Assam Current Affairs – April 29 – 30, 2019

Current Affairs Assam – April 29 - 30, 2019

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of April 29 – 30, 2019 )

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April 29, 2019


Assam govt done commendable job against measles, rubella
  • Assam has been able to do a commendable job vis-à-vis Measles Rubella (MR) campaign of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHF). A coverage evaluation by the Government of India has rated Assam’s performance as high – with the State being credited with achieving the highest increase in coverage with 31 per cent points compared to the earlier low percentage of 66.
  • This turnaround has been possible largely due to the painstaking efforts of grassroots health workers (ASHAs and ANMs), who braved the hostile terrain and weather conditions in remote, hilly and forested areas to ensure that every child was vaccinated. The number of ANM and ASHA workers engaged was 10,854 and 31,955, respectively.
  • The MR campaign, which concluded recently in the State, achieved a coverage of 98.04 per cent with the figure being of 90,28,321. The total enrolment estimation done by ASHA workers was 92,09,059.
  • The campaign mandated vaccination of all children between the ages of 9 months to 15. A shot of this vaccine prevents the two diseases, measles and rubella.
  • Assam also topped the special programme ‘Indradhanush’, which was aimed at ensuring foolproof coverage by the MR campaign.

Indian ships join FTX joint exercise with South Korea
  • Indian naval ships Kolkata and Shakti arrived at South Korea’s Busan to participate in the ADMM-Plus Maritime Security Field Training Exercise (FTX) as part of deployment of the Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea.
  • The Indian ships will have professional interaction with ADMM-Plus Navies towards further enhancing co-operation between the navies.
  • The Indian ships are scheduled to undertake Maritime Security Exercise with the participating navies and, later, to sail to Singapore to participate in the International Maritime Defence Expo IMDEX-19 and the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise, SIMBEX-19.

ADMM-Plus

  • The ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN and its eight dialogue partners to strengthen security and defence cooperation for peace, stability and development in the region.
  • The ADMM-Plus countries include ten ASEAN Member States and eight other countries, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States.

CSIR-CCMB and IPC MOU to facilitate regulatory process for biosimilars
  • Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s constituent laboratory, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), Hyderabad, and the Indian Pharmacopeia Commission (IPC), Ghaziabad, have joined hands to facilitate the regulatory process for biosimilars and herbal drugs.
  • The scope of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between CSIR-CCMB and the IPC is the development of biopharmaceutical reference standards and impurities therein, development of monographs for important Monoclonal Antibodies and identification of herbal drugs based on DNA Barcode analysis.
  • Use of biologics – biological products that function as drugs against diseases – also known as biosimilars, are expanding their presence rapidly in the healthcare sector, including in
  • The agreement was signed by CSIR-CCMB Director Rakesh Mishra and IPC’s Secretary-cum-Scientific Director G.N. Singh.
  • This collaboration, which has come into force with immediate effect, is very important in the current scenario owing to the increase in use of therapeutic proteins and herbal drugs for various diseases.
  • This collaborative project will be executed at par with pharmacopeia standards of other countries.

ISRO plans to launch radar imaging satellite RISAT 2BR1
  • India is planning to launch its radar imaging satellite RISAT 2BR1 by the end of May 2019 on one of the variants of its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket. The rocket that would carry RISAT 2BR1 is designated as PSLV-C46 as per ISRO’s numbering system and will blast off from the first launch pad at the country’s rocket port in Sriharikota.
  • ISRO will send up a cartography satellite Catosat-3. India will also launch two more defence satellites sometime in July or August with its new rocket Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). 

 April 30, 2019


ONGC gets environmental nod for drilling at Trishna sanctuary in Tripura
  • The ONGC to start exploration drive at the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary in South Tripura district, as the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Central Wildlife Board (CWB) have cleared the long-pending proposal of the oil major.
  • The Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary has immense potential as far as natural gas reserves are concerned but exploration is not allowed in such a protected area leading to a stalemate for a long time.
  • The ONGC had taken up the issue with the Ministry and other statutory bodies to get clearance for undertaking exploration drive at Trishna, one of the best managed bison sanctuaries in the country. Finally, the Ministry, CWB and Eco Sensitivity Board cleared the proposal to start drilling at the sanctuary.
  • Currently, Tripura produces 5 MMSCMD of gas, which is more than what the ONGC has planned for the 2018-19 financial year. ONGC was committed to push industry in Tripura and has made attempts to break the jinx.

Oil and Gas Reserves in India

  • In terms of proven oil reserves, India is 24th country in the world. Venezuela and Saudi Arabia are largest countries in terms of proven reserves.
  • India’s major oil producing states / UTs are Assam, Tripura, Manipur, West Bengal, Mumbai, Gujarat, Jammu &Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Coastal Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar.
  • The oil and gas industry in India dates back to 1889 when the first oil deposits in the country were discovered near the town of Digboi in the state of Assam.
  • As on 31 March 2018, India had estimated crude oil reserves of 594.49 million tonnes (MT) and natural gas reserves of 1339.57 billion cubic meters (BCM).
  • India imports 82% of its oil needs and aims to bring that down to 67% by 2022 by replacing it with local exploration, renewable energy and indigenous ethanol fuel.
  • India was the third top net crude oil (including crude oil products) importer of 205.3 Mt in 2018. 

Assamese entrepreneur Pallavi Hazarika awarded the India Business Award
  • Assamese entrepreneur Pallavi Hazarika has been honoured with the India Business Award for her innovative work on Assamese traditional jewellery.
  • She was presented the award by Bollywood actress Diya Mirza at a function at Bengaluru.
  • The title of her award was ‘most creative Assamese jewellery collection in Assam.
  • Hazarika, who was a government employee earlier, gave up her job to dedicate herself wholeheartedly to her passion of jewellery making.

India, China mark first anniversary of Wuhan summit
  • India and China are marking the first anniversary of the icebreaking meet between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Wuhan, by holding a week-long celebration in the central Chinese city.
  • To commemorate the event “Colors of India” a week-long exposition of Indian culture, together with business and tourism-related events, will be held in Wuhan, Hubei, from April 29 to May 3.
  • India’s envoy Vikram Misri held consultations with Jiang Chaoliang, Communist Party Secretary of the Hubei province to discuss activities and ideas to take forward India-China relations and further strengthen the role of the province in this endeavor.
  • It’s being jointly organised by the Indian embassy, Beijing, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi, in association with the Hubei provincial government and the Wuhan municipal government and supported by the China Arts Association.
  • A business event to encourage Chinese companies to invest in India is also lined up. A tourism roadshow is also scheduled.

 India to Buy Israeli Anti-Tank Missiles, Russian Igla-S VSHORAD
  • The Indian Army is likely to procure Spike-LR Anti-Tank Missiles from Israel and Igla-S Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORAD) from Russia through a set of new emergency financial powers sanctioned by the Defence Ministry.
  • Under the latest emergency financial powers, armed forces have been given a free hand to procure equipment worth up to ₹300 crore on a priority basis.
  • The Request For Proposal (RFP) for the two deals have been issued and negotiations are ongoing.
  • Under the emergency route, the Army is looking to procure about 12 launchers and around 250 missiles for each system. Deliveries have to be completed in three months, but extendable to six months.

Spike

  • Spike is an Israeli anti-tank guided missile and anti-personnel missile with a tandem-charge HEAT warhead, currently in its fourth-generation developed by Israeli firm Rafael.
  • It is available in man-portable, vehicle-launched, and helicopter-launched variants. It is a fire-and-forget missile with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance.
  • It has a range of about 4 kilometres. The missile is equipped with an imaging infrared seeker.

Igla-S

  • The Russian Igla-S man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile is newest variant.
  • It has an improved variant with longer range, more sensitive seeker, improved resistance to latest countermeasures, and a heavier warhead.

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Assam Current Affairs – April 22 – 28, 2019

Current Affairs Assam – April 22 - 28, 2019

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of April 22 – 28, 2019 )

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April 22, 2019


Birangana Sadhani Divas observed in Sivasagar
  • Birangana Sadhani Divas was observed centrally in Sivasagar Boarding Field by the Department of Cultural Affairs in association with the Sivasagar district administration.
  • Birangana Sadhani was a symbol of sacrifice and patriotism and her act of heroism will continue to inspire not only the Chutias but all others in Assam.
  • Chutias were one of the oldest warring tribes of NE India who came into the Hindu fold centuries ago. Defeat of Chutia king Bhismak of the scriptures at hands of Lord Krishna and marriage of Bhismak’s daughter Rukmini with Krishna was symbolical of Chutias accepting Aryan culture.
  • The Chutias got assimilated with broad Assamese culture after the defeat of Nitipal at hands of the Ahoms and they were the first people to use Assamese language in the Brahmaputra valley.

Earth day 2019 observed on 22nd April
  • Earth Day is an annual event celebrated globally on April 22, to remind us about the vulnerability of the Earth and the need to wake up to save it for the sake of posterity, was observed by Early Birds, an NGO fighting for protection of Nature.
  • Worldwide, various events are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day now includes events in more than 193 countries which are now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network.
  • The 2019 theme for Earth Day is to protect threatened and endangered species.
  • On Earth Day 2016, the landmark Paris Agreement was signed by the United States, China, and some 120 other countries.
  • This signing satisfied a key requirement for the entry into force of the historic draft climate protection treaty adopted by consensus of the 195 nations present at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.
  • In 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco, peace activistJohn McConnell proposed a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace, to first be celebrated on March 21, 1970, the first day of spring in the northern hemisphere.
  • This day of nature’s equipoise was later sanctioned in a proclamation written by McConnell and signed by Secretary General U Thant at the United Nations.
  • A month later a separate Earth Day was founded by United States SenatorGaylord Nelson as an environmental teach-in first held on April 22, 1970.

 Indian, US Navies hold anti-submarine warfare exercise
  • Indian and the US Navies have held a joint submarine-hunting exercise in the Indian Ocean, aiming to lay the groundwork for coordinating maritime patrol and reconnaissance.
  • Indian and the US’ P-8 anti-submarine aircraft, along with the USS Spruance, a guided-missile destroyer, participated in the anti-submarine warfare training.
  • The Indian P-8I Neptune aircraft from the Naval Air Squadron 312 based at Naval Station Rajali in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, joined the US P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Patrol Squadron VP-8 “Fighting Tigers”, based in Jacksonville, Florida, in the exercise.
  • The Spruance and VP-8 are operating with the 7th Fleet, which is the largest forward deployed fleet of the US and operates in the Indo-Pacific region.
  • The exercise was the latest in efforts to develop military coordination between the two countries with an eye on the Indo-Pacific.

 April 23, 2019


Khongjom Day observed in Manipur
  • In remembrance of the brave sons of the soil who fought in the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, the Khongjom Day was today observed at the Khongjom War Memorial Complex at Khebaching.
  • Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and Chief Minister N Biren Singh led other ministers, MLAs, government officers, police personnel and the public in laying floral wreaths on the Khongjom War Memorial and the statue of Paona Brajabasi.
  • The dignitaries also offered tarpan in Khongjom river. A guard of honour, general salute, sounding of last post and two minutes’ silence were also part of the observance.
  • The Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 is of great historical significance for the people of Manipur as it changed their course of history. From an independent princely State, Manipur became a colony of the British Empire after it lost the war. Historical records amply bear out the fact that a handful of Manipuri soldiers with primitive weapons fought valiantly against an overwhelming number of British soldiers who were equipped with far more superior weapons.
  • The War of Khongjom is not only a glorious saga of the freedom struggle of Manipur but is truly representative of the spirit of freedom that engulfed the whole country in a later part of history, she said.

India to have 12 more nuclear plants
  • India will soon have 12 more nuclear plants soon to improve the power situation and ensure there is a free flow of uninterrupted power supply for both industries and residential use.
  • The Atomic Energy Commission of India’s ChairmanK.N. Vyas, said at the 11th International Forum AtomExpo 2019.
  • Nuclear technology helps in betterment of lives through varied usages and is an irreplaceable source of clean, pollution-free energy.
  • The first stage of India’s indigenous nuclear power programme has now attained maturity with 18 operating Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).
  • Citing the record run of Kaiga Nuclear Power Station, he said a small unit of indigenously-developed 220-250MW reaction has completed 962 days of uninterrupted run at about 99.3 per cent capacity and the amount of electricity it has generated is “tremendous”.

Ayush Ministry inks MoU with CSIR
  • The Ministry of AYUSH inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), New Delhi for cooperation in research and education in areas of traditional systems of medicine and its integration with modern science.
  • The MoU was signed by AYUSH Secretary Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha and CSIR Director General DrShekhar C Mande and Secretary, DSIR in the presence of senior officials from both organisations.
  • In view of the surge in the usage of herbal medicines and supplements globally, the endeavour of Ministry and CSIR aims to bring the organisations under an umbrella understanding for pursuing focused R&D efforts in the domain.
  • Under the MoU, both organisations shall jointly pursue R&D covering fundamental research; AYUSH specific diagnostic tools; linking microbiome, gene expression and prakriti; multi-ingredient herbal formulations, including their standardisation; exploring modern scientific methods for integration with traditional Indian Systems of Medicine (ISM) and linking disease signatures.
  • Furthering the collaboration in preserving and protecting traditional knowledge related to the Indian systems of healthcare, through the existing TKDL platform and development of international standardised terminologies (disease-morbidity codes) in Ayurveda,Siddha and Unani (ASU), Database on Medicinal plants and foods.

