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Current Affairs Magic

Current Affairs Magic May 1 to June 5, 2018 www.globalias.in

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Weekly Current Affairs Update

For the Week: May 1 to June 5, 2018

HEADLINES

Section A: INDIA

India signs up for USD 200-million loan from World Bank for nutrition mission

HRD Ministry launches online training programme for higher education faculty using SWAYAM

Govt to expand Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in Tribal Districts

100 more ‗one stop centres‘ for women in distress approved

Dakota aircraft joins IAF again

Military exercise Vijay Prahar concludes

UPSC releases civil services 2017 marks, topper gets 55.6 per cent

ICMR launches month-long campaign on hypertension to raise awareness

Cabinet approves setting up of 20 AIIMS across the country, upgrade 73 medical colleges

AIR to broadcast dawn chorus of birds on May 6

Cabinet secretary gets second extension, to hold post till June 2019

Mallikarjun Kharge re-appointed PAC Chairman

Frank Noronha retires as Principal Director General of PIB

Eminent scholar and Marxist economist Ashok Mitra dies at 90

Former IAF chief Idris Hassan Latif dies at 94

Chhota Rajan, 8 others get life imprisonment for murder of journalist

Section B: INDIA & THE WORLD

Tackling climate change: Global Covenant of Mayors launches its South Asia chapter

UNSECO organises South Asian Conference on education in Kathmandu

India, China hold border personnel meet at Chusul in Ladakh

India, Sri Lanka to firm up plan to combat drug crimes

Cultural festival held in Egypt to mark birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore

3rd edition of UNPCAP being organised in New Delhi

Swaraj holds talks with Serbian counterpart; vows to boost trade, defence ties

10 Indian cities out of 20 rank among the most polluted in the world: WHO

India, US explore ways to boost cooperation in Indo-Pacific region

Indian, French navies begin final phase of Varuna exercise

Joint Indo-Malaysian military exercise commences at Kuala Lumpur

India Japan Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi

CBDT notifies the Protocol amending DTAA with Kuwait

7 Indian engineers abducted in Afghanistan by Taliban gunmen

Direct flight launched between Herat and New Delhi started

SCO Secretary-General visits India

AMCHAM India elects Krish Iyer as new Chairperson



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Section C: WORLD

Basque separatists ETA announce dissolution

Military spending rises to $1.8 trillion in 2017, India among top 5 spenders: SIPRI

Scotland becomes first to start minimum alcohol pricing

Dominican Republic severs diplomatic ties with Taiwan, establishes with Beijing

Pyongyang aligns time zone with Seoul

S. Korea to remove propaganda loudspeakers at shared border

USA and Philippines launch ―Balikatan‖ war games

Nobel literature prize will not be awarded this year

Singapore-Kuala Lumpur is world‘s busiest international air route

Cambridge Analytica shuts downs after FB data scandal; files for bankruptcy

1,374 dancing drones set Guinness record in China

World Press Freedom Day observed on May 3

World Asthma Day observed on May 1

Pak-origin MP Sajid Javid appointed new UK home secretary

Shabana Azmi named ambassador for project founded by Hillary Clinton

Film academy expels Bill Cosby, Roman Polanski

Sri Lankan filmmaker Lester James Peiris dies at 99

Imprisoned Bolivian ex-dictator Garcia Meza dies at 88

Section D: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

First organised census for Indus dolphins to be carried out in India in Punjab

Govt launches National Water Informatics Centre to maintain data on water resources

Marine Observation System Along the Indian Coast to be set up

Earth Sciences Ministry to procure polar research vehicle

Google, NITI Aayog join hands for expanding India‘s AI ecosystem

IIT students develop mobile app to monitor health of heart patients

NASA blasts off Mars-bound spacecraft, InSight

NASA probe unveils stormy environment of Jupiter‘s moon

Australia pledges $34 million to help save koala population

Section E: AWARDS

Chandrapur and Ballarshah most beautiful railway stations

Four academics receive Visitor‘s Award from President

Fiji‘s ex-PM Mahendra Chaudhry chosen for Krishna Menon Award

43rd Matri Shree Awards announced; Toilet: Ek Prem Katha chosen best film

ONV Literary Prize for Malayalam writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair

Patty Jenkins to receive 2018 Women in Motion Award at Cannes Film Festival

Section F: BANKING & FINANCE

RBI allows FPIs to invest in treasury bills

Ashok Lahiri appointed full-time member of 15th

Finance Commission

Section G: ECONOMY



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GSTN to be converted to govt entity

GST Council announces simplified return filing process

India tops list of fastest growing economies for coming decade: Harvard study

Govt doubles PMVVY pension investment limit to Rs 15 lakh; extends scheme by 2 years

Forex reserve decline to $420.36 billion for the week ended April 20

DoT releases draft of the National Telecom Policy (NTP) 2018

Cabinet approves financial assistance to sugar mills for clearing cane dues of farmers

Cabinet approves continuation of ‗Green Revolution - Krishonnati Yojana‘

Cabinet approves for accession to protocol on eliminating illicit trade in tobacco products

Cabinet approves formation of technical cadre of PESO

CCEA approves renaming of MsDP as ‗Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram‘

Govt approves restructuring of Indian Bureau of Mines

EPFO discontinues services through CSC ‗pending vulnerability checks‘

April gross GST revenue collection at over Rs 1 lakh crore

Core sector growth rate slows to 4.1% in March; 4.2% in 2017-18

Govt launches pilot scheme to buy 2.5 GW from power plants not having PPAs

DGCA announces logo design contest

Cabinet approves ordinance to amend law for speedy disposal of commercial disputes

India slips 3 notches to 11th spot in AT Kearney FDI Confidence Index

Telecom Commission clears proposal for in-flight mobile services

Subhash Chandra Khuntia appointed as IRDAI Chairman

Section H: CORPORATE

DSP Group to buy out BlackRock‘s stake in JV

Ola launches new initiative for social causes

Infibeam to buy Snapdeal‘s Unicommerce in Rs 120-cr deal

L&T inks pact with Schneider Electric to divest electrical, automation business

HPCL begins home-delivery of diesel in Mumbai

Maruti Suzuki set to shake up the vehicle lubricant market

Patanjali ranked as most trusted FMCG brand in India

Cognizant buys data analytics firm Hedera

Nestle to pay $7 billion in cash to sell Starbucks coffee worldwide

Sainsbury‘s to buy Asda to create top UK supermarket chain

Marathon to become top U.S. refiner with $23 billion Andeavor buy

PM Modi most liked leader in world on Facebook

Section I: STATES

Uma Bharti launches Gobardhan Yojana from Haryana

Haryana govt. to bear interest on loans taken by SHGs

Tourism Minister inaugurates Indian Culinary Institute, Noida Campus

SC strikes down Uttar Pradesh law allowing ex-CMs to keep govt house

New weekly Antyodaya train launched on Durg-Ferozpur route

SpiceJet launches direct flight between Delhi and Adampur

Shivaji statue height increased, to be world‘s tallest at 212



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Odisha, Tata Trust sign MoU to set up cancer hospital

‗Go to Village‘ mission launched by CM in Manipur

Leisang in Manipur becomes country‘s last village to get electricity

NPP wins Williamnagar Assembly seat in Meghalaya

Pawan Chamling pips Jyoti Basu to become India‘s longest serving CM

Kavinder Gupta sworn in as Deputy CM in J&K

Director Arjun Hingorani, who launched Dharmendra, dies at 92

Noted Malayalam novelist Pushpanath passes dies at 80

Renowned Marathi singer Arun Date dies at 84

Noted Odia lyricist Gurukrushna Goswami dies at 84

Freedom fighter, writer Keyur Bhushan dies at 90

Karnataka BJP MLA Vijayakumar passes away

Independent MLA Dinesh Rai joins BJP in MP

Section J: SPORTS

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra creates new national record at Diamond League

China‘s Liang breaks women‘s 50km race walking world record

India win 2 golds at Grand Prix of Liberation Shooting in Czech republic

Shahzar Rizvi ranked World No. 1 in 10m air pistol

Sahaj Grover wins Capablanca chess tournament

China won both men‘s and women‘s titles at table tennis world championships

Taro Daniel wins Men‘s Singles title at Istanbul Open tennis

Zverev overpowers Kohlschreiber in ATP Munich final

Two Malaysian badminton players handed career-ending bans

Harbhajan Singh launches his talk show

India will not play day-night test in Australia: BCCI to Cricket Australia

Ramit Tandon wins Abu Dhabi Open Squash

Sanghyun Park wins GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship

India finish on top at South Asian Junior Athletics Championships

Liverpool‘s Salah wins Football Writers‘ Footballer of the Year award

Former AIFF Secretary PP Lakshmanan dies at 83

Harendra Singh appointed coach of men‘s hockey team

India‘s Neeraj Goyat is WBC Asia Boxer of the Year



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Section A: INDIA

NEWS ROUND UP

India signs up for USD 200-million loan from World Bank for nutrition mission

India signed an agreement with the World Bank on May 7, 2018 for a USD 200-million loan for the National Nutrition Mission

(POSHAN Abhiyaan) to achieve its goal of reducing stunting in children aged 0-6 years from 38.4 per cent to 25 per cent by

2022.

The loan will support the first phase of scaling up of interventions in 315 districts across all states and union territories.

POSHAN Abhiyaan was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 8 in Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan.

A large component of POSHAN Abhiyaan involves gradual scaling-up of the interventions supported by the ongoing World

Bank-assisted Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Systems Strengthening and Nutrition Improvement Project

(ISSNIP) to all districts in the country over a three-year period.

With a focus on improving the coverage and quality of ICDS nutrition services to pregnant and lactating women and children

under three years of age, the project will include investments in improving the skills and capacities of ICDS staff and

community nutrition workers, and grievance redress and establishing mobile technology based tools for improved monitoring

and management of services for better outreach to beneficiaries during the critical 1,000 day window for nutrition impact.

The project will additionally ensure convergence of all nutrition-related schemes and provide performance-based incentives

to states and community nutrition and health workers, facilitating a focus on results.

HRD Ministry launches online training programme for higher education faculty using SWAYAM

Human Resource Development Ministry has launched a major and unique initiative of online professional development of 1.5

million higher education faculty using the Massive Open Online Courses platform SWAYAM. In the first phase, 75 discipline-

specific National Resource Centres (NRCs) have been identified.

NRCs are tasked to prepare online training material with focus on new and emerging trends, pedagogical improvements and

methodologies for transacting revised curriculum. All in-service teachers, irrespective of their subject and seniority will have

an enabling opportunity to keep abreast of the latest developments in their disciplines through the online refresher course.

Faculty can benefit from this initiative as it is highly flexible and can be done at one‘s own pace and time. A varied set of

institutions such as Central, State and Open Universities, National Institutes for Technical Teachers Training, IITs, IIITs, NITs and

other have been notified as NRCs. These NRCs will cover wide-ranging disciplines of Social Sciences, Sciences, Engineering

and Technology and other disciplines.

Govt to expand Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in Tribal Districts

Tribal Affairs Ministry will expand Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in Tribal Districts across the country. The aim of the establishment

of these Kendras is to provide skill upgradation and capacity building training to increase the incomes of tribal. Officials at the

Tribal Affairs Ministry recently held a meeting in this regard to formulate the arrangements to decide the modalities.



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The Van Dhan Vikas Kendras will be an important milestone in economic development of tribals involved in collection of

Minor Forest Produce (MFP) by helping them in optimum utilization of natural resources. TRIFED will provide the training and

technical support.

This first model Van Dhan Vikas Kendra is being implemented in Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh for training of 300

beneficiaries with an outlay of over 43 lakh rupees for training, providing equipments and tools for primary level processing.

This initiative is aimed at mainstreaming the tribal community by promoting primary level value addition to MFP at grassroots

level.

Through this initiative, the share of tribals in the value chain of Non-Timber Forest Produce is expected to rise from the

present 20 per cent to around 60 per cent.

100 more „one stop centres‟ for women in distress approved

Hundred more ‗one stop centres‘ for helping women in distress will be set up in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,

Maharashtra, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh. The proposals for these additional centres were

approved in a programme approval board meeting of the Ministry of Women and Child Development on May 7, 2018. The

ministry has set up 182 such centres since April, 2015. Over 1.3 lakh women affected by violence have been assisted at these

centres till date in 33 states and union territories. These centres act as a one-stop facility to provide all kinds of aid to women

in distress including medical help, counselling, legal and police assistance, besides providing them with temporary stay.

Dakota aircraft joins IAF again

A restored Dakota joined the Indian Air Force on May 4, 2018 in an induction ceremony at Hindan air force station, more than

four decades after the aircraft fleet was phased out. The Dakota DC-3 VP 905 was formally inducted into the IAF at a grand

ceremony at Hindan where a key was received by the Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal B S Dhanoa from Air Commodore (retd) M

K Chandrasekhar whose son and Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar bought and restored the aircraft. The restored

Dakota has been rechristened as ‗Parashuram‘. The aircraft commenced its journey from the UK on April 17 and finally landed

on Indian soil at air force station Jamnagar on April 25. After 1971, the Dakota was replaced by Avro HS-748.

Military exercise Vijay Prahar concludes

Over 20,000 soldiers from the strike formations of the Indian Army participated in the Vijay Prahar military drill near the

border with Pakistan in Rajasthan. The month-long drill, which concluded on May 9, was organised promote and enhance

jointmanship and integration between the Indian Air Force and the Army.

UPSC releases civil services 2017 marks, topper gets 55.6 per cent

The UPSC has released the marks of candidates who cleared the civil services 2017 examination and the first-rank holder,

Durishetty Anudeep, has got 55.60 percent marks, reflecting the tough standards of the test. The 28-year old Indian Revenue

Service Officer scored 1,126 marks -- 950 in the written test and 176 in the interview -- out of 2,025, according to the Union

Public Service Commission (UPSC). The main exam is of 1,750 marks and the interview 275.

ICMR launches month-long campaign on hypertension to raise awareness

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on May 2, 2018 said 10.8 per cent of all deaths in India are caused by

hypertension as it launched a month-long awareness campaign in collaboration with the Public Health Foundation of India

and the International Society of Hypertension, along with over 50 partner institutions. Termed as ‗May Measurement Month



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2018‘, the campaign called upon organisations and institutions to join the movement and help screen and spread awareness

regarding raised blood pressure, which is a leading risk factor for morbidity and mortality in India. Hypertension is attributable

to 10.8 per cent of all deaths in India, the ICMR said.



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Cabinet approves setting up of 20 AIIMS across the country, upgrade 73 medical colleges

Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on May 3, 2018 approved a plan to set up 20 All India Institute of

Medical Sciences (AIIMS) across the country and upgrade 73 medical colleges. The decisions are part of the Pradhan Mantri

Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY), which has been extended by two years till 2020 with a financial outlay of 14,832 crore

rupees. The decision to extend the PMSSY is aimed at meeting the shortfall in healthcare professionals and facilities across the

country. The construction of new AIIMS will be fully funded by the Central government and it will also bear the operations

and maintenance expenses of these facilities.

AIR to broadcast dawn chorus of birds on May 6

The All India Radio (AIR) will broadcast a dawn chorus of birds from West Bengal‘s Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary to mark the

International Dawn Chorus Day on May 6, an official statement said on May 3, 2018. International Dawn Chorus Day is

celebrated worldwide on first Sunday of May every year to appreciate the primordial symphony of nature. The dawn chorus is

the collective sound of birds singing at the start of a new day.

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Anita Gets Bail: What Are Our Courts Doing? What Should We Do About Them? By Arun Shourie

Appointment of Judges to the Supreme Court of India: Transparency, Accountability and Independence by Arghya Sengupta

& Ritwika Sharma

Twilight Falls on Liberalism by Rudrangshu Mukherjee

Against the Grain: Notes on Identity, Intolerance and History by DN Jha

Dividing Lines: Contours of India-China Conflict by K. N. Raghavan

Eleven Gods and a Billion Indians: The On and Off the Field Story of Cricket in India and Beyond by Boria Majumdar

Speaking Rivers: Environmental History of a Mid-Ganga Flood Country, 1540-1885 by Vipul Singh

Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI by Paul R. Daugherty & H. James Wilson

The Fever: How Malaria Has Ruled Humankind for 500,000 Years by Sonia Shah

Seven Decades of Independent India: Ideas and Reflections by Vinod Rai and Amitendu Palit

The Dawn of Eurasia by Bruno Macaes

Hicky‘s Bengal Gazette: The Untold Story of India‘s First Newspaper by Andrew Otis

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Return to Jammu by V. Raghunathan

NEWSMAKERS

Cabinet secretary gets second extension, to hold post till June 2019

Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha was on May 7, 2018 given a one- year extension to the post. The Appointments

Committee of the Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved his extension to the top post till June 12

2018. Sinha, 62, was in May 2015 appointed cabinet secretary for a fixed two-year term. This is his second extension after he

took over the new assignment from June 13, 2015.



