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Current Affairs Magic October 2 to Nov 5, 2018 www.globalias.in

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Weekly Current Affairs Update

For the Week: October 2 to Nov 5, 2018

HEADLINES

Section A: INDIA

Govt sets up Strategic Policy Group under NSA to assist National Security Council

5 new battalions of RAF to come up in Varanasi, Jaipur, Mangalore, Hajipur and Nuh

Successful night trial of Prithvi-II missile conducted

Swachh Campus rankings unveiled by HRD Ministry

Leaders will have to pay for damage by cadre: SC

AIR marks first External Broadcast Day on October 1

WCD signs agreement with NASSCOM for effective implementation of Poshan Abhiyan

UPSC allows candidates to withdraw from exams

Justice Lokur nominated as NALSA Executive Chairman

R. N. Ravi appointed Deputy NSA

Air Marshal Anil Khosla appointed Vice Chief of Air Staff

Additional Solicitor General P. S. Narasimha resigns

Krishna Raj Kapoor dies at 87

Section B: INDIA & THE WORLD

19th India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit held in New Delhi

Cochin Shipyard inks pact with Russia‘s USC to boost water transport

India – Russia Business Summit organised in New Delhi

India ranked fifth in pictorial warnings on cigarette packets

India ranks 28th on govt e-payment adoption; Norway tops, France second

India, Uzbekistan ink 17 pacts; to deepen ties in counter-terrorism, defence

First India-Indonesia Interfaith Dialogue held in Java

India launches ‗Operation Samudra Maitri‘ to help tsunami-hit Indonesia

India-Japan maritime exercise held at Visakhapatnam

IBSAMAR-VI maritime exercise organised in South Africa

India-Vietnam coast guard exercise ―Sahyog HOP TAC -2018‖ organised

India, France sign two agreements for renewable energy innovations in country

Commerce Minister releases study on India-China Trade

India and Kazakhstan agree to boost Defence and Military Technical Cooperation

India releases commemorative stamps to mark Gandhi‘s birth anniversary at Netherlands

India to be guest of honour at Mexico‘s Cervantino International Festival

OPIC ties up with Iron Pillar to launch VC programme in India

Indian-American Gita Gopinath appointed as IMF Chief Economist

Pankaj Sharma appointed India‘s Ambassador to UN Conference on Disarmament

Arindam Bagchi appointed India‘s Ambassador to Croatia


October 2 to Nov 5, 2018

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Section C: WORLD

Referendum in Macedonia agrees to rename the country North Macedonia

US, Mexico, Canada agree on free trade pact to replace NAFTA

US, Philippines, Japan organise ―Kamandag 2‖ military exercises

Pak successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Ghauri ballistic missile

International Court of Justice (ICJ) asks USA to ease sanctions on Iran

Iran‘s Parliament passes counter-terror finance Bill

Ukraine organises ‗Clear Sky 2018‘ air force exercises with NATO countries

North, South Korea begin to remove landmines in demilitarized zone

Piano event in China creates new Guinness World Record

At least 11 dead in Haiti earthquake

U.S. indicts Russian intelligence agents in hacking conspiracy

Sirisena orders release of all Tamil civilian lands by December 31

Iconic Tokyo fish market shuts after 83 years

World Teachers‘ Day observed on October 5

World Habitat Day celebrated on October 1

International Day of Older Persons observed on October 1

International Day of Non-Violence observed on October 2

World Animal Day observed on October 4, 2018

Barham Salih elected new president of Iraq

Interpol President Meng Hongwei resigns amid detention in China

Vietnam‘s former Communist Party Chief Do Muoi dies at 101

Nguyen Phu Trong appointed new President of Vietnam

World-renowned Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballe dies at 85

Section D: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

India International Science Festival organised in Lucknow

Researchers create Sans Forgetica font to help people remember more of what they read

Two lunar craters named to mark 50th anniversary of Apollo 8

IIT scientists develop material that can harvest water from fog

Parker Solar Probe completes first Venus flyby: NASA

Japanese spacecraft drops observation device onto asteroid

Section E: AWARDS

William Nordhaus and Paul Romer win Nobel Economics Prize

Frances Arnold, George Smith, Gregory Winter win Nobel Chemistry Prize 2018

Arthur Ashkin, Gerard Mourou and Donna Strickland win 2018 Nobel Physics Prize

James Allison and Tasuku Honjo win 2018 Nobel Prize for Physiology/Medicine

Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad win 2018 Nobel Peace Prize

Swachh Survekshan Grameen Awards 2018 conferred

Anna Politkovskaya Awards conferred

Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege win Harmony Foundation‘s Mother Teresa Memorial Award

Jailed Chechen activist Oyub Titiev wins Vaclav Havel prize



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‗Pahuna‘ wins two awards at Germany‘s SCHLINGEL International Children‘s Film Festival

Vice President presents Ramineni foundation awards in Amaravati

JSW Steel‘s Vijayanagar unit bags Deming Prize for TQM

Cancer surgeon Sultan Pradhan conferred Dhanvantari Award in Mumbai

Section F: BANKING & FINANCE

RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 6.50% in monetary policy review

IRDAI to move to risk-based supervision of insurers

ECB norms for oil firms eased

NHB raises refinance limit for housing finance companies to Rs 30,000 crore

LIC to be classified as promoter of IDBI Bank

SIDBI launches awareness campaign to promote entrepreneurship

RBI slaps Rs.5-crore penalty on Federal Bank

Uday Kotak named IL&FS non-executive chairman; Vineet Nayyar is Vice chair & MD

Former Canara Bank chief Rakesh Sharma named CEO of IDBI Bank for 6 months

Chanda Kochhar quits ICICI, replaced by Sandeep Bakshi

Section G: ECONOMY

Govt releases agriculture census data for 2015-16

Cabinet hikes Rabi crops MSP by up to 21%

CISF, BSF, Coast Guards to be eligible for indirect tax informant reward scheme

Cabinet approves Redevelopment of Railway Stations by IRSDC as Nodal Agency

Centre unveils Digi Yatra initiative for flyers

Forex reserves down by $1.26 billion to $400.52 billion

Crop damages due to animal attacks to be covered under PMFBY on pilot basis

Services PMI continues to slow in September

Centre cuts fuel prices by Rs.2.5

Growth of eight infrastructure sectors 4.2% in August

SATAT initiative launched to promote Compressed Bio-Gas production

Task Force for closing the Skills Gap in India launched

Railways conference organised

Renewable energy conferences organised

SC upholds Constitutional validity of compensation law under GST

PIN code a must for e-way bill

NAREDCO inks pact with Housing and Urban Affairs ministry for skill training

Rangachari Sridharan appointed National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) Chairperson

Section H: CORPORATE

12 Indian firms in Forbes‘ best regarded companies list

Idiocracy, nothingburger and fam among 1,400 new entries of Oxford English Dictionary

Infosys Foundation signs MoU with CID, DSCI to set up CCITR

Garden Reach Shipbuilders IPO subscribed 1.02 times

Flipkart forays into insurance with Bajaj Allianz

Truecaller launches instant messaging platform

Tata Communications acquires Netherlands-based IoT firm Teleena



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Suzuki Motorcycle launches V-Strom 650XT ABS priced at Rs 7.46 lakh

Suzuki Motorcycle drives in RM-Z250, RM-Z450 bikes to India

Anurag Kashyap and partners announces dissolution of Phantom Films

Apple world‘s top brand: Interbrand‘s ―Best 100 Global Brands 2018‖

Barcelona becomes first sports club to post billion dollar annual revenue

Facebook launches AI video-calling device ‗Portal‘

Google‘s ‗Project Stream‘ to let users stream full games in Chrome

Mukesh Ambani emerges richest Indian for 11th consecutive year: Forbes

Srinivasan K. Swamy appointed head of International Advertising Association (IAA)

Nissan ropes in Aamir Khan as brand ambassador for Datsun in India

Hrithik Roshan becomes face of Tata Tigor car

Instagram names Adam Mosseri as new head

Section I: STATES

UP to replicate drought control model of Maharashtra in Bundelkhand

Centre reconstitutes EPCA, the authority tasked with tackling environment pollution in NCR

Education minister of many countries attend ‗happiness class‘ in Delhi government school

Nationwide Action Research Project of Gram Panchayat development scheme inaugurated

Centre to set up National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation in MP

Punjab govt. approves implementation of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

Tandrust Punjab Mission destroys 75 quintals of rotten fruits, vegetables

CMs of Jharkhand and West Bengal agree to end Massanjore Dam dispute

India, ADB sign $110 mn loan agreement to upgrade rural roads in MP

Nasscom unveils ‗Centre of Excellence‘ for IoT in Haryana

National Dolphin Research Centre to be set up in Patna

NGO Narayan Seva Sansthan honoured with postal stamp

Uttarakhand CM inaugurates road tunnel on Dehradun-New Delhi route

ADB approves loan of USD 150 million for infrastructure projects in West Bengal and NE states

India signs pact with ADB for safe drinking water in Bengal

Maharashtra launches website, app to analyse drought situation

GI tag for Alphonso mangoes from Konkan granted

Tata-Siemens consortium wins bid for Pune Metro project

Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates ‗World Peace‘ monument in Pune

Tendulkar meets Maharashtra Governor to promote ‗Mission Young & Fit

Odisha govt. launches ‗Nirman Kusuma‘ programme

Gujarat plans 2 safari parks to accommodate growing number of lions Gir

Gujarat starts vaccination of Gir lions against deadly virus

RBI accords sanction to set up Kerala Bank

Facility to build man-portable anti-tank missiles opens near Hyderabad

Methanol Cooking Fuel Program launched in Assam

Meghalaya CM releases Mission Jackfruit document

Prominent human rights lawyer Girish Patel dies at 86

Nagaland‘s Gandhi Natwar Thakkar dies in Assam at 86

Registration of Tripura newspaper Daily Desher Katha cancelled

Senior journalist Pradip Chowdhury dies at 64

Assamese singer Kishour Giri dies at 63



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GITAM founder M.V.V.S. Murthi dies at 80

Malayalam film director Thampi Kannanthanam dies at 65

Renowned violinist Balabhaskar dies at 40

Mizoram Congress MLA Lalrinliana Sailo quits party and seat

Maharashtra MLA Ashish Deshmukh quits BJP

Section J: SPORTS

BCCI comes under RTI Act

India beat West Indies by an innings and 272 runs in 1st test at Rajkot

India win U-19 Asia Cup Cricket

Y. Pranjala wins women‘s singles title at ITF women‘s tennis in Lagos

Siddharth Vishwakarma, Mahak Jain win Singles titles at Fenesta National tennis championship

Daniil Medvedev wins Men‘s Singles title at Japan Open tennis

Basilashvili, Wozniacki win singles titles at China Open tennis

India‘s Keerthana Pandian wins girls‘ title in IBSF World U-16 Snooker Championships

Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad elected as new Hockey India president

Hima Das joins IOC

Manipur clinch Women‘s National Football Championship crown

Thangvellu Mariyappan named India‘s flag-bearer for Asian Para Games

Manu Bhaker named India‘s flag-bearer at Youth Olympic Games

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton wins Formula One Japanese Grand Prix

Britain‘s Mo Farah wins Chicago Marathon men‘s title

China win gold in open and women‘s sections at Chess Olympiad

Arkady Dvorkovich elected new FIDE President



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Section A: INDIA

NEWS ROUND UP

Govt sets up Strategic Policy Group under NSA to assist National Security Council

The government has set up a panel, headed by NSA Ajit Doval, to assist the National Security Council, which advises the prime

minister on matters of national security and strategic interests. The Strategic Policy Group (SPG) will assist the National

Security Council and undertake among other tasks, a long-term strategic review of country‘s security affairs. It will be the

principal mechanism for inter-ministerial coordination and integration of relevant inputs in the formulation of national

security policies.

The SPG will be chaired by National Security Advisor (NSA) Doval and its members include the NITI Aayog vice chairman, the

cabinet secretary, chiefs of the three defence services, the RBI governor, the foreign secretary, the home secretary, the finance

secretary and the defence secretary. The secretary of the Department of Defence Production and Supplies, the scientific

adviser to the defence minister and the secretary (R), Cabinet Secretariat will also be members of the panel. The other

members are secretary, Department of Revenue; secretary, Department of Atomic Energy; secretary, Department of Space;

director, Intelligence Bureau and secretary, National Security Council Secretariat. Representatives of other ministries and

departments will be invited to the meetings of the group as and when necessary.

The NSA will convene the meetings of the SPG and the cabinet secretary will coordinate implementation of the group‘s

decisions by union ministries and departments, and state governments.

5 new battalions of RAF to come up in Varanasi, Jaipur, Mangalore, Hajipur and Nuh

Five new battalions of anti-riot and crowd control Rapid Action Force (RAF) will be set up in Varanasi (UP), Jaipur (Rajasthan),

Mangalore (Karnataka), Hajipur (Bihar) and Nuh (Haryana). With these, the total number of RAF battalions in the country goes

up to 15.

A single RAF battalion has strength of more than 1,000 personnel and it is equipped with gadgets and non-lethal weapons

like pump action guns, tear smoke grenade launchers and others to enforce security and law and order in case of protests or

riot-like situations. The force is part of the Central Reserve Police Force, the country‘s largest paramilitary force or the Central

Armed Police Force (CAPF) with over 3 lakh personnel. It was raised and made fully operational in October 1992.

The RAF battalions are based in various parts of the country in order to cut down response time and rush the teams in the

shortest possible time to counter an incident. The 10 old RAF battalions are based in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Allahabad,

Mumbai, Delhi, Aligarh, Coimbatore, Jamshedpur, Bhopal and Meerut.

Successful night trial of Prithvi-II missile conducted

India‘s Strategic Force Command on October 6, 2018 successfully test-fired the indigenously-developed nuclear capable

Prithvi-II missile during night time as part of a user trial by the Army from a test range in Balasore (Odisha). The surface-to-

surface missile, which has a strike range of 350 km, was launched from a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the

Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur near Balasore.

Prithvi-II was previously successfully test-fired during night time on February 21, 2018 from the ITR at Chandipur. The missile

is capable of carrying 500 to 1,000 kg of warheads and is thrusted by liquid propulsion twin engines. The state-of-the-art

missile uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvring trajectory to hit its target.



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Inducted into the Armed forces of the country in 2003, the nine-metre-tall, single-stage liquid-fuelled Prithvi-II is the first

missile to have been developed by the DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme.

Swachh Campus rankings unveiled by HRD Ministry

Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar announced the ―Swachh Campus rankings‖ under different

categories in New Delhi on October 1, 2018.

Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak (Haryana) has been declared the cleanest government university by the HRD

Ministry, followed by Guru Nanak Dev University in Punjab‘s Amritsar. The Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in the

national capital has been ranked third among the government institutions followed by Algappa University in Tamil Nadu‘s

Karaikudi and Acharya Nagarjuna University in Andhra Pradesh‘s Guntur.

Among the residential campuses of private universities, Pune‘s Symbiosis International University has been ranked at the

top followed by O P Jindal Global University in Sonipat, Haryana, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research in

Karnataka‘s Belagavi and Manipal University in Jaipur.

Raipur‘s ITM University has been ranked at the top among non-residential campuses of private universities. The Northcap

University in Gurugram and Dr C V Raman University in Bilaspur have been ranked second and third respectively in the

category.

Among technical institutions, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in Coimbatore bagged the top rank, followed by IIT Guwahati,

Siksha ‗O‘ Anusandhan University in Bhubhaneswar and the Indian Institute of Information Technology in New Delhi.

Leaders will have to pay for damage by cadre: SC

Leaders of outfits who instigate a mob to an act of vandalism, which results in death or loss of public and private property,

will personally face criminal action and are liable to compensate the victims of the violence, the Supreme Court ruled on

October 1, 2018.

A Bench of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud pinned the criminal liability

squarely on leaders of outfits who ―initiate, promote and instigate‖ mobs to destroy public and private property in the name

of demonstrations, especially against cultural programmes, films and expressions of artistic freedom.‖

Each and every person, who was part of the violence, would be booked under Sections 153A (promoting enmity), 295A

(deliberate and malicious acts to outrage religious feelings), 298 (intent to wound religious feelings) and, lastly, 495 (mischief)

of the Indian Penal Code. The offences would come alive if the call for violence was made through a spokesperson or through

social media of a group or by any individual.

AIR marks first External Broadcast Day on October 1

The All India Radio on October 1, 2018 marked the first External Broadcast Day with a cultural extravaganza in New Delhi,

beginning year-long celebrations that will culminate next year on the 80th

anniversary of its first broadcast for foreign

listeners. On October 1, 1939, All India Radio made its first broadcast for foreign listeners with a Pashto service started by then

British rulers to counter the Nazi Germany propaganda during World War II. Information and Broadcast Secretary Amit Khare,

Prasar Bharati Chairman A Surya Prakash and Prasar Bharati CEO Shashi Shekhar Vempati addressed the External Broadcast

Day event. AIR offers news bulletins and other programmes in 28 languages. Fourteen out of the 28 language services are for



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the immediate neighbourhood. The foreign language services include Arabic, Baluchi, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, French,

Indonesian, Persian, and Baloch, while plans are underway to start services in Japanese and Bhutanese.

WCD signs agreement with NASSCOM for effective implementation of Poshan Abhiyan

The Women and Child Development Ministry has signed an agreement with the NASSCOM, a trade association of Indian IT

companies, for ensuring effective implementation of Poshan Abhiyan across states and Union territories. The memorandum of

agreement was signed between WCD Joint Secretary Rajesh Kumar and NASSCOM Foundation CEO Shrikant Sinha. The

agreement includes further improving the ministry‘s nutrition monitoring app. Smartphones having Integrated Child

Development Services-Common Application Software (ICDS-CAS) app were distributed to about 1.2 lakh anganwadi centres.

The nutrition monitoring app was developed under the Poshan Abhiyan that aims to fight malnourishment and stunting. The

app is presently available for anganwadi centres in seven states.

UPSC allows candidates to withdraw from exams

Claiming that only half of the over 10 lakh aspirants who apply for civil services exam actually write the test, the UPSC on

October 1, 2018 said it has, for the first time, decided to allow candidates to withdraw from the examination if they wish to.

RECENT BOOKS

NON-FICTION

The Rise and Fall of the Emerald Tigers: Ten Years of Research in Panna National Park by Raghu Chundawat

Mohan Bhagwat: Influencer-in-Chief by Kingshuk Nag

Inside The Mind of Xi Jinping by François Bougon

The Economics of Religion in India by Sriya Iyer

Mapping Power: The Political Economy of Electricity in India‘s States edited by Navroz K. Dubash & others

Retro India by R.M. Rajgopal

The Ferment: Youth Unrest in India by Nikhila Henry

Mappillai: An Italian son-in-law in India by Carlo Pizzati

Into the Hands of the Soldiers: Freedom and Chaos in Egypt and the Middle East by David D. Kirkpatrick

India in Chaos, Only Judiciary Can Save by K. C. Agrawal

NEWSMAKERS

Justice Lokur nominated as NALSA Executive Chairman

Senior judge of the Supreme Court, Madan Bhimarao Lokur, is now the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services

Authority of India (NALSA). President Ramnath Kovind nominated Justice Lokur to the post. Justice Lokur took charge as

NALSA‘s Executive Chairman on October 3, 2018. Justice Ranjan Gogoi, who is set to become the head of the apex court, is

the outgoing chairman of the NALSA.

The NALSA, the chairman of which is the second senior-most judge of the Supreme Court, ensures speedy disposal of cases.

Its prime objectives also include reducing the burden of the judiciary and providing free legal services to the marginalised and

disadvantaged sections of society. The legal body also organises Lok Adalats for speedy resolution of cases.

Sixty-four-year-old Justice Lokur is an alumnus of Delhi‘s Modem School and St. Stephen‘s College. Enrolled as an Advocate in

1977, he has vast experience in Civil, Criminal, Constitutional, Revenue and Service laws. He got enrolled as an Advocate-on-

Record in the Supreme Court in 1981. He was appointed as Judge of the Supreme Court in June 2012.



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R. N. Ravi appointed Deputy NSA

R N Ravi, the government interlocutor for talks with Naga insurgents, was on October 4, 2018 appointed Deputy National

Security Advisor. Ravi is the Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC). Ravi has been designated as the Deputy

National Security Advisor (Internal Affairs) and as interlocutor of the government in Nagaland instead of chairman, JIC. Ravi is

a 1976-batch Indian Police Service officer (retired) of the Kerala cadre. In August 2018, he was given an extension as the

government‘s representative for the ongoing talks with Naga insurgent group National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-

IM). Ravi retired as the Special Director in the Intelligence Bureau in 2012. He was in charge of the Northeast desk at the IB.

He was appointed as the chairman of the JIC, which works under the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), in

September 2014.

Air Marshal Anil Khosla appointed Vice Chief of Air Staff

Air Marshal Anil Khosla PVSM AVSM VM took over as the Vice Chief of Air Staff on October 1, 2018. Khosla is an alumni of the

National Defence Academy, was commissioned in Indian Air Force in Dec 79. Air officer has over 4000 hours of accident free

flying mainly on different variants of Jaguar, Mig-21 and Kiran aircraft.

Additional Solicitor General P. S. Narasimha resigns

Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha has tendered his resignation citing personal reasons. He has asked the

government to relieve him of his responsibilities from December 15 when the Supreme Court goes for a winter break.

Krishna Raj Kapoor dies at 87

Krishna Raj Kapoor, wife of legendary actor Raj Kapoor, passed away in at the age of 87. In May 1946, Raj Kapoor married

Krishna Malhotra and the couple had five children -- three sons, Randhir, Rishi and Rajiv, and two daughters, Ritu and Rima.



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NEWS ROUND UP

19th

India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit held in New Delhi

Taking forward the Defence cooperation to a new height, India and Russia on October 5, 2018 signed the agreement for the

purchase of five S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems. The deal was signed on the sidelines of the 19th

India-Russia Annual

Bilateral Summit led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi.

The two sides also signed a civil nuclear agreement that will pave way for new nuclear power projects of Russian design in

India, and collaboration in third countries. In total India and Russia signed eight agreements that ranged from space

cooperation to nuclear and transport sector. Russia expressed its support for India‘s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers

Group.

The two sides have agreed to pay special attention to the issues of security and stability, including combating terrorism, illegal

drug-trafficking and organised crime, thereby, increasing effectiveness of cooperation within the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist

Structure.

Agreements signed include the following

1. Protocol for Consultations between the India and Russian ministries of Foreign Affairs for the period 2019-2023

2. MoU between the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and the National Institution for

Transforming India (NITI Aayog)

3. MoU between Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Federal Space Agency of Russia ‗ROSCOSMOS‘ on Joint

Activities in the field of Human Spaceflight Programme

4. Memorandum of Cooperation between the Indian and Russian Railways

5. Action Plan for Prioritisation and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field

6. MoU between the Russian Ministry of Transport and Indian Railways in the Development Cooperation in Transport

Education

7. MoU between National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) of India and the Russian Small and Medium Business

Corporation (RSMB), on Cooperation in the field of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

8. Cooperation Agreement in the Fertilizers Sector between the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), PJSC PhosAgro

(PhosAgro) and Indian Potash Limited (IPL).

Cochin Shipyard inks pact with Russia‟s USC to boost water transport

Cochin Shipyard has inked a pact with Russian firm United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) to boost water transportation in

India, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on October 5, 2018. The water resources minister was addressing the India-Russia

Business Summit in New Delhi. CSL and USC aim to develop high-speed vessels, river-sea cargo vessels, passenger vessels,

dredgers, and other watercraft for inland waterways and coastal shipping in India.

India – Russia Business Summit organised in New Delhi

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu announced the setting up of a fast track, single-

window mechanism for Russian companies to be helmed by Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP),

Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The Minister was addressing the India – Russia Business Summit organized by DIPP,

Invest India and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in New Delhi on October 5, 2018. Minister for Economic Development



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of Russia, Maxim Oreshkin, said that Russia is looking at investment protection and avoidance of double taxation agreement

with India.

India ranked fifth in pictorial warnings on cigarette packets

India ranks fifth, jointly with Hong Kong and Thailand, in terms of the largest pictorial warning on cigarette packs with 85 per

cent of both sides of the packets covered, a Canadian Cancer Society report released on October 1, 2018 said.

The Cigarette Package Health Warnings: International Status Report 2018 highlighted that 118 countries worldwide have

made pictorial warnings mandatory, 58 per cent of the world‘s population is covered by this regulation.

Timor-Leste has the largest warnings on cigarette packages in the world with 92.5 per cent on front and back, followed by

Nepal and Vanuatu with 90 per cent and New Zealand at fourth with 87.5 per cent.

The current report is the sixth Canadian Cancer Society international report on cigarette package health warnings. Previous

reports were published in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016.

The report was released in Geneva at the 8th session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on

Tobacco Control (FCTC).

The Canadian Cancer Society report documents global progress on plain packaging, ranks 206 countries and territories based

on the size of their health warnings on cigarette packages, and lists countries and territories that require graphic picture

warnings.

India ranks 28th

on govt e-payment adoption; Norway tops, France second

India‘s overall ranking on the government‘s adoption of e-payments has moved up to 28th in 2018, from 36th in 2011, but it

needs to do more on digital infrastructure access and socio-economic factors. This was revealed in a survey by The Economist

Intelligence Unit commissioned by payments company Visa on October 3, 2018.

According to the survey, India is taking ―rapid strides‖ in advancing government e-payments capabilities and is one of the

top- performing countries in terms of citizen-to-government (C2G), business-to-government (B2G) and government-to-

business (G2B) transactions.

Norway leads the pack in the 73-country ranking, followed by France and Denmark. The 73-country survey looks at availability

of government electronic transaction services and the underlying environment of mechanisms that support digitisation for all

transactions in a market, such as policy and infrastructure.

India, Uzbekistan ink 17 pacts; to deepen ties in counter-terrorism, defence

India and Uzbekistan on October 1, 2018 inked 17 pacts to boost ties in key areas including defence after extensive talks

between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in New Delhi on a host of important bilateral

and regional issues such as Afghanistan and counter-terrorism. The two leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration between

law enforcement agencies of the two countries under the framework of the Uzbekistan-India Joint Working Group on

Counter-Terrorism. Mirziyoyev observed that despite the robust ties between the two sides, bilateral trade remained at USD

300 million. Modi said the two sides have decided to scale it up to USD 1 billion by 2020. Both the sides agreed to constitute

an expert group between India and Uzbekistan to conduct a Joint Feasibility Study and commence negotiations for the India-

Uzbekistan Preferential Trade Agreement by the end of 2018.



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First India-Indonesia Interfaith Dialogue held in Java

The first India-Indonesia Interfaith Dialogue was organised in the Indonesian island of Java from October 3 to 5, 2018 in a bid

to promote pluralism and eradicate radicalism. The dialogue comprised a forum discussion, visits to places of worship, and

dialogues between Hindu, Islamic, Christian and Buddhist religious leaders of both the countries. A seven member Indian

delegation led by Minister of State of External Affairs M J Akbar attended the three-day dialogue, ‗Sharing of Best Practices,

Lessons Learnt and Way Forward‘ at Yogyakarta, a city in Java known for its traditional arts and cultural heritage. The

Indonesian delegation at the India-Indonesia Interfaith Dialogue (IIID) was led by Vice Foreign Minister of Foreign Affairs A M

Fachir.

India launches „Operation Samudra Maitri‟ to help tsunami-hit Indonesia

India has launched a massive operation to provide assistance to the earthquake and tsunami victims in Indonesia, dispatching

two aircraft and three naval ships carrying relief material to the country. ‗Operation Samudra Maitri‘ for humanitarian

assistance was launched after a telephonic conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President

Joko Widodo on October 1, and following Indonesia‘s acceptance of international aid. Two Indian Air Force aircraft -- C-130J

and C-17 -- departed on October 3 with medical personnel and relief material. The death toll in Indonesia‘s twin quake-

tsunami disaster, which decimated parts of the central Indonesian island of Sulawesi, has already climbed to nearly 1,400. The

magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck at dusk on September 28 and generated a tsunami said to have been as high as 6 metres

(nearly 20 feet) in places.

India-Japan maritime exercise held at Visakhapatnam

The third edition of Japan-India Maritime Exercise (JIMEX) was organised at Visakhapatnam (AP) from October 7 to 15, 2018.

The objective was to ―enhance interoperability, improve understanding and imbibe the best practices‖ followed by the two

forces. The drill included a ‗harbour phase‘ and a ‗sea phase‘ of four days each.

IBSAMAR-VI maritime exercise organised in South Africa

The sixth edition of IBSAMAR, a joint Multi – National Maritime Exercise between the Indian, Brazilian and South African

Navies, was organised at Simons Town, South Africa from October 1 to 13, 2018. The aim of the exercise was to undertake

collective training for participating navies, building interoperability and mutual understanding as well as sharing of best

practices.

India-Vietnam coast guard exercise “Sahyog HOP TAC -2018” organised

‗Sahyog HOP TAC-2018‘ joint exercise of Coast Guards of India and Vietnam was held on October 4, 2018 in the Bay of Bengal

off the Chennai coast. The exercise focused on acquainting the two Coast Guards with each other‘s capabilities and

strengthening their working relations to rescue humans at sea and further refine their joint operational procedures.

India, France sign two agreements for renewable energy innovations in country

Two agreements have been signed between India and France to foster the development of renewable energy innovations in

the country, such as high-efficiency solar panels, power storage, e-mobility and smart grid management. French Minister

Brune Poirson signed two cooperation agreements between the French Development Agency (AFD), the French Alternative

Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), Bollor-Blue-Solution and their Indian partner, Solar Energy Corporation of

India (SECI), according to an official statement in New Delhi on October 4, 2018. These agreements will foster the



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development of renewable energy innovations in India, such as high-efficiency solar panels, power storage, e-mobility and

smart grid management.

Commerce Minister releases study on India-China Trade

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu released a study by the Department of Commerce

on India-China Trade on October 5, 2018. The report tries to analyze the magnitude, extent and plausible reasons of India‘s

rising trade deficit with China. The idea behind this study has been to identify whether tariff concessions by China to other

countries impede raising the share of India‘s exports in the Chinese market. These lines can be taken up by India for

negotiations with China under agreements like Asia Pacific Free Trade Agreement (APTA) in which both India and China are

involved during the review exercise.

India and Kazakhstan agree to boost Defence and Military Technical Cooperation

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman went on a three day visit to Astana, Kazakhstan from October 3 to 4, 2018. During the

visit, she met her Kazakh counterpart and Minister of Defence and Aerospace Industry Beibut Atamkulov in Astana. They

discussed a wide range of issues relating to defence and military technical cooperation and took stock of the progress that

this bilateral relationship has made since the renewal of the MoU on defence cooperation in January 2017. She inspected a

Tri-Services Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence and also visited the National Defence University where she was

shown the Indian Military Art Room (IMAR), which has been established with Indian assistance.

India releases commemorative stamps to mark Gandhi‟s birth anniversary at Netherlands

India on October 2, 2018 released special commemorative stamps to mark the beginning of the year-long celebrations of

Mahatma Gandhi‘s 150th birth anniversary in the Netherlands. The stamps, issued by the Indian postal department, were

unveiled by India‘s Ambassador to the Netherlands Venu Rajamony at the Peace Palace in The Hague. Carnegie Foundation is

the owner and manager of the Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of

Arbitration. A social media campaign with the hashtag #FollowTheMahatma was also organised inviting people to post

messages reiterating their commitment to the principle of non-violence.

India to be guest of honour at Mexico‟s Cervantino International Festival

The 46th

edition of Cervantino International Festival, to be held in Mexico, will see India participating as a guest of honour,

with an elaborate programme of performing arts, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Director General Riva Ganguly

Das said in New Delhi on October 4, 2018. The nearly three-week long festival will kick off on October 10 in the heritage city

of Guanajuato in Mexico. It will conclude on October 28.

OPIC ties up with Iron Pillar to launch VC programme in India

The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the US government‘s development finance institution, on October 5,

2018 announced the launch of a venture capital programme in India in partnership with Iron Pillar. Funds applying for OPIC

support will be selected on a quarterly basis through an open and competitive process. OPIC works with the US private sector

and helps US businesses gain footholds in emerging markets.



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NEWSMAKERS

Indian-American Gita Gopinath appointed as IMF Chief Economist

Prominent Indian-American economist Gita Gopinath was appointed as chief economist of the International Monetary Fund

IMF). This was announced by IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde on October 1, 2018. A US citizen, Gopinath was born

and grew up in India. She received her Ph.D. in economics from Princeton University in 2001 after earning a B.A. from the

University of Delhi and M.A. degrees from both the Delhi School of Economics and University of Washington. She joined the

University of Chicago in 2001 as an Assistant Professor before moving to Harvard in 2005. She became a tenured Professor

there in 2010. She has authored some 40 research articles on exchange rates, trade and investment, international financial

crises, monetary policy, debt, and emerging market crises.

Pankaj Sharma appointed India‟s Ambassador to UN Conference on Disarmament

Pankaj Sharma has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the United Nations Conference on Disarmament,

Geneva. Sharma will succeed senior IFS officer Amandeep Singh Gill.

Arindam Bagchi appointed India‟s Ambassador to Croatia

The Ministry of External Affairs on October 5, 2018 announced the appointment of Arindam Bagchi as the next Ambassador of

India to Croatia.



15

Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

Referendum in Macedonia agrees to rename the country North Macedonia

The vast majority of voters in the referendum held in Macedonia on October 1, 2018 supported a plan to rename the country

as North Macedonia. The move was aimed at ending a decades-long spat with Greece and unlocking a path to NATO and EU

membership.

Results announced in capital Skopje showed that 91.2 per cent of votes were in favour of the name change. Greece reacted to

the result with the Foreign Ministry saying it ―remains committed‖ to its June agreement with Skopje under which Athens

would drop its objections to Macedonia joining the EU and NATO in return for a change of name.

Macedonia has struggled for recognition of its name since 1991, when the former Yugoslav republic declared independence.

At the time, Athens kicked up a major fuss, accusing Skopje of stealing the name of its own northern province, which is also

called Macedonia. The dispute dives deep into history with both countries vying to lay claim to Alexander the Great‘s ancient

empire of Macedon, which spanned their territories.

US, Mexico, Canada agree on free trade pact to replace NAFTA

Negotiators from Canada and the United States reached an agreement on a new free trade pact that will also include Mexico

on October 1, 2018. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) updates and replaces the nearly 25-year-old

North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). President Donald Trump had labelled NAFTA a disaster for his country and

promised to scrap it. After more than a year of talks, the governments were able to overcome their differences with both sides

conceding some ground, but both hailing the agreement as a good deal for their citizens in the region of 500 million

residents that conducts about $1 trillion in trade a year.

US, Philippines, Japan organise “Kamandag 2” military exercises

The armed forces of the US, the Philippines and Japan organised the ―Kamandag 2‖ military exercises from October 1 to 10,

2018. The exercises kicked were started at Subic Bay that rests on the west coast of the Philippines‘ Luzon island in the heavily

contested South China Sea.

Pak successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Ghauri ballistic missile

Pakistan successfully test-fired ballistic missile Ghauri on October 8, 2018. The missile can carry both conventional and nuclear

warheads up to a distance of 1,300 kilometres. In April, Pakistan successfully test fired an enhanced version of the

indigenously-built Babur cruise missile that can deliver conventional and non-conventional weapons with a range of 700

kilometres.

International Court of Justice (ICJ) asks USA to ease sanctions on Iran

The Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ) on October 3, 2018 ordered the US to ease sanctions it re-imposed on

Iran after pulling out the 2015 nuclear deal. Siding with Tehran, the ICJ said exports of ―humanitarian‖ goods, such as food

and medicines, should be allowed.



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US President Donald Trump moved to restore tough sanctions on Iran in May after announcing he was abandoning Tehran‘s

nuclear deal with world powers. He said the deal had ―failed to achieve the fundamental objective of blocking all paths to an

Iranian nuclear bomb‖ and did not deal with Tehran‘s ―malign activities, including its ballistic missile programme and its

support for terrorism‖. Iran challenged the sanctions in a case filed in July at the court.

The deal was originally signed between Iran and China, France, Russia, the UK, the US plus Germany and the European Union,

which aimed to halt the Islamic Republic‘s nuclear weapons programme in exchange for lifting of economic sanctions. The

International Atomic Energy Agency, which monitors Iran‘s adherence to the nuclear pact, had found that Tehran fully

complied with the agreement.

Iran‟s Parliament passes counter-terror finance Bill

Iran‘s Parliament on October 7, 2018 approved a Bill to counter terrorist financing. The Bill aims to bring Iran‘s laws in line with

international standards and allow it to join the UN Terrorism Financing Convention. It is one of the four Bills put forward by

the government in recent months in a bid to meet demands by the international Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which has

given Iran until October to tighten its laws against money laundering and terror financing.

Ukraine organises „Clear Sky 2018‟ air force exercises with NATO countries

Ukraine on October 8, 2018 began a series of large-scale air force exercises with the United States and other NATO countries.

The ―Clear Sky 2018‖ war games, which will run until October 19, are being held in western Ukraine. Some 700 troops are

taking part, half of them from NATO member countries including the United States, Britain, the Netherlands, Poland and

Romania.

North, South Korea begin to remove landmines in demilitarized zone

North and South Korea have begun removing the landmines in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which separates the two

nations. The militaries of the neighbouring countries agreed to dismantle the Joint Security Area (JSA) in the DMZ and launch

the landmine removal project where they plan to carry out a joint project to excavate Korean War remains in 2019. This comes

after South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met in Pyongyang for a summit following

which the defence chiefs of the two nations signed an agreement to stop ―all hostile acts‖ against each other, in order to

remove the possibility of danger of war. The two Koreas and the U.N. Command (UNC) are speculated to launch trilateral

consultations over several issues, such as how their troops will operate following their disarmament.

Piano event in China creates new Guinness World Record

A piano ensemble charity event in China has created a new Guinness World Record. A total of 666 pianos were played

simultaneously by 639 participants in Wuqiang county of Hebei province on October 7, 2018, setting a new world record.

Pianists from eight countries and regions joined blind children, as well as teachers, students and music enthusiasts from

around China. The event broke the record of 555 pianos playing simultaneously in Inchon, South Korea in 2007, according to

the Guinness certification officer.

At least 11 dead in Haiti earthquake

A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck just off the northwest coast of Haiti on October 7, 2018, killing at least 11 people and

causing damage to buildings in the Caribbean nation. The epicentre of the quake was located about 19 kilometers (12 miles)

northwest of the city of Port-de-Paix, the US Geological Survey reported.

U.S. indicts Russian intelligence agents in hacking conspiracy



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The U.S. Justice Department on October 4, 2018 indicted seven agents of Russia‘s GRU military intelligence agency as part of a

joint crackdown with allies Britain and the Netherlands on a series of major hacking plots attributed to Moscow. The U.S.

indictments were announced as Dutch security services said they had thwarted a Russian attack on the global chemical

weapons watchdog, the OPCW, and after Britain blamed the GRU for plots that notably targeted the U.S. Democratic Party

and World Anti-doping Agency (WADA).

Sirisena orders release of all Tamil civilian lands by December 31

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has ordered the release of all the Tamil civilian lands held by the State in the

country‘s northern and eastern provinces by December 31, the President‘s Office said on October 4, 2018. Sri Lanka witnessed

three decades-long civil war with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), during which the military occupied civilian lands

in the northern and eastern provinces for military purposes. Since the end of the armed conflict in May 2009, a considerable

part of private lands were released to the original owners.

Iconic Tokyo fish market shuts after 83 years

The Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo, considered as largest in the world, was closed permanently on October 6, 2018 after 83 years.

The market‘s new home on the artificial island of Toyosu in Tokyo Bay will open to the public on October 11, and will be

almost twice the size of the former site.

World Teachers‟ Day observed on October 5

World Teachers‘ Day was observed on October 5, 2018 with its theme as ‗The right to education means the right to a qualified

teacher‘. This year‘s theme, ―The right to education means the right to a qualified teacher,‖ has been chosen to remind the

global community that the right to education cannot be achieved without the right to trained and qualified teachers. Even

today, a continuing challenge worldwide is the shortage of teachers. Held annually on 5 October since 1994, World Teachers‘

Day commemorates the anniversary of the signing of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of

Teachers. It is co-convened in partnership with UNICEF, UNDP, the International Labour Organization, and Education

International.

World Habitat Day celebrated on October 1

World Habitat Day was celebrated on October 1, 2018 with its theme as ‗Municipal Solid Waste Management‘. The day is

celebrated annually on first Monday of October. The purpose of World Habitat Day is to reflect on the state of our towns and

cities, and on the basic right of adequate shelter for all. It is also intended to remind the world that we all have the power and

the responsibility to shape the future of our cities and towns. World Habitat Day was established in 1985 by the United

Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/202, and was first celebrated in 1986.

International Day of Older Persons observed on October 1

The International Day of Older Persons was observed on October 1, 2018 with its theme as ‗Celebrating Older Human Rights

Champions‘. Almost 700 million people are now over the age of 60. By 2050, 2 billion people, over 20 per cent of the world ‘s

population, will be 60 or older. In India, Vice President conferred ―Vayoshreshtha Samman – 2018‖ on Eminent Senior Citizens

& Institutions on the occasion.



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International Day of Non-Violence observed on October 2

149th

birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi was observed as the International Day of Non-Violence on October 2, 2018. The

UN Secretary-General António Guterres paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at the Raj Ghat memorial in New Delhi to mark the

beginning of the celebrations of his 150th

birthday.

World Animal Day observed on October 4, 2018

World Animal Day was observed on October 4, 2018. In 1929, it was celebrated for the first time on October 4 as it is the day

of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology, including animals. According to a legend, Saint Francis was able to talk to

animals.



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NEWSMAKERS

Barham Salih elected new president of Iraq

Iraq‘s parliamentarians have elected Barham Salih as the new president of Iraq after a protracted political wrangling, marking

a crucial step in forming the government in the next four years. Salih gained 219 votes out of a total of 272 lawmakers who

cast their votes on Baghdad on October 2, 2018 in the second round of voting, advancing on his rival Fuad Hussein who

gained 22 votes in the session.

In the first round of voting, Salih gained the highest votes 165, while Fuad Hussein came in the second place with 89 votes out

of about 300 lawmakers who cast their votes in the first round.

According to the Iraqi constitution, the president-elect needs to gather at least two thirds of the votes of the 329 parliament

members. If the parliament lawmakers fail to vote by a two-third majority, the two candidates with the highest number of

votes shall compete with each other. The one receiving the majority of votes in the second round of vote shall be declared the

president of Iraq.

Barham Ahmed Salih, 58, is a veteran Kurdish politician, born in the city of Sulaimaniyah in northeastern Iraq. He was former

prime minister of Iraq‘s semi-autonomous Kurdistan from 2001 to 2004. Later, he became deputy prime minister of the

federal government and occupied many ministerial posts in Baghdad and Erbil in the last 15 years.

Interpol President Meng Hongwei resigns amid detention in China

The Lyon (France)-based International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) on October 7, 2018 received the resignation of

its Chinese president Meng Hongwei, who was missing since over a week.

This comes in the wake of an announcement from China that Meng had been held in the country and was being probed for

his alleged involvement in unspecified criminal activities. Meng was elected as the Interpol Chief in November 2016,

becoming the first Chinese official to hold the position. Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock had earlier sought clarification

from China‘s authorities on the status of Hongwei.

A statement from Interpol confirmed that as per the agency‘s constitution and internal regulations, the Senior Vice-President

of Interpol‘s Executive Committee, Kim Jong Yang of South Korea, will be instated as the acting president. The General

Assembly Session, to be held in Dubai from November 18 to 21 will elect a new president for the remaining two years of the

president‘s term.

Vietnam‟s former Communist Party Chief Do Muoi dies at 101

Former General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Do Muoi, who worked against the French colonial government

and became a committed communist, died at age of 101 in Hanoi on October 1, 2018. He was elected to the all-powerful

Politburo in 1982 and was appointed prime minister in 1988. He served as the head of the Communist Party for more than 6

years before stepping down in 1997. On October 3, Vietnam‘s ruling Communist Party on October 3, 2018 nominated its

general secretary, Nguyen Phu Trong, as president of the Southeast Asian country.



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World-renowned Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballe dies at 85

World-renowned Spanish soprano Montserrat Caballe died in Barcelona on October 6, 2018 at the age of 85. She won a

Grammy and was awarded the Prince of Asturias for the Arts in 1991, the greatest distinction granted in Spain.



21


India International Science Festival organised in Lucknow

The fourth India International Science Festival was organized by Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Earth

Sciences in association with Vijnana Bharati in Lucknow from October 5 to 8, 2018. The focal theme of IISF-2018 was ―Science

for Transformation‖. The fifth edition of the science festival will be held in eastern India.

The IISF saw a confluence of Scientists, researchers, students, farmers and people from a wide spectrum discussing, debating,

and witnessing how science and technology is shaping New India. Bharat Nirman awards were presented to the winners at the

science festival.

The Global Indian Science & Technology Stakeholders Meet (GIST), Industry Academia Meet and Science & Technology for

Harnessing Innovations (SATHI)-A National startup entrepreneurship summit and Student Science Village were some of the

important events, organized. The Science Village program is linked with the Pradhan Mantri Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana to

reach out to the rural masses and propagate science and for seeking scientific solutions to the diverse challenges facing our

society, particularly rural India.

Speaking at the valedictory function Union Science and Technology Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that after witnessing the

huge participation in this four day long science festival , it will not be wrong to add Jai Anusandhan (research) to the quote

―Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan‖ given by former Prime Ministers of India.

Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari who was the chief guest at the valedictory function launched a website dedicated exclusively

to science in India (http://scienceindia.in/).

IISF 2018 also saw two major Guinness World Records being made one of which was a World Record successful attempt to

―isolate DNA‖ by 550 students from class 8th to 10th standard.

Researchers create Sans Forgetica font to help people remember more of what they read

Researchers have created a new type font, called Sans Forgetica, to help people remember more of what they read. Sans

Forgetica is believed to be the world‘s first typeface specifically designed to help people retain more information and

remember more of typed notes, said researchers from RMIT University in Australia.

The font was developed using a learning principle called ‗desirable difficulty‘, where an obstruction is added to the learning

process that requires us to put in just enough effort, leading to better memory retention to promote deeper cognitive

processing.

Researchers said typical fonts were very familiar and readers often glance over them and no memory trace is created.

However, if a font is too different, the brain cannot process it and the information is not retained.

Sans Forgetica has varying degrees of ‗distinctiveness‘ built in that subvert many of the design principles normally associated

with conventional typography.

These degrees of distinctiveness cause readers to dwell longer on each word, giving the brain more time to engage in deeper

cognitive processing, to enhance information retention.



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About 400 university students participated in a laboratory and an online experiment, where fonts with a range of obstructions

were tested to determine which led to the best memory retention.

Sans Forgetica broke just enough design principles without becoming too illegible and aided memory retention.

Two lunar craters named to mark 50th anniversary of Apollo 8

Two craters on the Moon have been named Anders‘s Earthrise and 8 Homeward to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the

Apollo 8 lunar mission.

The Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature of the International Astronomical Union officially approved the

naming of the craters, which were previously designated by letters.

The newly named craters are visible in the foreground of the iconic Earthrise colour photograph taken by astronaut William

Anders.

It depicts the moment that our shiny blue Earth came back into view as the spacecraft emerged out of the dark from behind

the grey and barren Moon.

This is arguably the most famous picture taken by Apollo 8. It became iconic and has been credited with starting the

environmental movement.

Since the Moon is tidally locked to the Earth -- it always has the same side facing the Earth -- the Earth will never appear to

rise above the surface to someone standing on the lunar farside.

Orbiting around the Moon, however, gave the Apollo 8 astronauts, Frank Borman, James Lovell, and William Anders this

stunning view, before they safely returned home to Earth.

The Apollo 8 mission took place from 21 to 27 December 1968. After completing 10 orbits around the Moon on Christmas

Eve, broadcasting images back to Earth and giving live television transmissions, the crew returned to Earth and landed in the

Pacific Ocean.

IIT scientists develop material that can harvest water from fog

A team from IIT Mandi has developed a material that can harvest water from fog. Researchers worldwide are working towards

developing techniques that can harvest water from unexpected sources, such as fog and mist, to meet the burgeoning

demand for water. The study is published in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering.

There are several plants in arid and semi-arid regions of the world whose leaves can harvest water from dew and fog.

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, Himachal Pradesh studied the intricate structures on the leaves

of an ornamental plant called the Dragon‘s lily head (Gladiolus dalenii).

The surface patterns on the leaf in micrometre and nanometre scales were evaluated in relation to the water harvesting

properties, and the patterns were replicated onto a polymer material.

The team found a 230 per cent enhancement on the fog harvesting performance of the patterned samples, compared to an

unpatterned control sample.



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Solutions to provide drinking water to India‘s growing population must not only span policy and behavioural changes but

also incorporate scientific and technological innovations inspired by nature, the researchers said.

Parker Solar Probe completes first Venus flyby: NASA

NASA‘s Parker Solar Probe -mankind‘s first mission to ‗touch‘ the Sun - successfully completed a flyby of Venus at a distance

of about 2,415 kilometres during its first gravity assist from the planet, US space agency NASA said on October 5, 2018. These

gravity assists will help the spacecraft tighten its orbit closer to the Sun over the course of the mission. Parker Solar Probe was

successfully launched on August 12 on an unprecedented, seven-year long journey to unlock the mysteries of the Sun‘s fiery

outer atmosphere and its effects on space weather. The mission‘s findings will help researchers improve their forecasts of

space weather events, which have the potential to damage satellites and harm astronauts on orbit, disrupt radio

communications and, at their most severe, overwhelm power grids.

Japanese spacecraft drops observation device onto asteroid

A German-French observation device safely landed on an asteroid on October 3, 2018 after a Japanese spacecraft released it

as part of a research effort that could find clues to the origin of the solar system. The Japan Space Exploration Agency said the

Mobile Asteroid Surface Scout, or MASCOT, was released from the unmanned spacecraft Hayabusa2 and successfully landed

on the asteroid Ryugu. About an hour after the separation, the space agency, known as JAXA, said it had received signals from

MASCOT, an indication of its safe landing. According to JAXA, MASCOT is carrying an optical navigation wide-angle camera

on its side to capture images of its surroundings. A spectroscopic microscope on the bottom is designed to examine minerals

on the asteroid‘s surface. MASCOT will also measure levels of magnetic force and temperature on the asteroid.



24

Section E: AWARDS

William Nordhaus and Paul Romer win Nobel Economics Prize

US economists William Nordhaus and Paul Romer on October 8, 2018 shared the 2018 Nobel Economics Prize for integrating

innovation and climate with economic growth.

Nordhaus has won ―for integrating climate change into long-run macroeconomic analysis‖ while Romer won ―for integrating

technological innovations into long-run macroeconomic analysis.‖

Nordhaus is a professor at Yale University and Romer is a former World Bank chief economist now at New York University‘s

Stern School of Business. They have addressed ―some of our time‘s most basic and pressing questions about how we create

long-term sustained and sustainable growth,‖ the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said in a statement in Stockholm.

The pair will share the nine million Swedish kronor (about $1.01 million or 860,000-euro) prize.

Unlike the other Nobel prizes which were created in Swedish inventor and philanthropist Alfred Nobel‘s last will and

testament and first awarded in 1901, the economics prize was created by the Swedish central bank, the Riksbank, in 1968 to

mark its tricentenary. It was first awarded in 1969.

The Nobel, which also consists of a diploma and a gold medal, will be presented at a formal ceremony in Stockholm on

December 10.

Frances Arnold, George Smith, Gregory Winter win Nobel Chemistry Prize 2018

US scientists Frances Arnold and George Smith and British researcher Gregory Winter won the Nobel Chemistry Prize on

October 3, 2018 for applying the principles of evolution to develop enzymes used to make everything from biofuels to

pharmaceuticals.

Frances H. Arnold of the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, USA has won ―for the directed evolution of enzymes‖.

Arnold has won one half of the nine million Swedish kronor (about USD 1.01 million or 870,000 euros) award, while George

Smith and Gregory Winter shared the other half.

George P. Smith of University of Missouri, Columbia, USA and Sir Gregory P. Winter of MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology,

Cambridge, UK have won the other half ―for the phage display of peptides and antibodies‖.

―The 2018 Nobel Laureates in Chemistry have taken control of evolution and used it for purposes that bring the greatest

benefit to humankind,‖ the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences said.

The trio used the same principles of evolution -- genetic change and selection -- to develop proteins used in a range of fields.

―They have applied the principles of Darwin in test tubes. They have used the molecular understanding we have of the

evolutionary process and recreated the process in their labs,‖ the jury said.



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Arthur Ashkin, Gerard Mourou and Donna Strickland win 2018 Nobel Physics Prize

Three scientists on October 2, 2018 won the Nobel Physics Prize for ―for groundbreaking inventions in the field of laser

physics‖. Their invention of optical lasers has paved the way for advanced precision instruments used in corrective eye surgery

and in industry.

Arthur Ashkin of the Bell Laboratories, Holmdel, USA won one half of the nine million Swedish kronor (about $1.01 million or

870,000 euros) prize, while Gerard Mourou of École Polytechnique, Palaiseau, France & University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,

USA and Donna Strickland of University of Waterloo, Canada shared the other half.

Ashkin, 96, was honoured for his invention of ―optical tweezers‖ that grab particles, atoms, viruses and other living cells with

their laser beam fingers. With this he was able to use the radiation pressure of light to move physical objects, ―an old dream

of science fiction,‖ the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said. A major breakthrough came in 1987 when Ashkin used the

tweezers to capture living bacteria without harming them.

Ashkin, who made his discovery while working at AT&T Bell Laboratories from 1952 to 1991, is the oldest winner of a Nobel

prize, beating out American Leonid Hurwitz who was 90 when he won the 2007 Economics Prize.

Meanwhile Mourou, 74, and Strickland -- only the third woman to win the Physics Prize -- won for helping develop a method

to generate ultra-short optical pulses, ―the shortest and most intense laser pulses ever created by mankind‖. Their technique is

now used in corrective eye surgery.