India Post partners with TCS to modernize the e-postal network
  • Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with the Department of Posts (DoP) to modernise a network of more than 1.5 lakh post offices across the country, making it the largest distributed e-postal network in the world.
  • The multi-year digital core programme will transform the DoP into a multi-service digital hub, modernise the delivery of mail and packages, enhance customer experience and launch innovative services that will drive new revenues.
  • Objective of the transformation is to use the DoP’s nation-wide reach to drive financial inclusion and accessibility of citizen services in remote areas.
  • This is being accomplished through over 1.3 lakh DARPAN (Digital Advancement of Rural Post Office for A New lndia) hand-held devices that gramindaksevaks use to provide postal, banking, insurance and cash management services in remote villages, even those without network connectivity.
  • The web portal has an e-marketplace to help rural artisans, self-help groups and women entrepreneurs reach out to buyers throughout the country. 

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April 24, 2019 


Devotees throng Charantala Mela in West Garo Hills
  • The Charantala Mela, devoted to Goddess Kali, saw the convergence of thousands of devotees at Babedpara, Selsella, in West Garo Hills district.
  • The annual festival is not only the biggest congregation of Hindus in the Garo Hills, but it also witnesses visits by people from other States seeking blessings from the Goddess.
  • According to folklore, the Charantala Mela began at the site after Goddess Kali appeared in a dream and promised to rid the village of a small pox epidemic that afflicted the people in 1965. The village saw about 20 deaths due to the disease that year.
  • In the same year, after the epidemic abated, local residents made a makeshift temple from where prayers were offered to the Goddess for her blessings. The word spread far and wide, leading to a huge number of devotees queuing up to offer their prayers.
  • The number of devotees, according to the latest estimates available to the committee, has been increasing every year.

National Panchayati Raj Day observed on 24th April
  • National Panchayati Raj Day (National Local Self-Government day) is the national day of Panchayati Raj System in India celebrated by Ministry of Panchayati Raj on 24 April annually.
  • Then Prime Minister of IndiaManmohan Singh declared the first National Panchayati Raj Day on 24th April 2010.
  • He mentioned that if Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs) functioned properly and locals participated in the development process, the Maoist threat could be countered.
  • The Constitution of India recognizes Panchayats as ‘Institutions of self government’.
  • There are 2.51 lakh Panchayats in our country, which include 2.39 lakh Gram Panchayats, 6904 Block Panchayats and 589 District Panchayats.
  • There are more than 29 lakh Panchayat representatives. Under the 14th Finance Commission for the period 2015-20, more than 2 lakh crore Rupees is being allocated to Gram Panchayats for 5 years to undertake physical and social infrastructure projects in the villages.

‘RTS,S’ – World’s first malaria vaccine launched in Africa
  • The world’s first and only malaria vaccine was launched in the African country of Malawi as part of a landmark pilot program hoping to protect, in particular, hundreds of thousands of children under five against one of the world’s leading killers.
  • Thirty years in the making, RTS,S is the first and to date the only vaccine that has demonstrated it can significantly reduce malaria in children.
  • In clinical trials, the vaccine was found to prevent about four in ten malaria cases, including three in ten cases of life-threatening severe malaria.
  • An outcome of public-private partnership under the WHO’s coordination, the pilot vaccine program is designed to generate evidence and experience to inform WHO policy recommendations on the broader use of the vaccine.
  • It will look at reductions in child deaths; vaccine uptake, including whether parents bring their children on time for the four required doses; and vaccine safety in the context of routine use.

 


April 25, 2019 


Steps taken to preserve 3 heritage police stations in Assam
  • Assam’s Directorate of Archaeology has taken steps to preserve the century-old, heritage police stations at Chatia, Gohpur and Dhekiajuli and it has by this time completed the restoration work of the Chatia Police Station. Chatia was earlier spelled as Sootea.
  • Director of Archaeology Dr Deepi Rekha Kouli said conservation of this kind of heritage sites of the British colonial era is a new step taken by the Directorate. All possible standards have been maintained to restore the structure of the Chatia Police Station as per its original layout while conserving the structure.
  • Restoration work of the Gohpur Police Station is also going on, while that of the Dhekiajuli Police Station is yet to be started, as, Kouli said the Police Station is yet to be handed over to the Directorate by the Department concerned.
  • Restoration of these structures will continue to inspire the archaeological conservationists in the days to come as far as conservation of the colonial heritage structures of the State is concerned, said Dr Kouli.
  • It needs mention here that the State’s Directorate of Archaeology has been entrusted with the task of conservation of the heritage police stations at Chatia, Gohpur and Dhekiajuli by the State Government with an announcement in the State Budget for the 2017-’18 fiscal.
  • Gohpur Police Station, in the present day Biswanath District, was set up in 1901, while the Chatia Police Station in the same district and Dhekiajuli Police Station in Sonitpur District were set up in 1913.
  • These three police stations also bear the memory of the Quit India Movement against the British Colonialists in the State. When the Quit India Movement was at its peak in 1942, freedom fighters marched to the police stations of the State to hoist the Indian National Flag atop the buildings.
  • The police stations at Chatia, Gohpur and Dhekiajuli witnessed unprecedented assemblage of the freedom fighters on September 20, 1942. Eight persons, including three women, were shot dead by the British Police on the spot on the Dhekiajuli Police Station compound, when a 5,000-strong group of processionists, led by Kamalakanta Das, entered it to hoist the National flag atop the building of the police station.
  • Kanaklata Barua, a teenaged member of the Mrityu Bahini (Death Squad) was shot dead by the colonial police on the Gohpur Police Station compound when she was leading a group of freedom fighters to hoist the Indian National Flag atop the building of the police station.
  • Thus, the above three police stations have become inalienably linked with the socio-political life of the State’s people, said Dr Kouli.

UNICEF, NITI Aayog signs LoI for children empowerment
  • NITI Aayogs Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and UNICEF India signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to provide an open platform to promote participation, skilling and empowerment among young children across different communities.
  • The plan will be implemented through Atal Tinkering Lab initiative to orient the burgeoning innovation ecosystem towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals with a focus on child rights.
  • The LoI was signed by Yasmin Ali Haque, UNICEF representative in India, and RamanathanRamanan, Mission Director, Atal Innovation Mission.
  • Through this collaboration, AIM and UNICEF seek to promote participation, skilling and empowerment of adolescent girls and boys in and out-of-school, via Atal Innovation Mission’s programs.
  • This strategic partnership will also help effectively build capacities of adolescents, young entrepreneurs, mentors and teachers.

Manipur had the lowest malaria cases among NE States in 2018
  • Manipur has the lowest number of cases of malaria among the North Eastern States with only 12 malaria cases reported in 2018. Manipur is approaching nearer the ‘Zero Malaria’ status, said a DIPR report released in connection with the World Malaria Day observance in the State.
  • The national target is to eliminate local malaria by the year 2030.
  • Manipur has set the target of 2020 for eliminating local malaria, but changed it to 2021 following the 12 malaria cases found positive in 2018. Senapati district had zero malaria cases and deaths in 2018.
  • In 2017, the WHO estimated 219 million malaria cases and 4,35,000 malaria deaths in 87 countries.
  • The African region has a high share of global malaria with 92 per cent of malaria cases and 93 per cent deaths in 2017.
  • India represents 4 per cent of the global malaria burden.
  • Among Indian States, Odisha contributes 25 per cent followed by Meghalaya, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh and Jharkhand.

World Malaria Day observed on 25th April
  • World Malaria Day (WMD) is an international observance commemorated every year on 25 April and recognizes global efforts to control malaria. Globally, 3.3 billion people in 106 countries are at risk of malaria.
  • On World Malaria Day 2019, WHO joins the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, the African Union Commission and other partner organizations in promoting “Zero malaria starts with me,,” a grassroots campaign that aims to keep malaria high on the political agenda, mobilize additional resources, and empower communities to take ownership of malaria prevention and care.
  • In 2012, malaria caused an estimated 627,000 deaths, mostly among African children. Asia, Latin America, and to a lesser extent the Middle East and parts of Europe are also affected.
  • WMD is one of eight official global public health campaigns currently marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Blood Donor Day, World Immunization Week, World Tuberculosis Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Hepatitis Day and World AIDS Day
  • According to the most recent World Malaria Report, the global tally of malaria reached 429,000 malaria deaths and 212 million new cases in 2015.
  • The rate of new malaria cases fell by 21 per cent globally between 2010 and 2015, and malaria death rates fell by 29 per cent in the same period. In sub-Saharan Africa, case incidence and death rates fell by 21 per cent and 31 per cent, respectively.

India Rises to 17th Spot in Startup Blink’s Startup Ecosystem Ranking
  • According to data released by Startup Blink, India moved up to 17th position in 2018 from 37th spot last year in the Startup Ecosystem Ranking for 2019.
  • India ranks 17 globally among 100 countries, based on the strength of its startup ecosystem, according to Startup Blink, which tracks startup ecosystems on a number of parameters.
  • It used data from startups, accelerators and coworking spaces registered on it platforms as well as data received from global partners such as Crunchbase and SimilarWeb.
  • The cities with the most vibrant startup ecosystems in India are Bangalore, New Delhi and Mumbai.
  • In terms of global rankings, the top three spots remained unchanged with the United States, United Kingdom and Canada taking the first, second and third rank respectively.
  • The report has taken the startup ecosystems of 1,000 cities and 100 countries into consideration.
  • According to Inc42 Data Labs, 3800 new startups were launched in India during the last year. Overall, Indian startups received $11 Bn of funding through 743 deals in 2018.
  • Bengaluru was as the top startup city in India at 11th, while New Delhi followed in the 18th spot. Mumbai stood at 29th rank, while Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune also made it to top 100.
  • The top three cities in India at the end of 2018 were Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai which had 11,000, 8500 and 9,000 startups respectively.
  • Among the leading cities, startups in Bengaluru received $4.7 Bn, while those in Delhi-NCR received a funding of $4.4 Bn, followed by those in Mumbai which received a funding of $914 Mn in 2018.

 Tagore Literary Prize 2019 awarded to Rana Dasgupta
  • The second edition of Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize was awarded to author Rana Dasgupta for his 2010 novel “Solo”, a tale of estrangement and the ultimate failure of material existence.
  • An amount of $10,000, a Tagore statue and a certificate for contribution to literature was given to Dasgupta.
  • The Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize for social achievement was awarded to YoheiSasakawa, the World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, for “his incredible efforts to uproot leprosy and great contribution to world peace”. The Prize was also awarded to Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen as “a beacon of democracy”.

FACTFILE – Tagore Prize

  • Tagore Prize is founded and launched with a strong vision to be a platform and a vehicle for improving and inspiring World Peace, Literature, Art and Education.
  • The prizes promote the culture and beauty of literature just as Rabindranath Tagore had taught us to, but also, the culture and society of tolerance, harmony and non-discrimination.

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April 26, 2019


Assam records all-time high of 81.52 per cent voting
  • The overall Lok Sabha poll turnout in Assam stood at an all-time high of 81.52 per cent. The polling percentage this time is the highest ever recorded in the State in any parliamentary elections so far. It surpassed the previous highest figure of 80.12 per cent which was recorded in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
  • As per the data released by the Election Commission, the turnout among male voters in the State stood at 81.73 per cent, while the polling percentage among female electorate was 81.30 per cent.
  • In the first Lok Sabha elections held 1951-52, the voter turnout in Assam was 47.96 per cent, while it stood at 46.14 per cent in the 1957 elections, 52.75 per cent in 1962, 54.99 per cent in 1967, 50.69 per cent in 1971, 54.88 per cent in 1977, 53.37 per cent in 1980, 77.40 per cent in 1985, 75.25 per cent in 1991, 78.50 per cent in 1996, 61.06 per cent in 1998, 71.26 per cent in 1999, 69.11 per cent in 2004 and 69.54 per cent in 2009.

North East agriculture vulnerable to climate change
  • In the North East region, climate change-induced higher agricultural vulnerability, is observed in its northern parts and the vulnerability declines towards its south, says a research paper ‘Climate change vulnerability profiles for North East India.’
  • The paper says that additionally, high relative variability and inter-annual variability of rainfall have created increased occurrence of droughts and floods in the recent times, leading to uncertainty in yield and increased agricultural vulnerability.
  • It has projected the very high vulnerability of the districts of Tirap, West Siang, Nalbari, Changlang and Dibrugarh remain very highly vulnerable. In the future scenario, the vulnerability of West Sikkim, North Sikkim, East Sikkim and Imphal East to decrease from high to moderate levels, while the vulnerability of the districts of Bishnupur and South Tripura are projected to be decreasing from moderate to low levels.
  • The northern part of the NE region shows a reduction in precipitation varying from 3 per cent in the northwest portion to about 12 per cent in the northeastern portion. In the remaining part of the NE region, there is an increase in precipitation varying from zero per cent to as much as 25 per cent in the central portion. Major parts of the NE region, except for some parts of Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur and Assam, show an increase in the evapotranspiration during the near-term scenario.
  • State-wise analysis shows that in Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, parts of Meghalaya and Nagaland, the flood magnitude is likely to increase by about 25 per cent in the future compared to the present. Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Sikkim and parts of Meghalaya are likely to experience floods of lower magnitude (about 5 per cent to 10 per cent less) in future, compared to the present.
  • The number of drought weeks during monsoon months shows an increasing trend in Arunachal Pradesh, parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Tripura and Manipur, to the tune of about 25 per cent increase in future.

