Margus Education | Weekly Current Affairs Capsule July 2018 2nd Week in English

1. International Day of Cooperatives 2018: 7 July

The United Nations' (UN) International Day of Cooperatives is observed on the first Saturday of July each year.

• Some of the day's goals are to increase awareness on cooperatives, as well as strengthen and extend partnerships between the international cooperative movement and other supporting organizations including governments.
• The theme for the 2018 International Day of Cooperatives (IDC) is "Sustainable consumption and production".

2. Prakash Javadekar to inaugurate 17th World Sanskrit Conference

Human Resource Development Minister Shri Prakash Javadekar will inaugurate the 17th World Sanskrit Conference to be held at Vancouver, Canada from 9th July to 13th July, 2018.

• More than 500 scholars and delegates from over 40 countries will be participating in this conference and exchange their knowledge by presenting papers on various subjects followed by discussions from amongst the members.
• There will be a special panel discussion on over a dozen topics like; History & Education of Women in Vedic Literature; Sanskrit Buddhist Manuscripts; Mimamsa Beyond the Yagasala; The Yuktidipika Forging a Place for Sankhya; Introducing Bhagavata Purana Commentaries; Research on the Gargiyajyotisa.
• Over 500 papers on various themes are likely to be presented during the 5-day conference.
• The purpose of this conference is to promote, preserve and practice the Sanskrit language all over the world by the people.
• The World Sanskrit Conference is being held in various countries across the globe once in every three years and so far it has been held thrice in India.

3. World Population Day: 11 July

World Population day is an annual event, observed on July 11 every year, which seeks to raise awareness of global population issues.

• The event was established by the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Programme in 1989.
• World Population Day 2018 observes the theme, "Family planning is a human right."

4. India climbs 3 spots to 57th in global innovation rankings

The Global Innovation Index (GII) has ranked India as the 57thmost innovative nation in the world.

• The country has improved its ranking from 60th position last year.
• India has been improving steadily since it was ranked 81st in 2015.
• Switzerland ranked for 8th straight year.

5. Nepal to host BIMSTEC Summit on Aug 31

Nepal is set to hold a two-day Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit, starting from August 31, in Kathmandu.

• Nepal, the host nation and the current chair of the BIMSTEC, has made preparations to discuss over the trans-border crimes, terrorism, natural calamities, extremism, and illegal trade of arms, ammunition and drugs.

6. 6th meeting of BRICS Education Ministers at Cape Town

Union Minister of State for HRD, Dr Satya Pal Singh attended the 6th meeting of BRICS Education Ministers at Cape Town, South Africa.

• In this meeting of BRICS, India was allotted the key theme of ‘Digitization in Education’.
• He apprised to all present about the India’s initiatives like SWAYAM, SWAYAM PRABHA, National Digital Library, National Academic Depository, E-Yantra, Virtual Labs, Operation Digital Board, E- Pathshala, Diksha, and Geographic information System (GIS).

7. India unveils world's largest visa centre in Bangladesh

Visiting Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the world's largest state-of-the-art visa centre in Dhaka with modern facilities.

• Singh inaugurated the integrated centre at Jamuna Future Park (JFP) along with his Bangladeshi counterpart Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.

8. NTA to conduct entrance examinations for higher educational Institutions

The Minister of Human Resource Development, Shri Prakash Javadekar has said that the National Testing Agency (NTA) has started its work and will be conducting various entrance examinations for higher educational Institutions from next academic sessions onwards.

• Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, he said that the NTA will bring qualitative difference in the examination process by its focus on research and scientific test design using services of Experts, Researchers, Statisticians, Psychometricians, Test Item Writers and Education Specialists.
• The new system will be student friendly, fair , transparent and flexible, the Minister added.

9. Nepal, India to jointly promote tourism 

Nepal and India have decided to jointly promote historically and culturally important tourism circuits like the Ramayana and Buddhist Circuit and adventure tourism.

• India will also extend all possible cooperation in the domain of human resource development in tourism.
• During a joint meeting of the Nepalese and Indian officials, both the sides also decided to establish an industry-led Indo-Nepal Tourism Forum with the support of the two governments.

10. International Round Table Conference on “Data for New India’’

The Ministry of Statistics &Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is organising a two-day International Round Table Conference at New Delhi during 9-10th July, 2018. 