James Allison and Tasuku Honjo win 2018 Nobel Prize for Physiology/Medicine

James Allison of the US and Tasuku Honjo of Japan have jointly won the Nobel Prize in Medicine on October 1, 2018 for ―for

their discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation.‖

The pair ―revolutionised cancer treatment,‖ showing how our immune system can be effectively engaged in the fight against

tumour cells.

The treatment that the researchers helped develop, often referred to as ―immune checkpoint therapy‖, has fundamentally

changed the outcome for certain groups of patients with advanced cancer.

―By stimulating the inherent ability of our immune system to attack tumour cells this year‘s Nobel Laureates have established

an entirely new principle for cancer therapy,‖ the Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm said in a statement.

Allison, Professor at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in US, studied a known protein, CTLA-4, that

functions as a brake on the immune system. He realised the potential of releasing the brake and thereby unleashing our

immune cells to attack tumours. He then developed this concept into a brand new approach for treating patients.

In parallel, Honjo, Professor at Kyoto University in Japan, discovered a protein on immune cells and, after careful exploration

of its function, eventually revealed that it also operates as a brake, but with a different mechanism of action. Therapies based

on his discovery proved to be strikingly effective in the fight against cancer. The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet in

Stockholm awards the Nobel Prize in Medicine, said.



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Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad win 2018 Nobel Peace Prize

The 2018 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad ―for their efforts to end the use of sexual

violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict‖. The Norwegian Nobel Committee made this announcement on October 5,

2018 in Oslo. The 2018 prize is worth 9 million Swedish kronor ($1.01 million). ―Both laureates have made a crucial

contribution to focusing attention on, and combating, such war crimes,‖ the award citation said.

Denis Mukwege is a gynecologist specializing in the treatment of women victimized by sexual violence in the Democratic

Republic of the Congo. Mukwege heads the Panzi Hospital in the eastern Congolese city of Bukavu.

Nadia Murad is a Yazidi human rights advocate who survived sexual slavery by the Islamic State in Iraq. In 2017, Murad

published a memoir of her ordeal, The Last Girl. In it, she recounted in harrowing detail her months in captivity, her escape

and her journey to activism.

Swachh Survekshan Grameen Awards 2018 conferred

Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave awards to top Ranked State, District and State with maximum citizen participation based

on the National Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2018 commissioned by Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. The awards

by Prime Minister were given at the concluding session of Mahatma Gandhi International Sanitation Convention at

Rashtrapati Bhawan Cultural Centre in New Delhi on October 4, 2018. Haryana was ranked as the best State while Satara

District of Maharashtra was ranked as the best district. Uttar Pradesh was rewarded for maximum citizens‘ participation. Later,

Uma Bharti, Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation gave awards at Pravasi Bhartiya Kendra, New Delhi to top three

States and Districts from all the zones of the country.

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation had commissioned ―Swachh Survekshan Grameen-2018‖ (SSG 2018) through an

independent survey agency to develop ranking of all districts of India on the basis of quantitative and qualitative sanitation

(Swachhata) parameters. This ranking was done based on a comprehensive set of parameters including surveys of public

places like schools, Anganwadis, PHCs, Haat/ Bazaars, Panchayat and citizen‘s perception of Swachhata and their

recommendations for improvement of the program and data from the SBM-G IMIS.

The top ranked States and Districts which received awards: Overall Ranking: Top 3 States-1) Haryana, 2) Gujarat 3)

Maharashtra Top 3 Districts 1) Satara, Maharashtra 2) Rewari, Haryana 3) Pedapalli, Telangana States with maximum citizen

participation 1) Uttar Pradesh 2) Gujarat 3) Maharashtra Districts with maximum citizens‟ participation 1) Nashik,

Maharashtra 2) Solapur, Maharashtra 3) Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

Anna Politkovskaya Awards conferred

A campaigner supporting women survivors of violence in northeastern India was named on October 4, 2018 as one of two

winners of an annual award recognising women human rights workers. Binalakshmi Nepram shared the Reach All Women in

WAR (RAW in WAR) Anna Politkovskaya Award with Nobel literature laureate Svetlana Alexievich, an investigative journalist

and writer from Belarus. The award recognised the women‘s bravery in speaking out and defying ―injustice, violence and

extremism ... in ‗forgotten‘ armed conflict in their regions‖, said RAW in WAR, a U.K.-based charity supporting women human

rights defenders and war victims.

Alexievich, 70, won the 2015 Nobel Prize for Literature for her portrayal of the lives of Soviet women during the Second World

War, as well as the impact of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster and the Soviet military adventure in Afghanistan. She lived in

exile for many years because of her criticism of the Belarusian government but returned home in 2011.



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The award marks the 12th anniversary of the killing of Politkovskaya, a Russian investigative reporter who uncovered state

corruption and rights abuses, especially in Chechnya. She was shot dead in the lobby of her Moscow apartment block at the

age of 48 on October 7, 2006.

Nadia Murad and Denis Mukwege win Harmony Foundation‟s Mother Teresa Memorial Award

Mumbai‘s Harmony Foundation on October 5, 2018 announced Nadia Murad and Dr Denis Mukwege for Mother Teresa

Memorial Award-2018. Murad, 25, is an Iraqi-born activist and now enjoying Permanent Residency status in Germany. The

award, the only one officially recognized by the Missionaries of Charity, includes a unique silhouette image of St. Mother

Teresa designed in sparkling crystal and a citation for the winner. Yazidi activist Murad courageously fought against

exploitation at the hands of the IS terrorists, while Mukwege is a reconstruction surgeon specializing on rape victims in

Congo. The Harmony Foundation was launched in 2005 to foster communal and social harmony between various

communities.

Jailed Chechen activist Oyub Titiev wins Vaclav Havel prize

Jailed Chechen activist Oyub Titiev won the Council of Europe‘s Vaclav Havel prize in Strasbourg on October 8, 2018 for

defending human rights in the troubled Russian Caucasus republic. Titiev heads the Grozny office of the Memorial Human

Rights Centre in Chechnya. The 60,000-euro ($67,000) prize ―is recognition of the work he and Memorial are doing,‖ said

Liliane Maury Pasquier, president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, in a statement. Titiev, 61, has long

reported on abuses by local authorities in the region. He was arrested in January after police claimed to have found drugs in

his car. He is currently on trial and faces a jail sentence of up to 10 years if found guilty.

„Pahuna‟ wins two awards at Germany‟s SCHLINGEL International Children‟s Film Festival

Priyanka Chopra‘s maiden Sikkimese production, ―Pahuna‖ (―The Little Visitors‖) bagged two awards at SCHLINGEL

International Children‘s Film Festival in Germany. Written and directed by Pakhi A Tyrewala, the film won the trophies for Best

Film (Jury Choice) and Special Mention by Professional Jury in The International Feature Film Category. Produced under

Priyanka and her mother Dr Madhu Chopra‘s banner Purple Pebble Pictures, ―Pahuna‖ received an overwhelming response at

the European Premiere of the film festival held on October 2 and 5. ―Pahuna‖ (―The Little Visitors‖) revolves around three

Nepali children who get separated from their parents, escape the Maoists agitation in Nepal and flee to Sikkim.

Vice President presents Ramineni foundation awards in Amaravati

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu presented the Ramineni Foundation‘s outstanding person award to badminton coach

Pullela Gopichand in Amaravati (AP) on October 7, 2018. He also presented special awards to Telugu literary personality

Garikapati Narasimha Rao, film director Nag Ashwin Reddy and writer C Venkata Ramana. The Ramineni Foundation, based in

the US, was established in 1995 and ever since has been honouring eminent persons for their achievements in various fields.

The outstanding person award carries Rs 2 lakh and special awards Rs 1 lakh each.

JSW Steel‟s Vijayanagar unit bags Deming Prize for TQM

JSW Steel, the flagship business of the $13-billion JSW Group, has been awarded the Deming Prize for its Vijayanagar Works

manufacturing unit for excellence in Total Quality Management (TQM). The Deming Prize will be formally presented to JSW

Steel on November 14 in Tokyo.



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Cancer surgeon Sultan Pradhan conferred Dhanvantari Award in Mumbai

Eminent surgical oncologist of Mumbai Sultan A. Pradhan was conferred the Dhanvantari Award in Mumbai on October 7,

2018. Managing Trustee of Dhanvantari Medical Foundation Rahul Goyal provided an insight into the history behind the

awards launched by his father, late cardiologist B.K. Goyal since 1971. Pradhan currently functions at the Prince Aly Khan

Hospital, P.D. Hinduja Hospital and Breach Candy Hospital of Mumbai.



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RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 6.50% in monetary policy review

The Reserve Bank of India‘s rate setting Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to keep the benchmark policy rate on hold

on October 5, 2018 in its fourth bi-monthly Monetary Policy review. The committee voted 5:1 to keep the rates unchanged,

with only Chetan Ghate, professor at the Indian Statistical Institute, voting for a rate hike. Pami Dua, Michael Debabrata Patra,

Viral V. Acharya, Ravindra H Dholakia and Urjit Patel voted to keep the rate unchanged.

The central bank has kept the repo rate unchanged at 6.50 per cent. Repo rate is the rate at which RBI lends to banks. Reverse

repo rate (the rate at which RBI borrows from banks) remains at 6.25%. Marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank

Rate are unchanged at 6.75%. Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) remains unchanged at 4%. Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) remains

unchanged at 19.5%.

The RBI has lowered its inflation projections for the July-September quarter of FY19 to 4 per cent (from 4.6 per cent earlier);

October-March FY19 to 3.9-4.5 per cent per cent (from 4.8 per cent) and April-June FY20 to 4.8 per cent (from 5 per cent). The

Central Bank has forecast GDP growth of 7.4% in 2018-19 and 7.6% in 2019-20.

The central bank also changed its stance from ‗neutral‘ to ‗calibrated tightening‘, indicating that there will not be a rate cut in

the near future. RBI Governor Urjit Patel made this announcement after the fourth bi-monthly Monetary Policy review.

IRDAI to move to risk-based supervision of insurers

Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has decided to move to a risk-based supervisory (RBS)

framework, from a compliance-based approach, a switch that will enable it to focus more on entities posing higher risks.

Announcing the decision and also explaining the reasons behind the move, the IRDAI on October 4, 2018 said under the

existing compliance approach, the same yardstick was applied to all the regulated entities whereas under the RBS framework,

each entity is to assessed based on its risk profile.

In doing so, the regulator would also be able to use its resources efficiently and achieve effective supervision. The framework

proposed would consider various risks the insurers pose to themselves and the financial system at large.

ECB norms for oil firms eased

The Reserve Bank of India liberalised the norms for oil marketing companies (OMCs) to raise funds through external

commercial borrowings (ECB). RBI has said that oil companies can raise ECBs for working capital with a minimum average

maturity of three to five years. Furthermore, the central bank said the individual limit of $750 million or equivalent and

mandatory hedging requirements as per the ECB framework have also been waived for borrowings. However, the overall

ceiling for such ECBs is capped at $10 billion.

NHB raises refinance limit for housing finance companies to Rs 30,000 crore

The National Housing Bank (NHB) on October 8, 2018 raised refinance limit for housing finance companies from Rs. 24,000

crore to Rs 30,000 crore for the period July 2018-June 2019. NHB is the principal agency to promote housing finance

institutions, which are currently 97 in numbers. It offers refinance assistance to housing finance companies in respect of their

housing loans to individuals, and also for their loans to other institutions for housing finance and construction finance.



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LIC to be classified as promoter of IDBI Bank

In exchange filings on October 5, 2018, IDBI Bank said that it has issued a postal ballot notice given the ongoing stake sale of

the bank to the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). LIC will acquire a 51 per cent stake in the bank and will be classified

as ‗promoter‘ of the bank once the transfer of shares and controlling stake is completed. Further, the bank will increase its

authorised share capital from Rs 80 billion to Rs 150 billion.

The deal involves LIC acquiring a little over two billion equity shares of face value of Rs 10, representing 26 per cent of the

voting equity share capital of the bank. After completion of the open offer, LIC will hold four billion equity shares in the public

sector bank.

SIDBI launches awareness campaign to promote entrepreneurship

The Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has launched a national level entrepreneurship awareness campaign

‗Udyam Abhilasha‘ to promote entrepreneurship in the 115 aspirational districts identified by NITI Aayog. The campaign was

launched on the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi from October 3 to October 8, 2018 across India.

The campaign would create and strengthen cadre of more than 800 trainers to provide entrepreneurship training to aspiring

youth across these districts thus encouraging them to enter the admired segment of entrepreneurs,‖ an official statement

said.

The SIDBI has partnered with CSC e-Governance Services India Limited, a special purpose vehicle, (CSC SPV) set up by the

Ministry of Electronics and IT for implementing the campaign through their CSCs. Mohammad Mustafa, CMD, SIDBI, said the

idea is to remove information asymmetry and make these youth in these resource challenged districts to be access rich.

RBI slaps Rs.5-crore penalty on Federal Bank

The RBI has slapped penalty of Rs.5 crore on Federal Bank for violating norms on reporting of data on large credit, payment

of compensation for delay in resolution of ATM-related complaints‘, and violating KYC norms. The bank was found not to

have complied with the RBI directions on reporting of data on Central Repository of Information on Large Credits and

reporting to RBI for assessment under risk-based supervision.

NEWSMAKERS

Uday Kotak named IL&FS non-executive chairman; Vineet Nayyar is Vice-Chairman & MD

Kotak Mahindra Bank Managing Director and CEO, Uday Kotak was on October 4, 2018 appointed as non-executive chairman

of IL&FS. Vineet Nayyar, Executive Vice Chairman of Tech Mahindra, has been named Vice-chairman and managing director.

After a report from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs concluded that the affairs of the IL&FS holding company and its group

companies were being conducted in a manner that was prejudicial to public interest, the government moved the National

Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) for superseding the Board, which was granted with immediate effect. The NCLT also approved

the induction of six directors recommended by the government. ―The new Board shall take up its responsibility with

immediate effect, after following due procedures,‖ the Finance Ministry said in a statement.



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Current crisis

A series of defaults by the IL&FS holding company and group outfits beginning in August have set off a market-wide

contagion. IL&FS Finance, a group company, defaulted in August 2018 on a commercial paper repayment. This was followed

by a default by IL&FS on repayment of a Rs.1,000 crore deposit to Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI). A

series of defaults by the holding company and group outfits followed in the ensuing weeks running up to the annual general

meeting of IL&FS on September 29.

Reason for the current crisis

The company borrowed many times its equity (rumoured to be between 10-18 times its equity) to fund its infrastructure

projects, most of which bring in returns over 20-25 years. Making things worse, IL&FS‘s borrowings were all repayable in the

short to medium-term of roughly 8-10 years. Usually, these would be rolled over at the end of the term. Where IL&FS ran into

trouble was in its projects stalling and not being completed due to various reasons ranging from statutory approvals not

coming in, problems of land acquisition and projects simply becoming unviable as it happened in the case of power plants.

With returns from these projects not coming in, IL&FS was forced to borrow more. Lenders pulled the plug leading to trouble

for IL&FS.

About IL&FS

Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Ltd. (IL&FS) was set up in 1987 by M.J. Pherwani (former chairman of Unit Trust of

India, National Housing Bank, etc.) to finance and promote infrastructure projects in the country. It is now a financial

behemoth with assets of over ?1,15,000 crore — and debt of ?91,000 crore.

IL&FS is a holding company that operates through 169 other companies that are either subsidiaries, group companies or joint

ventures with others. It is/has been associated with landmark projects such as the tunnel under the Zoji La Pass, Delhi-Noida

toll bridge, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) and a host of road, power, water and port projects.

Three of its group companies are listed on the stock markets. They are IL&FS Investment Managers Ltd., IL&FS Engineering

and Construction Company Ltd. and IL&FS Transportation Networks Ltd. IL&FS was originally promoted by the Central Bank

of India, Unit Trust of India and HDFC. Orix Corporation of Japan, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, LIC and SBI joined in as

co-promoters later.

Former Canara Bank chief Rakesh Sharma named CEO of IDBI Bank for 6 months

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved Rakesh Sharma as the next managing director (MD) and chief

executive officer (CEO) of IDBI Bank, for a period of six months from the date he assumes office. Sharma retired from his post

as CEO of Canara Bank in July 2018 having been appointed in 2015. He will replace B Sriram, who was the CEO of IDBI Bank

until September 2018.

Chanda Kochhar quits ICICI, replaced by Sandeep Bakshi

ICICI Bank Chief Executive Officer Chanda Kochhar on October 4, 2018 resigned from her post. The Bank‘s Board appointed

Sandeep Bakhshi as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). His appointment will be for a period of five years

until October 3, 2023. Kochhar has been accused of misusing her position in the company after she allegedly provided a Rs.

3,250 crore loan to the Videocon group on quid pro quo basis in 2012. Venugopal Dhoot , the Chairman of Videocon Group,

had business links with Kochhar‘s husband Deepak Kochhar. The IT department in the first week of April had sent a notice to

Deepak Kochhar‘s company NuPower Renewables and the matter is also probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation.



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Section G: ECONOMY

Govt releases agriculture census data for 2015-16

The government on October 1, 2018 released agriculture census for 2015-16 that showed a 1.53 per cent decline in total

operated area at 157.14 million hectare as compared to 2010-11 data, but a rise in both operational holdings and female

participation.

The average size of operational holding declined to 1.08 hectares (ha) in 2015-16 compared to 1.15 ha in 2010-11.

The percentage share of female operational holders has increased from 12.79 per cent in 2010-11 to 13.87 per cent in 2015-

16. In terms of operated area, the share of women increased from 10.36 per cent to 11.57 per cent. This shows that more and

more females are participating in the management and operation of agricultural lands.

The Agriculture Ministry said the first census was conducted with reference year 1970-71. The census is conducted every five

years to collect data on structural aspects of operational holdings in the country. So far, nine censuses have been done and

this is the 10th in series.

The total number of operational holdings in the country has increased from 138 million in 2010-11 to 146 million in 2015-16,

an increase of 5.33 per cent.

Operational holding has been defined as all land used wholly or partly for agricultural production and is operated as one

technical unit by one person alone or with others without regard to the title, legal form, size or location.

Total operated area, which includes both cultivated and uncultivated area provided part of it is put to farm production, fell

from 159.59 million ha in 2010-11 to 157.14 million ha in 2015-16.

Small and marginal holdings taken together (0-2 ha) constitute 86.21 per cent of the total holdings in 2015-16 against 84.97

per cent in 2010-11. Their share in the operated area stands at 47.34 per cent in the current census as against 44.31 per cent

in 2010-11.

Semi-medium and medium operational holdings (2-10 ha) in 2015-16 were 13.22 per cent, with 43.61 per cent of operated

area.

The large holdings (10 ha and above) were merely 0.57 per cent of total number of holdings in 2015-16 and had a share of

9.04 per cent in the operated area as against 0.71 per cent and 10.59 per cent, respectively for 2010-11 census.

Out of 146 million operational holdings, the highest number of holders belonged to Uttar Pradesh (23.82 million) followed by

Bihar (16.41 million), Maharashtra (14.71 million), Madhya Pradesh (10 million), Karnataka (8.68 million), Andhra Pradesh (8.52

million), Tamil Nadu (7.94 million), Rajasthan (7.65 million) and West Bengal (7.24 million).

In total operated area, the highest contribution was from Rajasthan (20.87 million ha), followed by Maharashtra (19.88 million

ha), Uttar Pradesh (17.45 million ha), Madhya Pradesh (15.67 million ha) and Karnataka (11.72 million ha).

Among states, the highest increase in number of operational holdings was in Madhya Pradesh (12.74 per cent) followed by

Andhra Pradesh (11.85 per cent), Rajasthan (11.12 per cent), Kerala (11.02 per cent), Meghalaya (10.9 per cent, Karnataka

(10.78 per cent) and Nagaland (10.5 per cent).



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However, the sharpest fall has been in Goa (28.17 per cent) and lowest in Manipur (0.09 per cent).

However, operated area has shown a declining trend in most of the states.

As per the census, 14 states -- Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,

Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal -- account for 91.03 per cent of total number of

operational holdings and 88.08 per cent in terms of area.

The individual, joint and institutional holdings have shown a growth of 5.04 per cent, 7.07 per cent and 10.88 per cent,

respectively.

Cabinet hikes Rabi crops MSP by up to 21%

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 3, 2018 approved

the increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) for all Rabi crops for 2018-19 to be marketed in 2019-20 season. The

increase in the MSPs of wheat has been raised by Rs.105 per quintal, safflower by Rs.845 per quintal, barley by Rs.30 per

quintal, masur (lentil) by Rs.225 per quintal, gram by Rs.220 per quintal and rapeseed & mustard by Rs.200 per quintal

The CCEA approved a Rs 105 per quintal hike in MSP of Wheat to Rs 1,840 for Rabi season of 2018-19 crop year (July-June).

The MSP of Barley has been increased by Rs 30 per quintal to Rs 1,440 per quintal, while that of Gram (Chana) by Rs 220 per

quintal to Rs 4,620 per quintal.

MSP of Masur (Lentil) has been raised by Rs 225 to Rs 4,475 per quintal, while the support price of Rapeseed & Mustard has

been hiked by Rs 200 to Rs 4,200 per quintal.

Safflower MSP has been increased by Rs 845 per quintal to Rs 4,945 per quintal.

The support price has been increased based on the recommendations of farm advisory body CACP (Commission for

Agricultural Costs and Prices). FRP is Fair and Remunerative Price while SAP is State Advised Price.

CISF, BSF, Coast Guards to be eligible for indirect tax informant reward scheme

Officers in government agencies like police, BSF, CISF and coast guard can give information to the indirect tax authorities

about evasion and get rewarded. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has amended the reward guidelines

to include officers of other government agencies within the scope of the scheme. Officers of these departments and agencies

who hold rank equivalent to the Additional Commissioner of Customs & Central Excise or lower rank, will be considered

eligible for sanction of rewards.

So far, as per the guidelines under the Customs Act, Central Excise Act, Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act,

and Service Tax provisions and Drawback frauds or abuses of Export Promotion Schemes, rewards are granted to the

informers and government servants in respect of cases of seizures made and/or infringements/evasion of duty/service tax etc.

Informers and government servants were eligible for reward up to 20 per cent of the net sale-proceeds of the contraband

goods seized and/or amount of duty/ service tax evaded plus amount of penalty levied and recovered.

In respect of cases of detection of Drawback frauds or abuse of duty exemption schemes under various Export Promotion

Schemes, the informers and government servants were eligible for reward up to 20 per cent of recovery of drawback claimed

fraudulently and/or recovery of duties evaded.



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Final rewards, both to government servants as well as informers, are sanctioned only after conclusion of

adjudication/appeal/revision proceedings, as well as closure of proceedings.

Currently, an informer to the Income Tax department can earn up to Rs 5 crore for providing information to income tax

authorities regarding black money stashed abroad. Under the benami transaction prohibition act, the informants can earn up

to Rs 1 crore by providing information regarding benami transaction or property.

In the run up to the roll out of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on July 1, 2017, the government had renamed the

Directorate General of Central Excise Intelligence (DGCEI) as DGGSTI for investigating cases of evasion in the new indirect tax

regime. The Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGSTI) has already made several arrests for evasion of the indirect tax

and an informant reward scheme is expected to help the directorate to keep an eye on such activities.

Cabinet approves Redevelopment of Railway Stations by IRSDC as Nodal Agency

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the redevelopment of Railway Stations by Indian

Railway Stations Development Corporation Limited (IRSDC) as Nodal Agency and main Project Development Agency, through

simplified procedures adapting various business models and for longer lease tenure of upto 99 years. Thus, paving the way

for large scale modernisation and ensure world class infrastructure.

Redevelopment of major stations across the country is planned by leveraging commercial development of land and air space

in and around the station. This program will help provide state-of-the-art amenities for passengers, generate additional

revenues and will be overall at least cost neutral to Ministry of Railways (MoR) over a basket of stations. Furthermore,

redevelopment of railway stations across the country will have a multiplier effect in the economy with increased job creation

and improved economic growth.

IRSDC being the Nodal agency will prepare the overall strategic plan and business plans for individual or a group of stations

ensuring cost neutrality of this program.

Centre unveils Digi Yatra initiative for flyers

To make air travel hassle-free and paperless, the Centre on October 4, 2018 unveiled Digi Yatra initiative which will allow

biometric based boarding for flyers using facial recognition technology. It is likely to be operational by February 2019. The

Ministry of Civil Aviation in a statement said, ―Digi Yatra envisages a connected ecosystem enhancing the seamless travel

experience for the passengers and simultaneously improving the security.‖ Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu said that the

initiative will be passenger friendly, technology loaded and will reduce security concerns at the airport.

A passenger can create their ‗Digi Yatra identity‘ using a valid identification proof, including voter card, driving license,

Aadhaar card, while booking a ticket and then their face will be used as a mark of identity and boarding pass. Digi Yatra is a

facial recognition based passenger processing being adopted world over as a common standard. India has an additional

challenge of passenger verification process to enter the airport.

A passenger can get a Digi Yatra ID by sharing minimum details like name, e-mail ID, mobile number, etc. A passenger who

creates the Digi Yatra ID has to undergo a one-time verification at the departure of the airport during his/her first travel.

At check-in counter or at the Self Bag Drop counter, the passenger will be identified by face and no other document or ID

would be needed for this purpose. The passenger will gain entry to the security check area through an E-Gate by facial

recognition.



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Bangalore and Hyderabad international airports will be ready with pilot implementation by end of February 2019. The Airport

Authority of India (AAI) intends to roll out the programme initially at Kolkata, Varanasi, Pune and Vijayawada by April 2019.

Forex reserves down by $1.26 billion to $400.52 billion

The country‘s foreign exchange reserves declined by $1.265 billion to $400.52 billion in the week to September 28 due to a

fall in foreign currency assets, according to RBI data on October 5, 2018.

Foreign currency assets, a major component of the overall reserves, declined by $1.169 billion to $376.243 billion. Expressed

in US dollar terms, foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of the non-US currencies such as

the euro, pound and yen held in the reserves.

Gold reserves dipped by $70.7 million to $20.343 billion.

The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) declined by $10.4 million to $1.470 billion.

The country‘s reserve position with the IMF also dipped by $14.6 million to $2.468 billion.

Crop damages due to animal attacks to be covered under PMFBY on pilot basis

The Union government has decided to cover damages to crops in wild animal attacks under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima

Yojna in select districts on an experimental basis, Agricultural Minister Radha Mohan Singh said on October 7, 2018. Singh

said damages to individual or limited number of cultivators in localised events like water logging, land slide, hailstorms etc did

not fall under the ambit of the Centre‘s crop insurance scheme earlier, but they too are being covered now under new

provisions.

Services PMI continues to slow in September

The country‘s services sector expanded at a slower pace in September as higher fuel costs and stronger US dollar made

imported goods expensive. The seasonally-adjusted Nikkei India Services Business Activity Index touched 50.9 in September,

down from 51.5 recorded in August. This is also the lowest reading in the current four-month sequence of rising activity. In

PMI parlance, a print above 50 means expansion, while a score below that denotes contraction. According to the survey

report released on October 4, 2018 expectations remained in positive territory, whilst firms added to their staffing levels. IHS

Markit compiles the survey on a monthly basis.

Centre cuts fuel prices by Rs.2.5

The Centre has decided to make a cumulative cut of Rs.2.5 per litre on fuel prices, with the government absorbing Rs.1.5 and

the oil marketing companies Rs.1, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced on October 4, 2018. Jaitley said he would be

writing to all the States, urging them to match the Rs.2.5 cut with an equivalent reduction in their respective VAT rates on fuel,

thus making the total benefit to consumers Rs.5 per litre. All rate cuts will come into effect from the midnight of October 4.

The Centre levied Rs.19.48 per litre excise duty on petrol and Rs.15.33 per litre on diesel before the cut, which will come down

to Rs.17.98 a litre and Rs.13.83 a litre respectively, once the duty reduction comes into effect.



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Growth of eight infrastructure sectors 4.2% in August

Growth of eight infrastructure sectors slowed down to 4.2 per cent in August on account of decline in production of crude oil

and fertiliser, according to the data released by the commerce and industry ministry on October 1, 2018. The core sectors had

expanded by 7.3 per cent in July 2018. The growth rate of eight infrastructure sectors of coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery

products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity was 4.4 per cent in August 2017. These eight segments comprise 40.27 per

cent of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

SATAT initiative launched to promote Compressed Bio-Gas production

The government on October 1, 2018 launched an innovative initiative aimed at setting up of Compressed Bio-Gas production

plants and make it available in the market for use in automotive fuels by inviting Expression of Interest from potential

entrepreneurs. The initiative is aimed at providing Sustainable alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) as a

development effort that would benefit vehicle-users as well as farmers and entrepreneurs. Speaking at a function in New

Delhi, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said the government has planned to set up 5,000

Compressed Bio Gas plants in the country in the next five years.

Task Force for closing the Skills Gap in India launched

Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on October 5, 2018

launched a Task Force for Closing the Skills Gap in India, in collaboration with the World Economic Forum. The task force will

bring together leaders from business, Government, civil society, and the education and training sectors to accelerate the

future-proofing of education and training systems in the country. Dharmendra Pradhan will co-chair the task force along with

Salil Parekh, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Infosys. The goal of the Task Force is to develop an action plan to

address skills gaps in India and make the Indian workforce ready for jobs of future. Pradhan also released reports on ‗Future

of Work in India‘, an enterprise survey on future of work in India and ‗Young India and Work‘, a survey of youth aspirations in

India.

Railways conference organised

The second edition of the International Conference on Technological Advancements in Railways & Metro Projects was

organised in New Delhi on October 4-5, 2018 by DIPM Council (India).

Renewable energy conferences organised

The First Assembly of International Solar Alliance (ISA); the second IORA Renewable Energy Ministerial Meeting and the

second Global Renewable Energy Investment Meeting and Expo, (REINVEST- 2018) were held at India Expo Mart, Greater

Noida, UP, from October 2 to 4, 2018. IORA is Indian Ocean Rim Association. The three events were inaugurated by Prime

Minister Narendra Modi, in the presence of Secretary General, United Nations Antonio Guterres, on October 2. As many as 21

countries adopted the Delhi Declaration on Renewable Energy that calls for collaboration among IORA member states in

meeting the growing demand for renewable energy in the Indian Ocean littorals, development of a common renewable

energy agenda for the Indian Ocean region and promote regional capacity building.



37

SC upholds Constitutional validity of compensation law under GST

The Supreme Court on October 3, 2018 upheld the Constitutional validity of the law allowing cess to be collected for

compensating States for revenue shortfall under the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

The ruling was given on a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the Central Government challenging an interim order dated

August 25, 2017 passed by the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court.

The Division Bench had ruled that additional levy on the stocks of coal on which the company, Mohit Minerals (petitioner in

the High Court and Respondent in the Supreme Court), had already paid Clean Energy Cess in terms of Finance Act, 2010, it

shall not be required to make any further payment. However, on stocks of coal on which no Clean Energy Cess under the Act

was paid any payment in terms of the impugned Act would be subject to the result of the writ petition.

PIN code a must for e-way bill

Tightening the norms for issuance of e-way bill, the GST Network has made it mandatory for businesses and transporters to

mention PIN codes of places of loading and unloading of consignments. Quoting of PIN codes will help in calculating the

correct distance and determine the validity of the e-way bill, which is used by businesses to transport goods worth over

Rs.50,000 both within and outside a State. So far, businesses and transporters are required to broadly mention the distance

and place of loading and unloading of consignments for generating e-way bill.

NAREDCO inks pact with Housing and Urban Affairs ministry for skill training

National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) on October 2, 2018 said it has signed agreement with the Ministry of

Housing and Urban Affairs to provide skill training and jobs in the construction sector for 2.5 lakh poor people. ―NAREDCO

has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of

India, to strengthen the skill trainings and employment opportunities in the construction sector for the urban poor under

Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission,‖ the association said in a statement. NARDECO President is

Niranjan Hiranandani.

NEWSMAKERS

Rangachari Sridharan appointed National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) Chairperson

The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Arun Jaitley administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly

appointed Chairperson, National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA), Rangachari Sridharan, in New Delhi on October 3,

2018.



38


12 Indian firms in Forbes‟ best regarded companies list

Infosys, TCS and Tata Motors are among the 12 Indian companies which feature in a list of the world‘s best regarded firms

compiled by Forbes.

Entertainment giant Walt Disney, with a market cap of $165 billion topped the list, followed by hospitality major Hilton and

Italian carmaker Ferrari at the second and third spots respectively.

Rounding out the top ten in 2018 are financial services companies Visa at the 4th place, digital payment company PayPal

(5th), media company Netflix (6th), Siemens (7th), internet retailer Amazon.com (8th) Marriott International (9th) and

MasterCard (10th).

Housing finance major HDFC was the only company from India‘s banking and finance sector to figure in the list and was

placed 217th.

Other Indian companies that made it to the coveted list include Infosys at the 31st place, Tata Consultancy Services (35), Tata

Motors (70), Tata Steel (131), Larsen & Toubro (135), Grasim Industries (154), General Insurance Corporation Of India (156),

Mahindra & Mahindra (164), Asian Paints (203), Steel Authority of India (227) and ITC (239).

US companies dominate the list with 61 of the total 250 firms.

Japan has 32 companies on the list. Video game maker Nintendo is the highest ranked Japanese company at the 11th rank,

with Toyota following at 12th. Other well-represented countries are China with 19 companies, France (13), India (12) and

Germany (11).

To compile this list, Forbes partnered with Statista, which surveyed 15,000 people from 60 countries. The respondents were

asked their opinions about the 2018 Global 2000 companies. Companies were evaluated on topics such as trustworthiness,

social conduct, performance of the company‘s product or service and the company as an employer, Forbes said.

Idiocracy, nothingburger and fam among 1,400 new entries of Oxford English Dictionary

Idiocracy, nothingburger and fam are among the 1,400 new words to make an entry into the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)

as part of its latest update announced in October.

Idiocracy refers to a society consisting of or governed by people characterised as idiots. The word is also defined as a

government formed of people considered stupid, ignorant, or idiotic, by the definitive lexicon of the English language.

Some of the other stand-out entries in the latest update include nothingburger, defined as a person or thing of no

importance, value, or substance, especially something which, contrary to expectations, turns out to be insignificant or

unremarkable.

Fam, short for family and with a wider connotation for family and close friends, has been added due to its prolific use as a

slang in reference to relatives and mates. The OED notes that the word is now most prominently used in the UK, especially in

London, and on social media.



39

Another new addition is alt-right, which is short for ―alternative right‖ and came to prominence in recent years especially in

the US after Donald Trump‘s election campaign for President. The OED classifies it as ―an ideological grouping associated with

extreme conservative or reactionary viewpoints, characterised by a rejection of mainstream politics‖.

The OED has also updated the way films are described according to particular styles of acting and filmmaking. Tarantinoesque

refers to the works of Quentin Tarantino and was first used in 1994 after the release of his hit film ‗Pulp Fiction‘. It refers to the

director‘s use of graphic and stylised violence, non-linear storylines and sharp dialogue.

The OED is updated four times a year, with the next update is due in December. The material added to the dictionary includes

revised versions of existing entries, which replace the older versions, as well as new words and senses.

Infosys Foundation signs MoU with CID, DSCI to set up CCITR

Infosys Foundation on October 3, 2018 signed MoU with the Criminal Investigation Department of Karnataka Police and Data

Security Council of India to set up the Centre for Cybercrime Investigation Training & Research (CCITR) in Bengaluru. Data

Security Council of India (DSCI), an industry body on data protection, has proposed to start the Centre in collaboration with

the CID of Karnataka Police, the Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Infosys. As part of the MoU, the Infosys Foundation wil l

support the establishment of the Centre that will house the CCITR through a Public-Private-Partnership model, anchored by

the Karnataka Police Department. Infosys Foundation Chairperson Sudha Murty said CCITR aims to build state-of-the-art

facilities to tackle cyber and forensic crimes in Karnataka.

Garden Reach Shipbuilders IPO subscribed 1.02 times

The initial public offer of state-owned Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers was subscribed 1.02 times on the last day of

bidding on October 1, 2018. The Rs 345-crore IPO had a price band of Rs 114-118 per share. Garden Reach is a ship building

company under the administrative control of the Defence Ministry. It has also built India‘s first indigenous warship -- the INS

Ajay -- in 1961, as per the company‘s website.

Flipkart forays into insurance with Bajaj Allianz

E-tailor Flipkart on October 7, 2018 said it had tied up with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance to offer insurance to products like

mobiles bought on its online shopping platform from October 10. The decade-old company, in which world retail giant

Walmart acquired majority stake in May, secured a corporate agent license from Bajaj Allianz. Touted to be the first, the

insurance will be in cash payout option or free pick-up, service and drop convenience to customers.

Truecaller launches instant messaging platform

Communication app Truecaller on October 3, 2018 launched its instant messaging (IM) platform ―Truecaller Chat‖ with

capabilities to report and tackle false links and fake news. In July, the communications app rolled out ―Call Recording‖ feature

for Android users to assist them in keeping a track of conversations with businesses, colleagues, friends or strangers.

Tata Communications acquires Netherlands-based IoT firm Teleena

Tata Communications on October 3, 2018 announced it has acquired 100 per cent stake in the Netherlands-based mobility

and internet-of-things specialist firm Teleena. With this acquisition, Tata Communications will have full access to Teleena‘s

technology portfolio, including its mobile virtual network enabler platform, its operational and business support system

solution.



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Suzuki Motorcycle launches V-Strom 650XT ABS priced at Rs 7.46 lakh

Suzuki Motorcycle India on October 4, 2018 launched motorcycle model V-Strom 650XT ABS priced at Rs 7.46 lakh (ex-

showroom, New Delhi). Suzuki Motorcycle India on October 3, 2018 launched its global flagship bikes - RM-Z250 and RM-

Z450 - in India priced at Rs 7.10 lakh and Rs 8.31 lakh, respectively (ex-showroom Delhi).

Anurag Kashyap and partners announces dissolution of Phantom Films

Filmmaker partners Vikramaditya Motwane, Anurag Kashyap, Madhu Mantena and Vikas Bahl have decided to dissolve their

joint banner Phantom Films, seven years after they set it up. The four partners now intend to exert their creativity

independently and have timely collaborations with each other, a press release Saturday said, without citing the reason for this

decision. Founded in 2011, the banner has produced films like ―Lootera‖, ―Queen‖, ―Ugly‖, ―NH 10‖, ―Bombay Velvet‖,

―Masaan‖, ―Udta Punjab‖, ―Raman Raghav 2.0‖ and ―Trapped‖, among others. Their last film as producers will be Hrithik

Roshan-starrer ―Super 30‖. Directed by Bahl, the film has a release date of January 25, 2019.

Apple world‟s top brand: Interbrand‟s “Best 100 Global Brands 2018”

Apple displaced Google to become the top brand in the world in 2018, global brand consultancy Interbrand‘s ―Best 100

Global Brands 2018‖ report revealed on October 4, 2018. According to the ranking, Apple‘s brand value grew 16 per cent

(year-on-year) to $214.5 billion. It went on to become the first company in the US to hit the $1 trillion market cap. In second

place, Google was up 10 per cent to $155.5 billion while Amazon is valued at $100.8 billion. Microsoft (valued at $92.7 billion)

was fourth while Coca Cola (valued at $66.3 billion) came fifth. The Interbrand report values a company on the basis of the

financial performance of the branded products or services, the role the brand plays in purchase decisions, and the brand‘s

competitive strength and its ability to create loyalty.

Barcelona becomes first sports club to post billion dollar annual revenue

FC Barcelona of Spain has become the first sports club to post annual revenues exceeding $1 billion. The La Liga champion

football club presented their annual accounts on October 2, 2018, showing earnings of $1.05 billion for the 2017-18 year.

Facebook launches AI video-calling device „Portal‟

Facebook on October 8, 2018 launched a range of AI-powered video-calling devices, a strategic revolution for the social

network giant which is aiming for a slice of the smart speaker market that is currently dominated by Amazon and Google. The

device called Portal is designed to allow users to make video calls at home without having to stand immediately in front of

the screen or hold a phone at arm‘s length. Although the social media giant acquired virtual reality headset manufacturer

Oculus in 2014, this is the first time it has developed a consumer hardware product in-house.

Google‟s „Project Stream‟ to let users stream full games in Chrome

Google on October 1, 2018 announced ―Project Stream‖ that allows Google Chrome users to stream full video games. The

Internet giant is working to publicly test ―Project Stream‖ with a limited number of participants on October 5 by letting them

play ―Assassin‘s Creed Odyssey‖ for free in its Chrome browser. ―The idea of streaming such graphically-rich content that

requires near-instant interaction between the game controller and the graphics on the screen poses a number of challenges.



41

NEWSMAKERS

Mukesh Ambani emerges richest Indian for 11th

consecutive year: Forbes

Reliance Industries‘ Chairman Mukesh Ambani has emerged as the richest Indian for the 11th consecutive year with a net

worth of USD 47.3 billion, according to Forbes magazine. As per the ‗Forbes India Rich List 2018‘, Wipro Chairman Azim Premji

has retained the second spot, adding USD 2 billion to his wealth at USD 21 billion; while ArcelorMittal Chairman and CEO

Lakshmi Mittal moved a place ahead to the third slot with a net worth of USD 18.3 billion, increasing his wealth by USD 1.8

billion. Mittal is followed by the Hinduja brothers at fourth place with a net worth of USD 18 billion and Pallonji Mistry at fifth

with USD 15.7 billion. With a net worth of USD 14.6 billion, Shiv Nadar has bagged the sixth spot followed by Godrej family at

the seventh place (USD 14 billion), Dilip Shanghvi at eighth position (USD 12.6 billion), Kumar Birla at ninth (USD 12.5 billion)

and Gautam Adani at 10th slot (USD 11.9 billion).

Srinivasan K. Swamy appointed head of International Advertising Association (IAA)

Srinivasan K. Swamy, chairman RK Swamy Hansa Group, has taken charge as the chairman and world president of

International Advertising Association (IAA) for a period of two years. He is the first Indian to hold this post in the 80-year-old

history of the institution that has presence in 76 countries. He took charge at a board meeting held in Romania on October 4,

2018. A doyen of the advertising industry, he is currently the vice chairman of Asian Federation of Advertising Associations.

Prior to this, he was president, Advertising Agencies Association of India for a period of three years and president IAA India

Chapter for four years.

Nissan ropes in Aamir Khan as brand ambassador for Datsun in India

Japanese auto major Nissan on October 5, 2018 actor Aamir Khan as brand ambassador for its Datsun brand in India. Khan

will be ―seen in Datsun India‘s new brand campaign #ExperienceChange.

Hrithik Roshan becomes face of Tata Tigor car

Actor Hrithik Roshan will be the brand ambassador of the updated version of Tata Tigor car, automobile manufacturer Tata

Motors announced on October 5, 2018.

Instagram names Adam Mosseri as new head

Facebook Inc‘s Instagram on October 1, 2018 announced that Adam Mosseri, the current vice-president of product, will take

over as the new head of the photo-sharing app. Instagram‘s co-founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger had recently

resigned from the company.



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Section I: STATES

UP to replicate drought control model of Maharashtra in Bundelkhand

Uttar Pradesh government is planning to replicate the drought control model of Maharashtra to deal with water scarcity in

Bundelkhand. Maharashtra government has implemented ‗Sujalam Suphalam‘ programme in consort with non-government

organisations (NGOs), local communities and the private sector against the challenges of drought and scarcity of water

resources in some districts.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on October 7, 2018 directed officials to implement ‗Sujalam Suphalam‘ scheme in the Mahoba

and Hamirpur districts of arid zone of Bundelkhand. Depending upon its success, the programme would then be extended to

the entire Bundelkhand comprising 7 districts; the remaining five being Lalitpur, Jhansi, Jaluan, Banda and Chitrakoot.

Under the programme ‗Sajalam Suphalam‘, the exact location for the construction of watershed structures, including dams,

ponds, percolation ponds and farm ponds is identified. Later, the necessary administrative and technical approvals are taken

before machines are deployed for digging. The existing water bodies are also rid of silt, while the canals are widened and

deepened to increase their storage capacity. The excavated silt is taken away by farmers to their agricultural farms. This way,

not only water bodies get created for irrigation purposes, but the programme also creates new farmland by treating barren

land.

Meanwhile, the state had also tied up with the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K) for experimenting with the

artificial rain technology in Bundelkhand and Vindhyachal regions.

While, cloud seeding has long been employed in USA, Israel, China, South Africa and some Arab countries, the indigenous IIT-

K technology is cheap and conducive to local topography. Cloud seeding over an area of 1,000 sq km is estimated to cost

nearly Rs 55 million, while comparative foreign technologies cost twice as much.

The project is piloted by IIT-K departments of aerospace, civil engineering and industrial management engineering. Cloud

seeding is an artificial way to induce moisture in clouds and cause downpour. Silver iodide or dry ice is dumped onto clouds

by using an aircraft or an artillery gun to cause rainfall.

Centre reconstitutes EPCA, the authority tasked with tackling environment pollution in NCR

The Centre has reconstituted the Supreme Court-empowered Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority or the

EPCA, which is tasked with taking various measures to tackle air pollution in the National Capital Region. The tenure of the

last EPCA expired on October 3. Former secretary Bhure Lal continues to be the chairman, while the Centre for Science and

Environment (CSE) DG Sunita Narain is one of the members.

The other members of the 20-member re-constituted authority include Ajay Mathur, who is the Director General of The

Energy Research Institute (TERI), Arunabha Ghosh, the Chief Executive Officer of the Centre for Energy Environment and

Water, Navroz K. Dubash, the Senior Fellow for the Centre for Policy Research.

The EPCA was constituted with the objective of protecting and improving the quality of the environment and preventing and

controlling the environmental pollution in the National Capital Region. The EPCA is also mandated to enforce Graded

Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the city as per the pollution levels.

In November, the EPCA had enforced several measures, including closure of the Badarpur thermal power plant, ban on brick

kilns, hot mix plants and stone crushers, and construction activities.



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Education minister of many countries attend „happiness class‟ in Delhi government school

Education ministers of Afghanistan and the UAE were among other dignitaries who attended a ―happiness class‖ on October

4, 2018 at a Delhi government school with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. Education ministers of different countries

and states were in the national capital to attend the Asian Summit on Education and Skills organised by the Delhi

government. ―The delegation attended a happiness class at Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya in Rouse Avenue and was astounded by

the cleanliness of the school, the dynamism of the teachers, the responsiveness of the students and the impact of Happiness

Curriculum,‖ an official statement said.

Nationwide Action Research Project of Gram Panchayat development scheme inaugurated

The nationwide Action Research Project of Gram Panchayat development scheme was inaugurated by the Minister of Rural

Development Narendra Singh Tomar at a function organized at Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh on October 2, 2018.

The project is designed for the sustainable and holistic development of rural areas of the country. This function was organized

jointly by the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj (NIRDPR), Hyderabad, District Administration and

District Panchayat.

The Action Research Project of Gram Panchayat development scheme is currently being implemented in 467 Gram Panchayats

covered in 98 clusters of 19 States of the country. Through this project, special efforts will be made to raise the standard of

living of the poorest people of the society and to enhance human development. The main objective of this project is to

ensure the overall development by capacity building, administrative reform and public participation.

Centre to set up National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation in MP

The Centre on October 3, 2018 gave its nod to establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) in

Sehore district in Madhya Pradesh. The NIMHR will serve as an institution of excellence for capacity building in human

resource and research in the area of mental health rehabilitation. The institute will also serve as recommending body

suggesting models and protocols for effective rehabilitation of persons with mental illness.

Punjab govt. approves implementation of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

The Punjab Cabinet on October 3, 2018 gave the nod for the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana by

extending the Central scheme to cover over 42 lakh families in the State. While the PMJAY had proposed to cover 14.96 lakh

SECC (Socio Economic and Caste Census) families in the State, the Punjab government has decided to extend the scheme to

provide Rs.5 lakh insurance cover to 42 lakh of the total 61 lakh families. These include families of farmers, construction

workers and small traders, as well as the other poor families (currently covered under the Bhagat Puran Singh Sehat Bima

Yojana). The state government also announced to set up the Punjab ‗Ghar Ghar Rozgar and Karobar Mission‘. The Mission is

aimed at facilitating every job-seeker in securing wage or self-employment in Punjab, India or abroad.

Tandrust Punjab Mission destroys 75 quintals of rotten fruits, vegetables

Tandrust Punjab Mission on October 4, 2018 inspected 60 fruit and vegetable markets across the state and destroyed nearly

75 quintals of rotten fruits and vegetables. The Mission aims to make people healthy by ensuring a good living environment

and healthy food habits.



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CMs of Jharkhand and West Bengal agree to end Massanjore Dam dispute

Chief Minister of Jharkhand Raghubar Das and his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee have resolved to end the

Massanjore Dam dispute through official-level meeting. During Eastern Zonal Council meeting in Kolkata on October 1, 2018,

Das raised the matter in the presence of Banerjee. The meeting, which was chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh,

was also attended by representatives from Bihar and Odisha. Massanjore Dam, popularly known as Canada Dam, was

constructed across the Mayurakshi river in 1955. The West Bengal government had built the dam and the state‘s irrigation

department maintains it.

India, ADB sign $110 mn loan agreement to upgrade rural roads in MP

India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on October 5, 2018 signed a $110 million loan agreement to upgrade all-

weather rural roads in Madhya Pradesh under the Prime Minister‘s Rural Roads Programme (PMGSY). The $110 million is the

second tranche of the $500 million Second Rural Connectivity Investment Programme for India approved by the multilateral

lending agency in December 2017.

Nasscom unveils „Centre of Excellence‟ for IoT in Haryana

In collaboration with the Haryana government, Indian IT industry‘s apex body Nasscom on October 5, 2018 launched its

Centre of Excellence for Internet of Things (CoE - IoT) in Gurugram. This Centre will provide one of the largest innovation

platforms for enabling IOT revolution through connected devices using emerging technologies.

National Dolphin Research Centre to be set up in Patna

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on October 5, 2018 said the ‗National Dolphin Research Centre‘ will be set up

at Patna University premises in Patna. The state government observes October 5 as ‗Dolphin Day‘ in Bihar for protection and

conservation of Gangetic river dolphin to create awareness to save the endangered species.

NGO Narayan Seva Sansthan honoured with postal stamp

India Post on October 5, 2018 unveiled a postal stamp to honour NGO Narayan Seva Sansthan, working for the treatment and

rehabilitation of differently-abled people. The Rs 5 stamp features the logo of the Udaipur based NGO along with the picture

its polio hospital in Udaipur.

Uttarakhand CM inaugurates road tunnel on Dehradun-New Delhi route

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on October 6, 2018 inaugurated the much awaited tunnel on NH-72 that

connects capital Dehradun with New Delhi. Named after Bharat Ratna M. Visvesvaraya, the two-lane tunnel is 340 metre long

and 5.50 metre high with a 1.5 metre footpath on either side of it.

ADB approves loan of USD 150 million for infrastructure projects in West Bengal and NE states

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on October 1, 2018 approved a USD 150 million loan to finance road infrastructure and

international trade corridor in West Bengal and north-eastern states. The Manila-headquartered multi-lateral funding agency

and the Government of India Monday the USD 150 million loan to finance continued improvements to road connectivity and

efficiency of the international trade corridor in northern part of West Bengal and northeastern region of the country. The



45

programme aims to expand about 500 kilometres roads in north Bengal and north-eastern states to enable efficient and safe

transport within India and regionally.

India signs pact with ADB for safe drinking water in Bengal

India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) on October 3, 2018 signed a $240 million loan agreement to provide safe drinking

water to about 1.65 million people in three districts of West Bengal. The project aims to provide safe and sustainable drinking

water to people in Bankura, North 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur affected by arsenic, fluoride and salinity. ―Heavy reliance

on groundwater puts most of the rural population in West Bengal at risk from arsenic and fluoride contamination that can

lead to health problems including cancer and bone diseases,‖ the Ministry of Finance said in the statement ―The project aims

to mitigate these risks through provision of continuous potable water through metered connections to about 390,000

individual households in the three districts,‖ it said.

Maharashtra launches website, app to analyse drought situation

The Maharashtra government launched a website and an application called ‗Maha Madat‘ in Mumbai on October 6, 2018 for

collectively analysing the rainfall, crop situation and underground water level using modern technology. The website has been

created by the relief and rehabilitation ministry with the help of the Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre

(MRSAC).

The state Rehabilitation and Relief Minister Chandrakant Patil said the site will help in accurate analysis of drought-like

situation in villages of the state. The gathered information will be collected at the website and the analysis will be carried on.

This will help in accurately taking the decision for declaring any village drought-affected or facing a drought-like situation.

The central government in 2016 laid down criteria for declaring drought in an area. According to it, drought is declared if

there is no rain for 21 days in continuity and considering the study of humidity of soil, situation of crops, level of groundwater.

GI tag for Alphonso mangoes from Konkan granted

Alphonso from Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Palghar, Thane and Raigad districts of Maharashtra, have received the Geographical

Indication (GI) registration. A Geographical Indication or a GI is an indication used on products that have a specific

geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Such a name conveys an assurance of

quality and distinctiveness which is essentially attributable to its origin in that defined geographical locality. Darjeeling Tea,

Mahabaleshwar Strawberry, Blue Pottery of Jaipur, Banarasi Sarees and Tirupati Laddus are some of the GIs. Alphonso, better

known as ‗Hapus‘ in Maharashtra, is in demand in domestic and international markets not only for its taste but also for

pleasant fragrance and vibrant colour. The first product to get a GI tag in India was the Darjeeling tea in 2004.

Tata-Siemens consortium wins bid for Pune Metro project

The consortium of Tata Group firm TRIL Urban Transport and Siemens Financial Services arm Siemens Project Ventures GmbH

has bagged a contract to develop a Metro Line in Pune. The consortium was awarded the contract by the Pune Metropolitan

Region Development Authority to develop the Metro corridor from Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar. Maharashtra Chief Minister

Devendra Fadnavis handed over the Letter of Award to the consortium on October 3, 2018. The 23.3-km corridor with 23

stations will be the first metro project in India on public-private-partnership (PPP) model after the New Metro Rail Policy of

2017. The construction is scheduled to commence by June 2019 and will be completed within a time span of three years. Tata

Projects will be the EPC partner supporting the consortium.



