Current Affairs October 10, 2017

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INDIAN AFFAIRS

VAJRA faculty scheme – 260 applicants for government’s visiting researcher programme
Central Government has received 260 applications from foreign scientists for Visiting Advanced Joint Research (VAJRA) Faculty scheme. Out of these 260 applications, 70 will be shortlisted for this year.
i. The department intends to select 1,000 scientists every year under this scheme.
ii. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary of Department of Science and Technology, has stated that screening of 260 applicants will start in October 2017 and the shortlisted scientists will begin work by December 2017.

Gujarat becomes first state to slash VAT on petrol, diesel; cuts taxes by 4 per cent
On October 2017, Gujarat state government announced a 4 per cent reduction in VAT (Value Added Tax) on petrol and diesel. It has thereby become the first state to cut VAT on fuel.

More Details:
i. On account of this decision, petrol will get cheaper by Rs 2.93 and diesel by Rs 2.72 across Gujarat from the midnight of Tuesday and Wednesday.
ii. Recently, after cutting central excise duty on petrol and diesel by Rs. 2, Union Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had asked the state governments to cut VAT on the fuel products by 5 per cent citing that they are the biggest beneficiaries of the revenues generated from petrol and diesel.
iii. Out of the total levy on fuel, state governments get all of the VAT collection along with 42 per cent of the central excise collections.  
iv. The remaining portion of excise collections is used by Central Government in centrally sponsored schemes.

Government approved Rs 2,000 crore to set up Aadhaar units in post offices
With an aim to gradually phase out private contractors from the data collection process in Aadhaar enrolment, Central Government has approved Rs 2,000 crore for setting up Aadhaar centres in post offices.
Aadhaar Enrolment and Updation facilities in Post Offices:
i. This decision has been taken as Government received several complaints against private vendors such as petty corruption and attempted frauds.  Moreover Supreme Court too had highlighted reports of alleged leakage of Aadhaar data. 
ii. By March 31, 2017, Government will set up Aadhaar enrolment and updation facilities in around 15,000 post offices.
iii. The centres will have machines approved by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) and trained personnel who will be responsible for the operations.
iv. Government believes that post offices will considerably extend the reach of UID, particularly in remote areas.

President of India inaugurates India water Week 2017
On 10^th October 2017, the President of India, Mr.Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated India Water Week 2017, at Vigyan Bhavan, in New Delhi.

Current Affairs October 9, 2017

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INDIAN AFFAIRS

GoM set up under Assam FM Himanta Biswa Sarma to review composition scheme
On October 6, 2017, Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley constituted a group of ministers (GoM) to make the ‘composition scheme’ more attractive and also revisit GST rates on restaurants.About GoM to Review Compostion Scheme:
i. The GoM has been set up under Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and will submit its report within 2 weeks.
ii. Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi, Jammu and Kashmir Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal  and Chhattisgarh Minister of Commercial Taxes Amar Agrawal are the other members of the GoM.
iii. The GoM has been set up to make ‘composition scheme’ more effective as only 15.50 lakh businesses out of the total 98 lakh registered under the goods and services tax (GST) regime have opted for this scheme.
iv. As per the latest GST norms, businesses with annual sales up to Rs. 1 crore can avail benefits under ‘composition scheme’ which permits liberal quarterly tax return filing and payment scheme.

International Conference on Dialogue of Civilizations – IV begins in New Delhi
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in collaboration with National Geographic Society is hosting an international conference on “Dialogue of Civilizations – IV” from 8^th – 15^th October, 2017 at Delhi, Gandhinagar (in Gujarat) and Dholavira (in Gujarat).
About “Dialogue of Civilizations”:
i. “Dialogue of Civilizations” conference was initiated by National Geographic Society in 2013.
ii. Objective of this conference is to encourage scholarly and public discourse about the five ancient, literate civilizations of the world, i.e. Egypt, Mesopotamia, South Asia, China and Mesoamerica.
iii. First conference of this series was inaugurated in Guatemala in 2013 followed by Turkey in 2014 and China in 2015.
iv. The present conference being held in India is the fourth in this series. The final dialogue has been planned to be held in Egypt.
v.On October 8, 2017, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Culture & Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change inaugurated the “Dialogue of Civilizations – IV” in New Delhi.