Point2beNoted: Evapotranspiration

Evapotranspiration is the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants.


World Intellectual Property Day observed on 26 April
  • World Intellectual Property Day is observed annually on 26 April. The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000 to “raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact on daily life” and “to celebrate creativity, and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of societies across the globe”.
  • This year’s World Intellectual Property Day campaign – Reach for Gold – takes a closer look inside the world of sports. It explores how innovation, creativity and the IP rights that encourage and protect them support the development of sport and its enjoyment around the world.
  • 26 April was chosen as the date for World Intellectual Property Day because it coincides with the date on which the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization entered into force in 1970.
  • This event has been criticized by a number of activists and scholars as one-sided propaganda in favor of traditional copyright, ignoring alternatives related to copyleft and the free culture movement.
  • Following a statement made at the Assembly of the Member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in September 1998, the Director General of the National Algerian Institute for Industrial Property (INAPI) proposed on 7 April 1999 the institutionalisation of an international day for intellectual property.

Government decides to put Medicine labels in regional language
  • In order to counter fake, sub-standard and expired drugs, the Union Health Ministry has said Hindi and regional language will be used in the tendering process.
  • Drug names and expiry date during tendering will be in Hindi/regional language too for — polio drop and Iron tablets — procured for children under the government programmes.
  • The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) recently recommended that government procurement agencies should take necessary steps in the tendering process to include the regional language, along with English, on the label of iron tablets and polio drops in government programmes.
  • Since last year, the government has been working on ensuring the most stringent quality control for both the products which directly affect almost all the children born in India.
  • The Board constituted a sub-committee under the chairmanship of Dr. R.N. Tandon, honorary secretary general, IMA, New Delhi to examine and give recommendations to streamline the labelling requirements of drugs so as to provide the requisite information to the consumer.

April 27, 2019 


Land survey in Assam to be completed in a year
  • Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said proper land surveys have not been carried out in Assam for a long time and that is why land patta could not be issued to the people.
  • Sonowal said as the people do not have land patta, they are deprived of various government schemes and those without patta also find it difficult to obtain loans from banks and financial institutions.
  • The Chief Minister said that to deal with the problem, the government has started a proper land survey covering the entire State and it is expected that it would be completed within a year. After completion of the land survey, all the records would be computerised and the process of issuing land patta to rightful owners would gather momentum.
  • The process of issuing land patta has started in parts of the State, but once the survey is completed and all records are computerised, the process would gather momentum.

18 young Indian scientists in Google contest
  • Google selected 18 young scientists from India who will compete in the 2019 Google Science Fair contest for the winning prize of $50,000 and other rewards.
  • The global science competition inspires teenagers in the age group of 13-18 years to solve real-world problems with science, technology, engineering and maths.
  • This year’s competition saw thousands of entries from more than 100 countries representing some innovative ideas in science and technology.
  • From addressing health-related issues to creating more eco-friendly adhesives and fuel to making our water safe to drink, the young students from India presented novel and creative ideas.
  • The entries were evaluated based on the creativity, scientific merit and potential for impact of each submission to narrow down the entries to 100 finalists globally.

Japan creates first artificial crater on asteroid
  • Japanese scientists have succeeded in creating what they called the first-ever artificial crater on an asteroid, a step towards shedding light on how the solar system evolved.
  • They confirmed the crater from images captured by the probe located 1,700 metres (5,500 feet) from the asteroid’s surface.
  • Creating an artificial crater with an impactor and observing it in detail afterwards is a world-first attempt.
  • JAXA scientists had previously predicted that the crater could be as large as 10 metres in diameter if the surface was sandy, or three metres if rocky.
  • The surface is filled with boulders but yet we created a crater this big. This could mean there’s a scientific mechanism we don’t know or something special about Ryugu’s materials.
  • The aim of blasting the crater on Ryugu is to throw up “fresh” material from under the asteroid’s surface that could shed light on the early stages of the solar system.
  • The mission, with a price tag of around 30 billion yen ($270 million), was launched in December 2014 and is scheduled to return to Earth with its samples in 2020.

FACTFILE – The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

  • The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is the Japanese national aerospace and space agency.
  • Through the merger of three previously independent organizations, JAXA was formed on 1 October 2003.
  • JAXA is responsible for research, technology development and launch of satellites into orbit, and is involved in many more advanced missions such as asteroid exploration and possible manned exploration of the Moon.
  • Its motto is One JAXA and its corporate slogan is Explore to Realize.

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April 28, 2019 


Govt to increase number of Foreigners Tribunals to 1,000
  • The Assam Government has decided to increase the number of Foreigners Tribunals under the provisions of the Foreigners Act to 1,000 in phased manner to expedite the cases relating to suspected foreign nationals.
  • At present, one hundred Foreigners Tribunals are functioning in the State, but that is not adequate to deal with the cases and around two lakh cases are pending before the Tribunals.
  • Moreover, after the publication of the National Register of Citizens (NRC), the persons, whose names will not appear in it, will have the right to appeal before the Tribunals, which will add extra burden. If the number of Tribunals is not increased, it will take years to dispose of the cases.
  • Keeping these aspects in mind, the Government decided to increase the number of Tribunals to 1,000 so that the cases can be disposed of as quickly as possible. The State Government sought approval of the Centre for increasing the number of Tribunals and recently, the required approval has been received.

SBI launches India’s First Green Car Loan
  • India’s largest bank State Bank of India (SBI) launched ‘Green Car Loan’ to encourage customers to buy electric vehicles (EVs) in the country.
  • The interest rates on the loan will be 20 basis points (0.2 per cent) lower than SBI’s existing auto loans.
  • Thus, the equated monthly instalment (EMI) per Rs 1 lakh will be lower at Rs 1,468 for 96 months (8 years) against Rs 1,622 for 84 months, based on the maximum tenor of existing schemes.
  • The scheme comes with the longest repayment period of up to 8 years. The loan is offered with zero processing fee for the first 6 months of the launch.
  • SBI along with Wipro joined the Climate Group’s EV100 initiative for enhancing the launch of electric vehicles worldwide.

 World Day for Safety and Health at Work held on 28 April
  • The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work. It is held on 28 April and has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.
  • The World Day celebration on 28 April 2019 will be only the beginning of worldwide events and activities to continue throughout the rest of the year.
  • Inspired by the ILO centenary and discussions on the future of work, the world day this year attempts to take stock of a 100 years of work in improving occupational safety and health and looks to the future for continuing these efforts through major changes such as technology, demographics, sustainable development including climate change and changes in work organization.
  • In 2003, the International Labour Organization (ILO), began to observe World Day in order to stress the prevention of accidents and diseases at work, capitalizing on the ILO’s traditional strengths of tripartism and social dialogue.
  • 28 April is also the International Commemoration Day for Dead and Injured Workers organized worldwide by the trade union movement since 1996.
  • The annual World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April promotes the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally. It is an awareness-raising campaign intended to focus international attention on the magnitude of the problem and on how promoting and creating a safety and health culture can help reduce the number of work-related deaths and injuries.

Indian Army signed MoU with NHPC to build underground tunnels
  • The Army has roped in the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd (NHPC), a public sector undertaking, to construct the caves or tunnels. A memorandum of understanding (MoU).
  • The Indian Army, in order to stock up on ammunition in a sensitive environment, has set about constructing caves and semi-underground tunnels at mountain ranges near the northern border.
  • The project, which is on a pilot basis currently, envisions caves at four locations, to be built at a total cost of around Rs 15 crore.
  • There are a total of four proposed tunnels, including one in Tawang sector and one in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The Army is also increasing its ammunition stockpile. Last year, it had finalisedaRs 15,000 crore long-term plan to get domestic private sector players to manufacture seven different types of ammo.
  • It also signed 19 contracts worth Rs 11,740 crore to get Smerch rockets, Konkurs anti-tank guided missiles, 125-mm armour-piercing fin-stabilised discarding sabot ammunition for its T-90S and T-72 tanks, and other ammunition.

World Veterinary Day 2019 observed on 27th April
  • World Veterinary Day will take place globally on Saturday, April 27th, 2019 as it has been always observed on the last Saturday in April since 2001. This year’s theme is: Value of Vaccination.
  • In 2000 the World Veterinary Association created the World Veterinary Day in order to promote the veterinary profession all over the world.
  • There is a different theme for this day every year. With the themes, pet owners are reminded of the importance of animal care and how veterinary technicians can help.
  • Every year, in order to celebrate the World Veterinary Day, the World Veterinary Association (WVA) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) organize the World Veterinary Day Award.
  • The goal of this initiative is to reward the most successful contribution of the veterinary profession on the theme which has been chosen for that year.

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Assam Current Affairs – April 15 – 21, 2019

Current Affairs Assam – April 15 - 21, 2019

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of April 15 – 21, 2019 )

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April 15, 2019


 Aizawl records highest temp in 20 years
  • The capital city of Mizoram on Monday, 15th April, 2019 experienced its hottest day in 20 years as the mercury soared to 34.2 degrees Celsius.
  • Temperatures are being recorded in the state since 1999, and the maximum temperature that was recorded before was on a day in April 2015 when it rose to 34.1 degrees Celsius, the Chief Scientific Officer of the Mizoram Directorate of Science and technology, Dr R K Lallianthanga, said.
  • Temperature over 32 degrees Celsius is regarded almost unbearable in this hilly state where the average temperature is generally between 11 and 21 degrees Celsius during winter and between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius during summer.

India successfully test fired sub-sonic cruise missile ‘Nirbhay’
  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully test-fired 1,000 km strike range sub-sonic cruise missile named ‘Nirbhay’ from Odisha coast.
  • The 1,000-km range missile was fired for a shorter range from a launch pad from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur in Balasore district
  • India’s Aeronautical Development Establishment has said the cruise missile is India’s first indigenously designed and developed long-range missile.
  • Indigenously developed by the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO), the Nirbhay missile can carry warheads of up to 300 kg.
  • The successful test of the 1,000 km long range missile will definitely provide a boost to India’s defence power.

Cabinet approves reservations in admission for Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
  • The Union cabinet approved provision of reservations in admission for economically weaker section students (EWS) in Central Educational Institution (CEIs).
  • With the cabinet approval, a total of 214,766 additional seats would be created (118,983 additional seats in 2019-20 and 95,783 additional seats during 2020-21).
  • A sanction of Rs 4315.15 crore has been approved for 158 CEIs for reservation to economically weaker sections.
  • The move follows Human Resource Development Ministry instructions in January to all CEIs to increase the intake of students in all branches of study in pursuance of the 103rd Constitutional Amendment to provide 10 percent reservation in economically weaker sections without adversely affecting SC/ST and Socially and Economically Backward (SEBC) classes and also not reducing the seats for general category.

Union Cabinet approves continuation of Phase-4 of GSLV
  • The Union Cabinet approved the ongoing Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) continuation programme’s phase-4 that consists of five GSLV flights during 2021-2024.
  • The phase-4 programme will enable the launch of 2 tonne class of satellites for geo-imaging, navigation, data relay communication and space sciences.
  • The total fund requirement for the phase-4 programme is Rs 2,729.13 crore and includes the cost of five GSLV vehicles, essential facility augmentation, programme management and launch campaign along with the additional funds required for meeting the scope of the ongoing programme.
  • It will meet the launch requirement of satellites for providing critical satellite navigation services, data relay communication for supporting the Indian Human spaceflight programme and the next interplanetary mission to Mars.
  • The phase-4 GSLV programme will meet the demand for the launch of satellites at a frequency of up to two launches per year with maximal participation by the Indian industry.
  • The GSLV Continuation Programme was initially sanctioned in 2003 and two phases have been completed. The third phase is in progress and is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2020-21.

3 Indian teams win awards at NASA rover challenge
  • Three Indian student teams won awards in NASA’s annual Human Exploration Rover Challenge at the US Space and Rocket Centre in Huntsville, Alabama.
  • The team from KIET Group of Institutions in Ghaziabad won the “AIAA Neil Armstrong Best Design Award” in the college/university division.
  • The Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering from Mumbai won the “Frank Joe Sexton Memorial Pit Crew Award” in the college/university division. The school also won the System Safety Challenge Award at the competition hosted by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville and held at the US Space and Rocket Centre.
  • Lovely Professional University from Phagwara, Punjab, won the STEM Engagement Award.