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Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates „World Peace‟ monument in Pune

Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu on October 2, 2018 inaugurated the world‘s largest dome at the Maharashtra Institute of

Technology (MIT)‘s World Peace University (MIT-WPU) campus at Loni Kalbhor in Pune on the 150th

birth anniversary of

Mahatma Gandhi. Institute authorities have called the structure ‗World Peace Monument‘ dome which is 160 ft. in diameter

and 263 ft tall.

Tendulkar meets Maharashtra Governor to promote „Mission Young & Fit

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar called on Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao in Mumbai on October 5, 2018 and

proposed launching ‗Mission Young and Fit India‘ across universities in the state. Stating that India is emerging as the

youngest nation in the world, he said every student from school and college should spend at least one hour playing to stay fit

and healthy.

Odisha govt. launches „Nirman Kusuma‟ programme

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched ‗Nirman Kusuma‘ programme for providing financial assistance to the

children of the construction workers for their technical education in the state. Launching the programme in Bhubaneswar on

October 6, 2018, Patnaik said that the children of construction workers would get financial assistance for their education in

Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics. While an ITI student will be entitled to get financial assistance of Rs

23,600, a diploma student to get Rs 26,300 per annum. A total of 1878 students will get benefit from the programme.

Gujarat plans 2 safari parks to accommodate growing number of lions Gir

In the wake of the death of 23 Asiatic lions in the state‘s Gir forest in the last 20 days, the Gujarat government on October 4,

2018 announced setting up two safari parks near here and in Narmada district to accommodate growing population of big

cats. The government would also shift some of the lions in the upcoming parks, as their population in the Gir sanctuary has

gone up to 600. ―One such park would come up near the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel‘s upcoming ‗Statue of Unity‘ near Rajpipla

town of Narmada district and another one near Ahmedabad,‖ Minister of State for Forest Raman Patkar said at Vapi in Valsad

district. The lion population in Gujarat is 523, as per a 2015 Census. However, during the recent screening drive being

conducted by Forest personnel, a total of 600 big cats were found in the Gir forest in Saurashtra region.

Gujarat starts vaccination of Gir lions against deadly virus

The Gujarat forest department on October 7, 2018 started vaccination of lions in the Gir sanctuary to protect them from a

deadly virus blamed for the death of some of the big cats in their last abode. As many as 23 lions have died in Gujarat‘s Gir

sanctuary in less than a month. Most of them have succumbed to canine distemper virus (CDV) and protozoa infections. CDV

is considered a dangerous virus and had been blamed for wiping out 30 per cent population of African lions in East African

forests. CDV is mainly found in wild dogs, jackals and wolves. The disease can be contracted by lions if they eat any animal

infected by it. CDV is a highly contagious disease that attacks the immune system and other vital organs in animals. In most of

the cases, the infection is fatal. According to the last census conducted in 2015, the number of lions in the Gir sanctuary stood

at 523.

RBI accords sanction to set up Kerala Bank

RBI) has accorded in principle approval to the Kerala government to set up Kerala Bank by merging district co-operative

banks with state co-operative banks. This was announced on October 3, 2018 by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.



47

Facility to build man-portable anti-tank missiles opens near Hyderabad

The production facility for manufacturing man-portable anti-tank guided missiles (MP-ATGM) has been inaugurated at Bharat

Dynamics Ltd (BDL) unit near Hyderabad. The facility was inaugurated at Bhanur on September 29.

Methanol Cooking Fuel Program launched in Assam

Assam Petro-chemicals, a state-owned company, launched India‘s first ―Methanol Cooking Fuel Program‖ at Assam Petro-

chemicals campus at Namrup, Assam on October 5, 2018. 500 households inside the Assam Petro Complex will be the first

pilot project. Assam Petrochemicals Limited has been manufacturing methanol for the last 30 years. The canister-based

cooking stoves are from Swedish Technology. This technology handles methanol extremely safely, does not need regulator or

any piping system. The cooking medium can directly substitute LPG, Kerosene, Wood, Charcoal and any other fuel for

cooking. The cost of energy equivalent of one cylinder of LPG for Methanol is Rs. 650, compared to Rs. 850 per cylinder.

Meghalaya CM releases Mission Jackfruit document

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on October 1, 2018 released the Mission Jackfruit document which is aimed at

improving value addition to the fruit to economically benefit farmers in rural areas. Through the mission the government will

make an investment of about 67.08 crore over a 5 year period of which 40.07 crore will be the Central share with the rest

being borne by the state government. Sangma also unveiled ‗Superjack‘, the jackfruit mascot, which will be the brand

ambassador of Mission Jackfruit across social media platforms.

NEWSMAKERS

Prominent human rights lawyer Girish Patel dies at 86

Prominent human rights activist and lawyer Girish Patel died in Ahmedabad on October 6, 2018 at the age of 86. After

completing a Master‘s in Law from Harvard University, Patel taught at a law college before starting practice in the Gujarat

High Court where he championed the cause of the marginalised and filed hundreds of PILs on issues concerning the poor,

Dalits, farmers and labourers. He was selected in 1972 as a member of the Gujarat State Law Commission for a period of three

years.

Nagaland‟s Gandhi Natwar Thakkar dies in Assam at 86

Eminent Gandhian Natwar Thakkar, popularly known as Nagaland‘s Gandhi, died in Guwahati on October 7, 2018 at the age

of 86. Thakkar, a Padma Shri awardee, had founded the Nagaland Gandhi Ashram at Chuchuyimlang. His efforts to spread

Gandhian philosophy and peace had earned him the sobriquet ‗Nagaland‘s Gandhi‘. He was from Maharashtra and had made

Nagaland his home ever since he had arrived in the state in 1955.

Registration of Tripura newspaper Daily Desher Katha cancelled

The Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI) has cancelled the registration of Daily Desher Katha, a newspaper published from

Agartala. Daily Desher Katha, mouthpiece of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Tripura, was cancelled on the ground

that there was an ‗unauthorised change of ownership‘.



48

Senior journalist Pradip Chowdhury dies at 64

Veteran journalist and former News Editor of Press Trust of India (PTI) Pradip Chowdhury has passed away in Kolkata on

October 5, 2018 at the age of 64. Chowdhury joined PTI in 1979, and retired as its News Editor in Kolkata in 2014 after 35

years of service. He had a brief stint as the agency‘s Islamabad correspondent.

Assamese singer Kishour Giri dies at 63

Assamese singer and music director Kishour Giri passed away on October 7, 018 in Guwahati at the age of 63.

GITAM founder M.V.V.S. Murthi dies at 80

Founder of GITAM deemed to be University and MLC M.V.V.S. Murthi died in a car accident in the U.S. on October 2, 2018. He

was 80. Dr. Murthi started his political career with the TDP in Andhra Pradesh and was inducted into it by its founder N.T.

Rama Rao.

Malayalam film director Thampi Kannanthanam dies at 65

Noted Malayalam film director Thampi Kannanthanam, who made many hit films in the 1980s and 90s, passed away in Kochi

on October 2, 2018 at the age of 65.

Renowned violinist Balabhaskar dies at 40

Noted violinist Balabhaskar, who was critically injured in a car accident on September 25, died in Thiruvananthapuram on

October 2, 2018 at the age of 40.

Mizoram Congress MLA Lalrinliana Sailo quits party and seat

Congress MLA Lalrinliana Sailo said in Aizawl on October 3, 2018 that he quit the party and the Mizoram Assembly for

―refusal‖ of the Congress government to create a separate district comprising his home turf.

Maharashtra MLA Ashish Deshmukh quits BJP

BJP MLA Ashish Deshmukh announced his resignation as a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly as well as from

the primary membership of the party on October 2, 2018. Deshmukh represents Katol constituency in Nagpur district.



49

Section J: SPORTS

BCCI comes under RTI Act

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is covered under the RTI Act and answerable to the people of the country

under its mechanism, the Central Information Commission (CIC) ruled on October 1, 2018. The commission, the top appellate

body in RTI matters, went through the law, orders of the Supreme Court, the Law Commission of India report, submissions of

the Central Public Information Officer in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to conclude that the status, nature and

functional characteristics of the BCCI fulfil required conditions of Section 2(h) of the RTI Act.

Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu directed the BCCI president, secretary and Committee of Administrators to

designate deserving officers as central public information officers, central assistant public information officers and first

appellate authorities as required under the law. He also directed the BCCI to put in place, within 15 days, online and offline

mechanisms to receive applications for information under the RTI Act.

The matter came before CIC as the sports ministry did not give a satisfactory response to an RTI applicant, Geeta Rani, who

had sought to know the provisions and guidelines under which the BCCI has been representing India and selecting players for

the country.

India beat West Indies by an innings and 272 runs in 1st test at Rajkot

India (649/9 declared) beat West Indies (181, 196) by an innings and 272 runs in the first of the 2-match series at the

Saurashtra Cricket Stadium in Rajkot on October 6, 2018. Prithvi Shaw was named Man of the Match for scoring century on

debut.

India win U-19 Asia Cup Cricket

The Indian colts emulated the senior squad by winning the U-19 Asia Cup, with a crushing 144-run win over Sri Lanka in the

final at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, Bangladesh on October 7, 2018. India scored 304 for six after skipper Prabh

Simran Singh elected to bat. Sri Lanka were dismissed for 160 in 38.4 overs.

Y. Pranjala wins women‟s singles title at ITF women‟s tennis in Lagos

India‘s Y. Pranjala defeated Conny Perrin of Switzerland 2-6, 7-5, 6-0 in the final to win the women‘s singles title at $25,000 ITF

women‘s tennis tournament in Lagos (Nigeria) on October 6, 2018.

Siddharth Vishwakarma, Mahak Jain win Singles titles at Fenesta National tennis championship

Siddharth Vishwakarma and Mahak Jain won Men‘s and Women‘s Singles titles respectively at the Fenesta National tennis

championship in New Delhi on October 6, 2018. Vishwakarma beat Arjun Kadhe 6-2, 6-7(2), 6-3 while Jain defeated Natasha

Palha in the final 6-1, 6-2. Meanwhile, Maharashtra‘s Siddhant Banthia won the Under-18 boys singles title by defeating Calvin

Golmei from Chandigarh 7-6 (0) 6-2 in the final. Telangana‘s Humera Shaik took the U-18 girls title with a 6-2 6-4 win over

Rashmikaa S Bamadipaty in final.



50

Daniil Medvedev wins Men‟s Singles title at Japan Open tennis

Daniil Medvedev of Russia won the Men‘s Singles title at Japan Open tennis in Tokyo on October 7, 2018. He defeated Japan‘s

Kei Nishikori in the final 6-2, 6-4. Men‘s doubles title was won by the German-Japanese duo of Jan-Lennard Struff and Ben

McLachlan who beat Michael Venus (New Zealand) and Raven Klaasen (South Africa) 6-4, 7-5 in the final.

Basilashvili, Wozniacki win singles titles at China Open tennis

Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia won the Men‘s Singles title while Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark won the Women‘s Singles

title at the China Open tennis in Beijing on October 7, 2018. Basilashvili beat Argentina‘s Juan Martin del Potro 6-4, 6-4 in the

final. Wozniacki defeated Latvia‘s Anastasija Sevastova in the final 6-3, 6-3.

India‟s Keerthana Pandian wins girls‟ title in IBSF World U-16 Snooker Championships

India‘s Keerthana Pandian won the Girls‘ title in IBSF World U-16 Snooker Championships on October 7, 2018. In the final in St

Petersburg, Russia, Keerthana outclassed Albina Leschuk of Belarus 3-1. In the Boys‘ category, Ben Martens of Belgium won

the title.

Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad elected as new Hockey India president

Mohd Mushtaque Ahmad was on October 1, 2018 named as the new President of Hockey India (HI) following the 8th Hockey

India Congress and Elections in New Delhi. Ahmad, who formerly held the post of Secretary General, takes over from outgoing

President Rajinder Singh after being elected unopposed. Manipur Hockey‘s Gyanendro Ningombam will take over as the

Senior Vice President, while Asima Ali of Hockey Jammu & Kashmir and Bhola Nath Singh of Hockey Jharkhand will serve as

Vice Presidents. Hockey Jammu & Kashmir‘s Rajinder Singh, who held the President‘s post has been elected as the new

Secretary General and Tapan Kumar Das of Hockey Assam was re-elected as the Treasurer for a second term.

Hima Das joins IOC

Star sprinter Hima Das has joined PSU major Indian Oil Corp as an officer and will be provided various benefits in supporting

her talent, the company announced on October 1, 2018. Das, who had won three medals, including gold in 4x400m women‘s

relay at 2018 Asian Games and a historic gold medal at the U-20 World Championship in Finland, was among the 20

recipients of the prestigious Arjuna award this year.

Manipur clinch Women‟s National Football Championship crown

Manipur won the 24th

Senior Women‘s National Football Championships on October 2, 2018, defeating hosts Odisha in the

final played at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack 2-1. Manipur took the lead thanks to captain Bala Devi, who found the net in

the 45th minute. Soon after the break, Irom Prameshwori Devi doubled her team‘s lead with a goal in the 50th minute. The

hosts continued to strive for a comeback and found a goal with nine minutes to play via midfielder Arati Sethi.

Thangvellu Mariyappan named India‟s flag-bearer for Asian Para Games

Rio Paralympic gold medallist Thangvellu Mariyappan was on October 2, 2018 named as flag-bearer of the Indian contingent

for the 3rd Paralympic Asian games to be held in Jakarta from October 6-13.



51

Manu Bhaker named India‟s flag-bearer at Youth Olympic Games

Shooter Manu Bhaker was on October 1, 2018 named as the flag-bearer of the Indian contingent for the 3rd Youth Olympic

Games to be held in Buenos Aires from October 6 to 18, 2018. A contingent of 68 members, including 46 athletes, departed

for Argentina to compete in 13 sports during the event.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton wins Formula One Japanese Grand Prix

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on October 7, 2018. Valerie Bottas

(Mercedes) and Max Verstappen (Red Bull) finished second and third respectively. Force India drivers Sergio Perez and

Esteban Ocon finished seventh and ninth respectively.

Britain‟s Mo Farah wins Chicago Marathon men‟s title

Britain‘s Mo Farah won the Chicago Marathon men‘s title on October 7, 2018 in 2:5:11. The 35-year-old Somalia-born Briton

was followed by Ethiopia‘s Mosinet Geremew 2:5:24 and Japan‘s Suguru Osako third in 2:05:50. Kenya‘s Brigid Kosgei won the

women‘s title in 2:18:35.

China win gold in open and women‟s sections at Chess Olympiad

Asian chess giant China won the gold in both the sections -- open and women -- in the 43rd

World Chess Olympiad that

concluded at Batumi in Georgia on October 5, 2018. In the open section, USA won silver medal while Russia won the bronze.

India finished sixth. In the women‘s section, while China clinched gold, Ukraine and Georgia won silver and bronze medals

respectively. India finished eighth. Indian men‘s team had Viswanathan Anand, P. Harikrishna, Vidit Santhosh Gujrathi and B.

Adhiban Indian women‘s team had Koneru Humpy, Padmini Rout, Harika Dronavalli, Tania Sachdev and Eesha Karavade.

Arkady Dvorkovich elected new FIDE President

Former Russian deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich was elected President of FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs

or World Chess Federation) in Batumi (Georgia) on October 4, 2018. It may be recalled that the incumbent, Kirsan Illuyzhinov

was dethroned after a long reign mainly because of the sanctions by the US on his alleged links to Syria.



52

Weekly Current Affairs Update For the Week: October 9 to 15, 2018

HEADLINES

Section A: INDIA

SC asks Centre for details of Rafale decision making process in sealed cover

Dilli Series Seapower Seminar organised at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala

National Human Rights Commission celebrates silver jubilee

Cabinet approves establishment of National Council for Vocational Education and Training

Cabinet approves permanent campuses of Tirupati, Berhampur IISERs

Govt. to set up committee of judges and lawyers to study issues raised by #MeTooIndia

Tushar Mehta appointed Solicitor General of India

Environmentalist G.D. Agarwal dies at 86

86-yr-old Padma Bhusan awardee scientist Sarvagya Singh Katiyar dies at 86


WEF launches Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution in India

India launches global Jaipur Foot distribution initiative

India elected to Human Rights Council at UN

India ranked 115th on World Bank‘s Human Capital Index

India ranks 147th on ‗Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index‘

India lost $79.5 bn from climate-related disasters in 20 years: UN report

India remains polio free, all vaccines used in govt immunisation programme safe: UNICEF, WHO

India-Azerbaijan sign protocol on trade and economic, science and technology cooperation

India - Indonesia coordinated patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) from October 11–27

Cabinet approves India-Finland agreement on environmental cooperation

India, Australia hold ‗2+2‘ secretary-level dialogue

SBI signs MoU with Nepal‘s National Banking Institute for human resource development

EAM Sushma Swaraj holds talks with Tajikistan counterpart

India ranked 103rd on the Global Hunger Index 2018

Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Auditorium dedicated to people in Sri Lanka

India and Sri Lanka sign two MoU for construction of 1200 houses

India, China launch joint programme to train Afghan diplomats

Prince Alois of Liechtenstein visits India

BrahMos Aerospace engineer arrested for ‗espionage‘

Section C: WORLD

6th RCEP Inter-sessional Ministerial Meeting (IMM) held in Singapore

IMF cuts world economic growth forecasts

Stanford University tops Reuters‘ ranking of the World‘s Most Innovative Universities

Malaysia to end death penalty for all crimes

China to sell 48 high-end military drones to Pakistan

IEA lowers its growth forecast in oil demand for 2018, 2019

Sri Lankan Parliament passes law to compensate victims of separatist war

8 climbers killed in massive landslide in Mount Gurja base camp in Nepal

World Sight Day observed on October 11

World Egg Day observed on October 12



53

International Day of the Girl Child observed on October 11

World Arthritis Day observed on October 12

World Mental Health Day observed on October 10

World Post Day celebrated on October 9

World Migratory Bird Day observed on October 13

International Day for Disaster Reduction observed on October 13

Nikki Haley resigns as US ambassador to UN

Lt Gen Asim Munir appointed DG ISI

Suicide Prevention Minister appointed in UK

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi vanishes from embassy in Istanbul

South Africa‘s apartheid-era foreign minister Pik Botha dies at 86

Pope Francis announces sainthood for murdered Salvadoran archbishop and Pope Paul VI

Freed U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson returns home from Turkey


India faces threat of deadly heat waves, says UN climate report

C-section use doubled in India between 2005 and 2015: Lancet

Central University of Jammu signs MoU with ISRO to set up Space Applications Center

Russian Soyuz spacecraft to ISS fails mid-air, astronauts land safely

Shekhar Mande is CSIR Director-General

Section E: AWARDS

Sikkim‘s 100% organic farming wins FAO‘s Future Policy Gold Award

IPS Officer Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat gets IACP award

Neev Literature Award conferred

Abir Mukherjee wins Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize

Jayprakash Narayan Memorial Trust awards conferred in Nagaland

Sindhutai Sapkal awarded Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar Narishakti Puraskar

Indus Towers wins Deming Prize for 2018

Sundram Fasteners bags Deming Prize

Spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi honoured with M. A. Chidambaram award


Govt fixes sovereign gold bond rate at Rs 3,146/gram

ICICI Pru MF‘s Nimesh Shah elected as new Chairman of AMFI

Section G: ECONOMY

Forex reserves down by USD 915.8 mn to USD 399.609 bn

Centre to re-develop 1,878 rural haats in first phase under GrAM scheme

Retail inflation at 3.77% in September

Industrial production grows 4.3% in August

Govt shuts down loss-making NJMC, BJEL

Excise duty on ATF cut to 11%

Committee on SEZs submits report to the government


Microsoft India signs pact with NITI Aayog for AI tools in agri, healthcare

IBM India, NITI Aayog co-design programme to skill students

IAF launches mobile health app ‗MedWatch‘



54

WhatsApp develops system to store payments-related data in India

IRCTC launches AskDisha chatbot for customer support

Mobikwik acquires online wealth management platform Clearfunds

LinkedIn acquires employee engagement firm Glint

Nokia unveils slider phone

United Breweries forays into non-alcoholic beverage segment

World‘s longest non-stop airline flight completes journey

Anil Kumble launches Microsoft-powered batting performance tracking device Power Bat

Mahesh Reddy takes over as PHDCCI Secretary General

Kajol named brand ambassador of skin care brand Charmis

Rahul Dravid to endorse Philips air purifier

Ranveer Singh appointed Dish TV ambassador

Section I: STATES

Delhi govt launches Chief Minister‘s Urban Leaders Fellowship Programme

Shut industries in Delhi residential areas in 15 days: SC

Centre exempts Sikh women from wearing helmet in Chandigarh

32 Zika virus cases reported in Jaipur

Free Rs 5 lakh insurance cover for Vaishno Devi pilgrims

Steel Minister announces Rs. 30 lakh compensation to kin of victims of Bhilai Steel Plant accident

Five killed, 38 injured as New Farakka Express train derails in Raebareli

Presidential assent to Assam bill on retrenching up to 300 employees sans govt approval

Life term for Maj. Gen., 6 others for fake encounter in Assam 24 years ago

IWAI launches Ro-Ro service to Majuli Island in Assam

Tamil Nadu government notifies compensation for sexual abuse victims

Cyclone ‗Titli‘ leaves 8 dead in Andhra Pradesh

AAP MLA Phoolka resigns in Punjab

Vice President releases biography of Anumolu Ramakrishna

PM unveils statue of peasant leader Sir Chhotu Ram in Rohtak

Noted Malayalam poet M N Paloor dies at 86

Congress leader and former Maharashtra minister Anandrao Devkate dies at 86

Section J: SPORTS

India win test series against West Indies

IOC approves creation of Refugee Olympic Team to take part in Tokyo 2020

Vikram Malhotra wins Texas Open, PSA Challenger squash

India finish 9th in medals tally at the Asian Para Games in Jakarta

Caroline Garcia clinches Women‘s Singles title at Tianjin Open tennis

Leander Paes wins Men‘s Doubles title at Santo Domingo Challenger tennis

Novak Djokovic wins Men‘s Singles title at Shanghai Masters tennis

Y. Pranjala wins Women‘s Singles title at ITF tennis tournament in Lagos

Great Britain win Under-19 Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament

Arindam, Nataraj win Raid de Himalaya 2018

India win 2 golds at Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires



55

Section A: INDIA

NEWS ROUND UP

SC asks Centre for details of Rafale decision making process in sealed cover

The Supreme Court on October 10, 2018 asked the Centre to provide details of the decision making process in the Rafale deal

with France in a sealed cover by October 29 but clarified that it does not want information on pricing and technical

particulars. Attorney General K. K. Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, said details on the deal cannot be shown to anybody

in the interest of national security and other issues involved in the defence procurement process. The apex court was hearing

various petitions seeking directions, including asking the Centre to reveal details of the deal and the comparative prices

during the UPA and NDA rule in a sealed cover to the apex court. The Rafale fighter is a twin-engine Medium Multi Role

Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by French aerospace company Dassault Aviation.

Dilli Series Seapower Seminar organised at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala

The fifth edition of the Dilli Series Seapower Seminar was organised at Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala (Kerala) on October

11-12, 2018. The event was attended by several serving and retired senior Naval Officers, eminent academicians and

distinguished luminaries. The Indian Naval Academy christened the Annual Seminar as the ‗Dilli‘ series after Mount Dilli

located at Ezhimala, which has been witness to the developments of the maritime history of the region. The lighthouse

insignia reflects the need to ‗look back to see forward‘.

National Human Rights Commission celebrates silver jubilee

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) completed 25 years on October 12, 2018. Prime Minister Narendra Modi

addressed the Silver Jubilee Foundation day function at the Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. A commemorative first day postal

cover and stamp were released on the occasion, and a new version of the commission‘s website was also launched. The

commission was established on October 12, 1993 under the Protection of the Human Rights (PHR) Act, 1993. NHRC has five

members, including the chairperson, who deliberate upon cases put before them. Currently, two posts of members are vacant.

NHRC is housed in Manav Adhikar Bhawan in south Delhi. Former Chief Justice of India H.L. Dattu is the Chairperson of NHRC.

Cabinet approves establishment of National Council for Vocational Education and Training

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 10, 2018 approved the merger of the existing

regulatory institutions in the skills space - National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) and the National Skill Development

Agency (NSDA) into the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET). The newly-constituted NCVET will

regulate the functioning of entities engaged in vocational education and training, both long-term and short-term and

establish minimum standards for the functioning of such entities. At present, there are 20 ministries/ departments

implementing skill development programs mostly using private sector training providers.

Cabinet approves permanent campuses of Tirupati, Berhampur IISERs

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 10, 2018 approved the establishment and

operationalisation of permanent campuses of the two new Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs) at

Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) and Berhampur (Odisha). The construction of permanent campuses of these institutes shall be

completed by December 2021. The IISERs will provide top quality science education at the Under-Graduate and Post-

Graduate levels, PHDs and Integrated PHDs. They will carry out research in frontier areas of science.



56

Govt. to set up committee of judges and lawyers to study issues raised by #MeTooIndia

The government will set up a committee of judges and lawyers to examine the existing legal and institutional framework to

deal with complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace, Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi

announced on October 13, 2018.

RECENT BOOKS

NON-FICTION

Picturesque India: A Journey in Early Picture Postcards (1896-1947) by Sangeeta and Ratnesh Mathur

Newsman: Tracking India in the Modi Era by Rajdeep Sardesai

The Radical in Ambedkar: Critical Reflections (edited) by Suraj Yengde, Anand Teltumbde

The Case for Reason by Narendra Dabholkar (translated by Suman Oak)

Divided by Partition, United by Resilience by Mallika Ahluwalia

My Tryst with Manipur: A Memoir by Jarnail Singh

Ten Ideologies: The Great Asymmetry between Agrarianism and Industrialism by S. Jaipal Reddy

How India Manages Its National Security by Arvind Gupta

FICTION

Red Birds by Mohammed Hanif

In the Time of the Others by Nadeem Zaman

Dilli Durbar by Satya Vyas (translated by Vaibhav Srivastav)

The Best Couple Ever by Novoneel Chakraborty

The Bag: A Novel by Arup Kumar Dutta

The Last Watchman of Old Cairo by Michael David Lukas

Murder in the Maghreb by Geoff Quaiffe

Cold Truth by Nikhil Pradhan

NEWSMAKERS

Tushar Mehta appointed Solicitor General of India

Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was on October 10, 2018 elevated to the post of Solicitor General of India for a

period till June 30, 2020. The post of Solicitor General had been lying vacant since October 20, 2017, following the resignation

of Ranjit Kumar. Solicitor General of India is the second-highest ranked lawyer for the Indian government after the Attorney

General. Mehta was appointed as the Additional Solicitor General, the third-ranking legal advisor for the government, in July

2014.

Hindustani classical musician Annapurna Devi dies at 92

Hindustani classical musician Annapurna Devi passed away in Mumbai on October 13, 2018 at the age of 92. She was a

recipient of the Padma Bhushan award. She was born in Madhya Pradesh‘s Maihar town to Ustad ‗Baba‘ Allauddin Khan and

Madina Begum. Annapurna Devi was a disciple of her father whose contribution to Indian music resulted in the Senia-Maihar

gharana. Her training started early and graduated from the sitar to her chosen instrument, the surbahar. She was married to

sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar and had a son, Shubhendra ‗Shubho‘ Shankar, who passed away in 1992. In 1982, she

married Rooshikumar Pandya, a management consultant. Pandya passed away in 2013. She received the Padma Bhushan

(third highest civilian honour) in 1977. She received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (the highest Indian honour in

performing arts) in 1991. In 2004, she was made a fellow of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.



57

Environmentalist G.D. Agarwal dies at 86

Environmentalist and former IIT-Kanpur professor G.D. Agarwal died in Rishikesh at 86 on October 11, 2018. Agarwal had

been on hunger strike since June 22 for a pollution-free and uninterrupted flow in the Ganga. He had demanded that steps be

taken to make the river free-flowing for natural cleansing, and also a ban on construction of all hydroelectric projects along

the tributaries of the Ganga besides enactment of the Ganga Protection Management Act.

86-yr-old Padma Bhusan awardee scientist Sarvagya Singh Katiyar dies at 86

Kanpur University‘s former Vice Chancellor Sarvagya Singh Katiyar died in Kanpur on October 9, 2018 at the age of 86. Katiyar

was the vice chancellor of Kanpur‘s Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University from 1994 to 2007. He was awarded Padma Shri

in 2003 and Padma Bhushan in 2009.



58


NEWS ROUND UP

WEF launches Centre for Fourth Industrial Revolution in India

The World Economic Forum ((WEF) on October 11, 2018 announced its new Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in

India, which would aim to bring together the government and business leaders to pilot emerging technology policies. The

centre, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a function in New Delhi, would be based in Maharashtra and

it has selected drones, artificial intelligence and blockchain as the first three project areas, the WEF said.

Geneva-based WEF, which describes itself as an international organisation for public-private cooperation, said the new centre

will work in collaboration with the government on a national level to co-design new policy frameworks and protocols for

emerging technology alongside leaders from business, academia, start-ups and international organizations.

NITI Aayog will coordinate the partnership on behalf of the government and the work of the centre among multiple

ministries. ―The Fourth Industrial Revolution will change how we produce, how we consume, how we communicate and even

how we live,‖ WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab said.

India launches global Jaipur Foot distribution initiative

The External Affairs Ministry on October 9, 2018 launched the ―India for Humanity‖ initiative under which the Jaipur Foot

artificial limb will be distributed free of cost to the needy across the world.

In collaboration with charitable organisation Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), the Ministry will distribute

the artificial limbs through camps that will be organised by Indian missions abroad.

The initiative is part of a series of programmes it is organising over the next one year to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary

of Mahatma Gandhi.

Founded in 1975 and better known by its trademark limb Jaipur Foot, BMVSS is among the world‘s largest organisations for

the fitment of artificial limbs and till date has served over 1.73 million amputees.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that these camps will be initially held in 12 countries identified through Indian

missions with financial support from the Indian government.

India elected to Human Rights Council at UN

India was on October 13, 2018 elected to the Human Rights Council at United Nations (UN) with the highest votes among all

candidates. India received 188 votes, the highest polled by any of the 18 countries elected in the voting. This is the fifth time

India has been elected to the Geneva-based Council, the main body of the UN charged with promoting and monitoring

human rights.

Bangladesh was also elected with 178 votes to the Council to fill one of the five vacancies for three year terms from the Asia-

Pacific region beginning January 2019. The regional group endorsed five countries, which matched the number of seats open

for election this year, and they were the only countries on the ballot. The other regional candidates were Bahrain, Fiji and the

Philippines. Thirteen other countries representing the other four regions were also elected to the Council.



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India was among the first batch of 47 countries elected to the Council in 2006. On the 47-member Council the seats are

allocated based on ―equitable regional distribution‖ giving the Asia-Pacific region a total of 13 seats, with some coming up for

election every year. The African region also has 13 seats, while East European region has six, West European and others seven,

and Latin American and Caribbean eight.

The United States withdrew from the Council earlier this year after its Permanent Representative Nikki Haley questioned its

legitimacy because of the presence of several dictatorial regimes violating human rights on it.

India ranked 115th on World Bank‟s Human Capital Index

The World Bank on October 11, 2018 released a Human Capital Index (HCI) as part of the World Development Report 2019.

HCI was unveiled at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund annual meetings on the Indonesian island of Bali.

HCI measures the mortality rate for children under five, early childhood stunting rates due to malnutrition and other factors,

and health outcomes based on the proportion of 15-year-olds who survive until age 60. It measures a country‘s educational

achievement based on the years of schooling a child can expect to obtain by age 18, combined with a country‘s relative

performance on international student achievement tests.

The HCI has been constructed for 157 countries. It claims to seek to measure the amount of human capital that a child born

today can expect to attain by age 18. The HCI index values are contended to convey the productivity of the next generation of

workers, compared to a benchmark of complete standard education and full health.

Singapore, South Korea, Japan and Hong Kong are the top-ranked four countries in World Bank‘s ‗Human Capital Index‘. India

was 115th

among 157 countries.

India ranks 147th on „Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index‟

India was ranked 147th

among 157 countries on ‗Commitment to Reducing Inequality (CRI) Index‘ released on October 9, 2018

by UK-based charity Oxfam International. The index is an indicator of the commitment of different nations to reduce

inequalities in their populations. ―Government spending on health, education and social protection is woefully low and often

subsidises the private sector. Civil society has consistently campaigned for increased spending,‖ the report said on India. The

index is based on a new database of indicators, now covering 157 countries, which measures government action on social

spending, tax and labour rights three areas found to be critical to reducing the gap. The index is topped by Denmark, based

on its high and progressive taxation, high social spending and good protection of workers.

India lost $79.5 bn from climate-related disasters in 20 years: UN report

India suffered a whopping $79.5 billion economic loss due to climate-related disasters in the last 20 years, according to the

report ‗Economic Losses, Poverty and Disasters 1998-2017‘ released on October 10, 2018. The report compiled by the UN

Office for Disaster Risk Reduction highlights the impact of extreme weather events on the global economy. It states that the

years from 1998 to 2017 have seen a dramatic rise of 151 per cent in direct economic losses from climate-related disasters

worldwide. The greatest economic losses have been experienced by the US at $944.8 billion, followed by China at $492.2

billion, Japan at $376.3 billion, India at $79.5 billion and Puerto Rico at $71.7 billion.

India remains polio free, all vaccines used in govt immunisation programme safe: UNICEF, WHO

In the backdrop of some oral polio vaccine vials being found contaminated with the type-2 polio virus, the UNICEF and the

WHO have reiterated India‘s status as a polio-free country. In a joint statement issued on October 11, 2018, the United



60

Nations Children‘s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) said the risk of children getting vaccine derived

poliovirus was ―minimal‖ in India because of a high routine immunisation coverage in the country. The two global agencies

also asserted that all vaccines provided under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) are safe and urged people to get

their children vaccinated not only for their protection but also to keep Indian polio free.

India-Azerbaijan sign protocol on trade and economic, science and technology cooperation

The fifth meeting of India-Azerbaijan Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade and Economic, Science and Technology

Cooperation (IA-IGC) was held on October 11-12, 2018 in New Delhi. The meeting was co-chaired by Union Minister of

Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan,

Mukhtar Babayev. The two sides exchanged views on current economic situation and reviewed the current status of bilateral

trade, investment and their cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, science and technology. Trade turnover between

India and Azerbaijan in January-August 2018 was USD 657.9 million.

India - Indonesia coordinated patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) from October 11–27

India-Indonesia coordinated patrol (IND-INDO CORPAT) maritime exercise is being held from October 11 to 27, 2018. The

ships and aircraft from both the countries would undertake patrolling on the respective sides of 236 nautical miles long

International Maritime Boundary Line.

Cabinet approves India-Finland agreement on environmental cooperation

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 10, 2018 approved a Memorandum of Cooperation

between India and Finland on environmental cooperation. This memorandum will bring in the latest technologies and best

practices suited for bringing about better environmental protection, better conservation, and better management of climate

change and wildlife protection/conservation in the country.

India, Australia hold „2+2‟ secretary-level dialogue

India and Australia held the second ‗2+2‘ secretary-level dialogue in Canberra on October 10, 2018 during which key issues

related to their strategic and defence ties were discussed and the two countries underlined the need for a free, open and

inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra held the Foreign Secretaries

and Defence Secretaries dialogue with their Australian counterparts Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Frances Adamson and Secretary of Department of Defence Greg Moriarty.

SBI signs MoU with Nepal‟s National Banking Institute for human resource development

State Bank of India on October 10, 2018 said it has signed an MoU with Kathmandu-based National Banking Institute (NBI) for

the development of human resources of the latter. SBI signed the three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NBI

to establish a mutually beneficial strategic alliance for development of NBI‘s human resources by imparting education,

training and research. Under the MoU, the strategic training unit of SBI will impart education, training and development to

facilitate transformation of NBI‘s HR department.

EAM Sushma Swaraj holds talks with Tajikistan counterpart

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met her Tajik counterpart Sirojiddin Muhriddin in Dushanbe on October 11, 2018 and

the two leaders discussed stepping up close bilateral ties in development assistance, science and technology, health, defence

and security. The two leaders met on the sidelines of a two-day conclave of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation‘s Council

of Heads of Government (CHG).

India ranked 103rd on the Global Hunger Index 2018



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India was ranked 103rd

out of 119 countries on the Global Hunger Index 2018 in a report released on October 11, 2018. At

least one in five Indian children under the age of five are ‗wasted,‘ which means they have extremely low weight for their

height, reflecting acute under-nutrition. The publication was released by Welthungerhilfe and Concern Worldwide.

Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Auditorium dedicated to people in Sri Lanka

The Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Auditorium built with Indian grant assistance of 30 crore Sri Lankan rupees was dedicated

to the people in a special function in Matara, Sri Lanka on October 9, 2018. The auditorium was dedicated jointly by High

Commissioner of India Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Vice Chancellor at the University of Ruhuna, Matara in Southern Province.

The state of art auditorium with 1500 seating capacity has been designed by the famous Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa to

conform to the philosophy of ―Tropical Modernism‖.

India and Sri Lanka sign two MoU for construction of 1200 houses

India and Sri Lanka on October 13, 2018 signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) for construction of 1200 houses

through 50 model villages, using Indian grant assistance of 60 crore Sri Lankan rupees. The MoUs were signed by Taranjit

Singh Sandhu, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, and Bernard Vasantha, Secretary to the Ministry of Housing and

Construction. With this, India‘s collaboration with Sri Lankan government under Model Villages Housing Program stands at

2400 houses in 100 model villages. As per the new MoUs, 600 houses each will be constructed in the Southern and Northern

Provinces.

India, China launch joint programme to train Afghan diplomats

India and China have launched their first joint programme for Afghanistan to train its diplomats. This was announced by the

Indian Embassy in Beijing on October 13, 2018. Indian Ambassador to Afghanistan (Vinay Kumar) ―hosted 10 Afghan

Diplomats who will be travelling to India for the 1st India-China joint training programme for Afghan diplomats under the

aegis of the Trilateral Cooperation between India, China and Afghanistan,‖ the Embassy informed. An understanding to launch

a joint programme in Afghanistan was reached during an informal summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and

Chinese President Xi Jinping held in April at China‘s Wuhan city.

NEWSMAKERS

Prince Alois of Liechtenstein visits India

President Ram Nath Kovind met Prince Alois of Liechtenstein at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on October 12, 2018.

The two countries are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Liechtenstein is one of

India‘s important partner nations in fighting overseas tax abuse and black money. On March 28, 2013, India and Liechtenstein

signed the Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) in Berne. After ratification by both sides, the agreement entered into

force on January 20, 2014.

BrahMos Aerospace engineer arrested for „espionage‟

BrahMos Aerospace engineer Nishant Agrawal was on October 8, 2018 arrested on the charges of espionage in Nagpur. He

was taken to Lucknow by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) of Uttar Pradesh police on October 10. Agrawal was arrested in a

joint operation by the ATS units of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra police at BrahMos‘ Wardha Road facility near Nagpur for

allegedly leaking ―technical information‖ to Pakistan. BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between India‘s Defence Research

and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the ‗Military Industrial Consortium‘ (NPO Mashinostroyeniya) of Russia. He has



62

been booked under the Official Secrets Act.



63

Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

6th RCEP Inter-sessional Ministerial Meeting (IMM) held in Singapore

The 6th

RCEP Inter-sessional Ministerial Meeting (IMM) was held in Singapore on October 12-13, 2018. Trade ministers of 16-

member Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) urged all participating countries to continue to exert all

efforts for early conclusion of the negotiations. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry C R Chaudhary attended IMM.

RCEP aims to cover goods, services, investments, economic and technical cooperation, competition and intellectual property

rights.

The RCEP is a proposed free trade agreement being negotiated by 16 countries, including 10 ASEAN members (Brunei,

Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Laos and Vietnam) and their six free trade

agreement partners - India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, since November 2012.

The meeting assumes significance as there is a tremendous pressure on India to conclude the negotiations as early as

possible despite the fact that several issues pertaining to goods and services have yet to be agreed upon by the member

countries.

The mega pact aims to relax norms and significantly cut import duties to boost trade in goods, services, promote investments,

technical cooperation, and intellectual property rights.

IMF cuts world economic growth forecasts

The International Monetary Fund on October 9, 2018 cut its global economic growth forecasts for 2018 and 2019, saying that

trade policy tensions and the imposition of import tariffs were taking a toll on commerce while emerging markets struggle

with tighter financial conditions and capital outflows. The new forecasts were released on the Indonesian resort island of Bali

where the IMF and World Bank annual meetings were held. The IMF, in its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) report,

predicted 3.7 percent global growth in both 2018 and 2019, down from its July forecast of 3.9 percent growth for both years.

India is projected to grow at 7.3 per cent in 2018 and 7.4 per cent in 2019. The report mentioned reforms including the Goods

and Services Tax (GST), the inflation-targeting framework, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, and steps to liberalise foreign

investment and make it easier to do business.

Stanford University tops Reuters‟ ranking of the World‟s Most Innovative Universities

For the fourth year running, Stanford University has topped Reuters‘ ranking of the World‘s Most Innovative Universities, a list

that identifies and ranks the educational institutions doing the most to advance science, invent new technologies and power

new markets and industries. The ranking of the world‘s most innovative universities was compiled in partnership with Clarivate

Analytics, and is based on proprietary data and analysis of numerous indicators including patent filings and research paper

citations. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is second on the list, and Harvard University comes in third. Overall, the

United States continues to dominate the list, with 46 universities in the top 100; Germany and Japan are tied for second best

performing country, with nine universities each. There are no universities in the top 100 located in India, Africa and South

America.

Malaysia to end death penalty for all crimes



64

The government of Malaysia on October 10, 2018 said it will abolish the death penalty for all crimes and halt all pending

executions. More than 1,200 people are on death row in Malaysia, which mandates hanging as punishment for a wide range

of crimes.

China to sell 48 high-end military drones to Pakistan

China will sell 48 high-end military drones to Pakistan in a deal announced on October 9, 2018. Wing Loong II, a high-end

reconnaissance, strike and multi-role endurance unmanned aircraft system, is manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Industrial

(Group) Company.

IEA lowers its growth forecast in oil demand for 2018, 2019

The Paris-based International Energy Agency on October 12, 2018 revised lower its growth forecast in global oil demand for

2018 and 2019, citing high prices, trade tensions and a less favourable economic outlook. The estimated growth in global

demand has been reduced by 110,000 barrels per day for each of the two years. This growth is expected to be 1.3 million bpd

this year, then 1.4 million bpd in 2019.

Sri Lankan Parliament passes law to compensate victims of separatist war

The Parliament in Sri Lanka on October 10, 2018 passed a law to pay compensation to the victims of the 30-year-long

separatist war between the Sri Lankan Army and the LTTE. It claimed at least 100,000 lives. The Reparations Bill will benefit

survivors and victims of the kin in several armed uprisings in the country.

8 climbers killed in massive landslide in Mount Gurja base camp in Nepal

Five Korean and three Nepali climbers were killed in Mount Gurja in Nepal after their camp was devastated by a violent

snowstorm on October 12, 2018. Gurja is the rarely climbed mountain in Nepal‘s Annapurna region.

World Sight Day observed on October 11

World Sight Day was observed on October 11, 2018 with theme as ‗Eye Care Everywhere‘. The day is observed on second

Thursday of October every year. Established in 2000 by WHO (World Health Organization) the day seeks to spread awareness

and focus attention on the global issue of avoidable blindness and visual impairment. This day was marked by the WHO in

association with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IABP) by the Lions Club International Foundation.

Most vision impairment and blindness can be treatment or prevented if detected early.

World Egg Day observed on October 12

Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries observed the World Egg Day on October 12, 2018. International Egg

Commission has declared the second Friday of October every year as World Egg Day. This is celebrated in countries all around

the world, and is a unique opportunity to help raise awareness of the nutritional benefits of eggs. India is the third highest

producer of eggs in the world, but the per capita availability is around 69 eggs per person per year.

International Day of the Girl Child observed on October 11

International Day of the Girl Child was observed on October 11, 2018 with its theme as ‗With Her: A Skilled Girl Force‘.

Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is Executive Director of UN Women.

World Arthritis Day observed on October 12



65

World Arthritis Day was observed on October 12, 2018 with its theme as ‗It‘s in your hands, take action‘. Arthritis is an

inflammatory condition of joints which affects millions of people across the world. This day was started by World Arthritis

Foundation in order to spread awareness about arthritis and encourage policymakers to help reduce burden of arthritis.

World Mental Health Day observed on October 10

World Mental Health Day was observed on October 10, 2018 with its theme as ‗Young people and mental health in a

changing world‘. The day is an annual event designed to promote worldwide mental health education, awareness and

advocacy, particularly against the social stigma that many people with mental health issues face. First organized by the World

Federation for Mental Health in 1992, the event is now held globally and sees thousands of advocates and volunteers engage

the public about mental health awareness and the impact of mental illnesses in people‘s daily lives.

World Post Day celebrated on October 9

The World Post Day was celebrated on October 9, 2018 to mark anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal

Union in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Berne. It was declared World Post Day by the Universal Postal Union Congress held in

Tokyo in 1969. Since then, countries across the world participate annually in the celebrations. The Posts in many countries use

the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services.

World Migratory Bird Day observed on October 13

World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) was observed on October 13, 2018 with its theme as ‗Unifying our Voices for Bird

Conservation‘. From 2018 onwards, the ―World Migratory Bird Day‖ will be organized twice a year, on the Second Saturdays in

May and October. WMBD will be reinforcing education and awareness-raising about the need to protect migratory birds and

their habitats - at all different levels, in all parts of the world.

International Day for Disaster Reduction observed on October 13

The International Day for Disaster Reduction was observed on October 13, 2018 with its theme as ‗Reducing Disaster

Economic Losses‘. Held every 13 October, the day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing

their exposure to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of reining in the risks that they face. The 2018 theme

continues as part of the ―Sendai Seven‖ campaign, centred on the seven targets of the Sendai Framework. This year focuses

on Target C of the Sendai Framework, reducing disaster economic losses in relation to global GDP by 2030.

NEWSMAKERS

Nikki Haley resigns as US ambassador to UN

Nikki Haley, the Indian-American US Ambassador to the United Nations, resigned on October 9, 2018. Haley, 46, was the

senior most Indian-American official in the Trump administration. Born Nimrata ―Nikki‖ Randhawa, Haley was the first female

governor of South Carolina State. Prior to becoming governor, she represented Lexington County in the South Carolina House

of Representatives from 2005 to 2011.

Lt Gen Asim Munir appointed DG ISI

Lt Gen Asim Munir was on October 10, 2018 appointed the new Director General (DG) of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)

by the Pakistan government. His previous appointment was as DG Military Intelligence. He received a Hilal-i-Imtiaz in March

2018.



66

Suicide Prevention Minister appointed in UK

Britain‘s Prime Minister has appointed a Suicide Prevention Minister as part of a national effort to reduce the number of

people who take their own lives. Theresa May named Jackie Doyle-Price to the newly created post on October 10, 2018.

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi vanishes from embassy in Istanbul

A Saudi delegation arrived in Turkey for talks on missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The journalist had been reported missing

after arriving in the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey on October 2, 2018. There are allegations that Khashoggi had

been tortured and killed at the consulate.

South Africa‟s apartheid-era foreign minister Pik Botha dies at 86

Former South African foreign minister Roelof ―Pik‖ Botha, whose long career in government straddled both the apartheid era

and the presidency of Nelson Mandela, died aged 86 on October 12, 2018. Botha served as foreign minister for 17 years until

the end of apartheid in 1994, and then joined Mandela‘s cabinet after the end of white-minority rule and the country‘s first

non-racial election in 1994. Botha served as mines and energy minister in Mandela‘s government before retiring in 1996.

Pope Francis announces sainthood for murdered Salvadoran archbishop and Pope Paul VI

Slain Salvadoran archbishop Oscar Romero and Pope Paul VI, Catholic giants were on October 14, 2018 elevated to sainthood

in Vatican City by Pope Francis. Their giant portraits were unfurled on Saint Peter‘s Basilica along with those of five other new

saints, including an orphaned youth and a German nun. Romero stood up for peasant rights in the face of a right-wing

backlash which painted him as a radical supporter of ―liberation‖ theology in his small, impoverished Central American nation.

He was killed on March 24, 1980. Pope Paul VI -- who encouraged Romero in his struggle -- was the first head of the Roman

Catholic Church to attempt to reform the Vatican‘s powerful and unruly Curia. Giovanni Battista Montini was elected pope in

1963.

Freed U.S. pastor Andrew Brunson returns home from Turkey

American pastor Andrew Brunson, held for two years in Turkey on terror-related charges, arrived home in the U.S. on October

13, 2018 and met President Donald Trump, who signalled an easing in the diplomatic crisis sparked by the case. The pastor,

who ran Resurrection Church in Turkey, was arrested by the Turkish government two years ago for allegedly helping terrorist

groups in carrying out the 2016 coup attempt.



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India faces threat of deadly heat waves, says UN climate report

If the average global temperature rises by more than one degree Celsius from the present, India could ―annually‖ expect

conditions like the 2015 heat wave that killed at least 2,000, according to the ‗Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C,‘

commissioned by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The report was put together by about authors and review-editors from 40 countries, who had convened in Incheon, South

Korea, in October 2018, to assess the feasibility of keeping the average global temperature from rising beyond 1.5 degree

Celsius from pre-industrial times.

Achieving this would require ―rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society,‖ the IPCC said in the

assessment. The 2015 agreement in Paris, considered a landmark achievement, had the world agree to keep rise in

temperatures below 2 degrees Celsius and ―pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial

levels.‖

C-section use doubled in India between 2005 and 2015: Lancet

The number of babies born in India through caesarean section increased from 9% in 2005-6 to 18.5% in 2015-16, according to

a series of three papers published in The Lancet journal. While the surgery is still unavailable for many women and children in

low-income countries and regions, the procedure is overused in many middle-and high-income settings, said researchers.

Globally, C-section use has increased by 3.7% each year between 2000-2015 — rising from 12% of live births (16 million of

131.9 million) in 2000, to 21% of live births (29.7 million of 140.6 million) in 2015.

C-section is a life-saving intervention for women and newborns when complications occur, such as bleeding, foetal distress,

hypertensive disease, and babies in abnormal position. However, the surgery is not without risk for mother and child, and is

associated with complications in future births. It is estimated that 10-15% of births medically require a C-section due to

complications, suggesting that average C-section use should lie between these levels.

Central University of Jammu signs MoU with ISRO to set up Space Applications Center

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed MoU with the Central University of Jammu (CUJ) in Jammu on October

11, 2018 for setting up of the Satish Dhawan Center for Space Science in the University. ISRO Chairman K. Sivan said that the

Center will help in tapping potential of Space Applications for the region of J&K in various fields like disaster management,

health, education, communication, weather forecasting, land use planning, etc. The setting up of this Center will take care of

the emerging Geospatial and Space Technology requirements for the development of the region.

NEWSMAKERS

Russian Soyuz spacecraft to ISS fails mid-air, astronauts land safely

Two astronauts aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft that made an emergency landing after their rocket malfunctioned on lift-

off to the International Space Station (ISS) were safe and in good condition. The Soyuz MS-10 was launched from the

Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the ISS on October 11, 2018 with Russian Cosmonaut Alexey Ovchinin and US

astronaut Nick Hague on board. ―Shortly after launch, there was an anomaly with the booster and the launch ascent was

aborted, resulting in a ballistic landing of the spacecraft,‖ NASA said in a statement. The two astronauts reportedly felt

―weightlessness‖ as the crew capsule detached. They landed about 20 km east of Dzhezkazgan, Kazakhstan.



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Shekhar Mande is CSIR Director-General

The government has appointed Shekhar Mande as Director-General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Dr. Mande, a biologist, is the director of the National Centre for Cell Sciences, Pune. He has worked at the Centre for DNA

Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad.



69

Section E: AWARDS

Sikkim‟s 100% organic farming wins FAO‟s Future Policy Gold Award

Sikkim has won the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation‘s (FAO) Future Policy Gold Award for its achievement in becoming

the world‘s first totally organic agriculture state. The 2018 award announcement on October 12, 2018 said: ―Sikkim is the first

organic state in the world. All of its farmland is certified organic. At the same time, Sikkim‘s approach reaches beyond organic

production and has proven truly transformational for the state and its citizens.‖ Uniquely, the state has totally banned the sale

and use of chemical pesticides. The award is co-organised with the FAO by The World Future Council (WFC) and IFOAM --

Organics International, and recognises ―the world‘s best laws and policies promoting agroecology‖. Sikkim beat out 51 other

nominees from around the world for the award. Brazil, Denmark, Quito and Ecuador shared the Silver award.

IPS Officer Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat gets IACP award

Senior IPS officer from Telangana Mahesh Muralidhar Bhagwat was on October 9, 2018 awarded the 2018 IACP ‗Leadership in

Human and Civil Rights‘ individual award winner. Mahesh M Bhagwat is the Rachakonda Police Commissioner in Hyderabad.

The award of International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is in recognition of Bhagwat‘s efforts in starting worksite

schools for migrant children of Odisha, rescued from brick kilns with the help of different associations.

Neev Literature Award conferred

‗I Will Save My Land‘, written by Rinchin, illustrated by Sagar Kolwankar and published by Tulika, won the Neev Literature

Award for the best picture book at the Neev Literature Festival held in Bengaluru in September 2018. The festival marks the

Neev Academy‘s endeavour to engage with the larger Bengaluru community. The jury said the book raises many interesting

themes like gender equality, land rights and urbanisation in an accessible manner, so that children can understand them.