Uttarakhand Govt. launches ‘Solar Briefcase’ to provide electricity in remote areas
On October 8, 2017, Uttarakhand State Government and a charitable funding agency named Swan Cultural Center and Foundation, launched ‘Solar Briefcase’ in Kedarnath Dham.
i. This initiative aims to provide electricity to far flung areas in Uttarakhand.
ii. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has stated that around 47 villages and 1,40,000 families in Uttarakhand do not have access to electricity. Moreover there are 60 villages in the state where electrification has not yet been done due to the difficult terrain.
iii. In such situation, using off-grid electricity through solar briefcase is a good option.
Quick Facts about Uttarakhand:
♦ Capital – Dehradun
♦ Current Chief Minister – Trivendra Singh Rawat
♦ Current Governor – Krishan Kant Paul

President Ram Nath Kovind launches Rs.100 crore clean water initiative
On 8^th October 2017, President Ram Nath Kovind launched Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM)’s, ‘Jivamritam’ filtration system, a clean water initiative, in Vallikkavu, Kollam district of Kerala.
‘Jivamritam’ filtration system:

Current Affairs October 8, 2017

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INDIAN AFFAIRS

PM Narendra Modi’s two day visit to Gujarat in October 2017
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on an official visit to Gujarat on 7^th and 8^th October 2017, during which he inaugurated several development projects.
i. He has laid the foundation stone for second airport in Rajkot.
ii. He also inaugurated the six-laning of Ahmedabad-Rajkot National Highway and four-laning of Rajkot-Morbi State Highway.
iii. During his Gujarat visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan Scheme aimed at imparting digital literacy to citizens in rural areas.

Haj Committee presents report on New Haj policy 2018-22
Committee to review the existing Haj Policy of Indian Government for 2013-17 and to suggest framework for new Haj policy 2018-22, has presented its report to Union Ministry of Minority Affairs.
i. The committee has recommended distributing quota between Haj Committee of India (HCOI), and registered Private Tour Operators (PTOs) in the ratio of 70:30 for the next 5 years.
ii. Special quota for Jammu & Kashmir is to be increased from 1500 to 2000.

Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated Saudi Aramco India Office
On 8^th October 2017,In Gurugram Saudi Aramcos ARAMCO ASIA INDIA office has been inaugurated by Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan along with Mr Amin H Al-Nasser, President and CEO of Saudi Aramco.i. The office is located at Two Horizon Tower, Gurugram. In 2016 Saudi Aramco established its formal business in India through its subsidiary ARAMCO Asia India (AAI).
ii. AAI focus on crude oil and LPG marketing, engineering & technical services, and other business development activities.
iii. ARAMCO India will be expected its operation by introducing hydrocarbon sector services functions, including engineering services, IT operations & security and also R&D centre.
iv. Saudi Aramco intends to partner with Indian companies and set up integrated business ventures in the hydrocarbon value chain in India including to boost “Make in India” activities.
v. Saudi Arabia is considered to be the second largest supplier of about 19% of our crude oil imports and also 29% of LPG imports to India after Iraq.During 2016-17, India imported about 39.5 MMT of crude from Saudi Arabia.
About Saudi Arabia
♦ Capital  –  Riyadh
♦ Currency   – Saudi Riyal
♦ Official Language  – Arabic
♦ King – Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Manipur government hosts Northeast labour ministers’ meeting
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has addressed a regional conference of north east labour ministers and officials to take a sincere effort to end the alienation of people from the north east on 6^th Oct. 2017.
♦ The conference was held at the Hotel Classic Grande in Imphal. He added that to show our responsibility to initiate a unity among the citizens of the country.
Discussion run over on Conference:-
i. CM has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call of “Sab ka Saath Sab ka Vikas”, Centre has given priority to welfare of the people and to inclusive development.
ii. Union Minister of State for Labour and EmploymentSantosh Gangwar and Manipur’s Minister of Labour and Employment Th. Radheshyam Singh also addressed in that conference and noted the Centre is focused on development of the north east to bring an inclusive growth and development in the country.
iii. During the conference, presentations were made on child labour, the plight of plantation workers, social security schemes and matters relating to the welfare of unorganised workers by experts.
vi. Assam Labour and Employment Minister Pallab Lochan Das, Nagaland’s Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs, Labour and Employment Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu, Union Labour and Employment Secretary M. Sathiyavathy, Financial Advisor and Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Employment Arun Goel and officials from the north east states participated in the conference.
Parks & Sanctuaries in Manipur
♦ Keibul Lamjao National Park
♦ Manipur Zoological Garden
♦ Khongjaingamba Ching Wild Life Sanctuary
♦ Yangoupokpi-Lokchao Wild Life Sanctuary