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Before his appointment to the post, he was the power secretary. He had earlier served as the shipping secretary and had also

held several other important positions in the Union government and in his cadre state, Uttar Pradesh.

The cabinet secretariat is under the direct charge of the prime minister. The administrative head of the secretariat is the

cabinet secretary who is also the ex-officio chairman of the civil services board.

The cabinet secretariat assists in decision-making in the government by ensuring inter-ministerial coordination and ironing

out differences among ministries or departments, among other tasks.

Mallikarjun Kharge re-appointed PAC Chairman

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has been re-appointed chairman of the 22-member Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of

Parliament for its fresh term starting from May 1, 2018.

A majority of the members of this parliamentary panel, which is headed by an opposition leader, are from the ruling NDA.

Kharge, an MP from Gulbarga (Karnataka), is the leader of Congress party in Lok Sabha.

Members of the PAC cannot hold minister post. The post of PAC Chairman is always given to the member of a political party

which has second largest presence after the ruling party in the Parliament. PAC‘s primary role is to examine the audit report of

CAG after it is laid in the Parliament. The CAG assists the committee during the course of investigation.

Among other key panels, Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan has also re-appointed veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi

as Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Estimates. Another veteran BJP leader Shanta Kumar has been renamed

Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Undertakings.

The PAC and the Public Undertakings Committee have 22 members each -- 15 from Lok Sabha and 7 from Rajya Sabha. The

committee on estimates has 30 members, all from Lok Sabha.

All the three financial committees will have fresh one-year tenures, starting May 1.

The panel on estimates, which is also called the ‗continuous economy committee‘, suggests changes in policy or

administrative framework to bring efficiency in expenditure.

The panel on public undertakings examines the reports and accounts of PSUs and also the CAG audit reports on public sector

enterprises. It also ascertains whether PSUs are being managed as per sound business and commercial principles and

practices.

Frank Noronha retires as Principal Director General of PIB

Frank Noronha, the Principal Director General of the Press Information Bureau (PIB), retired on April 30, 2018. He was

succeeded by senior IIS officer Sitanshu Kar. Noronha, a 1982-batch Indian Information Service (IIS) officer, was appointed as

the head of the PIB in August, 2014. Prior to his posting in the AIR in November 2015, Kar was serving as the spokesperson of

the Defence Ministry. A 1983-batch IIS officer, Kar had joined the Defence Ministry in 2005.

Eminent scholar and Marxist economist Ashok Mitra dies at 90

Eminent scholar and Marxist economist Ashok Mitra, who also served as the finance minister of West Bengal and chief

economic adviser to the Government of India, passed away in Kolkata on May 1, 2018 at the age of 90. Born in Bangladesh,



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Mitra taught at the Lucknow University after completing master in economics from Benares Hindu University. He got his Ph.D

from Netherlands. He worked for the World Bank, taught at the Delhi School of Economics and IIM Calcutta. Mitra was finance

minister of West Bengal from 1977-87. In the mid-1990s he became a member of the Rajya Sabha. He was the Chief Economic

Adviser to the government of India from 1970 to 1972 when Indira Gandhi was the prime minister.

Former IAF chief Idris Hassan Latif dies at 94

Former Chief of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Idris Hassan Latif, passed away in Hyderabad on April 30, 2018 at the

age of 94. Latif was Chief of the IAF from September 1978 to August 1981. He joined the Royal Indian Air Force in 1941 at the

age of 18 and was commissioned in 1942. During 1943-44, he was one of the few Indian pilots to be seconded to the Royal

Air Force in the United Kingdom. He returned to India in 1944 and took part in the Burma campaign. After his retirement in

1981, he held the gubernatorial posts of Governor of Maharashtra and Indian Ambassador to France.

Chhota Rajan, 8 others get life imprisonment for murder of journalist

A special court in Mumbai on May 1, 2018 awarded life imprisonment to all the nine convicted, including gangster Chhota

Rajan nearly seven years after senior journalist Jyotirmoy Dey was shot dead. The court acquitted former journalist Jigna Vora,

who was charged with instigating Rajan to carry out the killing in 2011. This is the first major conviction for Rajan since he was

deported to India following his arrest at Bali airport in Indonesia in 2015. Dey was shot by two motorcycle-borne men on June

11, 2011 in suburban Powai when he was on his way to his residence. He worked as a senior editor for the tabloid, Mid Day.



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NEWS ROUND UP

Tackling climate change: Global Covenant of Mayors launches its South Asia chapter

To tackle the effects of climate change, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy (GCoM) on May 5, 2018

launched a chapter for South Asian countries and urged mayors and commissioners from India as well as local governments

across the region to join the coalition and commit to moving towards a low-carbon and climate resilient economy.

The Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy-South Asia (GCoM-SA) aims to support the efforts of cities in India,

Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make their communities more

resilient toward the effects of climate change.

It was launched within the context of the South Asian Cities Summit and with support from the European Union (EU)-funded

International Urban Cooperation programme in India and city network partners.

GCoM Vice-Chair and former executive secretary of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Christiana

Figueres, said the aim is to let the cities have a reach and voice on how global actions and policies to tackle climate change

can ensure benefit for the people.

Surat and Gangtok have committed to join this coalition of cities. Till date, 14 cities in South Asia representing a population of

more than 36 million have committed to the covenant.

UNSECO organises South Asian Conference on education in Kathmandu

There is a ―learning crisis‖ in South Asia where only about half of the primary-aged children are receiving education with

minimum standards, the UN‘s Children‘s Fund (UNICEF) warned at the three-day South Asian Conference on ‗Learning

Generation and Delivery Approaches‘, organised by UN Children‘s Fund (UNICEF) in Kathmandu on May 7-9, 2018.

The conference was attended by some 75 participants including government officials, educational experts, development

partners and civil society leaders from eight countries -- India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan

and Sri Lanka.

South Asia is currently home to more than 10 million out-of-school children, who should be able to attend primary level and

20 million out-of-school children at secondary level, according to a statement by UNICEF.

India, China hold border personnel meet at Chusul in Ladakh

Armies of India and China on May 1, 2018 held a Border Personnel Meeting (BPM) during which both sides resolved to

maintain peace and tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control, besides agreeing to work on additional confidence building

measures. The BPM took place in Chusul, Ladakh.

In their informal summit in Wuhan in April 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping had decided

to issue ―strategic guidance‖ to their militaries to strengthen communication and build trust and understanding between the

border guarding forces of the two countries.



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Troops of India and China were locked in the 73-day standoff in Doklam since June 16 last year after the Indian side stopped

the construction of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Doklam. The face-

off had ended on August 28.

India, Sri Lanka to firm up plan to combat drug crimes

India and Sri Lanka have decided to enhance mutual cooperation to combat drug crimes. A two-day bilateral meeting of anti-

narcotics agencies of the two countries was held in New Delhi on May 4-5, 2018. The delegation of Sri Lanka‘s Police

Narcotics Bureau held talks with their Indian counterparts, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The NCB delegation was led by

its Director General Abhay.

Cultural festival held in Egypt to mark birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore

India organised a five-day cultural festival in Egypt on May 3-7, 2018 to commemorate the 157th birth anniversary of Nobel

laureate Rabindranath Tagore. An exhibition on the paintings of Tagore titled ‗Rabindranath Tagore: Rhythm in Colours‘ was

held at the Museum of Ahmed Shawky at Giza as part of the Tagore festival. The festival was organised by the Maulana Azad

Centre for Indian Culture, the cultural wing of the Indian Embassy in Cairo.

3rd

edition of UNPCAP being organised in New Delhi

The third edition of the United Nations Peacekeeping Course for African Partners (UNPCAP) was inaugurated in New Delhi on

May 7, 2018 to build and enhance the capacity of the African Troop Contributing Countries to the UN and to further train the

trainers from these countries. The UNPCAP sessions will be held from May 7-25. The course is conducted by the Centre for

United Nations Peacekeeping in India (CUNPK) in partnership with the US. The first and second editions of the course were

held in New Delhi in 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Swaraj holds talks with Serbian counterpart; vows to boost trade, defence ties

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on May 3, 2018 held discussions in New Delhi with her Serbian counterpart Ivica Davic

to bolster cooperation in key areas of trade, defence, and science and technology. The two ministers discussed a range of

bilateral, regional and global issues of common interest.

10 Indian cities out of 20 rank among the most polluted in the world: WHO

Data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 2, 2018 showed that 10 Indian cities figured in top 20 most

polluted cities in the world in terms of PM2.5 levels in 2016, where Gwalior ranked second. The national capital Delhi and

Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh are also among the 20 cities. The WHO data also said that nine out of 10 people in the world

breathe air containing high levels of pollutants. The estimations revealed an alarming death toll of 7 million people every year

caused by ambient (outdoor) and household air pollution.

India, US explore ways to boost cooperation in Indo-Pacific region

India and the US have explored ways to further deepen operational cooperation in the resource-rich Indo-Pacific region

where China has been trying to spread its influence. The issue was discussed extensively during the third round of the India-

US Maritime Security Dialogue which took place in Goa from April 30 to May 1, 2018. ―The two sides discussed developments

in the maritime domain in the Indo-Pacific Region and exchanged views on ways to further strengthen bilateral maritime

security cooperation,‖ the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.

Indian, French navies begin final phase of Varuna exercise



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The Indian and French navies have begun the final phase of the Varuna naval exercise near Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean

region with an aim to enhancing their operational coordination. The Indian and French navies are conducting the last phase of

the 2018 Varuna naval exercise, from May 1 to 7, 2018 in the vicinity of Reunion Island. Around 8,50,000 French citizens reside

in Reunion Island. The first phase had focused on joint anti-submarine combat training off the Indian coast in Goa. The

Varuna is an annual naval exercise between the two navies.

Joint Indo-Malaysian military exercise commences at Kuala Lumpur

Indian and Malaysian army commenced a joint military exercise called Harimau Shakti 2018 at Wardieburn Camp in Kuala

Lumpur on April 30, 2018. The aim is to improve counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism tactical and technical skills.

India Japan Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi

India and Japan have agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in energy development space as well as contribute to

worldwide energy security and solutions to climate change issues. Also, both countries agreed to initiate a discussion on

electric vehicles (EVs) and work together in promoting well-functioning energy markets, according to a statement issued after

the 9th

India Japan Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi on May 1, 2018. India‘s Power and New and Renewable Energy Minister

R K Singh and Japan‘s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshige Seko signed a joint statement at the conclusion of

the dialogue.

CBDT notifies the Protocol amending DTAA with Kuwait

A Protocol to amend the existing Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Kuwait signed on 15 June

2006 for the avoidance of double taxation and for the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income was signed

on 15 January 2017. The said Protocol has entered into force on 26 March 2018 and is notified in Official Gazette on May 4,

2018. The Protocol updates the provisions in the DTAA for exchange of information as per international standards. Further,

the Protocol enables sharing of the information received from Kuwait for tax purposes with other law enforcement agencies

with authorisation of the competent authority of Kuwait and vice versa.

7 Indian engineers abducted in Afghanistan by Taliban gunmen

Seven Indian engineers of an RPG group company working in Afghanistan‘s northern Baghlan province were abducted on

May 6, 2018 by Taliban gunmen. The Indians were working for Maharashtra-based company KEC. They were abducted while

they were travelling to the area where KEC has a contract to operate an electricity sub-station. Harsh Goenka, the chairman of

the RPG Enterprises, the parent company of KEC, said he has requested External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to help rescue

its employees. KEC, an infrastructure, engineering, procurement and construction major, is one of the largest Indian

companies in Afghanistan.

Direct flight launched between Herat and New Delhi started

A direct flight was inaugurated between Herat and New Delhi by Ariana airlines on April 30, 2018, heralding a new chapter in

people-to-people contact between India and Afghanistan.

NEWSMAKERS

SCO Secretary-General visits India



14

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary-General Rashid Kutbiddinovitch Alimov came on a visit to India on May 7-8,

2018.

On May 7, Alimov met Minister of State for Culture Mahesh Kumar at Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi. On May 8, External Affairs

Minister Sushma Swaraj held a bilateral meeting with Alimov at the Jawahar Lal Bhawan. Alimov also met Union Minister for

Commerce and Industry Suresh Prabhu at Udyog Bhawan.

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is an intergovernmental international organisation aimed at strengthening mutual trust

and neighbourliness among the member states. India became a full member of SCO on June 9, last year, at an international

summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan.



15

AMCHAM India elects Krish Iyer as new Chairperson

The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) in India on May 3, 2018 named Walmart India President and CEO Krish Iyer

as the Chairperson of its national executive board. He succeeds Pratyush Kumar, President, Boeing India, who served as

AMCHAM (India) Chairperson from April 2016 to April 2018.



16

Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

Basque separatists ETA announce dissolution

Basque separatist group ETA announced it was fully disbanding, the final step to the definitive end of its deadly decades-long

independence campaign, in a letter published on May 2, 2018.

ETA cautioned in its letter that its own dissolution did not end the deeper ―conflict‖ between the Basque Territories and the

Spanish and French states. But its move marks what is expected to be the last of several key steps towards the formal break-

up of the once-armed separatist group, blamed for more than 800 deaths.

ETA waged a nearly four-decade campaign of bombings and shootings for an independent Basque state in northern Spain

and southern France. It is classed as a terrorist organisation by the European Union as well as the Spanish and French

governments.

Created in 1959 at the height of Francisco Franco‘s dictatorship, ETA is blamed for the deaths of at least 829 people.

Military spending rises to $1.8 trillion in 2017, India among top 5 spenders: SIPRI

Total global defence expenditure of increased by 1.1% to $1.739 trillion in 2017, the Stockholm International Peace Research

Institute (SIPRI) said on May 2, 2018. The five top military spenders in 2017 were the US, China, Saudi Arabia, Russia and India.

At USD 610 billion, the US military spending accounted for more than a third of the world total in 2017. China‘s military

spending was at an estimated USD 228 billion in 2017 followed by Saudi Arabia at USD 69.4 billion, Russia at USD 66.3 billion

and India at USD 63.9 billion.

Scotland becomes first to start minimum alcohol pricing

Scotland on May 1, 2018 became the world‘s first country to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol. The policy, designed to

cut alcohol-related harm, will set a minimum price of 50 pence ($0.70, 0.57 euros) per unit of alcohol. It has been welcomed

by the medical profession and health campaigners as the biggest breakthrough in public health since the ban on smoking in

public.

Dominican Republic severs diplomatic ties with Taiwan, establishes with Beijing

China continues to lure away handful of countries still maintaining diplomatic links with Taiwan as the Dominican Republic on

May 1, 2018 became the latest country to break away from Taipei and establish diplomatic ties with Beijing. China views

Taiwan as a breakaway province that must be reunited with the mainland. With this the number of countries that maintain full

diplomatic ties with Taiwan has now been reduced to 19, which are mainly small, developing countries, 10 of whom are in

Latin America.

Pyongyang aligns time zone with Seoul

North Korea on May 5, 2018 moved its clock forward 30 minutes, aligning its time zone with South Korea, a move aimed at

promoting the two countries‘ reconciliation. The change came a week after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un told South

Korean President Moon Jae-in that he wanted to unify the time zones to promote inter-Korean reconciliation and unity. North



17

Korea pushed back its standard time by 30 minutes in August 2015, claiming the move was aimed at removing the vestige of

Japan‘s 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. The two Koreas previously used an identical standard time.

S. Korea to remove propaganda loudspeakers at shared border

South Korea on May 1, 2018 removed its propaganda-broadcasting loudspeakers from the border with North Korea. The

decision came four days after the leaders of the two Koreas agreed to work together to achieve a nuclear-free Korean

Peninsula and end hostile acts against each other along their border during their rare summit talks. Seoul expects Pyongyang

to do the same.

