SH- Current Affairs Update 03rd, march 2018

Dear Aspirants,

Paper £10 notes go out of circulation in UK

Old paper £10 notes, featuring British naturalist Charles Darwin, went out of circulation across the UK on March 1.

• They have been replaced by the new polymer version featuring British author Jane Austen introduced last year.
• Anyone with the old banknote will need to deposit it at a bank as shops will refuse to accept them as they cease to be legal tender.

World's largest solar park launched in Karnataka

The world's largest solar park set up at an investment of Rs.16,500 crore at Pavagada in Karnataka's Tumakuru district was launched by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

• The 2,000 MW park, named as 'Shakti  Sthala', spans across 13,000 acres spread over five villages.
• The park’s development is anchored by the Karnataka Solar Power Development Corp. Ltd (KSPDCL).
• The project has been executed within a record time of two years.

Telangana launches integrated app for all government services

The Telangana government has launched an m-Governance mobile application called ‘T App Folio’ to help citizens with one point access to government services.

• The Telangana government plans to bring on-board all mobile apps of its various departments to T App Folio over next 12 months.
• Telangana has become the second state government in India to set up a mobile service delivery gateway in place for the provision of government to citizen (G2C) services.

Odisha Launches Scheme To Provide Free Sanitary Pads

As part of its initiatives to empower women, the Odisha government has launched Khushi scheme to provide free sanitary napkins to school girls across the state.

• The scheme will be implemented by the health and family welfare department of the state at a cost of 70 crore per year.
• Under the scheme, the state will provide free sanitary napkins to 17 lakh girls studying in Classes 6 to 12 in government and government-aided schools.

SH- Current Affairs Update 02nd, march 2018

Dear Aspirants,

First Mega Food Park in Maharashtra at Satara Inaugurated

The first Mega Food Park in the state of Maharashtra, M/s Satara Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd. at Village Degaon, District Satarawas inaugurated on 1stMarch, 2018 by Smt. Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Minister of Food Processing Industries in the presence of Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, of Maharashtra.

• This is the 12th Mega Food Park operationalized in the country so far and the 10th operationalized during the tenure of present government.
• Under the Scheme, Government of India provides financial assistance upto Rs. 50 Crore per Mega Food Park project.

List of MoUs signed during the Visit of the King of Jordan to India

• MoU on Defence Cooperation
• Visa waiver for diplomatic and official passport holders
• Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP)
• Manpower Cooperation Agreement
• MoU for cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine between India and Jordan
• MoU for setting up of the next generation Centre of Excellence (COE) in Jordan
• MoU for long term supply of Rock Phosphate and Fertilizer/NPK
• Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement
• Twining Agreement between Agra and Petra (Jordan)
• Cooperation between Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) and Jordan Media Institute (JMI)
• MoU between PrasarBharati and Jordan TV
• MoU between University of Jordan (UJ) and ICCR regarding setting up of a Hindi Chair at the University

Dr Bhamre inaugurates Annual Army Seminar 2017-18

Raksha Rajya Mantri Dr Subhash Bhamre inaugurated one-day Annual Army Seminar for 2017-18 on ‘Contribution of the Army Towards Nation Building’ at Manekshaw Centre New Delhi.

• Objective of the seminar is to highlight the contributions of the Indian Army towards Nation building and identify new spheres and areas for future participation.

SH- Current Affairs Update 01st, march 2018

Dear Aspirants,

 Conference inaugurated to mark 'World Rare Disease Day'

Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Shri J.P. Nadda, in the presence of Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the one-day Conference to mark "World Rare Disease Day".

• A newsletter published by the "Indian Organization of Rare diseases" was also released on the occasion.

Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahtsav ends on a grand note in Indore

‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (RSM) -2018’ a diversified cultural carnival organized by Ministry of Culture in Madhya Pradesh ended in Indore with a dazzling closing ceremony graced by the esteemed presence of the Loksabha Speaker, Smt. Sumitra Mahajan as the Chief Guest.

