.

She is the second female Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu after Janaki Ramachandran.

About J Jayalalithaa

J Jayalalithaa was born on 24 February 1948 in Mandya in then Mysore State (now

in Karnataka).

She was an actress before entering into active politics and appeared in 140 films

which include Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films.

SpaceX launches Japanese Satellite US based private space transport service

company, SpaceX has successfully launched Japanese JCSAT-14 communication

satellite into the space.


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She was a leading actress in films from 1961 to 1980 and was famously considered

as one of the most prolific and most versatile actress.

She was also known for her dancing skills and was often referred as the uncrowned

queen of Tamil cinema.

Previously, she served as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu from 1991 to 1996 (1st time),

in 2001 (2nd time), from 2002 to 2006 (3rd time), from 2011 to 2014 (4th time) and

2015 to 2016 (5th time).

May 21: Anti-Terrorism Day : Every year May 21 is being observed as Anti-

Terrorism Day throughout India to spread awareness among the people about the

danger of terrorism and violence and its effect on the people, society and the

country as a whole.


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SCIENCE & TECH

34 satellites are operational in India: Government

The Union Government has announced that currently 34 Indian satellites are

operational in the space.

It was announced by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Atomic

Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha.

34 operational satellites are : 13 Communication Satellites: INSAT-3A,

INSAT-3C, INSAT-4A, INSAT-4B,

INSAT-4CR, GSAT-6, GSAT-7, GSAT-8, GSAT-10, GSAT-12, GSAT-14, GSAT-15 and

GSAT-16.

12 Earth Observation Satellites: Resourcesat-2, RISAT-1, RISAT-2, Cartosat-1,

Cartosat-2, Cartosat-2A, Cartosat-2B, Oceansat-2, SARAL, Kalpana-1, Megha-

Tropiques and INSAT-3D.

7 Navigational Satellites: IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F and 1G.

2 Space science Satellites: Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) and Astrosat.

It was also mentioned that about 30 service providers are utilising Ku-band (a part of

K band) transponders onboard indigenous communication satellites for various

communication applications.

These applications include Direct-To-Home Television (DTH), Digital Satellite News

Gathering, telecommunication, VSAT services for banking, tele-education and

business communication etc.

NASA unveils first global topographic model of Mercury

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has unveiled the first

global digital elevation (topographic model) of Mercury.

The model was unveiled by NASA’s MESSENGER ((MErcury Surface, Space

ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging) mission.

Key facts

The MESSENGER mission shows stunning detail the topography across the entire

innermost planet of our solar system.

The model was created using more than 100,000 images acquired by the

MESSENGER mission.

These images were acquired with a large range of viewing illumination and

geometries conditions, which help to determine the topography across Mercury’s

surface.

The topographic model shows a variety of topographic features including the

highest and lowest points on the planet.

The highest elevation on Mercury is at 4.48 kilometres above Mercury’s average

elevation and is located just south of the equator in some of planet’s oldest terrain.


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The new topographic map provides an unprecedented view of the region near

Mercury’s North Pole which was earlier not available.

The new global topographic model complements an older product released by

MESSENGER which was derived from earlier measurements by the Mercury Laser

Altimeter (MLA).

About MESSENGER Mission

MESSENGER is a NASA’s robotic spacecraft that orbited the planet Mercury

between 2011 and 2015.

It was launched in August 2004 to study Mercury’s chemical composition, geology,

and magnetic field.

It had entered orbit around Mercury on March 18, 2011, becoming the first

spacecraft to do so. It had successfully completed its primary mission in 2012.

The MESSENGER mission has shared more than 10 terabytes of Mercury science

data. It includes nearly 300,000 images, millions of spectra and numerous map

products.

Indian Army conducts ‘Chakravyuh-II’ training exercise in

Rajasthan

Indian Army had conducted major military training exercise ‘2016 Chakravyuh-II’

in Suratgarh, Rajasthan.

Purpose of the exercise:

Validate battle readiness and operational effectiveness of the Pivot Formation and

Rapid Division of Indian Army along with all its affiliated components.

Key facts

The Chakravyuh-II exercise involved rapid mobilisation and execution of battle

plans in conjunction with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

It envisaged mechanised manoeuvres in the entire spectra of new generation

weapons, systems and platforms in the rapid urbanisation and development areas

along the border.