• The objective of the Round Table Conference is to identify innovative ideas for improving the statistical system in India, taking cue from the best practices followed in advanced countries like Canada, UK and Australia.
• Such a Conference is being organized in India for the first time.
• The Conference will be inaugurated by Shri D.V. Sadananda Gowda, Hon’ble Union Minister of Statistics & Programme Implementation.

11. 51 lakh houses approved under PMAY (Urban) in 3 years of its implementation

Under PMAY (U)  so far more than 51 Lakhs dwelling units have been sanctioned against the validated demand of 1 crore in last 3 years of implementation.

• This is a huge jump in comparison to erstwhile housing scheme wherein only 12.4 Lakh houses were approved in around 9 years of its implementation.
• Out of over 51 lakh sanctioned houses, over 28 lakhs have already been grounded and are in various stages of construction.
• Further over 8 lakh houses have already been completed and nearly 8 lakh houses have been occupied by the benficiaries.
• The Government of India is committed to provide “Housing for All” by the end of the Mission period-2022.

12. ISCF and ISCI Program Launched

Sh. Hardeep S Puri, MoS(I/C), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has stated that Smart cities fellowship and internship program will provide the youth an opportunity to experience the aspects of Urban planning and governance.

• Announcing the launch of the Smart cities digital payment award, Sh. Puri said that it is intended to promote ‘Digital India’ and ease of living for India’s urban residents by promoting digital payments and encouraging Smart Cities to adopt innovative digital payments initiatives.
• Sh. Puri launched several new initiatives under AMRUT and the Smart Cities Mission.
• These include the India Smart Cities Fellowship (ISCF) Program, India Smart Cities Internship (ISCI) Program and The Smart Cities Digital Payments Awards 2018 and the ‘CITIIS’ challenge under the Smart Cities Mission and the Local Area Plan (LAP)/Town Planning Scheme (TPS) to be implemented in 25 cities on pilot basis under AMRUT.
• The India Smart Cities Fellowship Program is designed to provide valuable experience to the youth interested in smart cities specifically

13. PM, Korean President, inaugurate mobile manufacturing facility in Noida

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, and the President of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Moon Jae-in, today jointly inaugurated a large mobile manufacturing facility of Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd, at Noida.

• Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister described the occasion as a special one, in the journey to make India a global manufacturing hub.
• He said the investment of about Rs. 5000 crore, would not only strengthen Samsung’s business links with India, but is also significant in the context of the relationship between India and Korea.

14. Government declares 6 educational ‘Institutions of Eminence

The Government has shortlisted Six Institutions of Eminence (IoEs)  including 3 from Public Sector and 3 from Private Sector.

• An Empowered Expert Committee (EEC) in its report recommended selection of 6 institutions (3 from public sector and 3 from private sector) as Institutions of Eminence.

The details of these Institutions are as under:

• Public Sector: (i) Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka; (ii) Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, Maharashtra; and (iii) Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.
• Private Sector: (i) Jio Institute (Reliance Foundation), Pune under Green Field Category; (ii) Birla Institute of Technology & Sciences, Pilani, Rajasthan; and (iii) Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka.

15. Indian Railways Introduces First Double Stack Dwarf Container Service

Under the guidance of Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Finance, Corporate Affairs, Railways and Coal, in order to capture the lost traffic through new delivery model for domestic cargo, Indian Railways has introduced Double Stack Dwarf Container Services.

• This freight train was flagged off on 7th July, 2018 from Western Railway’s Rajkot railway station on its maiden commercial run. 
• This train was booked from the Reliance Rail Siding at Kanalus to Rewari in the state of Haryana; it was loaded with 82 containers Polypropylene Granules.
• Due to this Double Stacked Dwarf Container service, Indian Railways has received increased revenue of Rs. 18.50 lakhs.

16. HM chairs the 67th Plenary Session of the North Eastern Council in Shillong

 

The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh has asked the North-Eastern states to expedite work on long pending projects of the North Eastern Council (NEC) and ensure maximum utilisation of funds.