April 16, 2019 


HDFC Bank tops Forbes Best Indian Banks 2019 list
  • Indian private lender- HDFC Bank was ranked at the top of the ‘Forbes Best Indian Banks 2019’ list.
  • Forbes has compiled a first-ever list of the World’s Best Bank 2019 in terms of customer services and technological advancements.
  • HDFC Bank claims to provide the best of its technological features to its 43 million customers. Another private lender ICICI Bank took the second spot, while DBS was at the third rank in Forbes list of Indian banks.
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank and IDFC Bank had managed to gain the fourth and fifth spot respectively. Syndicate Bank, PNB, Allahabad Bank, Vijaya Bank and Axis Bank were ranked from sixth to tenth respectively.
  • The banks were rated on the basis of the following attributes- Trust, Digital Services, Financial Advice and Fees

Cabinet approves creation of sixth deputy CAG post
  • The Union Cabinet approved creation of an additional post of Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General (Coordination, Communication and Information System) in the office of Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India.
  • The position in pay level 17 was created by abolishing one STS level post,. At present, the country’s top auditor has five posts of deputy CAGs.
  • The Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General shall oversee the coordination among state audits, audit of telecommunication and to coordinate the various information systems initiatives within the Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
  • The expenditure on account of creation of this post will be about Rs 21 lakh.

FACTFILE – The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India

  • CAG is an authority, established by Article 148 of the Constitution of India, which audits all receipts and expenditure of the Government of India and the state governments, including those of bodies and authorities substantially financed by the government.
  • The CAG is also the external auditor of Government-owned corporations and conducts supplementary audit of government companies, i.e., any non-banking/ non-insurance company in which Union Government has an equity share of at least 51 per cent or subsidiary companies of existing government companies.
  • The reports of the CAG are taken into consideration by the Public Accounts Committees (PACs) and Committees on Public Undertakings (COPUs), which are special committees in the Parliament of India and the state legislatures.
  • The CAG is also the head of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department, the affairs of which are managed by officers of Indian Audit and Accounts Service, and has over 58,000 employees across the country.
  • The current CAG of India is Rajiv Mehrishi. He is the 13th CAG of India.
  • The CAG is mentioned in the Constitution of India under Article 148 – 151.
  • The CAG is ranked 9th and enjoys the same status as a judge of Supreme Court of India in Indian order of precedence.

 India, UK renew Defence cooperation pact
  • India’s defence cooperation with the UK renewing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) amid their keenness to identify mutual capability needs and collaborate in the areas of defence and security.
  • The Defence Equipment Cooperation MoU renews the one signed on April 1, 1997, which was subsequently renewed on April 2007.
  • The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding underpins the collaboration between our two nations, building on our defence ties, and ensuring our nations are able to combat emerging threats for generations to come.
  • By collaborating and exploiting procurement opportunities together, both nations will be able to benefit from technological and manufacturing capabilities and support long-term cooperation between their defence and security industries.
  • The pact was signed by Air Marshal Richard Knighton on behalf of the UK Ministry of Defence and Barun Mitra, Additional Secretary Defence Production in the Ministry of Defence on behalf of the Indian government.
  • At bilateral defence and security equipment talks in London, the two nations agreed to re-double efforts to identify mutual defence and security capability needs and collaborate on solutions.

UN owes India $38 million for peacekeeping operations
  • The UN owes India $30 million for its contributions to the peacekeeping operations, face frequent cash constraints that force the organisation to postpone the settlement of its obligations to troop- and police-contributing countries.
  • Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a report to the General Assembly on UN’s financial situation. He blamed the failure of member nations to pay their budget dues on time, in particular the US, for the arrears to India and other countries that send personnel to the peacekeeping operations.
  • Earlier, India’s Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin told the Security Council that the arrears were an “enormous burden for a TCC (Troop-Contributing Country) to bear, in addition to what they are doing in terms of providing people and personnel, equipment, etc”.

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April 17, 2019      


World Hemophilia Day 2019 observed on April 17
  • April 17, 2019 is marked as the 29th World Hemophilia Day. This year, the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) is focusing on reaching out and identifying new members of the bleeding disorders community.
  • For many years, the WFH has supported outreach projects in different countries and conducted educational events for both lay and health care professionals in conjunction with our national member organizations (NMOs).
  • The WHD2019 campaign will feature examples of WFH outreach initiatives such as organizing regional workshops, raising awareness of bleeding through media coverage or training health professionals and collecting data.
  • It will combine these examples with submissions from our community about outreach efforts in their own regions or ideas about what would be helpful for future initiatives.
  • This landmark day also helps to illustrate the importance of the WFH Humanitarian Aid Program—an important endeavour for the WFH that provides a range of integrated care development training programs to ensure the local infrastructure and medical expertise are available to optimize and appropriately use donated products.

India partner with Japan and UAE to set up projects in Africa
  • India is joining hands with Japan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to implement two projects in Africa as it seeks to extend its footprint on the continent where strategic rival China has made deep inroads.
  • India will build a cancer hospital in Kenya in collaboration with Japan, it will partner with the UAE to set up an information and communications technology (ICT) centre in Ethiopia.
  • India and Japan had announced the Asia Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC) with four major strands, including capacity building and human resource development in Africa, creating quality infrastructure and institutional connectivity, people-to-people partnership, and development and cooperation projects.
  • It also envisaged developing capacities to sustain infrastructure, greenfield projects, power grids, agriculture and agro-processing, besides health and pharmaceuticals.

China develops world’s first armed amphibious drone boat
  • China has successfully tested the world’s first armed amphibious drone boat which could be used in land assault operations and is capable of forming a combat triad with aerial drones and other drone
  • Having a maximum operation range of 1,200 kms, the Marine Lizard can be remotely controlled via satellites.
  • The 12-meter-long Marine Lizard is a trimaran propelled by a diesel-powered hydrojet and can reach a maximum speed of 50 knots while maintaining stealth. When approaching land, the amphibious drone ship can release four continuous track units hidden under its belly, and travel at 20 kms an hour on land.
  • The Marine Lizard’s payloads include an electro-optical system and a radar system. In the weapon department, it is equipped with two machine guns and a vertical launching system for anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles.
  • This amphibious drone boat is suitable for island assault operations as a swarm of such drone ships could lead an attack following a first wave of artillery and air strikes.
  • Guided by China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, the Marine Lizard can cooperate with other battle units in an integrated command system.

April 18, 2019 


Meena Kumari wins Gold in Cologne Boxing World Cup
  • India finished its campaign at the Cologne Boxing World Cup 2019 with a haul of five medals with Meena Kumari Maisnam winning the only gold medal for India.
  • Meena Kumari Maisnam (54kg) won the only gold medal for India in the tournament.
  • It was the only bout of the tournament for the Manipur pugilist Meena Kumari as she had been directly placed in the final due to a smaller draw.
  • Youth world champion Sakshi (57kg) and India Open gold medallist Pwilao Basumatary (64kg) lost their final bouts and finished with silver medals.
  • Pinki Rani (51kg) and Parveen (60kg) won bronze medals after losing their semi-final bouts.

FACTFILE – Cologne Boxing World Cup

  • Cologne Boxing World Cup earlier known as Chemistry Cup witnesses participation from more than 20 nations and 160 boxers in seven women and ten men weight classes.
  • It is one of the strongest international events in Europe with nearly 50 years of traditions.

Ministry of Corporate Affairs is likely to revamp LLP framework
  • The Ministry of Corporate Affairs is likely to review and revamp the decade-old Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) framework.
  • The review of LLPs, considered the lowest compliance hybrid between companies and partnerships, comes following representations against aRs 100 per day penalty for delayed filing and difficulties faced in dissolution of such entities.
  • The ministry may ask the Registrar of Companies (RoC) to consider revising an office memorandum, which barred LLPs from any manufacturing activity.
  • The memorandum had anguished some quarters in the industry and hence was withdrawn.
  • A committee would be set up to review the LLP framework and look into issues regarding its implementation.
  • The memorandum was implemented without any prior notice to companies which created confusion and the sudden withdrawal also created confusion.

Indian coast gaurd offshore patrol vessel deployed by General Bipin Rawat
  • Indian Coast Guard vessel Veera has been commissioned by General BipinRawat, Chief of Army Staff, in the presence of Director General of Indian Coast Guard Rajendra Singh, Chief of Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Karambir Singh and other senior dignitaries of the Central and State government in a ceremony organised at Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.
  • Veera, the third in the series of the new generation Offshore Patrol Vessel is under the administrative and operational command of the coast guard regional headquarters (east).
  • The 98-meter long, 15-meter wide vessel has a 3.6 m draft and a range of 5,000 nautical miles. It can attain a speed up to 26 knots. The vessel has 12 officers and 94 men. The ship is equipped with an ultra-modern navigation and communication system.

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April 19, 2019 


Nagaland lone North-Eastern State to join pan-India helpline number ‘112’
  • Twenty States and Union Territories, including the lone North Eastern State of Nagaland, have so far joined a pan-India network of a single emergency helpline number, 112, on which immediate assistance can be sought by anyone in distress.
  • The ‘112’ helpline is an integration of police (100), fire (101) and women (1090) helpline numbers and the project is being implemented under the Central Government’s Nirbhaya Fund.
  • The 20 States and UTs include Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadar and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu and Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) envisages a single pan-India emergency number 112, which is an internationally recognised number, to target all types of emergencies.
  • A panic button is already provided on all mobile phones, which on activation will trigger an emergency call to 112. The Emergency Response Centre (ERCs), being set up by the States and UTs, can receive panic signal via voice call to 112, e-mail requests on the State ERSS website or the ‘112’ mobile app.
  • Location-based tracking of victim can be done through location-based services of all phones or even more accurately through GPS for smartphones.
  • The ‘112’ India app provides for ‘shout facility’ designed especially for women, for enlisting support of volunteers who have registered themselves with the State police for emergency response.
  • To access emergency services, a person can dial ‘112’ on a phone or press the power button of a smartphone three times quickly to send a panic call to the Emergency Response Centre. In case of a normal phone, a long press of the ‘5’ or ‘9’ key will activate the panic call.
  • People can also log onto the ERSS website for the respective State and send an emergency e-mail or SOS alert to the State Emergency Response Centre. They can use the ‘112’ India mobile app, which is available free on Google Play Store and Apple Store.
  • The Nirbhaya Fund was set up by the Central Government for projects specifically designed to improve the safety and security of the women.

India’s 1st Centre for drone development soon at IIT Hyderabad
  • Japan-based Terra Drone Corporation, Terra Drone India and the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad, have signed a pact to establish a first-of-its-kind Centre of Excellence for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in India.
  • The centre will be set up at IIT Hyderabad.
  • Terra Drone Corporation is one of the world’s largest providers of industrial drone solutions.
  • The company is at the forefront of several innovations in the aviation industry, including promoting the application of AI technologies in drones and providing advisory services to the ongoing ‘flying car’ project in Japan.
  • Terra Drone will support IIT Hyderabad to organise workshops, seminars, lectures and joint projects that leverage cutting-edge unmanned technologies and drone LiDAR systems.
  • Terra Drone India would also offer internship programmes to talented students and prepare them for the real-world technology applications.

Saudi Arabia to host G20 summit in 2020
  • Saudi Arabia announced it will host the G20 summit in November next year in the capital Riyadh, The first G20 meeting in the Arab world will be held in November 2020.
  • G20 world leaders met for the first time in 2008 with focus on rescuing the global economy from the worst financial crisis in more than 70 years.
  • According to the final communique of the G20 summit last year in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which confirmed that the summit will be held in Japan in 2019, and in Saudi Arabia in 2020
  • Saudi Arabia confirmed that it looks forward to hosting the event.

April 20 2019 


3 North Eastern States to get DNA testing facilities
  • DNA testing facilities are being set up at forensic science laboratories of 13 States and Union Territories including the three North Eastern States of Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura at a cost of Rs 131.09 crore.
  • Cyber forensic laboratories and cyber forensic training facilities are being set up in these States as part of the Rs 223.19 crore Cyber Crime Prevention Against Women and Children project.
  • Five States – Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Uttarakhand – have already set up cyber forensic training laboratories.
  • A total of 3,664 personnel, including 410 public prosecutors and judicial officers, have been trained for the purpose.
  • The project is being implemented under the Nirbhaya Fund, set up by the Central Government for projects specifically designed to improve the safety and security of women.
  • According to the National Crime Records Bureau, 12,187 cyber crime cases were registered across India in 2016 in comparison to 11,331 cases in 2015. There was a 20.5 per cent increase in the number of cyber crime cases in 2015 over 2014 and 6.3 per cent increase in such cases in 2016 over 2015.

Japan-US welcomes growing ties with India
  • The US-Japan 2+2 ministerial meeting has welcomed the growing ties between their countries and India in the Indo-Pacific region that is of vital strategic interest to them.
  • The defence and diplomatic cabinet officials of the two countries expressed satisfaction with the trilateral meeting with India and noted significance of joint military exercises.
  • US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan met with Japan’s Foreign Minister Taro Kono and Defence Minister Takeshi Iwaya for their high-level strategic meeting focused on building a free and open Indo-Pacific.
  • The Ministers also noted with satisfaction the first Japan-US-India trilateral summit meeting in 2018 and highlighted significant joint exercises, such as Malabar 2018 and Cope India 2018.
  • Building upon these various trilateral efforts, the Ministers welcomed the regularization of quadrilateral engagement among Japan, the Us, Australia, and India.
  • Ministers called for full respect for freedoms of navigation and overflight and other lawful uses of the sea, and reiterated the importance of activities that support those principles.