USA and Philippines launch “Balikatan” war games

The US and Philippine militaries launched ―Balikatan‖ (―shoulder-to-shoulder‖) exercises on May 7, 2018 aimed at fighting

global terrorism, while staying mostly quiet on Beijing‘s reported installation of missiles in the disputed South China Sea. The

annual manoeuvres are the second to be held under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has set aside long-simmering

friction over competing claims to the waters in order to court Chinese trade and investment. The 12-day exercises began less

than a week after US network CNBC reported that the Chinese military had over the past month installed anti-ship and air-to-

air defences on islands also claimed by the Philippines.

Nobel literature prize will not be awarded this year

The Swedish Academy says the Nobel Prize in literature will be not awarded this year. The academy said on May 4, 2018 the

2018 prize will be given in 2019. The decision was made at a weekly meeting in Stockholm on the grounds that the academy

is in no shape to pick a winner after a string of sex abuse allegations and financial crimes scandals. It will be the first time

since wartime 1943 that the prestigious award is not handed out.

Singapore-Kuala Lumpur is world‟s busiest international air route

The trip between Singapore and the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur is the world‘s busiest international air route, with more

than 30,500 flights between the cities in the year to February, according to the study by air travel intelligence firm OAG. There

were on average 84 flights daily making the short hop which takes about an hour. The world‘s second busiest air route is

between Hong Kong and the Taiwanese capital Taipei, with 28,887 flights in the year to February, followed by the Jakarta to

Singapore route with 27,304 flights.

Cambridge Analytica shuts downs after FB data scandal; files for bankruptcy

Cambridge Analytica, the firm embroiled in a controversy over its handling of Facebook Inc user data, and its British parent

SCL Elections Ltd, are shutting down immediately after suffering a sharp drop in business, the company said on May 3, 2018.

The company will begin bankruptcy proceedings, it said, after losing clients and facing mounting legal fees resulting from the

scandal over reports the company harvested personal data about millions of Facebook users beginning in 2014. Cambridge

Analytica marketed itself as a provider of consumer research, targeted advertising and other data-related services to both

political and corporate clients.

1,374 dancing drones set Guinness record in China



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Chinese drone company EHang Egret has broken the Guinness World Record for most drones flown simultaneously. The new

record showcased a 13-minute flight that involved 1,374 drones spread over a kilometre. Chinese UAV firm EHang Egret

surpassed the record set by Intel, which flew 1,218 drones during the Winter Olympics.

World Press Freedom Day observed on May 3

The World Press Freedom Day was observed on may 3, 2018. The day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in

December 1993. Since then, 3 May, the anniversary of the Declaration of Windhoek is celebrated worldwide as World Press

Freedom Day. 2018 Theme: Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice and The Rule of Law.

World Asthma Day observed on May 1

World Asthma Day was observed on May 1, 2018. The objective is to raise the awareness about this chronic respiratory

disease, which is majorly prevalent in children these days. ‗Never too early, never too late. It‘s always the right time to address

airways disease,‘ was this year‘s theme. In India, around 2 crore people suffer from asthma. The World Health Organization

says that despite the major advancements in medical science, the exact cause of asthma is yet unknown.

NEWSMAKERS

Pak-origin MP Sajid Javid appointed new UK home secretary

Pakistani-origin MP Sajid Javid was on April 30, 2018 appointed as Britain‘s new Home Secretary to replace Amber Rudd, who

resigned after admitting that she had ―inadvertently misled‖ Parliament over the existence of deportation targets for illegal

immigrants. Javid, the son of a Pakistani bus driver whose family migrated to Britain in the 1960s, was promoted from his

Cabinet post of Communities, Local Government and Housing minister. The 48-year-old former investment banker becomes

the first South Asian origin MP to hold the key portfolio in the UK Cabinet. Javid is the Conservative party MP for Bromsgrove

since 2010.

Shabana Azmi named ambassador for project founded by Hillary Clinton

Veteran actress and social activist Shabana Azmi has been nominated as the Global Leadership Ambassador for Women in

Public Service Project (WPSP) at Wilson Centre, USA, a programme aimed at empowering the next generation of women

around the world. According to the official WPSP website, it is an innovative initiative to advance women to positions of

influence in governments and civic organisations worldwide, and was founded by Hillary Clinton in partnership with the US

Department of State and seven colleges.

Film academy expels Bill Cosby, Roman Polanski

The Los Angeles-based Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on May 3, 2018 that its board of governors

voted to expel Bill Cosby and director Roman Polanski from its membership for failing to meet the institution‘s standards of

conduct. The Academy said it made this decision following its new procedure for enforcing a Standards of Conduct that it

adopted in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal, which shocked the entertainment industry in 2017. Polanski, who won

as Best Director in 2002 for The Pianist, pleaded guilty in the late 1970s to five charges stemming from having sex a minor. He

spent 42 days behind bars in 1978 but fled to France and has lived in exile ever since.

Sri Lankan filmmaker Lester James Peiris dies at 99



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Renowned Sri Lankan film maker Lester James Peiris passed away in Colombo on April 29, 2018 at the age of 99. His movie

‗Wekanda Walauwa‘ (Mansion by the Lake) in 2002 was Sri Lanka‘s first submission for the Academy Awards.

Imprisoned Bolivian ex-dictator Garcia Meza dies at 88

Bolivian ex-dictator Luis Garcia Meza, who was serving a lengthy prison sentence for crimes committed after his 1980 military

coup, died in La Paz at the age of 88 on April 30, 2018.



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First organised census for Indus dolphins to be carried out in India in Punjab

For the conservation of Indus dolphins - one of the world‘s rarest mammals - the Punjab government along with WWF-India

are conducting the first organised census on their population. Found only in India and Pakistan, the Indus dolphins are

confined to only a 185 km stretch between Talwara and Harike Barrage in India‘s Beas river in Punjab.

Officials from the Department of Forests and Wildlife Preservation, Punjab and WWF-India are currently working in two teams

and will come to an estimate regarding the dolphin population over the five-day exercise.

According to WWF-India, the most flourishing population of the Indus dolphin, platanista gangetica minor, is found across

Pakistan where their numbers are estimated to be around 1,800 over a stretch of 1,500 km of the Indus river. In India, a tiny

population survives in this small stretch of the Beas river.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), construction of critical barrage is associated with the

large-scale decline in the area of occupancy, ―which have not ceased‖. IUCN suspects the population size of the Indus river

dolphins has reduced by more than 50% since 1944.

A blind species that communicates through echo like bats do, Indus dolphins are one of the seven freshwater dolphins found

across the world.

Govt launches National Water Informatics Centre to maintain data on water resources

The government has set up a central body - National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC) - to maintain a comprehensive water

resources data. It will be a single window source of updated data on water resources in India.

The NWIC will also collaborate with leading national and international research institutes to provide technical support to

central and state organisations dealing with water emergency response of hydrological extremes.

Since scientific data is needed to take any decision, the Union cabinet had recently approved setting up such a body which

can provide value-added products and services to all stakeholders for management and sustainable development of water

resources in the country.

The ministry also plans to develop, maintain and update regularly a comprehensive ‗Water Resources Information System‘

(WRIS) in public domain for awareness and involvement of all concerned for effective integrated water resources

management.

Marine Observation System Along the Indian Coast to be set up

India will establish a Marine Observation System Along the Indian Coast (Mosaic). At least six observatories – three along the

east coast and an equal number along the west coast – will be established. The project, to be launched later this year is

intended to carry out monitoring, especially the marine coastal pollution. This was disclosed by officials at the Ministry of

Earth Sciences. The Hyderabad-based INCOIS will be the implementing agency.

Earth Sciences Ministry to procure polar research vehicle



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The Ministry, which has five ships to conduct research, exploration and surveys, is firming up plans to buy its first polar

research vehicle (PRV). The Goa-based National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), which is focussed on

research in the Antarctic region, will play an important role in the purchase of the vessel. The polar research vehicle is

important to undertake intensive studies in the Antarctica and Arctic regions as well as to carry out a range of ocean studies.

The Ministry, which has been conducting Antarctica expeditions from the early 1980s, has been contracting vessels for the

purpose. This was disclosed by officials at the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Google, NITI Aayog join hands for expanding India‟s AI ecosystem

Tech giant Google on May 7, 2018 said it has collaborated with NITI Aayog to focus on fostering growth for India‘s nascent

artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) ecosystem. The two parties will work together on various initiatives,

including organising training for relevant government functionaries to introduce them to open source AI tools to enable more

effective governance. Besides, they will award grants and scholarships to researchers, scholars and university faculty

conducting cutting-edge research in the field of AI/ML in India. Under the aegis of this programme, Google will train and

incubate Indian AI start-ups in an accelerator programme. These start-ups will be mentored and coached by Google and its

affiliates to enable them to better leverage AI in their respective business models.

IIT students develop mobile app to monitor health of heart patients

Students at IIT Roorkee have developed a mobile application -- ‗Dhadkan‘ -- for monitoring the health of people suffering

from heart ailments and provide them with medical assistance in case of emergency. The app, developed by Computational

Biology group at IIT-Roorkee, can automatically send notification to both the doctor and the patient, in case of any drastic

changes in patient‘s health data indicating the possibility of an imminent heart attack. The mobile application has been

designed in collaboration with experts from AIIMS.

NASA blasts off Mars-bound spacecraft, InSight

NASA on May 5, 2018 blasted off its latest Mars lander, InSight, designed to perch on the surface ahead of eventual human

missions to explore the Red Planet. The spacecraft was launched atop an Atlas V rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in

California.

The 993 million dollar project aims to expand human knowledge of interior conditions on Mars, inform efforts to send human

explorers there, and reveal how rocky planets like the Earth formed billions of years ago.

If all goes as planned, the lander is expected to settle on the Red Planet on November 26.

Its name, InSight, is short for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport.

After the lander settles on the Martian surface, a robotic arm is supposed to emerge and place the seismometer directly on

the ground.

Understanding the temperature on Mars is crucial to NASA‘s efforts to send people there by the 2030‘s.

InSight aims to be the first NASA spacecraft to land on Mars since the Curiosity rover in 2012.

NASA probe unveils stormy environment of Jupiter‟s moon



22

New data from NASA‘s Galileo spacecraft - which spent eight years orbiting Jupiter - has unveiled a stormy exchange of

plasma between the giant planet and its moon Ganymede.

NASA‘s Galileo spacecraft sent back spates of discoveries on the gas giant‘s moons, including the observation of a magnetic

environment around Ganymede that was distinct from Jupiter‘s own magnetic field.

The mission ended in 2003, but newly resurrected data from Galileo‘s first flyby of Ganymede is yielding new insights about

the moon‘s environment - which is unlike any other in the solar system.

Australia pledges $34 million to help save koala population

Australia unveiled on May 7, 2018 a $34 million plan to help bring its koala population back from the brink, following a rapid

decline in the furry marsupial‘s fortunes. The Australian Koala Foundation estimates that there may be as few as 43,000 koalas

left in the wild, down from a population believed to number more than 10 million prior to European settlement of the

continent in 1788. Habitat loss, dog attacks, car strikes, climate change and disease have taken their toll on one of Australia‘s

most recognisable animals. Studies show a 26% decline in the koala population in New South Wales over the last 15-20 years.

The State lists the species as ―vulnerable‖, while in other parts of the country they are effectively extinct. Under the plan,

thousands of hectares will be set aside to preserve the marsupial‘s natural habitat.



23

Section E: AWARDS

Chandrapur and Ballarshah most beautiful railway stations

Chandrapur and Ballarshah railway stations in Maharashtra have bagged the first prize in the ―most beautiful‖ stations

category of the Indian Railways. Both the stations were picked for this honour under the Railways‘ in-house station

beautification contest. Chandrapur and Ballarshah stations fall under the Nagpur division of the CR.

According to Central Railway Spokesperson Madhubani and Madurai stations under East Central Railway and Southern

Railway, respectively, shared the second prize. Madhubani station was recently given a facelift by local Mithila artists who

used traditional style to beautify the station.

The first prize includes a cash award of Rs 10 lakh and the second prize of Rs 5 lakh.

Gandhidham (Gujarat) and Kota (Rajasthan) stations under Western Railway and West Central Railway, respectively, jointly

won the third prize with cash award of Rs 3 lakh.

A committee consisting of Executive Directors (EDs) of Station Development, Passenger Marketing, Tourism and other

departments judged the entries on various parameters.

Four academics receive Visitor‟s Award from President

President Ram Nath Kovind presented the Visitor‘s Award for research in the fields of basic and applied science, humanities,

arts and social science during a meeting of vice chancellors of central universities at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 2, 2018.

He also presented the Visitor‘s Award for technology development.

The Visitor‘s Award for research in the field of basic and applied science was jointly presented to two academics -- Sanjay K

Jain of Dr Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, and Ashis Kumar Mukherjee of Tezpur University, Assam.

The Visitor‘s Award for research in the field of humanities, arts and social science was presented to Pramod K Nayar,

University of Hyderabad, Telangana.

The award for technology development will be presented to Ashwani Pareek of Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi.

Fiji‟s ex-PM Mahendra Chaudhry chosen for Krishna Menon Award

Mahendra Chaudhry, Fiji‘s Indian-origin former prime minister, has been chosen to receive the V K Krishna Menon Award in

recognition of his contribution to the Indian diaspora. The award was announced by the director of V K Krishna Menon

Institute Cyriac Maprayil as the institute celebrated the 122nd

birth anniversary at the Nehru Centre in London recently.

Chaudhry is the leader of the Fiji Labour Party. The former trade union leader became Fiji‘s first Indo-Fijian Prime Minister on

May 19, 1999, but exactly one year later he was ousted in a coup. Chaudhry‘s ancestors hailed from Rohtak District in

Haryana. His paternal grandfather arrived in Fiji in 1902, as an indentured labourer, to work on Fiji‘s sugarcane plantations.

43rd

Matri Shree Awards announced; Toilet: Ek Prem Katha chosen best film

Akshay Kumar‘s ‗Toilet Ek Prem Katha‘ has been adjudged the best film of the year by a Delhi-based organisation which has

also selected 26 journalists from the print and electronic media for its annual awards, the body said in a statement on May 3,



24

2018. Union Minister for Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan will present the 43rd Matri Shree Awards on May 13, the

Matri Shree Media Award Samiti said in the statement.

ONV Literary Prize for Malayalam writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair

Noted Malayalam writer M.T. Vasudevan Nair has been selected for the ONV Literary Prize. The prize, carrying a purse of Rs. 3

lakh and citation, will be presented to the writer by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on May 27.

Patty Jenkins to receive 2018 Women in Motion Award at Cannes Film Festival

Director Patty Jenkins will receive the 2018 Women In Motion award during the Cannes Film Festival on May 13. According to

the organisers, Jenkins is being honoured this year in recognition of the fact that her work has enabled significant progress to

be made in the fight for gender equality. ―Wonder Woman‖, directed by Jenkins, was the highest-grossing summer movie of

2017. Cannes festival runs from May 8 to May 19.



25


RBI allows FPIs to invest in treasury bills

Easing foreign investment rules, the Reserve Bank on May 1, 2018 permitted FPIs to invest in treasury bills issued by the

central government.

The foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) will have to ensure that their exposure in government securities as well as corporate

bonds of less than one year maturity will remain below 20 per cent.

The RBI also asked the FPIs to bring down their total exposure in debt instruments (G-secs, state development loans or,

corporate bonds) with one-year maturity to below 20 per cent within six months.

The implementation date of online monitoring of utilisation of G-sec limits has been set as June 1, 2018.

NEWSMAKERS

Ashok Lahiri appointed full-time member of 15th

Finance Commission

Former chief economic adviser Ashok Lahiri has been appointed as full-time member of the 15th

Finance Commission. He is at

present the part-time member of the commission, headed by N K Singh. He will be accorded the status of the Minister of

State.



26

Section G: ECONOMY

GSTN to be converted to govt entity

The GST Council on May 4, 2018 approved converting the firm providing IT backbone to the Goods and Services Tax (GST)

into a government owned entity from being a private company.

The GSTN (GST Network) currently is 24.5 per cent owned by the central government and a similar percentage is held by state

governments collectively. The remaining 51 per cent is with five private financial institutions -- HDFC Ltd, HDFC Bank Ltd, ICICI

Bank Ltd, NSE Strategic Investment Co and LIC Housing Finance Ltd.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the Council was agreed that the 51 per cent equity held by private entities should be taken

over by the government and ―eventually the central government will hold 50 per cent and state governments (together) will

hold 50 per cent‖. The collective share of state governments will be pro rata, divided among states in accordance with their

GST ratios.