• Addressing the 67th Plenary Session of the NEC in Shillong today, he said NEC and the eight North-Eastern States would have to ensure that all the ongoing projects were completed in a time bound manner.
• HM urged the states for effective implementation of the recently approved financial package of Rs 4,500 crore by the Centre and directed them to focus on specific areas and better convergence of the govt. sponsored schemes.

17. First ever ‘India Tourism Mart’ to be hosted in New Delhi

The Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism, Shri. K. J. Alphons announced that the Tourism Ministry in partnership with the  Federation of Associations in  Indian  Tourism and  Hospitality  (FAITH)  and with the support of State /UT Governments  will organize  the  ‘first ever’ India  Tourism  Mart (ITM)  from  16th  to  18th September, 2018  at  Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

• The objective  of  the event  is  to  create  an annual Global  Tourism  Mart  for  India  in line with  major  international  travel  marts  being  held  in  countries   across  the world.
• The Mart  will   provide  a  platform  for  all stakeholders  in the  tourism  and hospitality industries  to  interact  and   transact  business  opportunities. 

18. Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu becomes first Chairman of Rajya Sabha to sign an MOU

Rajya Sabha has, for the first time in 76 years since it came into being, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a foreign counterpart for promoting inter-parliamentary dialogue.

• Shri Venkaiah Naidu, has, in the process, become the first Chairman of Rajya Sabha to sign such an agreement when he inked an MOU with the visiting President of the Senate of the Republic of Rwanda, Mr. Bernard Makuza.
• The MOU with 6 articles of cooperation seeks to promote Inter-Parliamentary dialogue, Capacity building of parliamentary staff, Organisation of conferences, forums, seminars, staff attachment programmes, workshops and exchanges, Collaboration in mutual interest in regional and international multilateral parliamentary bodies in furtherance of bilateral relations and friendship between the two countries.

19. 4th National Conclave on Mines and Minerals

The 4th National Conclave on Mines & Minerals will be held on 13th July, 2018 at Indorefor showcasing blocks which will be auctioned by the states in FY 2018-19 to the potential investors.

• Union Minister for Mines Shri Narendra Singh Tomar said that it will carry forward the efforts of the Government for strengthening the mineral auction regime as well as help in expediting auctions and bring in greater participation from the stakeholders.

20. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Haryana Top Rankers in Ease of Doing Business

Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, released the final rankings of States in Ease of Doing Business in New Delhi.

• The top rankers are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Haryana. Jharkhand and Gujarat stood fourth and fifth respectively.
• DIPP, Ministry of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the World Bank conducted an annual reform exercise for all States and UTs under the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP).
• The aim of this exercise is to improve delivery of various Central Government regulatory functions and services in an efficient, effective and transparent manner.
• Rajasthan has slipped by one spot in the ease of doing business rankings to 9th position.

21. Shri Ananthkumar inaugurates CIPET: Centre for Skilling & Technical Support (CSTS)

Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Ananthkumar inaugurated the CIPET:  Centre for Skilling & Technical Support (CSTS) at ITI Building and laid the foundation stone of new Central Institute of Plastics Engineering &Technology (CIPET) Building at Doiwala, Dehradun.

• Other dignitaries who graced the event as guests of honour included Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Shri Trivendra Singh Rawat, and Member of Parliament, Haridwar, Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank.
• CIPET: CSTS, Dehradun is the 32nd CIPET centre in the country.

22. Ministry of Water Resources Launches “Jal Bachao, Video Banao, Puruskar Pao” Contest

In an attempt to engage with the people of India on the important issues of water conservation and water management, the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has launched a video contest titled “Jal Bachao, Video Banao, Puruskar Pao”.

• The Ministry has joined hands with MyGov portal of the Government of India to run the contest.
• The fortnightly contest which was launched through MyGov, will last till 4th November 2018.
• Three winners will be chosen every fortnight.

23. PM to inaugurate new ASI Headquarters in New Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, will inaugurate the new Headquarters building of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), at Tilak Marg in New Delhi on July 12, 2018.

• The new Headquarters building has been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including energy efficient lighting and rainwater harvesting.
• It shall include a Central Archaeological Library with a collection of about 1.5 lakh books and journals.

24. 5 – day Capacity Development programme for Media Officials from Bhutan

On a special request from Election Commission of Bhutan, India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) is organizing a 5 -day Capacity Development programme for Media Officials from Bhutan from July 9-13, 2018 at New Delhi.  