• Braving showers, people participated in the valedictory of the cultural extravaganza in large numbers. Starting its journey from the Gwalior’s Maan Mandir Fort the event showcased an amalgamation of Crafts & Art Forms, Cuisine Fest and Magnificent Performances.
• The festival received continuous gratitude for playing a major role to effectively connect the audience to the rich, diverse and undiscovered culture of India under the umbrella of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

Cabinet approves continuation of PMEGP beyond 12th Plan

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the continuation of Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) beyond 12th Plan for three years from 2017-18 to 2019-20 with a total outlay of Rs.5,500 crore.

• Scheme will create sustainable estimated employment opportunities for 15 lakh persons in three financial years.
• Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) is the nodal implementation agency at the national level.
• At the State/district level, State offices of KVIC, Khadi and Village Industries Boards (KVIBs) and District Industry Centres (DIC) are the implementing agencies. Applications are invited and processed on-line on PMEGP-e-portal.

SH- Current Affairs Update 28th, Feb 2018

Dear Aspirants,

India Ranks 47th on Inclusive Internet Index

India is ranked 47th out of 86 countries when it comes to inclusive Internet and connectivity for all, a Facebook report said.

• Facebook, which commissioned the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) to create a comprehensive “Inclusive Internet Index,” found India in the middle of Asian countries (12th out of 23) when it comes to connectivity.”
• Sweden took the first place, followed by Singapore and the US.

Saudi Arabia allows women to join military

Saudi Arabia has for the very first time opened applications for women to enlist in the military as the kingdom continues to enact reforms granting females more access to a wide range of previously forbidden careers.

• Interested candidates can apply for positions with the rank of soldier in the provinces of Riyadh, Mecca, al-Qassim and Medina.
• A list of requirements says applicants must be Saudi citizens and aged between 25 and 35 with a high school diploma.

Govt. sanctions Rs. 1200 cr to clear pollution in Delhi

In a move to provide Delhi residents relief from the burgeoning air pollution crisis in the city, the central government has sanctioned schemes worth Rs 1,200 crore to keep a check on alarming pollution levels in the capital.

• According to NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, on account of the air quality worsening in Delhi due to burning crop residue from October to December months, the schemes will help curb pollution.

SH- Current Affairs Update 27th, Feb 2018

Dear Aspirants,

‘SRIJAN’ has been launched at MyGov portal

Indian Railway Stations Development Corporation Limited (IRSDC) is taking up redevelopment of around 600 major Railway stations across the country.

• In this mega exercise, assistance and involvement of all stakeholders i.e. railway passengers, urban planners, architects, engineers is important.
• Towards this objective of stakeholders’ consultation, an idea competition for development of 635 stations on Indian Railways, ‘SRIJAN’ (Station Rejuvenation Initiative through Joint ActioN) has been launched at MyGov portal since 26.01.2018.
• The last date for submission of entries in this competition is 26.03.2018. The winners will get certificates and worthy ideas will be incorporated in the designs.  

Intermodal Stations to come up in 15 cities

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has conducted detailed pre-feasibility studies for setting up Intermodal Stations at Nagpur and Varanasi, and the development of DPRs for this is in final stages of completion.

• Fifteen cities across the country have been prioritized for development of IMS of which Nagpur and Varanasi have been selected as pilot projects.
• Intermodal Stations are terminal infrastructure which integrate various transportation modes like rail, road, mass rapid transit system, bus rapid transit, inland waterways, auto-rickshaws, taxis and private vehicles etc, so that people can move from one mode to another seamlessly, with minimum use of automobiles. 

CSIR signs MoU with IORA: CSIR-CIMAP to host coordinating center on medicinal plants

Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) has entered into a MoU with the Regional Center for Science and Technology Transfer (RCSTT) of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) for designating Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Lucknow (CSIR-CIMAP) as Coordinating Center on Medicinal Plants.