Current Affairs October 6, 2017

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INDIAN AFFAIRS

Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari inaugurated sea route to Baratang & laid foundation stone for shipping projects in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
On October 5, 2017, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport & Highways and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari inaugurated an alternate sea route to Baratang Island in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
i. They also laid the foundation stone for extension of dry dock in Port Blair, extension of wharf in Hope Town and construction of an additional jetty along with extension of Berthing Jetty in Neil Island.
ii. The new sea route to Baratang, which passes through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve will provide an alternative to the National Highways-4 route that linked Baratang to Port Blair. It will thereby promote tourism without disturbing the tribal areas.

First Edition of the ASEAN India Music Festival begins in New Delhi
The first ever ASEAN-India Music Festival has begun at Purana Quila in New Delhi on October 6, 2017. It will continue till October 8, 2017.About First Edition of the ASEAN-India Music Festival:
i. First Edition of the ASEAN-India Music Festival has been organised by Union Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with Union Ministry of Culture and arts/cultural group Seher.
ii. It has been organised to celebrate 25th anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations, which is being commemorated with the theme “Shared Values, Common Destiny”. 
iii. 10 music bands from member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam – along with 5 prominent Indian bands will perform at this festival.
Quick Facts about ASEAN 
♦ Established in – 1967
♦ Secretariat – Jakarta, Indonesia
♦ Current Secretary General – Le Luong Minh

Prime Minister Modi temple with 100 feet tall statue to be built in Meerut
On 5^th October 2017, follower and supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, J.P.Singh, announced that, a temple worth Rs.30 crore is to be built in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
Temple with 100 feet tall statue for Prime Minister Modi:
i. The temple would be built in the Sardhana area of Meerut. A 100 feet statue of Prime Minister Modi would be installed in the temple.
ii. The ‘Bhumi Pujan’ and the stone laying ceremony for the temple would be conducted on 23^rdOctober 2017. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah is expected to attend the event.
iii. A retired engineer from the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department, J.P.Singh, announced the construction of this temple. He said that, it would take 2 years for completion.
Other temples built in India for politicians and celebrities:
♦ Temple for Sonia Gandhi – Telengana
♦ Temple for Sachin Tendulkar – Bihar
♦ Temple for Amitabh Bachchan – Kolkata

Meghalaya, UP and Arunachal Sign MoU to Boost Culture and Tourism
On 5^th October 2017, a MoU was signed by Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya under the ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ programme, to boost cultural ties.
MoU between Meghalaya, UP and Arunachal Pradesh:
i. Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary, Secondary and Higher Education, Sanjay Agarwal, Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Secretary, Joram Beda, Meghalaya Education Secretary, W R Lyngdoh signed the MoU.
ii. This MoU under the ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ programme, aims to enhance cultural relationship between these 3 states.
iii. The ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ programme, works to boost cultural relationship between different states of India. As per this programme, each year a state and a union territory would be paired with another for interaction between their people and knowing each other’s culture and heritage.
Other recent MoUs of Uttar Pradesh:
1. MoU between Uttar Pradesh and Union Government for 24/7 power supply by October 2018
2. MoU between Uttar Pradesh and Union Government for opening AIIMS in Gorakhpur

Current Affairs October 5, 2017

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INDIAN AFFAIRS

Prime Minister inaugurates Golden Jubilee Year Celebrations of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) in New Delhi
On 4^th October 2017, Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi inaugurated the Golden Jubilee Year Celebrations of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.Golden Jubilee Celebrations of ICSI:
i. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India celebrated Golden Jubilee, to mark the completion of 50 years.
ii. Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi inaugurated the Golden Jubilee and also launched the motto song of the institute.
iii. The institute was initially set up as not-for-profit organisation on October 4, 1968. Later in 1980, it was converted into a statutory professional body under the Company Secretaries Act 1980.
iv. ICSI is the only recognized professional body in India to develop and regulate the profession of Company Secretaries.
Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI):
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ President- CS Dr.Shyam Agrawal