Abir Mukherjee wins Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize

‗A Necessary Evil‘ by Abir Mukherjee has won the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize, an annual award presented to

adventure books. The book is the second part of Mukherjee‘s Sam Wyndham series, of which the third is also out. Set in

Calcutta in the 1920s, the book involves the British police captain, Sam Wyndham, and his associate, Sergeant ‗Surrender-not‘

Banerjee, as they try to crack the mystery of the murder of a prince. The award, by the Wilbur & Niso Smith Foundation, aims

to support young writers.

Jayprakash Narayan Memorial Trust awards conferred in Nagaland

Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman, Harivansh Narayan Singh conferred the first ‗Award for Peace and Socio-Political Service‘ to

three personalities of Nagaland in Dimapur on October 11, 2018. The recipients are Rev Shihoto Swunhetho (posthumous)

and Rev V K Nuh for peace initiatives and Chingwang Konyak for socio-political service to the people of the State. The awards

were presented at a programme organized by Jayprakash Narayan Memorial Trust, Nagaland.

Sindhutai Sapkal awarded Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar Narishakti Puraskar

Noted social worker Sindhutai Sapkal, fondly called as the ―Mother of Orphans‖, was honoured with the ‗Maharani Ahilyabai

Holkar Narishakti Puraskar‘ for her contribution in the service of humanity in Thane (Maharashtra) on October 10, 2018. The

69-year old Pune-based activist has adopted more than 1,000 orphan children over her long career, and has received several

awards for her social service.

Indus Towers wins Deming Prize for 2018



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Indus Towers, India‘s largest telecom tower company, won the Deming Prize for 2018, being the first Indian company in the

service sector to achieve this honour. The Deming Prize was bestowed on Indus Towers for distinctive performance

improvements through the application of Total Quality Management (TQM) practices. The Deming Prize for 2018 was

announced by JUSE - Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers. It was established in 1951 and was originally designed to

reward Japanese companies for their major advancements in quality improvement. Currently companies outside Japan are

also eligible for the award. With the current count of over 1,23,639 towers, Indus has the widest coverage in India and is also

the largest telecom tower company in the world (outside China).

Sundram Fasteners bags Deming Prize

Auto components-maker Sundram Fasteners Ltd of the USD 7.2-billion TVS group has been chosen for the Deming prize for

all its seven plants across the country. The prize, instituted by the union of Japanese scientists and engineers, would be

presented in Tokyo on November 14. Deming prize is given for companies that have achieved breakthrough results by

application of total quality management

Spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi honoured with M. A. Chidambaram award

Former India captain and spin legend Bishan Singh Bedi was honoured with the Dr. M.A. Chidambaram birth centenary award,

instituted by MAC Charities in memory of the former BCCI president, in Chennai on October 12, 2018.



71


Govt fixes sovereign gold bond rate at Rs 3,146/gram

The government has fixed the price at Rs 3,146 per gram for the new series of sovereign gold bonds (SGBs) opening on

October 15, 2018.

The Government of India in consultation with the RBI has decided to allow a discount of Rs 50 per gram from the issue price

to those investors who apply online and the payment is made through digital mode. For such investors the issue price of Gold

Bond will be Rs 3,096 per gram of gold.

The bonds would be sold through banks, Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited (SHCIL), designated post offices, and

stock exchanges -- National Stock Exchange and BSE.

The Sovereign Gold Bonds would be issued every month from October 2018 to February 2019. The first tranche of the scheme

would be open for subscription from October 15-19 and the bonds would be issued on October 23. The next tranche would

be open from November 5-9 and issuance would be on November 13. The next one would be available for subscription from

December 24-28 and the bonds would be issued on January 1, 2019. Another tranche would open for subscription from

January 14-18 and the issuance of bonds would be on January 22. The final one would be from February 4-8 and bonds would

be issued on February 12.

The sovereign gold bond scheme was launched in November 2015 with an objective to reduce the demand for physical gold

and shift a part of the domestic savings -- used for the purchase of gold -- into financial savings.

The Bonds are issued in denominations of one gram of gold and in multiples thereof. Minimum investment in the Bond shall

be one gram with a maximum limit of subscription of 4 kg for individuals, 4 kg for Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) and 20 kg

for trusts and similar entities notified by the government from time to time per fiscal year (April – March). In case of joint

holding, the limit applies to the first applicant. The annual ceiling will include bonds subscribed under different tranches

during initial issuance by Government and those purchased from the secondary market. The ceiling on investment will not

include the holdings as collateral by banks and other Financial Institutions

The Bonds bear interest at the rate of 2.50 per cent (fixed rate) per annum on the amount of initial investment. Interest will be

credited semi-annually to the bank account of the investor and the last interest will be payable on maturity along with the

principal.

The nominal value of Gold Bonds shall be in Indian Rupees fixed on the basis of simple average of closing price of gold of 999

purity, published by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited, for the last 3 business days of the week preceding the

subscription period.

NEWSMAKERS

ICICI Pru MF‟s Nimesh Shah elected as new Chairman of AMFI

ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company Managing Director & Chief Executive Nimesh Shah was on October 12, 2018

elected as the Chairperson of the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI). Shah has replaced A Balasubramanian, chief

executive officer of Aditya Birla Sun Life MF, who took over as Chairman in 2016. Kailash Kulkarni, CEO of L&T Mutual Fund,

continues to be the vice chairperson. Shah joined the mutual fund industry in July 2007, having been appointed as MD and



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CEO of ICICI Prudential AMC that has assets under management of Rs 3.1 trillion.



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Section G: ECONOMY

Forex reserves down by USD 915.8 mn to USD 399.609 bn

The country‘s foreign exchange reserves declined by USD 915.8 million to USD 399.609 billion in the week to October 5 on

account of a fall in foreign currency assets, according to RBI data on October 12, 2018. Expressed in US dollar terms, foreign

currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of the non-US currencies such as the euro, pound and yen

held in the reserves. Gold reserves rose by USD 107.3 million to USD 20.450 billion. The special drawing rights with the

International Monetary Fund (IMF) declined by USD 4.3 million to USD 1.466 billion. The country‘s reserve position with

the IMF declined USD 7.2 million to USD 2.460 billion.

Centre to re-develop 1,878 rural haats in first phase under GrAM scheme

The Centre has identified 1,878 rural haats for modernisation and development of infrastructure through MGNREGA till March

2019 under Gramin Agriculture Markets (GrAM) programme in the first phase. In total, infrastructure in around 22,000 rural

haats is to be upgraded and modernised with a corpus of almost Rs 20 billion spread over 2-3 years. Of this in the first phase,

Centre has identified around 1,878 rural haats, which includes, the maximum around 564 haats in Andhra Pradesh, followed

by 188 in Gujarat, 186 in Rajasthan, 182 in Tamil Nadu and 176 in Telangana.

Retail inflation at 3.77% in September

Retail inflation, based on consumer price index (CPI), rose marginally to 3.77% in September 2018 owing to higher fuel and

food prices, as per the data released on October 12, 2018 by Central Statistics Office (CSO). It was 3.69% in August 2018 and

3.28% in September 2017.

Industrial production grows 4.3% in August

Industrial production dropped to a three-month low of 4.3% in August 2018 as per the data released on October 12, 2018 by

Central Statistics Office (CSO). The industrial production, measured in terms of Index of Industrial Production (IIP), was 4.8% in

August 2017.

Govt shuts down loss-making NJMC, BJEL

The Union Cabinet on October 10, 2018 approved the closure of the loss incurring Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs),

National Jute Manufactures Corporation Limited (NJMC) and its subsidiary Birds Jute and Exports Limited (BJEL). The proposal

would help in closing the two loss-making companies and ensuring the release of valuable assets for productive use, or for

generating financial resources for developmental progress. The primary product of NJMC was hessian jute bags used for

packaging of food grain used by the various State Governments. Over the years, the demand for hessian bags has eroded and

to that extent, it has been found to be no longer commercially viable to run the company.

Excise duty on ATF cut to 11%

The government on October 10, 2018 cut excise duty on jet fuel to 11 per cent to give relief to the aviation industry that has

been in recent weeks hit hard by rising fuel prices and plummeting rupee. Excise duty on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) has been

reduced to 11 per cent from 14 per cent with effect from October 11.

Committee on SEZs submits report to the government

A major overhaul of the existing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) policy by delinking fiscal incentives from exports and linking

them to investments made and employment generated has been proposed by the review committee constituted earlier this



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year by the Centre. The committee, headed by Bharat Forge‘s Baba Kalyani, has proposed reincarnation of SEZs in India as

‗Employment and Economic Enclaves (3Es)‘. The main focus of the recommendations of the SEZ committee is moving from

export focus to economic and employment growth focus, as per the report. For this to be achieved, incentives for the

manufacturing SEZs have to be based on specific parameters including demand, investment, employment and technology.



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Microsoft India signs pact with NITI Aayog for AI tools in agri, healthcare

Microsoft India said on October 12, 2018 it has signed an agreement with NITI Aayog to deploy artificial intelligence (AI)

technologies to address challenges in agriculture and healthcare, and promote adoption of local language computing, among

others. Microsoft India will support NITI Aayog by combining the cloud, AI, research and its vertical expertise for new

initiatives and solutions across several core areas. Microsoft will also accelerate the use of AI for the development and

adoption of local language computing, in addition to building capacity for AI among the workforce through education.

IBM India, NITI Aayog co-design programme to skill students

Tech giant IBM on October 10, 2018 said it has partnered with NITI Aayog to offer internship programme to top performing

students selected by the Atal Innovation Mission. Over 40 high school students will go through a two-week paid internship at

the IBM Bengaluru campus where they will be equipped with the skills in areas like artificial intelligence, Internet-of-Things,

cybersecurity, cloud computing and blockchain, IBM said in a statement. Select teachers will also be trained by IBM volunteers

and mentors to become innovation coaches.

IAF launches mobile health app „MedWatch‟

The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched mobile health app ‗MedWatch‘ to provide health information to the users, including first-

aid and other health and nutritional topics, on the occasion of its 85th

anniversary on October 8, 2018. The app was conceived

by the doctors of IAF and developed in-house by Directorate of Information Technology (DIT). ―‗MedWatch‘ will provide

correct, Scientific and authentic health information to air warriors and all citizens of India. The ‗MedWatch‘, IAF said, is first

such health app to be built by any of the three armed forces.

WhatsApp develops system to store payments-related data in India

Messaging platform WhatsApp on October 9, 2018 said it has developed a system to store payments-related data in India as

part of complying with the RBI‘s policy on storing such data locally. The RBI has asked all payment system providers to ensure

that data relating to systems operated by them is stored only in India. WhatsApp, which has 200 million users in the country,

is the first major global player that has officially announced its compliance with the RBI directions before the deadline of

October 15.

IRCTC launches AskDisha chatbot for customer support

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) launched AskDisha, a chatbot powered by artificial intelligence,

to troubleshoot customers‘ travel-related queries. AskDisha will support several regional languages and will be voice-enabled.

Mobikwik acquires online wealth management platform Clearfunds

Digital payments firm Mobikwik has entered the wealth management business with the acquisition of online wealth

management platform Clearfunds. After the acquisition, the founder and CEO of Mumbai-based Clearfunds, Kunal Bajaj, will

lead MobiKwik‘s wealth management business. Clearfunds uses computer algorithms to build, monitor and rebalance

diversified mutual fund investment portfolios suited to an investor‘s stated goals, time horizon and risk tolerance.

LinkedIn acquires employee engagement firm Glint

Microsoft-owned LinkedIn on October 8, 2018 said it has acquired Glint, a California-based employee engagement company

that helps organisations get feedback from employees. Glint gathers employee feedback on work, culture and leadership, and



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gives leaders the tools they need to translate those insights into action. Glint CEO and founder is Jim Barnett. Microsoft

acquired LinkedIn for $26.2 billion in 2016 which continues to operate independently.

Nokia unveils slider phone

HMD Global, the makers on Nokia phones, on October 11, 2018 introduced the refreshed version of its previously popular

slider phone — the Nokia 8110. The 4G feature phone — popularly known as the ‗banana phone‘ and comes with a curved

body and a slider covering the keypad — will be positioned as a companion device for users that are already using a

smartphone. It is priced at Rs.5999.

United Breweries forays into non-alcoholic beverage segment

United Breweries Limited (UBL) has forayed into the non-alcoholic beverage segment with the launch of Kingfisher Radler.

World‟s longest non-stop airline flight completes journey

A Singapore Airlines, deemed as the world‘s longest non-stop flight, took off from Singapore on October 11 and arrived in

New York on October 12. The Airbus plane flight covered more than 15,000 km and took just under 19 hours. Qatar runs a

17.5-hour service between Auckland and Doha.

Anil Kumble launches Microsoft-powered batting performance tracking device Power Bat

Microsoft Corporation and former cricketer Anil Kumble‘s technology startup, Spektacom Technologies, along with broadcast

partner Star India, announced the launch of a batting performance tracking device called Power Bat. The Power Bat is a

visiting-card sized, Microsoft Azure Sphere-powered sticker on the shoulder of the bat. In a live match, as soon as the

batsman hits the ball, data on different parameters (speed on impact, twist on impact and quality of the shot -— percentage

proximity of the ball‘s contact to the sweet spot of the willow) is captured in a new unit of measurement titled Power Speks

and communicated via a device on the stump (bot).

NEWSMAKERS

Mahesh Reddy takes over as PHDCCI Secretary General

PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) on October 9, 2018 said that Mahesh Y. Reddy has taken over as its

Secretary General with immediate effect. He holds 28 years of experience in national level trade, infrastructure and industry

bodies in various capacities, the chamber said in a statement.

Kajol named brand ambassador of skin care brand Charmis

Actress Kajol has been named the brand ambassador of skin care brand Charmis. The new TV campaign, featuring the actress,

captures the values and essence of the brand - ―Achchaai Jo Chehre Par Nazar Aaye‖.

Rahul Dravid to endorse Philips air purifier

Former India cricket captain and current Under-19 team coach Rahul Dravid has been named by Philips India as the brand

ambassador for its air purifiers.

Ranveer Singh appointed Dish TV ambassador

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has been appointed brand ambassador of direct-to-home company Dish TV ahead of the

festive season.



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Section I: STATES

Delhi govt launches Chief Minister‟s Urban Leaders Fellowship Programme

The Delhi government on October 13, 2018 announced a fellowship programme that seeks to attract young leaders across

the country to work with it on addressing some of the most pressing urban challenges. Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia

announced the launch of the Chief Minister‘s Urban Leaders Fellowship Programme which will be open for young

professionals under 35 years age.

The deadline for receiving applications will end on November 4. The fellowship provides a unique opportunity to young

leaders across India to work within the Delhi government to address some of the most pressing urban challenges in India. The

programme aims to attract youth who are ―passionate about public service and are willing to work for two years‖.

Fellows will be assigned to work with ministers or senior officials across various departments of the Delhi government such as

education, health, water, transport, art and culture. Remuneration of Rs 1.25 lakh per month will be provided to Fellows (20

positions) an Rs 75,000 per month to Associate Fellows (10 positions).

Shut industries in Delhi residential areas in 15 days: SC

The Supreme Court on October 11, 2018 ordered a monitoring committee to ensure that 5,000-odd illegal industrial units still

operating from residential areas in Delhi are shut within 15 days. Amicus curiae Ranjit Kumar informed the court that the

illegal industrial units that would be shut have already been provided alternate plots in industrial areas. He said that despite

this, some of these units were still continuing to operate from residential areas.

Centre exempts Sikh women from wearing helmet in Chandigarh

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on October 11, 2018 asked the Chandigarh administration to exempt Sikh women from

wearing helmet while driving two-wheelers in the Union Territory. The Delhi Transport Department in its notification issued on

June 4, 1999, had carried out an amendment to Rule 115 of Delhi Motor Vehicle Act 1993, making it optional for women

―whether riding on pillion or driving motorcycle to wear a protective headgear.‖ The rule was further amended through

another notification dated August 28, 2014, whereby the word ―women‖ was replaced by ―Sikh women‖.

32 Zika virus cases reported in Jaipur

Zika virus has been found in some mosquitoes taken as samples from Shastri Nagar in Jaipur, leading to suspicion they are

behind the infection, experts said on October 10, 2018, as the number of Zika patients in the area rose to 32. According to the

National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), said the virus appears to be locally transmitted. The Zika virus, transmitted

through the Aedes aegypti mosquito, causes fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain. It is harmful to pregnant

women, as it can lead to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby‘s head is significantly smaller than expected, in newborn

children. In India, the first outbreak was reported in Ahmedabad in January 2017 and the second was reported in July that

year from Krishnagiri District in Tamil Nadu.

Free Rs 5 lakh insurance cover for Vaishno Devi pilgrims

Pilgrims headed to the Vaishno Devi shrine will get free insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh. This was decided on October 13, 2018 at

a meeting of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (MVDSB) chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik in

Jammu. The Board has approved enhancement of free accident insurance cover for pilgrims visiting the shrine to Rs 5 lakh

besides free treatment to trauma victims. The Governor is also the Chairman of the Board. The insurance cover shall be in

addition to the accidental cover available to each pilgrim once he or she collects the yatra slip and commences the journey.



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Steel Minister announces Rs. 30 lakh compensation to kin of victims of Bhilai Steel Plant accident

Union Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh has announced compensation of 30 lakh rupees to each family of victims who

lost their lives in the Bhilai Steel Plant fire incident on October 10, 2018. Twelve people were killed and ten injured following a

blast in the gas pipeline in the steel plant situated in Durg district of Chhattisgarh.

Five killed, 38 injured as New Farakka Express train derails in Raebareli

Five people were killed and 38 others injured after 9 coaches including the engine of the New Farakka Express train derailed

near Harchandpur railway station in Raebareli on October 10, 2018. The train was going to New Delhi from Malda town in

West Bengal.

Presidential assent to Assam bill on retrenching up to 300 employees sans govt approval

An Assam government bill proposing to allow companies to retrench up to 300 employees without seeking prior approval of

the government has received the presidential assent and it will help achieve the objective of ease of doing business. President

Ram Nath Kovind approved The Industrial Disputes (Assam Amendment) Bill, 2017, that will replace the Industrial Disputes

Act, 1947. The statement of objects and reasons of the legislation says companies will be allowed to retrench up to 300

employees instead of 100, as per the existing legislation, without seeking prior approval of the government. #

The amendment seeks to achieve the objective of ‗ease of doing business‘ thereby encouraging positive business

environment in the state, a home ministry official said quoting the bill. Under the new legislation, the compensation to a

retrenched labourer will be 60 days‘ salary instead of the present 15 days‘ and no government permission will be required for

the retrenchment.

The President has also given assent to the Motor Vehicles (Haryana Amendment) Bill, 2018 that authorises the state transport

undertaking to operate any vehicle on any route as stage carriage under any permit. The bill has been passed to rationalise

the rate of interest charged under the Haryana Motor Vehicles Taxation Act, 2016 and to reduce the same from 1.5 per cent

per month to 1 per cent per month that is 12 per cent per annum.

Life term for Maj. Gen., 6 others for fake encounter in Assam 24 years ago

An Army court in Assam has ordered the dismissal from service and life imprisonment of seven personnel, including a Major

General, for killing five people in a fake encounter in eastern Assam‘s Dangari 24 years ago.

The summary general court martial at the Army‘s Dinjan base in Tinsukia district pronounced the judgment on October 13,

2018 against Major General A.K. Lal, Colonels Thomas Matthew and R.S. Sibiren, Captains Dilip Singh and Jagdeo Singh, and

naiks Albinder Singh and Shivender Singh.

The court martial related to the February 1994 Dangari encounter case in which five youths — Prabin Sonowal, Pradip Dutta,

Debajit Biswas, Akhil Sonowal and Bhaben Moran — were killed. Prabin was a local leader of the All Assam Students‘ Union.

IWAI launches Ro-Ro service to Majuli Island in Assam

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has launched a Roll on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) service tomorrow in Assam from

Neamati to Manjuli Island. Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal flagged off the new Ro-Ro service on October 11, 2018.

This service will reduce the road route distance of 423 km that trucks take from Neamati to Majuli Island via Tezpur Road



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Bridge to only 12.7 km with the use of river route. Majuli is one of the biggest riverine islands in the world located on river

Brahmaputra and faces serious challenges of connectivity. It has 144 villages with a population of over 1,50,000.

Tamil Nadu government notifies compensation for sexual abuse victims

The State government has notified the Tamil Nadu Victim Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual

Assault/Other Crimes, 2018, in line with the Supreme Court judgment delivered in September 2018. A bench led by Justice

Madan B. Lokur had approved the suggestion for compensation while hearing the Nipun Saxena Vs Union of India case and

directed that the guidelines be made operational.

Under the scheme, a rape survivor will get a minimum compensation of ₹4 lakh. In the case of a survivor of gang rape, the

compensation would be ₹5 lakh. If the woman has lost her life, her dependant would be entitled to a compensation of ₹7

lakh. The maximum compensation that could be granted in cases of loss of life as well as gang rape is ₹10 lakh and the

maximum compensation for rape could be ₹7 lakh, as per the scheme.

The scheme provides funds for the purpose of compensation to women victims or their dependants who have suffered loss or

injury as a result of the offence committed and who require rehabilitation.

Cyclone „Titli‟ leaves 8 dead in Andhra Pradesh

Cyclone ‗Titli‘ hit eastern India on October 11, 2018 killing eight people in Andhra Pradesh and damaging homes, uprooting

trees and power lines in the state and in Odisha. The cyclone wreaked havoc mainly in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts

of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha‘s Gajapati and Ganjam districts. While no loss of lives was reported in Odisha, the ―very severe‖

cyclonic storm left a trail of destruction uprooting trees, electric poles and damaging hutments in the affected districts.

NEWSMAKERS

AAP MLA Phoolka resigns in Punjab

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader H.S. Phoolka on October 12, 2018 resigned as an MLA in Punjab, expressing displeasure at the

State government‘s alleged failure to take action against former Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and ex-DGP Sumedh

Singh Saini for their alleged role in two instances of police firing in 2015 in the wake of sacrilege incidents.

Vice President releases biography of Anumolu Ramakrishna

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu released a biography of late Anumolu Ramakrishna, a pioneer in the application of

innovative systems and construction techniques in the Indian constuction sector, in Chennai on October 12, 2018. The

biography titled ‗Building a Legacy‘ is authored by city-based Chartered Accountant V Pattabhi Ram. Ramakrishna, former

president and Managing Director at Larsen and Toubro, was posthumously awarded Padma Bhushan in 2014. He was

instrumental in constructing several path breaking buildings including Tirumala queue complex, Hitech city, and Nehru Indoor

Stadium. Ramakrishna was born in December 1939 and died on August 20, 2013 at Hyderabad.

PM unveils statue of peasant leader Sir Chhotu Ram in Rohtak

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a 64-foot-tall statue of peasant leader Sir Chhotu Ram at his native village Sampla in

Haryana‘s Rohtak district on October 9, 2018. Sir Chhotu Ram, who was born on November 24, 1881, was regarded as a

messiah of peasants and was instrumental in empowering farmers in pre-Independence era and getting pro-farmers law



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enacted. He had fought for farmers‘ rights during the British rule. Renowned sculptor and Padma Bhushan-recipient Ram

Vanji Sutar sculpted the 64-foot-tall statue.

Noted Malayalam poet M N Paloor dies at 86

Well-known Malayalam poet M N Paloor passed away at Kovoor in Kozhikode on October 9, 2018 at the age of 86. He

received the Sahitya Akademi Award for his autobiography ‗Kathayillathavante Katha‘ in 2013. Paloor won the Kerala Sahitya

Akademi Award, the state‘s highest literary honour, in 1983 for his collection ‗Kalikalam‘.

Congress leader and former Maharashtra minister Anandrao Devkate dies at 86

Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra minister Anandrao Devkate died in Solapur district on October 12, 2018 at

the age of 86. Devkate was Minister of State for Dairy Development from 1999 to 2003 in the Congress-NCP government led

by Vilasrao Deshmukh.



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Section J: SPORTS

India win test series against West Indies

India (367/10, 75/0) beat West Indies (311/10, 127/10) by 10 wickets in the second test at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium,

Hyderabad to clinch the 2-test series 2-0. Umesh Yadav (6/88 and 4/45) was declared Man of the Match. Prithvi Shaw was

Player of the Series. West Indies captain was Jason Holder. It was India‘s tenth consecutive series win at home in Tests. On

October 6, India (649/9 declared) beat West Indies (181, 196) by an innings and 272 runs in the first of the 2-match series at

the Saurashtra Cricket Stadium in Rajkot. Prithvi Shaw made 134 runs and was named Man of the Match for scoring his

maiden century in Tests. He became the youngest batsman to make a Test century on debut for India (18 years and 329 days).

This was India‘s 100th

win at home in Tests.

IOC approves creation of Refugee Olympic Team to take part in Tokyo 2020

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Buenos Aires (Argentina) on October 9, 2018 approved the creation of the

Refugee Team, which will take part in the 2020 Tokyo Games. This was announced by IOC President Thomas Bach after the

IOC session in the Argentina capital. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics are slated to take place from July 24 to

August 9 and August 25 to September 6, respectively.

Vikram Malhotra wins Texas Open, PSA Challenger squash

India‘s Vikram Malhotra won the Men‘s Singles title at Texas Open, PSA Challenger squash in Houston on October 7, 2018

beating Daniel Mekbeb of Czech Republic over five games 11-6, 2-11, 5-11, 15-13, 11-1 in the final.

India finish 9th in medals tally at the Asian Para Games in Jakarta

India finished ninth in medals tally at the Asian Para Games that concluded in Jakarta on October 13, 2018. This was India‘s

best-ever showing in the Asian Para Games. India bagged 72 medals, including 15 gold, 24 silver and 33 bronze medals. China

finished on top with 172 gold, 88 silver and 59 bronze for a whopping total of 319 medals. South Korea (53, 45, 47) and Iran

(51, 42, 43) were second and third respectively. This was India‘s best ever performance, bettering the last edition (2014) tally

of 33 medals (3 gold, 14 silver, 16 bronze).

Caroline Garcia clinches Women‟s Singles title at Tianjin Open tennis

Caroline Garcia of France won the Women‘s Singles title at Tianjin Open tennis in Beijing on October 14, 2018. Garcia

defeated Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic 7-6 (9/7), 6-3 in the final.

Leander Paes wins Men‟s Doubles title at Santo Domingo Challenger tennis

Leander Paes and Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela won the Men‘s Doubles title in the $125,000 Challenger tennis tournament in

Santo Domingo on October 13, 2018. The Indo-Mexican pair beat Ariel Behar of Uruguay and Roberto Quiroz of Ecuador 4-6,

6-3, 10-5 in the final. Meanwhile, in the Challenger in Italy, Sander Gille and Joran Vliegen of Belgium won the Men‘s Doubles

title by beating India‘s Purav Raja and Antonio Sancic of Croatia in the final.

Novak Djokovic wins Men‟s Singles title at Shanghai Masters tennis

Serbia‘s Novak Djokovic won the Men‘s Singles title at the Shanghai Masters tennis in Shanghai on October 14, 2018 with a 6-

3, 6-4 victory over Borna Coric of Croatia in the final.



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Y. Pranjala wins Women‟s Singles title at ITF tennis tournament in Lagos

India‘s Y. Pranjala won the Women‘s Singles title at the ITF tennis tournament in Lagos (Nigeria) on October 13, 2018. She

defeated Conny Perrin of Switzerland 6-1, 7-6(2) in the final.

Great Britain win Under-19 Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament

Great Britain won the Under-19 Men‘s Sultan of Johor Cup hockey tournament in Johor Bahru (Malaysia) on October 13, 2018

by defeating India 3-2 in the final.

Arindam, Nataraj win Raid de Himalaya 2018

Arindam Saikia of Team Polaris emerged victorious in the Xtreme 4x4 category in the 20th

edition of the Raid de Himalaya that

concluded in Leh on October 13, 2018. TVS Racing‘s R. Nataraj won the Moto Xtreme class. The Raid started from Kargil on

October 10 and concluded in Leh on October 13. Raid de Himalaya is organised by Shimla-based Himalayan Motorsport.

India win 2 golds at Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires

India won two gold medals on October 9, 2018 at the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires. Weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga won

India‘s first gold in Men‘s 62 kg category. Manu Bhaker won gold medal in Women‘s 10m Air Pistol event. The 15-year-old

Lalrinnunga lifted a total of 274kg (124kg +150kg) to finish on top. The 16-year-old Bhaker shot 236.5 to finish on top of the

podium. On October 10, Saurabh Chaudhary won gold medal in Men‘s 10m Air Pistol.



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Weekly Current Affairs Update For the Week: October 16 to 22, 2018

HEADLINES

Section A: INDIA

PM dedicates National Police Memorial to the nation

75th anniversary of formation of Azad Hind Government celebrated

NCW launches dedicated email to report instances of sexual harassment at workplace

IIT-Bombay tops in QS ranking of Indian institutions

No time bar to report crimes under POCSO Act

Navy concludes successful trial of submarine rescue vehicle

Govt launches ‗Swastha Bharat Yatra‘ campaign to create awareness about safe food

Foundation stone laid for ‗Museum of Prime Ministers‘ at Teen Murti Estate

Central Railway starts ‗Library on Wheels‘ starts on 2 inter-city trains

Defence Minister dedicates website to former President Kalam

M. J. Akbar resigns as the Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs

Suresh Nambath appointed as next Editor of The Hindu

Senior advocate Maninder Singh resigns as ASG


China‘s Minister of Public Security visits India

India, Myanmar sign MoU on operationalisation of Sittwe Port

India‘s coastal communities to get USD 43 million to boost climate resilience

India ranked 58th on World Economic Forum‘s global competitiveness index

India has second highest insurance gap of $27 bn: Lloyd‘s of London

Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe meets PM Modi

India, Croatia sign agreements on cultural and diplomatic cooperation

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attends ADMM-Plus in Singapore

Armies of India, China to hold military exercise ‗Hand in Hand‘ in December

Armies of India and Japan to hold ‗Dharma Guardian‖ exercise in Mizoram

India, UAE decide to boost defence ties

India, Tanzania decide to ramp up bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors

Section C: WORLD

12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) organised in Brussels

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa to form new govt in Bhutan

United States merges embassy and consulate general in Jerusalem

US to exit Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces treaty with Russia

US announces withdrawal from UN‘s Universal Postal Union

139th assembly of the IPU held in Geneva

Pak-Russia Joint Training Exercise ‗Druzhba-III‘ being held in Pakistan

UAE, US holding ‗Iron Magic 19‘ joint military exercise

EU, Bill Gates launch $115mn clean energy fund in Europe

Chinese-made world‘s largest amphibious aircraft completes successful flight

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty observed on October 17

International Day of Rural Women observed on October 15

Anwar Ibrahim enters Malaysian Parliament



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Paul Biya wins seventh presidential term in Cameroon

Saudi journalist Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi killed in Saudi consulate in Istanbul

Norwegian Joachim Ronneberg who thwarted Nazi nuclear plan dies

2008 Nobel Chemistry laureate Osamu Shimomura dies at 90

Former Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok dies at 80

‗Harold & Kumar‘ director Danny Leiner dies at 57

Legendary Istanbul photographer Ara Guler dies aged 90

UN‘s Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura to quit in November


Europe, Japan send BepiColombo spacecraft on 7-year journey to Mercury

CSIR develops affordable Water Disinfection System ―Oneer‖

China launches two more satellites to beef up GPS-style system

Section E: AWARDS

9 scientists win 2019 Breakthrough Prize

Carnot Prize awarded to Union Minister Piyush Goyal in US

Ralph Fiennes to be felicitated with European Achievement in World Cinema Award

Northern Irish writer Anna Burns wins 2018 Booker Prize for ‗Milkman‘

US-based Dalit writer Sujatha Gidla wins Shakti Bhatt Prize

Einstein Prize won by Indian American professor Abhay Ashtekar

Khayyam named for Hridaynath Award for lifetime achievement

Bengali film ‗Mayurakshi‘ wins best feature film at Singapore film festival

Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt wins Ustad Chand Khan Lifetime Achievement Award

Indian-American Minal Patel Davis awarded Presidential award for combating human trafficking


RBI issues dissent note against separate regulator for payments system

RBI eases liquidity norms for banks lending to NBFCs

CVC submits Report of ―Top 100 Bank Frauds‖ to the government

RBI releases guidelines for interoperability between prepaid payment instruments (PPIs)

IFC launches $1 billion Masala bonds

Section G: ECONOMY

CBDT releases Direct Tax Statistics

Forex reserves decline $5.143 bn to USD 394.465 bn

Commerce & Industry Ministry unveils merchandise trade data for April-September

NITI Aayog launches guidelines for PPP in treatment of non-communicable diseases

Power Ministry launches award scheme under ‗Saubhagya‘

SC bars States from diverting money from CAMPA funds

India attracted $22 bn of FDI flows in first half of 2018: UNCTAD

Govt hikes General Provident Fund interest rate to 8% for Oct-Dec quarter

WPI inflation rises to 5.13% on costlier fuel, hardening of food prices


Worldsteel elects Sajjan Jindal as treasurer, Mittal, Narendran as members

North Central Railways launches apps for its employees, passengers

Infosys Foundation launches Aarohan Social Innovation Awards

Samsung launches flagship Galaxy Tab S4 for Rs 57,900 in India

Hero MotoCorp forays into 125-cc scooter segment with Destini 125



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US retailer Sears filed for bankruptcy

Nissan Motor India unveils Kicks SUV

RIL buys stake in Den, Hathway for Rs.5,230 crore

ArcelorMittal to clear Uttam, Petron debt

Welspun Group Chairman Balkrishan Goenka is new Assocham president

Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, dies at 65

Medtronic co-founder Earl Bakken dies in Hawaii at age 94

Manasi Kirloskar appointed first UN in India Young Business Champion for the SDGs

AirAsia India appoints Tata group veteran Sunil Bhaskaran as MD and CEO

Nokia appoints Alia Bhatt as brand ambassador in India

Section I: STATES

Bihar‘s Shahi litchi gets GI tag

Four Himalayan peaks in Uttarakhand named after Vajpayee

61 dead as train mows down Dussehra crowd in Amritsar

UP Cabinet clears proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj

Bhopal Municipal Corporation lists bonds on NSE

Vishwa Shanti Ahimsa Sammelan organised in Maharashtra

PM lays foundation stone of development works of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust

27th fusion energy conference in Gandhinagar on Oct 22

Former UP and Uttarakhand CM Narayan Datt Tiwari dies at 93

Former Jharkhand minister Devdayal Kushwaha dies at 82

Veteran Telugu actor Vizag Prasad dies at 75

Lingayat seer Siddalinga Swami passes away in Karnataka at 69

Kerala MLA Abdul Razak dies at 63

Odia filmmaker Amiya Ranjan Patnaik dies at 63

Two Goa Congress MLAs resign, join BJP

Section J: SPORTS

Russia tops medals tally at Youth Olympics

Pune joins as new franchise of Premier Badminton League

Kento Momota, Tai Tzu-ying clinch singles titles at Denmark Open Badminton

Daria Kasatkina wins women‘s singles title at Kremlin Cup tennis

Lewis Hamilton wins Formula 1 US Grand Prix

Tsehay Gemechu and Andamalak Belihu win races at Delhi Half Marathon

Kebede, Munkhzaya wins races at Xi‘an international marathon

Former AFC general secretary Peter Velappan dies at 83

Mumbai beat Delhi to lift Vijay Hazare Trophy title

India beat West Indies by 8 wickets in first ODI at Guwahati

Spain‘s Marc Marquez wins 2018 MotoGP trophy

FIBA secretary General Patrick Baumann dies at 51



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Section A: INDIA

NEWS ROUND UP

PM dedicates National Police Memorial to the nation

The National Police Memorial (NPM) was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on October

21, 2018 in recognition of the supreme sacrifice made by police personnel since independence. October 21 is observed as the

Police Commemoration Day every year in memory of the policemen killed at Hot Springs in Ladakh by Chinese troops on this

date in 1959. The memorial has been erected on 6.12 acres of land in Chanakyapuri, at the northern end of Shanti Path. This

Police Memorial represents all State/UT Police Forces and Central Police Organizations of the country. Since 1947, 34,844

police personnel have been martyred, with 424 losing their lives in 2018.

75th anniversary of formation of Azad Hind Government celebrated

The 75th

anniversary of formation of Azad Hind Government by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose was celebrated on October 21,

2018. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an award in the name of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose, to honour the police

and paramilitary personnel, involved in disaster response operations.

NCW launches dedicated email to report instances of sexual harassment at workplace

The National Commission for Women has come out with a dedicated e-mail address to report instances of sexual harassment

at workplace after several such complaints were made to the body by women who have narrated their ordeal under the

#MeToo movement on social media. The #MeToo movement started with actor Tanushree Dutta accusing another actor Nana

Patekar of harassing her during the shooting of a Bollywood film in 2008. The matter escalated sharply with more and more

women coming forward with their complaints against men in seats of power in various institutions, including in

entertainment, media and advertising. Journalist-turned-politician M J Akbar had to resign as the Minister of State for External

Affairs on October 17, 2018 following a spate of complaints of alleged sexual harassment during his tenure as editor of

various media publications..

IIT-Bombay tops in QS ranking of Indian institutions

QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) released its first standalone ranking of India‘s higher education institutions on October 16, 2018.

Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay has topped the list. QS is a think tank that is famous for bringing out world rankings

of institutions. Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru stands second. The top 10 Indian institutions include seven IITs, with the

IITs at Madras, Delhi, Kharagpur and Kanpur standing third, fourth, fifth and sixth, respectively, in the rankings. While the

University of Hyderabad stands seventh, the University of Delhi stands eighth in the rankings. The inaugural edition of the QS

India University Rankings, is designed to offer an independent analysis of the performance of Indian institutions. The rankings

include Public Universities, Private Universities and H.E. Institutions or Deemed Universities. Single faculty specialist

institutions or single level institutions (e.g. teaching principally at postgraduate level) are not included.

No time bar to report crimes under POCSO Act

Survivors of child sexual abuse can file a police complaint after they become adults. The government clarified on October 16,

2018 that there is no time bar on reporting such crimes. The Law Ministry concurred with the opinion of the Ministry of

Women and Child Development that unlike the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the Protection of Children from Sexual

Offences Act (POCSO), 2012, does not lay down a time limit for reporting crimes covered under it. This is an important step

for survivors of child abuse, who may try to file a complaint as adults but are turned away at police stations.



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Navy concludes successful trial of submarine rescue vehicle

The Western Naval Command has successfully concluded the maiden trials of the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV)

that can rescue stranded personnel from a disabled submarine, the Navy said on October 17, 2018. The DSRV, which is

operated by a crew of three, can rescue 14 personnel from a disabled submarine at one time.

Govt launches „Swastha Bharat Yatra‟ campaign to create awareness about safe food

The government on October 16, 2018 launched a national campaign ‗Swasth Bharat Yatra‘ on the World Food Day under

which a pan-India cycle rally is being organised to sensitise people about eating safe food and be healthy. FSSAI chief

executive Pawan Kumar Agarwal said that the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is leading this campaign

where about 7,500 cyclists are expected to participate in over 18,000 km relay cycle rally travelling across six tracks through

almost every state and UT over 100 days to propagate the message ‗Eat Right India‘. This rally will culminate in the national

capital on January 27. The World Food Day was observed on October 16 with its theme as - ‗Our actions are our future – A

zero hunger world by 2030 is possible.‘

Foundation stone laid for „Museum of Prime Ministers‟ at Teen Murti Estate

The foundation stone for the ―Museum of Prime Ministers‖ was laid at the Teen Murti estate in New Delhi on October 15,

2018 by Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri. Sharma

said the national capital at present has memorials dedicated to only three of India‘s Prime Ministers: Nehru, Indira Gandhi and

Lal Bahadur Shastri and people of the country deserve to know the contribution of all PMs. The Teen Murti Estate has the

Nehru Memorial Museum Library (NMML) and was also Nehru‘s residence for 16 years until his death on May 27, 1964.

Central Railway starts „Library on Wheels‟ starts on 2 inter-city trains

Commuters travelling in the coaches of monthly season ticket holders of two popular inter- city express trains can now

borrow books free of cost from libraries set up on-board and return them before alighting. ‗Library on Wheels‘, an initiative of

the Central Railway (CR), was inaugurated on October 15, 2018 on Mumbai-Pune Deccan Queen and Mumbai-Manmad

Panchvati Express trains, which run daily. The library was inaugurated on the occasion of the birth anniversary of former

President A P J Abdul Kalam, which is also observed as ―Vachan Prerna Din‖ (Inspire to Read Day).

Defence Minister dedicates website to former President Kalam

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on October 15, 2018 dedicated a DRDO website -‘The Kalam Vision - Dare to Dream‘ -

to former President and missile scientist Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on his 87th

birth anniversary. It focuses on subjects such as

artificial intelligence, robotics, autonomous systems and cyber security.

RECENT BOOKS

NON-FICTION

Interrogating My Chandal Life by Manoranjan Byapari (translated from Bengali by Sipra Mukherjee)

The Paradoxical Prime Minister by Shashi Tharoor

India Ahead: 2025 and Beyond by Bimal Jalan

The Great War by Rakhshanda Jalil

What We Talk About When We Talk About Rape by Sohaila Abdulali

The Jobs Crisis in India by Raghavan Jagannathan

The Barcelona Legacy: Guardiola, Mourinho and the Fight For Football‘s Soul by Jonathan Wilson

Ujjivan: Transforming with Technology by Subir Roy

The Ferment by Nikhila Henry

Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking



88

NEWSMAKERS

M. J. Akbar resigns as the Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs

M. J. Akbar resigned as the Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs on October 17, 2018. He was a Member of Parliament

in the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh. He was inducted into the Union Council of Ministers by PM Narendra Modi in July

2016. He is also a veteran Indian journalist and author of several books. Akbar was a Congress MP from Kishanganj in Bihar

between 1989 and 1991. In March 2014 he joined the BJP and was appointed national spokesperson. In July, 2015 he was

elected to the Rajya Sabha from Jharkhand. During his long career in journalism, he launched, as editor, India‘s first weekly

political news periodicals in India including India Today, Headlines Today, The Telegraph, The Asian Age and Deccan

Chronicle‘,‘ among others.

Suresh Nambath appointed as next Editor of The Hindu

The Hindu Publishing Group on October 22, 2018 said its Board of Directors unanimously appointed Suresh Nambath as the

Editor of the English daily The Hindu. Nambath will take over as the Editor from March 1, 2019 succeeding Mukund

Padmanabhan. Padmanabhan has been the Editor of The Hindu from March 2016.

Senior advocate Maninder Singh resigns as ASG

Senior advocate Maninder Singh resigned from his post of Additional Solicitor General on October 10, 2018.



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NEWS ROUND UP

China‟s Minister of Public Security visits India

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on October 22, 2018 co-chaired the first India-China High-Level meeting on Bilateral

Security Cooperation with State Councilor and Minister of Public Security of China, Zhao Kezhi in New Delhi.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, and

welcomed increased cooperation between India and China in the area of security cooperation.

An Agreement on Security Cooperation between the Ministry of Home Affairs of India and the Ministry of Public Security of

China was also signed by the two ministers. The Agreement will further strengthen and consolidate discussions and

cooperation in the areas of counter-terrorism, organized crimes, drug control and other such relevant areas.

Zhao Kezhi is on a bilateral visit to India from October 21 - 25 during which he will also visit Mumbai.

India, Myanmar sign MoU on operationalisation of Sittwe Port

India and Myanmar on October 22, 2018 inked a crucial MoU for the appointment of a private operator of the Sittwe Port that

will boost connectivity and help in creating local job opportunities as the two sides discussed bilateral issues as well as topics

of common interest, including developments in the strife-torn Rakhine state. The MoU was signed by Foreign Secretary Vijay

Gokhale after his meetings with Myanmar‘s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and Union Minister of Transport and

Communications U Thant Sin Maung in Nay Pyi Taw.

The MoU will facilitate the appointment of a private Port Operator for the operation and maintenance of Sittwe Port, Paletwa

Inland Water Terminal and associated facilities that are part of the Kaladan Multi Model Transit Transport Project. The Sittwe

port in Myanmar will connect India‘s landlocked north-east region to the Bay of Bengal through Mizoram. It will also provide

an alternate route to Kolkata.

Gokhale also called on Commander in Chief of the Myanmar Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and discussed

issued related to border security, bilateral cooperation, Myanmar‘s peace process as well as the situation in Rakhine state.

Over 720,000 of Myanmar‘s stateless Muslim minority have fled villages in Rakhine state following a military crackdown in

August 2018, taking shelter in refugee camps in Bangladesh.

India‟s coastal communities to get USD 43 million to boost climate resilience

UN-backed Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved USD 43.4 million for enhancing climate resilience for millions of people

living in India‘s coastal communities in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odisha as part of its efforts to combat extreme

impacts of climate change. The grant is a part of more than USD 1 billion approved by GCF for 19 new projects to help

developing countries tackle climate change.

The 21st meeting of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board ended in Bahrain‘s capital Manama on October 21, 2018, approving

over one billion dollars of new projects and programmes to support climate action in developing countries, and formally

launching its first replenishment.



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The Government of India will finance an additional USD 86.8 million toward the new project to mainstream and accelerate the

impacts of the Green Climate Fund grant. Project activities will focus on the restoration and conservation of over 15,000

hectares of mangroves, coral reefs, seagrasses and saltmarshes.

ndia ranked 58th on World Economic Forum‟s global competitiveness index

India has been ranked as the 58th

most competitive economy on the World Economic Forum‘s global competitiveness index

for 2018, which was topped by the US. India was ranked 58th with a score of 62.0 in the latest Global Competitiveness Report.

On the list of 140 economies, the US is followed by Singapore and Germany at the second and the third positions

respectively. Other countries in the top 10 include, Switzerland (4th), Japan (5th), Netherlands (6th), Hong Kong (7th), United

Kingdom (8th), Sweden (9th) and Denmark (10th).

The World Economic Forum‘s Global Competitiveness Index 4.0 is a composite indicator that assesses the set of factors that

determine an economy‘s level of productivity - widely considered as the most important determinant of long-term growth.

The GCI 4.0 framework is built around 12 main drivers of productivity -- Institutions, Infrastructure; Technological readiness;

Macroeconomic context; Health; Education and skills; Product market; Labour market; Financial system; Market size; Business

dynamism; and Innovation.

India has second highest insurance gap of $27 bn: Lloyd‟s of London

India has the second largest insurance gap in the world of USD 27 billion (in absolute terms) after China, where the

underinsurance or insurance gap is over USD 76 billion, according to a Lloyd‘s of London‘s report released on October 22,

2018. Global underinsurance stands at USD 162.5 billion in 2018.

Underinsurance is the gap between the level of insurance in place to cover global risks and the actual cost to businesses and

governments of rebuilding and recovering from major catastrophes.

Bangladesh leads the developing nations, which have the biggest gap, in terms of under penetration, followed by India,

Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Egypt and Nigeria, each of which have an insurance penetration rate of less than 1 per

cent.

Bangladesh, which has the highest expected annual loss from natural disasters, is the most underinsured country and also the

largest insurance gap relative to GDP at 2.1 per cent, followed by Indonesia at 1.4 per cent of GDP, and The Philippines at 1.3

per cent.

Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe meets PM Modi

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 20, 2018 met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the

Hyderabad House in New Delhi, as part of the engagements of his three-day official visit to India Earlier on October 20,

Wickremesinghe separately met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Home Minister Rajnath Singh. On October 19,

Wickremesinghe met with several Congress leaders, including party president Rahul Gandhi. The visit of the Sri Lankan leader

came close on the heels of a media report that Maithripala Sirisena, the President of the island nation, accused India of

hatching a plot to assassinate him. However, Sirisena himself categorically rejected the report on October 17 and hours later

had a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Modi.

India, Croatia sign agreements on cultural and diplomatic cooperation

India and Croatia signed two agreements on October 22, 2018 to strengthen cultural and diplomatic cooperation between the

two countries. The agreements were signed following meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Deputy



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Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Croatia Marija Pejčinović Buric in New Delhi. Both leaders discussed ways to step up

cooperation in trade and investment, health, science and technology, education, tourism and culture. The Croatian Deputy

Prime Minister was on a three-day visit to India from October 20 to 22.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman attends ADMM-Plus in Singapore

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on October 19, 2018 held a series of bilateral meetings with her counterparts from

ASEAN nations and US Defence Secretary James Mattis on the sidelines of ASEAN Defence Ministers‘ Meet in Singapore.

Defence Ministers from ASEAN countries and that of Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the US

had gathered in Singapore for the 12th

ASEAN Defence Ministers‘ Meeting (ADMM) and the 5th

ADMM-Plus, which was

hosted by Singapore.

Armies of India, China to hold military exercise „Hand in Hand‟ in December

The armies of India and China will resume their annual bilateral military exercise ‗Hand in Hand‘ in December. The drill will be

held in China. The last ‗Hand-in-Hand‘ exercise took place in Pune in 2016. However, the drill did not take place in 2017 due

to tensions between the two armies over Doklam, where the forces of India and China were locked in a 73-day stand-off.

Doklam, in the Sikkim sector, is a strategically important area which is claimed by Bhutan. India has been acting as security

guarantor to the tiny country in the sensitive region.

Armies of India and Japan to hold „Dharma Guardian” exercise in Mizoram

Armies of India and Japan will hold their first ever joint exercise ‗Dharma Guardian‖ from November 1 at a jungle warfare

school in Mizoram‘s Vairengte with a focus on strengthening counter-terror cooperation. The focus of the two-week-long

exercise ‗Dharma Guardian‖ will be to increase interoperability between the two forces and enhance coordination in dealing

with various security challenges.

India, UAE decide to boost defence ties

India and the United Arab Emirates on October 16, 2018 agreed to deepen their defence cooperation in a range of areas

including military-to-military exchanges, training of personnel and defence production. The decision was taken during talks

between Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the UAE‘s Minister of State for Defence Affairs Mohammed Ahmed Al

Bowardi Al Falacy in New Delhi. About 2.6 million-strong Indian community forms the largest expatriate group in the UAE.

India, Tanzania decide to ramp up bilateral cooperation in diverse sectors

India and Tanzania on October 16, 2018 decided to expand cooperation in areas of blue economy, cyber security, trade and

investment and exploration of mineral resources. In their talks in New Delhi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her

Tanzanian counterpart Augustine P. Mahiga also agreed to consider an investment treaty, an extradition pact and an

agreement on mutual legal assistance. The talks were as part of the ninth session of the India-Tanzania Joint Commission on

Trade, Scientific and Technical Cooperation.



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Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) organised in Brussels

The 12th

Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) was organised by the European Union in Brussels, Belgium on October 18-19, 2018.

Theme was ‗Europe and Asia: Global Partners for Global Challenges‘. The objective was to strengthen dialogue and

cooperation between the two continents on a wide range of areas. The ASEM summit brought together heads of state or

government of 51 European and Asian countries. Leaders sought to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the two

continents on a wide range of areas, including: trade & investment, connectivity, sustainable development and climate,

security challenges such as terrorism, non-proliferation, cyber-security and irregular migration. Indian delegation to the

Summit was led by Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu.

Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa to form new govt in Bhutan

The Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) will form new government in Bhutan. The party has won 30 seats in 47-member National

Assembly, the lower house of the parliament. The Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) has got remaining 17 seats. The Election

Commission of Bhutan announced the results of parliamentary election held on October 18, 2018. According to the

commission 71.46 percent polling was recorded in the country‘s third general election. This is the first time in Bhutan‘s decade

old parliamentary democracy that a new party has been chosen to form the government. In last two elections the Bhutanese

electorates had stuck with the two old parties DPT and People‘s Democratic Party (PDP).

United States merges embassy and consulate general in Jerusalem

United States Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo announced the merging of the US Embassy and US Consulate General in

Jerusalem into a single diplomatic mission on October 18, 2018. This announcement comes over five months after the

inauguration of the US Embassy to Israel in Jerusalem.

US to exit Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces treaty with Russia

President Donald Trump on October 21, 2018 confirmed that the US will pull out of the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces

(INF) treaty that it had signed with Russia during the Cold War and alleged that Moscow has ―violated‖ the agreement. The

INF treaty was signed between the then US president Ronald Reagan and his USSR counterpart Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987 on

the elimination of intermediate-range and shorter-range missiles. It eliminates all nuclear and conventional missiles, as well as

their launchers, with ranges of 5001,000 kilometers (short-range) and 1,0005,500 km (intermediate-range).

US announces withdrawal from UN‟s Universal Postal Union

The US on October 17, 2018 announced its intent to withdraw from the UN Universal Postal Union (UPU), arguing that the

current system that governs international postal rates allows countries like China to provide subsidies to their postal

companies to ship products to the US at cheaper rates thus putting American firms at a disadvantage.

139th assembly of the IPU held in Geneva

The 139th

Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) was held in Geneva from October 14 to 18, 2018. The Indian

parliamentary delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan participated. A coordination meeting of Asian

Parliamentary Assembly (APA) was also held on the sidelines of IPU. Shiv Sena MP Anil Desai represented the Indian

delegation in the meeting.



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Pak-Russia Joint Training Exercise „Druzhba-III‟ being held in Pakistan

A Russian Army contingent arrived in Islamabad on October 22, 2018 to take part in the third edition of a joint bilateral

military training exercise ‗Druzhba-III‘. The two armies will be holding joint military drills in the mountains of north-western

Pakistan which will continue till November 4. Pakistan Army said that the third exercise was part of the Pak-Russia bilateral

training cooperation.

UAE, US holding „Iron Magic 19‟ joint military exercise

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the US on October 22, 2018 kicked off two-week military exercise ―Iron Magic 19‖, which

is part of a series of joint military exercises throughout the year between the UAE armed forces and the armed forces of other

countries. The exercise seeks to reinforce cooperation, joint actions and exchange of expertise in military areas.

EU, Bill Gates launch $115mn clean energy fund in Europe

The European Commission and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, an investment fund led by Microsoft Corporation co-founder

Bill Gates, launched on October 17, 2018 a joint project to foster innovation in the energy sector in order to tackle climate

change. The new investment fund is named Breakthrough Energy Europe (BEE). ―With a capitalization of 100 million euros

($115 million), BEE will give a strong signal to markets and investors that the global transition to a modern clean economy is

here to stay. With this initiative, the Commission takes action to continue leading in the fight against climate change and to

deliver on the Paris Agreement,‖ the Commission said in a statement.