• The MoU was signed by Prof. Anil Kumar Tripathi, Director CSIR-CIMAP and Dr. A. Sedrpousan, Director, IORA-RCSTT. 
• The Indian delegation was led by Dr. Girish Sahni, DG, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR. 
• The delegation also attended the 31st Khwarizmi International Award Ceremony which was addressed by H.E. Dr. Hassan Rouhani, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
• The IORA Center at CSIR-CIMAP will establish a database on the important medicinal plants, their value added products, related experts and industries of the IORA member states and organize meetings and training programmes to promote trade, commerce and scientific exchanges to complement the strength and limitation of the member states.

SH- Current Affairs Update 26th, Feb 2018

Dear Aspirants,

 20th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers held in Fiji

Dr. Satya Pal Singh, Minister of State, Ministry of Human Resource Development; and Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India led the Indian delegation to the 20th Conference of the Commonwealth Education Ministers (20CCEM) held in Nadi, Fiji during 19-23 February 2018.

• The theme of the Conference was “Sustainability and Resilience: Can Education Deliver?”
• Dr. Singh made  a `response statement` to the presentation “20CCEM Thematic Issues” made by Dr. Rajesh Chandra, Vice Chancellor of University of South Pacific, Fiji on 21 February 2018.

Andaman & Nicobar Command to Host Milan 2018

The second week of March will witness Andaman & Nicobar Command hosting a multinational mega event MILAN 2018.

• MILAN is a congregation of littoral navies conducted biennially by Indian Navy at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, under the aegis of the Andaman and Nicobar Command.
• Besides fostering co-operation through naval exercises and professional interactions, MILAN also provides an excellent opportunity to the participating navies to come together in a spirit of collaboration and mutual understanding to nurture stronger ties.

DRDO Successfully Test Flight Rustom 2

DRDO  successfully flew its Rustom 2  at its Aeronautical Test Range(ATR) at Chalakere at Chitradurga.

• This flight assumes significance due to the fact that this is the first flight in user configuration with higher power engine.
• Secretary Deptt. of Defence (R&D) & Chairman DRDO Dr. S. Christopher along with  senior scientists witnessed  the flight and congratulated Rustom team.

SH- Current Affairs Update 25th, Feb 2018

Dear Aspirants,

8th Indo- Seychelles Army exercise starts

The eighth joint military exercise between the Indian Army and Seychelles People’s Defence Forces started on February 24 and will continue till March 4 at Mahe Island, Seychelles.

• The exercise is named “Lamitye” which in the local dialect ‘Creole’, means friendship.
• This exercise is the eighth in the series of bilateral exercises being conducted in the beautiful island nation.

India International Textiles Expo begins in Colombo

A three –day India International Textiles Expo (IITExpo) of India began in Sri Lankan capital of Colombo.

• It is being organized by Powerloom Development & Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL) with the support of Union Ministry of Textiles & Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

PM launches various  projects worth Rs.1000 crores in Daman & Diu

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi launched various development projects worth Rs.1000 crores in Daman & Diu.

• He distributed certificates to beneficiaries of programs and addressed a public meeting at the Daman college ground.
• The Prime Minister inaugurated Air Odisha's flight connecting Ahmedabad with Diu under the UDAN scheme.
• He flagged off Pawan Hans helicopter services from Daman to Diu through a video link.

SH- Current Affairs Update 24th, Feb 2018

Dear Aspirants, 

Parivartan scheme launched in Haryana

The Haryana government launched Parivartan, a scheme designed to address 10 issues, including cleanliness and pollution, in 46 developmental blocks of the state.

• The 10 issues include facilitation of financing, making agriculture profitable and sustainable, improving health services, implementing Swachh Bharat, decongesting market areas, engaging the youth, checking air pollution, ensuring availability of identity-related services, effective policing, and ensuring road order and conduct.
• The chief minister said that for each of the 10 fields, there are three to seven parameters on which the performance of the officers would be assessed.

Shri Anant Kumar Singh Inaugurates Five-Day Handicraft and Gifts Fair

Secretary Textiles, Shri Anant Kumar Singh inaugurated the 45th edition of IHGF-Delhi Fair at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.

• Speaking on the occasion, he said handicrafts sector plays a significant role in the country’s economy and provides employment to a vast segment of craft-persons in rural and semi-urban areas and generates substantial foreign exchange for the country while preserving its cultural heritage. 
• The Fair will remain open till 27th February, 2018.