Tourism Ministry launched ‘Paryatan Parv’ initiative
On 5^th to 25^th October 2017, the Ministry of Tourism conducts ‘Paryatan Parv’, a tourist festival to promote India to Indians, all over India.
Promote India to Indians;
i. ‘Paryatan Parv’ is a tourism festival in which state governments and 18 central ministries take part. This festival will be conducted for 20 days.
ii. Main focus of this festival is to epxlain the benefits of tourism, showcase the cultural diversity of India and highlight the principle of ‘Tourism for All’.
iii. This festival was inaugurated at the Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi by Dr.Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture.
iv. This festival has three parts namely:
1.Dekho Apna Desh – to encourage Indians to visit their own country
2.Tourism for All – tourism events will be held at sites in all states
3.Tourism and Governance – interactive sessions and workshops on various themes
Recent schemes of Ministry of Tourism:
♦ Swadesh Darshan – thirteen thematic circuits identified for development
♦ PRASAD – thirteen sites identified for development

L-G Anil Baijal approves Delhi government education loan scheme
On 5^th October 2017, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal approved the Delhi government’s students higher education loan scheme, in New Delhi.
Approval for Delhi government’s higher education loan scheme:
i. The Delhi government’s students higher education loan scheme would help thousands of students and parents.
ii. The Delhi government had started this scheme 2 years back, to provide loans to students for higher education, even if they didn’t have any property or land as security.
iii. In 2017, the scheme was extended to Delhi students pursuing courses outside Delhi in government recognised institutions.
iv. In September 2017,Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Lieutenant Governor Baijal had blocked the scheme. Now, Baijal has cleared the scheme saying that, his opinion on the scheme was misinterpreted as disapproval.
Recent Schemes introduced by Delhi Government:
♦ YUVA Skill Development Program
♦ Merit Cum Means Scholarship Scheme
♦ Free Surgery Scheme in Delhi

HP Cabinet approves Heritage Tourism policy & ‘Mukhya Mantri Rural Road Repair Scheme’
On October 4, 2017, Himachal Pradesh Cabinet under Chief Minister Virbhadra Singhapproved ‘Heritage Tourism Policy 2017’ & ‘Mukhya Mantri Rural Road Repair Scheme’ along with other developmental and welfare initiatives.
‘Himachal Pradesh Heritage Tourism Policy’ 2017:
i. This policy has been approved with an aim to offer an experience of the culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh.
ii. Under this policy, heritage buildings, forts, palaces, lodges and mansions etc. having historic lineage will be preserved.
iii .Himachal Pradesh Cabinet believes that this initiative would open new areas in the state for tourism activities.

Current Affairs October 4, 2017

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INDIAN AFFAIRS

Cabinet Approvals on October 4 2017
Union cabinet has given its approval for the signing and ratification of the Extradition Treaty between India and Lithuania.
i. Cabinet apprised of the MoU between India and Switzerland on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector
ii. Cabinet approves MoU on Upgradation of the Women’s Police Training Centre at Yamethin, Myanmar
iii. Centre approves setting up a turtle sanctuary in Allahabad.

Centre launches six-year secure Himalaya project
On October 2, 2017, Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan in association with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched SECURE Himalaya project for conservation of biodiversity, land and forest resources in the high Himalayan ecosystem.
i. SECURE Himalaya stands for securing livelihoods, conservation, sustainable use and restoration of high range Himalayan ecosystems.
ii. The project is meant for specific landscapes in High Himalaya ecosystem spread across four states viz. Jammu and Kasmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim.

Government constitutes a High Level Committee for proper management of water resources in North Eastern Region
On 4^th October 2017, the Government constituted a high-level committee for proper management of the water resources in the North Eastern Region (NER).Committee for water management in NER:
i. The Committee has been formed under the Chairmanship of Rajiv Kumar, Vice-Chairman of Niti Aayog.
ii. Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) will serve as the coordinating point.
iii. Members of the Committee are Secretaries from the Ministries of Development of North Eastern Region, Department of Border Management, Department of Space, Power, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation and National Disaster Management Authority and Chief Secretaries of all the 8 states in NER.
iv. The Committee will submit its report, including Plan of Action, by June, 2018.
v. The Committee would help optimising benefits of appropriate water management in the form of hydro-electric power, agriculture, bio-diversity conservation, reduced flood damage erosion, inland water transport, forestry, fishery and eco-tourism.
About Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region:
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Minister of State (Independent Charge) – Jitendra Singh