India suspends LOC trade with Pakistan
  • The Home Ministry issued orders to suspend the Line of Control (LoC) trade between Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Jammu and Kashmir effective from April 19.
  • The government has taken this step after receiving reports of cross LoC trade routes being misused by Pakistan-based elements.
  • It may be recalled that the LoC trade is meant to facilitate the exchange of goods of common use between local populations across the LoC in Jammu & Kashmir.
  • During ongoing probe of certain cases by NIA, it has been brought out that a significant number of trading concerns engaged in LoC trade are operated by persons closely associated with banned terror organisations involved in fueling terrorism/separatism.
  • So it’s decided to suspend LoC trade at Salamabad & Chakkan-da-Bagh in J&K. Meanwhile, a stricter regulatory and enforcement mechanism is being worked out & will be put in place in consultation with various agencies.

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April 21, 2019 


Indian Navy launched guided missile destroyer Imphal
  • Indigenously-designed and constructed guided missile destroyer ‘Imphal’ was launched at the Mazgaon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. Yard.
  • As per maritime traditions, Reena Lanba, wife of Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba named the ship and broke a coconut on the 3,037 tonnes ship’s bow prior to the launch amidst invocations from the Atharvaveda.
  • Enhanced stealth features have been achieved through the shaping of hull and use of radar transparent deck fittings which make the ships difficult to detect. 
  • The ship is the third in the Project 15B vessels – the earlier ones launched are ‘Vishakhapatnam’ (2015) and ‘Murmagoa’ in 2016 – which feature cutting edge advanced technology and are comparable to ships of similar class anywhere globally.
  • Designed by the Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design, each ship spans 163 metres long and 17.4 metres at beam and displaced 7,300 tonnes.

Ebaku Bishu celebrated across Lakhimpur
  • Ebaku Bishu or the Bohagiyo Bisu of the Deori community was celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across Lakhimpur district.
  • Observed on the first Wednesday of the Assamese month of Bohag, the EbakuBishu this time got under way on the same day.
  • The festivities began with offerings at various thaans of the Deori communities across the district and ceremonial bathing in the morning of the day.
  • The “Suwasani Puja” was also observed on that occasion in Deori households for the welfare of the members of the family.
  • In villages elaborate arrangements were made for ChhajeKhula, places which are situated either isolated from the village or middle of the village where husori were performed by the youth which began with a declaration by DeoriBharali following offerings at thaans.
  • The women of the community organised egg fights during the Bihu. Youngsters also revelled in smearing mud on each other.

NASA spots universe’s 1st molecule
  • NASA’s airborne observatory has detected the first type of molecule ever formed in the universe. This is the first time helium hydride has been found in the modern universe.
  • Scientists discovered the molecule in our own galaxy using NASA’s Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA), as the aircraft flew high above the Earth’s surface and pointed its sensitive instruments out into the cosmos.
  • SOFIA is a Boeing 747SP jetliner modified to carry a 106-inch diameter telescope. It found modern helium hydride in a planetary nebula, a remnant of what was once a Sun-like star.
  • Located 3,000 light-years away near the constellation Cygnus, this planetary nebula, called NGC 7027, has conditions that allow this mystery molecule to form.
  • The discovery serves as proof that helium hydride can, in fact, exist in space.
  • Scientists believe that around 100,000 years after the big bang, helium and hydrogen combined to make a molecule called helium hydride for the first time.
  • Helium itself is a noble gas making it very unlikely to combine with any other kind of atom.

 

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Assam Current Affairs – April 08 – 14, 2019

Current Affairs Assam – April 8 - 14, 2019

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of April 8 – 14, 2019 )

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April 08, 2019


 Nagaland observes 75th Anniversary of the “Battle of Kohima”
  • Nagaland Observes 75th Anniversary of “Battle of Kohima”. The event was attended by the representatives from the UK and Japan who spoke on the theme of ‘Remembrance, Reconciliation and Rebirth’.
  • The dignitaries from the UK and Japan sought reconciliation and forgiveness for the sufferings and pain caused against each other at the Battle of Kohima, that was fought in three stages during the Second World War in 1944.

FACTFILE – The Battle of Kohima

  • Battle of Kohima is considered as the turning point of the Japanese U Go offensive, or Operation C mission launched in India in 1944 during the Second World War.
  • The Battle of Kohima was fought in three stages from 3 April to 22 June 1944 around the town of Kohima in Nagaland in northeast India.
  • The battle ended on 22 June when British and Indian troops from Kohima and Imphal met at Milestone 109, ending the Siege of Imphal.
  • The battle is often referred to as the “Stalingrad of the East”.
  • Kohima was a theatre of the War in 1944 and the Nagas were drawn into it on both sides some with the British and some with the Japanese.

South Korea Becomes First Country to Launch 5G Network
  • Three top telecom providers SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus of South Korea launched the world’s first nationwide 5G mobile network on 3rd April, 2019.
  • South Korea launched the 5G services two days ahead of the schedule as there were speculations that US mobile carrier Verizon might start its 5G services early. Verizon began rolling out its 5G services in Chicago and Minneapolis on April 3rd, a week ahead of schedule.

Benefits of 5G Network

  • 5G will provide smartphones with near-instantaneous connectivity, 20 times faster than 4G.
  • 5G will deliver vastly increased capacity, lower latency, and faster speeds.
  • 5G networks will operate in a high-frequency band between 28 GHz and 60 GHz, which is known as the millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum and the sub-6 GHz range that LTE calls home will also be used. Thus, a lot of bandwidth will be available to users.
  • The new 5G networks will have a dense, distributed network of base stations in the small cell infrastructure.
  • The 5G technology is crucial for the future development of devices such as self-driving vehicles and is expected to bring about $565 billion in global economic benefits by 2034.

Indian Navy signs MOU with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
  • The Indian Navy and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to undertake joint research and development of advanced technologies for the Indian Navy.
  • This will be a collaborative arrangement between labs of CSIR, the Indian Navy and Indian industry.
  • The MoU was signed by Vice Admiral GS Pabby PVSM, AVSM, VSM Chief of Materiel of Indian Navy and Shri Shekhar C Mande, Secretary DSIR and Director General, CSIR.
  • The MoU provides a formal framework for interaction between Indian Navy and CSIR. It would facilitate joint R&D activities in diverse fields of Mechanical, Electronics, Communication, Computer Science, Propulsion systems, Metallurgy and Nanotechnology.
  • Some of the immediate projects to be progressed under this MoU include development of alternative desalination technologies, installation of wireless MEMS based sensors for remote operation, Residual Life Assessment studies of Gas Turbine Generator blades to improve reliability.

FACTFILE – Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)

  • CSIR is known for its cutting edge R&D knowledgebase in diverse S&T areas, is a contemporary R&D organization.
  • It has a dynamic network of 38 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 3 Innovation Complexes and 5 units.
  • CSIR covers a wide spectrum of science and technology – from radio and space physics, oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics, biotechnology and nanotechnology to mining, aeronautics, instrumentation, environmental engineering and information technology.
  • It provides significant technological intervention in many areas with regard to societal efforts which include environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, farm and non-farm sectors.


April 09, 2019


Manipuris celebrate New Year ‘Sajibu Nongma Panba’
  • Sajibu Nongma Panba Cheiraoba, the New Year of the Manipuri community, was celebrated across the State on Saturday, 6TH April 2019. The festival is celebrated on the first day of the Manipuri month Sajibu, which usually falls in March-end or early-April.
  • It is the lunar New Year festival of the people who follow the sanamahism religion of the Indian state of Manipur.
  • People pray to Gods by offering flowers, fruits and various dishes, while special dishes are prepared from vegetables to be offered to deities along with seasonal endemic items for a grand feast for families.
  • The food is offered by the elders of the house to three deities for protection of the family. Married women give gifts to their parents and brothers on the occasion.
  • With the advent of the New Year, people pray that the festival ushers in peace, progress and prosperity, and enhances the spirit of unity, cohesiveness and brotherhood among the communities of Manipur.

India retained top spot in remittances in 2018: WB Report
  • India has retained its spot as the world’s top remittance recipient with its diaspora sending $79 billion back home in 2018.
  • India was followed by China ($67 billion), Mexico ($36 billion), the Philippines ($34 billion) and Egypt ($29 billion), according to the latest edition of the World Bank’s Migration and Development Brief.
  • Remittances grew by more than 14 per cent in India. In 2016, India received $62.7 billion in remittances and in 2017 it was $65.3 billion.
  • Global remittances, which include flows to high-income countries, reached $689 billion in 2018, up from $633 billion in 2017.
  • Regionally, growth in remittance inflows ranged from almost 7 per cent in East Asia and the Pacific to 12 per cent in South Asia.
  • The overall increase was driven by a stronger economy and employment situation in the US and a rebound in outward flows from some Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE) and the Russian Federation.

FACTFILE – The World Bank

  • WB is an international financial institution that provides loans to countries of the world for capital projects.
  • It comprises two institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and the International Development Association (IDA).
  • The World Bank is a component of the World Bank Group.
  • The World Bank’s most recent stated goal is the reduction of poverty.
  • As of end of 2018, the largest recipients of World Bank loans were India ($859 million in 2018) and China ($370 million in 2018), through loans from IBRD

Praful Patel becomes first Indian to be elected as a FIFA Council Member
  • All India Football Federation President Praful Patel is elected as a FIFA Council member.
  • The AIFF chief was one of the eight candidates vying for the spot in the election which was held during the 29th AFC (Asian Football Confederations) Congress in the Malaysian capital.
  • A total of five candidates, including Patel, was elected in addition to the AFC president, and one female member for the term 2019-2013.
  • Under Patel’s leadership, AIFF has been awarded with the AFC’s President Recognition award for grassroots at the AFC Annual Awards in 2014 in Manila, and was given an award for the AFC Best Developing Member Association in 2016.
  • The successful hosting of the FIFA U-17 World Cup drew lavish praise from all quarters, and India have also won the bid to host the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2020.
  • The Indian Club Licensing system has also been dubbed as one of the best in Asia.

London becomes first city to use pollution charge zone
  • London is the first city in the world to implement a 24-hour, seven day a week Ultra Low Emission Zone, inside which vehicles will have to meet tough emissions standards or face a charge.
  • Introduction of the zone, known as the ULEZ, aims to reduce toxic air pollution and protect public health, according to a press release from the office of Sadiq Khan, mayor of London.
  • Vehicles are responsible for around half of harmful nitrogen oxide air emissions in the British capital, contributing to a toxic air health crisis that increases the risk of asthma, cancer and dementia as well as causing thousands of premature deaths every year.
  • Under new rules polluting vehicles will be discouraged from entering the ULEZ thanks to a daily charge of £12.50 (around $16) for some cars, vans and motorbikes and £100 ($130) for trucks, buses and coaches.
  • Drivers can check whether their vehicle meets ULEZ emission standards using an online tool provided by travel authority Transport for London.

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April 10, 2019 


Indo-Bangla VCs Convention agree for academic collaboration
  • With the goal of improving mutual understanding between the people of the Northeastern region of India and Bangladesh by setting up a platform for bilateral communication, cooperation and collaboration in education, the International Convention of Vice Chancellors (ICVC-2019) of Universities of Bangladesh and North East India was organised by Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet under the patronage of University Grant Commission, Bangladesh and in association with University of Science & Technology Meghalaya(USTM) at Sylhet.
  • It was attended by more than 30 Vice Chancellors of universities, apart from Directors of institutions and top researchers from both countries and was graced by Dr Dipu Moni, Education Minister of Bangladesh and Prof A Mannan, Chairman, UGC Bangladesh apart from others.
  • The Convention has decided to form an international education corridor and work collaboratively towards promotion of higher education, culture, brotherhood and peace.
  • It was decided that the meet will be a regular affair to be held in different countries on rotational basis and that the Gauhati University will be hosting the next ICVC while the other universities in the North East would be co-organisers.
  • From North East India, 16 Vice Chancellors of Central, State and private universities participated in the Convention along with their Bangladeshi counterparts. The heads of institutions made presentations on their respective universities and engaged in a brainstorming to decide the road ahead.

IMF lowers India’s GDP growth forecast
  • India is projected to grow at 7.3 per cent in 2019 and 7.5 per cent in 2020, supported by the continued recovery of investment and robust consumption, thus remaining the fastest growing major economy of the world.
  • Growth forecast has been revised downward compared with the October 2018 WEO by 0.1 percentage point for 2019 and 0.2 percentage point for 2020.
  • Growth in India is expected to stabilise at just under 7 per cent over the medium term, based on the continued implementation of structural reforms and easing of infrastructure bottlenecks.
  • Important steps have been taken to strengthen financial sector balance sheets, including through accelerated resolution of non-performing assets under a simplified bankruptcy framework. These efforts should be reinforced by enhancing governance of public sector banks.
  • Reforms to hiring and dismissal regulations would help incentivise job creation and absorb the country’s large demographic dividend; efforts should also be enhanced on land reform to facilitate and expedite infrastructure development, the report said.

David Malpass takes office as World Bank president
  • David Malpass took office as the 13th President of the World Bank Group. Malpass, former undersecretary for international affairs at the US Treasury Department, was chosen by President Donald Trump in early February as the US candidate for the post, following the abrupt resignation of former World Bank chief Jim Yong Kim.
  • The World Bank President is Chair of the Boards of Directors of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).
  • The President is also ex officio Chair of the Boards of Directors of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the Administrative Council of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
  • Malpass previously served as Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs for the United States. 