The 2 day ‘RAS BANARAS SANSKRITI MAHOTSAV’- concludes in Varanasi

‘Ras Banaras – Swachhagrah – Bapu ko Kaaryaanjali’, a diversified cultural festival organized by the Ministry of Culture at Maan Mandir and Assi Ghat of Varanasi concluded successfully2.

• The festival witnessed folk dance and songs, food & shopping delights in full swing.
• The event appealingly connected country’s youth to various facets of the country’s rich and vibrant culture alongside giving a message of cleanliness to the people of Varansi.

‘Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav’ under ‘Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat’ begins in Madhya Pradesh

To celebrate the idea of unity in diversity, Ministry of Culture is organising a Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav under the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat matrix in Madhya Pradesh beginning February 24 for a duration of 7 days.

• The States paired with Madhya Pradesh are Nagaland and Manipur.
• The Mahotsav will cover a profusion of art forms from classical and folk music and dance, theatre to literature and the visual arts and would offer the chance to experience the best in established and emerging virtuosity.

SH- Current Affairs Update 23rd, Feb 2018

Dear Aspirants,

 India ranks 81 in global corruption perception index

The 2017 corruption perception index, released by anti-graft watchdog Transparency International, has ranked India at 81 among 180 countries and territories.

• India’s score in 2017 is 40 — the same as 2016, and an increase since 2015, when it was 38.
• The index says New Zealand and Denmark are the least corrupt countries, while Syria, Sudan and Somalia figure are ranked the most corrupt.
• Among BRICS nations, South Africa has been ranked the least corrupt (71), while Russia (135) is the most corrupt.

International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and promote multilingualism.

• First announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999, it was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in a resolution establishing 2008 as the International Year of Languages.

Indian scientists develop next generation technology loop to generate clean energy

Indian scientists have developed a super critical carbon di oxide Brayton test loop facility that would help generate clean energy from future power plants including solar thermal.

• This next generation technology loop was developed indigenously by Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
• This is India’s first test-bed for next generation, efficient, compact, waterless super critical carbon dioxide Brayton cycle test loop for power generation.
• The technology is perhaps the first test loop coupled with solar heat source in the world. 

SH- Current Affairs Update 21st, Feb 2018

Dear Aspirants,

 World Day of Social Justice: 20 February 

Social Equality Justice day is observed every year on 20th February. 

• It is a day recognizing the need to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion and unemployment.
• The theme of World Day of Social Justice 2018 is “Workers on the Move: the Quest for Social Justice.”

Mandarin approved as official language of Pakistan

The Pakistani Senate has approved a motion to declare Mandarin as one of the official languages of Pakistan.

• The motion said the step was necessary in view of ties between Pakistan and China.
• Punjabi, which is widely spoken in Punjab province of Pakistan, Pashto and many other native languages have not been declared official languages of the country.

Prime Minister to inaugurate Uttar Pradesh Investor’s Summit in Lucknow

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate two–day Uttar Pradesh Investors’ Summit 2018 in Lucknow.

• While the PM will inaugurate the summit on February 21, President Ram Nath Kovind will be present at the closing ceremony. 
• The event has been organized by Uttar Pradesh Government to showcase the investment opportunities and potential in the state.
• Seven nations – Finland, Netherlands, Japan, Czech Republic, Thailand, Slovakia and Mauritius have been identified as country partners for the event.

SH- Current Affairs Update 20th, Feb 2018

Dear Aspirants,

 J P Nadda addresses Global Digital Health Partnership Summit

“Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has great potential towards improvement of delivery of healthcare services. This was stated by Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare during his address at Global Digital Health Partnership Summit, at Canberra, Australia.

• India is committed to reforms in health service delivery using ICT under Digital India Program of Government of India.”
• The Union Health Minister spoke on the topic: Making Digital Health Services a Priority in Healthcare Reform.