• The participants include media journalists and media officials from Election Management Body of Bhutan.
• The program is aimed to hold interactive discussionson media in elections.
• Hon’ble Chief Election Commissioner of India Shri O. P. Rawat inaugurated the programme.

25. Madhya Pradesh Leg of Startup India Yatra begins on July 16th, 2018

The Startup India Yatra van will travel to 10 cities of Madhya Pradesh, starting from the capital Bhopal, to spread awareness about Startup India and Madhya Pradesh Startup Policy.

• The vehicle, with experts on board, will provide an opportunity for entrepreneurial talents to pitch an idea and get incubated, scaling it from idea to enterprise.
• The van is expected to travel to nearly 25 colleges, and one-day boot camps will be conducted in all the destinations.
• TheYatra will begin on July 16th, 2018, covering 10 districts and 15 institutions over a span of 30 days.
• Startup India Yatraaims to scout grass root level entrepreneurs in the smaller towns of India, providing a platform for budding entrepreneurs to realize their Startup dream.

26. Plenary session of the 3rd Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE)

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan led the Indian Delegation and delivered a speech at the opening/plenary session of the 3rd Intergovernmental Group of Experts (IGE) convened by the UNCTAD. 

• Shri Paswan highlighted the key achievements of the Government of India, especially in the area of Consumer Protection.
• The two day conference in Geneva on Consumer Issues concluded on 10th of July, 2018.

27. 16th Workshop On Greenhouse Gas Inventories in Asia

Inaugurating the 16th Workshop on Greenhouse Gas Inventories in Asia (WGIA16) in New Delhi, Dr. Harsh Vardhan stressed that while efforts of experts are necessary, there is also a need for an active involvement of people in the fight against climate change.

• He said that India is committed to achieve 175 GW of installed capacity of renewable energy generation by 2022.
• He also referred to the decision to leapfrog from Bharat Stage IV (Euro IV) to Bharat Stage VI (Euro VI) standards for vehicular emissions by 2020.  

28. Shri Piyush Goyal gives away awards for beautification of stations premises

The Union Minister of Railways & Coal, Shri Piyush Goyal distributed awards to winning stations of Station Beautification competition in Rail Bhawan.

• This innovative competition was organized among Zonal Railways in December 2017.
• Balharshah & Chandrapur Railway Stations of Central Railway have been awarded the first prize while Madhubani station of East Central Railway & Madurai station of Southern Railway were the co-winners of the second prize.
• Gandhidham station of Western Railway, Kota station of West Central Railway & Secunderabad station of South Central Railway were joint winners of the third prize.

29. Tourism Minister addresses the 164th CPWD Annual Day

The 164th Central Public Works Department Day celebrations were held in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on July 12.

• The Vice President of India, Shri. M. Venkaiah Naidu while addressing the event said that transparency and accountability must become guiding principles for organizations that are working for larger public good.
• Speaking at the event, Union Tourism Minister Shri. K. J. Alphons congratulated CPWD for the excellent buildings constructed by the team and remarked that the department has the greatest pool of engineers even all over the world.

30. First meeting of Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on coordination between MGNREGA and Agriculture

The First Meeting of Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on coordination between MGNREGA and Agriculture was held at NITI Aayog.

• The Convener of the Sub-Group Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, and Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh participated in the meeting in person.
• Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar and Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani joined in the deliberations through video conferencing.   
• In the 4th Meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog held under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister on June 17th, 2018 at Rastrapati Bhawan, New Delhi, a major decision was taken for policy coordination between agriculture sector and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) particularly in pre-sowing and post-harvest activities at the farmers’ fields.
• The Prime Minster constituted Sub Group consisting of Chief Ministers of 7 States viz.  Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Sikkim and Member, NITI Aayog with the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh as the convener of the Sub-Group.

31. Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu inaugurates ‘Anna Canteen’

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has inaugurated ‘Anna Canteen’, which will serve food for just Rs. 5. T

• The canteen would serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner all at the same rate.
• The canteen was inaugurated by the chief minister at Vijayawada’s Bhavanipuram, a total of 60 canteens were inaugurated initially.