The Goods and Services Tax Network - Special Purpose Vehicle (GSTN-SPV) was created as a private limited, not-for-profit

company under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 (Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013) on March 28, 2013 with an

objective to provide shared IT infrastructure and services to Centre and States Governments, tax payers and other

stakeholders for implementation of GST in the country.

GST Council announces simplified return filing process

After the 27th

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council meet in New Delhi on May 4, 2018, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley

announced a new and simplified return filing process, based on the recommendations of the Group of Ministers on IT

simplification.

The key elements of the new return design are as follows:

The Goods and Services Tax Council (GST Council) on May 4, 2018 approved a simpler tax return filing system under the new

indirect tax regime and also approved the conversion of the GST Network into a government holding, finance minister Arun

Jaitley said after the council met through a video conference.

The new return filing form will reduce the compliance burden for taxpayers as they would have to file only one monthly

return and invoices have to be uploaded only by sellers. It will be put in place within six months and the transition will be

done in a phased manner.

The existing GSTR 1 and GSTR 3B forms will continue for the next six months. After this period, all taxpayers will need to file

one monthly return with composition dealers, while dealers filing no tax returns will need to file only quarterly returns.

For six months under the new tax filing regime, taxpayers will be able to avail provisional input tax credit, even if the seller

has not uploaded the invoices. However, after this, input tax credit will be available to the buyer only for invoices uploaded

by the supplier.

In case of non-payment of tax by the seller, the government has retained the right to recover dues from both the buyer and

the seller.

India tops list of fastest growing economies for coming decade: Harvard study



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India tops the list of the fastest growing economies in the world for the coming decade and is projected to grow at 7.9 per

cent annually, ahead of China and the US, according to a Harvard University report.

The Centre for International Development at Harvard University (CID) said in new growth projections on May 3, 2018 that

countries that have diversified their economies into more complex sectors, like India and Vietnam, are those that will grow the

fastest in the coming decade.

According to the report, India has made inroads in diversifying its export base to include more complex sectors, such as

chemicals, vehicles, and certain electronics. It said that India‘s productive capabilities far exceed expectations for its current

income level, which contributes to the projection of rapid growth for the coming decade.

The researchers also find India ranks the best on the criteria termed the Complexity Opportunity Index (COI), which measures

how easy it is to redeploy existing knowhow to enter new complex products.

Govt doubles PMVVY pension investment limit to Rs 15 lakh; extends scheme by 2 years

Providing some relief to senior citizens, the government has doubled the investment limit from Rs 7.5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh under

the Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandan Yojana (PMVVY) pension scheme and extended the subscription period, which was to end

on May 3, 2018, by two years.

The PMVVY is for citizens aged 60 years and above. It was opened for subscription from May 4, 2017 to May 3, 2018. It has

now been extended to March 31, 2020.

The scheme provides an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8 per cent per annum for ten years, with an

option to opt for pension on a monthly, quarterly, half yearly or annual basis.

As of March, 2018, 2.23 lakh senior citizens had subscribed to PMVVY. In the previous scheme, Varishtha Pension Bima

Yojana-2014, 3.11 lakh senior citizens have invested.

The PMVVY is being implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to provide social security and protect the

elderly, 60 years and above, against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions.

The difference between the return generated by LIC and the assured return of 8 per cent annually will be borne by the

government of as yearly subsidy.

Forex reserve decline to $420.36 billion for the week ended April 20

India‘s foreign exchange (forex) reserves plunged by $3.21 billion as on April 27, 2018. According to the Reserve Bank of

India‘s (RBI) weekly statistical supplement, the overall forex reserves declined to $420.36 billion from $423.58 billion reported

for the week ended April 20.

Forex reserves comprise of foreign currency assets (FCAs), gold reserves, special drawing rights (SDRs) and the RBI‘s position

with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Segment-wise, FCAs -- the largest component of the Forex reserves -- decreased by $3.20 billion to $395.27 billion during the

week under review.



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Besides the US dollar, FCAs consist of nearly 20-30 per cent of major global currencies. It also includes investments in US

Treasury bonds, bonds of other selected governments and deposits with foreign central and commercial banks.

However, the value of the country‘s gold reserves increased by $26.6 million to $21.51 billion.

The SDRs‘ value inched down by $14.6 million to $1.52 billion, while the country‘s reserve position with the IMF slipped by

$19.7 million to $2.05 billion.

DoT releases draft of the National Telecom Policy (NTP) 2018

Promising rationalisation of levies such as spectrum charges to rejuvenate debt-ridden telecom sector, the proposed new

telecom policy seeks to provide broadband access to all with 50 mbps speed, 5G services and create 40 lakh new jobs by

2022.

The draft policy branded as ‗National Digital Communications Policy 2018‘ was unveiled by the government on May 1, 2018. It

aims to attract USD 100 billion or about Rs 6.5 lakh crore investments in the digital communications sector by 2022 with the

help of reforms.

The draft proposes to address woes of the sector by reviewing licence fees, spectrum usage charges, universal service

obligation fund levy - all of which add to cost of telecom services.

The policy aims to accomplish provisioning of broadband for all, creating 40 lakh additional jobs in the digital

communications sector and enhancing its contribution to 8 per cent of India‘s GDP from about 6 per cent in 2017.

Under the new policy, the government aims to enable fixed line broadband access to 50 per cent of households and start

landline portability services.

The policy suggests providing universal broadband coverage at 50 mbps to every citizen and providing 1 gbps (gigabit per

second) connectivity to all gram panchayats by 2020 and 10 gbps by 2022.

It proposes to adopt ―Optimal Pricing of Spectrum‖ to ensure sustainable and affordable access to digital communications.

High spectrum price and related charges have been main concern of telecom services segment which is reeling under a debt

of around Rs 7.8 lakh crore.

The draft policy proposed to rationalise taxes and levies on digital communications equipment, infrastructure and services.

To build high speed broadband networks, the government proposes to launch National Broadband Mission with provisions to

facilitate massive optical fibre roll-out across the country.

Cabinet approves financial assistance to sugar mills for clearing cane dues of farmers

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2018 gave its approval to

provide financial assistance @ of Rs. 5.50 per quintal of cane crushed in sugar season 2017-18 to sugar mills to offset the cost

of cane, in order to help sugar mills to clear cane dues of farmers.

Due to higher sugar production against the estimated consumption during the current sugar season 2017-18, the domestic

sugar prices have remained depressed since the commencement of the season.



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Due to depressed market sentiments and crash in sugar prices, the liquidity position of sugar mills has been adversely

affected, leading to accumulation of cane price dues of farmers which have reached to more than Rs.19,000 crore.

Cabinet approves continuation of „Green Revolution - Krishonnati Yojana‟

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 2, 2018 gave its approval for

extending the Umbrella Scheme, ―Green Revolution - Krishonnati Yojana‖ in agriculture sector beyond 12th

Five Year Plan for

the period from 2017-18 to 2019-20 with the Central Share of Rs. 33,269.976 crore.

The Umbrella scheme comprises of 11 Schemes/Missions. These schemes look to develop the agriculture and allied sector in a

holistic and scientific manner to increase the income of farmers by enhancing production, productivity and better returns on

produce. The Schemes will be continued with an expenditure of Rs.33,269.976 crore for three financial years, i.e., 2017-18,

2018-19 and 2019-20.

The Schemes that are part of the Umbrella Schemes are : Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH),

National Food Security Mission (NFSM), National Mission on Oil Seeds and Oil Palm (NMOOP), National Mission for

Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Submission on Agriculture Extension (SMAE), Sub-Mission on Seeds and Planting Material

(SMSP), Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plan Quarantine (SMPPQ),

Integrated Scheme on Agriculture Census, Economics and Statistics (ISACES), Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Cooperation

(ISAC), Integrated Scheme on Agricultural Marketing (ISAM) and National e-Governance Plan (NeGP-A).

The Schemes/Missions focus on creating/strengthening of infrastructure of production, reducing production cost and

marketing of agriculture and allied produce. These schemes/missions have been under implementation for varying duration

during past few years.

All these schemes/missions were appraised and approved independently as separate scheme/mission. In 2017-18, it has been

decided to club all these schemes / missions under one umbrella scheme ‗Green Revolution - Krishonnati Yojana‘.

Cabinet approves for accession to protocol on eliminating illicit trade in tobacco products

The Union Cabinet on May 2, 2018 gave its approval for acceding to the protocol under the World Health Organization

Framework Convention on tobacco control to eliminate illicit trade in tobacco products.

The protocol is applicable to both smoking and chewing tobacco products or smokeless tobacco forms as negotiated and

adopted under Article 15 of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC. India is a

party to WHO FCTC.

The protocol lays down obligations for the parties, including spelling out supply chain control measures that must be

adopted, such as licensing of manufacture of tobacco products and machinery for their manufacturing, tracking and tracing

regime, record keeping, security and measures to be taken by those engaged in e-commerce, manufacturing in free-trade

zones and duty free sales.

The protocol lists out offences and enforcement measures such as seizures and disposal of seized products. It calls for

international cooperation in information sharing, maintaining confidentiality, training, technical assistance and cooperation in

scientific and technical and technological matters.

Cabinet approves formation of technical cadre of PESO



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The Union Cabinet on May 2, 2018 approved formation of a group ‗A‘ service of technical cadre of Petroleum and Explosives

Safety Organisation (PESO) to be known as Indian Petroleum and Explosives Safety Service.

PESO is a subordinate office under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion. It is a nodal agency for regulating

safety of substances such as explosives, compressed gases and petroleum.

―The measure will enhance the capacity and efficiency of the organisation and it will also enhance career progression of its

Group A‘ officers,‖ the commerce and industry ministry said in a statement.



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CCEA approves renaming of MsDP as „Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram‟

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on May 2, 2018 approved a proposal for renaming and restructuring the Multi-

sectoral Development Programme (MsDP) as the ‗Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram‘, with an aim to provide better socio-

economic infrastructure facilities to minority communities and widen the scheme‘s coverage.

The restructuring is aimed at lessening of the gap between the national average and the minority communities on

backwardness parameters.

The criteria for identification of minority concentration towns (MCTs) and clusters of villages, where the programme would be

implemented, have been rationalised by lowering the population percentage criteria of the communities and the fulfilment of

backwardness parameters. Earlier, only those clusters of villages which were having at least 50 population of minority

community were taken. Now the population criterion has been lowered to 25 per cent.

This means the area to be covered under ‗Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram‘ would be 57 per cent more as compared to

the existing MsDP. The MsDP covered 196 districts of the country whereas PMJVK would cover 308 districts of the country.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the prime minister, has also approved continuation of the

programme during the remaining period of the 14th Finance Commission (till 2020).

The identification of minority concentration areas has been done on the basis of presence of substantial population of

notified minority communities based on Census, 2011.

Govt approves restructuring of Indian Bureau of Mines

The government on May 2, 2018 approved the restructuring of Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) by upgradation, creation and

abolition of certain posts of Joint Secretary-level and above. The restructuring would enable the adoption of IT and space

technology by the bureau to improve its effectiveness in mineral regulation and development.

IBM was set up by the Centre in March 1948 under the Ministry of Works, Mines and Power, primarily as an advisory body to

help in formulation of policy and legal framework for the mining sector and advising the Centre and state on development

and utilisation of mineral resources.

IBM is also engaged in handholding the states for auction of mineral blocks for greater transparency in allocation of mineral

concessions. It is helping states in preparation of auction blocks, publishing of average sale price, assisting in post auction

monitoring and approval process.

EPFO discontinues services through CSC „pending vulnerability checks‟

Retirement fund body EPFO on May 2, 2018 said it has discontinued services provided through Common Service Centre

―pending vulnerability checks‖ and ruled out any leakage of subscribers‘ data from a government website. EPFO‘s statement

comes against the backdrop of reports suggesting theft of data of subscribers by hackers from ‗aadhaar.epfoservices.com‘, a

website operated by Common Service Centre (CSC) that comes under the Ministry of Electronics and IT. The reports were

based on a letter by EPFO Central Provident Fund Commissioner V P Joy to CEO of CSC, Dinesh Tyagi.

April gross GST revenue collection at over Rs 1 lakh crore



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The total revenue collection under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime rose to Rs 103,458 crore during April 2018,

official data showed on May 1, 2018. According to the Ministry of Finance, the average monthly collection under the GST

regime for the last eight months -- August 2017-March 2018 -- was Rs 89,885 crore.

The total gross GST revenue collected in April 2018 is Rs 103,458 crore of which CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax) is Rs

18,652 crore, SGST (State Goods and Services Tax) is Rs 25,704 crore, IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax) is Rs 50,548

crore (including 21,246 crore collected on imports) and Cess is Rs 8,554 crore (including Rs 702 crore collected on imports).

The total number of GSTR 3B Returns filed for March up to 30th April is 60.47 lakh as against 87.12 lakh, who are eligible to

file the return for March, which is 69.5 per cent.

Core sector growth rate slows to 4.1% in March; 4.2% in 2017-18

The growth of eight core sectors slowed to 3-month low of 4.1 per cent in March 2018, according to the data released by the

commerce and industry ministry on May 1, 2018. The eight core sectors are coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products,

steel, electricity fertilisers and cement. It was 5.2 per cent in March 2017. Cumulatively, the eight core sectors grew by 4.2 per

cent in 2017-18. The growth was 4.8 per cent in the previous fiscal and 3 per cent in 2015-16. The core sector would have an

impact on the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) data as these eight segments account for about 41 per cent of the total

factory output.

Govt launches pilot scheme to buy 2.5 GW from power plants not having PPAs

State-run Power Finance Corporation (PFC) on April 30, 2018 said the government has launched a pilot scheme to procure

2,500 MW electricity for 3 years under medium term arrangement from commissioned power plants without power purchase

agreements (PPAs).

The main purpose of the scheme is to revive commissioned power plants which are unable to sell electricity in the absence of

valid power purchase agreements. These plants can now bid for power supply under the scheme.

The PFC arm PFC Consulting Ltd has been appointed as the Nodal Agency and PTC India Limited as the Aggregator. The PTC

India will sign three-year (mid-term) agreement for power procurement with successful bidders and Power Supply agreement

with the Discoms (distribution companies).

Under the scheme a single entity can be allotted maximum capacity of 600 MW. The scheme assures a minimum offtake of 55

per cent of contracted capacity. The tariff will be fixed for three years without any escalation.

DGCA announces logo design contest

After three decades of its existence, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has finally decided to have an official

logo and called for a national competition for designing and creating a motto ―that defines it‖. A notice issued by the DGCA

recently said it intended to create a logo and motto reflecting its role and functions which could be easily comprehended by

the common man. Its vision is to promote safe and efficient air transportation through regulation and proactive safety

oversight system. The last date for submitting entries -- individual and team wise -- for the logo and motto is June 15. The

winning logo and motto would be the intellectual property of the DGCA and the winner shall not exercise any right over it.

The winning logo will get a prize of Rs.60,000.

Cabinet approves ordinance to amend law for speedy disposal of commercial disputes



33

Seeking to improve India‘s ranking in the ease of doing business index, the government on May 2, 2018 approved an

ordinance to amend a law for speedy disposal of commercial disputes. The specified value of a commercial dispute will be

brought down to Rs 3 lakh from the present Rs 1 crore. The ordinance will amend the Commercial Courts, Commercial

Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts Act.

India slips 3 notches to 11th

spot in AT Kearney FDI Confidence Index

India has slipped by three notches to 11th

position in the FDI Confidence Index 2018 of global consultancy firm A T Kearney.

The report said that some policies may have deterred investors, at least in the short term. ―The 2017 nationwide goods and

services tax (GST), for example, has faced implementation challenges, and the 2016 demonetisation initiative disrupted

business activity and weighed on economic growth,‖ it added. The United States takes the top spot for the sixth year in a row

followed by Canada, Germany, UK, China, Japan, France Switzerland and Italy in top 10.

Telecom Commission clears proposal for in-flight mobile services

Telecom Commission on May 1, 2018 approved a proposal for allowing mobile phone calls and internet services in domestic

and international flights in India, with certain riders.

NEWSMAKERS

Subhash Chandra Khuntia appointed as IRDAI Chairman

Former IAS officer Subhash Chandra Khuntia was on May 1, 2018 appointed as the new Chairman of Insurance Regulatory

Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for three-years. Khuntia will succeed T S Vijayan, who completed his five-year term in

February. IRDAI regulates insurance sector of the country..