UK and India upgrade joint research on clean water and clean energy  

UK-India research projects on ‘Water Quality Research’ and ‘Energy Demand Reduction in Built Environment’ were launched by Dr V K Saraswat, Member, National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, Professor Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology (DST) India and Daniel Shah, Director, Research Councils UK (RCUK) India.

• The ‘Water Quality Research’ programme has eight projects and ‘Energy Demand Reduction in Built Environment’ programme has four projects, with a total joint investment of up to £15 million.
• These projects aim to deliver mutual benefits and research solutions not only to the UK and India but also to address shared global sustainable development goals – clean water and clean energy.

PM addresses at the World Conference on IT

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on February 19, addressed World Congress on Information Technology in Hyderabad via Video Conference.

• This event is being held in India for the first time.
• It has been organized in partnership with NASSCOM, WITSA and the Government of Telangana.

SH- Current Affairs Update 19th, Feb 2018

Dear Aspirants,

PM Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of Navi Mumbai International Airport

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has laid the foundation stone of the New Mumbai International Airport.

• He performed the Bhumi Poojan ceremony for the upcoming airport.
• The prime minister highlighted the importance of transportation in the faster growth of the economy. He said that to keep with globalisation it is important to get top quality infrastructure.
• On Sagarmala project, he said it will help in ushering in port-led development.

PM Narendra Modi opens Rs 7,900-crore fourth terminal at JNPT 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the first phase of the Rs 7,900-crore 4th terminal project of the JNPT to the nation, which will raise the cargo handling capacity of the nation's largest container port by 50 per cent.

• The fourth terminal project seeks to double JNPT's capacity to nearly 10 million standard container units and will make it the 33rd biggest port globally.
• The nation's largest port JNPT has a capacity of 4.8 million standard container units capacity now. On completion of the second phase by 2022, total capacity will go up to almost 10 million.

MP govt to host Khajuraho Dance Festival

Myriad forms of classical dance in India will be on dispaly at a festival beginning in Khajuraho from February 20.

• The week-long Khajuraho Dance Festival at the temple town in Chhatarpur district is being organised by the culture department of the Madhya Pradesh government.
• The February 20-26 festival will showcase classical dances including Kathak, Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali and Mohiniattam.

Magnetic Maharashtra investors summit inaugurated

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Global Investors’ Summit at “Magnetic Maharashtra: Convergence 2018 at the MMRDA grounds at Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex.

• This summit is Maharashtra’s first Global Investors Summit and is said to be on the lines of Make In India initiative by PM Modi.
• PM will next inaugurate the Wadhwani Institute for Artifical Intelligence at the University of Mumbai.

SH- Current Affairs Update 18th, Feb 2018

Dear Aspirants,

 China's Qingdao to host SCO summit in June

East China's Qingdao City will host the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in June this year.

• Shandong is the birthplace of many ancient Chinese thinkers, including Confucius. In 2017, its GDP exceeded 7.2 trillion yuan.
• The summit has China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan as full members.

List of MoUs signed during the visit of President of Iran to India

President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani arrived in India on a three-day State visit. He has signed these MoUs with India:

• Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation
• MoU on Exemption from Visa requirement for holders of Diplomatic Passports.
• Exchange of Instrument of Ratification of Extradition Treaty.
• Lease Contract for Shahid Beheshti Port- Phase 1 of Chabahar during Interim Period between Port and Maritime Organization (PMO), Iran and India Ports Global Limited (IPGL).
• MoU on Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine.
• MoU on the establishment of an Expert Group on Trade Remedy Measures to promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
• MoU on Cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors.
• MoU on Cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine.
• MoU on Postal Cooperation.

India's defence budget breaks into world's top 5: UK report

India's defence budget broke into the world's top five, beating the UK for the first time, a new report by a London-based global think-tank has said.

• India overtook the UK as the fifth-largest defence spender in the world in 2017 at $52.5 billion, up from $51.1 billion in 2016, according to the 'Military Balance 2018' report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
• In contrast, the UK's defence budget fell from $52.5 billion in 2016 to $50.7 billion last year.
• World's top five defence spenders are the US, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia and India.