32. One-day meeting of VCs, Directors and Heads of 19 Central Institutes of Higher Learning

Rashtrapati Bhavan hosted a one-day meeting of Vice Chancellors, Directors and Heads of 19 Central Institutes of Higher Learning on July 13, 2018.

• This is the part of regular interactions of the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, with the heads of Central Universities and institutions of higher learning in his capacity as visitor to 146 Central Universities and institutions of higher learning.
• Speaking at the concluding session, the President said that each of these institutes has a rich history. Each of these is instrumental to the realisation of social and economic goals that India has set itself as it strives to eliminate poverty and become a middle-income country.

33. INS Tarangini Visits Sunderland to Participate in Tall Ship Races – 2018

INS Tarangini arrived at her seventh port, Sunderland in the UK, during her Lokayan-18 voyage and also to participate in the prestigious ‘tall ship races - 2018’.

• The ship is part of the first Training Squadron based at Kochi, under the Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy. 
• The name ‘Tarangini’ is derived from the Hindi word ‘Tarang’ meaning waves; thus, Tarangini means ‘the one that rides the waves’.
• INS Tarangini is the first ship of the Indian Navy to have circumnavigated the globe in the year 2003-04 and has participated in tall ship races conducted around the world in 2007, 2011 and 2015.
• This beautiful ship, in her 21st year of service, is once again ready to create history with Lokayan-18.
• Lokayan is a combination of two Sanskrit words: ‘Lokya’ meaning worldwide and ‘Yana’ meaning travel, thus literally meaning, ‘travel around the world’. 

34. Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation Launches the Swachh Survekshan Grameen 2018

The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation launches the Swachh SurvekshanGrameen 2018 (SSG 2018) in the capital.

• An independent survey agency will conduct the survey in all districts from 1st to 31st August 2018, and the results will be announced in the form of a ranking of all districts and states on the basis of quantitative and qualitative sanitation (Swachhata) parameters.
• The top performing states and districts are expected to be awarded on 2nd October 2018.

35. 4th National Conclave on Mines & Minerals In Indore

The Ministry of Mines organized the 4th National Conclave on Mines & Minerals on 13th July 2018 at Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

• State Mining ministers, officials of central ministries including Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), officials of the state government, CEOs of mining industries, industry associations, academic institutions and others participated in the conclave.
• Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan was the chief guest of the conclave.

36. Odisha constitutes 'Heritage Cabinet' to preserve culture

The Odisha government has constituted a 'Heritage Cabinet' to preserve the Odia language and the state's culture.

• The cabinet comprises eight members and will be headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
• It will also prepare policies and prepare and approve short-term and long-term plans.

37. MP govt to appoint girls as district Brand Ambassador

In Madhya Pradesh, in a first of its kind initiative, the state govt will appoint girls as a district Brand Ambassador who have  recorded significant achievements in any field under the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao scheme.

• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao is a personal campaign of the Government of India that aims to generate awareness and improve the efficiency of welfare services intended for girls.
• The scheme was launched with an initial funding of Rs 100 crore.

38. President inaugurates platinum jubilee celebrations of Institute of Cost Accountants of India

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Institute of Cost Accountants of India in New Delhi on July 14, 2018. 

• Speaking on the occasion, the President said that cost accountants play a substantial part in enhancing efficiency of processes – particularly in manufacturing – and of capital use.

39. PM inaugurates, lays Foundation Stone for various development projects in Varanasi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, inaugurated, or laid  the foundation stone of important projects, cumulatively worth over Rs. 900 crore, in Varanasi.

• Among the projects inaugurated are the Varanasi City Gas Distribution Project, and the Varanasi-Ballia MEMU train.
• The foundation stone was laid for the Panchkoshi Parikrama Marg, and several projects under the Smart City Mission and Namaami Gange.
• The Prime Minister also laid the Foundation Stone for an International Convention Centre in Varanasi.

40. PM lays Foundation Stone for Poorvanchal Expressway in Azamgarh

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, laid the Foundation Stone of the Poorvanchal Expressway in Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh.

• Addressing  a large public gathering, he described the occasion as the start of a new chapter in the development journey of the State.
• The Prime Minister said that the 340 kilometer long Poorvanchal Expressway would transform the towns and cities that it passes through.