34


DSP Group to buy out BlackRock‟s stake in JV

Leading financial services firm DSP Group on May 7, 2018 announced to buy out BlackRock‘s 40 per cent stake in DSP

BlackRock Investment Managers. DSP BlackRock is a joint venture (JV) between DSP Group and BlackRock and is one of the

leading asset management companies (AMCs) in the country. DSP Group owns 60 per cent stake in the JV while the remaining

40 per cent is with BlackRock Inc. The firm is proposed to be known as DSP Investment Managers Pvt Ltd and DSP BlackRock

Mutual Fund is proposed to become DSP Mutual Fund. As of April 2018r, DSP BlackRock manages assets in excess of Rs 1.1

lakh crore (USD 16.5 billion) across equity, fixed income and alternatives with over 2 million individual investors.

Ola launches new initiative for social causes

Ride-sharing company, Ola, on May 7, 2018 launched ‗My Ride. My Cause.‘ on its platform to crowdsource funds and support

social causes by leveraging its network of customers across India. Ola has rolled out this special initiative through a unique

partnership with Tata Trusts‘ Alamelu Charitable Foundation (ACF). As a part of this initiative, Ola customers will have the

option to contribute a sum of Re. 1 per ride. This sum will be crowdsourced and utilised towards lending support to improve

cancer care in the country. ―Ola is committed to enabling holistic well-being and prosperity of the country,‖ said Bhavish

Aggarwal, co-founder and CEO, Ola.

Infibeam to buy Snapdeal‟s Unicommerce in Rs 120-cr deal

Ahmedabad-based Infibeam on May 7, 2018 said it will acquire Snapdeal‘s subsidiary Unicommerce, which offers e-commerce

enablement software, in a deal worth up to Rs 120 crore. In a BSE filing, the e-commerce firm said its board had approved

acquisition of the entire share capital of Unicommerce from existing shareholders -- Jasper Infotech (which operates

Snapdeal) for a consideration ―other than cash‖.

L&T inks pact with Schneider Electric to divest electrical, automation business

Engineering major Larsen & Toubro on May 1, 2018 said it has inked a definitive pact with Schneider Electric to sell its

electrical and automation business for an all-cash consideration of Rs 14,000 crore, as part of its long-term strategy to exit

non-core activities.

HPCL begins home-delivery of diesel in Mumbai

After IOC, state-owned Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) has launched home-delivery of diesel in Mumbai and has plans

to expand doorstep delivery of the fuel to other parts of the country. ‗HP Fuel Connect‘ will ―deliver diesel to select customers

having the fixed equipment, heavy machinery in their premises in surrounding areas of Uran, Raigad in Maharashtra,‖ an HPCL

press statement said on May 6, 2018. Indian Oil Corp (IOC) had in March launched home-delivery of diesel in Pune.

Maruti Suzuki set to shake up the vehicle lubricant market

Traditional vehicle lubricant makers are now facing competition from India‘s largest car manufacturer and seller Maruti Suzuki,

which has launched its own line of lubricants, ECSTAR. So far, sole lubricant manufacturers faced competition only from their

co-branded counterparts (IndianOil makes lubricants for almost all major vehicle manufacturers).

Patanjali ranked as most trusted FMCG brand in India



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Patanjali Ayurved Limited has been ranked as India‘s most trusted Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brand in the TRA‘s

Brand Trust Report 2018. The Patanjali Ayurved Limited was established in 2006 by Ramdev, along with Acharya Balkrishna,

with the objective of establishing a science of Ayurveda in accordance and coordination with the latest technology and

ancient wisdom.

Cognizant buys data analytics firm Hedera

Cognizant said it has acquired Hedera Consulting, a firm specialising in business advisory and data analytics services across

industry sectors, for an undisclosed sum. Based in Kontich, Belgium, Hedera Consulting works with leading brands across

various industries.

Nestle to pay $7 billion in cash to sell Starbucks coffee worldwide

Swiss-based food giant Nestle will pay Starbucks $7.15 billion in cash for the rights to sell the US coffee chain‘s products

around the world in a global alliance aimed at reinvigorating their coffee empires. The deal on May 7, 2018 for a business with

$2 billion in sales reinforces Nestle‘s position as the world‘s biggest coffee company tries to fortify its place atop a fast-

changing market. It will not involve any of Starbucks‘ cafes, but does let Nestle sell Starbucks coffee in individual pods and

expand sales of soluble coffee. The Nestle name will not appear on Starbucks products.

Sainsbury‟s to buy Asda to create top UK supermarket chain

Sainsbury‘s has agreed to buy Walmart‘s Asda for about 7.3 billion pounds ($10 billion) to create Britain‘s biggest

supermarket group by market share, overtaking long-standing industry leader Tesco. Together Sainsbury‘s and Asda have

2,800 stores.

Marathon to become top U.S. refiner with $23 billion Andeavor buy

Marathon Petroleum Corp agreed to buy rival Andeavor for more than $23 billion in the largest-ever tie-up between U.S.

refiners. The combined company would leapfrog Valero Energy Corp to become the largest U.S. refiner, with the capacity to

process 3.1 million bpd of crude oil into gasoline, diesel and other fuels.

NEWSMAKERS

PM Modi most liked leader in world on Facebook

With 43.2 million likes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the most ‗liked‘ world leader on Facebook followed by US President

Donald Trump at 23.1 million likes. Modi is also has the second highest number of interactions and interaction rate after

Trump. The official Facebook page of the Prime Minister‘s office (PMO) also figures 4th

in the overall list of most liked

Facebook pages. The White House, the Ugandan Presidency and 10, Downing Street in London are ahead of PMO. These and

other important nuggets of information came out in the ‗World Leaders on Facebook‘ report that was conducted by Burson

Cohn and Wolfe.



36

Section I: STATES

Uma Bharti launches Gobardhan Yojana from Haryana

Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Uma Bharti, on April 30, 2018 launched the Gobardhan (Galvanizing

Organic Bio Agro Resources Dhan) scheme at the National Dairy Research Institute in Karnal, Haryana with an aim to

positively contribute to cleanliness and generate energy from solid waste. The scheme focuses on managing and converting

cattle dung and solid waste from farms and fields to useful compost, biogas and bio-CNG. The scheme will help in keeping

villages clean, generate energy and in increasing the income of farmers.

Haryana govt. to bear interest on loans taken by SHGs

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has announced that repayment of interest on bank loans taken by self help

groups (SHGs) for women set up under the Deen Dayal Antyodaya scheme would be borne by the state government.

Tourism Minister inaugurates Indian Culinary Institute, Noida Campus

The Indian Culinary Institute (ICI), Noida campus was inaugurated on April 30, 2018 by the Minister of State (Independent

Charge) for Tourism and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, K. J. Alphons in presence of the

Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate change, Dr.

Mahesh Sharma for starting culinary courses. This is in line with the commitment of creating specialized skilled manpower in

the field of hospitality and posturing the research and development in Culinary Arts.

SC strikes down Uttar Pradesh law allowing ex-CMs to keep govt house

Supreme Court on May 7, 2018 struck down the amendment in Uttar Pradesh legislation allowing ex-Chief Ministers of the

state to continue occupying government accommodation even after demitting office. A bench headed by Justice Ranjan

Gogoi said the amendment in the legislation was ultra vires to the Constitution since it transgresses the concept of equality

under the Constitution. The apex court said that once such persons demit public office, there is nothing to distinguish them

from the common man.

New weekly Antyodaya train launched on Durg-Ferozpur route

A new weekly Durg-Ferozpur-Durg Antyodaya Express was launched on May 1, 2018 from Raipur railway station in

Chhattisgarh under the South East Central Railway (SECR) zone. The train was flagged-off by Chief Minister Raman Singh and

Union Minister of State for Railways Rajen Gohain.

SpiceJet launches direct flight between Delhi and Adampur

The Adampur airport in Jalandhar on May 1, 2018 came under the aviation network of the country with budget carrier

SpiceJet launching a daily direct flight from New Delhi to the city under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.

Shivaji statue height increased, to be world‟s tallest at 212

The height of the statue of King Shivaji, to be built off the Mumbai coast, has been increased by two metres so that on

completion it would be the world‘s tallest, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on May 1, 2018. ―The Spring

Temple Buddha in China was earlier proposed to be 208 meters tall, and our memorial was to be 210 meters. But the Chinese

authorities made some construction at the statue‘s base, taking the height to 210 meters. It prompted us to revise our design



37

and increase the height to 212 meters,‖ Fadnavis said. Contract for the project was awarded to Larsen & Toubro for Rs 2,500

crore in March 2018. The memorial is to be built on 6.8 hectares of reclaimed land in the Arabian Sea.

Odisha, Tata Trust sign MoU to set up cancer hospital

The Odisha government on May 6, 2018 signed MoU with Tata Trusts, Mumbai to set up a state-of-the-art Cancer Treatment

and Research Hospital in Bhubaneswar. The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Tata Trusts

Chairman Ratan N. Tata. As part of the MoU, Tata Trusts will set up and manage the cancer treatment facility in Bhubaneswar

and it will be benchmarked to the Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. The Odisha government will facilitate and contribute in

setting up the centre by providing land to the extent of 25 acres free of cost.

„Go to Village‟ mission launched by CM in Manipur

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh launched ‗Go to Village‘ mission throughout the state from Imphal on May 1, 2018. The

mission was launched in 60 villages of all the 60 Assembly constituencies. The mission is aimed at identifying the eligible and

deserving beneficiaries in every corner of the state and delivering government services at their doorstep.

Leisang in Manipur becomes country‟s last village to get electricity

The Last village to be electrified under the Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana is Leisang village located in Senapati

district in Manipur. A village is said to be electrified if at least 10% of its households, as well as public places such as schools,

panchayat offices and health centers, have access to electricity. According to the 2011 census, Leisang has 12 families with 65

people.

NPP wins Williamnagar Assembly seat in Meghalaya

National People‘s Party candidate Marcuise Marak was on May 1, 2018 elected MLA from the Williamnagar Assembly seat in

Meghalaya, increasing the party‘s strength to 20 in the House. The 60-member Meghalaya Assembly has an effective strength

of 59. Polling for the seat was postponed following the death of NCP candidate Jonathone N Sangma in an IED attack on

February 18, days before the February-27 Assembly election in the state. The Congress and the NPP now have 20 MLAs each,

United Democratic Party 6, People‘s Democratic Front 4, BJP 2, Hills State People‘s Democratic Part 2, Khun Hynniewtrep

National Awakening Movement 1, NCP 1 and 3 Independents. Bye-elections to the Ampati seat, formerly represented by

Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma, is scheduled for May 28.

NEWSMAKERS

Pawan Chamling pips Jyoti Basu to become India‟s longest serving CM

Sikkim‘s Pawan Chamling has set a new record in the country by becoming the longest serving chief minister of a state, a title

that Jyoti Basu, the former CPI(M) patriarch of West Bengal, had held so far. The 68-year-old founding president of the ruling

Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) completed 25 years of uninterrupted service in office on April 29, 2018. He was sworn in as the

chief minister of Sikkim for the first time on December 12, 1994. Basu, the five-term West Bengal CM, had been in power from

June 21, 1977 to November 6, 2000. He handed over the baton to Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee in 2000, citing health reasons.

Basu passed way in 2010 at the age of 95.

Kavinder Gupta sworn in as Deputy CM in J&K



38

Gandhinagar MLA Kavinder Gupta on April 30, 2018 took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir after a

major reshuffle in the cabinet. Gupta took over the post after Nirmal Singh tendered his resignation as Deputy Chief Minister

of the state on April 29.

Director Arjun Hingorani, who launched Dharmendra, dies at 92

Veteran filmmaker Arjun Hingorani, who launched Dharmendra in Bollywood with 1960 film ―Dil Bhi Tera Hum Bhi Tere‖, died

at Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh on May 5, 2018 at the age of 92. Hingorani, whose career spanned three decades beginning

from 1960s, is mostly remembered for frequently collaborating with Dharmendra. After launching the star, Hingorani

developed a close friendship with him, and the duo went on to work in films like ―Kab Kyoon Aur Kahan‖ (1970), ―Kahani

Kismat Ki‖ (1973), ―Sultanat‖ (1983) and ―Kaun Kare Kurbanie‖ (1991).

Noted Malayalam novelist Pushpanath passes dies at 80

Noted detective novelist Kottayam Pushpanath, who expanded the world of horror fiction in Malayalam literature, died in

Kottayam on May 2, 2018 at the age of 80. Many of his works were translated into various languages including Tamil, Telugu

and Kannada.

Renowned Marathi singer Arun Date dies at 84

Veteran Marathi singer Arun Date died in Mumbai on May 6, 2018 at the age of 84. Date, famous for non-film ‗bhavgeet‘

(lyrical poetry) songs, had crooned numbers like ―Shukratara‖ and ―Ya Janmavar‖, which became popular. He was the first

recipient of the state government‘s ‗Gajananrav Vatave Puraskar‘.

Noted Odia lyricist Gurukrushna Goswami dies at 84

Eminent Odia lyricist Gurukrushna Goswami passed in Cuttack on May 6, 2018 at the age of 84. Goswami had penned a large

number of folk, devotional and modern songs in a career spanning over five decades.

Freedom fighter, writer Keyur Bhushan dies at 90

Well-known Gandhian, freedom fighter and writer Keyur Bhushan died in Raipur on May 3, 2018 at the age of 90. Bhushan,

born at Janta in Bemetara district, took part in the 1942 Quit India movement as a student in Raipur, and was incarcerated.

During the 1980s, when terrorism was raging in Punjab, he had undertaken a footmarch to promote peace. He penned novels,

collections of short stories and poems. He also edited ‗Sapthahik Chhattisgarh‘ and ‗Antyoday‘. Bhushan represented Raipur

constituency in the Lok Sabha in the 1990s.

Karnataka BJP MLA Vijayakumar passes away

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA from Karnataka‘s Jayanagar constituency BN Vijayakumar passed away in Bengaluru on May

4, 2018 at the age of 60. He was two time MLA from Jayanagar constituency and was nominated from the same place for the

upcoming assembly elections.

Independent MLA Dinesh Rai joins BJP in MP

Independent MLA Dinesh Rai, who represents Seoni assembly constituency in Madhya Pradesh, has joined the ruling BJP,

office-bearers of the party said on May 4, 2018. The Madhya Pradesh assembly polls are due by the year end.



39

Section J: SPORTS

Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra creates new national record at Diamond League

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra missed on a bronze medal but shattered his own national record by finishing fourth at

the season-opening leg of the IAAF Diamond League in Doha on May 4, 2018. The 20-year-old clocked a throw of 87.43 m

breaking his previously-owned national record mark of 86.48 metres. Olympic champion Thomas Rohler bagged gold with his

season‘s best effort of 91.78 m, while world champion Johannes Vetter (91.56m) and Andreas Hoffman (90.08m) settled for

silver and bronze respectively.

China‟s Liang breaks women‟s 50km race walking world record

China‘s Liang Rui powered to a 4:04:36 victory in the women‘s 50km race at the 2018 IAAF World Race Walking Team

Championships in Taichung (China) on May 5, 2018, breaking the world record. The 23-year-old Liang improved the previous

world record of 4:05:56, set by Ines Henriques of Portugal at 2017 World Championships in London. Her teammate Yin Hang

finished second in 4:09:09, followed by Claire Tallent of Australia, won bronze in 4:09:33.

India win 2 golds at Grand Prix of Liberation Shooting in Czech republic

India won two gold medals at the Grand Prix of Liberation international shooting competition organised in Plzen, Czech

Republic in May 2018. Mihika Poore won gold in women‘s 10 m air rifle event. Shri Nivetha Paramanantham bagged gold in

women‘s 10 m air pistol event India also won two silver medals. Gagan Narang and Pooja Ghatkar won mixed team silver

medal in 10m air rifle event. P. Shri Nivetha and Amanpreet Singh won mixed team silver medal in 10 m air pistol event

Shahzar Rizvi ranked World No. 1 in 10m air pistol

India‘s 10m air pistol shooter Shahzar Rizvi on May 1, 2018 got No. 1 spot in ISSF World rankings. Other top-10 rankings:

Men: 10m air pistol: Jitu Rai (6); 10m air rifle rankings: Ravi Kumar 4, Deepak Kumar 9. 50m rifle 3-positions: Akhil Sheoran 4,

Sanjeev Rajput 8.Women: 10m air pistol: Manu Bhaker 4; 10m air rifle: Mehuli Ghosh 7. 50m rifle 3-position: Anjum 8.