April 11, 2019


Konyak women set Guinness record in dance
  • The Konyak Union set the Guinness World Records for the largest traditional Konyak dance consisting of 4,687 women participants.
  • The official attempt to make the record was made during the Konyak Aoleang-cum-Mini Hornbill Festival in Mon town on April 5. The 4,687 women from over 115 villages in the district sang and danced in full Konyak Naga traditional attire for five minutes and two seconds.
  • The dance is an old traditional Konyak dance which is usually performed during the festival.

Kohli Named Wisden’s Leading Cricketer in World
  • Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack has named Virat Kohli as the Leading Cricketer in the World for 2018 as well as one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year.
  • Indian Skipper Virat Kohli is joined by Tammy Beaumont, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran and Rory Burns in Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year list.
  • Indian player Smriti Mandhana bagged the Women’s Leading Cricketer of the Year.
  • Rashid Khan of Afghanistan bagged the Leading T20 Cricketer of the Year.

FACTFILE – Wisden or Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack

  • Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack (or simply Wisden) is a cricket reference book published annually in the United Kingdom.
  • Wisden was founded in 1864 by the English cricketer John Wisden (1826–84). Its annual publication has continued uninterrupted to the present day, making it the longest running sports annual in history.
  • Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year represent a tradition that dates back in Wisden to 1889. This makes Wisden’s oldest individual award in cricket.
  • In 1998, an Australian edition of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack was launched. It ran for eight editions. In 2012, an Indian edition of Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack was launched.

Astronomers unveil first ever image of black hole
  • An international scientific team announced a milestone in astrophysics – the first-ever photo of a black hole – using a global network of telescopes to gain insight into celestial objects with gravitational fields so strong no matter or light can escape.
  • The research was conducted by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) project, an international collaboration begun in 2012 to try to directly observe the immediate environment of a black hole using a global network of Earth-based telescopes.
  • The image reveals the black hole at the center of Messier 87, a massive galaxy in the nearby Virgo galaxy cluster. This black hole resides about 54 million light-years from Earth.
  • Black holes, phenomenally dense celestial entities, are extraordinarily difficult to observe despite their great mass.
  • A black hole’s event horizon is the point of no return beyond which anything – stars, planets, gas, dust and all forms of electromagnetic radiation – gets swallowed into oblivion.
  • The project’s researchers obtained the first data in April 2017 using telescopes in the US states of Arizona and Hawaii as well as in Mexico, Chile, Spain and Antarctica. Since then, telescopes in France and Greenland have been added to the global network. The global network of telescopes has essentially created a planet-sized observational dish.

Government clears procurement of 464 T-90 tanks
  • The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) gave the go-ahead for procuring 464 more tanks for almost Rs 13,448 crore ($1.93 billion). The T-90MS is the latest version of the tank with the Russian Army and the Indian Army’s armoured regiments already have the T-90S.
  • Russia is prepared for prolonging the license and building up the production of T-90 tanks in India in connection with the Indian government’s decision to purchase more tanks for its armed forces.
  • The tanks will be assembled Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF) in Avadi, Chennai from semi-knocked-down (SKD) kits from Uralvagonzavod, the Russian tank manufacturer. The tanks will arm 10 armoured regiments of the Army.
  • The HVF had in 2006-07 signed a contract to produce 1,000 T-90S tanks under licence from Russia by 2020. But the HVF has been able to supply only 350-400 T-90S till date.
  • The T-90MS also has a guided missile system to annihilate armoured targets, including those equipped with explosive reactive armour (ERA), at ranges up to 5 kilometres. The tank comes equipped with a protection system to insulate and help its crew operate in a Nuclear-Biological-Chemical attack environment.

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April 12, 2019


 Meghalaya records 2nd best voting in history
  • Women voters in Meghalaya were more enthusiastic than males in this Lok Sabha election which has seen one of the best polling percentages recorded in the Lok Sabha elections – a healthy 71.41 per cent.
  • According to the Election department, the best ever voting percentage recorded was in the 1998 Lok Sabha election when 74.38 per cent voters turned out. However, during that election the Assembly elections were also held simultaneously.
  • This is the best standalone voting percentage in the State’s history. The voting percentage is the second highest in the State’s history. This year’s percentage was way ahead compared to 2014 (68 per cent) and 2009 (63 per cent).
  • In both the seats of Shillong and Tura, women voters came out in large numbers.

Russian award ‘Order of St Andrew the Apostle’ for Modi
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been honoured with Russia’s highest state decoration, the Order of St Andrew the Apostle, for his role in promoting close ties between the two countries.
  • The Russian government said Modi is given the highest state decoration of Russia for “exceptional services” in promoting special and privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly relations between the Russian and Indian peoples.
  • Order of St Andrew the Apostle is awarded to prominent statesmen, public figures and those working in the fields of science, culture and arts in recognition of their exceptional services in promoting prosperity and glory of Russia.
  • The Order of St Andrew the Apostle is the highest order of the Russian Federation.

Indian and Australian Navies maritime exercise AUSINDEX
  • Several Indian Naval Ships participated in AUSINDEX – the ongoing joint maritime exercise between India and Australia – in Andhra Pradesh’s Visakhapatnam.
  • The Indian Navy was represented by INS Sahyadri, INS Ranvijay, INS Kora, INS Kiltan and submarines INS Sindhukirti.
  • BridgesofFriendship AUSINDEX19 As a part of Sea Phase of ongoing Australia – India Bilateral Maritime Exercise AUSINDEX-19, IN Ships Sahyadri, Ranvijay, Kora, Kiltan and Her Majesty’s Australian Ships Canberra, Newcastle, Parramatta, Success conducted exercises with submarines INS Sindhukirti and HMAS Collins along with P-8I and P8A long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft of respective navies.
  • Australian Navy Ship (HMAS) Canberra, a landing helicopter dock, Newcastle and Paramatta, both frigates, a Durance-class multi-product replenishment oiler along with HMAS Collins, a conventional submarine, also participated in the maritime exercise.
  • The bilateral maritime exercise is aimed to strengthen mutual cooperation and enhance interoperability between the Royal Australia Navy (RAN) and Indian Navy by providing opportunities for interaction and exchange of professional views between the personnel of the two navies.

Bill introduced in US congress to provide India ‘NATO ally’ status
  • A bipartisan group of half a dozen influential American lawmakers has reintroduced an important legislation in the House of Representatives which seeks to advance the US-India strategic relationship.
  • If enacted, the legislation would ensure that the US State Department treats India as a NATO ally for the purposes of the Arms Export Control Act.
  • It would send a powerful signal that defence sales to India should be prioritised according to US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, which had worked on this important legislation.
  • This adjustment to US law will further allow the US-India partnership to flourish in line with our security commitment to the Indo-Pacific region.
  • The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal 2017 included special language recognising the unique US-India defence relationship that designated India as a “Major Defence Partner” of the United States.
  • The legislation bolsters national security and helps ensure full alignment between the Department of Defense and the Department of State.
  • This legislation would be a major breakthrough for the US-India defense relationship.

FACTFILE – The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

  • The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also called the North Atlantic Alliance, is an intergovernmental military alliance between 29 North American and European countries.
  • The organization implements the North Atlantic Treaty that was signed on 4 April 1949.
  • NATO constitutes a system of collective defence whereby its independent member states agree to mutual defence in response to an attack by any external party.
  • NATO’s Headquarters are located in Haren, Brussels, Belgium, while the headquarters of Allied Command Operations is near Mons, Belgium.
  • Since its founding, the admission of new member states has increased the alliance from the original 12 countries to 29. The most recent member state to be added to NATO is Montenegro on 5 June 2017.
  • The combined military spending of all NATO members constitutes over 70% of the global total. Members have committed to reach or maintain defense spending of at least 2% of GDP by 2024.

April 13, 2019


Assam Higher Secondary Education Council goes digital
  • The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC)’s new drive to go digital with its information delivery system is helping the Council make a huge monthly savings of Rs 2,04,000 apart from bridging the information gap with its affiliated institutions.
  • By stepping up digitalization in its examination branch and replacing the postal mails with e-mails and bulk messaging.
  • The step was conceptualized to eliminate the lengthy and expensive process of bulk posting of letters, notifications and other directions to our 1,500 affiliated institutions across the State.
  • The team has created a digital database of all the 1,500 affiliated institutions, including HS schools, colleges and universities. With the help of this any information related to examinations is circulated through mails and bulk messaging under the two step verification system.
  • The Council has also started digitizing the tabulation register (TR), which contains the HS final year marks obtained by the students since the year 1986. On completion of the digitized TR, the marks verification, which used to take minimum 15 days, would take only two minutes.
  • The Controller of Examination has to issue minimum four official letters every month to all the affiliated institutions, with a single letter costing Rs 34. Thus, in one year, the minimum cost incurred in sending such letters to each of the institutions is approximately Rs 24, 48,000, which we are being able to save now.
  • For the first time, the HS first year students also availed the online for fill up facility this year.

Deepa Malik named recipient of Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship
  • Rio Paralympics silver medallist Deepa Malik was named as the recipient of the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship for 2019 in recognition of her inspiring achievements.
  • The citation states that the Deepa Malik exemplifies two values that make a great sportsperson: courage and a can-do attitude.
  • Deepa Malik will be undertaking a series of visits to Paralympic sporting organisations, and engage with Kiwi athletes, students and the media as well as New Zealand’s significant Indian Diaspora community.
  • Deepa Malik will promote cultural as well the people-to-people relationship between India and New Zealand.
  • The Fellowship Program which is running since 2008 aims to strengthen the relationship between India and New Zealand by showcasing the different aspects of the warm friendship between the two countries. The fellowship aims to strengthen the ties between India and New Zealand.

NatGeo to set up weather stations on Mt. Everest
  • The National Geographic Society will set up automatic weather stations on Mount Everest as part of its multi-year, partnered initiative to increase understanding of extreme environmental conditions.
  • NatGeo has been permitted to install five automatic weather stations at different elevations along the climbing route and on the “roof of the world”.
  • The NatGeo team had already left for the Everest expedition to carry out research on weather, atmospheric conditions and changing climate by placing weather stations in the high altitude areas to gather data for the improvement of large-scale climate and weather models.
  • As per their plan, satellite-link technology will share near-real-time information about conditions on the mountain with scientists, regional managers and climbers.
  • It is going to carry out a broad scientific assessment of – and expedition to – Mt Everest and the Solukhumbu region, working closely with Nepali partners.
  • The expedition will collect samples for scientific research on current and historical climate patterns. It will use remotely sensed images to improve mapping of the glacial extent to better understand changing environmental conditions.
  • NatGeo has also partnered with the Department of Geology and the Department of Botany of Tribhuvan University to study the aspects of extremophiles and biology.

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 April 14, 2019


Telugu Poet K Siva Reddy selected for prestigious Saraswati Samman 2018
  • Telugu poet K Siva Reddy is selected for the prestigious Saraswati Samman 2018 for his collection of poetry titled Pakkaki Ottigilite.

FACTFILE – The Saraswati Samman 2018 Awards

  • The Saraswati Samman is an annual award for outstanding prose or poetry literary works in any 22 Indian languages listed in Schedule VIII of the Constitution of India.
  • It is considered to be among the highest literary awards in India.
  • It is named after the Goddess of learning and carries a cash prize of 15 lakh rupees, a citation and a plaque.
  • It was instituted in 1991 by the K. K. Birla Foundation.
  • The inaugural award was given to Harivanshrai ‘Bachchan’ for his four volume autobiography, Kya Bhooloon Kya Yaad Karoon, Needa Ka Nirman Phir, Basere Se Door and Dashdwar se Sopan Tak.

World’s largest plane successfully completes maiden flight
  • The world’s largest aircraft, developed by aerospace venture Stratolaunch, completed its first flight test. With a dual fuselage design and wingspan greater than the length of an American football field, the airplane took off from Mojave Air and Space Port in
  • Achieving a maximum speed of 189 miles (302.4 km) per hour, the plane flew for 2.5 hours over the Mojave Desert at altitudes up to 17,000 feet.
  • As part of the initial flight, the pilots evaluated aircraft performance and handling qualities before landing successfully back at the Mojave Air and Space Port.
  • The test team performed a variety of flight control maneuvers to calibrate speed and test flight control systems, including roll doublets, yawing maneuvers, pushovers and pull-ups, and steady heading side slips.
  • Moreover, it conducted simulated landing approach exercises at a max altitude of 15,000 feet mean sea level.
  • The aircraft has a world-record wingspan of 385 feet, and is 238 feet long. It is wider than any airplane on the planet. It weighs half a million pounds.

Airtel, FICCI Ladies Organisation launch app for women’s safety
  • Bharti Airtel in collaboration with FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) on Sunday launched a mobile app, My Circle, to help women in case they face any problem or a panic situation.
  • The application is carrier agnostic which would work on phones with any telecom service network, both Airtel and non-Airtel.
  • My Circle app enables women to send SOS alerts to any five of their family or friends in 13 languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, Bangla, Urdu, Assamese, Oriya, and Gujarati.
  • A woman in distress can send an SOS alert by pressing the SOS prompt on the app. It can also be activated by voice command through Siri on iOS, the voice activation through Google Assistant will soon be available on Android devices also.
  • The app would instantly send the SOS alert along with the user’s location over SMS to the five contacts selected by the user and advise them to immediately reach out or respond to the emergency situation.
  • The app operates by estimating the accurate location of the user which their family or friends can track real time on a link that is sent as part of the alert SMS.
  • The free-to-download app is available on Google Play store (Android) and will be available on App Store (iOS) soon.