41. RBI cancels licence of Alwar Urban Co-operative Bank

The RBI said the licence of Alwar Urban Co-operative Bank in Alwar, Rajasthan has been cancelled as it is not in a position to pay its depositors in full as and when their claims accrue, among other reasons.

• The present financial position of the bank leaves no scope for its revival, the RBI said, adding that the cancellation of the licence is effective from the close of business on July 5.

42. ADB accords approval for lining project of the Son canal in Shahabad – Bhojpur region

 

Union Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy Shri R.K Singh took a meeting with the officials from ADB and Finance Ministry to review the progress of  lining project of the Son canal in Shahabad – Bhojpur region of Bihar.

• During the meeting ADB representatives informed that ADB had accorded approval for this project.
• Shri RK Singh asked the ADB and Finance Ministry officials to fix a timeframe for the completion of the project.
• It was agreed during the meeting that Finance Ministry will give permission to appoint consultants by 17th July, 2018 and ADB consultants will start their work by the end of July.
• It may be noted that the estimated cost of this project is USD 503 million (Rs 3272.49 crore) out of which USD 352 million is being provided by ADB.

43. India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre Inaugurated

The India-Korea Technology Exchange Centre was Inaugurated by the Minister of State (I/C) MSME Giriraj Singh and Minister of SMEs and Start-ups of Republic of Korea, Hong Jong- hak in New Delhi.

• Speaking on this occasion,Giriraj Singh said that the purpose of the Technology Exchange Centre is to create a platform for micro, small and medium enterprises of India and Korea where they can be assisted to identify and exchange latest technologies, share management expertise, product development and technology applications for product development.
• The MSME Minister further said that the Technology Centre will also work towards building reliable alliances in Space, Solar Energy, Nano technologies and some other upcoming technologies.
• He said that a number of Korean organizations have showed keen interest to initiate technology transfers in MSME sectors between the two countries and this Centre will provide them reliable partners for effecting   business alliances.

44. Microsoft signs MoU with Raj govt for digital training to 9,500 students

Microsoft has signed an MoU with the Rajasthan government to provide free digital training to 9,500 college students in one year.

• The initiative was taken for the enhancement of digital learning and capacity building of college students in the state.
• The state few months back had signed MoU with IGNOU for nearly two dozen courses on skill development.

45. India pips France to become world’s 6th largest economy

ndia has now become world’s sixth-largest economy, pushing past France, according to the updated World Bank figures for 2017.

• France has been pushed to seventh spot in the list, AFP reported.
• When compared with $2.582 trillion for France, India’s GDP stood at $2.597 trillion at 2017 end.
• The US remains the world’s largest economy followed by China, Japan, Germany and Britain.

46. BSNL starts first internet telephony service in India

State-run telecom firm BSNL has unveiled first internet telephony service in the country that will allow users to dial any telephone number in India through its mobile app.

• Now BSNL customers will be able to make calls using the company’s mobile app “Wings” to any phone number in the country.

47. MoU on Defence Salary Package signed between Indian Army and State Bank of India

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Army and SBI on the Defence Salary Package on 12 July 2018.

• The signing-in ceremony was chaired by the Adjutant General Lt Gen Ashwani Kumar and was attended by top officials of SBI headed by Shri PK Gupta, Managing Director (Retail and Development Banking), SBI.
• The first MoU between SBI and the Indian Army was signed in 2011 and was renewed on 23 Feb 2015.

48. Mukesh Ambani becomes richest man in Asia

Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Industries chairman has beaten Alibaba founder Jack Ma to become thr richest man in Asia, according to a report by Bloomberg.

• As per the report, Ambani's estimated wealth rose to a whooping 44.3 billion dollars.
• Alibaba Group founder Ma's wealth stood at 44 billion dollars.

49. Mukesh Ambani gets another 5 years as Reliance Chairman

Shareholders of Reliance Industries have approved giving Mukesh Ambani another five years as the Chairman and Managing Director of the company.

• Ambani, 61, has been on the board of Reliance Industries Ltd since 1977 and was elevated as Chairman of the company after the death of his father and group patriarch Dhirubhai Ambani in July 2002.

50. Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel appointed NGT chairperson

Supreme Court judge Adarsh Kumar Goel, who retired recently, was appointed as the chairperson of National Green Tribunal.