Sahaj Grover wins Capablanca chess tournament

Second seed Sahaj Grover has won the KCF Capablanca GM chess tournament by scoring 7.5 points from nine rounds of the

10-player round-robin event in Pretoria (South Africa) on May 4, 2018. Serbian Grandmaster Aleksa Strikovic finished runner-

up with six points.

China won both men‟s and women‟s titles at table tennis team world championships

China won both men‘s and women‘s titles at the table tennis world team championships in Halmstad (Sweden) on May 6,

2018. In Men‘s final China defeated Germany while in women‘s title match Japan lost. Earlier North and South Korea decided

to combine their women‘s table tennis team. Both countries were to face each other in quarterfinal but decided to combine

their teams to face Japan in semifinal. The combined Korean team won bronze.

Taro Daniel wins Men‟s Singles title at Istanbul Open tennis

Japan‘s Taro Daniel won the Men‘s Singles at the Istanbul Open tennis final on May 6, 2018 by beating Tunisian Malek Jaziri

7-6(4), 6-4. Both players were competing in their first ATP final.



40

Zverev overpowers Kohlschreiber in ATP Munich final

Mischa Zverev defended his Men‘s Singles title after easing past Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 6-3 on clay in an all-German

Munich Open tennis final on May 6, 2018.

Two Malaysian badminton players handed career-ending bans

Two Malaysian badminton players have been handed career-ending bans. Naming them, the Badminton World Federation

(BWF) said in a statement on May 1, 2018 that former world junior champion Zulfadli Zulkiffli, aged 25, was banned for 20

years and fined 25,000 Dollars. The other shuttler, Tan Chun Seang, aged 31, was barred for 15 years and fined 15,000

Dollars. The BWF said, the two shuttlers were found guilty of breaching the BWF code of conduct in relation to betting,

wagering and irregular match results. A BWF ethics panel had held hearings in February in Singapore into the case.

Harbhajan Singh launches his talk show

Ace Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh on May 7, 2018 announced the launch of ‗Quick Heal Bhajji Blast with CSK‘, a weekly talk

show featuring top cricketers from India and aboard. The talk show will have Harbhajan in a candid conversation with his

Chennai Super Kings colleagues on subjects ranging from cricket to personal life and anecdotes.

India will not play day-night test in Australia: BCCI to Cricket Australia

Board of Control for Cricket in India, BCCI, has officially informed Cricket Australia that India will not play any Day-Night Test

match on their tour Down Under at the end of this year. While Cricket Australia was insistent on having a pink ball Test,

Indian board has made it clear that they will not deviate from the traditional red-ball matches. Cricket Australia wanted the

opening Test at Adelaide from 6th to 10th December to be a pink ball Test match.

Ramit Tandon wins Abu Dhabi Open Squash

India‘s Ramit Tandon on May 6, 2018 defeated Omar Abdel Meguid of Egypt to win Men‘s Singles title at Abu Dhabi Open on

the Professional Squash Association (PSA) tour. Tandon beat the Egyptian 11-6, 6-11, 11-3, 11-2 in an exciting one-hour final.

Sanghyun Park wins GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship

Gaganjeet Bhullar finished second at the GS Caltex Maekyung Open Golf Championship in Seongnam (South Korea) on May

6, 2018. South Korea‘s Sanghyun Park won the event for the second time in three years.

India finish on top at South Asian Junior Athletics Championships

India‘s topped the medals tally with 20 golds at the 3rd

South Asian Junior Athletics Championships in Colombo on May 6,

2018. India finished on top in the seven-nation competition with 20 gold, 22 silver and eight bronze medals. Host Sri Lanka

bagged rest of the 12 gold medals in the competition along with 10 silver and 19 bronze while Pakistan won one silver and a

bronze to settle for the third place.

Liverpool‟s Salah wins Football Writers‟ Footballer of the Year award

Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah won the Football Writers‘ Association‘s Footballer of the Year award on May 1,

2018, becoming the first player from Africa to take the honour. Salah, 25, has racked up an outstanding 43 goals in 48

appearances during his debut season at Liverpool. Earlier this month, Salah was voted Player of the Year for 2017-18 by the



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United Kingdom‘s Professional Footballers‘ Association, an award that carries a special significance as it is decided by the

players themselves.

Former AIFF Secretary PP Lakshmanan dies at 83

Former AIFF Secretary PP Lakshmanan passed away in Kannur (Kerala) on April 30, 2018 at the age of 83. Lakshmanan served

AIFF as the Secretary from 1988 to 1996. He also served the AIFF as the Honorary Treasurer from 1984 to 88. He went on to

become senior Vice President of AIFF in 1996 and eventually, became Executive President in 2000, before leaving office four

years later.

Harendra Singh appointed coach of men‟s hockey team

Women‘s hockey coach Harendra Singh was on May 1, 2018 made in-charge of the men‘s side, while men‘s coach Sjoerd

Marijne was re-designated the women‘s coach by Hockey India following the medal-less show at the Gold Coast

Commonwealth Games in April 2018.

India‟s Neeraj Goyat is WBC Asia Boxer of the Year

Indian pugilist Neeraj Goyat has been conferred with the WBC Asia Boxer of the Year Award. Neeraj is the current WBC Asia

champion in welter weight category. Since turning pro in 2011, Neeraj has won nine fights including two knockouts. Neerav

Tomar, promoter of IOS Boxing Promotions, was bestowed with ‗WBC Asia honorary Promoter of the year 2017 Award‘ by the

Asian Boxing Council at WBC Asia and WBC Muaythai annual awards presentation ceremony in Bangkok on April 30, 2018.


For the Week: May 9 to 14, 2018

HEADLINES

Section A: INDIA

I&B ministry to set up web portal to give info on filming facilities in India

Indore-Puri Humsafar train flagged off by Lok Sabha Speaker

Parliamentary panel calls for time-bound release of MPLADS funds

IAF successfully conducts online test for recruiting airmen

DNA banks to be set up at national, state levels


Current Affairs Magic May 15 to 22, 2018 www.globalias.in

42

National Technology Day celebrated on May 11

Collegium agrees to reiterate Justice Joseph‘s name for elevation to SC

CCI directs centre to release records on death of former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966


UAE flags off first cargo of crude oil for India‘s strategic petroleum reserve (SPR)

Modi, Oli jointly inaugurate Janakpur-Ayodhya direct bus service

Modi, Oli jointly lay foundation stone of 900-mw Arun III Hydroelectric power plant

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visits Myanmar

India sends 2nd relief consignment for Rohingya refuges in Bangladesh

SC appoints SDMs as nodal officer to deal with grievances of Rohingya refugees

Vice President visits Guatemala, Panama and Peru

Railways submits studies to extend rail connectivity to Bhutan

Indian ship Sumedha deployed to undertake joint surveillance of Maldives EEZ

India, Ethiopia vow to strengthen defence, counterterror cooperation

Indians accounted for over 74% of H-1B visas in 2016 & 2017: USCIS report

Section C: WORLD

Nuclear-related commitments are being implemented by Iran: IAEA

Lebanon: Hezbollah, allies win more than half the seats in Parliament

In tit-for-tat move, Pakistan slaps restrictions on movement of US diplomats

Dam burst in Kenya kills more than 30

US President Donald Trump to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore

India ranks fourth in Asia-Pacific on power index

Britain‘s upper house of parliament votes in favour of staying in EU‘s single market

Beijing to hold World Robot Conference in August

Saudi Arabia to lift driving ban on women from June 24

World tourism behind 8% of greenhouse gas emissions

UN chief announces climate summit for September 2019

Nepal to host 2018 BIMSTEC Summit

China‘s first indigenous aircraft carrier ―Type 001A‖ begins sea trial

Saudi Arabia launches youth-oriented ―SBC‖ TV station

World Migratory Bird day observed on May 12

World Thalassemia Day observed on May 8

International Day of the Midwife celebrated on May 5

Mahathir Mohamad sworn in as new PM of Malaysia

Russian President chooses to retain Dmitry Medvedev as PM

Armenia opposition leader Pashinyan elected PM by parliament

Hafor Julius Bjornsson named strongest man in the world

Junot Diaz quits as Pulitzer chairman

Philippines‘ top court ousts Chief Justice

South African photographer Sam Nzima dies at 83




43

SpaceX launches Bangladeshi satellite Bangabandhu

Only 11 Indus dolphins survive in India: WWF India census

Section E: AWARDS

World Television Awards presented at Asia Media Summit organised in New Delhi

Prof Muhammad Yunus conferred KISS Humanitarian Award 2018

Lata Mangeshkar conferred with Swara Mauli award in Mumbai

Netta Barzilai of Israel wins Eurovision Song Contest

Angela Merkel awarded Lamp of Peace in Italy

Janet Jackson to receive Icon Award at 2018 Billboard Music Awards


RBI tells Dena Bank to stop lending, puts it under prompt corrective action

New monetary limits set for PSBs to report frauds to CBI

MCX to launch crude oil options on May 15

UK High Court refused to overturn worldwide order freezing Vijay Mallya‘s assets

Section G: ECONOMY

Forex reserves fall by USD 1.43 bn to USD 418.94 bn

India‘s growth to accelerate to 7.5% in 2019-20: Fitch

Panel formed to advise on 15th Finance Commission‘s terms of reference

Govt approves green licence plates for e-vehicles

India opens biggest city gas distribution licensing round

MSE business sentiment improves in January-March quarter: CriSidEx survey

India 6th in Business Optimism Index: Thornton

Industrial growth at 4.3% in in 2017-18

India fastest growing economy at 7.4% in 2018: IMF

India‘s clean energy capacity touches 70 GW: MNRE

TRAI releases draft of telecom interconnection regulation

Govt. planning to double credit guarantee under CGTMSE for FY19

6th

US-India Aviation Summit held in Mumbai

SC extends tenure of NCDRC chief, members till successors appointed


Walmart buys 77% stake in Flipkart for $16 billion

eBay to sell stake in Flipkart for about USD 1.1 billion; to relaunch eBay India

London ranked top city for students by QS survey

Anand Burman-Sunil Munjal combine selected to buy Fortis Healthcare

NASA and Uber sign agreement on flying taxis

Chinese President tops Forbes list of most powerful people in the world

Hinduja brothers second in Britain‘s Sunday Times Rich List‘



44



45

Section I: STATES

President clears Delhi govt‘s amendment in Minimum Wages Act: fine, jail term for violators

QR codes on autos, cabs to give driver details to be mandatory in Delhi

J&K Cabinet abolishes stamp duty on sale of properties in women‘s name

J&K govt launches Mufti Mohammad Sayeed fellowship

First integrated smart cities control centre launched in MP

Punjab signs MoU with UK for setting up bio-gas, bio CNG plants

Stanford University to partner with UP to combat chronic diseases

UGC grants deemed to be university status to national rail institute in Vadodara

Telangana CM launches ‗Rythu Bandhu‘ investment support scheme for farmers

International Children‘s Film Festival of Kerala to start from May 14

UNDP to set up skill development centre in Hyderabad

Centre proposes to link Godavari, Cauvery: Tamil Nadu CM

Telangana CM unveils minted coins of himself and TRS

Andhra CM launches NCBN app to implement effective governance

Pawan Kalyan unfurls world‘s largest Indian flag in Telangana

Nirmal Singh elected J&K Assembly speaker

Mohit Chauhan nominated as Green Ambassador of Sikkim

Centre gives historian Babasaheb Purandare Rs. 5 crore for his Shivshrushti project

Noted lyricist, poet, politician Balkavi Bairagi dies in Neemuch (MP) at 87

Veteran actress Lalita Chatterjee dies at 81

Veteran Odia actor Anita Das dies at 57

Himanshu Roy, former Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief, dies at 54

Section J: SPORTS

India at International Shooting Competition of Hannover

Former Test cricketer Rajinder Pal dies at 80

Pakistan‘s hockey legend Mansoor Ahmed dies at 49

Zverev, Petrova win Singles titles at Madrid tennis

Aditya Jagtap wins City View Open squash title

Lewis Hamilton wins Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona

G. Sathiyan to play for German TT club

Mark Williams wins World Snooker title

IAAF unveils new, mass worldwide running event



46

Section A: INDIA

NEWS ROUND UP

I&B ministry to set up web portal to give info on filming facilities in India

The information and broadcasting ministry on May 12, 2018 said it will set up a dedicated web portal to disseminate

information on filming facilities available in the country. The portal will help potential production companies looking to shoot

in India to obtain permissions, explore potential benefits and obtain an overview of various locations in India that could

benefit the storyline of the film under consideration.

Indore-Puri Humsafar train flagged off by Lok Sabha Speaker

A Humsafar Express, comprising entirely of 3AC coaches, was on May 12, 2018 flagged off between Indore and Puri in Odisha

by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan who is the Member of Parliament from Indore. The 19317 Indore-Puri Humsafar

Express will depart from Indore every Tuesday at 12:40 pm and reach Puri the next day at 7:55pm. In its return journey, the

train will leave Puri every Wednesday at 11:55pm and reach Indore at 11:25am on Friday. The train will halt at Dewas, Bhopal,

Itarsi, Nagpur, Rajnandgaon, Durg, Raipur, Bilaspur, Jharsuguda Road, Sambalpur City, Angul, Bhubaneswar and Khurda Road

junction in both directions.

Parliamentary panel calls for time-bound release of MPLADS funds

The parliamentary panel on Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds has recommended that

amounts donated by lawmakers for rehabilitation work after natural disasters be disbursed within two weeks. The panel,

headed by Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha M. Thambidurai, on May 8, 2018 observed that funds allocated for the purpose by

the MPs often reach the affected people too late to help. Currently, the actual transfer takes anything from six months to over

a year because of red tape. Funds are to be released by the nodal district of the lawmaker concerned to the district authority

of the affected district.

IAF successfully conducts online test for recruiting airmen

The Indian Air Force successfully conducted scheduled test for airmen recruitment (STAR) online at 439 centres spread over

102 cities across the country from May 3 to 6, 2018. The exam was conducted in collaboration with the Centre for

Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) Pune, an organisation functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and

Information Technology. This is the first instance of any of the three services undertaking selection tests online.

DNA banks to be set up at national, state levels

DNA data banks will be set up at the national and the State levels to store profiles, and those who leak such information will

be punished with jail terms of up to three years, according to a draft Bill on DNA technology being finalised by the Law

Ministry. The data is to be used for identifying victims, accused, suspects, undertrials,

National Technology Day celebrated on May 11

The National Technology Day was celebrated on May 11, 2018. This year‘s theme is ‗Commercialising Indigenous

Technologies: Journey from Benchside to Business‘. President Ram Nath Kovind unveiled India‘s first, indigenous lithium-ion



47

battery charger, developed by Ampere Vehicles in New Delhi. Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science and Technology, was

also present during the event, amidst nearly 1000 scientists, technocrats, academicians, students and industry persons.

RECENT BOOKS

Ground Down by Growth: Tribe, Caste, Class, and Inequality in Twenty-First Century India by Alpa Shah, Jens Lerche & Others

The Himalayan Arc: Journeys East of South-east Edited by Namita Gokhale

Sakuntala: Texts, Readings, Histories by Romila Thapar

Economics of Real-Life: A New Exposition by C.T. Kurien

Rebel Talent: Why It Pays to Break the Rules at Work and in Life by Francesca Gino

My Husband and Other Animals 2: Wildlife Adventures Continue by Janaki Lenin

The Football Fanatic‘s Essential Guide: 2018 World Cup Special by Novy Kapadia

The Baptism of Tony Calangute by Sudeep Chakravarti

The Last Word by Rahul Bedi

All Doors Opened by Inder Sharma

Prime Time Crime by Vrushali Telang

Night of Happiness by Tabish Khair

Warlight by Michael Ondaatje

Swear You Won‘t Tell? By Vedashree Khambete-Sharma

Hush A Bye Baby by Deepanjana Pal

Of Noble Blood by Braja Sorensen

Obsessed by Ruchi Kokcha

The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gowar

Conspirator by R.V. Raman

NEWSMAKERS

Collegium agrees to reiterate Justice Joseph‟s name for elevation to SC

The Supreme Court Collegium on May 11, 2018 agreed in principle to reiterate its recommendation for elevating Uttarakhand

High Court Chief Justice K M Joseph as a judge of the apex court, almost three weeks after it was returned by the Centre.