USTM signs MOU with UGC Bangladesh
  • University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh at Sylhet.
  • UGC Bangladesh will facilitate and coordinate the interaction of the universities of Bangladesh with USTM to pursue cooperation in exchange visits by students, faculty and administrators for study and research, teaching and discussions in accordance with regulations of both governments and universities.
  • The pact will help in exchange of materials in education and research, publications, academic information, instruction and cultural programmes, and institution of fellowships.
  • Both the sides agreed for joint research projects and programmes related to global education in areas of peace and conflict transformation; water resource and solid waste management; women empowerment; micro finance and issues related to the overall spread and promotion of education and for all round development of both the countries in specified areas.
  • This non-binding Agreement will be effective for a period of five years but will be automatically renewed by mutual agreement for an additional five years, unless the UGC and USTM provide written notification of a decision of non-renewal prior to the expiration date.

 

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Assam Current Affairs – April 01 – 07, 2019

Current Affairs Assam – April 1 - 7, 2019

( Covers all important Assam Current Affairs & GK topics for the week of April 1 – 7, 2019 )

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April 01, 2019


Reserve Bank of India to issue guidelines for setting up of a Regulatory Sandbox
  • The RBI will be issuing guidelines for the fintech companies to test their new products on a small group of users before scaling up. This Regulatory Sandbox will help fintech companies to launch innovative products at a lower cost and in less time and enable fintech companies to conduct live or virtual testing of their new products and services.
  • The RBI’s working group on FinTech and digital banking in 2017 had recommended that a regulatory sandbox be introduced to experiment with FinTech solutions, where the consequences of failure can be contained and reasons for failure analysed.
  • A Sandbox is a framework set up by a regulator that allows FinTech start-ups to conduct live experiments in a controlled environment under supervision.

Advantage of the Regulatory Sandbox

  • Regulatory Sandbox will provide a well-defined space for the companies to develop new products.
  • Regulatory Sandbox allows for experimenting with their products and fintech solutions. In case of failure, the consequences would be contained and the reasons will be analysed for betterment.
  • Regulatory Sandbox would benefit FinTech companies by way of reduced time to launch innovative products at a lower cost.

Indian rocket lifts off with Emisat satellite for DRDO
  • A new variant of the India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket carrying the electronic intelligence satellite, Emisat for the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) and 28 other third party satellites lifted off from the second launch pad.
  • The PSLV has successfully injected the ISRO-made Emisat satellite and 28 customer satellites at a 504 km altitude. With this launch, India has successfully put into orbit 297 foreign satellites till date.
  • This space mission used a new variant of Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), switching off and on the fourth stage engine couple of times and the use of the fourth stage as an orbital platform carrying three experimental payloads.

FACTFILE – Satellite Launch Vehicle development in India

  • The Satellite Launch Vehicle or SLV was a project started in the early 1970s by the Indian Space Research Organisation to develop the technology needed to launch satellites.
  • SLV was intended to reach a height of 400 kilometres and carry a payload of 40 kg.
  • The first experimental flight of SLV-3, in August 1979, was a failure.
  • The first successful launch took place on 18 July, 1980, which was a four-stage rocket with all solid-propellant motors.
  • The PSLV is a four-stage engine expendable rocket with alternating solid and liquid fuel. ISRO also has two more PSLV variants – Core Alone and the larger PSLV-XL.

Singapore to introduce new law to prevent spread of Fake News
  • Singapore is planning to introduce a law to halt the spread of “fake news,” asking websites to correct erroneous information or even remove articles in extreme cases.
  • The bill will give more power to the government to hold online outlets more accountable if they’re deemed to have deliberately delivered false news.
  • The measures will include requiring them to show corrections or display warnings about online falsehoods so that readers can see all sides and come to their own conclusions.
  • Singapore lashed out at social media giant Facebook Inc. last year, calling the company unreliable after it declined a request to remove an alleged post. The government said then that Facebook’s decision to not remove malicious information on the country shows the need for legislation. 

Vijaya Bank, Dena Bank and Bank of Baroda Merged
  • The amalgamation of Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank into the Bank of Baroda (BoB) will come into effect from April 1 and all branches of the former two will function as branches of Bank of Baroda (BoB).
  • Customers, including depositors of Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank will be treated as customers of Bank of Baroda with effect from April 1, 2019.
  • Union cabinet in January 2019, approved the merger of Vijaya Bank and Dena Bank with BoB. Post the merger, Bank of Baroda with a combined business of Rs 14.82 lakh crore, would be the third largest bank in the country, after State Bank of India (SBI) and ICICI Bank.
  • The merged entity would also receive Rs 5,042 crore fund infusion from the government. The infusion will be by way of preferential allotment of equity shares of the bank.

FACTFILE – Bank of Baroda (BOB)

  • BoB is the second largest public sector bank in India with a business mix of close to US$225 Billions.
  • Based on 2019 data, it is ranked 1145 on Forbes Global 2000 list. BoB has total assets in excess of ₹ 3.58 trillion (making it India’s 2nd biggest bank by assets), a network of 9583 branches in India and abroad, and 10441 ATMs as of July, 2017.
  • The Maharaja of Baroda, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, founded the bank on 20 July 1908 in the Princely State of Baroda, in Gujarat.
  • As many as 10 banks have been merged with Bank of Baroda to date.

April 02, 2019


Assam district develops App for first-time voters
  • The district administration of Bongaigaon has developed a ‘Sankalp’ mobile phone application to especially reach out to the first-time voters.
  • The NIC team has developed the app and it will be launched soon,” Khan, who is also the district election officer for Bongaigaon which falls under Barpeta Parliamentary constituency.
  • Messages will be sent to the first-time voters on their mobile phones, requesting them to download the ‘Sankalp’ app.
  • They will have to input a few details, like name and age, and the app will track their polling station and other details. They will also be able to sign a digital ‘sankalppatra’, promising to cast their votes on the day of polling.

Turing Award 2018 Awarded to Geoffrey Hinton, Yann LeCun and Yoshua Bengio
  • The Turing Award 2018 has been awarded to Geoffrey Hinton, Yann LeCun and Yoshua Bengio who have kickstarted an AI revolution by studying the learning abilities of large artificial neural networks.
  • The deep neural network uses layers of artificial neurons which mimics the structure of animal brains. Such AI is increasingly used in products that people use every day – from smart speakers to Facebook. This forms the backbone of Deep Learning.

FACTFILE – Deep Learning

  • Deep learning involves building computer programs which mimics the structure of animal brains, with many layers of artificial neurons used for processing the data.
  • When the network of neurons digests data, each neuron has individual responses within each layer.
  • These outputs are passed to the next layer until the network finally forms a decision or judgment about the input.
  • This deep learning technology can be used to transcribe human speech or recognise a person’s face in different photographs.

FACTFILE – The Turing Award

  • Turing Award is an annual prize given by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) for individuals who have contributed a lasting and major technical importance to the computer field.
  • The Turing award is accompanied by a prize of US $1 million, with financial support provided by Google.
  • Turing Award is recognized as the highest distinction in computer science and is often referred to as the “Nobel Prize of computing”.

ISRO opens 1st visitors gallery to watch rocket launches
  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), for the first time, opening its launch complex at Sriharikota to common people to view rocket launches live. People can now enjoy watching with their naked eyes the lift-off of the 44-metre-tall and 320-tonne heavy PSLV rocket into the sky from the coast of the Bay of Bengal at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is, for the first time, opening its launch complex at Sriharikota to common people to come and view rocket launches live.
  • A new stadium with a capacity to accommodate 5,000 people has been created on the island of Sriharikota inside Satish Dhawan Space Centre and a website where visitors can register has been opened.
  • The only requirement is a government-recognised photo identification document. Only Indians will be allowed to enter and the facility will soon be expanded to accommodate up to 10,000 people.
  • This is part of the space theme park being made at the space centre, which will include a space museum and large display of Indian rockets. 

Indian Navy inducts sixth indigenous transport ship LCU L56
  • The sixth indigenously designed and built transport ship has been inducted into the Indian Navy. LCU L56 is the sixth ship of Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk-IV class to be inducted into the Indian Navy.
  • Amphibious operations capability including transport of troops, tanks and equipment will get enhanced with the addition of this LCU which will be based at Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
  • The ship is commanded by Lt CdrGopinath Narayan and has a complement of five officers and 50 sailors.

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April 03, 2019


North East People’s Conference 2019 held in Manipur
  • In an effort to create a common political platform for the Northeastern region to fight the challenges, a day-long North East People’s Conference 2019 was held at the City Convention Centre.
  • Hosted by Manipur People against Citizenship (Amendment) Bill (MANPAC), the conference was jointly organised by the civil society organisations of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.
  • Representatives of many civil society organisations such as Joint Committee on Prevention of Illegal Immigrants (JCPI) of Nagaland, Coordination Committee of Tribal Organisations of Assam, Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations and North East Indigenous Peoples’ Parliament, social activists, intellectuals and others participated in the conference.
  • The representatives of other bodies such as CCTOA of Assam and CoMSO of Meghalaya also dwelt on CAB and others issues that threaten the existence of the indigenous population of the region.
  • The Conference is likely to come up with a declaration and formation of a common political platform for NE people to face the challenges in future.

Wipro partners with IIT-Kharagpur for Advanced 5G Research
  • IT services major Wipro and IIT Kharagpur will jointly take up applied research projects on industry challenges related to the design, planning and operations of 5G networks and cognitive information processing for the automation of these processes and 5G use cases.
  • The research will focus on AI research applicable in the healthcare, education and retail sectors as well as in domains such as climate change and cybersecurity.
  • Research outcomes from this partnership will be leveraged by Wipro to develop solutions for its customers, across industry verticals. And IIT Kharagpur will benefit from the commercialisation of the joint research insights and Wipro’s industry expertise.
  • Subject matter experts from Wipro and IIT-Kharagpur will promote knowledge sharing through guest lectures, workshops and seminars on 5G and AI.

Centre pays sovereign guarantees to ADB
  • Central government has paid up on sovereign guarantees to Asian Development Bank (ADB) and KfW, a state-run bank of Germany.
  • Payment of around $2 million or Rs 13.84 crore has been made to ADB at the least in the last couple of months and around Rs 5 crore has been paid to KfW.
  • In 2009, the government of India had issued a sovereign guarantee on behalf of Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services (IL&FS).

FACTFILE – ADB

  • The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank established on 19 December 1966, which is headquartered in the Ortigas Center located in the city of Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines.
  • The company also maintains 31 field offices around the world to promote social and economic development in Asia.
  • Japan and United States hold the largest proportion of shares at 15.607%. China holds 6.444%, India holds 6.331%, and Australia holds 5.786%.
  • The bank admits the members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP, formerly the Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East or ECAFE) and non-regional developed countries.
  • Membership – 68 countries
  • President – Takehiko Nakao

US approves sale of submarine-hunting copters to India
  • The US has approved the sale of 24 submarine-hunting MH-60R Seahawk Multi-Mission helicopters to India in a $2.6 billion deal aimed at strengthening their strategic relationship.
  • The DSCA said that it received the approval from the State Department for the sale and it has notified the Congress about it.
  • The helicopters, nicknamed “Romeo”, will give India the capability to perform anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions and also perform peacetime operations like search and rescue.
  • The approval for the sale comes as India and the US strengthen their strategic cooperation, with President Donald Trump raising India to the status of a major defence partner in his administration’s vision for a secure Indo-Pacific region buttressed by the two major democracies at either end.

FACTFILE – Defense Security Cooperation Agency

  • The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), as part of the United States Department of Defense (DoD), provides financial and technical assistance, transfer of defense materiel, training and services to allies, and promotes military-to-military contacts.
  • Security Cooperation (SC) is founded on a tradition of cooperation between the United States and other sovereign nations with similar values and interests in order to meet common defense goals.
  • It consists of a group of programs authorized by the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, and the Arms Export Control Act, as amended, and related statutes by which the DoD or commercial contractor provide defense articles and services in furtherance of national policies and objectives.

 April 04, 2019


Guwahati is fast becoming a favourite healthcare destination for Myanmar patients
  • According to Dr Gitartha Roymedhi, a healthcare management specialist and chief operating officer at the North East Cancer Hospital and Research Institute (NECHRI), Jorabat, patients from Myanmar, particularly cancer patients, nowadays prefer the hospitals of Guwahati for quality healthcare.
  • Last month a number of cancer patients had travelled to the city from Mandalay, Myanmar searching for better and upgraded cancer care. Many other patients from the neighbouring country are trying to contact NECHRI through email and social media.
  • The Myanmarese Gorkha community prefer North East India as their healthcare destination. They can easily travel to Moreh in Manipur. They can acquire the medical visa in a short time from the Indian Embassy in Mandalay after submitting all the required documents along with the invitation letter issued by the hospital.
  • Many Myanmarese patients travel to countries like Malaysia and Singapore for better and quality treatment. But for the middle-class Myanmarese citizens Guwahati is turning into the best choice as they can have quality treatment and services at cheaper rates.
  • Myanmar has a large Gorkha population who have been living in that country for centuries. During the British rule in Myanmar (then Burma) and World War II, a large number of Gorkhas migrated to that country.