Government launches special course for untrained teachers
On 4^th October 2017, the Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry started a special training course for untrained teachers, designed by National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), called Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed).
Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed):
i. The HRD Ministry had announced that ‘untrained teachers’ have to complete the Diploma in Elementary Education (D.El.Ed) course, within 2019.
ii. This course would be offered through ‘Swayam’, a platform for online education and knowledge through Dish TV. A mobile application has also been launched to help with clarifications.
iii. The course duration is 4 semesters. It consists of 1,080 lectures, in 10 languages.
iv. The applicant must have scored minimum 50% in class 12 examinations to enroll in the course. If not, they can write an exam with the NIOS, and if they score minimum of 50%, they would be eligible.
About National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS):
♦ Headquarters – Noida, Uttar Pradesh
♦ Chairman – Prof. C.B. Sharma

No service charge on train e-ticket till March 2018: Railways
On 29^th September 2017, Ministry of Railways announced that service charge exemption on tickets booked online (e-tickets) will be extended till March 2018.
Service charge waived for train e-ticket till March 2018:
i. The government had waived service charges for e-tickets after demonetisation in November

Current Affairs October 2, 2017

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INDIAN AFFAIRS

All cities and towns in five more States declared Open Defecation Free
On October 2, 2017, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Mr. Hardeep Singh Puri announced that five more States viz., Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Haryana have reached the milestone of making all cities and towns Open Defecation Free. It is to be noted that On October 2, 2017, ‘Swacch Bharat Mission’ completed three years.
Overview of Progress towards ‘Swacchata’ in urban areas:
i. As against the target of building about 66 lakh individual household toilets in urban areas, 38 lakh toilets have already been built and construction of another 14 lakh toilets is in progress.
ii. Over two lakh community and public toilet seats have been built so far. The mission target is to build five lakh toilet seats.
iii. With a focus on Solid Waste Management, Government is now putting efforts to generate over 500 MW of electricity and over 50 lakh tons of compost from municipal solid waste to enable processing of the entire solid waste being generated in urban areas.
iv. Mr. Puri informed that over 80 lakh people spread over 3.50 lakh activities in urban areas participated in the fortnight long ‘Swacchata Hi Sewa’ campaign which concluded on October 2, 2017.

Rajghat gets Mahatma’s statue for the first time
Rajghat, the Samadhi of Mahatam Gandhi in Delhi, has for the first time acquired a statue of Mahatma Gandhi. The statue was unveiled by Vice-President of India Mr. M.Venkaiah Naidu on October 2, 2017, on the occasion of the 148 Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
Specification of Mahatma Gandhi’s Statue at Rajghat:
i. The statue is 1.80 metre tall and is made of bronze.
ii. It has been sculpted by renowned Indian sculptor, Mr. Ram Sutar.
iii. The statue has been installed in the Parking Area of Rajghat Samadhi Complex at a cost of Rs.8.73 lakhs. 
iv. The famous message of Gandhi ji “Be the Change You Wish to See” is inscribed on the front side of the

Current Affairs October 1, 2017

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Indian Affairs

India opens two border crossing points with Myanmar, Bangladesh

In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations with its eastern neighbours, India has opened two immigration check posts along the borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Details about new Immigration Check Posts along Indo-Maynmar Border:

·         Indian Government has designated Zorinpuiland check post in Lawngtlai district of Mizoram as an authorised immigration check post for entry into or exit from India with valid travel documents for all classes of passengers to or from Myanmar.

·         An agreement on Zorinpui was included in the joint statement issued during the visit of the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Myanmar in May, 2012.

·         It is to be noted that India shares a 1,643-km-long border with Myanmar which touches Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.

Details about new Immigration Check Posts along Indo-Bangladesh Border:

·   Indian Government has also designated Kawrpuichhuah land check postin Lunglei district of Mizoram as an authorised immigration check post for entry into or exit from India with valid travel documents for all classes of passengers to or from Bangladesh.

·       India shares a 4,096-km-long border with Bangladesh which touches Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya and West Bengal.

Quick Facts about Myanmar:

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