It has provided an opportunity to all commanders in planning and conducting large

scale operations in an integrated theatre environment along with IAF.

It mainly included fighter ground attack aircrafts, unmanned aerial vehicles

(UAVs), attack helicopters, remotely piloted vehicles and communication

helicopters.

During the exercise surveillance, intelligence, reconnaissance and communication

systems were put to test in a network-centric battlefield environment and were

supported by required operational logistics.

Improved mobility, extensive use of information technology and inventory

management techniques were also validated to ensure logistics are deployed in the

fast paced operational environment.


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Indigenous Advanced Air Defence interceptor missile, Ashwin

successfully test fired

Indigenously developed Advanced Air Defence (AAD) interceptor missile, Ashwin

was successfully test fired.

The test was the twelfth test of interceptor missiles fired from a warship in the Bay

of Bengal. Of the 11 tests held earlier, 9 were successful.

Test:

The interceptor missile was test fired from the complex of Abdul Kalam Island

(formerly known as Wheeler Island) in Balasore district off Odisha coast. It hit the

target which another ballistic missile i.e. a modified version of Prithvi weapon

system. The missile also validated various parameters of the interceptor in flight

mode.

Key facts

AAD interceptor missile Ashwin is the advanced version of low altitude supersonic

ballistic interceptor missile.

It is indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation

(DRDO) and is capable of destroying any incoming hostile ballistic missile.

Features:

It is capable of destroying any incoming hostile ballistic missile is 7.5-meter long

and weighs around 1.2 tonnes. It has a diameter of less than 0.5 meter.

It is single-stage solid rocket propelled guided missile. It is equipped with a hi-tech

computer, a navigation system and an electro-mechanical activator.

The missile also has its own mobile launcher, secure data link for interception,

independent tracking and homing capabilities and sophisticated radars

Comment

With this successful test India became the fourth country in the world to have full-

fledged multi-layer Ballistic Missile Defence system. Other three countries are

United States, Russia and Israel.

The successful test will also pave the way for the induction of the supersonic

interceptor missiles in the Indian armed forces.

It will also strengthen India’s position in the very exclusive and elite Ballistic

Missile Defence club of the other three countries.

Nuclear Capable Prithvi-II missile test fired from Odisha

Indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile was

successfully testfired from a test range at Chandipur in Odisha.

Missile test:

It was carried out by Strategic Force Command (SFC) from a mobile launcher at

launch complex-3 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Odisha.


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About Prithvi-II Missile

Prithvi-II is a tactical short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by

indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

It is the first missile indigenously developed by DRDO under India’s prestigious

Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).

Powered by:

Can operate with both liquid and solid fuel twine engines.

Warheads:

Capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of nuclear as well as conventional warheads.

Strike Range:

It has strike range of 350 km.

It has the ability to dodge enemy missiles and uses advanced inertial guidance

system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target.

It has advanced inertial navigation, control and guidance system. It uses advanced

inertial guidance system with manoeuvering trajectory.

The missile was inducted into Indian armed forces in 2003.

Variants:

Prithvi-I for the Indian Army; Prithvi-II for the Indian Air Force; and the Dhanush for

the Indian Navy.

The last user trial of Prithvi-II was successfully conducted on February 16, 2016 from

the same test range in Odisha.

India’s first reusable space shuttle RLV-TD launched

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully test launched the

first indigenous Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD).

Launch Details:

It was launched from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre,

Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.

The launch was part of a series of technology demonstration missions, which is

considered as a first step towards realising a Two Stage To Orbit (TSTO) fully re-

usable vehicle.

After launch RLV-TD glided back onto a virtual runway in Bay of Bengal and re-

entered the atmosphere after reaching a height of over 70 km.

Key facts

RLV-TD is winged body aerospace vehicle that operated in hypersonic flight

regime. It is capable of launching satellites into orbit around earth and then re-

enter the atmosphere

It has been configured to act as a flying testbed to evaluate various technologies,

including hypersonic flight, autonomous landing, powered cruise flight.


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It was launched using a nine-ton solid rocket motor (SRM) which is designed to

burn slowly to accommodate the vertical lifting of winged body

The RLV-TD was 6.5 meter long and has aeroplane like structure. It weighs about

1.75 tonnes and is very similar to the retired US space shuttle.

It was built by a team of 600 scientists over five years at the Vikram Sarabhai Space

Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.