Justice Joseph had headed the bench in the Uttarakhand High Court that had quashed the Narendra Modi government‘s

decision to impose President‘s rule in the Congress-ruled hill state in 2016. In 2017, the Congress lost the assembly election in

Uttarakhand. Justice Joseph, who turns 60 this June, has been the Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court since July 2014.

Legal experts had earlier opined that the government is bound to appoint Justice Joseph as a Supreme Court judge in case

the Collegium reiterates its recommendation to elevate him. However, the experts had said there is no time-frame for

implementing the Collegium‘s recommendation.

CCI directs centre to release records on death of former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966

The Central Information Commission has directed the Prime Minister‘s Office and the Ministries of External Affairs and Home

to make public the records of the Raj Narain committee, constituted in 1977 to look into the mysterious death of the then

Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri, in 1966.



48

The committee was reportedly constituted by the Janata Party government to look into the circumstances surrounding the

death of Shastri on January 11, 1966 in Tashkent, hours after signing a declaration with Pakistan President Muhammad Ayub

Khan after the 1965 war.

The records related to the committee are reportedly untraceable, the commission noted. The CCI‘s directive came on an RTI

application seeking to know from the Home Ministry whether Shastri‘s body was brought to India for cremation or he was

cremated in the then USSR. It also sought a copy of the post-mortem report.

Shastri had gone to Tashkent for talks with the Pakistan President moderated by Soviet Premier Alexei Kosygin.



49


NEWS ROUND UP

UAE flags off first cargo of crude oil for India‟s strategic petroleum reserve (SPR)

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) of United Arab Emirates (UAE) on May 11, 2018 sent the first cargo vessel

with two million barrels of crude oil for India‘s strategic petroleum reserve (SPR).

Oil and Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan along with ADNOC Director-General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr.

Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber flagged off the first consignment of ADNOC crude oil for SPR facility of Indian Strategic Petroleum

Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) at the ADNOC headquarters Panorama Digital Command Centre in Abu Dhabi.

The consignment carrying two million barrels of crude is anticipated to reach ISPRL Mangalore on May 21. This will be the first

such investment by any foreign company in an Indian SPR facility.

ISPRL has constructed Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) at Mangalore consisting of two ―U‖ Shaped compartments with a

total storage capacity of 1.5 MMT. One compartment has already been filled with crude oil through funds made available by

the Government of India. The other compartment will be filled by crude supplied by ADNOC.

The oil storage facility will help boost India‘s energy security, as well as enable ADNOC to efficiently and competitively meet

market demand in India and across the fast-developing Southeast Asian economies

ADNOC will use part of the crude oil to supply its customers, while the rest will remain as strategic storage for the

Government of India to be released in the event of an emergency, such as supply disruptions due to natural disasters or

geopolitical factors.

The Government of India had started the construction of underground crude oil caverns in 2008 to store 5.33 million metric

tonnes (MMT) of crude oil in three locations – Visakhapatnam (1.33 MMT) in Andhra Pradesh and Mangalore (1.5 MMT) and

Padur (2.5 MMT) in Karnataka.

Modi, Oli jointly inaugurate Janakpur-Ayodhya direct bus service

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepal‘s Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli on May 11, 2018 jointly inaugurated a direct

bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya from the Janaki temple in Janakpur. The bus service has been started as part of

the Ramayan Circuit to promote religious tourism in Nepal and India.

Janakpur is known as the birth place of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Janaki temple was built in memory of Sita in 1910. The

three-storied structure made entirely of stone and marble is 50-metre high and spread over 4860 sq feet.

The Indian government has identified 15 destinations in India for development under the Ramayana Circuit theme namely

Ayodhya, Nandigram, Shringverpur & Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh), Sitamarhi, Buxar & Darbhanga (Bihar), Chitrakoot (Madhya

Pradesh), Mahendragiri (Odisha), Jagdalpur (Chattisgarh), Nashik & Nagpur (Maharashtra), Bhadrachalam (Telangana), Hampi

(Karnataka) and Rameshwaram (Tamil Nadu).

Modi, Oli jointly lay foundation stone of 900-mw Arun III Hydroelectric power plant



50

Modi and Oli jointly laid the foundation stone of the 900-megawatt Arun III Hydroelectric Power Plant in Tumlingtar area in

eastern Nepal through a remote system in Kathmandu on May 11, 2018.

Investment Board Nepal (IBN) recently granted the licence to Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Power Development Company, a

subsidiary of Indian government-owned Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd, to generate power from the Arun-III Hydropower Project,

nearly 500-km from Kathmandu.

The Nepal government will receive benefits worth Nepali Rupees 348 billion from the project as royalty, income tax, customs

tariff and free energy in the concession period of 25 years. The project will also provide 21.9 per cent or 197 megawatts of the

generated energy free of cost to Nepal.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visits Myanmar

India and Myanmar on May 11, 2018 signed seven agreements including one on land border crossing as External Affairs

Minister Sushma Swaraj discussed with the top leadership in Nay Pyi Taw issues related to peace and security and

developments in the Rakhine State from where thousands of Rohingya Muslims had fled to Bangladesh after violence last

year.

Swaraj met Myanmar‘s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi on May 11 and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations

across different sectors. On May 10, she called on Myanmar President U Win Myint. She also met the Commander in Chief of

the Myanmar Defence Services, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, during the visit.

Seven agreements/MoUs were signed during the visit.

These included agreements on land border crossing, an MoU on restoration and preservation of earthquake damaged

pagodas in Bagan, an MoU on assistance to the joint ceasefire monitoring committee, an MoU on training of Myanmar

foreign service officers.

An MoU on setting up Industrial Training Centre (ITC) at Monywa, an MoU on ITC at Thaton and Exchange of Letters on

extending a maintenance contract for ITC Myingyan were also signed.

The agreement on land border crossing is a landmark in bilateral relations as it will enable people from both countries to

cross the land border with passport and visa, including for accessing health and education services, pilgrimage and tourism,

the statement said.

The MoU on restoration of pagodas at Bagan underlines the enduring cultural and historical links between the two countries.

The other MoUs on technical assistance and capacity building reflect India‘s continuing support to Myanmar in accordance

with this country‘s own development plans and priorities.

India sends 2nd

relief consignment for Rohingya refuges in Bangladesh

India has sent to Bangladesh its second relief consignment to help tens of thousands of displaced Rohingya Muslims. Over

600,000 Rohingyas have fled Myanmar‘s violence-hit Rakhine state to neighbouring Bangladesh since August when the

military intensified crackdown against alleged militant outfits of Rohingya Muslims. Indian Navy Ship INS Airavat sailed from



51

Vishakhapatnam and reached Chattogram port (formerly Chittagong) Port on May 8, 2018 where Indian High Commissioner

Harsh Vardhan Shringla handed over the relief consignment to Disaster Management and Relief Minister Mofazzel Hussain

Chowdhury. Earlier, India sent relief materials for 300,000 Rohingyas in September 2017 under ‗Operation Insaniyat‘ to

support Bangladesh in its humanitarian efforts.

SC appoints SDMs as nodal officer to deal with grievances of Rohingya refugees

The Supreme Court on May 11, 2018 appointed area Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) as nodal officers who could be

approached by the Rohingya immigrants living at Kalindi Kunj in Delhi and Mewat in Haryana with grievances relating to

healthcare, water, sanitation and education. One of the petitioners had alleged that basic amenities like drinking water and

toilets were not available which had led to the spread of diseases like diarrhoea among the refugees. The court accepted the

plea of the Centre and said the parents, guardians and family members of Rohingyas can move the SDMs with their

grievances who will look into them.

Vice President visits Guatemala, Panama and Peru

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on May 11, 2018 arrived in Peru where he met Peru‘s President Martín Vizcarra at the

Presidential Palace in Lima. Naidu, who is on a five-day visit to Central America‘s Guatemala, Panama and Peru, departed from

Panama for Peru on May 10.

He reached Panama on April 9 where he met President Juan Carlos Varela Rodrigues and other members of his cabinet in

Panama City. India and Panama signed two MoUs to strengthen bilateral cooperation. India announced two Credit Lines of

assistance for setting up a Centre for Biodiversity and Drug Discovery [valued at US$ 10 million] and another for setting up a

Centre for Innovation & Technology [valued at US$ 15 million] in Panama.

Before visiting Panama, the Vice President was in Guatemala where India and Guatemala signed a MoU for expanding

cooperation in the area of diplomatic training. India and Guatemala on May 7, 2018 signed a Memorandum of Understanding

(MoU) for expanding cooperation in the area of diplomatic training. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu met the country‘s

President Jimmy Morales and Vice President Jafeth Ernesto Cabrera Franco in capital Guatemala City.

Naidu‘s three-nation visit commenced on May 6 and is the Vice President‘s first overseas visit after assuming office in 2017.

Railways submits studies to extend rail connectivity to Bhutan

The Northeast Frontier Railway has submitted feasibility studies to the Ministry of External Affairs to extend rail connectivity to

Bhutan. At present, there is no rail link between the two countries.

The five feasible rail link routes include a 57 km line from Kokhrajhar (Assam) to Gelephu (Bhutan), a 51.15 km line from

Pathsala (Assam) to Nanglam (Bhutan), a 48 km line from Rangiya (Assam) to Samdrupjongkjar (Bhutan), a 23 km line

between West Bengal‘s Banarhat to Samtse in Bhutan and a 17.52 km line between Hasimara in West Bengal to Phuentsholing

in Bhutan.

As part of the Centre‘s Act East policy to boost ties with South Asian neighbours through North Eastern region, the Indian

Railways has completed ground work for extending rail connectivity to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Indian ship Sumedha deployed to undertake joint surveillance of Maldives EEZ



52

An Indian Navy ship has been deployed to undertake joint surveillance of exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Maldives. The

Indian Navy said its ship Sumedha, a naval offshore patrol vessel has been deployed to undertake the joint surveillance of EEZ

of Maldives from May 9 to 17. In February, Maldives had declined India‘s invitation to participate in the eight-day mega naval

exercise -- Milan -- from March 6-13.

India, Ethiopia vow to strengthen defence, counter terror cooperation

India and Ethiopia on May 9, 2018 vowed to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as defence, counter terrorism, and

trade and investment during the second Joint Committee Meeting between the two countries. External Affairs Minister

Sushma Swaraj led the Indian delegation in talks in New Delhi with the Ethiopian side that was headed by her counterpart

Workneh Gebeyehu. An MoU between the Foreign Service Institute of India and the Foreign Service Training Institute of

Ethiopia was also signed after the conclusion of the meeting.

Indians accounted for over 74% of H-1B visas in 2016 & 2017: USCIS report

Technology professionals from India accounted for 74.2 per cent of the total number of H-1B visas issued by the US in 2016

and the figure rose to 75.6 per cent in 2017, a US government report said on May 8, 2018. China with 9.3 and 9.4 per cent

respectively for 2016 and 2017, comes a distant second after India in terms of number of H-1B visas issued.

However, there has been a drop in the number of new H-1B beneficiaries from India, the United States Citizenship and

Immigration Services report said. In 2016, as many as 70,737 Indians received initial H-1B visas, which dropped to 67,815 in

2017.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that

require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees

each year.



53

Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

Nuclear-related commitments are being implemented by Iran: IAEA

Iran has stuck to its commitment under the 2015 nuclear deal, Yukiya Amano, Director General of the International Atomic

Energy Agency (IAEA), said on May 10, 2018, a day after the US withdrew from the international agreement calling it

―defective at its core‖.

President Donald Trump had announced at the White House that the US would be withdrawing from the deal, and unilaterally

begin reinstating economic sanctions against Iran at ―the highest level‖.

The 2015 deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)was reached by Iran, China, France, Germany, Russia,

the United Kingdom, the US and the European Union. It sets out rigorous mechanisms for monitoring restrictions placed on

Iran‘s nuclear programme, while paving the way for the lifting UN sanctions against the country. The nuclear deal granted Iran

relief from sanctions and returned frozen assets in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear programme and international

inspections.

The US President did not claim that Iran was in violation of the terms of the deal, but described its so-called ―sunset

provisions‖ which lift restrictions on the country‘s ability to enrich uranium within 10 to 15 years as ―totally unacceptable‖.

The IAEA has repeatedly said that according to its inspectors on the ground in Iran, no violations of the agreement had taken

place, and there has been no evidence of any activity relating to any ―nuclear explosive device‖, after 2009.

Lebanon: Hezbollah, allies win more than half the seats in Parliament

Hezbollah and its political allies made significant gains in Lebanon‘s parliamentary election, official results showed on May 7,

2018. Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is the leader of Hezbollah. Voter turnout was 49.2%.

Hezbollah, along with allied groups and individuals, secured at least 65 seats. Seats in 128-member Parliament are divided

according to a strict sectarian quota.

Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, the leader of Future Movement, lost over a third of his seats. But with 21 MPs, down from 33 in

the last Parliament, he still emerged as the Sunni Muslim leader with the biggest bloc, making him the frontrunner to form the

next government. Lebanon‘s Prime Minister must be a Sunni under its sectarian power-sharing system.

The new government, like the outgoing one, is expected to include all the main parties.

In tit-for-tat move, Pakistan slaps restrictions on movement of US diplomats

Pakistan on May 11, 2018 imposed ―reciprocal‖ restrictions on the movement of US diplomats after Washington took similar

measures. According to the US decision, Pakistani diplomats, at the embassy in Washington and four consulates in New York,

Los Angeles, Texas and Chicago, will need to stay within 25 miles (40-kms) of the city of their posting. They would be required

to take formal permission at least five day before moving beyond the prescribed limit.



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Dam burst in Kenya kills more than 30

A dam burst its banks in Kenya‘s Rift Valley has killed more than 30 people. Water burst through the banks of the Patel Dam

in Solai, Nakuru County, on May 9, 2018, sweeping away hundreds of homes, including those on the expansive Nyakinyua

Farm, which borders the reservoir.

US President Donald Trump to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore

US President Donald Trump on May 10, 2018 announced that he will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on June 12 in

Singapore for a historic meeting to discuss the denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula. Trump‘s announcement came hours

after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo returned home from North Korea with three detained Americans. This will be the

first ever meeting between a sitting US president and North Korean leader.

India ranks fourth in Asia-Pacific on power index

India has ranked fourth out of 25 nations in the Asia-Pacific region on an index that measures their overall power, with the

country being pegged as a ―giant of the future‖ but trails behind in indicators of defence networks and economic

relationships. The Lowy Institute Asia Power Index measures power across 25 countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific

region. A country‘s overall power is its weighted average across eight measures of power - economic resources, military

capability, resilience, future trends, diplomatic influence, economic relationships, defence networks and cultural influence.

India is ranked fourth overall on the inaugural index.

Britain‟s upper house of parliament votes in favour of staying in EU‟s single market

Britain‘s upper house of parliament on May 9, 2018 inflicted another defeat on Prime Minister Theresa May‘s government ,

voting in favour of staying in the European Union‘s single market. The House of Lords voted 245 to 218 in favour of the

amendment to the government‘s key Brexit blueprint that will sever political, financial and legal ties with the EU. The

amendment is opposed by the government and can potentially be overturned in parliament‘s lower chamber, where May has

a slim majority.

Beijing to hold World Robot Conference in August

The 2018 World Robot Conference will be held in Beijing from August 15 to 19, authorities said on May 8, 2018. The event will

see over 12,000 competing teams and 50,000 participants from more than 10 countries and regions. A robot competition will

be held during the conference where participants will compete in five categories.

Saudi Arabia to lift driving ban on women from June 24

Women in Saudi Arabia will be allowed to start driving in the kingdom from June 24, the government announced in Riyadh on

May 8, 2018. In September 2017, a royal decree announced the end of a decades-long ban on women driving -- the only one

of its kind in the world. Women 18 years of age and older will be allowed to apply for a driver‘s license. Women with foreign

driving licenses will be able to apply for a local one through a separate process, which will also assess their driving skills.

World tourism behind 8% of greenhouse gas emissions

The world‘s domestic and international tourism industry contributes to eight per cent of the global greenhouse gas emissions.