• He is best remembered for passing the controversial judgment on diluting provisions of the SC/ST Act.
• The post of the chairperson of the green tribunal, which disposes cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources, had been vacant for the past eight months after Justice Swatanter Kumar retired on December 19.

51. Dipika Pallikal to represent Asia in CGF AAC

 

Squash player Dipika Pallikal has been appointed as Asia’s representative in the prestigious Athletes Advisory Commission of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF).

• The appointment was made by the CGF.
• The CGF Athletes Advisory Commission was proposed in August 2017.
• Each continent is represented by one athlete in CGFAAC.

52. Uday Kumar Varma appointed BCCC member

Former Information and Broadcasting secretary Uday Kumar Varma has been appointed as a member of the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council,

• BCCC is self-regulatory body for general entertainment channels.
• Varma, a former IAS officer of 1976 batch from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, attended the council's recent meeting.

53. T Latha appointed new MD & CEO of Dhanlaxmi Bank

Dhanlaxmi Bank Limited has appointed T Latha as the Managing Director & CEO.

• She has taken over from G Sreeram, who has retired from the office on July 1, 2018, on completion of his tenure.
• Her appointment will be for a period of three years w.e.f July 2, 2018.

54. Vice President appoints Director General of ICWA

The Vice President of India and the President of ICWA, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has appointed Dr. T.C.A. Raghavan (IFS: 1982) as the Director General, ex officio Member-Secretary of the Council, ICWA.

• The decision was taken in the meetings of the Governing Body and Governing Council of the Indian Council of World Affairs held.
• Dr. T.C.A. Raghavan has served as India’s High Commissioner to Islamabad and Singapore and has served in our missions at London, Thimphu and Kuwait.

55. Haryana Governor gets additional charge of Himachal

Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki was given the additional charge of Himachal Pradesh by President Ram Nath Kovind.

• Solanki would discharge "the functions of the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, in addition to his own duties" during the absence of Himachal Governor Acharya Devvrat, who is on leave, an official communique said.

56. President nominates four members to Rajya Sabha

In exercise of the powers conferred by Article 80 of the Constitution of India, and on the advice of the Prime Minister, the President of India is pleased to make the following four nominations to the Rajya Sabha:

• Shri Ram Shakal: He is an eminent people’s leader and public representative from Uttar Pradesh, who has devoted his life for the welfare and well-being of the Dalit community. A farmer leader, he is widely respected for championing the cause of farmers, labourers and migrants. He has also been a three-time Member of Parliament, representing Robertsganj constituency of Uttar Pradesh.
• Shri Rakesh Sinha: A respected and widely read author, Shri Rakesh Sinha is the Founder and Honorary Director of the Delhi-based think-tank “India Policy Foundation.” A Professor of Motilal Nehu College of Delhi University, he is also currently a member of the Indian Council of Social Science Research. He is a regular columnist in a range of newspapers.
• Shri Raghunath Mohapatra: He is an internationally renowned authority on stone carving. Practicing since 1959, he has trained over 2000 students. He has contributed to the preservation of traditional sculpture and ancient monuments, and has worked on the beautification of the Sri Jagannath Temple, Puri. His famous works include a 6 feet high statue of the Sun God carved in grey sandstone, in the Central Hall of Parliament; and the Wooden Buddha, Buddha Temple, Paris.
• Smt Sonal Mansingh: She is among India’s foremost exponents of Indian Classical Dance. She has been performing Bharatnatyam and Odissi for over six decades. She is also a well-known choreographer, teacher, orator and social activist. She founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances, in Delhi in 1977.

57. Dr. T.K Chand gets Knowledge Excellence Award

Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD, NALCO, called upon industry leaders, policy makers and stakeholders in the Aluminium value chain to scale up production of the ‘wonder metal’ to meet the rising demand as consumption of Aluminium is poised to reach 10 million tons in the next decade.

• Addressing the 22nd International Conference on Non-Ferrous Minerals and Metals 2018 at Ranchi, Dr. Tapan Kumar Chand, CMD, NALCO, said, ‘’We need to start thinking ahead and take steps to protect the interests of the Aluminium sector.
• The consumption of Aluminium will reach 10 million tons in the next 10 years.
• Dr. Chand received Knowledge Excellence Award from Secretary, Mines, Govt. of India for Outstanding Contribution in Aluminium Knowledge domain.