Comment

RLV is being dubbed as India’s own space shuttle and considered as the unanimous

solution to achieve low cost, reliable and on-demand space access. ISRO’s RLV will

be competing with two US based private companies namely SpaceX’s Falcon 9

rocket and Blue Origin’s New Shephard rocket, which have already partially tested

re-usable space shuttles.

ISRO to test Air-breathing Propulsion System

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has decided to test an Air-

breathing Propulsion System after successful test of Reusable launch Vehicle-

Technology Demonstration (RLV-TD).

The testing of air-breathing propulsion system aims to capitalize on the oxygen in

the atmosphere instead of liquefied oxygen while in flight.

ISRO is evolving and testing various technologies to bring down the cost of launch

vehicles and the air-breathing propulsion system is part of its new space endeavor.

Key facts

Conventional launch vehicles used to launch satellites, uses liquefied oxygen for

combustion of propellants with oxidiser and fuel. It is carried by rockets along with

the fuel, resulting in increase in lift-off mass.

The air-breathing propulsion system uses natural oxygen present in the atmosphere

up to 50 km from the earth’s surface to burn the fuel stored in the rocket.

Benefits:

This system would help in reducing the lift-off mass of the vehicle as there will be

no need of carrying liquefied oxygen on board the vehicle.

In turn help in increasing the energy efficiency of the rocket and also make it cost-

effective.

Way forward:

The new propulsion system would complement ISRO’s aim to develop a reusable

launch vehicle that would have longer flight duration. This system involving the

recently tested scramjet engine, would become crucial while sending up the

spacecraft.

Atomic oxygen detected in Mar’s atmosphere by Scientists


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Scientists have detected atomic oxygen in the atmosphere of Mars for the first time

since the last observation 40 years ago.

It was detected using an instrument onboard the Stratospheric Observatory for

Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA).

SOFIA is a Boeing 747SP jetliner modified to carry a 100-inch diameter telescope. It

is a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Centre.

Key facts

The detected atomic oxygen was found in the upper layers of the Martian

atmosphere known as the mesosphere.

It was detected by using the German Receiver for Astronomy at Terahertz

Frequencies (GREAT), an advanced detector on one of the observatory’s

instruments.

The SOFIA was able to detect only about half the amount of oxygen expected, which

may be due to variations in the Martian atmosphere.

The observations were possible due to SOFIA’s airborne location, flying between

37,000-45,000 feet, above most of the infrared-blocking moisture in Earth’s

atmosphere.

Significance:

Atomic oxygen affects other gases to escape from the Mars and therefore has a

significant impact on the planet’s atmosphere. However the detection enabled

astronomers to distinguish the oxygen in the Martian atmosphere from oxygen in

Earth’s atmosphere.

Atomic oxygen in the Martian atmosphere is notoriously difficult to measure as far-

infrared wavelengths are needed to detect it. However SOFIA help to detect it as it

has highly sensitive instruments including spectrometer.

It should be noted that the last measurements of atomic oxygen in the Martian

atmosphere were made by the Viking and Mariner missions of NASA in 1970s.

May 22: International Day for Biological Diversity Every year May 22 is being observed

as International Biodiversity Day (IDB) across the world to promote conservation and

sustainable use of biodiversity.


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INTERNATIONAL

World Bank launches Pandemic Emergency Finance Facility The World Bank has launched Pandemic Emergency Finance Facility (FEP)

to help countries and health agencies fight deadly disease outbreaks.

FEP is a financing mechanism designed to quickly mobilize funds to tackle global disease outbreaks and create a new insurance market for pandemic risk.

It was unveiled at the G-7 Finance Ministers Summit held in Ise-Shima, Japan. Japanese Government has committed to donate $50 million dollars to it, becoming the first donor.

Key facts

It was designed and built by World Bank in collaboration with the World Health

Organization (WHO) and the private sector reinsurance companies etc.

PEF is meant to work almost like an insurance policy, but it will be mainly to

protect against deadly disease outbreaks by ensuring “surge funding” to response

efforts.

The funding will be disbursed according to a complex trigger mechanism and

activation criteria based on four categories of infectious diseases.

It will provide coverage up to US 500 million dollars for outbreaks of infectious

diseases most likely to cause major epidemics for an initial period of 3 years.