Chinese-made world‟s largest amphibious aircraft completes successful flight

China‘s amphibious aircraft AG600, claimed by Beijing as the world‘s largest, carried out its first take-off and landing on

waters on October 20, 2018. The aircraft was developed and built by the state-owned aircraft giant Aviation Industry

Corporation of China. It stayed airborne for about 15 minutes and was piloted by four crew members. Code-named

―Kunlong‖, the AG600 made its maiden flight at the coastal city at Zhuhai in December 2017.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty observed on October 17

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was observed on October 17, 2018. Its theme was ―Coming together with

those furthest behind to build an inclusive world of universal respect for human rights and dignity‖. Third United Nations

Decade for the Eradication of Poverty (2018–2027) has been launched under the theme ―Accelerating global actions for a

world without poverty‖.

International Day of Rural Women observed on October 15

International Day of Rural Women was observed on October 15, 2018 with its theme as: ―Sustainable infrastructure, services

and social protection for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls‖. Globally, with few exceptions,

every gender and development indicator for which data are available reveals that rural women fare worse than rural men and

urban women, and that they disproportionately experience poverty, exclusion and the effects of climate change. The day was

celebrated as Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas in India.

NEWSMAKERS

Anwar Ibrahim enters Malaysian Parliament



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Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as a member of Malaysia‘s parliament after winning a by-election. Anwar, a former dissident, was

previously jailed on bogus sodomy charges. He is expected to become prime minister when Mahathir Mohamad, the 93-year-

old incumbent, resigns.

Paul Biya wins seventh presidential term in Cameroon

Paul Biya, who has ruled Cameroon with an iron fist since 1982, has won a landslide victory in the presidential election results

showed in capital Yaoundé on October 22, 2018. Biya had won 71.3 per cent of the ballot in the October 7 election.

Opposition challenger Maurice Kamto was a far second with 14.2 percent of the vote. Voting was disrupted in Francophone

Cameroon‘s two English-speaking regions, where a separatist movement has unleashed a brutal government crackdown.

Saudi journalist Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi killed in Saudi consulate in Istanbul

Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi was reported killed in Turkey in october 2018. He entered the Saudi Arabian

consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018, but did not leave the building. Khashoggi fled Saudi Arabia in September 2017 and

went into self-imposed exile. He wrote newspaper articles critical of the Saudi government. Khashoggi had been sharply

critical of Saudi Arabia‘s crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman, and the country‘s king, Salman of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi

Arabian government on October 20 admitted that Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate, claiming he had been strangled

to death after a fight had broken out.

Norwegian Joachim Ronneberg who thwarted Nazi nuclear plan dies

Norwegian resistance fighter Joachim Ronneberg, who sabotaged Nazi Germany‘s nuclear weapons ambitions during World

War Two, died aged 99 in Oslo on October 21, 2018. Ronneberg led a five-man team that daringly blew up a factory

producing heavy water, depriving Nazi Germany of a key ingredient it could have used to make nuclear weapons. He was

recruited by the Special Operations Executive (SOE) -- Britain‘s wartime intelligence gathering and sabotage unit -- to destroy

parts of the heavily guarded plant in Telemark, Norway, in a raid in February 1943. Operation Gunnerside was immortalized in

the 1965 Hollywood film ―Heroes of Telemark‖, starring Kirk Douglas.

2008 Nobel Chemistry laureate Osamu Shimomura dies at 90

Osamu Shimomura, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2008, died at the age of 90 in Tokyo on October 19, 2018.

Shimomura and two American scientists shared the 2008 Nobel Prize for the discovery and development of a jellyfish protein

that later contributed to cancer studies.

Former Dutch Prime Minister Wim Kok dies at 80

Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands Wim Kok, a trade unionist-turned-politician who inspired a new breed of pragmatic

Social Democratic leaders who swept to power in Europe in the 1990s, died at 80 in The Hague on October 20, 2018. He was

leader of the Labour Party (PvdA) and served as Prime Minister from 1994 to 2002.

„Harold & Kumar‟ director Danny Leiner dies at 57

Danny Leiner, best known for directing films like ―Dude, Where‘s My Car‖ and ―Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle‖, died at

the age of 57 in Los Angeles on October 21, 2018.

Legendary Istanbul photographer Ara Guler dies aged 90

Legendary Turkish photographer Ara Guler, famed for iconic images of Istanbul which captured almost three quarters of a

century of the city‘s history, died aged 90 in Istanbul on October 18, 2018.



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UN‟s Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura to quit in November

UN‘s Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said on October 17, 2018 that he would step down at the end of November for personal

reasons. De Mistura, in the job for more than four years, is the longest serving of three UN mediators.



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Europe, Japan send BepiColombo spacecraft on 7-year journey to Mercury

European and Japanese space agencies said an Ariane 5 rocket successfully lifted a spacecraft carrying two probes into orbit

on October 20, 2018 for a joint mission to Mercury, the closest planet to the sun. The European Space Agency and the Japan

Aerospace Exploration Agency said the unmanned BepiColombo spacecraft successfully separated and was sent into orbit

from French Guiana as planned to begin a seven-year journey to Mercury. The spacecraft is named after Italian scientist

Giuseppe ―Bepi‖ Colombo.

Mercury‘s extreme temperatures, the intense gravity pull of the sun and blistering solar radiation make for difficult conditions.

The BepiColombo spacecraft will have to follow an elliptical path that involves a fly-by of Earth, two of Venus and six of

Mercury itself so it can slow down before arriving at its destination in December 2025.

When it arrives, BepiColombo will release two probes Bepi and Mio that will independently investigate the surface and

magnetic field of Mercury. The probes are designed to cope with temperatures varying from 430 degrees Celsius (806 F) on

the side facing the sun, and -180 degrees Celsius (-292 F) in Mercury‘s shadow. The ESA-developed Bepi will operate in

Mercury‘s inner orbit, and JAXA‘s Mio will be in the outer orbit to gather data that would reveal the internal structure of the

planet, its surface and geological evolution.

Scientists hope to build on the insights gained by NASA‘s Messenger probe, which ended its mission in 2015 after a four-year

orbit of Mercury. The only other spacecraft to visit Mercury was NASA‘s Mariner 10 that flew past the planet in the mid-1970s.

Mercury, which is only slightly larger than Earth‘s moon, has a massive iron core about which little is known. Researchers are

also hoping to learn more about the formation of the solar system from the data gathered by the BepiColombo mission.

CSIR develops affordable Water Disinfection System “Oneer”

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow has developed an

innovative technology for ―Drinking Water Disinfection System‖ with Trade name ―Oneer‖ which was transferred to M/s

Bluebird Water Purifiers, New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister of Science & Technology and Vice-President, CSIR, Dr.

Harsh Vardhan on October 17, 2018. It is useful for continuous treatment of water and eliminates all disease causing

pathogens such as virus, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and cyst to provide safe drinking water to domestic and communities

settings as per National and International standards prescribed for potable water (BIS, WHO etc.).

China launches two more satellites to beef up GPS-style system

China successfully launched twin BeiDou-3 navigation satellites into space on October 15, 2018 to strengthen its satellite

navigation network being built to rival the US‘ Global Positioning System (GPS). The satellites were launched from a Long

March-3B carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan province. Named after the Chinese term for the Big

Dipper, the BeiDou system started serving China in 2000 and the Asia-Pacific region in 2012. The system now covers more

than 50 countries with a total population of more than three billion.



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Section E: AWARDS

9 scientists win 2019 Breakthrough Prize

The Breakthrough Prize Foundation on October 18, 2018 announced nine recipients of the 2019 Breakthrough Prize in

recognition of their important achievements in the fields of fundamental physics, life sciences and mathematics. The

Foundation will award a total of $21 million to the nine winners on November 4.

Sponsors of the Breakthrough Prize Foundation include Google co-founder Sergey Brin, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and

his wife Priscilla Chan, Ma Huateng, founder of China‘s internet giant Tencent, Israeli-Russian entrepreneur and venture

capitalist Yuri Milner and his wife Julia Milner, as well as Anne Wojcicki, an American entrepreneur and the co-founder of the

personal genomics company 23andMe.

Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences

Five scientists won the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for their contributions to finding significant solutions to curing

human diseases.

Frank Bennett from Ionis Pharmaceuticals and Adrian Krainer from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory were recognised for

developing an effective antisense oligonucleotide therapy for children with the neurodegenerative disease of spinal muscular

atrophy.

Angelika Amon from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Howard Hughes Medical Institute won the award

for determining the consequences of aneuploidy, an abnormal chromosome number resulting from chromosome mis-

segregation.

Xiaowei Zhuang with Harvard University and Howard Hughes Medical Institute won the prize for discovering hidden

structures in cells by developing super-resolution imaging, a method that transcends the fundamental spatial resolution limit

of light microscopy.

Zhijian ―James‖ Chen from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, was

honoured for elucidating how DNA triggers immune and autoimmune responses from the interior of a cell through the

discovery of the DNA-sensing enzyme cGAS.

Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics

The Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics went to Charles Kane and Eugene Mele from University of Pennsylvania for

their new ideas about topology and symmetry in physics, leading to the prediction of a new class of materials that conduct

electricity only on their surface.

Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics

Vincent Lafforgue from the French National Center for Scientific Research and the Institut Fourie of Universite Grenoble Alpes

was awarded the Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics for groundbreaking contributions to several areas of mathematics, in

particular to the Langlands program in the function field case.

Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics

British astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell from University of Dundee and University of Oxford claimed the Special Breakthrough Prize

in Fundamental Physics for her role in the surprise discovery of pulsars -- an exotic new type of star -- first announced in

February 1968, and for her inspiring scientific leadership over the last five decades.



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Carnot Prize awarded to Union Minister Piyush Goyal in US

Minister of Railways and Coal Piyush Goyal on October 19, 2018 received the University of Pennsylvania‘s Carnot Prize in

energy policy for his leadership in reforming India‘s power sector, spearheading efforts to fast-track electrification of

thousands of remote villages and expanding renewable energy in the country. Goyal was Minister of Power (Independent

Charge) and Minister of New and Renewable Energy (Independent Charge) from May 2014 to September 2017.

Ralph Fiennes to be felicitated with European Achievement in World Cinema Award

Ralph Fiennes will be honoured by European Achievement in World Cinema Award at the European Film Awards 2018. The

announcement was made by The European Film Academy on October 17, 2018. Over the years, Fiennes has featured in many

memorable films such ―The Grand Budapest Hotel‖, ―The English Patient‖ and ―Schindler‘s List‖. Fiennes made his directorial

debut in 2011 with ―Coriolanus‖, the film adaptation of Shakespearean tragedy of the same name.

Northern Irish writer Anna Burns wins 2018 Booker Prize for „Milkman‟

Northern Irish writer Anna Burns on October 17, 2018 won the Man Booker Prize for her novel ‗Milkman‘. The recipient of the

Man Booker Prize gets 52,500 pounds (Rs 50.85 lakh). The winning author also received a designer bound edition of her book

and a further 2,500 pounds for being short-listed. The literary award is open to English-language authors from around the

world. Her novel beat competition from ‗Everything Under‘ by Daisy Johnson, ‗The Long Take‘ by Robin Robertson,

‗Washington Black‘ by Esi Edugyan, ‗The Mars Room‘ by Rachel Kushner and ‗The Overstory‘ by Richard Powers.

US-based Dalit writer Sujatha Gidla wins Shakti Bhatt Prize

US-based Dalit writer Sujatha Gidla on October 21, 2018 won the Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize for her book ―Ants Among

Elephants: An Untouchable Family and the Making of Modern India‖. The other shortlisted books were: ―We That Are Young‖

(Preti Taneja), ―Temporary People‖ (Deepak Unnikrishnan), ―Remnants of a Separation‖ (Aanchal Malhotra), ―The Sensational

Life and Death of Qandeel Baloch‖ (Sanam Maher) and ―How to Travel Light‖ (Shreevatsa Nevatia). The Shakti Bhatt First Book

Prize is funded by the Shakti Bhatt Foundation. It was set up in 2008 in memory of young writer Shakti. It carries a cash prize

of Rs 2 lakh.

Einstein Prize won by Indian American professor Abhay Ashtekar

Over four decades after he began his scientific engagement with gravitational science, Professor Abhay Ashtekar has won the

prestigious Einstein Prize conferred by the American Physical Society (APS). The prize for 2018, which carries an award of

$10,000, has been given ―For numerous and seminal contributions to general relativity, including the theory of black holes,

canonical quantum gravity, and quantum cosmology.‖

Khayyam named for Hridaynath Award for lifetime achievement

Music director Mohammed Zahur Khayyam Hashmi, famous as ‗Khayyam‘, was on October 15, 2018 named for this year‘s

Hridaynath Award for Lifetime Achievement. Instituted by the Hridayesh Arts, the award carries a cash prize of Rs 100,000 and

a memento and shall be conferred by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on October 26. Hridaynath is the only and

youngest brother of the legendary Mangeshkar singer-sisters - Lata, Asha, Usha and Meena, all children of composer,

Deenanath Mangeshkar. In 1981, he composed music for ―Umrao Jaan‖ for which he bagged the National Award.

Bengali film „Mayurakshi‟ wins best feature film at Singapore film festival

Atanu Ghosh‘s Bengali movie ―Mayurakshi‖ won the Best Feature Film Award at the second edition of the Singapore South

Asian International Film Festival (Sg.SAIFF) on October 14, 2018. Miransha Naik won the Best Director award for his debut



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feature in Konkoni, ―Juze‖. The best actor female honour went to Srijana Subba for ―Dying Candle‖, the best actor male went

to Chandra Kiran GK for ―Summer Of Miracles‖.

Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt wins Ustad Chand Khan Lifetime Achievement Award

Grammy-winning Hindustani classical music instrumentalist Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt has been honoured with the annual

Ustad Chand Khan Lifetime Achievement Award by the Sursagar Society of Dilli Gharana in New Delhi on October 22, 2018.

Best known for his Grammy award winning album ―A Meeting by the River‖ with Ry Cooder, Bhatt plays the Mohan Veena

(slide guitar). Sursagar Society was founded in 1940 by Ustad Chand Khan Sahab.

Indian-American Minal Patel Davis awarded Presidential award for combating human trafficking

Minal Patel Davis, an Indian-American woman, received the ‗Presidential Medal for Combating Human Trafficking‘ from US

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in October 2018 for her extraordinary contribution towards combating human trafficking in

Houston.



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RBI issues dissent note against separate regulator for payments system

The Reserve Bank of India has opposed a proposal to set up a separate and independent regulator for the payments industry

in the country.

An inter-ministerial committee set up by the Department of Economic Affairs to finalise amendments to the Payment &

Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007, has proposed the establishment of an Independent Payments Regulatory Board (PRB) to

foster competition and consumer protection, systemic stability, and resilience in the payments sector, which is being driven by

digital payments in the country.

In a four-page dissent note, the RBI has rejected the recommendations stating: ―There is no case of having a regulator for

payment systems outside the RBI,‖ adding that it does welcome changes and is not totally against a new PSS Bill, if required.

―It has to be, however, recognised that changes should not result in the existing foundations being shaken and the potential

creation of disturbances in an otherwise well-functioning and internationally-acclaimed structure as far as India is concerned.‖

Rejecting the government‘s recommendation of having a government-appointed chairperson for the PRB, the banking

regulator has suggested that the responsibility should remain with the RBI Governor. It, however, may comprise three

members nominated by the government and the RBI, respectively, with a casting vote for the governor to ensure smooth

operations of the board.

The RBI has argued that payment systems are a sub-set of currency, which is regulated by the RBI, and that the overarching

impact of monetary policy on payment and settlement systems and vice-versa, provides support for the regulation of

payment systems to be with the monetary authority, aka RBI.

The government had appointed a committee to bring in changes in the legal framework governing the payments sector,

which is a $2 trillion per month industry.

The committee had mentioned that the Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) should look at dispute cases related to the

payments, which have also been rejected.

The RBI has opposed this stating: ―It is not clear why the SAT is being brought in for resolving payment system-related cases,

and more so when exchanges and securities markets are not under the purview of the Payment Systems Bill.‖

RBI eases liquidity norms for banks lending to NBFCs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on October 19, 2018 increased lenders‘ single borrower exposure limit for Non-Banking

Financial Companies (NBFCs) which do not finance infrastructure, to 15 per cent of capital funds.

The single borrower exposure limit has been increased from 10 per cent of capital funds and is effective up to December 31,

2018.

The RBI has also relaxed liquidity norms. With immediate effect, banks will be permitted to also reckon Government securities

held by them up to an amount equal to their incremental outstanding credit to NBFCs and Housing Finance Companies

(HFCs), over and above the amount of credit to NBFCs and HFCs outstanding in their books as on October 19, 2018.



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Liquidity coverage ratio refers to highly liquid assets that financial institutions need to hold in order to meet short-term

obligations.

CVC submits Report of “Top 100 Bank Frauds” to the government

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) on October 17, 2018 formally handed over Analysis Report of ―Top 100 Bank Frauds‖

to the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO,

Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh. The report was handed over by

Vigilance Commissioners T.M. Bhasin and Sharad Kumar.

CVC said the entire exercise was mainly inspired by the rising trend in bank frauds which has become a cause of concern at all

levels. The CVC, through this Report has undertaken a review and analysis of top 100 Bank Frauds in India, as on March 31,

2017. Bhasin expressed the hope that this consolidated report will go a long way in reducing/obviating bank frauds in the

country.

The analysis of the top bank frauds included in the report mainly focuses on modus operandi, amount of money involved,

type of lending, anomalies observed, loopholes that facilitated the fraud, etc. In order to make the report more

comprehensive, the top 100 Bank Frauds have been classified into 13 sectors, namely gems and jewellery,

manufacturing/industry, agro, media, aviation, service/project, discounting of cheques, trading, Information Technology,

export business, fixed deposits, demand-loan, and Letter of Comfort.

RBI releases guidelines for interoperability between prepaid payment instruments (PPIs)

The Reserve Bank of India on October 16, 2018 released the guidelines for interoperability between prepaid payment

instruments (PPIs) such as wallets and cards that will effectively allow users of popular payment wallets such as Paytm,

FreeCharge, Mobikwik, PhonePe and PayZapp, among others, to transfer money from one wallet to another.

Wallets could implement interoperability through the Unified Payment Interface (UPI). Further, the RBI also allowed PPIs to

issue cards using authorised card networks such as MasterCard, Visa or RuPay.

Where PPIs are issued in the form of wallets, interoperability across PPIs shall be enabled through UPI. Where PPIs are issued

in the form of cards, the cards shall be affiliated to the authorised card networks.

IFC launches $1 billion Masala bonds

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has launched Masala bonds worth $1 billion to fund its investment activities in India.

The first tranche of $100 million under the programme, which opened on October 19, 2018 at the London Stock Exchange,

was sold to a range of investors, including asset managers, banks, and a pension fund in the US and Europe.

Masala bonds are rupee-denominated borrowings issued overseas. IFC uses them to raise rupee funds overseas, and brings

the proceeds to India for investments. IFC pioneered the Masala Bond Programme in October 2013 to support capital market

development and to provide rupee financing for investment activities in India. The name Masala was chosen to give the

bonds a strong Indian flavour.

India has been taking a series of steps to support Masala bonds. In September 2018, Indian authorities exempted withholding

tax on these bonds. The Reserve Bank of India has permitted banks to issue Masala bonds overseas for their capital

requirements and to finance infrastructure and affordable housing.



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Section G: ECONOMY

CBDT releases Direct Tax Statistics

Data released by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on October 22, 2018 showed constant growth in direct tax-GDP

ratio over last three years.

The CBDT has released time-series data as updated up to FY 2017-18 and income-distribution data for AY 2016-17 and AY

2017-18. The key highlights of these statistics are as under:

Direct tax-GDP ratio: There is a constant growth in direct tax-GDP ratio over last three years and the ratio of 5.98% in FY

2017-18 is the best DT-GDP ratio in last 10 years.

Number of returns filed: There is a growth of more than 80% in the number of returns filed in the last four financial years

from 3.79 crore in FY 2013-14 (base year) to 6.85 crore in FY 2017-18. The number of persons filing return of income has also

increased by about 65% during this period from 3.31 crore in FY 2013-14 to 5.44 crore in FY 2017-18.

Total amount of income declared by all taxpayers: There has been continuous increase in the amount of income

declared in the returns filed by all categories of taxpayers over the last three Assessment Years (AYs). For AY 2014-15,

corresponding to FY 2013-14 (base year), the return filers had declared gross total income of Rs.26.92 lakh crore, which has

increased by 67% to Rs.44.88 lakh crore for AY 2017-18, showing higher level of compliance resulting from various legislative

and administrative measures taken by the Government, including effective enforcement measures against tax evasion.

Taxpayers with annual income above Rs. 1 crore: The total number of taxpayers (including corporates, firms, HUFs,

etc.) showing income of above Rs. 1 crore has also registered sharp increase over the three-year horizon. While 88,649

taxpayers disclosed income above Rs. 1 crore in AY 2014-15, the figure was 1,40,139 for AY 2017-18 (growth of about 60%).

Similarly, the number of individual taxpayers disclosing income above Rs. 1 crore increased during the period under reference

from 48,416 to 81,344, which translates into a growth of 68%.

Average tax paid by corporate taxpayers: The average tax paid by corporate taxpayers has increased from Rs.32.28

lakh in AY 2014-15 to Rs.49.95 lakh in AY 2017-18 (growth of 55%). There is also an increase of 26% in the average tax paid by

individual taxpayers from Rs.46,377/- in AY 2014-15 to Rs.58,576/- in AY 2017-18.

Number of salaried and non-salaried taxpayers: During the three-year period under reference, the number of salaried

taxpayers has increased from 1.70 crore for AY 2014-15 to 2.33 crore for AY 2017-18 (up by 37%). The average income

declared by the salaried taxpayers has gone up by 19% from Rs.5.76 lakh to Rs.6.84 lakh. During the same period, there has

also been a growth of 19% in the number of non-salaried individual taxpayers from 1.95 crore to 2.33 crore and the average

non-salary income declared has increased by 27% from Rs. 4.11 lakh in AY 2014-15 to Rs. 5.23 lakh in AY 2017-18.

Forex reserves decline $5.143 bn to USD 394.465 bn

The continuing fall of the rupee has had its impact on foreign exchange reserves, which plunged by USD 5.143 billion to USD

394.465 billion during the week to October 12 on account of decline in foreign currency assets, according to the RBI data

released on October 19, 2018.

Foreign currency assets, a major component of overall reserves, plunged by a whopping USD 5.232 billion to USD 369.999

billion. Expressed in US dollar, foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of the non-US

currencies such as the euro, the pound and the yen held in the reserves.



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Gold reserves rose by USD 71.4 million to USD 20.522 billion in the reporting week.

The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was up by USD 6.4 million to USD 1.472 billion.

The country‘s reserve position with the IMF also rose by USD 10.7 million to USD 2.471 billion.

Commerce & Industry Ministry unveils merchandise trade data for April-September

The Commerce & Industry Ministry unveiled the merchandise trade data for April-September on October 15, 2018.

Cumulative value of exports for the period April-September 2018-19 was US $ 164.04 Billion (Rs.11,25,305.44 Crore) as against

US $ 145.75 Billion (Rs.9,38,307.83 Crore) during the period April-September 2017-18, registering a positive growth of

12.54per cent in Dollar terms (19.93per cent in Rupee terms).

Cumulative value of imports for the period April-September 2018-19 was US $ 258.36 Billion (Rs.17,72,283.63Crore), as against

US $ 222.42 Billion (Rs.14,31,823.75 Crore) during the period April-September 2017-18, registering a positive growth of

16.16per cent in Dollar terms (23.78 per cent in Rupee terms).

Merchandise Trade deficit during April-September 2018 is USD 94.32 Billion.

NITI Aayog launches guidelines for PPP in treatment of non-communicable diseases

The Centre laid down guidelines for facilitating the entry of private sector in the healthcare sector for treatment of treatment

of non-communicable diseases at the district-level, through the public-private partnership (PPP) models, on October 17, 2018.

NITI Aayog, with technical assistance from the World Bank, has charted out guidelines for PPP that States can choose to opt

for, as health is a State subject.

The decision to create model concessionaire agreements (MCA) for PPP in health sector was taken in March 2016 by Prime

Minister Narendra Modi. The centre of the MCAs is the district hospitals and the focus is on preventing, diagnosing and

treating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart and lung diseases and cancer in tier-II and III cities.

Different models

Four PPP models— Management of Contract; Purchasing of Services; Build, Operate and Transfer Model; or a Co-location

Model — have been proposed.

Under the Management of Contract model, the State government will bring in a private partner for a period of 10-15 years to

invest in equipping the government facility, hiring human resources and managing the facility, while government will

reimburse the private partner.

In the Purchasing of Services model, the State government will identify medical and surgical procedures that a private partner

will carry out and the government will pay or co-pay the costs. This will be for a period of one to three years.

In the Build, Operate and Transfer model, the private partner will have vacant land offered by the government for 30 years or

more and will finance the project. The government will allow patients to be charged by the private facility, termed as ‗user

fee‘.



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The Co-location model will involve government allowing a private partner to set up a separate facility through private

investment within an existing government hospital premise for a duration of 15 years with a renewal option and it will allow

the private facility to charge patients.

Power Ministry launches award scheme under „Saubhagya‟

RK Singh, Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy on October 15, 2018 announced an award scheme

under Saubhagya (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana) to felicitate the DISCOMs/Power Department of the States and

their employees for achieving 100 per cent household electrification in their area of operations. Government of India launched

Saubhagya in September 2017 to achieve the goal of universal household electrification in the country by 31st March 2019.

Eight States which have already achieved more than 99 per cent household electrification prior to launch of Saubhagya

(Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab and Tamil Nadu), are ineligible for participation

under the award scheme. All the remaining States and their Discoms are eligible for the award.

Award will be given in three categories, (i) DISCOMs/Power Departments of Special Category States (which includes seven

North Eastern States, Sikkim, J&K and Uttarakhand); (ii) DISCOMs/Power Departments of other than Special Category States

(which includes Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana, Uttar

Pradesh and West Bengal)having more than 5 Lakh un-electrified households and (iii) DISCOMs/Power Departments of other

than Special Category States having less than 5 Lakh un-electrified households.

SC bars States from diverting money from CAMPA funds

The Supreme Court has barred State governments from diverting money from their Compensatory Afforestation and

Management Planning Authority (CAMPA) funds meant for environmental protection, rehabilitation of displaced persons due

to issues like depletion of forest, mining, etc. The apex court‘s order came after realising that the Punjab government took

Rs.1.11 crore from CAMPA funds and to pay its lawyers and other legal expenses. A Bench of Justices Madan B. Lokur, S.

Abdul Nazeer and Deepak Gupta, on October 1, ordered the Punjab government to reimburse Rs.1,11,01,420 to its CAMPA

funds within a fortnight. The court discovered the diversion of funds from a document prepared by the Principal Chief

Conservator of Forests, Punjab, and placed on record before the Bench.

India attracted $22 bn of FDI flows in first half of 2018: UNCTAD

The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) released its ‗Investment Trends Monitor‘ report on October 16,

2018. According to the report India attracted $22 billion of FDI ((foreign direct investment)) flows in the first half of 2018. The

report added that the global FDI dropped by 41 per cent in the same period due to tax reforms carried out by the Trump

administration. China was the largest recipient of FDI, attracting an estimated $70 billion in inflows in the first half of the year,

followed by the UK with $65.5 billion, the US with $46.5 billion, The Netherlands at $44.8 billion, Australia with $36.1 billion,

Singapore got $34.7 billion and Brazil received $25.5 billion.

Govt hikes General Provident Fund interest rate to 8% for Oct-Dec quarter

The government has increased the rate of interest for General Provident Fund (GPF) and other related schemes by 0.4

percentage points to 8 per cent for the October-December quarter. The rate is in line with that for Public Provident Fund. The

interest rate on GPF was 7.6 per cent for the July-September quarter of 2018-19. The interest rate would apply on Provident

Funds of central government employees, railways and defence forces. In September 2018, the government announced that

the interest on small savings, including NSC and PPF, will be hiked by up to 0.4 percentage point for the October-December

quarter, to align it with rising deposit rates in the banks.

WPI inflation rises to 5.13% on costlier fuel, hardening of food prices



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Inflation-based on wholesale prices spiked to a two-month high of 5.13 per cent in September 2018, mainly due to hardening

of food prices as well as rise in cost of petrol and diesel. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation stood at 4.53 per

cent in August 2018 and 3.14 per cent in September 2017. This was disclosed in govt. data released on October 15, 2018.



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Worldsteel elects Sajjan Jindal as treasurer, Mittal, Narendran as members

Global body World Steel Association (worldsteel) on October 17, 2018 elected JSW Steel CMD Sajjan Jindal as its Treasurer for

2018-19. The association has also appointed Tata Steel MD T V Narendran and ArcelorMittal Chief L N Mittal as its members.

This was done at the worldsteel General Assembly in Tokyo, Japan. The board elected Andre Johannpeter, Executive VC of

Gerdau S A, as the Chairman. YU Yong (Chairman HBIS Group) and Kosei Shindo (Representative Director, Nippon Steel and

Sumitomo Metal Corporation) have been elected to the post of Vice-Chairman. The worldsteel members represent

approximately 85 per cent of the world‘s steel production.

North Central Railways launches apps for its employees, passengers

The North Central Railways (NCR) launched on October 18, 2018 two mobile apps, ‗NCR RASTA‘ and ‗Yatri RASTA‘, for its

employees and passengers, respectively, for locating assets and stations. NCR RASTA is NCR Railway Assets Summerised

Tracking Application while Yatri RASTA is Yatri Railway Approach to Station Tracking Application. The ‗NCR RASTA‘ app is for

the use of railway officers and staff and has exact mapping of all railway assets. Likewise, the ‗Yatri RASTA‘ app will allow

general public to locate the railway stations easily.

Infosys Foundation launches Aarohan Social Innovation Awards

Infosys Foundation, the philanthropic and CSR arm of Infosys, on October 8, 2018 announced the launch of the Aarohan

Social Innovation Awards, to catalyze social innovation in India. The Aarohan Social Innovation Awards seek to recognize and

reward individuals, teams or NGOs that are developing unique solutions for the social sector that have the potential to

positively impact the underprivileged in India, at scale. The awards will accept submissions across six categories: Healthcare,

Rural Development, Destitute Care, Women‘s Safety & Empowerment, Education & Sports and Sustainability.

Samsung launches flagship Galaxy Tab S4 for Rs 57,900 in India

Samsung on October 18, 2018 launched in India its flagship tablet, Galaxy Tab S4, a new two-in-one Android tablet that

comes equipped with Samsung Dex and S Pen for Rs 57,900. Galaxy Tab S4 sports narrower bezels to fit a 10.5-inch display

with Super AMOLED technology, as well as a 16:10 screen ratio. Powered by a 7,300mAh battery, Galaxy Tab S4 also comes

with four speakers tuned by AKG and Dolby Atmos immersive sound technology.

Hero MotoCorp forays into 125-cc scooter segment with Destini 125

The country‘s largest two wheeler maker Hero MotoCorp on October 22, 2018 forayed into the 125-cc scooter segment with

the launch Destini 125. The new model comes with two variants priced at Rs 54,650 and Rs 57,500, respectively (ex-

showroom). It will compete with the likes of Suzuki Access 125, Honda Activa and Grazia, and TVS NTorq.

US retailer Sears filed for bankruptcy

United States-based Sears filed for bankruptcy protection following a long run of losses. The retailer, which revolutionised

shopping in the late 19th century with its mail-order catalogue and helped pioneer shopping malls in the mid-20th century, is

to close a further 142 stores, including its Kmart brand. It applied for Chapter 11 as the bills piled up from suppliers, some 200

of which have stopped shipping their products to the company.

Nissan Motor India unveils Kicks SUV

Nissan Motor India on October 19, 2018 unveiled sport utility vehicle (SUV) Kicks in India.



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RIL buys stake in Den, Hathway for Rs.5,230 crore

Reliance Industries Ltd has acquired a controlling stake in Den Networks and Hathway Cable for Rs.5,230 crore. This will give

Reliance access to 25 million homes for its wired broadband services.

ArcelorMittal to clear Uttam, Petron debt

In order to make itself eligible to bid for the assets of Essar Steel India, the board of ArcelorMittal has approved a payment of

Rs.7,469 crore to clear the dues of Uttam Galva and KSS Petron. Essar Steel‘s Committee of Creditors will now have an eight-

week window to accept the best resolution plan from eligible applicants.

NEWSMAKERS

Welspun Group Chairman Balkrishan Goenka is new Assocham president

Welspun Group Chairman Balkrishan Goenka on October 17, 2018 assumed charge as the President of industry chamber

Assocham. In a statement issued by the chamber, Goenka shared that Assocham has formulated a new vision called ‗4-SIGHT‘

based on the four pillars of entrepreneurship, digitisation, women empowerment and sustainability. Besides, Hiranandani

Group Co-Founder and MD Niranjan Hiranandani is the new Senior Vice President of Assocham.

Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, dies at 65

Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with Bill Gates, died at the age of 65 on October 15, 2018. Gates and Allen co-founded

Microsoft in 1975, which helped spark the microcomputer revolution and later became the largest PC software company in

the world. Allen was the founder and Chairman of Vulcan Inc., which managed his various business and philanthropic efforts.

Medtronic co-founder Earl Bakken dies in Hawaii at age 94

Medtronic co-founder Earl Bakken died in Minneapolis (US) on October 22, 2018 at the age of 94. Medtronic is one of the

world‘s largest medical device companies started by Bakken in 1949. Bakken developed the first external battery-powered,

transistorized heart pacemaker and commercialised the first implantable pacemaker in 1960. Bakken and his brother-in-law,

Palmer Hermundslie, grew Medtronic from garage-based operation in Minneapolis to a MNC medical technology company.

Manasi Kirloskar appointed first UN in India Young Business Champion for the SDGs

Manasi Kirloskar, Executive Director and CEO, Kirloskar Systems Limited, has been appointed as the first United Nations in

India Young Business Champion for the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). She will focus on the role of business in

development, and work with the UN on issues such as climate change, plastic, waste and women empowerment. She will play

an enabling role in driving the objectives of the UN-India Business Forum (UNIBF). As part of the UN‘s efforts to accelerate

growth and achieve the SDGs, the UN in India launched in 2017 the UNIBF, a ground-breaking alliance of India‘s key

economic influencers, aimed at addressing the country‘s most urgent development challenges and unlocking opportunities to

innovate at scale.

AirAsia India appoints Tata group veteran Sunil Bhaskaran as MD and CEO

No-frills airline AirAsia India has appointed Tata group veteran Sunil Bhaskaran as chief executive officer and managing

director. The airline is a joint venture between Tata Sons and Malaysia‘s AirAsia Berhad.

Nokia appoints Alia Bhatt as brand ambassador in India



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HMD Global, which designs and sells phones under the Nokia brand, on October 15, 2018 appointed Bollywood actress Alia

Bhatt as the ‗face of Nokia phones‘ in India.



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Section I: STATES

Bihar‟s Shahi litchi gets GI tag

After Katrani rice, Jardalu mango and Magahi paan (betel vine), Bihar‘s Shahi litchi has got the Geographical Indication (GI) tag

and has become an exclusive brand in the national and international market. This was announced by the National Research

Centre on Litchi (NRCL) in Patna on October 18, 2018.

The famous Shahi litchi, which is famous for its sweet, juicy, unique flavour and aroma, is mostly grown in Muzaffarpur and

neighbouring districts including East Champaran, Vaishali, Samastipur and Begusarai. The GI tag to Shahi litchi is likely will

boost up its demand in the market and will minimise the fear of fake and poor quality litchis. Bihar produces 40 per cent of

the litchi grown in the country on 38 per cent of the area.

A GI is a name or sign used on certain products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin such as a

town, region, or country. Its use may act as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities due to its geographical

origin.

Four Himalayan peaks in Uttarakhand named after Vajpayee

Four unnamed Himalayan peaks near Gangotri glacier in Uttarakhand have been named after former Prime Minister Atal

Bihari Vajpayee. The peaks are located at 6,557, 6,566, 6,160 and 6,100 metres on the right flank of Gangotri glacier, said

Colonel Amit Bisht, principal of Nehru Institute of Mountaineering and leader of the mountain climbing team which recently

scaled the newly named peaks, on October 20, 2018. The peaks have been named Atal-1, 2, 3 and 4.

61 dead as train mows down Dussehra crowd in Amritsar

At least 61 people were killed and 72 injured on October 19, 2018 evening at Joda Phatak in Amritsar, when a train mowed

down a crowd of Dussehra revellers that had spilled on to the railway track while watching the burning of a Ravana effigy. The

Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) 74943 train was coming from Jalandhar to Amritsar when the incident occurred.

UP Cabinet clears proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet on October 16, 2018 approved a proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj. The decision was

taken at a cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Bhopal Municipal Corporation lists bonds on NSE

Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) on October 16, 2018 listed its bonds on debt market platform of the NSE, becoming the

second municipal corporation in Madhya Pradesh to get listed after Indore. The funds mobilised will be used for

implementation of projects identified under government‘s Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).

Previously, urban bodies like Hyderabad and Pune also listed their bonds on the NSE.

Vishwa Shanti Ahimsa Sammelan organised in Maharashtra

The three-day ‗Vishwa Shanti Ahimsa Sammelan‘ (world peace and non-violence conference) was organised at Mangi Tungi in

Satana taluka, about 125 kilometres from Nashik in Maharashtra from October 22 to 24, 2018. President Ram Nath Kovind

inaugurated the Sammelan organised by the Bhagwan Rishabhdev Murti Nirmaan Samiti on October 22. Mangi Tungi is the

site of the 108-foot tall statue of Jain Tirthankar Bhagwan Rishabhdev. Kovind presented the first international ‗Bhagwan

Rishabhdev Award‘ to Teerthanker Mahaveer University, based in Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh.



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PM lays foundation stone of development works of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Shirdi, Maharashtra on October 19, 2018. He unveiled the plaque to mark the laying of

foundation stone of various development works of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust and released a silver coin to commemorate

Centenary year of Shri Saibaba Samadhi. Modi also handed over the keys to mark the Gruhpravesh of Prime Minister Awas

Yojana- Grameen (PMAY-G) beneficiaries in Maharashtra.

27th fusion energy conference in Gandhinagar on Oct 22

The 27th

Fusion Energy Conference is being organised in Gandhinagar from October 22 to 27, 2018. The six-day event is

organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and hosted by the Department of Atomic Energy and

Gandhinagar-based Institute of Plasma Research. The objective is to provide a forum for the discussion of key physics and

technology issues as well as innovative concepts of direct relevance to the use of nuclear fusion as a source of energy. Among

the participants are international bodies like the ITER Organisation and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom).

Scientists across the world are collaborating to use nuclear fusion, the reaction that powers the Sun and the stars, as source

energy.

NEWSMAKERS

Former UP and Uttarakhand CM Narayan Datt Tiwari dies at 93

Former Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Narayan Datt Tiwari of Congress died in New Delhi at 93 on October 18,

2018. The Congress veteran had served in various positions at the Centre and in states. He was a three-time chief minister of

Uttar Pradesh (1976–77, 1984–85, 1988–89). He was also the Uttarakhand chief minister from 2002-2007. Between 1986 and

1988, he served in Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi‘s cabinet, first as Minister for External Affairs and then as Minister of Finance.

He served as Governor of Andhra Pradesh from 2007 until 2009. He had joined the BJP in January 2018 ahead of Assembly

elections in Uttarakhand. Tiwari was born on October 18, 1925 in Nainital and held a law degree from Allahabad University.

Former Jharkhand minister Devdayal Kushwaha dies at 82

Former Jharkhand minister Devdayal Kushwaha passed away in Ranchi on October 17, 2018 at the age of 82. Kushwaha won

on BJP ticket from Hazaribagh Assembly constituency in 1990, 1995 and 2000 and became a cabinet minister in the erstwhile

Babulal Marandi and Arjun Munda governments.

Veteran Telugu actor Vizag Prasad dies at 75

Telugu film actor Vizag Prasad died in Hyderabad on October 21, 2018 at the age of 75.

Lingayat seer Siddalinga Swami passes away in Karnataka at 69

Lingayat seer Siddalinga Swami passed away at Gadag in Karnataka on October 20, 2018 at the age of 69.

Kerala MLA Abdul Razak dies at 63

Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MLA P. B. Abdul Razak died in Kasargod (Kerala) on October 20, 2018 at the age of 63.

The IUML leader represented Manjeshwaram constituency in the district in the state assembly. He was an MLA since 2011.

IUML is a partner in the Congress-led UDF Opposition in the state.

Odia filmmaker Amiya Ranjan Patnaik dies at 63



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Eminent Odia filmmaker Amiya Ranjan Patnaik passed away in New Delhi on October 19, 2018 at the age of 63. Patnaik

produced movies such as ‗Pardesi Babu‘, ‗Mamata Mage Mula‘, ‗Hakim Babu‘, ‗Pua Moro Kalathakura‘ and ‗Tulasi Apa‘.

Two Goa Congress MLAs resign, join BJP

Two Goa Congress MLAs Subhash Shirodkar and Dayanand Sopte joined BJP in New Delhi on October 16, 2018. Shirodkar

was an MLA from the Shiroda constituency while Sopte was an MLA from Mandrem.



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Section J: SPORTS

Russia tops medals tally at Youth Olympics

Russia topped the medals tally with 29 golds, 18 silver and 12 bronze medals at the Youth Olympic Games organised in

Buenos Aires from October 6 to 18, 2018. Japan followed with 39 (15-12-12), China with 36 (18-9-9), Italy with 34 (11-10-13),

France with 27 (5-15-7), Argentina with 26 (11 -6-9) and Hungary with 24 (12-7-5). India was 17th

with 3 gold medals, 9 silver

medals and 1 bronze medal. India‘s gold medals were won by Jeremy Lalrinnunga in Weightlifting in Boys‘ 62 kg, Manu

Bhaker in Shooting in Girls‘ 10 metre air pistol and Saurabh Chaudhary in Shooting in Boys‘ 10 metre air pistol. The Indian

men‘s and women‘s hockey teams went down in their respective finals but managed to script history by picking up their

maiden silver medals in the five-a-side competition. While the men lost 2-4 to Malaysia, the women‘s team suffered a 1-3

defeat at the hands of Argentina.

Pune joins as new franchise of Premier Badminton League

Pune was on October 5, 2018 named as the new franchise of the Premier Badminton League, making the event a nine-team

affair from this season. The Badminton Association of India (BAI) has introduced the new team for the fourth edition of the

league. The Pune team has been named as Pune Seven Aces and is owned by actress Taapsee Pannu and KRI. BAI President

and Chairman PBL Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the upcoming season will be held from December 22 to January 13, 2019

and will be played across five cities, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Bengaluru. The league, which offers a prize

purse of Rs 6 crore, was an eight-team competition in 2017 with Delhi Dashers (Delhi), Mumbai Rockets (Mumbai), Awadhe

Warriors (Lucknow), Hyderabad Hunters (Hyderabad), Chennai Smashers (Chennai), Bengaluru Raptors (Bengaluru)

Ahmedabad Smash Masters (Ahmedabad) and North Eastern Warriors (North East) fighting for the top honours.

Kento Momota, Tai Tzu-ying clinch singles titles at Denmark Open Badminton

Japan‘s Kento Momota clinched the Men‟s Singles title at the Denmark Open at Odense on October 21, 2018 defeating Chou

Tien-chen of Chinese Taipei in the final 22-20, 16-21, 21-15. Tai Tzu-ying of Chinese Taipei beat Saina Nehwal 13-21, 21-13,

21-13, 13-21, 21-6 in final to win Women‟s Singles title. Women‟s Doubles title was won by Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka

Hirota who beat Shiho Tanaka and Koharu Yonemoto 21-19, 21-16 in an all-Japan final. Men‟s Doubles title was won by

Indonesia‘s Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo who defeated Japan‘s Takeshi Kamura and Keigo Sonoda in

the final 21-15, 21-16. China‘s Zheng Siwei & Huang Yaqiong defeated Thailand‘s Dechapol Puavaranukroh & Sapsiree

Taerattanachai 21-16, 21-13 in final to win Mixed Doubles title.

Daria Kasatkina wins women‟s singles title at Kremlin Cup tennis

Russia‘s Daria Kasatkina won the Women‘s Singles title at Kremlin Cup tennis in Moscow on October 21, 2018. She defeated

Ons Jabeur of Tunisia in the final 2-6, 7-6 (3), 6-4.

Lewis Hamilton wins Formula 1 US Grand Prix

Ferrari‘s Kimi Raikkonen won the Formula 1 US Grand Prix at Austin on October 22, 2018 followed by Max Verstappen of Red

Bull and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes in second and third places respectively.

Tsehay Gemechu and Andamalak Belihu win races at Delhi Half Marathon

Ethiopians Tsehay Gemechu and Andamalak Belihu won the Women‘s and Men‘s titles at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon on

October 21, 2018. Gemechu clocked 1:06:50 while Belihu won in 59:18. Abhishek Pal was the fastest male Indian runner in

1:04:13 while Sanjivani Jadhav was the fastest among women in 1:13:58. Both Gemechu and Belihu pocketed the identical

winners‘ cheque of USD 27,000. Gemechu also won an additional USD 10,000 for setting a new course record.



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Kebede, Munkhzaya wins races at Xi‟an international marathon

Liyew Kebede of Ethiopia won the men‘s race in the Xi‘an international marathon in China on October 20, 2018. Kebede

finished in 2:16:40. In the women‘s group, Bayartsogt Munkhzaya of Mongolia was crowned with a time of 2:31:01.

Former AFC general secretary Peter Velappan dies at 83

Former Asian Football Confederation (AFC) general secretary Peter Velappan died at the age of 83 in Kuala Lumpur on

October 20, 2018. In 1978, Velappan became the AFC General Secretary during a time of its rapid expansion and development

for the organization and for football in Asia, which hosted its first FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea in 2002 during his

time in office. He was coordination director for the Organizing Committee and received FIFA‘s distinguished service award for

his 30 years of valuable contribution to the sport in 2002.

Mumbai beat Delhi to lift Vijay Hazare Trophy title

Mumbai defeated Delhi by four wickets to win the Vijay Hazare Trophy title at M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru on

October 20, 2018. Opting to bowl after winning the toss, pacers, Mumbai bowled out Delhi for a paltry 177 in 45.4 overs.

Mumbai made 180/6 in 35 overs. Gautam Gambhir was captain of Delhi were Mumbai were led by Shreyas Iyer.

India beat West Indies by 8 wickets in first ODI at Guwahati

India rode on skipper Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma‘s centuries to register a comfortable eight-wicket win over the West Indies

in the first One-Day International of the five-match series at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on October 21, 2018.

Brief Scores: West Indies: 322 for eight in 50 overs (Shimron Hetmyer 106, Kieran Powell 51; Yuzvendra Chahal 3/41). India:

326 for two in 42.1 overs (Rohit Sharma 152 not out; Virat Kohli 140; Devendra Bishoo 1/72).

Spain‟s Marc Marquez wins 2018 MotoGP trophy

Spanish rider Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda) won his seventh World Championship title after claiming the 2018 MotoGP

trophy with a thrilling victory at Motegi (Japan) on October 21, 2018. Marquez topped the MotoGP World Standing 2018 with

296 points, followed by Italian rival Andrea Dovizioso (Ducati Team) with 194 points.

FIBA secretary General Patrick Baumann dies at 51

Switzerland‘s Patrick Baumann, the secretary general of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and a member of the

International Olympic Committee (IOC), died in Buenos Aires on October 15, 2018 at the age of 51. Born in Basel, Baumann

was a former basketball player, coach and referee, served as FIBA deputy secretary general from 1995-2002 and then was

appointed to head the organization.



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For the Week: October 23 to 29, 2018

HEADLINES

Section A: INDIA

Govt. constitutes A Group of Ministers to look into sexual harassment at workplace

SC fixes 2-hour period for bursting firecrackers on Diwali, other festivals

SC refers to 5-judge bench plea seeking collegium like system for appointment of CEC, ECs

Vigilance Awareness Week 2018 observed from October 29 to November 3

First indigenously overhauled Su-30MKI handed over to IAF

‗Experiencing North East‘ festival organised in New Delhi

―Main Nahin Hum‖ Portal & App launched for IT professionals to contribute towards social causes

‗Women of India National Organic Festival‘ organised in New Delhi

I&B Ministry waives processing fee for devotional TV channels

DAC approves upgradation of 17 Dornier Aircraft of Indian Coast Guard

4 Indian Institutes of Skills to be set up

SC asks CVC to inquire into allegations against CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma


7 states can register Hindu, Sikhs, Buddhists from Pakistan and Afghan, Bangladesh as Indians

India has most outward migrants in 2017: ADB

Foreigners seeking visa must reveal criminal records now

India, Iran, Afghanistan discuss Chabahar port

China removes import ban on Indian rapeseed meal

US government‘s OPIC commits USD 125 mn to help medium-sized companies in India

Progress of India – Myanmar Transport Connectivity Projects discussed

SIAL Paris exhibition organised in Paris from October 21 to 25

India – Czech Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation held in Prague

International Conference on Status and Protection of Coral Reefs organised in Lakshadweep

First India-China High Level Meeting on Bilateral Security Cooperation held in New Delhi

22nd National Level Meeting held between India and Myanmar in New Delhi

India contributes $300K to UN programme to train commanders

Pakistan SC reimposes ban on Indian content on TV

India, Bangladesh ink milestone pacts for cargo, cruise movements

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visits Indonesia

Saurabh Kumar appointed India‘s ambassador to Myanmar

Amjad Ali Khan and sons perform on UN Day

Section C: WORLD

‗Humanity at Risk: Global Terror Threat Indicant‘ launched by Oxford & Strategic Foresight Group

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena suspends parliament till Nov 16

Pakistan secures $6 billion loan from Saudi Arabia

China‘s president inaugurates world‘s longest bridge connecting Hong Kong with mainland

NATO holds Trident Juncture military exercise in Norway



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South and North Korea finish withdrawing firearms from border village along with UN

United Nations Day observed on October 24

World Development Information Day observed on October 24

World Polio Day observed on October 24

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage observed on October 27

2nd

International Day of Diplomats celebrated in Brasilia

Noted playwright author Ntozake Shange dies in US at 70

Michael D. Higgins re-elected as President of Ireland

Paraguay‘s Clara Sosa crowned Miss Grand International 2018

Sahle-Work Zewde appointed first female President of Ethiopia

Vietnam parliament elects Communist Party chief as president

Adel Abdul Mahdi sworn in as Iraq‘s PM

Former IMF MD Rodrigo Rato begins jail term for corruption in Spain


HRD Minister launches web portals for IMPRESS and SPARC

Nuclear Energy Conclave organised in New Delhi on October 25

IIT-Madras unveils indigenously-developed microprocessor

Section E: AWARDS

Global Agriculture Leadership Awards presented

India wins Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management Award, 2018

Winners of 2018 UN Human Rights Prize announced

PM awarded the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize

Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony for 2014, 2015 & 2016 announced

EU Parliament awards Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to jailed Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov

Benyamin wins first JCB Prize for literature for ―Jasmine Days‖

Margarita Engle wins NSK Neustadt Prize for Children‘s Literature.

Invest India wins UN award for excellence in promoting investments in sustainable development

Sachin Tendulkar gives away prizes to winners of South Asia Regional WASH innovation

Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award conferred on jurist Fali S. Nariman


Insolvency Law Committee calls for adopting UN model on cross-border insolvency

Section G: ECONOMY

Sale of Electoral Bonds announced

BIOFACH INDIA organised in New Delhi on October 25-27

Only Bharat Stage VI compliant vehicles to be sold from April 2020: SC

April-September deficit crosses 95% of target

Forex reserves down by $942 mn to $393.523 bn: RBI

Cabinet approves setting up of an Adjudicating Authority for speedy disposal of benami cases

ASHA facilitators‘ visit charges hiked

CCEA approves Rs 7,522 cr fund for creating infrastructure for fisheries sector

Govt allows sale of 25% of actual output from coal mines in open market



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IRS officer Sanjay Kumar Mishra appointed new Director of Enforcement Directorate


India Mobile Congress 2018 organised in New Delhi

Henley Index: Japanese passport now world‘s most powerful

United Nations Young Changemakers Conclave held in Mumbai

Hyundai tops customer satisfaction survey

Israel to supply Barak missile defence systems to India for $777 mn

Reliance Naval launches training ship for Indian Coast Guard

Cox & Kings sells its education business to UK-based MCP for Rs 4,387 cr

Zee bags U.S. patent to provide viewers ‗immersive experience‘

BSNL to deploy pollution detecting smart poles pan India

Zydus Wellness, Cadila to buy Kraft Heinz India for about $630 million

Aston Martin Vantage launched at Rs.2.86 crore

JT Special Vehicles unveils Tiago, Tigor under JTP brand

Uber Eats ties up with Cafe Coffee Day to create India‘s largest virtual restaurant network

IDFC Bank to be renamed as IDFC First Bank after merging with Capital First

Indonesian woman delivers baby girl on Abu Dhabi-Jakarta flight

Varun Dhawan appointed brand ambassador for Maruti Suzuki Arena

Cyrus Mistry announces formation of Mistry Ventures LLP

Benetton founder, who built a clothing-to-construction empire, dies at 77

India‘s first weightlifter-brand ambassador Satish endorses Dumbell fitness wear

Section I: STATES

President Kovind declines plea to disqualify 27 AAP MLAs

Punjab CM meets President of Israel

Krishi Kumbh organised in Lucknow

India‘s first gallery on robotic dinosaurs inaugurated at Science City in Kapurthala

Gujarat CM inaugurates Ghogha-Dahej ‗Ro-Pax‘ ferry service

Disqualification of 18 T.N. MLAs by Speaker in Sept 2017 upheld by Madras HC

Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board to issue ‗Masala bonds‘ worth Rs 5,000 crore

TMC founder member Pankaj Bandyopadhyay dies at 72

Former Delhi Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Madan Lal Khurana dies at 83

Section J: SPORTS

Kenya‘s Abraham Kiptum sets new world record in men‘s half-marathon

Sourav Kothari wins World Billiards Championship title in UK

Simona Halep becomes first recipient of Chris Evert WTA World No.1 Trophy

Ukraine‘s Elina Svitolina wins Women‘s Singles title at WTA Finals in Singapore

Roger Federer wins Men‘s Singles title in Swiss Indoors tennis

China‘s Xinyun Han wins Women‘s Singles title at ITF event in Nanning

Khalin Joshi wins Panasonic Open India tournament at the Delhi Golf Club

Pooja Dhanda wins bronze at World Wrestling Championship in Budapest

Bajrang Punia wins silver at World Wrestling Championship

France lose top spot to Belgium in FIFA rankings



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Sri Ramachandra‘s Centre for Sports Science (CSS) chosen as a Centre of Excellence

India C lift Deodhar Trophy cricket title



118

Section A: INDIA

NEWS ROUND UP

Govt. constitutes A Group of Ministers to look into sexual harassment at workplace

A Group of Ministers, headed by Home Minister Rajnath Singh, was constituted by the government on October 24, 2018 to

strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks to deal with and prevent sexual harassment at workplace. The members of

the GoM are Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Women and Child

Development Minister Maneka Gandhi.