58. 'The English Patient' voted best-ever Man Booker Prize winner in 50 years

Michael Ondaatje's 'The English Patient' was named the greatest-ever winner of the Man Booker Prize at an event celebrating five decades of the prestigious literary award.

• 'The English Patient' won the Booker in 1992 and was made into a 1996 movie starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche that won nine Academy Awards.

59. Anju Khosla becomes Oldest Indian woman to complete Ironman Triathlon

At 52, Anju Khosla has just become the oldest Indian woman to complete an Ironman Triathlon – one of the toughest one-day sporting events.

• The New Delhi resident completed her first full Ironman Triathlon, in Carinthia, Austria, in 15 hours, 54 minutes and 54 seconds.

60. Dipa Karmakar wins gold in Gymnastics World Cup

Returning to action after a long lay-off of nearly two years due to injury, India's premier gymnast Dipa Karmakar clinched the gold medal in the vault event of FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Challenge Cup at Mersin, Turkey.

• The 24-year-old from Tripura, who had finished fourth in vault event in the 2016 Rio Olympics, scored 14.150 to win gold here.
• She had topped the qualification also with a score of 13.400.
• This is Dipa's first medal in a World Challenge Cup.

61. Hima Das First Indian Woman to Win Gold In World Junior Athletics

Indian sprinter Hima Das scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold at the IAAF World Under-20 Athletics Championships.

• She clinched to top spot in the women's 400m final race on the third day of competitions. The 18-year-old Das, a pre-tournament favourite, clocked 51.46s to win the gold.
• In fact, Das is the first Indian track athlete to have won a medal in the history of this competition.

62. Mohammad Kaif Announces Retirement From Competitive Cricket

 

Mohammad Kaif announced his retirement from all forms of competitive cricket, almost 12 years after he last played for the Indian team.

• 37-year-old Kaif played 13 Tests and 125 ODIs for India and will always be remembered for his match-winning knock of 87 at the Lord's during the epic Natwest Trophy final in 2002.
• He was a part of the Indian team that reached the 2003 World Cup final in South Africa.

63. Belgium Beats England 2-0 to Finish Third in the World Cup

Belgium earned its highest World Cup finish by beating England 2-0 in the third-place match.

• Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard scored a goal each for the Belgians, who lost to France in the semifinals.
• England, which lost to Croatia in the semifinals, matched its best World Cup result — fourth in 1990 — since winning the tournament for the only time in 1966.

64. Angelique Kerber beats Serena Williams to win Wimbledon

Angelique Kerber beat seven-time champion Serena Williams to win her first Wimbledon title and spoil the American's dream comeback.

• The German 11th seed, 30, beat the 23-time Grand Slam champion 6-3 6-3 to add this title to her 2016 Australian Open and US Open crowns.

65. Former Meghalaya Governor M M Jacob passes away

Senior Congress leader and former Meghalaya Governor M M Jacob passed away due to age-related ailments. He was 90.

• Jacob, a former Union Minister, had also served as deputy chairman of the Rajya Sabha in the 80s.        
• Jacob had served as general secretary and treasurer of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee and Chairman of the Kerala State Seva Dal Board and an elected member of AICC for many years.

66. Actor Kavi Kumar Azad passes away at 46

Actor Kavi Kumar Azaad, known for playing the character of Dr Hansraaj Hathi on popular sitcom “Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma”, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest.

• Azaad replaced actor Nirmal Soni as Dr Hathi, who played the role for a year since the show's inception, in 2009.

67. Senior journalist Kalpesh Yagnik Dies

Senior journalist Kalpesh Yagnik has passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 55.

• Yagnik was a group editor of popular Hindi daily 'Dainik Bhaskar'.
• Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan condoled the death of the senior journalist.

68. Vice President Releases the book ‘Two Classical Plays from India’

 

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that there is a need to revive Theatre and make it a prominent form of education and entertainment.

• He was addressing the gathering after releasing the book ‘Two Classical Plays from India’, an English translation of Hindi plays written by well-known playwright Shri D.P. Sinha.