The major epidemics covered under PEF include new influenza pandemic virus A, B

and C, MERS, SARS, Ebola, Crimean Congo, Marburg, Rift Valley, Lassa fever, etc.

The insurance window under it will combine the funding from the reinsurance

markets with the proceeds of catastrophe or Cat bonds (World Bank issued

pandemic bonds) as well as a complementary cash window.

It will be for the first time World Bank Cat Bonds will be used to combat infectious

diseases.

SIDBI inks MoU with SAARC Development Fund

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has inked MoU with

SAARC Development Fund (SDF) for mutual cooperation and collaboration.

The MoU was signed by SIDBI Deputy Managing Director A K Kapur and SDF CEO

Sunil Motiwal.

MoU envisages

SDF and SIDBI to work together in co-funding of projects in Indian MSMEs on risk

sharing basis in identified sectors.

Development of suitable financial products for SME financing for MSMEs of other

Saarc states, the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

Technology transfer and making available software to MFIs regarding loan tracking

systems in other SAARC states.


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Capacity development of SDF, SIDBI and SME funding institutions in SAARC

countries.

SIDBI:

It is an independent financial institution aimed to aid the growth and development

of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs).

ADMM Plus Exercise on Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism

begins in Brunei

The ADMM-Plus (ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus) Exercise on Maritime

Security and Counter Terrorism (Ex MS & CT) has started at Brunei on May 1, 2016.

The nine day exercise (till May 9, 2016) seeks to strengthen the strong bilateral ties

and extensive maritime interactions between India and ASEAN countries.

Key facts

ADMM Plus Ex MS & CT is a multinational naval exercise conducted under the

aegis of ADMM Plus consortium.

It aims at enhancing mutual understanding with respect to maritime security issues

and streamlining drills on counter-terrorism operations at sea.

This edition of exercise will commence at Brunei and culminate at Singapore after

conducting with various drills and exercises in the South China Sea.

The Indian Navy has been a regular participant in maritime exercises conducted by

the ADMM countries. This year Indian warship INS Airavat is participating in it.

Participating Countries:

Brunei, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia,

China, Japan, Russia, Australia, South Korea and US.

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Airavat is a Landing Ship Tank, indigenously designed

and built in India. The ship has a lift capability of 500 troops, 10 tanks and 11

combat trucks.

India-ASEAN Ties India participates in ADMM Plus Ex MS & CT in consonance

with its Act East Policy and Indian Navys constant endeavour to enhance maritime

security in the Indo-Pacific.

There are deep historic and cultural linkages between India and ASEAN countries.

The ties have bolstered and strengthened in the recent past by vibrant economic

engagement and a growing sense of shared maritime destiny.

In the recent past, ASEAN has emerged as one of the largest trading partners of

India. The bilateral trade is showing an upward trend.


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India is also has actively contributing in numerous ASEAN-led mechanisms,

namely the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and ADMM Plus, as well as East Asia

Summit (EAS).

Kenya to close Dadaab, world’s biggest refugee camp

The Kenyan Government has decided to close Dadaab refugee camp which is often

referred to as the world’s largest refugee camp over the issue national security.

The camp is home to 330000 refugees mostly from Somalia who have fled from the

civil war in their country.

Security threat:

Kenyan Government has stated that the Dadaab refugee camp has become safe

haven for terrorist organizations like al-Shabaab, a Somali-based Islamist

extremists group and also a conduit for smuggling weapons. al-Shabab also had

planned three large-scale attacks from Dadaab.

The United Nations and non-governmental organizations have urged Kenya

Government to reconsider its decision to close Dadaab camp.

Dadaab Refugee Camp was established in 1991 to receive Somalis fleeing civil war.

Since then the population of the Dadaab camps expanded

India inks Project Collaboration Agreement with WHO to promote

traditional medicine

India has signed a historic Project Collaboration Agreement (PCA) with World

Health Organization (WHO) for cooperation on promoting the quality, safety and

effectiveness of service provision in traditional and complementary medicine.

The PCA aims at supporting WHO in the development and implementation of the

‘WHO Traditional and Complementary Medicine Strategy.

Key facts of PCA

PCA for the period 2016-2020 will contribute to the global promotion of traditional

Indian Systems of Medicine.

It will deliver for the first time WHO benchmark document for training in Yoga,

and WHO benchmarks for practice in Ayurveda, Unani and Panchakarma.