The GoM will examine the existing legal and institutional frameworks for dealing with matters of sexual harassment of women

at workplace. It will recommend action required for effective implementation of the existing provisions, as well as for

strengthening the existing legal and institutional frameworks for addressing issues related to sexual harassment at workplace,

the official said.

The GoM has been set up in the wake of #MeToo movement where several women have publicly named people who had

harassed them at their workplace. Former editor M J Akbar had to resign as Minister of State for External Affairs following

allegations of sexual harassment against him by former colleagues.

SC fixes 2-hour period for bursting firecrackers on Diwali, other festivals

The Supreme Court on October 23, 2018 imposed major controls on firecrackers, including an 8 pm to 10 pm window for

bursting them and limiting the manufacture and sale of fireworks to only those that conform to permissible smoke and noise

levels.

It said bursting of firecrackers will be allowed till 10 pm on Diwali and for New Year and Christmas celebrations, bursting will

be allowed between 11:45 pm to 12:30 am. The bench said that the order on restriction of firecrackers would be applicable

across the country and people would be liable to face contempt for not complying with the directions.

The court also restrained e-commerce websites like Flipkart and Amazon from selling firecrackers with emission levels beyond

the permissible limit. The permissible limit of sound and smoke will be approved by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety

Organisation (PESO).

The apex court‘s order -- permitting ―green‖ firecrackers and fixing a two-hour time period for bursting them on Diwali and

other festivals -- came on a plea seeking a ban on the manufacture and sale of firecrackers across the country to curb air

pollution.

SC refers to 5-judge bench plea seeking collegium like system for appointment of CEC, ECs

The Supreme Court on October 23, 2018 referred to a five-judge Constitution Bench the PIL seeking collegium-like system for

selection of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and the ECs to ensure institutional integrity of the poll panel and fair

elections in the country.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi considered the submissions and counter arguments of lawyer Prashant

Bhushan, appearing for the PIL petitioner and Attorney General K. K. Venugopal, respectively, before referring the plea for

authoritative adjudication by a Constitution bench.



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The bench, also comprising Justice S K Kaul, said the PIL, filed in 2015 by one Anoop Baranwal, required ―close look‖ and

―interpretation‖ of Article 324 (superintendence, direction and control of election to be vested in Election Commission) of the

Constitution.

Vigilance Awareness Week 2018 observed from October 29 to November 3

The Vigilance Awareness Week 2018 was observed from October 29 to November 3, 2018 by the Central Vigilance

Commission (CVC) with its theme was ‗Eradicate Corruption-Build a New India‘. This week, through its various outreach

activities, was organised to motivate stakeholders to collectively participate in the fight against corruption and also aims at

raising public awareness regarding the detrimental consequences of corruption.

Activities conducted in various government organizations and departments during the week included taking of the Integrity

Pledge by all employees, distribution of pamphlets/handouts on preventive vigilance activities, whistle blower mechanism and

other anti-corruption measures, conducting workshops and sensitization programmes for employees. A new feature is the

establishment of ‗Integrity Clubs‘ in schools and colleges to cultivate ethical values in the leaders of tomorrow.

―Awareness Gram Sabhas‖ were also organized for dissemination of awareness in Gram Panchayats (in rural and semi-urban

areas) to sensitize the rural citizens about the ill-effects of corruption.

First indigenously overhauled Su-30MKI handed over to IAF

The first indigenously overhauled Sukhoi Su-30MKI supersonic aircraft was handed over to the Operational Squadron of the

Indian Air Force at the 11 BRD (Base Repair Depot), Ojhar in Nashik (Maharashtra) on October 26, 2018.

Established in April 1974, 11 BRD, Ojhar, is the only fighter aircraft repair depot of the IAF and undertakes repairs, renovations

and overhaul of frontline fighters like the MIG-29 and now the Su-30MKI. The Ojhar depot is the only agency to undertake

the complete overhaul of ejection seats and role equipment of the Su-30MKI, both for the IAF and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.

(HAL), Bengaluru.

The twin-finned, twin-jet multi-role Su-30MKI is capable of attaining speeds of Mach 2 (double the speed of sound or 2,120

kmph) at high altitudes and can carry guns, missiles, bombs, rockets and other weaponry. The aircraft, developed by Russia, is

now built at HAL under licence for the IAF since the past nearly two decades.

„Experiencing North East‟ festival organised in New Delhi

The ‗Experiencing North East‘ festival was organised at India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi from October 27 to 31, 2018.

The festival was organised by North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) in

collaboration with India International Centre. The festival will showcase the vibrant strengths of North East India and display

its art, handicraft, handlooms, tourism, food, culture etc. The festival was inaugurated by N.N. Vohra, President, IIC.

“Main Nahin Hum” Portal & App launched for IT professionals to contribute towards social causes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 24, 2018 launched the ―Main Nahin Hum‖ portal and app, in New Delhi. The portal,

which works on the theme ―Self4Society‖, will enable IT professionals and organizations to bring together their efforts towards

social causes, and service to society, on one platform.

„Women of India National Organic Festival‟ organised in New Delhi



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The 5th

edition of the ‗Women of India National Organic Festival‘ was organised at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the

Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi from October 26 to November 4, 2018. The Festival was inaugurated by Union Minister for Women

and Child Development Maneka Gandhi. The Festival promotes women entrepreneurs/producers and farmers in the organic

field from across India. It showcased varied offerings of organic products from 26 States, ranging from food, wellness,

personal care, home improvement, spices, staples and kitchen composters.‘

I&B Ministry waives processing fee for devotional TV channels

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on October 27, 2018 waived the processing fee for temporary uplinking and

downlinking of devotional TV channels. In 2017, the government imposed the processing fee for non-news channels, with

national TV channels being asked to pay Rs 1 lakh for temporary uplinking and downlinking, while for regional channels the

fee was Rs 50,000. The devotional TV channels were paying the amount stipulated for regional channels -- Rs 50,000.

DAC approves upgradation of 17 Dornier Aircraft of Indian Coast Guard

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on October 27, 2018 approved upgradation of 17 Dornier Aircraft of the Indian Coast

Guard at a cost of Rs 950 crore. The upgradation will be carried out by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The council chaired

by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi also approved equipping of three aircraft with Pollution Surveillance

Systems.

4 Indian Institutes of Skills to be set up

The government on October 24, 2018 decided to set up Indian Institutes of Skills (IIS) at different locations in the country to

provide high quality skill training and applied research education to youth. Four such institutions have been approved which

would be set up in public private partnership (PPP) model. The objective is to augment the global competitiveness of key

sectors of Indian economy by providing high quality skill training, applied research education and a direct connection with

industry.

RECENT BOOKS

NON-FICTION

Dawn of the Solar Age by Prem Shankar Jha

On Jim Corbett‘s Trail and Other Tales from the Jungle by A.J.T. Johnsingh

Is this Azaadi? — Everyday Lives of Dalit Agricultural Labourers in a Bihar Village by Anand Chakravarti

The Twice-Born — Life and Death on the Ganges by Aatish Taseer

Gene Machine by Venki Ramakrishnan

What China and India Once Were by Edited by Sheldon Pollock, Benjamin Elman

The Skripal Files by Mark Urban

The Origins of Dislike by Amit Chaudhuri

FICTION

Killing Commendatore by Haruki Murakami

Don‘t tell the Governor by Ravi Subramanian

Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin

The Next Person You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

The Rabbit and the Squirrel by Stina Wirsén & Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi



121

NEWSMAKERS

SC asks CVC to inquire into allegations against CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma

The Supreme Court on October 26, 2018 asked the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) to complete within two weeks its

inquiry into allegations against CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma. These allegations were made in the August 24 note/letter of

the Cabinet Secretary. The court also barred interim CBI Director M Nageswara Rao from taking any major policy decision. The

court said Justice (retd) A K Patnaik will monitor the probe conducted by CVC.

Both Verma and the CBI‘s number two Rakesh Asthana, a Special Director, were divested of their duties and sent on leave by

the Centre on October 14 in the wake of their bitter feud that triggered an unprecedented crisis in the country‘s premier

probe agency.

Verma had petitioned the court challenging the Centre‘s order to divest him of his duties and send him on leave. The court

also made it clear that from now on M Nageswara Rao, who is a Joint Director of CBI, would only perform the routine tasks

that are essential to keep the CBI functional. Rao was given interim charge of looking after the duties of the CBI Director.

On October 23, the Delhi High Court directed the CBI to maintain status quo on the criminal proceedings initiated against its

special director Rakesh Asthana, who has challenged the FIR lodged against him on bribery allegations.



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NEWS ROUND UP

7 states can register Hindu, Sikhs, Buddhists from Pakistan and Afghan, Bangladesh as Indians

The government has authorised 16 collectors in seven states in the country to register as Indian citizens the members of

minority community from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh.

The Home Ministry in a notification said any person belonging to minority community -- Hindu, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis

and Christians -- from the three countries can avail the facility.

Those who were given the powers are collectors of Raipur (Chhattisgarh); Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Kutch (Gujarat);

Bhopal and Indore (Madhya Pradesh); Nagpur, Mumbai, Pune and Thane (Maharashtra); Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur

(Rajasthan); Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh); and West Delhi and South Delhi.

The powers for registration were given to the collectors under the Citizenship Act, 1955 (57 of 1955).

The notification said that the secretary, the Department of Home, of the concerned state or the Union Territory, has been

given the same power in case the applicant is not a resident of the mentioned districts, subjects to certain conditions.

The conditions are also applicable to the 16 districts named.

The conditions include (a) the application for registration as citizen of India or grant of certificate of naturalisation as citizen of

India under the said rules is made by the applicant online, (b) the verification of the application is done simultaneously by the

collector or the secretary, as the case may be, at the district-level and the state-level and the application and the reports

thereon shall be made accessible simultaneously to the central government on online portal.

India has most outward migrants in 2017: ADB

Most of the international migrants in 2017 were from India, followed by China and Bangladesh, said Asian Development

Bank‘s (ADB) report titled ‗Asian Economic Integration Report 2018‘. According to the report released on October 23, 2018,

India had the most outward migrants in 2017 (17 million), followed by China (10 million) and Bangladesh (7.5 million).

Intraregional migrants to India largely come from neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh (3.1 million), Pakistan (1.1

million) and Nepal (0.5 million).

International migrant stock consists of persons crossing borders for various reasonsfor employment, family reunification,

study, and fleeing from conflicts and violence.

Asia continued as the largest source of international migrants globally. The global stock of international migrants from Asia

rose 3.9 per cent from 83.6 million in 2015 to 86.9 million in 2017.

Global FDI into Asia (measured by gross inward FDI) remains stable at USD 517.5 billion in 2017 from USD 519.9 billion in

2016. Asia‘s outward foreign direct investment (FDI) moderated by 1.4 per cent in 2017to USD 487.9 billion from USD 494.9

billion in 2016.



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Foreigners seeking visa must reveal criminal records now

Foreigners applying for Indian visa will now have to declare their criminal records as part of the new visa format. The move

aims to check child sexual abuse and a range of other crimes by travellers. Women and Child Development Minister Maneka

Gandhi on October 23, 2018 said that her request to revise the Visa Application process for foreign nationals travelling to

India by requiring them to declare any criminal record has been accepted. She said her request was based on complaints of

serial child abuse offenders managing to visit India. The Minister said that an appropriate questionnaire and a declaration will

be incorporated in the visa application form to be filled up by visa applicants.

India, Iran, Afghanistan discuss Chabahar port

The first trilateral meeting between India, Afghanistan and Iran of the Coordination Council of the Chabahar Agreement took

place in Tehran on October 23, 2018. Detailed discussions were held between the three sides on full operationalisation of the

trilateral Agreement for international transit and transport through Chabahar Port. The Indian delegation was led by Secretary

(Economic Relations) TS Tirumurti. Deputy Ministers of Transport of Afghanistan and Iran led their delegations. All of them

shared the view that full operationalisation of trilateral Chabahar initiative will promote connectivity and economic

development of Afghanistan and the region.

China removes import ban on Indian rapeseed meal

China on October 24, 2018 lifted the ban on import of Indian rapeseed meal, a protein source used in animal feed, amid

growing acceptance of the product in Beijing. Export Inspection Council of India and National Agricultural Cooperative

Marketing Federation of India are spearheading the marketing efforts in China and expected to commercially resume the

exports of rapeseed meal soon. The product was banned in China in 2012 due to detection of contamination. India‘s trade

gap with China has widened to USD 63.12 billion in 2017-18 as against USD 51.11 billion in the previous fiscal.

US government‟s OPIC commits USD 125 mn to help medium-sized companies in India

The United States government‘s development finance institution, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), on October

22, 2018 signed a USD 125 million commitment with Greater Pacific Capital (GPC) to support growth capital to small and

medium-sized enterprises in India. OPIC will contribute to a USD 700 million fund established by GPC to expand access to

financing for growing companies in India operating in the healthcare, energy, technology, agricultural and services sectors.

GPC, an investing institution established in 2005, focuses on providing capital to Indian companies with international growth

ambitions.

Progress of India – Myanmar Transport Connectivity Projects discussed

The Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation

Nitin Gadkari on October 27, 2018 held a meeting with the Myanmar Minister for Communication and Transport U Thant Sin

Maung in New Delhi to discuss the progress of the ongoing India – Myanmar Transport Connectivity Projects. The two sides

discussed the status of the project for upgradation of the Kalewa-Yagyi stretch of the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral

Highway, starting Imphal-Mandalay bus service and a bilateral Motor Vehicles Agreement between the two countries. The

upgradation of the Kalewa-Yagyi stretch of IMT is being executed by National Highways Authority of India.

SIAL Paris exhibition organised in Paris from October 21 to 25



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Forty-five Indian companies participated in the SIAL Paris exhibition – the largest international market place for food service

professionals – organised in Paris from October 21 to 25, 2018. Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) inaugurated a special

Indian pavilion at the exhibition for the participating companies. More than 7000 French and international exhibitors from 109

countries displaying their foodstuffs, ranging from ingredients to processed products, including fresh produce at the

exhibition.

India – Czech Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation held in Prague

The eleventh session of India – Czech Republic Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC) was held in Prague on

October 22-23, 2018. The Indian delegation was led by Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs and

Food & Public Distribution, C. R. Chaudhary. Marta Nováková, Minister of Industry & Trade of Czech Republic led the Czech

side. The deliberations were marked with the mutual desire to further expand and strengthen relations between the two

countries in the economic field.

International Conference on Status and Protection of Coral Reefs organised in Lakshadweep

The International Conference on Status and Protection of Coral Reefs (STAPCOR – 2018) with the theme ―Reef for Life‖ was

organised at Bangaram coral Island of Union Territory of Lakshadweep from October 22 to 24, 2018. The Conference was

inaugurated by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan.

First India-China High Level Meeting on Bilateral Security Cooperation held in New Delhi

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh co-chaired the first India-China High Level Meeting on Bilateral Security Cooperation with

Zhao Kezhi, State Councilor and Minister of Public Security of China in New Delhi on October 22, 2018. The two sides

discussed issues of mutual interest, including bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation, and welcomed increased cooperation

between India and China in the area of security cooperation. An Agreement on Security Cooperation between the Ministry of

Home Affairs of India and the Ministry of Public Security of China was signed by the two Ministers. Kezhi was on a bilateral

visit to India from October 21 to 25.

22nd

National Level Meeting held between India and Myanmar in New Delhi

The 22nd

National Level Meeting between India and Myanmar was held in New Delhi from October 25 to 26, 2018. The Indian

delegation was led by Rajiv Gauba, Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and the Myanmar delegation was led by Major General

Aung Thu, Deputy Minister in Ministry of Home Affairs. During the meeting both sides agreed to take action against insurgent

groups operating within their territories. The two countries agreed on providing of security cooperation along with

international border and facilitating movement of people and trade across the international border.

India contributes $300K to UN programme to train commanders

India has donated $300,000 to a programme to train commanders for UN peacekeeping. This was disclosed by Stephane

Dujarric, the spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on October 26, 2018. Known as the ―Pipeline to

Peacekeeping Command Programme,‖ it will help develop the capacity of future commanders and managers to lead by

example and raise awareness of UN standards of conduct among their personnel.

Pakistan SC reimposes ban on Indian content on TV



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Pakistan‘s Supreme Court on October 27, 2018 reintroduced a ban on Indian films and television shows being broadcast on

the country‘s local channels. The apex court was hearing a case filed by the United Producers Association pertaining to the

broadcast of foreign content on Pakistani television channels. During the hearing, Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar

ordered a ―shut down‖ and made it clear that authorities should ―only air appropriate content‖. In 2016, Pakistan Electronic

Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) had imposed a ban on airing Indian content on local television and FM radio channels.

However, the Lahore High Court lifted ban in 2017, declaring it null and void as the Pakistan government had no objections

regarding the same.

India, Bangladesh ink milestone pacts for cargo, cruise movements

India and Bangladesh have reached several milestone pacts that include using two ports of the neighbouring nation for goods

movement and a pact for cruise movement to give a boost to waterways connectivity. ―The two countries have signed an

agreement to use Chattogram and Mongla Ports in Bangladesh for movement of goods to and from India. A Standard

Operating Procedure (SOP) has also been signed for movement of passenger and cruise services,‖ Shipping Secretary Gopal

Krishna said in New Delhi on October 25, 2018. In addition to this, an addendum to ‗Protocol on Inland Water Transit and

Trade‘ (PIWTT) between India and Bangladesh has been signed for inclusion of Dhubri in India and Pangaon in Bangladesh as

new Ports of Call. These agreements will facilitate easier movement of goods and passengers between the two countries,

giving an impetus to trade and tourism.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visits Indonesia

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her Indonesian counterpart Gen (Retd) Ryamizard Rycudu on October 23, 2018 held

wide-ranging talks in Jakarta. They agreed to set up working groups to boost bilateral defence engagements in specific areas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Indonesia in May 2018 during which both sides signed a pact on defence cooperation

and elevated the ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

NEWSMAKERS

Saurabh Kumar appointed India‟s ambassador to Myanmar



126

Senior diplomat Saurabh Kumar was on October 24, 2018 appointed India‘s ambassador to Myanmar. Kumar, a 1989 batch

Indian Foreign Service officer, is currently serving as the Indian envoy in Iran. Kumar will succeed Vikram Misri who has been

serving as Indian envoy in Myanmar since August 31, 2016. In September, Misri was appointed Indian Ambassador to China.

Amjad Ali Khan and sons perform on UN Day

The Permanent Mission of India to the UN hosted the UN Day Concert 2018 on October 24, 2018 which featured performance

by the sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan and his sons Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash along with the Refugee

Orchestra Project conducted by Lidiya Yankovskaya at the General Assembly hall at the world body‘s headquarters in New

York. The concert‘s theme this year was ‗Traditions of Peace and Non-violence.‘



127

Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

„Humanity at Risk: Global Terror Threat Indicant‟ launched by Oxford & Strategic Foresight Group

Pakistan, which remains the breeding ground and supporter of global terrorism, is responsible for three times the terror risk

to humanity that Syria poses, says a study -- ‗Humanity at Risk - Global Terror Threat Indicant (GTTI) -- by Oxford University

and Strategic Foresight Group (SFG). As per the GTTI, while the Afghan Taliban and the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) pose the

maximum threat to international security in future, Pakistan is placed on top of the list of countries with the highest number

of terrorist bases and safe havens. The over 80-page report, which has been prepared to discuss the challenges in the next

decade, presents an analytical framework and tool to enable policy makers to look into the future. The report says that the

most significant factor influencing the future of Jihadi groups would be the support they get from states, intelligence agencies

and criminal networks.

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena suspends parliament till Nov 16

Sri Lanka President Maithripala Sirisena on October 27, 2018 suspended the parliament till November 16 after sacked Prime

Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe sought an emergency session to prove his majority. Sirisena has appointed former President

Mahinda Rajapaksa as the new Prime Minister. Rajapaksa and Sirisena combine has only 95 seats and is short of a simple

majority in the 225-member house. Wickremesinghe‘s United National Party (UNP) has 106 seats on its own with just seven

short of the majority. Wickremesinghe has been asserting that the swearing in of Rajapaksa in his place is ―illegal and

unconstitutional‖. Sirisena is the leader of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

Pakistan secures $6 billion loan from Saudi Arabia

Pakistan secured loans up to USD 6 billion from Saudi Arabia on the sidelines of the ongoing Future Investment Initiative

conference in Riyadh. A statement released by Pakistan‘s Press Information Department (PID) on October 24, 2018 stated that

Pakistan‘s Prime Minister Imran Khan held bilateral talks with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammad

bin Salman. Saudi‘s financial bailout to Pakistan comes in the midst of the Islamic nation‘s current account deficit of USD 18

billion, which had triggered Pakistan to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). A delegation from IMF is

scheduled to visit the nation on November 7 to discuss the loan amount that is required by Pakistan.

China‟s president inaugurates world‟s longest bridge connecting Hong Kong with mainland

Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 23, 2018 opened the world‘s longest sea bridge linking Hong Kong, Macau and

mainland China, significantly cutting the travel time from between the three territories from three hours to just 30 minutes.

The 55-km-long bridge connects Asia‘s financial hub of Hong Kong with the southern mainland city of Zhuhai and the

gambling enclave of Macau, across the waters of the Pearl River Estuary with a snaking road bridge and underwater tunnel.

The construction of the bridge started in December 2009 and was to be completed in 2016.

NATO holds Trident Juncture military exercise in Norway

NATO organised Trident Juncture military exercise in Norway from October 25 to November 7, 2018. The exercise saw

participation from around 50,000 personnel from all 29 NATO allies, plus partners Finland and Sweden.



128

South and North Korea finish withdrawing firearms from border village along with UN

The rival Koreas and the US-led UN Command completed withdrawing firearms and troops from a jointly controlled area at

the border village of Panmunjom on October 25, 2018, as part of agreements to reduce decades-long animosities on the

Korean Peninsula.

United Nations Day observed on October 24

The annual United Nations Day was observed on October 24, 2018 with its theme as ‗Traditions of Peace and Non-violence‘.

The day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. With the ratification of this founding

document by the majority of its signatories, including the five permanent members of the Security Council, the United

Nations officially came into being. 24 October has been celebrated as United Nations Day since 1948.

UN MILESTONES: •1945 – United Nations founded as the US President Harry Truman, along with representatives from 50

other countries, signed the UN Charter in San Francisco, California. •1965 – UNICEF, the United Nations Children‘s Fund, is

awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. •1988 – UN Peacekeeping operations awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, at the time there were

seven peacekeeping or observer missions in operation. •2002: UN membership rises to 191 with the inclusion of Switzerland

and Timor-Leste. •2006: Montenegro admitted as 192nd member state. •2011 – The UN General Assembly admitted the

Republic of South Sudan as the 193rd member state, welcoming the newly independent country to the community of nations.

•The 2008 declaration of independence by the Republic of Kosovo has not been accepted by the United Nations

World Development Information Day observed on October 24

World Development Information Day was observed on October 24, 2018. The General Assembly in 1972 instituted World

Development Information Day to draw the attention of world public opinion to development problems and the need to

strengthen international cooperation to solve them. The Assembly decided that the date for the Day should coincide in

principle with United Nations Day (October 24).

World Polio Day observed on October 24

The World Health Organization observed the World Polio Day on October 24, 2018. The day aims to raise awareness about

the infectious disease. World Polio Day was established by Rotary International over a decade ago to commemorate the birth

of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. Use of this inactivated poliovirus vaccine and

subsequent widespread use of the oral poliovirus, developed by Albert Sabin, led to the establishment of the Global Polio

Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988. As of 2013, GPEI had reduced polio worldwide by 99%.

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage observed on October 27

The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage was observed on October 27, 2018 with its theme as ―Your Story is Moving‖. The

World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (WDAH) is a commemoration of the adoption, in 1980 by the 21st General Conference, of

the Recommendation for the Safeguarding and Preservation of Moving Images. The World Day provides an occasion to raise

general awareness of the need to take urgent measures and to acknowledge the importance of audiovisual documents.

2nd

International Day of Diplomats celebrated in Brasilia



129

The second International Day of Diplomats was celebrated in Brasilia on October 24, 2018 to highlight the contributions of

diplomats as everyday peacemakers. Diplomats from several countries including Austria, India, Brazil, Egypt, Netherlands and

Zimbabwe on October 24 came together to mark the day dedicated to all diplomats. The celebration of International Day of

Diplomats was started in Brasilia in 2017 by Indian diplomat Abhay K on October 24.

NEWSMAKERS

Noted playwright author Ntozake Shange dies in US at 70

Playwright, poet and author Ntozake Shange, whose most acclaimed theatre piece is the 1975 play ‗For Colored Girls‘ died

October 27, 2018 at the age of 70.

Michael D. Higgins re-elected as President of Ireland

Michael D. Higgins was declared re-elected as the Irish President after receiving 56 per cent of the election vote in capital

Dublin on October 28, 2018. Businessman Peter Casey came second in the polls held on October 27 with 23.1 per cent. Voters

also supported the proposal to remove blasphemy as an offence from the Constitution, with 64.85 per cent voting yes in a

referendum.

Paraguay‟s Clara Sosa crowned Miss Grand International 2018

Clara Sosa of Paraguay was crowned Miss Grand International 2018 at the sixth edition of the pageant held in Myanmar on

October 26, 2018. India‘s Meenakshi Chaudhary was adjudged the first runner-up while Indonesia‘s Nadia Purwoko was

declared the second runner-up.

Sahle-Work Zewde appointed first female President of Ethiopia

The two houses of Ethiopia in capital Addis Ababa have unanimously elected United Nations diplomat Sahle-Work Zewde as

the first female President of the African country. The vote was made during the second Special Joint Session of Ethiopia‘s

House of People‘s Representatives and the House of the Federation on October 25, 2018. She will be leading Ethiopia as its

ceremonial head, with Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minister. Zewde is a diplomat who has served as the UN Under-Secretary-

General, Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union and Head of the United Nations Office to the

African Union (UNOAU).

Vietnam parliament elects Communist Party chief as president



130

Vietnam‘s National Assembly (Parliament) elected Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as the country‘s

President in Hanoi on October 23, 2018. The 74-year-old Trong is the first Vietnamese leader to hold the two positions since

founding President Ho Chi Minh in the 1960s. He succeeds President Tran Dai Quang, who died in September 2018.

Adel Abdul Mahdi sworn in as Iraq‟s PM

Adel Abdul Mahdi was on October 25, 2018 sworn in as new prime minister of Iraq in Baghdad.

Former IMF MD Rodrigo Rato begins jail term for corruption in Spain

Rodrigo Rato, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2004-07, on October 25, 2018 entered a

Spanish prison to begin serving a four-and-a-half year sentence for corruption linked to his management of a major Spanish

lender that had to be bailed out. Rato was Spain‘s deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister between 1996 and 2004.

Spain‘s Supreme Court said Rato had embezzled funds through the irregular use of opaque credit cards that the bank‘s

executives utilized to cover undeclared expenses.



131


HRD Minister launches web portals for IMPRESS and SPARC

Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar on October 25, 2018 launched web portals for two schemes -- IMPRESS and SPARC --

with an aim to build an ecosystem of research in educational institutions.

The objective of Impactful Policy Research in Social Sciences (IMPRESS) is to identify and fund research proposals in social

sciences with maximum impact on governance and society. The scheme will be implemented at a total cost of Rs 414 crore till

March 2021. Under IMPRESS, 1,500 research projects will be awarded for two years to support social science research in

higher educational institutions. The Indian Council of Social Science and Research (ICSSR) will be the project implementing

agency.

The Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) aims at building the research ecosystem of

India‘s higher educational institutions by facilitating academic and research collaborations between Indian and foreign

institutions. Under the scheme, the government will provide Rs 418 crore for 600 joint research proposals. A set of five thrust

areas (Fundamental Research, Emergent Areas of Impact, Convergence, Action-Oriented Research and Innovation-Driven) and

sub-theme areas in each thrust area has been identified for collaboration. IIT-Kharagpur is the national coordinating institute

to implement the SPARC programme.

Nuclear Energy Conclave organised in New Delhi on October 25

The tenth Nuclear Energy Conclave was organised by the Indian Energy Forum (IEF) in New Delhi on October 25, 2018 with its

theme as: ‗Nuclear Power: Towards a Clean & Base Load Energy‘.

The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel,

Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh delivered the inaugural address at the Conclave.

Singh said that the Cabinet has given its approval for construction of 10 units of India‘s indigenous Pressurized Heavy Water

Reactors (PHWR).

The keynote address was delivered by the Chairman AEC and Secretary, Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Dr K N Vyas. The

AEC Chairman said that at present, there are nine (9) nuclear power reactors at various stages of construction in India and

twelve (12) more nuclear power reactors have been accorded administrative approval.

The President, Indian Energy Forum (IEF) Anil Razdan elaborated on the use of nuclear energy for ‗Clean India Mission‘ and

other areas like food irradiation.

The Chairman, Nuclear Energy Group, India Energy Forum and Chancellor Homi Bhabha National Institute Dr. Srikumar

Banerjee, said that presently the share of nuclear energy in India is just 3%, as compared to global average of about 10% and

this needs to be improved.



132

IIT-Madras unveils indigenously-developed microprocessor

The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras unveiled in Chennai on October 26, 2018 what it claims to be the first

indigenously-developed microprocessor in the country that can be used in mobile computing devices, embedded low-power

wireless and network systems. The ‗Shakti‘ family of processors was fabricated at semi-conductor laboratory (SCL) of Indian

Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Chandigarh. The SCL is an autonomous body engaged in research and development in

microelectronics to meet strategic needs of the country.



133

Section E: AWARDS

Global Agriculture Leadership Awards presented

The Global Agriculture Leadership Summit 2018 was organised by the Indian Council of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) in New

Delhi on October 24-25, 2018. The theme of the 2-day summit was: ‗Connecting Farmers to Market‘. Connecting farmers

effectively with trade, markets and value added activity holds the key to their prosperity. The Summit 2018 aimed to provide

the platform towards facilitating farmers connect with the technologies, markets, industry, institutions and the Governmental

programs.

The Global Agriculture Leadership Awards were presented to the winners on the occasion. These include:

Life Time Achievement Award: K. H. Gharda (Dr Keki Hormusji Gharda is founder, chairman and MD of Gharda Chemicals)

International Leadership Award: Prof. Rudy Rabbinge (Special Envoy-Food Security, Government of Netherlands)

Africa Leadership Award: Anthony Seam K Morrison (President CEO, Chamber of Agribusiness, Ghana)

Policy Leadership Award: N. Chandrababu Naidu (AP CM)

Research Leadership Award: National Research Development Corporation

Academic Leadership Award: Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad

Livelihood Leadership Award: Shailendra Chaudhary (MD, NERCORMP, Shillong)

Global Business Leadership Award: The Weather Company, IBM

Technology Leadership Award: Tirth Agro Technology Private Limited, Rajkot

Farming Leadership Award: Satishbabu Gadde, Andhra Pradesh

Media Leadership Award: Ammar Zaidi, National Business Editor, PTI

Development Leadership Award: Dr. P. K. Joshi, South Asia Director, International Food Policy Research institute

Agribusiness Leadership Award: Nagarjuna Agro Chemicals P. Ltd, Hyderabad

Industry Leadership Award: Sonalika Group, New Delhi

Best Fisheries State: Jharkhand

Best Animal Husbandry State: Bihar

Best Agriculture State: Gujarat

Best Horticulture State: Nagaland

Program Leadership Award: State Horticulture Mission, Government of Haryana

First World Agriculture Prize, instituted by the Indian Council of Food and Agriculture, was presented to Prof. M.S.

Swaminathan in New Delhi by the Vice President on the occasion.

Global Leadership Summit and Awards were organised by ICFA with support of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers‘ Welfare;

Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Ministry of Commerce.

India wins Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management Award, 2018

India has won two awards at the Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management (CAPAM) Awards.

This was stated by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions on October 25, 2018.

The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and

Pensions is an institutional member of CAPAM which is a non-profit association representing an international network of over

1100 senior public servants, Heads of Government, leading academics and researchers located in over 50 different countries

across the Commonwealth.



134

Annual General Members Meet of CAPAM was held on October 23 at Georgetown, Guyana. During the Conference, CAPAM

Innovation Awards were announced.

The initiative entitled ―Unnayan Banka-Reinventing Education Using Technology‖ of Banka District in Bihar has been awarded

at the CAPAM International Innovations Awards, 2018 under the Category ―Innovation Incubation‖. ―Unnayan Banka‖ is an

initiative which envisages ―Quality education for all‘ using latest technologies. It is a holistic model of overall development of

youths from Education to Employability.

Another initiative entitled ―Unified Agriculture Markets‖ of Co-operation Department of Government of Karnataka has also

been selected under the Category ‗Innovation in Public Service Management‘. This initiative has also been awarded the

overall Gold Award for CAPAM Awards, 2018.

The CAPAM Awards celebrate the spirit of innovation in the public service by recognizing organizations that have made

significant contributions to improve governance and services in the public sector.

Winners of 2018 UN Human Rights Prize announced

Asma Jahangir (Pakistan‘s late human rights activist), Rebeca Gyumi (Tanzanian activist), Joenia Wapichana (Brazil‘s first

indigenous lawyer) and Front Line Defenders (Ireland‘s human rights organisation) were announced as winners of the 2018

UN Human Rights Prize on October 24, 2018.

The announcement was made by President of the UN General Assembly Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces. The ―United

Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights‖ is an honorary award given for outstanding achievement in human rights. The

award ceremony will take place in New York on December 10 on World Human Rights Day.

66-year-old Jahangir, who died on February 11, 2018, was the first woman to serve as the president of Pakistan‘s Supreme

Court Bar Association. From 1998-2000 Jahangir served as the Special Rapporteur of the UN Commission on Extrajudicial,

Summary and Arbitrary Executions and was the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion Or Belief of the UN Commission

on Human Rights since 2004.

PM awarded the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize

The Seoul Peace Prize Committee on October 24, 2018 decided to confer the 2018 Seoul Peace Prize on Prime Minister

Narendra Modi, in recognition of his dedication to improving international cooperation, raising global economic growth,

accelerating the Human Development of the people of India by fostering economic growth and furthering the development

of democracy through anti-corruption and social integration efforts.

The Committee also credited Prime Minister for his contribution towards regional and global peace through a proactive

foreign policy with countries around the world under the ‗Modi Doctrine‘ and the ‗Act East Policy.‘ Prime Minister Modi is the

fourteenth recipient of this award.

The Seoul Peace Prize was established in 1990 to commemorate the success of the 24th Olympic Games held in Seoul, South

Korea. The Seoul Peace Prize was established to crystallize the Korean people‘s yearning for peace on the Korean Peninsula

and in the rest of the world. The Prize has been awarded biennially to those individuals who have made their mark through

contributions to the harmony of mankind, reconciliation between nations and to world peace.



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Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony for 2014, 2015 & 2016 announced

The Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony for the years 2014, 2015 & 2016 is being conferred on Manipuri dancer Rajkumar

Singhajit Singh; Chhayanaut (a cultural organization of Bangladesh) and sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, respectively in recognition

of their outstanding contribution to cultural harmony. This was announced by the Ministry of Culture on October 25.

Rajkumar Singhajit Singh, a doyen of Manipuri dance, has distinguished himself both as an outstanding teacher, performer

and choreographer. Chhayanaut, established in 1961, has played a leading role in promoting Tagore‘s works and Bengali

culture, music and literature not only within Bangladesh, but all across the world. Ram Vanji Sutar is has created more than

fifty monumental sculptures in the last forty years of his career. His first notable work was the 45 feet Chambal monument at

the Gandhi Sagar Dam, in Madhya Pradesh.

EU Parliament awards Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought to Oleg Sentsov

The European Parliament in Strasbourg on October 25, 2018 awarded the prestigious Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought

to jailed Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov. Sentsov was awarded the 50,000 euro (USD 58,000) prize for an ―exceptional

contribution‖ to human rights around the world. Sentsov, a vocal critic of the Kremlin, is serving a 20-year term over an

alleged arson plot in Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. The 42-year-old is being held in a Russian penal

colony. Named after Russian scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov, the prize was established in December 1988 by the

European Parliament. The Prize is awarded every year to individuals or organizations that ―have made an important

contribution to the fight for human rights or democracy.

Benyamin wins first JCB Prize for literature for “Jasmine Days”

Malayalam author Benyamin on October 24, 2018 awarded the inaugural JCB Prize for literature for his book ―Jasmine Days‖.

The book has been translated into English by Shahnaz Habib. Benyamin was awarded a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, along with a

trophy created by Delhi artist duo Thukral & Tagra, entitled ―Mirror Melting‖. Habib received an additional prize of Rs 5 lakh.

―Jasmine Days‖ beat four shortlisted works -- ―Half the Night is Gone‖ (Amitabha Bagchi), ―All the Lives We Never Lived‖

(Anuradha Roy), ―Latitudes of Longing‖ (Shubhangi Swarup) and ―Poonachi‖ (Perumal Murugan). Benyamin debuted with

―Aadujeevitham‖ (Goat Days) that won him the Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award.

Margarita Engle wins NSK Neustadt Prize for Children‟s Literature.

World Literature Today, the US-based University of Oklahoma‘s award-winning magazine of international literature and

culture, has announced Margarita Engle as the winner of the 2019 NSK Neustadt Prize for Children‘s Literature. Awarded in

alternating years with the Neustadt International Prize for Literature, the NSK Prize recognises outstanding achievement in the

world of children‘s and young-adult literature. Engle is a Cuban-American author of many verse novels. Her books have

received multiple awards and honours.

Invest India wins UN award for excellence in promoting investments in sustainable development

Invest India, the country‘s investment promotion body, has won the UN Award for excellence in promoting investments in

sustainable development. The award was received by Deepak Bagla, the CEO of Invest India, on October 22, 2018 at the World

Investment Forum, Geneva. The awards, organised by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD),

honour investment promotion agencies (IPAs) and their governments for their achievements, but also showcase best practices

in attracting investment into Sustainable Development Goals-related projects that can inspire investment promotion

practitioners in developing and developed countries.



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Sachin Tendulkar gives away prizes to winners of South Asia Regional WASH innovation

India‘s legend cricketer and UNICEF Ambassador for South Asia, Sachin Tendulkar gave away prizes to the winners of South

Asia Regional WASH innovation in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan on October 22, 2018. The event was organised by UNICEF

in association with BRAC, a Bangladesh based international organisation. The basic aim of the challenge was to identify

innovative solutions to promote the practice of hand washing with soap.

Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award conferred on jurist Fali S. Nariman

19th

Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award for Excellence in Public Administration was presented to eminent jurist Fali S. Nariman

in New Delhi by Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on October 22, 2018.



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Insolvency Law Committee calls for adopting UN model on cross-border insolvency

The Insolvency Law Committee (ILC), tasked with suggesting amendments to the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of India,

has recommended that India adopt the United Nations‘ model to handle cross-border insolvency cases.

―The ILC has recommended the adoption of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model

Law of Cross Border Insolvency, 1997, as it provides for a comprehensive framework to deal with cross-border insolvency

issues,‖ the government said in a statement. ―The committee has also recommended a few carve-outs to ensure that there is

no inconsistency between the domestic insolvency framework and the proposed cross border insolvency framework.‖

The UNCITRAL Model Law has been adopted in 44 countries and, therefore, forms part of international best practices in

dealing with cross border insolvency issues, the government said.



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Section G: ECONOMY

Sale of Electoral Bonds announced

The Finance Ministry on October 27 announced the sale of Electoral Bonds at authorised branches of State Bank of India (SBI)

from November 1 to 10, 2018.

The scheme for sale of electoral bonds was launched by the Government of India in January 2018. As per provisions of the

Scheme, Electoral Bonds may be purchased by a person who is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India. A

person being an individual can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals.

Only the Political Parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (43 of 1951) and which

secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last General Election to the House of the People or the

Legislative Assembly of the State, shall be eligible to receive the Electoral Bonds. The Electoral Bonds shall be encashed by an

eligible Political Party only through a Bank account with the Authorized Bank.

Electoral Bonds shall be valid for fifteen calendar days from the date of issue and no payment shall be made to any payee

Political Party if the Electoral Bond is deposited after expiry of the validity period. The Electoral Bond deposited by an eligible

Political Party in its account shall be credited on the same day.

BIOFACH INDIA organised in New Delhi on October 25-27

BIOFACH INDIA, which is the world‘s largest event on organic industry, was organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food

Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and Indo-German of Commerce in New Delhi from October 25 to 27, 2018.

Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu inaugurated the event.

Buyers from 15 countries are participating in the 3-day event. This event showcases products like organic aqua culture,

cashew, coconuts, tea and cocoa and oil seeds. Buyers-Sellers meet and an international conference are also being held

alongside the main event.

India ranks ninth in terms of world‘s organic agricultural land. The Government of India has implemented the National

Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) which is organised by the European Commission and United States Department of

Agriculture (USDA). Due to these certifications India‘s organic products are accepted by importing countries.

In 2017-18 India produced around 1.70 MT of certified organic products which includes all varieties of food products like

oilseeds, sugarcane, cereals and millets, cotton, pulses, medicinal plants, tea, fruits, spices, dry fruits, vegetables and coffee.

Total volume of organic exports during 2017-18 was 4.58 lakh MT and brought in USD 515.44 million.

Only Bharat Stage VI compliant vehicles to be sold from April 2020: SC

The Supreme Court on October 24, 2018 said that no Bharat Stage IV vehicle shall be sold across the country with effect from

April 1, 2020. The Bharat stage emission standards are standards instituted by the government to regulate output of air

pollutants from motor vehicles.

The Bharat Stage VI (or BS-VI) emission norm would come into force from April 1, 2020 across the country. A three judge

bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur made it clear that only BS VI compliant vehicle shall be sold in the country from April

1st, 2020.



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The BS IV norms have been enforced across the country since April 2017. In 2016, the Centre had announced that the country

would skip the BS-V norms altogether and adopt BS-VI norms by 2020.

The apex court was deciding whether grace period should be given to automobile manufacturers for the sale of BS-VI non-

compliant vehicles after April 1, 2020. The automobile manufacturers had asked for the grace period to sell their vehicles

contending that India was leapfrogging from BS-IV emission norms to BS-VI within a short span of time.

April-September deficit crosses 95% of target

India‘s budgetary fiscal deficit for the April-September period at Rs 5.95 lakh crore accounted for 95.3 per cent of the full

year‘s target of Rs 6.24 lakh crore, mainly owing to slow revenue growth during the first half of the year, official data showed

on October 25, 2018.

The data furnished by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) showed that the fiscal deficit during the corresponding six

months of the previous fiscal was 91.3 per cent.

Till September, the government‘s total expenditure stood at Rs 13 lakh crore (53.4 per cent of the budget estimates) while the

total receipts were Rs 7.09 lakh crore (39 per cent of the budget estimates). This is as compared to 40.6 per cent of budget

estimates received in the same period of 2017-18.

Of the total expenditure, Rs 11.41 lakh crore was on revenue account and Rs 1.63 lakh crore on capital account.

On the other hand, total receipts comprised Rs 5.83 lakh crore of tax revenue, Rs 1.09 lakh crore of non-tax revenue and Rs

17,731 crore of non-debt capital receipts.

Forex reserves down by $942 mn to $393.523 bn: RBI

The country‘s foreign exchange reserves declined by $942 million to $393.523 billion in the week to October 19 on account of

a fall in foreign currency assets, RBI said on October 26, 2018. In the reporting week, foreign currency assets, a major

component of overall reserves, fell by $922.4 million to $369.076 billion. Expressed in US dollars, foreign currency assets

include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of the non-US currencies such as the euro, the pound and the yen held in

the reserves. Gold reserves remained unchanged at $20.522 billion in the reporting week, the data showed. The special

drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was down by $7.3 million to $1.465 billion. The country‘s reserve

position with the IMF also declined by $12.3 million to $2.495 billion.

Cabinet approves setting up of an Adjudicating Authority for speedy disposal of benami cases

The Union Cabinet on October 24, 2018 approved setting up of Appellate Tribunal and Adjudicating Authority for speedy

disposal of cases related to benami transactions. Earlier in October 2018, the government had notified Sessions courts in 34

states and Union Territories, which will act as special courts for trial of offences under the benami transaction law.

Benami transaction refers transactions made in a fictitious name, or the owner is not aware of the ownership of the property,

or the person paying for the property- is not traceable.

The Adjudicating Authority and Appellate Tribunal will be based in the National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD). Benches of

Adjudicating Authority may sit in Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai, and the necessary- notification in this regard will be issued

after consultation with the Chairperson of the proposed Adjudicating Authority.



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ASHA facilitators‟ visit charges hiked

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on October 24, 2018 approved an increase in supervisory visit charges for ASHA

facilitators from Rs 250 to Rs 300 per visit from October onwards. With the proposed increase, Accredited Social Health

Activists (ASHA) facilitators will now receive about Rs 6,000 against Rs 5,000 per month for 2018-2019 and 2019-2020. The

move is aimed at motivating the workers to perform better and will benefit 41,405 ASHA facilitators. As part of the support

mechanism, an ASHA facilitator usually mentors and monitors the performance of 10 to 25 ASHAs. All states except Andhra

Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, Nagaland, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, West Bengal, Rajasthan and the

Union Territories have selected ASHA facilitators.

CCEA approves Rs 7,522 cr fund for creating infrastructure for fisheries sector

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on October 24, 2018 gave its approval

for creation of special Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). The Rs 7,522 crore FIDF is aimed at

creating infrastructure facilities in fisheries and aqua-culture sector to help boost annual fish production to 20 million tonnes

by 2022-23 and generate over 9.40 lakh employment opportunities. India‘s fish production is estimated at around 12 million

tonnes annually. The government aims to achieve a sustainable growth of 8-9 per cent., so that fish production reaches to the

level of about 20 million tonnes by 2022-23.

Govt allows sale of 25% of actual output from coal mines in open market

The successful allottees of the 19 coal blocks the government is planning to auction this fiscal for sectors including iron and

steel will be allowed to sell up to 25 per cent of the actual production in open market at prices fixed by state-owned Coal

India. ―The successful bidder shall utilise a minimum of 75 per cent of the actual production in the specified end use plants

and is allowed to sell up to 25 per cent of the actual production in open market,‖ says the tender document for auction of

coal mines for iron, steel, cement and captive power plants.

NEWSMAKERS

IRS officer Sanjay Kumar Mishra appointed new Director of Enforcement Directorate

Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Sanjay Kumar Mishra was on October 27, 2018 appointed as the new Director of

Enforcement Directorate (ED) in an additional capacity for three months. Mishra took over from incumbent Karnal Singh

whose tenure at the agency ended on October 28. Mishra has worked in various capacities in the Income Tax department and

has also served in the Foreign Tax division of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) that deals with cases of Indians holding

stash abroad. The ED enforces two major laws in the country to check black money-- the criminal Prevention of Money

Laundering Act (PMLA) and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).



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India Mobile Congress 2018 organised in New Delhi

The India Mobile Congress 2018 was organised in New Delhi from October 25 to 27, 2018. This year‘s theme was ―New Digital

Horizons – Connect. Create. Innovate.‖ The IMC has been established as a regular platform for global and local stakeholders in

the sector to collaborate in the cause of exploring opportunities and leveraging possibilities, with specific focus on South and

South-East Asia. The mega 3-day event was inaugurated on October 25 by Manoj Sinha, Minister of State (Independent

Charge) for Communications. Delegations from 20 countries participated in the event, which saw more than 300 companies

showcasing their latest and best technologies, products, services, and applications. Sinha thanked the Department of

Telecommunications and the Cellular Operators Association of India for designing and successfully organising the IMC.

Henley Index: Japanese passport now world‟s most powerful

Global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners released its quarterly report on the world‘s most desirable

passports in October 2018. According to the Henley Passport Index, compiled by global citizenship and residence advisory

firm Henley & Partners Citizens, Japan now has the most powerful passport on the planet. Japanese citizens enjoy visa-free or

visa-on-arrival access to a whopping 190 destinations around the world -- knocking Singapore, with 189 destinations, into

second place. Germany, which began 2018 in the top spot, is now in third place with 188 destinations, tied with France and

South Korea. The United States and the UK, both with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 186 destinations, are in fifth place.

United Nations Young Changemakers Conclave held in Mumbai

The ninth edition of the United Nations Young Changemakers Conclave was held in Mumbai on October 27, 2018. The event

was organised by the UN in association with the US Consulate General in Mumbai. The theme of the conclave this year was

―Re-imagining Impact‖ in the digital age. Indian youth have the potential to change the world despite the tremendous

barriers they face, United States Consul General Edgard Kagan said.

Hyundai tops customer satisfaction survey

Hyundai Motor India has topped the after-sales customer satisfaction survey among mass market brands, according to global

market research firm JD Power. Hyundai scored 912 points in after-sales customer satisfaction survey, the JD Power 2018 India

Customer Service Index (Mass Market) Study said. Hyundai is followed by Tata Motors (874 points) and Mahindra & Mahindra

(865 points). Maruti Suzuki ranked eighth with 804 points.

Israel to supply Barak missile defence systems to India for $777 mn

India has awarded an additional USD 777 million deal to Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for supplying Barak 8 LR-SAM Air

and Missile Defence Systems to seven ships of the Indian Navy. This was announced in Jerusalem on October 24, 2018. The

Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (LR-SAM) system is an Air and Missile Defence (AMD) system used by Israel‘s navy as well

as by India‘s navy, air and land forces. The missile system has been jointly developed by IAI, India‘s DRDO, Israel‘s

Administration for the Development of Weapons and Technological Infrastructure, Elta Systems, Rafael and some other Indian

defence companies. The new contract announced by IAI was entered with Indian state-owned company Bharat Electronics

Limited (BEL), which serves as the main contractor in the project.



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Reliance Naval launches training ship for Indian Coast Guard

Anil Ambani-led shipbuilder Reliance Naval and Engineering (RNEL) on October 24, 2018 launched a 3,000-tonne training ship

for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), which will be delivered in May 2019. The 105-metre long training vessel, the largest ship ever

built for the ICG, at the cost of Rs 220 crore, is named ‗ICGS Varuna‘, and was launched at the shipyard of RNEL at the Pipavav

Port in Amreli district of Gujarat. Rajendra Singh, director general of the Indian Coast Guard, expressed confidence that the

training ship will be delivered in May 2019.

Cox & Kings sells its education business to UK-based MCP for Rs 4,387 cr

Travel company Cox & Kings on October 27, 2018 said it has entered into an agreement to sell its education business to UK-

based investor Midlothian Capital Partners (MCP) for Rs 4,387 crore (GBP 467 million). The education business comprises HB

Education (formerly known as Holidaybreak Education), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Holidaybreak. ―This is in-line

with our stated policy of consistently unlocking value in the company and we shall aggressively continue to follow our stated

policy,‖ Cox & Kings Group CEO Peter Kerkar said.

Zee bags U.S. patent to provide viewers „immersive experience‟

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (ZEE) has secured a United States (U.S.) patent on a technology platform built on

technologies such as 3D audio, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), digital scent, holograms and touch. The company

aims to offer an immersive experience to the viewers, satisfying all the five senses. The platform developed at its ZEE Media

Lab in the Silicon Valley will enable the viewers to touch, feel, smell and experience products.

BSNL to deploy pollution detecting smart poles pan India

State-run telecom BSNL has signed an agreement with Nokia to jointly market and deploy smart poles that will detect

pollution levels and alert the offices concerned, amid growing concerns over worsening air quality. This was disclosed by

BSNL chairman and managing director Anupam Shrivastava at the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi on October 26, 2018.

Zydus Wellness, Cadila to buy Kraft Heinz India for about $630 million

Zydus Wellness Ltd and Cadila Healthcare Ltd on October 24, 2018 said they will jointly buy the India business of Kraft Heinz

Co for 45.95 billion rupees ($627.18 million), expanding their product portfolio in the domestic market. The acquisition will

give Zydus and Cadila access to brands such as malt-based health drink Complan, energy drink Glucon-D, talcum powder

Nycil and clarified butter brand Sampriti Ghee.

Aston Martin Vantage launched at Rs.2.86 crore

British luxury brand Aston Martin on October 26, 2018 launched all new version of its sports car Vantage in India priced at Rs.

2.86 crore (ex-showroom).

JT Special Vehicles unveils Tiago, Tigor under JTP brand

JT Special Vehicles (JTSV), an equal joint venture between Tata Motors and Jayem Automotives, on October 26 launched JTP

range of performance vehicles. Tiago JTP and the Tigor JTP are priced at Rs 6.39 lakh and Rs 7.49 lakh respectively.

Uber Eats ties up with Cafe Coffee Day to create India‟s largest virtual restaurant network



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Uber Eats on October 26, 2018 said it has joined hands with Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) to launch India‘s largest virtual restaurant

network, a move that will help Uber‘s food delivery unit to compete against rivals like FoodPanda, Swiggy and Zomato. As

part of the partnership, Uber Eats will provide CCD with data, analytics and insights around popular food and cuisines. This

will enable both entities to launch menu offerings based on consumer trends for multiple delivery-only ―virtual restaurants‖.