Odisha’s Kandhamal Haldi gets GI Tag
  • Southern Odisha’s Kandhamal Haldi gets Geographical indication (GI) tag.
  • Kandhamal in Odisha’s southern hinterland is famous for its turmeric cultivation, a spice that enjoys its pride of place in an array of cuisines.
  • Kandhamal Haldi has more oleoresin and volatile oil contents compared to other turmeric varieties. It gives a strong aroma and has a high medicinal value.

FACTFILE –  Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

  • Geographical Indication defines the goods as originating in the territory of a country or a region or locality in that territory, provided a given quality reputation or other characteristics of the product are attributable to its geographical origin.
  • The product to acquire GI tag has to indicate that the product is of a particular origin has a certain quality or reputation or some other characteristics, which is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.
  • The GI tag in India is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection Act), 1999.

UAE conferred its highest civilian honour on PM Narendra Modi
  • The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has conferred its highest civilian honour, the Zayed Medal, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  • PM Modi was honoured by President Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in appreciation of the Indian leader’s role in consolidating the long-standing friendship and joint strategic cooperation between the two countries.
  • Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said Modi had played a pivotal role in enhancing bilateral ties to the level of comprehensive strategic relations.
  • He expressed “his pride at the strong friendship and cooperation between the UAE and India, and wished the country and its people continued progress, prosperity, security and stability”
  • The Order of Zayed is the United Arab Emirates’ highest civil decoration named after Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. 

ADB projects India’s GDP growth to rise to 7.2
  • Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2019, the ADB projects India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth to rise to 7.2 per cent in 2019 and reach 7.3 per cent in fiscal 2020, reversing two years of declining growth as reforms to improve the business and investment climate take effect.
  • India will remain one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world this year given strong household spending and corporate fundamentals.
  • India has a golden opportunity to cement recent economic gains by becoming more integrated in global value chains.
  • The country’s young workforce, an improving business climate, and a renewed focus on export expansion all support this.
  • The report said that the income support to farmers, hikes in procurement prices for food grains, and tax relief to tax payers earning less than Rs 500,000 ($7,212) will boost household income.
  • Consumer price inflation is expected to rise to 4.3 per cent in finacial year 2019, and 4.6 per cent in the following one, as food costs increase slightly and domestic demand strengthens. Inflation is expected to average around 4 per cent in the first half of fiscal 2019.

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April 05, 2019


Guwahati Railway Station first to get ISO 14001: 2015 certification
  • Guwahati Railway Station has become the first station in India to obtain the ISO 14001: 2015 certification for implementation of environment management system.
  • The certification has been issued for “providing passenger amenities in clean and green environment throughout the entire railway station premises with high class reserve (VIP) lounge, waiting rooms, AC and non-AC retiring rooms, refreshing area, food courts and sanitation.”
  • As per direction of the National Green Tribunal, NF Railway had given consultancy contract for environment management system to M/s Caliber Management Solutions in February this year.
  • M/s Caliber Management Solution is a consultancy firm based in Delhi and Guwahati which is the authorised associate of TNV Certification.
  • TNV Certification is the authorised certification body of the International Accreditation Services (IAS) of United States of America, which is a member of International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
  • While ISO makes standard and policy, IAF regulates and authorises certification bodies to issue certificates after assessment to meet compliance as per related standard.
  • M/s Caliber Management Solution had started auditing the facilities at the Guwahati Railway Station on February 22 and completed the work on March 22 March.
  • The certification will be reviewed in 2020 and so stricter environment norms regarding waste disposal, etc., have to be adhered to by NF Railway in the Guwahati station area. Provision of mechanised cleaning, anti-rodent treatment, use of standard cleaning chemicals, etc., which are already in place, will be monitored and audited by the certifying agencies.

RBI sets limits for Ways and Means Advances at Rs 75000 crore
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in consultation with the Government of India has set the limits for “Ways and Means Advances (WMA)” for the first half of the financial year 2019-20 (April 2019 to September 2019) at Rs 75000 crore.

FACTFILE – “Ways and Means Advances (WMA)”

  • Ways and Means Advances is the temporary loan facility provided by the RBI to the Centre and State Governments.
  • The WMA scheme was introduced in 1997 to meet any temporary mismatches in the receipts and payments of the Government.
  • The WMA needs to be vacated after 90 days. The interest rate for WMA is currently charged at the repo rate.
  • The limits for WMA are decided by the RBI and in consultation with the Government of India. Further, the RBI provides an overdraft facility when the WMA limit is breached.
  • For the State Governments, there are two types of WMA – Special and Normal WMA.
  • Special WMA is provided against the collateral of the government securities held by the State Government.
  • After the exhaustion of the special WMA limit, the State Government are provided with a normal WMA which is based on a three-year average of actual revenue and capital expenditure of the state.

Railways to provide quality healthcare facilities via Microsoft Kaizala
  • The Indian Railways will use Microsoft Kaizala to connect its employees across the country with quality healthcare facilities.
  • Microsoft Kaizala is a mobile-only product that makes it simple for organisations to seamlessly communicate, collaborate and complete tasks, bringing together desktop users and mobile-only users.
  • The Kaizala app will enable serving and retired railway employees to avail healthcare services of 125 railway and 133 private recognised hospitals.
  • On registering for the healthcare services, Indian Railway employees will be able to search on Microsoft Kaizala, the nearest hospitals and doctors and the list of empanelled diagnostic centres and health units.
  • Employees can book doctor appointments, share diagnostic lab reports directly with their doctors and save digital records in ‘Me Chat’ of Microsoft Kaizala.
  • They will also be able to access key announcements and share their feedback to improve the quality of medical services with built in action cards.

Russia launches cargo ship to space station
  • Russia successfully launched a Progress MS-11 unpiloted cargo resupply spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS).
  • The launch of the spacecraft by the Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket was carried out.
  • The spacecraft, will deliver over 2.5 tonnes of fuel, condensed air and oxygen, water, food and other cargoes necessary for the operation of the station in manned mode.

April 06, 2019


Phayenga village in Manipur is the first carbon-positive tag in India
  • Phayenga village in Manipur has been tagged as India’s first carbon-positive settlement.
  • The village in Imphal West district is surrounded by three densely forested hillocks with fruit trees at centre and a stream flowing through it.
  • The residents transformed the village with funding under National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC), a central scheme to support adaptation to climate change impact in various states.
  • Phayeng is the first Indian village which has been developed on the carbon-positive model.
  • A village is given the tag of carbon-positive settlement if it sequesters more carbon than it emits, slowing the accumulation of greenhouse gases and mitigating the effects of climate change.

India’s first ‘Cold Spray’ SMART lab to be set up at IIT Madras
  • The Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) announced its collaboration with American conglomerate General Electric (GE) to set up a lab that will develop advanced services technology for aircraft engine components.
  • The ‘Cold Spray’ SMART (Surface Modification and Additive Research Technologies) Laboratory is the first-of-its-kind being installed in any academic institute in India.
  • It is an emerging technology for advanced manufacturing and services and will be utilised to co-develop processes for aero-engine applications.
  • Cold spray technology is different from other widely used thermal spray processes in that there is no melting and oxidation of powders. Thus, high quality coatings can be produced.
  • Moreover, the deposition rates are very high, leading to less powder wastage and it can be used for additive manufacturing and repair of components.

GRSE Becomes “First Indian Shipyard” to Build 100 Warships
  • State-owned Garden Reach Ship Builders and Engineers Ltd. has become the first Indian shipyard to build and deliver 100 warships.
  • GRSE had handed over its 100th warship ‘IN LCU L-56’ to the Indian Navy and 99th warship, ‘ICGS Priyadarshini’, an advanced ‘Fast Patrol Vessel’ to the Indian Coast Guard.

FACTFILE – Garden Reach Ship Builders and Engineers Limited

  • Based in Kolkata, Garden Reach Ship Builders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) is a shipbuilding company in India under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.
  • GRSE primarily caters to the shipbuilding requirements of the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard. In addition to its ship and warship building capabilities, GRSE is also engaged in engine production and other engineering activities.
  • In 1934, GRSE was incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1913 and was later acquired by the Government of India from Macneill & Barry Limited on May 19, 1960.
  • In 2006, GRSE was conferred upon the status of Mini Ratna.

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April 07, 2019


Assam witnessed very few woman candidates for LS polls
  • Voters of the State have never elected more than two woman candidates to the Lok Sabha in any single parliamentary election. Although most political parties swear by the agenda of amending the Constitution to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in legislature, it is noteworthy that very few woman candidates have contested the Lok Sabha polls from Assam in past years.
  • During the first Lok Sabha polls held in 1951-52, only two woman candidates contested the first Lok Sabha polls from Assam, out of total 12 seats. One of them, Bonily Khongmen of the Indian National Congress (INC), got elected from the Autonomous District constituency.
  • In the second Lok Sabha election held in 1957, two number of woman contestants in the State and both had won.
  • In the 1962 LS polls, three woman candidates contested in Assam and two of them emerged victorious, viz. Jyotsna Chanda from Cachar constituency and Renuka Devi Barkataki from Barpeta.
  • In the fourth Lok Sabha elections, the number of constituencies in Assam increased to 14 but the number of woman contestants in Assam again fell to two, and one of them, Jyotsna Chanda from Cachar was elected.
  • Jyotsna Chanda of INC from Cachar was once again the lone woman MP in the 1971 General Elections from the State.
  • In the 1977 Lok Sabha elections, a total of three woman candidates were among those in the fray and two emerged victorious. The winners were Rashida Haque Choudhury from Silchar and Renuka Devi Barkataki from Guwahati constituency.
  • The seventh Lok Sabha polls in 1980 were not held in the constituencies of the Brahmaputra Valley. However, elections took place for the two seats in the Barak Valley and two woman contestants were in the fray from those constituencies and both lost.
  • No woman MP was elected to the Lok Sabha from Assam during the 1980 General Elections and the trend continued till 1998.
  • Polls to the parliamentary constituencies of Assam and Punjab were held only in 1985, four woman candidates contested from the seats in Assam but none was elected.
  • Elections to the Lok Sabha constituencies of Assam were not held in 1989. In the General Elections to the tenth Lok Sabha in 1991, eight woman contestants were in the fray from the constituencies of Assam and all were defeated.
  • In the 1996 Lok Sabha polls, nine woman candidates contested in the state but none was elected.
  • In the 1998 Lok Sabha polls, three women contested and Ranee Narah got elected from Lakhimpur constituency.
  • There were nine woman candidates in the state in 1999 polls for the 13th Lok Sabha and two of them won.
  • In the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, all six woman candidates faced defeat.
  • In the General Elections to the 15th Lok Sabha held in 2009, the 11 number of woman contestanted but only two got elected, Ranee Narah from Lakhimpur constituency and Bijoya Chakravarty from Guwahati.
  • The 16th General Elections held in 2014 witnessed the highest number of woman candidates, a total of 16 women, contested in the state but only two of them, Bijoya Chakravarty from Guwahati and Sushmita Dev from Silchar, emerged winners.

India inks MOU to set up agriculture, rural development institute in Malawi
  • India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Consultancy Service (NABCONS) for setting up the India-Africa Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development (IAIARD) in Malawi.
  • Ministry of External Affairs signed with NABCONS for setting up IAIARD, an attempt to complement the efforts of the Government of India to enhance capacity in the areas of agro-financing and entrepreneurship development for African countries.
  • IAIARD will be a pan-African institute wherein trainees not only from Malawi but also from other African countries, will receive training to develop their human resources and build their capacity.
  • IAIARD will develop training programmes in the areas of micro-financing and agro-financing, among others.
  • This institute will be the first of its kind developed in an African country by India. This will further strengthen bilateral relations with Malawi and India’s relations with the African Union.

FACTFILE – Malawi

  • Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland.
  • Malawi spans over 118,484 km2 and has an estimated population of 18,091,575.
  • Its capital is Lilongwe, which is also Malawi’s largest city; the second largest is Blantyre, the third largest is Mzuzu and the fourth largest is its old capital Zomba.
  • The country is also nicknamed “The Warm Heart of Africa” because of the friendliness of the people.
  • Malawi has a low life expectancy and high infant mortality. There is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, which is a drain on the labour force and government expenditures.

IIT Delhi and BIS sign MOU for setting up a Centre of Excellence
  • The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) have signed an MoU for collaboration in standardization and conformity assessment.
  • As per the MoU, they will be setting up a centre of excellence in testing and conformity assessment and standardization.
  • It will have the branding of BIS at IIT Delhi campus.
  • There has also been an agreement for the appointment of a Chair in the same fields.
  • The MoU was signed by director general (DG) BIS, SurinaRajan and IIT Delhi Director, V Ramgopal Rao.
  • IIT Delhi will also develop the required infrastructure support for research projects with respect to standardization and will also offer financial support to IIT-Delhi for the same.
  • The MoU will be for five years initially and it can be extended later. BIS and IIT have also planned other initiatives such as the exchange of information on educational programmes and research related to standardization and conformity assessment.

 

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