These will contribute significantly to the strengthening of national capacities in

ensuring the quality, safety and effectiveness of traditional medicine including in

establishing regulatory frameworks for traditional medicine.


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Comment

The PCA with WHO will help India to promote traditional medicine both in India

and abroad. It will also spread importance of India’s long history and rich heritage

of traditional medicine and its growing relevance in providing holistic and

comprehensive health care.

First World Conference on Tourism for Development held in

Beijing

The first World Conference on Tourism for Development (WCTD) was held in

Beijing, China from May 18 to 21, 2016.

It was held under the theme ‘Tourism for Peace and Development’ to advance

the contribution of tourism to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Key facts

The event will be jointly organized by the Government of China and United Nations

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Its focus was on discussion to align national development strategies of countries

with the SDGs and the role of public and private partnerships (PPP) in the 2030

SDGs.

It also analyzed how to advance the contribution of tourism to the 17 SDGs

including the sector’s ability to promote local culture, create jobs and be an agent of

change towards more sustainable consumption and production (SCP) practices.

The conference complemented two high level sessions focusing on (i) Tourism for

Poverty Reduction (ii) Tourism for Peace.

Beside China as chair of the G20 also hosted the 7th G20 Tourism Ministers’

Meeting under the theme “Sustainable Tourism – An Effective Tool for Inclusive

Development”.

29 May: International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers The International Day

of United Nations Peacekeepers was observed on 29 May 2016 to honour the work

of UN peacekeepers.


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IMPORTANT COMMITEES

Government constitutes Sanjay Mitra committee to prepare policy

framework for taxi operators

The Union Government has constituted a three member committee to prepare a

policy framework for online taxi aggragators and other transport operators.

The committee will be headed by Sanjay Mitra, Secretary of Union Ministry of Road

Transport & Highways.

Its other two members are Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Road Transport &

Highways and Delhi Transport Commissioner.

The committee was constituted after taxi and other transport operators had

appraised the situation emerging from Supreme Court’s order and directions of

Environment Pollution Control Authority of banning diesel taxis in the National

Capital Region (NCR).

It will look into these issues and come up with appropriate recommendations to

address the same in a time bound manner.

SC Rulings

So far the apex court has given four rulings aimed at bringing down pollution levels

in the NCR Delhi that has earned it the tag of the world’s most polluted city.

Top court’s first order against diesel-run commercial vehicles came in December

2015. Later it issued an interim order banning registration of diesel-run vehicles

with engine capacity of 2000 cc and above till March 31, 2016 and then was again

extended till April 30, 2016.

The apex court also had initially asked the diesel cab operators in the NCR to switch

over to CNG by March 1, 2016. This deadline was later extended to March 31 and

then to April 30, 2016.

Union Government Constitute NK Singh Committee to review

FRBM Act

The Union Government has constituted a five member committee to

comprehensively review and give recommendations on the Fiscal Responsibility and

Budget Management (FRBM) roadmap for the future.

Composition:

The committee will be headed by Former Revenue Secretary and Rajya Sabha MP,

NK Singh. Its members are former Finance and Revenue Secretary Sumit Bose,

Chief Economic Adviser (CEC) Dr. Arvind Subramanian, Deputy Governor of

RBI Urijit Patel and Director of National Institute Public Finance and Policy

(NIPFP) Rathin Roy.


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The committee was constituted as per the announcement made by the Union Finance

Minister Arun Jaitley in his 2016-17 Budget speech. It will submit its Report to the

Union Government by the 31st October, 2016.

Terms of Reference of the Committee

Review the working of the FRBM Act, 2003 over last 12 years and suggest the way

forward.

The suggestions should be submitted keeping in view the broad objective of fiscal

consolidation and prudence and the changes required in the context of the

uncertainty and volatility in the global economy

Look into various factors, aspects, considerations going into determining the FRBM

targets Consider the possibility of replacing absolute fiscal deficit targets with a target

range that may be adjusted in line with the overall credit trends in the economy.

Examine the need and feasibility of aligning the fiscal contraction and expansion with

credit expansion or contraction respectively in the economy.

63rd National Film Awards 2015: President Pranab Mukherjee has conferred 63rd

National Film Awards for the year 2015 in various categories at the function held at

Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Legendry actor Manoj Kumar was conferred 2015 Dada

Saheb Phalke Award, the highest official recognition (award) in Indian cinema.

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