IDFC Bank to be renamed as IDFC First Bank after merging with Capital First

IDFC Bank has proposed to change its name to ‗IDFC First Bank Ltd‘ as it is in the process of amalgamating non-banking

financial company Capital First with itself. The Board of Directors of IDFC Bank at its meeting on October 25, 2018 decided to

seek approval of the Reserve Bank of India to rename the bank as ‗IDFC First Bank Limited‘.

Indonesian woman delivers baby girl on Abu Dhabi-Jakarta flight

An Indonesia woman delivered a baby girl on board an Etihad Airways flight from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta, on October 24, 2018.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) authorities were informed of the developments on board and

the flight was diverted to Mumbai to tackle the medical emergency.

NEWSMAKERS



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Varun Dhawan appointed brand ambassador for Maruti Suzuki Arena

Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan has been announced as the brand ambassador for Maruti Suzuki Arena showrooms. The actor

will be the face of the automobile company‘s new marketing campaign - ‗A destination called you. A feeling called Maruti

Suzuki ARENA‘.

Cyrus Mistry announces formation of Mistry Ventures LLP

Cyrus Mistry, former chairman of Tata Group, on October 24, 2018 announced the formation of Mistry Ventures LLP, which is

aimed at providing strategic insights and advice to businesses, incubate new ventures and provide seed, early stage and

growth capital to startups in India and globally. Mistry‘s venture will bring in Ashish Iyer, Senior Partner and previously Global

Leader, Strategy Practice at the Boston Consulting Group to lead the firm. Mistry Ventures LLP is jointly promoted by Shapoor

Mistry and Cyrus Mistry, the Promoters of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, a globally diversified conglomerate with a history of

over 150 years, operating in the Engineering and Construction, Infrastructure, Real Estate, Water, Energy and Financial Services

sectors with a presence in over 60 countries globally.

Benetton founder, who built a clothing-to-construction empire, dies at 77

Gilberto Benetton, a co-founder of Italian clothing retailer United Colors of Benetton who masterminded the family empire‘s

diversification into construction, transport and catering, died at the age of 77 on October 21, 2018. The family holding

company Edizione controls Italy‘s biggest infrastructure group Atlantia. With his brothers Luciano and Carlo and sister

Giuliana, Gilberto founded United Colors of Benetton in a small town in northeast Italy in 1965. Carlo died earlier in 2018.

Besides Atlantia, the Benetton family also control travel caterer Autogrill and Rome‘s airports.

India‟s first weightlifter-brand ambassador Satish endorses Dumbell fitness wear

Dumbell brand fitness wear, ‗A Square Garments‘ has signed Commonwealth gold medal winner weightlifter Satish Kumar

Sivalingam as its brand ambassador.



145

Section I: STATES

President Kovind declines plea to disqualify 27 AAP MLAs

In a major relief to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), President Ram Nath Kovind on October 25, 2018 dismissed a plea to

disqualify 27 Member of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) of the party for allegedly holding office-of-profit as chairpersons of

Rogi Kalyan Samitis in various hospitals in the national capital. President Kovind passed the order based on the

recommendations of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

In 2016, a complaint was filed by a lawyer in the ECI claiming that the 27 MLAs were liable for disqualification for occupying

the office of the chairpersons in Rogi Kalyan Samitis. The complaint claimed that they are in a position to interfere in the day-

to-day administration of these hospitals.

Rogi Kalyan Samitis were introduced in 2005 under the National Rural Health Mission as a forum to improve the functioning

and service provision in public health facilities, increase participation and enhance accountability.

This plea was different from the office-of-profit allegation levelled against 21 party MLAs of the AAP over their appointment

as parliamentary secretaries.

Punjab CM meets President of Israel

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh met Israel‘s President Reuven Rivlin in Jerusalem on October 23, 2018 and discussed a

wide range of subjects of mutual interest, with an eye on engaging with the Jewish nation for technical collaboration and

support in the key areas of water management, agriculture and homeland security technologies.

Krishi Kumbh organised in Lucknow

Krishi Kumbh was organised at the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (IISR) in Lucknow on October 26-28, 2018 with

Haryana and Jharkhand as partner states and Japan and Israel as partner countries. The objective of the mega agriculture

expo was to generate awareness among farmers, to define latest technologies and to showcase the business opportunities in

agro processing for business houses. The event was organised by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in association with the

Government of India and was inaugurated by the Prime Minister.

India‟s first gallery on robotic dinosaurs inaugurated at Science City in Kapurthala

The country‘s first gallery on robotic dinosaurs was opened to the public at the Pushpa Gujral Science City in Kapurthala

(Punjab) on October 27, 2018. A joint initiative of the Union and State governments, the science city has been set up in 72

acres of land on Jalandhar-Kapurthala road. It is intended to inculcate the scientific aptitude & temperament, to fire the

imagination and creativity, foster the spirit of enquiry and exploration among the masses, especially in the young minds.

Gujarat CM inaugurates Ghogha-Dahej „Ro-Pax‟ ferry service

The ―Ro-Pax‖ (roll on/off-passenger) ferry service connecting Ghogha in Saurashtra and Dahej in south Gujarat through the

Gulf of Cambay was launched on October 27, 2018 by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani. The ferry cuts the distance between

Ghogha and Dahej via sea route to just 30 kilometres when compared to 300 kilometres by road and the travel time from 10-

12 hours (by road) to 1.5 hours (by sea). The ferry can carry around 60 trucks, five to seven buses, 35-40 cars and an equal

number of bikes in addition to 525 passengers. Surat-based Indigo Seaways Pvt Ltd (ISPL) is operating the service. The firm is

operating the service with Gujarat Maritime Board under the public-private partnership model.



146

Disqualification of 18 T.N. MLAs by Speaker in Sept 2017 upheld by Madras HC

Justice M. Sathyanarayanan, the Supreme Court-appointed third judge of the Madras High Court, on October 25, 2018 upheld

the validity of an order passed by Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker P. Dhanapal on September 18, 2017, disqualifying 18

AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to T.T.V. Dhinakaran under the anti-defection law.

Deciding the case afresh at the request of counsel for the litigants, following a split verdict on June 14, Justice

Sathyanarayanan categorically held that the Speaker‘s order did not suffer from any of the grounds of attack, be it breach of

constitutional mandate, mala fide intentions, perversity or non-adherence to principles of natural justice.

In a split verdict, then Chief Justice Indira Banerjee (now a Supreme Court judge) had upheld the Speaker‘s order while her

companion judge, Justice M. Sundar, had set it aside on multiple grounds, including mala fide, perversity and non-adherence

to the principles of natural justice.

Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board to issue „Masala bonds‟ worth Rs 5,000 crore

The Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board would issue ‗masala bonds‘ worth Rs 5,000 crore to mobilise funds for

various development works, state Finance Minister T. M. Thomas Isaac said in Thiruvananthapuram on October 25, 2018.

Masala bonds are Rupee denominated overseas bonds.

NEWSMAKERS

TMC founder member Pankaj Bandyopadhyay dies at 72

A founding member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Pankaj Bandyopadhyay passed away in Kolkata on October 26, 2018 at

the age of 72. Bandyopadhyay joined the Congress during late 1960s and became an MLA from Tollygunge constituency in

1972 and 1996. He switched over to the TMC when it was formed in 1998 and was elected from the same constituency in

2001. Bandyopadhyay was elected the leader of the opposition, a post he had held till 2006. He retired from active politics in

that year.

Former Delhi Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Madan Lal Khurana dies at 83

Former Delhi Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Madan Lal Khurana passed away in New Delhi on October 28, 2018 at the

age of 83. Khurana served as Delhi Chief Minister from 1993 to 1996.



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Section J: SPORTS

Kenya‟s Abraham Kiptum sets new world record in men‟s half-marathon

Kenya‘s Abraham Kiptum set a new world record of 58 min 18 sec in men‘s half-marathon in Valencia, Spain on October 28,

2018. He won the Valencia half marathon. The previous best time was set by Ethiopia‘s Zersenay Tadesse who ran the Lisbon

half-marathon in 58 min 23 sec in March 2010.

Sourav Kothari wins World Billiards Championship title in UK

India‘s Sourav Kothari beat Peter Gilchrist of Singapore 1134-944 to clinch the 2018 World Billiards Championship title at

Leeds in UK on October 27, 2018.

Simona Halep becomes first recipient of Chris Evert WTA World No.1 Trophy

Simona Halep of Romania has become the first recipient of the Chris Evert Women‘s Tennis Association (WTA) World No .1

Trophy, named after WTA‘s first-ever world number one, Chris Evert. With a total of 157 titles, including 18 Grand Slam titles,

Evert held the top spot for 260 weeks.

Ukraine‟s Elina Svitolina wins Women‟s Singles title at WTA Finals in Singapore

Ukraine‘s Elina Svitolina beat Sloane Stephens of US in final 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 to win Women‘s Singles title at the WTA Finals in

Singapore on October 28, 2018. The Women‘s Doubles title was won by Timea Babos (Hungary) and Kristina Mladenovic

(France) who defeated Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic in the final 6-4, 7-5.

Roger Federer wins Men‟s Singles title in Swiss Indoors tennis

Switzerland‘s Roger Federer beat Romania‘s Marius Copil 7-6(5), 6-4 in final to win Men‘s Singles title in Swiss Indoors tennis

in Basel on October 28, 2018.

China‟s Xinyun Han wins Women‟s Singles title at ITF event in Nanning

China‘s Xinyun Han beat India‘s Karman Kaur Thandi in the final 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 to win Women‘s Singles title at USD 25000 ITF in

Nanning on October 28, 2018.

Khalin Joshi wins Panasonic Open India tournament at the Delhi Golf Club

India‘s Khalin Joshi won the USD 400,000 Panasonic Open India golf tournament at the Delhi Golf Club in New Delhi on

October 28, 2018.

Pooja Dhanda wins bronze at World Wrestling Championship in Budapest

Indian wrestler Pooja Dhanda won a bronze medal in women‘s 57kg freestyle category at the World Wrestling Championship

in Budapest (Hungary) on October 26, 2018 after defeating Grace Bullen of Norway 10-7. While Rong Ningning of China

clinched a gold medal, Bulgarian Bilyana Zhivkova Dudova settled for a silver medal in the event. Earlier, India‘s Bajrang Punia

had won a silver medal in men‘s 65 kg freestyle category.



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Bajrang Punia wins silver at World Wrestling Championship

India‘s Bajrang Punia won silver medal in Men‘s 65 kg Freestyle at the World Wrestling Championship in Budapest on October

23, 2018. He was defeated by Takuto Otoguro of Japan in the final 16-9.

France lose top spot to Belgium in FIFA rankings

World Cup winners France dropped one place to second in the FIFA rankings on October 25, 2018 as Belgium moved up to

claim top spot. India were ranked 97th

.

Sri Ramachandra‟s Centre for Sports Science (CSS) chosen as a Centre of Excellence

Sri Ramachandra‘s Centre for Sports Science (CSS) in Chennai has been chosen as a Centre of Excellence by the Asian Football

Confederation (AFC). CSS is the first facility in the country and the sub-continent to receive the AFC honour.

India C lift Deodhar Trophy cricket title

India C beat India B by 29 runs to win the 2018-19 Deodhar Trophy at the Feroz Shah Kotla stadium in New Delhi on October

27, 2018. India C and India B were captained by Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer respectively. Brief Scores: India C: 352/7

(Ajinkya Rahane 144 not out, Ishan Kishan 114; Jaydev Unadkat 3/52); India B: 323 (Shreyas Iyer 148, Ruturaj Gaikwad 60;

Pappu Roy 3/75).


For the Week: October 30 to November 5, 2018



149

HEADLINES

Section A: INDIA

Ayurveda Day observed on November 5

Swachh Bharat Mission announces World Toilet Day Contest for District Collectors

Missionaries of Charity gives nod for adoption

SC allows southern states can pick their two hours for firecrackers

Medical Council of India revises MBBS curriculum after 21 years

SC asks Centre to submit details of pricing of 36 Rafale fighter jets

WCD Minister asks NCW to set up dedicated cell for cases related to NRI marriages

143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Patel celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

Four new Supreme Court judges take oath

Arnab Goswami, S Jaishankar among 4 new members in NMML

SSB DG S. S. Deswal named ITBP DG, to continue in previous charge

Lt General Rajeshwar takes over as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff

Anupam Kher resigns as FTII Chairperson

1971 war hero Vice-Admiral M.P. Awati (retd.) passes away at 91


Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Japan

US withdraws duty-free concession on import of 50 Indian products

First-ever India-US Dialogue on Intellectual Property held in New Delhi

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte visits India

Dialogue between of NITI Aayog and China‘s Development Research Centre (DRC) held

Navy ship INS Tarangini returns after 7-month voyage covering 13 nations

Sushma Swaraj holds talks with Amir, PM of Kuwait

India, Qatar to establish joint commission to strengthen their relations

All UN members can now join Solar Alliance; cabinet gives go-ahead

India participates in Videocittà 2018 in Rome Film Festival

Netherlands to be the Partner Country 25th DST – CII Technology Summit 2019

Agreement with Morocco on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters approved

India-Japan military exercise begins in Mizoram

VP Venkaiah Naidu meets Zimbabwe‘s President Mnangagwa

VP Venkaiah Naidu meets Botswana‘s President Mokgweetsi Masisi

S. Korean First Lady to attend ground breaking ceremony of park in Ayodhya

Section C: WORLD

Session of UNWTO Executive Council held in Manama

8 ―jurisdictions‖ to get waiver from U.S. sanctions on trade with Iran

China reverses ban on trade in tiger, rhino products

New Zealand tops World Bank‘s ‗Ease of Doing Business‘ ranking of 190 countries, India 77th

Indonesian Lion Air plane crashes into sea with 188 passengers, crew

President Maithripala Sirisena lifts suspension of Sri Lankan parliament

Satyajit Ray‘s Pather Panchali placed at 15 in BBC‘s 100 best foreign language films list

Qatar to host World Corporate Games in 2019


Current Affairs Magic October 2 to Nov 5, 2018 www.globalias.in October 2 to 8, 2018

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UNGA votes overwhelmingly against US embargo on Cuba

Bangladesh PM announces to build 560 model mosques, Islamic university with Saudi assistance

Voters in New Caledonia opt to remain part of France

World Cities Day observed on October 31

World Savings Day observed on October 31

Jair Bolsonaro elected new President of Brazil

Geir Pedersen appointed UN‘s next special envoy to Syria

Venezuelan journalist, politician Teodoro Petkoff dies at 86

Former Maldives President Nasheed returns from exile

Coral reef scientist Ruth Gates dies at 56

Hong Kong journalist and martial arts novelist Louis Cha dies at 94


NASA‘s Dawn mission to asteroid belt ends

China-France Oceanography Satellite (CFOSAT) satellite launched to study climate change

NASA‘s Kepler telescope retires

NASA‘s Parker Solar Probe breaks record, reaches closest ever to the sun

Global Soil Biodiversity Atlas launched by WWF

CSIR develops less polluting firecrackers named – SWAS, SAFAL and STAR

Section E: AWARDS

‗The Week‘ journalist Namrata Biji Ahuja wins IPI-India Award

Winners of #OpenGovDataHack National Challenge felicitated

IIT-Hyderabad students win Samsung Innovation Awards

Centre awards Assam Police for citizen services

Academician Raj Kumar wins the Global Education Leaders Award

Assam Don Bosco varsity gets ‗University of the Year‘ award

Malala Yousafzai wins Harvard University‘s Gleitsman Award


RBI allows banks to provide partial credit enhancement (PCE) to bonds issued by NBFCs

CIC issues show-cause notice to RBI governor for non-disclosure of wilful defaulter‘s list

RBI allows banks for fire audit of currency chests by approved agencies

RBI starts process to set up digital Public Credit Registry (PCR)

Committee of Experts submits its report on Regulating audit firms and the Networks

SBI reduces daily cash withdrawal limit

IRDAI panel suggests excluding 17 ailments from medical cover

Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) reinstates R. P. Marathe as MD & CEO of the bank

GN Bajpai resigns from govt-appointed IL&FS board

Section G: ECONOMY



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Loan under 59 minutes among incentives announced for MSMEs

19th Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) held

Govt promulgates ordinance to amend Companies Act 2013

India‘s first container movement on inland waterways begins with PepsiCo goods

Centre approves construction of 215,000 houses in 6 states under PMAY (U)

Telecom Commission rechristened as Digital Communications Commission

Forex reserves down by USD 1.444 bn to USD 392.078 bn

Vehicle Location Tracking Devices, Emergency Buttons mandatory for new public service vehicles

Railways rolls out All-India Unreserved Mobile Ticketing facility (UTS on Mobile)

IWAI hands over Kolkata Terminals to private company on supply, operate, maintain model

MoU signed between OMCs and CSC SPV for collaboration in LPG Services

Core sector grows 4.3% in September


India‘s first engine-less semi-high speed train - ―Train 18‖ - rolled out

Samsung Mobile ranked India‘s most popular brand by Brand Asia Survey 2018

Tata Steel named as official partner of men‘s hockey World Cup

SBI sets up JV SBI Payment Services with Hitachi

Myntra expands in-house brands portfolio with ‗Sztori‘

TCS acquires London-based W12 Studios to boost creative design capabilities

IBM buys Red Hat for $34 bn

In a first for India, HSBC facilitates blockchain-based transaction for RIL

Tech Mahindra, Rakuten to set up 5G labs in Tokyo, Bengaluru

Facebook launches Digital Literacy Library in 6 Indian languages

Mahindra Truck and Bus launches Blazo X range of Heavy Commercial Vehicle

Kirloskar group gets RBI license for NBFC business

Amazon Pay, ICICI launch new credit card

Mondelez unveils R&D centre in Mumbai

Kajol to endorse hair colour brand Super Vasmol 33 Kesh Kala

Tata Sons ends contract with Suhel Seth over #MeToo allegations

IIM-Lucknow Director dies

Section I: STATES

SC allows use of 5 more documents for claim to draft Assam NRC, extends deadline to Dec 15

SC prohibits plying of 15-yr old petrol, 10-yr old diesel vehicles in NCR

Only ‗green‘ crackers can be sold in Delhi: SC

NDMC launches QR-enabled fridge magnets for digital payment of bills

J&K Governor flags off ‗Saubhagya Raths‘ to achieve 100 pc electrification in 20 districts

Zika Virus strain that causes microcephaly not found in Rajasthan

16 policemen sentenced to life for killing 42 people in 1987 Hashimpura massacre in UP

Gyan Kumbh organised at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar

Centre orders shutting of adoption agency in Madhya Pradesh

CCRS to inquire into cause of 19 October Amritsar Train accident

Jharkhand CM announces mobile phones to 28 lakh farmers in the state

SC junks Kerala order on staff‘s donation to fund



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Foundation for country‘s largest dry dock laid in Kerala

‗Soura Jalanidhi‘ scheme to promote use of solar energy in irrigation launched in Odisha

Odisha Disaster Preparedness Day observed on October 29

Odisha: Jharsuguda airport renamed after freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai

Odisha CM launches Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Policy

Ekamra Sports Literary Festival organised in Bhubaneswar

Man-eater tigress shot dead in Maharashtra‘s Yavatmal district

Decommissioned aircraft carrier INS Viraat to become a floating museum

Maharashtra govt to tax power consumers to finance solar pumps for farmers

Gujarat‘s first Mega Food Park inaugurated in Surat

First-year college students in Gujarat to get tablet PCs for Rs 1000 each

96 year-old Karthyayani Amma scores high marks in Kerala literacy exam

AAP suspends 2 Punjab MLAs for ‗anti-party activities‘

Urdu writer Qazi Abdussattar passes away at 85

Veteran ‗villupaattu‘ exponent Poongani dies at 86

Section J: SPORTS

India, Pakistan declared joint winners of Asian Champions Trophy

India win 5-match ODI series against West Indies 3-1

Rahul Dravid becomes 5th Indian player to be inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

ICC suspends Sri Lanka bowling coach Zoysa on fixing charges

Advani wins Asian Snooker Tour title

Poland‘s Radoslav Wojtaszek and Russia‘s Alina Kashlinskaya win Isle of Man Chess tournament

Gafur Rakhimov elected AIBA president

Simone Biles wins world gymnastics title

Bangladesh win South Asian Football Federation Under-15 Championship

Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes wins 2018 F1 drivers‘ championship

Amittrajit Ghosh wins the Rally of Arunachal

Karen Khachanov wins Men‘s Singles title at Paris Masters tennis

Luksika Kumkhum wins Women‘s Singles title at L&T Open tennis in Mumbai

Ashleigh Barty lifts year-end WTA Elite Trophy



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Section A: INDIA

NEWS ROUND UP

Ayurveda Day observed on November 5

Ministry of AYUSH observes Ayurveda Day every year on Dhanawantari Jayanti (Dhanteras). The third Ayurveda Day was

observed on November 5, 2018. On this occasion, the Ministry organised a ―National Seminar on Entrepreneurship and

Business Development in Ayurveda‖ in association with NITI Aayog on November 4-5 in New Delhi. The objective was to

encourage entrepreneurs and Ayurveda stakeholders towards businesses opportunities in the sector.

―National Dhanwantari Ayurveda Award‖ comprising citation, trophy (Dhanwantari Statue) and cash reward of Rs. 5 lakh was

conferred on eminent Vaidyas. The Ministry of AYUSH selected three renowned Ayurveda experts namely Vaidya Shiv Kumar

Mishra, Vaidya Madhav Singh Bhagel and Vaidya Itoozhi Bhavadasan Namboothiri for the prestigious National Dhanwantari

Ayurveda Award for the year 2018. The winners of the National level Ayurveda quiz conducted by All India Institute of

Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, were also felicitated.

Another highlight observation of the 3rd

Ayurveda Day was the launch of the AYUSH-Health Management Information System

(A-HMIS), a dedicated software application for Electronic Health Record (EHR) for the AYUSH systems of Healthcare. A-HIMS

which is being launched across 15 AYUSH units in different parts of the country is expected to revolutionise the way

Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy are practised in the country, by inducting modern IT-solutions into these

systems.

Swachh Bharat Mission announces World Toilet Day Contest for District Collectors

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation on November 3, 2018 announced the Swachh Bharat World Toilet Day Contest

for districts and States. As the Swachh Bharat Mission enters its fifth and final year, the purpose of the Contest is to encourage

all districts in India to re-intensify the sanitation people‘s movement with a special focus on ODF Sustainability.

For 10 days in the run-up to the World Toilet Day, i.e. from 9th November to 19th November 2018, districts across the country

will compete on a range of Swachhta activities to sustain and reinforce the behaviour change outcomes achieved by them so

far.

Top 10 District Collectors, along with the Top 3 State Mission Directors/State Secretary in-charge of Sanitation will be

recognized and awarded by the Swachh Bharat Mission and will also win a chance to interact and share experience with

Swachh Bharat brand ambassador Akshay Kumar. Ministry has called upon districts and States for high participation in the

contest and for qualitative Swachhta activity by engaging with the community.

Missionaries of Charity gives nod for adoption

Three years after the Missionaries of Charity (MoC) decided to stop giving children in its homes up for adoption, it has agreed

to join hands with the country‘s nodal agency for adoption. The development follows a meeting between Sister Mary Prema

Pierick, the head of the organisation and Mother Teresa‘s successor, and Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka

Gandhi at the latter‘s office in New Delhi on October 29, 2018.

In October 2015, soon after the Central government announced new rules for adoption and made it mandatory for all homes

to be linked to the Child Adoption Resource Authority(CARA), which would be the only body in the country authorised to

process adoptions, the Missionaries of Charity sought de-recognition of its homes.



154

Without specifying the reasons for its decision, the MoC had said in a press statement that complying with all the provisions

of the new regulations would be difficult for the organisation.

Children in various homes of the Missionaries of Charity will now be linked to a Specialised Adoption Agency (SAA) and

details of children would be available on the website.

SC allows southern states can pick their two hours for firecrackers

The Supreme Court on October 30, 2018 allowed southern states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh

to select the time for bursting firecrackers during Diwali subject to the limit of two hours.

A bench of Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice Ashok Bhushan made it clear that the total duration of time to burst crackers should

not exceed two hours as ruled on October 23.

The court had earlier permitted the bursting of crackers with reduced emission and decibel levels for two hours -- from 8 PM

to 10 PM across the country.

The court refused to accept the submission by Tamil Nadu and the Fire Crackers Manufacturers Association that people in

Tamil Nadu be allowed to burst crackers from 4.30 a.m. to 6.30 a.m. besides during the evening hours from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

It was submitted that Diwali is celebrated in north India by lighting of lamps and the festival is celebrated a day earlier in the

southern parts of the country and that too in the morning.

The court also clarified that direction on bursting of green crackers was limited to Delhi and its adjoining areas and was not

applicable to the rest of country.

Medical Council of India revises MBBS curriculum after 21 years

After a gap of 21 years, the Medical Council of India (MCI) on November 2, 2018 finalised the new undergraduate curriculum

that acknowledges the importance of ethics, responsiveness to needs of patients and their families, and communication skills.

The new curriculum will be applicable from August 2019.

The MCI‘s Board of Governors approved the document, which revisits the 1997 syllabus in context of emerging diseases and

scientific advances. Called ‗Competency-based UG Curriculum for the Indian Medical Graduate‘, the new syllabus marks a

radical shift from old times when rote and classroom learning was the norm in MBBS training.

V.K. Paul, Chairperson of the MCI Board of Governors, said that a course called Attitude, Ethics and Communication

(AETCOM), which will run across all the years of MBBS, is a new addition to the syllabus.

SC asks Centre to submit details of pricing of 36 Rafale fighter jets

The Supreme Court on October 31, 2018 asked the Centre for pricing details of the 36 Rafale fighter jets India is buying from

France in a sealed cover within 10 days but agreed that ―strategic and confidential‖ information need not be disclosed. The

attorney general had expressed reservations about disclosing the details of pricing of the jets and said its cost was not even

disclosed in Parliament.



155

WCD Minister asks NCW to set up dedicated cell for cases related to NRI marriages

Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi on October 29, 2018 asked the National Commission for Women to

set up a cell dedicated to cases related to NRI marriages and monitor them on real-time basis. She reviewed the progress of

cases of wives who have been abandoned by their NRI husbands.

143rd

birth anniversary of Sardar Patel celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

143rd

birth anniversary of Sardar Patel was celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on October 31, 2018. Prime

Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 182-metre tall ‗Statue of Unity‘ of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Sadhu-Bet Island in

Narmada district of Gujarat. The total project cost is estimated to be Rs. 2,989 crore. It was designed by sculptor Ram V. Sutar

and built by Larsen & Toubro. World‘s tallest statues: 1. Statue of Unity 240 m (incl. 58 m base) in Gujarat, India 2. Spring

Temple Buddha 153 m (incl. 25 m pedestal and 20 m throne) in Henan, China 3. Statue of Liberty 93 m (incl. 47 m pedestal) in

New York USA 4. The Motherland Calls 87 m (incl. 2 m pedestal) in Volgograd, Russia 5. Christ the Redeemer 38 m (incl. 8 m

pedestal) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 6. Statue of David 5.17 m (excl. 2.5m plinth) in Florence, Italy.

RECENT BOOKS

NON-FICTION

Cutting the Gordian Knot: India‘s Quest for Prosperity by T. N. Hari, Hari Menon

The Jobs Crisis In India by Raghavan Jagannathan

The Expertise: Economy: How the Smartest Companies Use Learning to Engage, Compete & Succeed by Kelly Palmer &

David Blake

The Big Reverse: How Demonetization Knocked India Out by Meera Sanyal

Of Counsel: The Challenges of the Modi-Jaitley Economy by Arvind Subramanian

Changemakers: Twenty Women Transforming Bollywood Behind The Scenes by Gayatri Rangachari Shah and Mallika Kapur

Free Trade & Prosperity: How Openness Helps Developing Countries Grow Richer and Combat Poverty by Arvind Panagariya

Propaganda Blitz: How the Corporate Media Distort Reality by David Edwards, David Cromwell

Yoga and Mindfulness by Mansi Gulati

Open Embrace: India-U.S. Ties in the Age of Modi and Trump by Varghese K. George

Nightmarch: A Journey Into India‘s Naxal Heartlands by Alpa Shah

Beloved Delhi: A Mughal City and Her Greatest Poets by Saif Mahmood

Paradise at War: A Political History of Kashmir by Radha Kumar

India, Empire and First World War Culture by Santanu Das

The Great Smog of India by Siddharth Singh

Sikkim: Dawn of Democracy by G.B.S. Sidhu

The Re-origin of Species by Torill Kornfeldt

NEWSMAKERS

Four new Supreme Court judges take oath

Justice Hemant Gupta, Justice R. Subhash Reddy, Justice Mukesh Kumar Rasikbhai Shah and Justice Ajay Rastogi were on

November 2, 2018 sworn in as judges of the Supreme Court. They were administered the oath by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.

With this, the strength of the top court judges has gone up to 28 -- only three short of the sanctioned strength of 31. Justice

Gupta, Justice Reddy, Justice Shah and Justice Rastogi were the Chief Justices of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Patna and Tripura

high courts, respectively, before their elevation to the apex court. The Supreme Court collegium had recommended their

elevation on October 29.



156

Arnab Goswami, S Jaishankar among 4 new members in NMML

The Centre has appointed journalist Arnab Goswami, former Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, BJP MP Vinay Sahasrabuddhe and

Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) chairman Ram Bahadur Rai as members of Nehru Memorial Museum and

Library Society, replacing four members. Former Union Minister MJ Akbar, who resigned from the Cabinet on October 17 in

the wake of allegations of sexual harassment levelled by several women journalists, however, continues to be the vice

chairman of the NMML executive council. According to a notification on October 29, the culture ministry replaced economist

Nitin Desai, Professor Udayan Mishra and former bureaucrat BP Singh. Another member Pratap Bhanu Mehta had resigned in

2016. Shakti Sinha continues as Director of NMML. The newly appointed members will serve until April 25, 2020.

SSB DG S. S. Deswal named ITBP DG, to continue in previous charge

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Director General S.S. Deswal was on October 31, 2018 appointed Director General of the Indo-

Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), a para-military force mandated to guard the 3,488-km Sino-Indian border. He will also hold the

additional charge of SSB Director General till further orders. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet issued the order

giving Deswal, a 1984-batch Haryana cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, the responsibility till his superannuation on

August 31, 2021. Incumbent ITBP chief R.K. Pachnanda has retired.

Lt General Rajeshwar takes over as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff

Lieutenant General P.S. Rajeshwar on November 1, 2018 took over as the 12th Chief of Integrated Defence Staff. Lt General

Rajeshwar was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery in December 1980. He is an alumnus of the Indian Military

Academy, Dehradun and the National Defence College, Delhi.

Anupam Kher resigns as FTII Chairperson

Actor Anupam Kher on October 30, 2018 resigned as chairperson of the Pune-based Film and Television Institute of India

citing commitments to an international TV show for which he has to be stationed in the US for long periods of time over the

next three years. Kher replaced Gajendra Chauhan, who had a controversial tenure, as the head of the prestigious institute in

October 2017. On November 4, Kher was conferred a ‗Distinguished Fellow‘ title at the India Global Summit organised in

Cambridge MIT Sloan School of Management in Boston.

1971 war hero Vice-Admiral M.P. Awati (retd.) passes away at 91

Vice-Admiral M.P. Awati (retd.), who commanded a naval unit of the Eastern Fleet in the 1971 India-Pakistan war and whose

actions led to the destruction of an enemy submarine, passed away at his hometown near Satara in Maharashtra on

November 4, 2018, the Navy said. Vice-Admiral Awati, a Vir Chakra recipient, was 91.



157


NEWS ROUND UP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Japan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on October 29, 2018. A new

Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue, termed 2+2, was announced to supplement bilateral dialogue mechanisms that

include the Annual Defence Ministerial Dialogue, Defence Policy Dialogue and the National Security Advisers Dialogue.

Bilateral Swap Arrangement

On the economic front, the two countries have agreed to a Bilateral Swap Arrangement that would allow their central banks

to exchange local currencies for up to $75 billion. The finance ministry said the currency swap agreement should aid in

bringing greater stability to foreign exchange and capital markets in India. This facility will enable the agreed amount of

foreign capital being available to India for use as and when need arises. The facility will also help in bringing down the cost of

capital for Indian entities while accessing foreign capital market.

Japan joins International Solar Alliance

Japan announced joining the International Solar Alliance (ISA) submitting the instrument of ratification on October 29. As of

now there are 70 countries that have signed the ISA Framework Agreement (ISA FA) and 47 countries that have ratified it.

Japan will be the 71st country to sign and 48th country to ratify the ISA FA.

List of Announcements/Agreements signed during the visit include the following:

MoC was signed between India‘s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Japan‘s Ministry of Economy, Trade

& Industry (METI) on Japan-India Digital Partnership.

Statement of Intent was signed between NITI Aayog and Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry (METI), Japan on Artificial

Intelligence (AI). The objective is to encourage and develop cooperation on Artificial Intelligence technologies.

MoC was signed between India‘s Ministry of AYUSH and the Kanagawa Prefectural Government of Japan in the field of

Healthcare and Wellness.

MoC was signed between India‘s Ministry of Food Processing & Industries and Japan‘s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and

Fisheries in the field of Food Processing Industry.

MoC on Development of Food Value Chain in Maharashtra was signed between the state government and Japan‘s Ministry

of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It will facilitate investment of Japanese companies in food value chain in Maharashtra.

The same MoC was signed by Japan with the government of Uttar Pradesh.

MoU was signed between Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India and NEXI (Nippon Export and Investment Insurance),

Japan for stimulating trade and investment between India and Japan and strengthening cooperation in projects in third

countries.



158

MoU was signed between Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India and Hiroshima University, Japan for

Research Partnership. The objective is to promote research partnership in areas such as Electronics, Sensors, High Speed

Vision, Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing.

MoU was signed between CSIR, India and Research Centre for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), The University of

Tokyo, Japan for Research Partnership. The objective is to promote research partnership in areas like Renewable Energy,

Electronics including Robotics/IoT, Advanced Materials, etc.

Agreement for Cooperation was signed between CSIR, India and Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of

Technology (TIT), Japan for joint research in interdisciplinary areas for application in Industrial Research.

MoU was signed between National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), India, and Shizuoka

University, Japan for Academic and Research exchanges.

MoU on further cooperation toward Indo-Japan Global Startup was signed between Nagasaki University and IIITDM

Kancheepuram, India.

MoU on Academic and Educational Exchange was signed between Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, India and

Hiroshima University, Japan.

MoU was signed between Sports Authority of India (SAI), India and University of Tsukuba, Japan for academic exchanges and

sports cooperation.

US withdraws duty-free concession on import of 50 Indian products

The US on November 1, 2018 withdrew duty-free concessions on import of around 50 Indian products, mostly from the

agriculture and handloom sectors. The Indian products, among 90 items originating from various countries that had duty-free

access in America under its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), were removed from the GSP list effective November 1

by a US Presidential proclamation.

The GSP is designed to promote economic development by allowing duty-free entry for products from designated beneficiary

countries. India has been the largest beneficiary of the GSP and in 2018 its duty-free exports to the US under their trade

preference programme amounted to over $5.5 billion. The export of these products to the US will henceforth be subject to

regular tariffs.

Indian products removed from the GSP include areca nuts, mangoes processed by vinegar or acetic acid, buffalo skin leather,

plain weave handloom cotton fabrics containing over 85 per cotton by weight, handloom carpets and textile floor coverings.

Products from other countries like Argentina, Brazil, Thailand, Pakistan, Turkey, the Philippines and Indonesia have also been

removed from the GSP list.

First-ever India-US Dialogue on Intellectual Property held in New Delhi

The first ever India-US Dialogue on Intellectual Property was launched in New Delhi on October 31, 2018 to deepen bilateral

strategic cooperation on IP policy. The dialogue was launched by US Chamber of Commerce‘s Global Innovation Policy Center

(GIPC) and FICCI in partnership with the US-India Business Council.



159

The Dialogue will be convened annually, alternating between New Delhi and Washington, DC. The discussions during the

dialogue included a focus on joint opportunities and challenges related to the whole spectrum of IP, including patent filing,

regulatory landscape, copyright and infringement, technology transfer, and enforcement.

Formed in 1975 at the request of the US and Indian governments, the US-India Business Council is a business advocacy

organisation comprised of 350 top-tier US and Indian companies advancing US-India commercial ties.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte visits India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte in New Delhi on October 30, 2018. The

two countries have decided to set up a fast-track mechanism to promote two-way investments and constitute a CEO forum to

intensify bilateral economic cooperation.

Underlining the importance of economic cooperation for strengthening the bilateral ties, the two sides agreed to convene the

next session of the India-Italy Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation (JCEC) in India in 2019. The annual trade turnover

between the two countries was $10.4 billion in 2017-18.

Conte participated in the India-Italy Technology Summit, which was organised by the Department of Science and Technology

(DST) in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry in New Delhi on October 29-30. The summit focussed on a

number of areas including healthcare, aerospace, education, clean technology, renewable energy and information and

communication technology.

Dialogue between of NITI Aayog and China‟s Development Research Centre (DRC) held

The fourth dialogue of India‘s NITI Aayog and China‘s Development Research Centre (DRC) of the State Council was held in

Mumbai on November 1, 2018. Both nations agreed to undertake joint research in the areas of WTO reforms, urbanisation

and frontier technologies with a view to enhancing economic cooperation between the countries. Both sides also agreed to

examine various trade sector related issues, and the need for enhanced policy coordination to facilitate investments. The

Chinese delegation was led by President of DRC Li Wei and the Indian delegation was led by Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog

Rajiv Kumar. The fifth edition of the NITI - DRC Dialogue will be held in Wuhan, China in November, 2019.

Navy ship INS Tarangini returns after 7-month voyage covering 13 nations

The sail training ship of Indian Navy INS Tarangini returned to its base at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi on October

30, 2018 after a seven-month-long voyage, covering 15 ports in 13 countries across the world. The voyage named ―Lokayan

18‖ was flagged off on April 10 from Kochi and the ship highlighted the diverse culture of India across 15 ports in 13

countries. INS Tarangini sailed across the Arabian Sea, Red Sea, Suez Canal, Mediterranean Sea, Strait of Gibraltar, North

Atlantic Ocean, Bay of Biscay, English Channel and North Sea, right up to Norway before commencing her homeward passage.

It also participated in the culminating event of the ‗Three Festival Tall Ships Regatta‘ at Bordeaux in France and the ‗Tall Ships

Races Europe 2018‘.

Sushma Swaraj holds talks with Amir, PM of Kuwait

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on October 31, 2018 called on Kuwait‘s top leadership, including Emir Sabah Al-

Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Prime Minister Sheikh Jabar Al Mubarak Al Hamad Al Sabah, and discussed a range of issues to

strengthen the bilateral ties besides raising the Indian community‘s concerns over the Gulf nation‘s new labour laws. As per



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the latest statistics, over 8 lakh Indian nationals legally reside in Kuwait. Total bilateral trade with Kuwait during 2017-18 was

USD 8.53 billion.

India, Qatar to establish joint commission to strengthen their relations

India and Qatar on October 29, 2018 decided to set up a Joint Commission to strengthen their relations and regularly review

all the bilateral matters, as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest. The decision was taken after External Affairs

Minister Sushma Swaraj met Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani in Doha and discussed ways to move forward

on the roadmap set by the top leaders of the two countries. The Joint Commission will be co-chaired by the Ministers of

External Affairs and Foreign Affairs of the two countries or their representatives. Qatar hosts about seven lakh Indians who

form the largest expatriate community in the Gulf country. Qatar is a reliable energy partner, supplying more than 50 per cent

of India‘s natural gas imports.

All UN members can now join Solar Alliance; cabinet gives go-ahead

The Union Cabinet on November 1, 2018 gave ex-post facto approval for India moving a resolution for opening up of

International Solar Alliance (ISA) membership to all UN countries. ISA is an alliance of more than 121 countries initiated by

India, most of them being sunshine countries, to work for efficient exploitation of solar energy so as to reduce dependence on

fossil fuels. India and France co-hosted the first International Solar Alliance summit here in March 2018. Opening the

membership of the ISA will put solar energy in global agenda with the universal appeal for developing and deploying solar

energy.

India participates in Videocittà 2018 in Rome Film Festival

India was partner country at Videocittà 2018, an event focussing on Virtual Reality, Video gaming, Animation, Film Making,

etc. was organized along with Rome Film Festival and Mercato Internazionale dell‘Audiovisivo (MIA) (the International Audio

Visual Market). India‘s participation at Videocittà 2018, Rome was organized by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and

coordinated on Ministry‘s behalf by FICCI. This was stated in a press note issued by the Ministry of Information &

Broadcasting on November 2. India Pavilion at Videocittà 2018 showcased Indian films‘ heritage, ease of film shooting in

India, promoted film shooting locations in India

Netherlands to be the Partner Country 25th DST – CII Technology Summit 2019

Netherlands will be the Partner Country 25th DST – CII Technology Summit to be organized in 2019. This was announced on

October 29, 2018 by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Environment, Forest and

Climate Change.

Agreement with Morocco on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters approved

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 1, 2018 approved the Agreement between India

and Morocco on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. The Agreement will provide a broad legal framework for

bilateral cooperation between India and Morocco in investigation and prosecution of crime, tracing, restraint, forfeiture or

confiscation or proceeds and instruments of crime.

India-Japan military exercise begins in Mizoram

Armies of India and Japan began their two-week-long joint military exercise ‗Dharma Guardian-2018‖ on November 1, 2018 at

the jungle warfare school in Vairengte, Mizoram with a focus on strengthening counter-terror cooperation. The Japanese

contingent is represented by 32nd Infantry Battalion, while the Indian side by 6/1 Gorkha Rifles.



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VP Venkaiah Naidu meets Zimbabwe‟s President Mnangagwa

India and Zimbabwe on November 3, 2018 signed six signed agreements, including on mining, Information and

communications technology (ICT), visa waiver and traditional medicine as Vice President Venkaiah Naidu met Zimbabwe

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice-President Kembo Mohadi and held wide-ranging talks in capital Harare. On

November 4, Naidu laid the foundation stone of the building of new Indian Embassy in Harare which will also have a Yoga

centre.

VP Venkaiah Naidu meets Botswana‟s President Mokgweetsi Masisi

On November 2, Naidu met President of Botswana, Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi in capital Gaborone and welcomed the African

nation‘s decision to join International Solar Alliance. On November 1, Naidu met Vice President Slumber Tsogwane. A MoU on

exemption of Visa for diplomatic passports was signed between the two countries. Naidu was the Chief Guest at the 13th

Annual Global Expo Botswana 2018.

NEWSMAKERS

S. Korean First Lady to attend ground breaking ceremony of park in Ayodhya

South Korea‘s First Lady Kim Jung-sook arrived in New Delhi on November 4, 2018 to attend the groundbreaking ceremony

of a park in Ayodhya dedicated to Indian-born Korean Queen Heo Hwang-ok. Queen Heo, originally named Princess

Suriratna, is believed to have travelled to the Korean city of Gimhae from Ayodhya in AD 42 as a 16 year old. The park with a

monument was first built in 2000, but is being enlarged with the help of a grant of land from the Uttar Pradesh government.



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Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

Session of UNWTO Executive Council held in Manama

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, K. J. Alphons, along with a delegation of senior officials attended the

109th session of United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Executive Council in Manama, Bahrain from October

30 to November 1, 2018.

As the chair of the Committee, the Minister informed the session that for the first time, UNWTO had a surplus budget and

most of the arrears due have been paid. India will be the chair of Programme and Budget Committee of UNWTO Executive

Council till 2021.

On the sidelines of the event, Alphons met the Secretary-General of UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, and discussed on involving

UNWTO in developing tourism as a strong agent for the better future of the world and establishing the global public private

partnerships. UNWTO is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally

accessible tourism.

8 “jurisdictions” to get waiver from U.S. sanctions on trade with Iran

Eight countries will be given exemptions and ―weeks longer to wind down‖ their trade with Iran, once U.S. sanctions against

Iran kick in on November 5. This was clarified by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on November 2, 2018. Pompeo said the

list of eight ―jurisdictions‖ would be released on November 5. He also clarified that the European Union (EU) — which consists

of 28 countries including the U.K. — will not be one of the jurisdictions granted a temporary exemption. India — for whom

Iran is the third largest source of oil after Iraq and Saudi Arabia — is expecting to be on the list. In terms of entities granted

exemptions, there would be no exemption for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), a global

financial messaging service, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said.

China reverses ban on trade in tiger, rhino products

China has decided to allow trading in products made from endangered tigers and rhinos under ―special circumstances,‖

reversing a previous ban. A notice from the Cabinet issued on October 29, 2018 said that it would ―control‖ the trade and that

rhino horns and tiger bones could only be obtained from farmed animals for use in ―medical research or in healing.‖ Tiger

bone and rhino horn are used in traditional Chinese medicine, despite a lack of evidence of their effectiveness in treating

illness and the effect on wild populations.

New Zealand tops World Bank‟s „Ease of Doing Business‟ ranking of 190 countries, India 77th

New Zealand has topped World Bank‘s ‗Ease of Doing Business‘ ranking of 190 countries released on October 31, 2018

followed by Singapore, Denmark, and Hong Kong. India was ranked 77th

(100th

in 2017).

In its annual report ‗Doing Business‘ 2019 report, World Bank said India improved on six of the 10 parameters relating to

starting and doing business in a country. These parameters include ease of starting a business, construction permits, getting

electricity, getting credit, paying taxes, trade across borders, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency.



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India‘s ranking on ten parameters – Starting a Business: 137, Dealing with Construction Permits: 52, Getting Electricity: 24,

Registering Property: 166, Getting Credit: 22, Protecting Minority Investors: 7, Paying Taxes: 121, Trading across Borders: 80,

Enforcing Contracts: 163, Resolving Insolvency: 108

Indonesian Lion Air plane crashes into sea with 188 passengers, crew

An Indonesian Lion Air plane carrying 188 passengers and crew crashed into the Java Sea on October 29, 2018. The jet

vanished from radar just 13 minutes after taking off from the Indonesian capital Jakarta, plunging into the ocean. Lion Air

flight JT610 was travelling from Jakarta to Pangkal Pinang when it lost contact. Indian pilot Bhavye Suneja died in the crash.

President Maithripala Sirisena lifts suspension of Sri Lankan parliament

Sri Lanka‘s President Maithripala Sirisena on November 4, 2018 announced reconvening of Parliament on November 14. He

had suspended Parliament in October 2018 after sacking Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replacing him with former

President Mahinda Rajapaksa. Rajapaksa was sworn in as the new Prime Minister on October 26. Wickremesinghe is the leader

of United National Party (UNP) while Rajapaksa is the head of United Peoples‘ Progressive Alliance (UPFA). Sirisena is the

leader of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP).

Satyajit Ray‟s Pather Panchali placed at 15 in BBC‟s 100 best foreign language films list

Satyajit Ray‘s Bengali film ―Pather Panchali‖ has been included by BBC in its list of 100 best foreign language films and is the

only film from India to feature in the list. Ray‘s film, released in 1955, was placed at number 15 in the list, which has been

topped by Akira Kurosawa‘s Japanese movie ―Seven Samurai‖ (1954). The list was culled out from a poll where over 200 critics

from 43 countries picked their best foreign language film.

Qatar to host World Corporate Games in 2019

Qatar will host the 23rd

edition of the World Corporate Games in November 2019 which will provide an opportunity for

corporations around the world to showcase their competitive prowess through sports. The sporting event takes place every

one to two years and the last edition was held in Houston in the US in 2017. Maureen Johnston is the Founder of the World

Corporate Games.

UNGA votes overwhelmingly against US embargo on Cuba

The UN General Assembly on November 1, 2018 voted against Washington‘s economic embargo on Cuba. India joined 189

members who voted to urge the US to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo against Cuba. Only the US and

Israel voted against the resolution, and two other countries stayed away from the 193-member General Assembly. Former

President Barack Obama began a process of normalising ties with Cuba in 2015 by restoring diplomatic relations cut off in

1961 and relaxing travel and some economic and financial restrictions. But Trump changed course and reinstated some of the

restrictions.

Bangladesh PM announces to build 560 model mosques, Islamic university with Saudi assistance

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on November 4, 2018 announced that her government will construct 560 model

mosques and an Islamic university with the Saudi assistance. Hasina‘s Awami League party is considered as the secular party

while her rival Khaleda Zia‘s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is close to hardliners. Her move to build hundreds of mosques

is seen as an attempt to woo Islamist voters who have been traditionally voting for Zia‘s BNP and her ally Jamaat-e-Islami.



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Voters in New Caledonia opt to remain part of France

The Pacific islands of New Caledonia opted to remain part of France on November 4, 2018 as voters rejected independence in

a referendum. Some 18,000 kilometres from the French mainland, New Caledonia is home to a quarter of the world‘s known

supplies of nickel -- a vital electronics component -- and is a foothold for France in the Pacific. Some 175,000 people were

eligible to vote. There are fears the referendum could inflame tensions between indigenous Kanak people, who tend to favour

independence, and the white population which has settled since France annexed the islands in 1853. France also faces

renewed calls for independence from nationalists on the Mediterranean island of Corsica.

World Cities Day observed on October 31

The World Cities Day was observed on October 31, 2018. The first World Cities Day was celebrated in 2014 under the theme

Leading Urban Transformations. The general theme of World Cities Day is Better City, Better Life, while each year a different

sub-theme is selected, to either promote successes of urbanization, or address specific challenges resulting from urbanization.

The theme for World Cities Day 31 October 2018 is ‗Building Sustainable and Resilient Cities‘.

World Savings Day observed on October 31

World Savings Day was celebrated around the globe on October 31, 2018 to increase the public‘s awareness of the

importance of savings. The World Savings Day was established at the International Savings Bank Congress (World Society of

Savings Banks) in Milano, Italy on October 31, 1924. The Italian Professor Filippo Ravizza declared this day the ―International

Saving Day‖. Also called ‗World Thrift Day‘, the World Savings Day was established to promote savings all over the World.

NEWSMAKERS

Jair Bolsonaro elected new President of Brazil

Jair Bolsonaro has been elected as the new President of Brazil. On October 7, Rio de Janeiro congressman Jair Bolsonaro of

Social Liberal Party came first in the first round of the presidential election. A run-off between him and former São Paulo

mayor Fernando Haddad of Workers‘ Party was held on October 28, 2018. Bolsonaro was declared the winner with 55.13% of

the vote.

Geir Pedersen appointed UN‟s next special envoy to Syria

Norwegian diplomat Geir Pedersen has been named as the next special envoy to Syria. This was announced by the UN

Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Venezuelan journalist, politician Teodoro Petkoff dies at 86

Venezuelan politician and journalist Teodoro Petkoff died in Caracas on November 1, 2018 at the age of 86. Petkoff, a one-

time guerrilla, received an Ortega y Gasset Journalism Award in 2015 in recognition of his work to defend press freedom, as

well as independence and rigor in journalism. This award was given to him by in Caracas by former Spanish Prime Minister

Felipe Gonzalez. In the 1970s, Petkoff led Venezuela‘s radical left in abandoning armed struggle in favour of seeking change

through democratic channels. He went on to win election to congress and serve as a Cabinet minister before founding

newspaper Tal Cual.



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Former Maldives President Nasheed returns from exile

Mohamed Nasheed, former President of Maldives who was in self-imposed exile abroad for two years, returned to the atoll

nation on November 1, 2018. After the Supreme Court ordered a stay on his arrest and a 13-year prison sentence handed

down in 2015, the chief of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) arrived in Male from Colombo. The first democratically-

elected President of the country, Nasheed was forced to resign in 2012.

Coral reef scientist Ruth Gates dies at 56

Pioneering coral reef scientist Ruth Gates died at the age of 56 in Honolulu (USA) on October 31, 2018. She was known for

efforts to save fragile and deteriorating underwater reef ecosystems.

Hong Kong journalist and martial arts novelist Louis Cha dies at 94

Louis Cha, a journalist and best-selling Chinese martial arts novelist, died at the age of 94 in Hong Kong on October 30, 2018.

His novels about ancient Chinese swordsmen have sold millions and inspired film adaptations, TV and radio dramas, comic

books and videogames. His first novel, ―The Book and the Sword,‖ was published in 1955 and became an instant hit. He went

on to write 14 martial arts novels, often under the pen name Jin Yong.



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NASA‟s Dawn mission to asteroid belt ends

NASA‘s pioneering Dawn spacecraft -- which orbited the two largest objects in the asteroid belt -- has run out of fuel, ending

a historic 11-year mission that unravelled many mysteries of our solar system, the US space agency said on November 2,

2018.

The USD 467 million Dawn mission, launched in 2007 to study the protoplanet Vesta and the dwarf planet Ceres, missed

scheduled communications sessions with NASA‘s Deep Space Network on October 31 and November 1. After the flight team

eliminated other possible causes for the missed communications, mission managers concluded that the spacecraft finally ran

out of hydrazine, the fuel that enables the spacecraft to control its pointing.

NASA scientists said that the images and data that Dawn collected from Vesta and Ceres are critical to understanding the

history and evolution of our solar system. The spacecraft lasted two years longer than originally planned. Dawn can no longer

keep its antennae trained on Earth to communicate with mission control or turn its solar panels to the Sun to recharge.

Currently, it is in orbit around the dwarf planet Ceres, where it is likely to remain for decades.

China-France Oceanography Satellite (CFOSAT) satellite launched to study climate change

China sent its first ever satellite built in partnership with another country into space on October 29, 2018, a device tasked with

helping scientists better predict dangerous cyclones and climate change by monitoring ocean surface winds and waves.

A Long March 2C carrier rocket blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China‘s Gobi Desert at 0043

GMT, according to China‘s State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence.

The 650-kilogram China-France Oceanography Satellite (CFOSAT) is the first satellite jointly built by China and France and will

allow climate scientists to better understand interactions between oceans and the atmosphere. The data will be collected and

analysed in both countries.

NASA‟s Kepler telescope retires

NASA‘s legendary Kepler space telescope has retired after running out of fuel needed for further science operations, bringing

an end to a prolific nine-and-a-half year mission. Data collected from Kepler‘s deep space missions indicates our sky is filled

with billions of hidden planets -- more than the stars, NASA said in a statement. The unmanned space telescope, which

launched in 2009, leaves a legacy of more than 2,600 planet discoveries from outside our solar system, many of which could

be promising places for life. NASA‘s newest planet hunter, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) was launched in

April 2018. TESS builds on Kepler‘s foundation with fresh batches of data in its search of planets orbiting some 200,000 of the

brightest and nearest stars to the Earth, worlds that can later be explored for signs of life by missions such as NASA‘s James

Webb Space Telescope.

NASA‟s Parker Solar Probe breaks record, reaches closest ever to the sun

NASA‘s Parker Solar Probe – enroute to the Sun to unravel its mysteries -- has become the closest spacecraft to it. The

spacecraft passed the current record of 26.55 million miles from the Sun‘s surface on October 29, as calculated by the Parker

Solar Probe team. The previous record for closest solar approach was set by the German-American Helios 2 spacecraft in April

1976. As the Parker Solar Probe mission progresses, the spacecraft will repeatedly break its own records, with a final close

approach of 3.83 million miles from the Sun‘s surface expected in 2024.



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Global Soil Biodiversity Atlas launched by WWF

India‘s soil biodiversity is in grave peril, according to the Global Soil Biodiversity Atlas prepared by the World Wide Fund for

Nature. The findings were part of the bi-annual Living Planet Report (LPR) 2018. The WWF‘s ‗risk index‘ for the globe —

indicating threats from loss of above-ground diversity, pollution and nutrient over-loading, over-grazing, intensive

agriculture, fire, soil erosion, desertification and climate change — shows India among countries whose soil biodiversity faces

the highest level of risk. Soil biodiversity encompasses the presence of micro-organisms, micro-fauna (nematodes and

tardigrades for example), and macro-fauna (ants, termites and earthworms).

CSIR develops less polluting firecrackers named – SWAS, SAFAL and STAR

―CSIR scientists have developed Less Polluting Firecrackers which are not only environment friendly but 15-20 % cheaper than

the conventional ones‖, said Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Environment, Forest

& Climate Change at on October 29, 2018. These crackers have been named as safe water releaser (SWAS), safe minimal

aluminium (SAFAL) and safe thermite cracker (STAR).



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Section E: AWARDS

„The Week‟ journalist Namrata Biji Ahuja wins IPI-India Award

Namrata Biji Ahuja, a senior journalist at magazine ‗The Week‘ has won the 2018 International Press Institute-India Award for

Excellence in Journalism for her story on ―Naga underground camps‖ that explored the ―parallel and secret‖ functioning of a

‗state within a state‘, the forum said on November 3, 2018. The Award carries a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, a trophy and a citation.

IPI-India had instituted the annual award in 2003 to recognise and honour the best work done by an Indian media

organisation or journalist working in print, radio, television and internet medium, in furtherance of public interest, including

safeguarding of freedom of the press and other freedoms such as human rights.

―Vienna-based IPI is committed to promotion of free exchange of accurate and balanced news among nations. It has also

been in the forefront of safeguarding the freedom of the press through protests to governments and organisations against

any violation of press freedom and restrictions imposed on the free flow of information,‖ a statement said. The Indian Chapter

of the IPI is an active forum of editors, publishers and senior executives of newspapers, magazines and news agencies, all of

whom are members of the International Press Institute.

Winners of #OpenGovDataHack National Challenge felicitated

Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad felicitated the winners of the

#OpenGovDataHack National Challenge, at the Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Centre, New Delhi on November 1, 2018.

Open Government Data (OGD) Platform India (https://data.gov.in) has been set-up by National Informatics Centre (NIC). Its

objective is to provide a platform for proactive access to Government-owned shareable data. These datasets are directly

published on the platform by the Government Departments.

The Open Government Data Team, National Informatics Centre (NIC) in association with Internet & Mobile Association of

India (IAMAI) & StartUp India had organized Hackathon – ―#OpenGovDataHack‖ for Students, Entrepreneurs, Innovators,

Start-ups, Developers and Community to create unique and innovative service delivery Applications & Info-Graphics to foster

innovation.

The sectors selected for the Hackathon are Water & Sanitation, Transport, Education, Crime and Health. The Hackathon was

conducted in 2 phases. The National screening committee shortlisted 20 Apps for final presentation out of which 3 (three

winning) apps and 7(seven) other excellence apps have been felicitated.

IIT-Hyderabad students win Samsung Innovation Awards

Seven IIT-Hyderabad students won the 2018 Samsung Innovation Awards on November 2, 2018 for developing a self-learning

bot, a low-cost platform for personal healthcare and a smartphone-based early detection method for oral cancers.

Kannan Chandrasekaran, who developed the self-learning bot that can read through and understand data quickly, won the

first prize of Rs 1.5 lakh. The bot can respond to queries on data in any form or language, making it easy for users to find

information.

V. Sushmitha, Anand Kadu and Sushmee Badhulika received the second prize for developing a low cost platform for personal

healthcare -- a model that enables easy accessibility and low cost healthcare in remote parts of India. It is enabled by easily



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available devices such as a smartphone and could be mounted on a wearable device as well. The three shared a Rs 1.2 lakh

cash prize.

G. Hanu Phani Ram, Praveen Kumar Poola and Prasanth Panta won the third prize of Rs 80,000 for their idea of using a

smartphone-based method to study cells for early detection of oral cancers.

Conceptualised in 2011, Samsung Innovation Awards aims to recognise and reward innovations that have the potential to

revolutionise everyday living. For the 2018 edition, students were invited to submit their innovative ideas in Internet of Things

(IoT) and related technology areas.

Centre awards Assam Police for citizen services

The Union government has awarded the Assam Police for ―good practices‖ under the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network &

Systems (CCTNS), an e-governance project, an official release said in Guwahati on November 3, 2018. The award was given for

citizen centric service delivery, in which the state police has automated passport verification and Permanent Residential

Certificate (PRC) services using the online CCTNS. The award was handed over to the Assam Police on October 30 during the

two-day conference on ―CCTNS--Good practices and Success Stories‖ organised by the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB)

in New Delhi. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also awarded Anil Kumar Jha, Special Director General (CID) of the force, for

his outstanding contribution in implementing the project.

Academician Raj Kumar wins the Global Education Leaders Award

Academician and Founding Vice Chancellor of O P Jindal Global University (JGU) C Raj Kumar has been felicitated with the

Global Education Leaders Award for his contributions to research, innovation and institution building in higher education at

the India-UAE Partnership Summit 2018 in Dubai. Kumar was felicitated by UAE Cabinet Minister of Tolerance Sheikh Nahayan

Mabarak Al Nahayan and Navdeep Suri, Ambassador of India to the UAE.

Assam Don Bosco varsity gets „University of the Year‟ award

The Assam Don Bosco University (ADBU) has been honoured with ‗University of the Year‘ award by the Federation of Indian

Chambers of Commerce and Industry at the 14th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2018: A Global Conference & Exhibition,

held in Delhi on October 30, 2018.

Malala Yousafzai wins Harvard University‟s Gleitsman Award

2014 Nobel Peace Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai has won Harvard University‘s 2018 Gleitsman Award for her work promoting

girls‘ education. The award givers said her story has inspired a generation of boys and girls to follow in her footsteps. Now 20,

Yousafzai is a student at Oxford University in England. The Gleitsman Award provides USD 125,000 for activism that has

improved quality of life around the world.



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RBI allows banks to provide partial credit enhancement (PCE) to bonds issued by NBFCs

The Reserve Bank of India on November 2, 2018 allowed banks to provide partial credit enhancement (PCE) to bonds issued

by NBFCs. The objective is to help non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) and housing finance companies (HFCs) tide over

any liquidity problems they may face due to their short-term debt repayments.

Once banks extend PCE to the bonds, the bonds‘ credit rating will be enhanced, enabling the companies to access funds from

the bond market on better terms. This move may encourage long-term providers of funds such as insurance and pension/

provident funds and others to invest in such PCE-backed bonds.

According to market reports, in the three months from October 2018, NBFCs and HFCs together are up against redemption

pressure of Rs.1.20-lakh crore due to maturing financial instruments. But the fallout of the IL&FS financial crisis has hit

liquidity available to NBFCs. It is in this context that the RBI‘s latest move gains significance.

The RBI has specified that banks can provide PCE only to bonds issued by the ―systemically important non-deposit taking

non-banking financial companies‖ registered with the RBI, and by HFCs registered with National Housing Bank.

The proceeds from the bonds, whose tenor cannot be less than three years, backed by PCE from banks can only be utilised for

refinancing the existing debt.

CIC issues show-cause notice to RBI governor for non-disclosure of wilful defaulter‟s list

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has issued a show-cause notice to RBI Governor Urjit Patel for ―dishonouring‖ a

Supreme Court judgment on disclosure of wilful defaulters‘ list.

The CIC has also asked the Prime Minister‘s Office, the Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to make public the

letter of former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan on bad loans.

Irked over the denial of information on the disclosure of the names of wilful defaulters who have taken bank loans of Rs 50

crore and above by the RBI in spite of a Supreme Court order, the CIC has asked Patel to explain why a maximum penalty be

not imposed on him for ―dishonouring‖ the verdict which had upheld a decision taken by then Information Commissioner

Shailesh Gandhi, calling for disclosure of names of wilful defaulters.

RBI allows banks for fire audit of currency chests by approved agencies

The Reserve Bank has relaxed norms for the fire audit of currency chests allowing banks to get it done from approved

agencies in case of shortage of staff at district fire offices. Banks maintaining currency chests are required to get fire audit

done once in a two years. The RBI said it has been receiving references from various banks about non-availability of staff in

State/District Fire Departments for getting the periodical fire audit conducted in their respective currency chests. ―The matter

has been examined and it is decided that in case of non-availability of officials of the District Fire Department, the fire audit

can also be conducted by the agencies approved by the respective State /District Fire Departments,‖ it said.



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RBI starts process to set up digital Public Credit Registry (PCR)

The Reserve Bank has initiated steps to set up a wide-based digital Public Credit Registry (PCR) to capture details of all

borrowers, including wilful defaulters and also the pending legal suits in order to check financial delinquencies. The PCR will

also include data from entities like market regulator SEBI, the Corporate Affairs Ministry and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy

Board of India to enable banks and financial institutions to get a 360-degree profile of existing and prospective borrowers on

a real-time basis. The RBI has invited expression of interest (EOI) for developing the registry from companies with a turnover

of over ₹100 crore in the last three years

Committee of Experts submits its report on Regulating audit firms and the Networks

The Committee of Experts has submitted its report on Regulating audit firms and the Networks to the Government of India

through the Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs. The Committee was constituted on April 20, 2018 pursuant to the

directions of the Supreme Court in the matter of S. Sukumar versus The Secretary, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

The Committee consisted of bureaucrats in Commerce & Industry Ministry.

The report addresses the issues raised by the Supreme Court with a focus to strengthen the legal regime of auditors and

promote development of the audit profession in the country. The Committee scrutinised the networking arrangements

adopted by the ‗big four‘ audit firms commonly referred as multi-national accounting firms to understand their legal structure

and method of operation.

The Committee also addressed serious concerns like conflict of interest and transparency arising out of non-audit services

provided by auditors and their network, and suggested necessary checks and balances.

SBI reduces daily cash withdrawal limit

The State Bank of India (SBI) has reduced the per day cash withdrawal limit for all Classic and Maestro Debit Cards holders

from Rs 40,000 to Rs 20,000 with effect from October 31, 2018. Customers requiring a higher daily cash withdrawal limit have

been asked to apply for a higher card variant. The decision has reportedly been taken by the bank to curb increasing

instances of ATM frauds.

IRDAI panel suggests excluding 17 ailments from medical cover

A panel set up by the insurance regulator has recommended a standardised list of just 17 pre-existing diseases that could be

excluded from health insurance policies.

Further, diseases such as Alzheimer‘s, Parkinson‘s, AIDS/HIV infection, morbid obesity, if contracted after buying a health

cover, cannot be excluded.

The standardised list of 17 permanent exclusions include epilepsy, congenital heart disease, cerebral stroke, chronic liver and

kidney diseases, hepatitis B, Alzheimer‘s, Parkinson‘s, HIV and AIDS, loss of hearing, and physical disabilities.

―The proposer‘s consent is mandatory so that the proposer may take an informed decision,‖ said the report of the working

group set up by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), which has also given the exact



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classification, or ICD code, to ensure there is no scope for ―subjective interpretation‖ by insurers at the time of claim

settlement.

IRDAI is likely to come out with its final report by early next year and the benefits could kick in from 2019-20.

NEWSMAKERS

Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) reinstates R. P. Marathe as MD & CEO of the bank

The Board of Directors of Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) on November 2, 2018 restored powers of R P Marathe and R K Gupta as

managing director & chief executive officer and executive director of the bank with immediate effect.

They were divested of their responsibilities in June 2018 following their arrest by the Economic Offence wing of the Pune

Police in an alleged cheating case. They have been reinstated as Pune Police decided to take back all charges and withdraw

cases against them. Earlier, the Board on June 29, 2018 had divested them of all their functional responsibilities.

Economic Offence Wing of Pune police arrested them in connection with a cheating case lodged against D S Kulkarni and his

wife Hemanti. In May, the city police had filed a 37,000-page chargesheet against DSK and his wife in the case.

According to the chargesheet, the total ―scam‖ is worth Rs 2,043.18 crore, wherein the accused floated nine different firms to

siphon off funds collected from 33,000 investors and fixed-deposit (FD) holders, who were promised good returns on their

FDs.

Former Chairman and Managing Director Sushil Muhnot who was arrested in the case, has also been granted bail.

GN Bajpai resigns from govt-appointed IL&FS board

Debt-ridden Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS) on November 1, 2018 said GN Bajpai has resigned from the

company‘s newly-appointed board, citing personal reasons. Bajpai, an ex-SEBI Chairman, was one of the seven directors

appointed on the company‘s board by the government following NCLT order to supersede previous board. Post Bajpai‘s exit,

the members remaining on the company‘s board are banker Uday Kotak, who is the chairman; ICICI Bank executive chairman

GC Chaturvedi; IAS officer and the director general of shipping Malini Shankar; Mahindra group‘s Vineet Nayyar, veteran

auditor Nand Kishore and CS Rajan, a former chief secretary of Rajasthan.



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Section G: ECONOMY

Loan under 59 minutes among incentives announced for MSMEs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi New on November 2, 2018 announced a slew of incentives for the Micro, Small and Medium

Enterprises (MSME) sector including approval for loans up to Rs 1 crore within 59 minutes with 2 per cent interest subvention.

The Prime Minister also promised MSMEs freedom from harassment by government officials - be it in terms of inspections,

getting clearances for businesses or minor violations under the Companies Act. Now the MSMEs to be visited by an inspector

would be decided through a computerized random allotment and that an entrepreneur would no longer have to approach

the court for minor violations as the government had issued an ordinance to that effect.

To make easy and quick access to cheap credit, Modi said small units registered with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) would

be able to avail Rs 1 crore loan in less than 59 minutes from the comfort of their homes without running to the banks.

Since September 25, when Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had launched the 59MinutesPortal, more than 72,000 units have

already been sanctioned their credit requests. Apart from a 2 per cent interest subvention for all GST-registered MSMEs, Modi

also announced an increase in interest rebate for exporters who receive loans in the pre-shipment and post-shipment period

from 3 percent to 5 percent.

To ease cash flow of the small companies, Modi said that all companies with a turnover over Rs 500 crore would compulsorily

be brought on the Trade Receivables e-Discounting System (TReDS) platform which will enable small vendors to access credit

from banks based on their upcoming receivables.

To give MSMEs enhanced access to market, the Prime Minister announced that public sector companies have been asked to

compulsorily procure 25 percent, instead of 20 percent, of their total purchases. Of this, 3 percent must be reserved for

women entrepreneurs.

All public sector undertakings and their vendors had been asked to compulsorily be a part of Government e-Marketplace

(GeM), an end-to-end online marketplace for Central and state government ministries.

For facilitating technology upgrade in the sector, 20 technology hubs will be formed across the country and 100 spokes in the

form of ―tool rooms‖ will be established. For this, a Rs 6,000 crore package has been announced.

For pharmaceutical companies, clusters will be formed of pharma MSMEs and 70 per cent cost of establishing those clusters

will be borne by the Central government.

19th

Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) held

The 19th

Meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) was held under the Chairmanship of the Union

Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley in New Delhi on October 30, 2018. The Council reviewed the current global and domestic

economic situation and financial sector performance. The Council discussed at length the issue of real interest rate, current

liquidity situation, including segmental liquidity position in NBFCs and mutual fund space. It decided that the Regulators and

the Government would keep a close watch on the developing situation and take all necessary measures.

Those attending the FSDC Meeting included Dr. Urjit R. Patel, Governor, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Hasmukh Adhia, Finance

Secretary, Ajay Tyagi, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India, Subhash Chandra Khuntia, Chairman, Insurance



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Regulatory and Development Authority of India, Hemant G. Contractor, Chairman, Pension Fund Regulatory and

Development Authority and Dr. M. S. Sahoo, Chairperson, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India.

FSDC also took note of the developments regarding strengthening of Cyber Security in Financial Sector including progress

made towards setting up of a Computer Emergency Response Team in the Financial Sector (CERT-Fin) under a Statutory

Framework. The Council also deliberated on the need for identifying and securing critical information infrastructure in

financial sector.

Govt promulgates ordinance to amend Companies Act 2013

The government on November 2, 2018 promulgated an ordinance to amend the Companies Act, 2013.

The amendments are largely in line with recommendations of a panel headed by Corporate Affairs Secretary Injeti Srinivas. An

informal Group of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had earlier this month looked into the recommendations

of this panel.

The ordinance will cover provisions to decriminalise several offences (about 80) under the Companies Act, cap independent

directors‘ remuneration, steps to improve independence of independent directors and bring measures to curb shell

companies besides help de-clog the National Company Law Tribunal.

There is no specific definition of a shell company under the Companies Act 2013. To tackle the aspect of money laundering

via shell companies, the committee has recommended re-introduction of declaration of commencement of business

provision.

The amendments make penal provisions less onerous for procedural lapses and technical breaches and are expected to cut

down the number of cases reaching company law tribunals and courts. The Ordinance amends 32 provisions in the company

law to introduce an in-house adjudication system for minor offences. This is expected to de-clogging the National Company

Law Tribunal through a significant reduction in compounding cases before the Tribunal.

Other recommendations related to corporate compliance and governance include a cap on independent directors‘

remuneration in terms of percentage of income to prevent any material pecuniary relationship, which could impair his/her

independence on the board, and holding of directorships beyond permissible limits to trigger disqualification of such

directors.

India‟s first container movement on inland waterways begins with PepsiCo goods

India‘s first container vessel movement on the river Ganga (National Waterways-I) began on October 30, 2018, with the Inland

Waterways Authority of India transporting container cargo belonging to the food and beverages giant PepsiCo (India) from

Kolkata to Varanasi. The cargo movement to the east and northeastern states will become easier with the new mode of

transportation through waterways.

The vessel -- MV Rabindranath Tagore -- is transporting 16 containers equivalent to 16 truckloads of food and snacks through

the river Ganga, and will reach Varanasi in 9-10 days. It will make its return journey with fertilisers from IFFCO that will be

procured from its Phulpur plant near Allahabad.

The central government is developing NW-1 (River Ganga) under Jal Marg Vikas Project form Haldia to Varanasi (1,390 km) at

about Rs 5,369 crore with the technical and financial assistance from the World Bank. The project would enable commercial

navigation of vessels with a capacity of 1,500-2,000 DWT.



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Centre approves construction of 215,000 houses in 6 states under PMAY (U)

The Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry on October 30, 2018 approved the construction of nearly 215,000 affordable houses

for the poor in six states under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (Urban).

With the sanctioning of 215,083 more housing units, the total number of houses being funded under the PMAY(U) across the

country would be 62,53,731.

West Bengal has sanctioned 1,00,704 housing units while 50,271 houses were authorised for Uttar Pradesh, followed by

41,707 for Andhra Pradesh, 20,499 for Maharashtra, 1,425 for Nagaland and 477 for Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

The government has set a target of one crore houses to be constructed in urban areas in the country over a period of seven

years from 2015 to 2022.

The PMAY(U), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2015, aims to ensure ―Housing for all by 2022‖.

Telecom Commission rechristened as Digital Communications Commission

The government on October 29, 2018 rechristened the Telecom Commission -- the apex decision making body at the telecom

department -- as the Digital Communications Commission. The change in name has been brought in line with objectives of

NDCP (National Digital Communications Policy) to project telecommunications as a business enabling segment that

permeates across various sectors.

The Telecom Commission consists of a chairman, four full-time members, who are ex-officio secretaries to the government of

India in the Department of Telecom (DoT) and four part-time members who are the secretaries to the Government of India in

the concerned departments.

The telecom secretary is the ex-officio chairperson of the Telecom Commission and full-time members of the panel comprises

member (finance), member (production), member (services) and member (technology). NITI Aayog CEO, Department of

Economic Affairs Secretary, DeITY (Department of Electronics and Information Technology) Secretary and DIPP Secretary are

the part-time members of the body.

Forex reserves down by USD 1.444 bn to USD 392.078 bn

The country‘s foreign exchange reserves slumped by USD 1.444 billion to USD 392.078 billion in the week to October 26 due

to a fall in foreign currency assets, according to RBI data on November 2, 2018.

In the reporting week, foreign currency assets, a major component of overall reserves, fell by USD 1.426 billion to USD

367.350 billion. Expressed in US dollars, foreign currency assets include the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US

currencies such as the euro, the pound and the yen held in the reserves.

Forex reserves had touched a record high of USD 426.028 billion in the week to April 13, 2018. Since then, the forex kitty has

been on a slide and is now down by over USD 31 billion.

Gold reserves remained unchanged for the second consecutive week at USD 20.522 billion, the data showed.

The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was down by USD 7 million to USD 1.458 billion.



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The country‘s reserve position with the IMF also declined by USD 11.6 million to USD 2.447 billion.

Vehicle Location Tracking Devices, Emergency Buttons mandatory for new public service vehicles

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways on October 25, 2018 mandated that all new public service vehicles except auto

rickshaws and eRickshaws, registered on and after January 1, 2019, will have to be equipped with Vehicle Location Tracking

(VLT) devices and Emergency Buttons. The VLT device manufacturers would assist in providing the back end services for

monitoring. This regulation is being brought in to ensure safety of passengers especially women. In case of older public

service vehicles –those registered upto December 31, 2018, the respective State/ UT Governments will notify the date by

which these vehicles have to install Vehicle Location Tracking Devices and Panic Buttons. The Ministry has sent an advisory to

the states in this regard.

Railways rolls out All-India Unreserved Mobile Ticketing facility (UTS on Mobile)

Ministry of Railways on November 1, 2018 introduced Unreserved Mobile Ticketing on all non-suburban sections across all

Zonal Railways. This will obviate the need for passengers to wait in queues for purchasing the tickets. The facility of booking

unreserved tickets, including season tickets and also platform tickets is available through the ‗UTSONMOBILE‘ app available

for Android, IOS and Windows phones.

IWAI hands over Kolkata Terminals to private company on supply, operate, maintain model

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) made its foray into Public Private Partnership (PPP) on October 30, 2018 when it

handed over the operation and management of its terminals in Kolkata to M/s Summit Alliance Port East Gateway (India) Pvt

Ltd. (SAPEL) on a supply, operate and maintain (SOM) model.

MoU signed between OMCs and CSC SPV for collaboration in LPG Services

An MoU for collaboration in LPG services was signed in New Delhi on November 3, 2018 between Oil Marketing Companies

(IOCL, HPCL & BPCL) and CSC e-Governance Services India Limited in presence of Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Law &

Justice and Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) and Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas and

Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. CSC SPV and OMCs have agreed to facilitate their distributors to avail several services

through Common Services Centers (CSCs). These include: Booking new LPG connection (Ujjwala & General category),

Booking of LPG refills (14.2 Kg cylinders) and Supply & distribution of LPG cylinders (storage up to 100 Kgs,) through CSCs.

Core sector grows 4.3% in September

Growth of eight infrastructure sectors was 4.3 per cent in September 2018, according to the data released by the commerce

and industry ministry on October 31, 2018. Eight infrastructure sectors of coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products,

fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity had grown by 4.7 per cent in September 2017. During April-September 2018, the core

sector growth was 5.5 per cent as against 3.2 per cent in the year-ago period. These eight segments comprise 40.27 per cent

of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).



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India‟s first engine-less semi-high speed train - “Train 18” - rolled out

India‘s first engine-less semi-high speed train - ―Train 18‖ - was rolled out on October 29, 2018 by the Integral Coach Factory

(ICF) in Chennai. The 16-coach semi-high speed ‗trainset‘ has been designed for a maximum operating speed of 160 kmph. It

will eventually replace the Shatabdi Express trains that were introduced in 1988 and is presently running on over 20 routes

connecting metros with other important cities. With Train 18 already set to go for trials, the railways will now turn its focus on

another project - Train 20 - the next generation aluminium-bodied sleeper class trains that will replace the Rajdhani Express

trains on the network and is expected to be rolled out by 2020.

Samsung Mobile ranked India‟s most popular brand by Brand Asia Survey 2018

Samsung Mobile has topped the list of most popular brands in India, according to the Brand Asia Survey 2018 released on

October 30, 2018. Samsung Mobile, the mobile phone brand, is followed by the electronics and IT brand Samsung, from the

same company. In the third rank stood WhatsApp, the mobile messaging app. Social network major Facebook ranked sixth in

Brand Asia survey, after Amul and Pepsi which stood in the fourth and fifth positions respectively. Global beverage major

Coca-Cola is positioned seventh, while the ninth and the 10th positions were held by Big Bazaar and Colgate respectively.

Market Xcel Data Matrix is the agency which conducted the Brand Asia survey in India.

Tata Steel named as official partner of men‟s hockey World Cup

Steel manufacturing giant Tata Steel was on October 29, 2018 named as an official partner for the prestigious men‘s hockey

World Cup to be held in Bhubaneswar from November 28 to December 16. Tata Steel is the first private sector company in

India to start a hockey academy.

SBI sets up JV SBI Payment Services with Hitachi

State Bank of India on October 29, 2018 formed a joint venture with Hitachi to create a digital payment network. Hitachi

Payments will invest 26 per cent in SBI Payment Services Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBI. Hitachi Payments is a

wholly-owned subsidiary of Hitachi.

Myntra expands in-house brands portfolio with „Sztori‟

Myntra on October 29, 2018 said it has expanded its in-house brands portfolio with the launch of ‗Sztori‘, a move that will

help the Flipkart-owned company tap into the multi-billion plus-size apparel segment. The brand will offer a range of

products for men and women in large to 4 times large sizes with prices ranging from Rs 799-1,999. Myntra now has 17

fashion brands under its aegis that includes Roadster, HRX, Dressberry, Mast & Harbour, All about you, Moda Rapido and

Anouk. The company had recently partnered with Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan to launch ‗House of Pataudi‘ brand.

TCS acquires London-based W12 Studios to boost creative design capabilities

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) on November 1, 2018 announced the acquisition of W12 Studios, a digital design studio

based in London, as part of efforts to bolster its digital and creative design capabilities. It said W12 Studios will be part of TCS

Interactive. W12 Studios would retain its current name, branding and location in London‘s historic Metropolitan Wharf in

Wapping. Its co-founders will continue to lead W12 Studios and maintain their current roles.



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IBM buys Red Hat for $34 bn

IBM on October 28, 2018 announced deal to acquire Open Source Solutions leader and Linux Operating System owner Red

Hat for a massive $34 billion. ―IBM will become the world‘s top hybrid cloud provider, offering companies the only open cloud

solution that will unlock the full value of the cloud for their businesses,‖ said Ginni Rometty, IBM Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer. Jim Whitehurst is the President and CEO of Red Hat.

In a first for India, HSBC facilitates blockchain-based transaction for RIL

In a first for India, British banking major HSBC has executed a trade finance transaction involving an export by Reliance

Industries to an American client using the blockchain, which massively reduced the time taken for processing the documents.

The blockchain-enabled letter of credit transaction facilitated a shipment between Reliance and the US-based Tricon Energy, a

joint statement issued by HSBC India and Reliance said on November 4, 2018. According to RIL, the use of blockchain offers

significant potential to reduce the timelines involved in exchange of export documentation from the extant seven-ten days to

less than a day.

Tech Mahindra, Rakuten to set up 5G labs in Tokyo, Bengaluru

Software major Tech Mahindra on October 29, 2018 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japanese company

Rakuten for building next-generation (4G and 5G) software-defined network laboratories in Bengaluru and Tokyo. The

collaboration is aimed at driving innovation to bring transformation of mobile network technology and enhance customer

experience for users in Japan.

Facebook launches Digital Literacy Library in 6 Indian languages

In a bid to train 3 lakh Indians in digital safety, Facebook on October 29, 2018 announced the launch of the Digital Literacy

Library -- a collection of lessons in Bengali, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. The announcement was made at

Facebook‘s South Asia Safety Summit in New Delhi in the presence of Union Women and Child Development (WCD) Minister

Maneka Gandhi.

Mahindra Truck and Bus launches Blazo X range of Heavy Commercial Vehicle

Mahindra Truck and Bus (MTB), a division of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., has introduced Blazo X range of Heavy Commercial

Vehicle (HCV), an upgrade of its popular Blazo truck. ―Blazo X addresses the rising fuel cost woes of transporters by delivering

higher mileage and ensuring a unique and unmatched mileage guarantee of get more mileage or return the truck,‖ the

company said.

Kirloskar group gets RBI license for NBFC business

The Kirloskar group on November 1, 2018 said that it has received licence from the Reserve Bank to launch a non-banking

finance company (NBFC), Kirloskar Capital, which will be headed by industry veteran Vimal Bhandari. The group company said

it will invest Rs 1,000 crore in the proposed NBFC, which will be a fully-owned subsidiary of Kirloskar Oil Engines, and will

focus on providing growth capital to industry with an initial focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Apart from

Kirloskar Oil Engines, the Pune-based group also runs Kirloskar Industries, Kirloskar Ferrous and Kirloskar Pneumatic.



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Amazon Pay, ICICI launch new credit card

Amazon Pay, the online payments processing service owned by the America-based retailing major, has tied-up with ICICI Bank

to launch an Amazon Pay ICICI Bank credit card in partnership with Visa. This is the first card in the country to enable Amazon

Prime members to earn five per cent reward points on shopping on Amazon.in. Amazon recently invested close to $5 million

(Rs 370 million) in digital payments company ToneTag. This will help in the usage of its wallet offline. ToneTag uses

soundwave technology to make payments.

Mondelez unveils R&D centre in Mumbai

Mondelez on October 31, 2018 unveiled its first research & development (R&D) centre in Thane, near Mumbai. While

Mondelez, through Cadbury, retains leadership in the chocolate market (a 65 per cent market share) in India, smaller players

such as Ferrero, Mars, Hershey, besides Nestle have been upping the ante, launching new products, making investment

commitments and setting up new plants in the country.

NEWSMAKERS

Kajol to endorse hair colour brand Super Vasmol 33 Kesh Kala

Actress Kajol has been roped in as ambassador for hair colouring brand Super Vasmol 33 Kesh Kala, which has been

relaunched by Hygienic Research Institute Private Limited (HRIPL). The actress will be seen in the brand‘s new advertising

campaign ‗Yahi hai Sahi Hair Colour‘.

Tata Sons ends contract with Suhel Seth over #MeToo allegations

The management of Tata Sons on October 29, 2018 decided to end its contract with brand consultant Suhel Seth in the wake

of sexual harassment allegations against him.

IIM-Lucknow Director dies

Professor Ajit Prasad, Director of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM)-Lucknow, died at the age of 61 on October 31,

2018.



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Section I: STATES

SC allows use of 5 more documents for claim to draft Assam NRC, extends deadline to Dec 15

The Supreme Court on November 1, 2018 allowed the use of five more documents by claimants for the draft Assam National

Register of Citizens (NRC). It over-ruled the objections of state NRC coordinator that the documents to be relied upon to

stake claim such as refugee registration certificate and ration card can be forged. A bench of Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and

Justice R F Nariman also extended to December 15, the earlier deadline of November 25, for filing of claims and objections for

draft NRC.

The claimants for draft Assam NRC can now stake claim with the help of total 15 documents provided in List-A of the claim

form. The five new documents allowed by the bench to prove the legacy for the claimants are: 1. Extract of names in NRC,

1951 2. Extract/certified copy of Electoral Rolls up to the midnight of March 24, 1971 3. Citizenship Certificate and refugee

certificate issued by competent authority (up to March 24, 1971 midnight) 4. Certified copies of pre-1971 Electoral Roll,

particularly, those issued from Tripura 5. Ration card

The apex court had on September 5 had allowed use any one of the 10 of a total 15 documents provided in List-A of the

claim form to be used by the claimants for proving legacy. The ten legacy documents which were made admissible include

land documents like registered sale deed, permanent residential certificate issued from outside the State, passport and LIC

insurance policy of the relevant period.

The final draft NRC list was published on July 30 in which names of 2.89 crore of the 3.29 crore people were included. Assam,

which had faced influx of people from Bangladesh since the early 20th century, is the only state having an NRC which was first

prepared in 1951.

SC prohibits plying of 15-yr old petrol, 10-yr old diesel vehicles in NCR

The Supreme Court on October 29, 2018 prohibited the plying of 15-year-old petrol and 10-year-old diesel vehicles in the

national capital region (NCR) and directed the transport department to announce that such vehicles would be impounded if

found plying. The apex court directed that a list of 15-year-old petrol and 10-year-old diesel vehicles be published on the web

site of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and transport department.

The apex court passed these directions on a note placed before it by advocate Aparajita Singh, assisting the court as an

amicus curiae in the air pollution matter, seeking urgent directions to correct the prevailing situation of pollution.

Earlier, the National Green Tribunal had also banned the plying of 15-year-old petrol and 10-year-old diesel vehicles in the

Delhi-NCR. The apex court had rejected a plea against the NGT‘s order banning plying of 15-year-old petrol and 10-year-old

diesel vehicles on Delhi roads.

Only „green‟ crackers can be sold in Delhi: SC

The Supreme Court on October 31, 2018 allowed States other than Delhi to use their existing stocks of crackers for Diwali next

week. However, the Bench of Justices A.K. Sikri and Ashok Bhushan directed that only green crackers can be manufactured

henceforth across the country. That means once the existing stocks are used up, no new polluting crackers can be made.

The court has allowed Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and the adjoining southern States, which celebrate Diwali in the morning, to

burst crackers for two hours. The decision to finalise the time slots has been left to the State authorities.



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The Supreme Court, in its order on October 23, had fixed 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. as the time-slot for bursting crackers on religious

festival days like Diwali uniformly across the country.

As far as Delhi-NCR is concerned, the court did not relax its rigour both in terms of the time-slot for bursting crackers and the

mandatory manufacture and sale of green crackers.

NDMC launches QR-enabled fridge magnets for digital payment of bills

The New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) on November 4, 2018 launched a ―smart‖ initiative wherein it will distribute

quick response-enabled smiley fridge magnets to its consumers to facilitate digital payment of utility bills. Powered by

SignCatch - an IT and services company, the magnets will be personalised and each customer will have a unique QR Code

mapped to their consumer account number. There will be separate magnets provided by the NDMC to its consumers‘

doorstep for both electricity and water bills. The consumers can stick these magnets on their refrigerators at home and use

their smartphones to scan the QR Code on the magnet to pay their bills instantly.

J&K Governor flags off „Saubhagya Raths‟ to achieve 100 pc electrification in 20 districts

Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on October 31, 2018 flagged off ‗Saubhagya Raths‘ for 20 districts from Jammu

to identify households without electricity. Officials onboard these ‗Saubhagya Raths‘ will survey areas in their respective

jurisdiction with an aim to achieve 100 per cent electrification of households. Under the Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar

Yojana, ‗Saubhagya Raths‘ will traverse each district for one month till November 30, 2018.

Zika Virus strain that causes microcephaly not found in Rajasthan

The government-run laboratories have confirmed that the Zika virus strain in circulation in Rajasthan is not the one that

causes complications such as microcephaly in newborn babies. Microcephaly causes babies to be born with tiny heads. Zika

virus is spread through the sting of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Indian Council of Medical Research‘s (ICMR) National Institute

of Virology (NIV) in Pune sequenced five Zika virus strains collected from Jaipur at different time points. ―Advanced molecular

studies of Zika virus strains, carried out through Next Generation Sequencing suggest that the known mutations linked to

foetal microcephaly and high transmissibility of Zika virus in Aedes mosquitoes are not present in the Zika virus strain that has

affected Rajasthan,‖ said a press statement released by the Union Health Ministry on November 3, 2018.

16 policemen sentenced to life for killing 42 people in 1987 Hashimpura massacre in UP

The Delhi High Court on October 31, 2018 sentenced 16 policemen to life imprisonment for killing 42 people of a minority

community in Hashimpura village of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh in 1987. A bench of Justices S Muralidhar and Vinod Goel reversed

the trial court‘s verdict which had acquitted the accused. The high court convicted 16 former Provincial Armed Constabulary

(PAC) personnel for murder and of kidnapping, criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence under the Indian Penal Code.

The high court‘s verdict came on pleas challenging a trial court‘s decision to acquit 16 policemen of charges of murder and

other crimes in the case.

Gyan Kumbh organised at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar

Gyan Kumbh was organised at Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar on November 3-4, 2018. The event was inaugurated by

President Ram Nath Kovind. The president appreciated the role of Uttarakhand Government in forging co-ordination with

Centre in a matter of providing education which falls under the concurrent subject. Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat,

Higher Education Minister Dhan Singh Rawat and Swami Ramdev were also present on the occasion. Later, the president will

address the first convocation of the AIIMS at Rishikesh.



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Centre orders shutting of adoption agency in Madhya Pradesh

The Centre has issued order to Madhya Pradesh government to immediately shut an adoption agency following gross

violation of norms, the Women and Child Development Ministry (WCD) said on November 2, 2018. The ministry said an

inquiry committee set up by it observed gross violation by Bhopal-based Kilkari (Udaan) of the provisions of the law under

Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 and Adoption Regulations, 2017 pertaining to sourcing, care and placement of children in adoption.

The ministry stated the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA), the government‘s nodal agency monitoring adoption in

the country, had received many complaints from domestic and foreign parents against Kilkari (Udaan).

CCRS to inquire into cause of 19 October Amritsar Train accident

Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety, Lucknow, will inquire into the cause of the Amritsar accident in October. More than 60

people sitting on railway track were killed and several injured after a train run over them during Dussehra celebration on

October 19, 2018.

Jharkhand CM announces mobile phones to 28 lakh farmers in the state

Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das announced in Ranchi on November 3, 2018 to provide mobile phones to 28 lakh

farmers of the state. He said the decision was in support of realising Prime Minister‘s efforts on the idea of the Digital India.

SC junks Kerala order on staff‟s donation to fund

The Supreme Court on October 29, 2018 dismissed a petition filed by the Kerala government challenging a State High Court

decision staying a government order that employees should donate a month‘s salary to the Chief Minister‘s Distress Relief

Fund (CMDRF). A Bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Vineet Saran said donations require a voluntary spirit and the

government should keep in mind the fact that many employees may not be able to afford such an extent of monetary loss.

Foundation for country‟s largest dry dock laid in Kerala

The foundation for the country‘s largest dry dock at Cochin Shipyard was laid by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Kerala

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Kochi on October 30, 2018. The objective is to promote shipbuilding industry in India. The

dry dock is being constructed at a cost of Rs 1,799 crore and would be 310 metres long, 75 metres wide and have a depth of

13 metres. At present, Cochin Shipyard has two dry docks, one predominantly used for ship building of size 255m x 43 x 9m

and capacity 1,10,000 DWT and the other one for ship repair of size 270 x 45 x 12m and capacity 1,25,000 DWT.

„Soura Jalanidhi‟ scheme to promote use of solar energy in irrigation launched in Odisha

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in Bhubaneswar on October 30, 2018 launched the Soura Jalanidhi scheme that aims to

increase use of solar energy for helping farmers in irrigating their land. ‗Soura Jalanidhi‘, is a dug well based solar pump

irrigation system in convergence mode. Under the scheme, 5,000 solar pumps will be given to Odisha farmers at a subsidy of

90 per cent to irrigate 2,500 acres of land.

Odisha Disaster Preparedness Day observed on October 29

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on October 29, 2018 launched the early warning dissemination system (EWDS) and the mass

message system to inform people in advance of impending calamities on the occasion of Odisha Disaster Preparedness Day

which is observed every year on October 29 to mark the day in 1999 on which super cyclone hit the state and killed over



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10,000 people. The EWDS will help to warn the vast population residing along the coast in the state from the state

headquarters through alert siren system from towers installed at 122 locations.

Odisha: Jharsuguda airport renamed after freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai

The Centre on November 1, 2018 decided to rename the Odisha‘s Jharsuguda airport after freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai.

The government said the renaming reflected the sentiments of the Odisha population, fulfilling the state government‘s long-

pending demand.

Odisha CM launches Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Policy

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched ―Odisha Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Policy 2018‖ in Bhubaneswar

on November 4, 2018. To attract large investment in the aerospace sector in the state, the policy proposed to extend subsidy

up to 50 percent of the cost of land, Building, Plant and Machinery to the special purpose vehicle (SPV) for setting up the first

state-of-the-art Aerospace and Defence Park in the State. According to this new policy, the ceiling will be Rs 50 crore for

Common Facility Centre, 30 crore for Technology Innovation Centre and Rs. 25 crore for Testing to be established with private

participation.

Ekamra Sports Literary Festival organised in Bhubaneswar

The Ekamra Sports Literary Festival was organised in Bhubaneswar on November 2-3, 2018. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen

Patnaik described the event as a ―one-of-a-kind platform for exchanges between authors, enthusiasts and players‖. Canadian

sprinter Ben Johnson, former Australian cricketer Jeff Thomson, Olympic Gold medalist swimmer Stephanie Rice, and Indian

wrestler Vinesh Phogat were among those who shared their stories and experiences at the two-day fest.

Man-eater tigress shot dead in Maharashtra‟s Yavatmal district

Avni, a five-year old alleged man-eater tigress who had created terror in Maharashtra‘s Vidarbha forests, was shot dead on

November 3, 2018 in Yavatmal district. Avni, identified as T1, was considered responsible for the killing of at least 13 humans,

though all deaths could not be linked to her after tests. She was protecting her two 10-month old dependent cubs in the

vicinity of the Tippeshwar Tiger Sanctuary, since the past several weeks till she was shot down by a marksman. As per the

Supreme Court directives, the forest department and officials were required to first tranquilise and trap her, but she allegedly

attacked the stalking team which shot her.

Decommissioned aircraft carrier INS Viraat to become a floating museum

The Maharashtra Cabinet on November 1, 2018 approved the conversion of decommissioned carrier INS Viraat into a floating

museum. As per the proposal sent by the Maharashtra Government to the Union Defence Ministry, the carrier will be housed

on a concrete foundation near Nivati Rocks in Sindhudurg in Konkan region of the state. This will enable the tourists to see

the diverse aquatic life and experience sky-diving, sailing and other thrilling sporting activities. INS Viraat, which holds a place

of pride in Indian defence history, was decommissioned in March 2017 and since then has been laid up at the Naval

Dockyard.



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Maharashtra govt to tax power consumers to finance solar pumps for farmers

The Maharashtra government on November 4, 2018 said it has imposed an electricity surcharge of 10 paise per unit on

industrial and commercial consumers to finance its scheme to provide 25,000 solar pumps to farmers. The Maharashtra State

Electricity Distribution Company has applied a 10 paise per unit surcharge from November 1 to collect funds for the farmers.

In the first phase, the government will provide solar pumps having a capacity of 3-5 horsepower (hp) to farmers. The price of

a 3 hp pump operating on Alternate Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) supply was Rs 2.40 lakh and Rs 2.55 lakh

respectively. The cost of a 5 hp AC pump is Rs 3.25 lakh whereas the price of 5 hp DC pump is Rs 385,000.

Gujarat‟s first Mega Food Park inaugurated in Surat

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on October 29, 2018 inaugurated the first Mega Food

Park in Gujarat. Promoted by M/s Gujarat Agro Infrastructure Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd the Park is located at Village Shah and

Vasravi, Taluka Mangrol, District Surat. The Gujarat Agro Mega Food Park will benefit the people of Surat District and the

people of nearby Districts of Navsari, Tapi, Narmada & Bharuch. This Mega Food Park has been set up in 70.15 acre of land at

a cost of Rs. 117.87 crore. A 2nd Mega Food Park has been sanctioned by the Ministry in Mehsana District of Gujarat.

First-year college students in Gujarat to get tablet PCs for Rs 1000 each

Three lakh first-year college students in Gujarat will get tablet computers worth Rs 11,000 for a token sum of Rs 1,000, said

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in Ahmedabad on November 3, 2018. It is the second year that the students in the state are

getting such tablets, christened ―Namo E-Tab‖. The state government has made a provision of Rs 300 crore to provide tablets

to students. The tablets would have 450 lecture videos in-built into them, 46 course material videos and 110 virtual learning

course materials as per the syllabus. The tablets have 4G technology, 2GB RAM and 16 GB memory. The tablets come with

dual SIM and have 5 MP back and 2 MP front cameras.

NEWSMAKERS

96 year-old Karthyayani Amma scores high marks in Kerala literacy exam

Proving that age was no barrier to learning, a 96-year-old woman has secured high marks in a literacy examination held in

Kerala. Karthyayani Amma, the oldest candidate who appeared for the ―Aksharalaksham‖ programme of the state-run Kerala

State Literacy Mission Authority, scored 98 marks out of 100. The nonagenarian on November 1, 2018 received an

―Aksharalaksham certificate‖ from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as a token of recognition for her achievement. Karthyayani

Amma scored 38 out of 40 in writing, and full marks of 30 each in Mathematics and reading.

AAP suspends 2 Punjab MLAs for „anti-party activities‟

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on November 3, 2018 suspended senior leaders and legislators of the Punjab unit Sukhpal Singh

Khaira and Kanwar Sandhu from the party for indulging in anti-party activities. Khaira was an MLA from Bholath while Sandhu

represented Kharar constituency in the Assembly.



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Urdu writer Qazi Abdussattar passes away at 85

Padma Shri Professor Qazi Abdussattar, a noted Urdu writer and former head of Aligarh Muslim University‘s Urdu department,

passed away in Delhi on v at the age of 85. Winner of several national and international awards, Abdussattar was awarded

Padma Shri in 1974. He was also the first recipient of Ghalib Academy Award in 1978.

Veteran „villupaattu‟ exponent Poongani dies at 86

Veteran ‗villupaattu‘ exponent, Poongani, 86, the country‘s oldest ‗villupaattu‘ performer, died at Kottaaram near Nagercoil in

Tamil Nadu on November 2, 2018. Poongani was a recipient of the Om Muthumari Award, instituted by the Department of

Journalism, University of Madras.



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Section J: SPORTS

India, Pakistan declared joint winners of Asian Champions Trophy

Indian and Pakistan were declared as the joint winners of the fifth Men‘s Hero Asian Champions Trophy Muscat 2018 hockey

tournament after the final was abandoned due to bad weather conditions in Muscat (Oman) on October 28, 2018. Malaysia

finished at the third place after defeating Japan 3-2 in penalty shootout. The tournament featured host nation Oman,

Pakistan, Malaysia, India, South Korea, and Japan. Malaysia‘s Faizal Saari was the top scorer of the tournament with 8 Goals.

India remained the only undefeated team in the tournament. India‘s Akashdeep Singh and P. R. Sreejesh were named Player

of the tournament and Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament respectively. Pakistan‘s Abu Bakkar Mahmood was named

Emerging Player of the Tournament.

India win 5-match ODI series against West Indies 3-1

India crushed the West Indies by nine wickets in the final One-day International to win the five-match series 3-1 at the

Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on November 1, 2018. Brief scores: West Indies: 103 all out in 31.5 overs (Holder

25; Ahmed 2/29, Jadeja 4/33, Bumrah 2/11). India: 105/1 in 14.5 overs (Rohit Sharma not out 63, Virat Kohli not out 33). Player

of the match: Ravindra Jadeja (4/34 in 9.5 overs)

Series highlights: Most runs-Virat Kohli (453), Most wickets-Kuldeep Yadav (9) & Player of the series-Virat Kohli.

On October 29, India (377/5 in 50) beat West Indies (153 in 36.2) by 224 runs in the fourth ODI at Brabourne Stadium in

Mumbai. Player of the match: Rohit Sharma (162 in 137 balls)

On October 27, West Indies (283/9 in 50) beat India (240/10 in 47.4) by 43 runs in 3rd

ODI at the Maharashtra Cricket

Association Stadium in Pune. Player of the match: Ashley Nurse (40 runs and 2 wickets).

On October 24, the 2nd

ODI between India 321/6 (50) and West Indies 321/7 (50) at the Dr. Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–

VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam ended in a tie. Virat Kohli (157) crossed 10000 runs in ODIs during the match. Player

of the match: Virat Kohli (157* in 129 balls).

On October 21, India (326/2 in 42.1) beat West Indies (322/8 in 50) by 8 wickets in 1st ODI at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium,

Guwahati. Player of the match: Virat Kohli (140 in 107 balls).

Rahul Dravid becomes 5th

Indian player to be inducted into ICC Hall of Fame

Former India captain Rahul Dravid was on November 1, 2018 inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame at a brief function at

Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. With this, the former skipper has become the fifth Indian after

Bishan Singh Bedi, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev and Anil Kumble, to be bestowed with a Hall of Fame cap. The ICC, on July 2,

announced his induction into the Hall of Fame. Dravid aggregated 13,288 runs in 164 Tests with 36 centuries and 10,889 runs

in 344 ODIs with 12 centuries, and was in 2004 named as the ICC Cricketer of the Year as well as the ICC Test Player of the

Year.

ICC suspends Sri Lanka bowling coach Zoysa on fixing charges

Sri Lanka‘s bowling coach Nuwan Zoysa was on October 31, 2018 suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and

charged with match-fixing. The ICC is currently conducting a full-scale investigation into the alleged corrupt activities in Sri

Lankan cricket. It recently charged World Cup-winning batting legend Sanath Jayasuriya with non-cooperation in the probe.



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Advani wins Asian Snooker Tour title

Pankaj Advani on October 31, 2018 won the second leg of the Asian Snooker Tour in Jinan, China. Advani defeated China‘s Ju

Reti 6-1 in the final to become the first Indian to win an Asian Snooker Tour event.

Poland‟s Radoslav Wojtaszek and Russia‟s Alina Kashlinskaya win Isle of Man Chess tournament

Poland‘s Radoslav Wojtaszek and Russia‘s Alina Kashlinskaya win Men‘s and Women‘s titles respectively at the Isle of Man

Chess tournament on October 29, 2018. Indian Grandmaster B. Adhiban finished tied third.

Gafur Rakhimov elected AIBA president

Uzbek businessman Gafur Rakhimov was elected president of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) in Moscow on

November 3, 2018. Rakhimov won 86 of the 134 second-round votes collected by AIBA officials in Moscow to beat his only

opponent, former boxer Serik Konakbayev of Kazakhstan.

Simone Biles wins world gymnastics title

2018 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships was organised from October 25 to November 3, 2018 in Doha. Simone Biles of

United States on November 1 became the first woman to win four individual all-around World titles and her 12th

World title

overall. In 2016, she won four golds at the Rio Olympics.

Bangladesh win South Asian Football Federation Under-15 Championship

Bangladesh beat Pakistan 3-2 in the penalty shoot out to win the SAFF (South Asian Football Federation) Under-15

Championship in Lalitpur, Nepal on November 3, 2018. India clinched bronze medal, finishing third by beating hosts Nepal

1-0 .

Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes wins 2018 F1 drivers‟ championship

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix at Mexico City on October 28, 2018 while Ferrari drivers

Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen finished 2nd

and 3rd

respectively. Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes, who finished fourth in

Mexico City, won the 2018 F1 drivers‘ championship. Hamilton claimed his fifth World Drivers‘ Championship with a 64 point

lead over Sebastian Vettel with 50 points left available.

Amittrajit Ghosh wins the Rally of Arunachal

Amittrajit Ghosh (co-driver Ashwin Naik) of Team Mahindra Adventure won the Rally of Arunachal, the third round of MRF

FMSCI Indian National Rally Championship, in Itanagar on November 4, 2018. Phalguna Urs & Srikanth of Snap Racing and

Dean Mascarenhas & Shruptha Padival of Team Champions were second and third respectively.



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Karen Khachanov wins Men‟s Singles title at Paris Masters tennis

Karen Khachanov of Russia defeated Novak Djokovic of Serbia in final 7-5, 6-4 to win the Men‘s Singles title at Paris Masters

tennis on November 4, 2018. In the semifinals, Khachanov had beaten Dominic Thiem 6-4, 6-1 while Djokovic had defeated

Roger Federer 7-6(6), 5-7, 7-6(3).

Luksika Kumkhum wins Women‟s Singles title at L&T Open tennis in Mumbai

Luksika Kumkhum of Thailand won the Women‘s Singles title at L&T Open tennis in Mumbai on November 4, 2018. She

defeated Russian Irina Khromacheva in the final 1-6, 6-2, 6-3. Doubles title was won by Natela Dzalamidze & Veronika

Kudermetova (Russia) who beat Bibiane Schoofs (Nederlands) & Barbora Stefakova (Czech Republic) 6-4, 7-6(4) in the final.

Ashleigh Barty lifts year-end WTA Elite Trophy

Australia‘s Ashleigh Barty lifted the year-end Women‘s Tennis Association (WTA) Elite Trophy in Women‘s Singles after

defeating China‘s Qiang Wang 6-3, 6-4 at Zhuhai on November 1, 2018.

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