A team led by researchers at the University of Sydney in Australia found the global comprehensive tourism footprint of



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tourism-related greenhouse gas emissions is about four times greater than previous estimates. Small islands attract a

disproportionate share of carbon emissions, considering their small populations, through international arrivals, while the US is

responsible for the majority of tourism-generated emissions overall. Findings of the study were published in the journal

Nature Climate Change.

UN chief announces climate summit for September 2019

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced in Havana on May 8, 2018 that a climate summit will be held in

September 2019 in New York to review the Paris Agreement commitments. ―The effects of climate change keep spreading all

over the world,‖ Guterres said at the opening ceremony of the 37th session of the UN Economic Commission for Latin

America and the Caribbean.

Nepal to host 2018 BIMSTEC Summit

Nepal‘s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on May 12, 2018 announced to host the 2018 Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral

Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit. The BIMSTEC is an international organisation of seven nations of

South Asia and South East Asia, including Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal.

China‟s first indigenous aircraft carrier “Type 001A” begins sea trial

China‘s first domestically manufactured aircraft carrier, known only as ―Type 001A‖, started sea trials on May 13, 2018.

Expected to be commissioned by 2020, the ship will give China a second aircraft carrier. China‘s sole operational aircraft

carrier, the Liaoning, is a repurposed Soviet ship bought from Ukraine, which went into service in 2012.

Saudi Arabia launches youth-oriented “SBC” TV station

Saudi Arabia launched a new public TV channel that seeks to lure young viewers and project a modern image beyond the

kingdom‘s borders. Branded ―SBC‖, the channel will broadcast exclusive content including films, talk shows and cooking

programmes. The move follows the launch earlier this month of a $35-billion drive to turn Saudi Arabia into a culture and

entertainment hub by 2020. SBC will become the entertainment flagship for the Saudi Broadcasting Corporation.

World Migratory Bird day observed on May 12

―Unifying Our Voices for Bird Conservation‖ was the theme of World Migratory Bird Day celebrated on May 12, 2018. The day

is celebrated annually on May 12. The UN-backed global awareness-raising and environmental education campaign focuses

the need for international cooperation to conserve migratory birds. Major threats to migratory birds include habitat loss and

degradation, collision with badly placed wind turbines and power lines, unsustainable harvesting and the illegal killing and

taking of birds.

World Thalassemia Day observed on May 8

World Thalassemia Day was observed on May 8, 2018 to raise awareness about this disease among common public. The day

is celebrating on May 8 every year by the World Health Organization (WHO) in order to raise the public awareness about this

disease, prevention measures and measures to avoid its transmission. The theme for the day this year is ―Thalassaemia past,

present and future: Documenting progress and patients‘ needs worldwide‖. Thalassemia, a blood disorder that involves the

production of abnormal amounts of haemoglobin in the body.



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International Day of the Midwife celebrated on May 5

International Day of the Midwife was celebrated on May 5, 2018. Midwives – and people with midwifery skills – are the main

caregivers for women and their newborns during pregnancy, labour, childbirth and in the post-delivery period. Skilled

midwives are the difference between life and death for hundreds of thousands of women and infants every year.

NEWSMAKERS

Mahathir Mohamad sworn in as new PM of Malaysia

Mahathir Mohamad, a former Prime Minister who led the opposition to achieve a stunning victory in the general election held

in Malaysia on May 9, took the oath of office on May 11, 2018. This makes 92-year old Mohamad as the oldest head of

government in the world. Mahatir Mohamad had earlier served as Prime Minister from July 1981 to October 2003.

General elections were held to elect members of the 222-seat Dewan Rakyat, the lower house of Parliament. The election

resulted in a victory for Pakatan Harapan, the main opposition coalition, led by Mohamad. The coalition won a simple majority

with 113 seats. The Sabah Heritage Party, which won 8 seats, is informally aligned with Pakatan Harapan. This gives the

opposition alliance a total of 121 seats in the new Parliament, enough to form a government. Gagasan Sejahtera, an informal

coalition of opposition Islamist political parties, won 18 seats.

This marked a historic defeat for the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition led by outgoing Prime Minister Najib Razak which

won 79 seats. The BN had never lost control of Malaysia‘s government for 61 years since the country‘s independence in 1957.

Razak had been in power since April 2009.

Russian President chooses to retain Dmitry Medvedev as PM

Russian President Vladimir Putin has chosen to retain Dmitry Medvedev as prime minister for his new term. Putin submitted

the proposal for premiership to the lower house of parliament, or State Duma, immediately after he was sworn in for his 4th

term on May 7, 2018. Medvedev has held the premiership since 2012 when Putin started his 3rd

term as president.

Armenia opposition leader Pashinyan elected PM by parliament

Armenia‘s parliament on May 8, 2018 elected opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan as Prime Minister. Lawmakers voted 59 to 42

to approve Pashinyan‘s candidacy to the nation‘s top job with the ruling Republican Party backing the opposition leader‘s

premiership bid.

Hafor Julius Bjornsson named strongest man in the world

―Game of Thrones‖ star Hafor Julius Bjornsson, who plays Gregor Clegane/The Mountain on the epic fantasy show, has been

named the strongest man in the world. The 29-year-old actor won the title for World‘s Strongest Man in the annual

competition held in Philippines.

Junot Diaz quits as Pulitzer chairman



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Award-winning U.S. novelist Junot Diaz has stepped down as chairman of the Pulitzer Prize Board after being accused of

sexual misconduct but will continue to remain on the board. The Pulitzer Prize Board said it is conducting a review of the

allegations against the author. Diaz had been elected incoming chairman in April.

Philippines‟ top court ousts Chief Justice

The Philippines‘ top court voted on May 11, 2018 to remove its own Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, who faced ouster

efforts after battling with President Rodrigo Duterte over his deadly war on drugs.

South African photographer Sam Nzima dies at 83

Sam Nzima, the South African photographer who took the iconic image of a black high school student carrying a fatally

wounded fellow student away from the gunfire of apartheid police in the Soweto student riots of 1976, died in Nelspruit on

May 10, 2018. His photograph of the Soweto student uprising galvanized international public opinion against apartheid,

South Africa‘s system of racial discrimination that ended in 1994.



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SpaceX launches Bangladeshi satellite Bangabandhu

SpaceX on May 11, 2018 successfully launched its most modern Falcon 9 rocket, delivering Bangabandhu-1, the first

Bangladeshi telecom satellite, into geostationary transfer orbit. The Falcon 9 rocket, known as the Block 5 version, lifted off

from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida (USA) at 4:14 p.m. Eastern. The 3,500-kilogram Bangabandhu-1 satellite

separated from the rocket‘s upper stage about 34 minutes later.

The satellite Bangabandhu-1 is named after Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the assassinated founder of Bangladesh.

His daughter Sheikh Hasina is Bangladesh‘s current prime minister.

Bangabandhu-1 carries 26 Ku-band transponders and 14 C-band transponders, and is designed to operate for at least 15

years in geostationary orbit. In addition to Bangladesh, the satellite‘s coverage includes India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, the

Philippines, Indonesia and several central Asian countries.

Only 11 Indus dolphins survive in India: WWF India census

Only five to 11 individual Indus Dolphins, one of the world‘s rarest mammals, survive in India, with their habitat confined to

130 km stretch of Beas river in Punjab, reveals the first-ever organised census conducted jointly by the Punjab government

and WWF India.

Low water flow due to several blockages like dams and barrage over the Beas, some in Himachal Pradesh where the river

emerges, and on its tributaries like river Parvati, pose a challenge to the species.

Native to only in India and Pakistan, the Indus Dolphins in India were found in an only 185 km stretch between Talwara and

Harike Barrage in Beas river where they were first spotted in 2007. Later, the government declared this stretch as a protected

zone, barring mining and fishing along the river.

Pakistan has about 1,800 of these rare aquatic mammals, Platanista gangetica minor, over a 1,500 km stretch of Indus river.



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Section E: AWARDS

World Television Awards presented at Asia Media Summit organised in New Delhi

India hosted host the 15th

Asia Media Summit in New Delhi on May 10-11, 2018. With the theme, ‗Telling Our Stories Asia and

More‘, India hosted the annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) Kuala Lumpur for the

first time.

The summit was hosted by the Information and Broadcasting (I-B) Ministry, jointly with the Indian Institute of Mass

Communication (IIMC), and public sector firm Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd (BECIL).

Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani presided as the Chief Guest over the inaugural ceremony of the summit on

May 10. The summit‘s aim was to encourage regional and bilateral dialogue and cooperation to respond to challenges to the

broadcasting sector in the region.

In the concluding session, World Television Awards 2018 were presented by Minister of State for Information and

Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. ‗Journey on Foot Homewards‘ directed by Hang Seok was awarded Best TV

Documentary on Migration or Immigration under Humanity Category. This documentary was broadcast by KBS1 - Korea.

‗Blueprint for Survival: NEWater‘, directed by Mak Ying Kwan got the award for the Best TV Programme on Clean Water for

Life under Science/Environment Category. It was broadcast by the channel News Asia, Singapore.

Prof Muhammad Yunus conferred KISS Humanitarian Award 2018

Nobel laureate and noted economist Muhammad Yunus was honoured with the 11th KISS Humanitarian Award 2018 at a

function held in Bhubaneswar on May 11, 2018. Yunus is the founder of Grameen Bank and known as the Father of

Microfinance.

Yunus was co-awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 along with Grameen Bank - the microcredit organisation he created to

provide loans to the poor in Bangladesh. His model of microcredit popularised by Grameen Bank has been successfully

replicated in over 100 countries providing lifeline to millions of poor, mainly women.

The award was presented by Saswati Bal, President of KIIT and KISS and Achyuta Samanta, its founder. KISS Humanitarian

Award is an international award given to someone who has made exceptional contribution to the society in various fields

relating to social issues and who has distinguished himself or herself as a true humanitarian.

Lata Mangeshkar conferred with Swara Mauli award in Mumbai

Melody queen Lata Mangeshkar was honoured with the Swara Mauli title by spiritual guru Vidya Narsimha Bharati Swami in

Mumbai on May 12, 2018. The veteran singer has several awards to her credit in her over seven-decade-long career, including

three National Awards. Mangeshkar was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in the country, in 2001 - the

second vocalist, after MS Subbulakshmi to receive the honour.

Netta Barzilai of Israel wins Eurovision Song Contest

Israeli singer Netta Barzilai who won the Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon on May 12, 2018 with ‗Toy‘, a pop anthem about

female independence.



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Angela Merkel awarded Lamp of Peace in Italy

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on May 12, 2018 received the Lamp of Peace award from the Franciscan order at a Basilica

in Assisi (Italy) in a ceremony attended by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos. Merkel received the award for her

―reconciliation efforts in favour of the peaceful coexistence of people‖. Santos was granted the award in 2016 for his efforts to

promote a peace process with the now-disbanded FARC rebels, which also won him a Nobel Peace Prize the same year.

Janet Jackson to receive Icon Award at 2018 Billboard Music Awards

Singer Janet Jackson will be honoured with coveted Icon Award at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards. The 51-year-old singer-

songwriter will receive the honour at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 20.



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RBI tells Dena Bank to stop lending, puts it under prompt corrective action

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred state-run lender Dena Bank from extending fresh credit in view of deteriorating

financial health due to mounting non-performing assets (NPAs). In addition, the lender has also been barred from recruiting

more staff.

―We wish to inform that the RBI, vide their letter dated May 7, 2018, has restricted the bank from assuming fresh credit

exposure and recruitment of staff,‖ Dena Bank said in a notification to the stock exchanges.

This means the bank can disburse loans for the credit facilities already sanctioned, but cannot sanction fresh loans.

In May 2017, the RBI had placed the lender under the prompt corrective action (PCA) framework, which imposed restrictions

including a ban on dividend payments. Despite the earlier restrictions, the financial health of the bank had not shown any

signs of improvement, prompting the banking regulator to freeze fresh lending. The latest action is also a part of the PCA

framework.

Though several banks are under the PCA framework currently, Dena Bank is the first lender to face curbs on lending. RBI may

decide to lift the restrictions in case the bank improves profitability and reduces the ratio of bad loans.

Dena Bank on May 11, 2018 reported that loss for the Jan.-March quarter had widened to Rs.1,225.42 crore compared with

the same period of the previous year, when the loss was Rs.575.26 crore. For the financial year 2017-18, the bank had posted

a net loss of Rs.1,923.15 crore. This is the third consecutive year the bank has posted a net loss.

The gross non-performing assets of the bank, as percentage of gross advances, was 22.4% as on end March as compared with

16.17% a year earlier. In absolute terms, bad loans rose to Rs.16,361.44 crore from Rs.12,618.73 crore.

The bank‘s net NPAs were up to 11.95% or Rs.7,838.78 crore from 10.66% or Rs.7,735.12 crore.

The bank‘s return on assets for 2017-18 was -1.59 as compared to -0.67 a year earlier. According to RBI‘s PCA norms, the bank

is at the second level of risk threshold since it reported three consecutive years of negative RoA and net NPA of more than

9%. The third and final risk threshold is four years of negative RoA and more than 12% net NPA.

Only on the capital front, has the lender with an 11.09% capital adequacy ratio and an 8.81% common equity tier-I capital not

breached any risk threshold.

New monetary limits set for PSBs to report frauds to CBI

The monetary threshold for public sector banks to report frauds to different departments of the CBI for a probe has been

revised, according to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). The CVC has cited a circular from the Reserve Bank of India

(RBI) and asked the banks to comply with it.

Frauds of minimum Rs 3 crore and up to Rs 25 crore, up from Rs 15 crore, have to be reported to either the CBI‘s Anti-

Corruption Branch (in case staff involvement is prima facie evident) or to the Economic Offences Wing (if employees

involvement is prima facie not evident) respectively.



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Cases of frauds involving more than Rs 25 crore and up to Rs 50 crore should be given to the CBI‘s Banking Security and

Fraud Cell (BSFC), irrespective of the involvement of a public servant.

The BSFC is a specialised unit of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe big-ticket bank fraud cases. The cases of

more than Rs 50 crore should be lodged with the Joint Director (Policy), CB.

Frauds between Rs 10,000 and up to Rs 100,000, if committed by staff, should be reported to the state police. In cases of

frauds of Rs one lakh and below Rs three crore need to be registered with the state CID or the economic offences wing of the

state concerned, according to the RBI‘s order mentioned by the CVC.

Private sector and foreign banks

For private sector and foreign banks, frauds worth Rs 10,000 and above (if committed by staff) need to be reported to the

state police. In cases of frauds of Rs one lakh and above, if committed by outsiders on their own or with the connivance of

bank staff/officers, also need to be reported to the state police concerned for the investigation.

The frauds of Rs one crore and above should be reported by the private sector and foreign banks to the Serious Fraud

Investigation Office (SFIO) in addition to the state police.

MCX to launch crude oil options on May 15

The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) will launch India‘s first crude oil options contract on May 15, the exchange said in a

statement on May 8, 2018. Two contracts expiring on June 15 and July 17 with lot size of 100 barrel will be launched. India is

the world‘s third-biggest consumer of crude oil. The option contract will provide the physical market participants an

additional tool to hedge their risk.

NEWSMAKERS

UK High Court refused to overturn worldwide order freezing Vijay Mallya‟s assets

Vijay Mallya, wanted in India on loan default and money-laundering charges, has lost a major lawsuit filed by Indian banks in

the UK High Court seeking to collect more than USD 1.55 billion (1.04 lakh crore rupees) from him. The court on May 8, 2018,

refused to overturn a worldwide order freezing Mallya‘s assets and upheld an Indian court‘s ruling that a consortium of 13

Indian banks were entitled to recover funds from him.

The banks can now enforce the Indian judgment and sell the businessman‘s assets in England and Wales to recover crores in

dues. The worldwide freezing order prevents Vijay Mallya from removing any assets from the UK up to that value or to

dispose of, deal with or diminish the value of his assets.

The asset freeze order had forced Mallya to live on 5,000 pounds a week, but his allowance was increased to roughly 20,000

pounds a week earlier in 2018.

The 62-year-old businessman left India in 2016 when the banks were attempting to recover nearly Rs 9,000 crores in unpaid

loans to Kingfisher Airlines, a premium airline he started in 2005 and shut down seven years later.



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A court in London is hearing the case of Indian investigators for Mallya‘s extradition to face trial in India.

Vijay Mallya was arrested in London more than a year ago on a warrant issued by Indian authorities accusing him of

conspiring to swindle the IDBI Bank through a Rs 91 billion-rupee loan to Kingfisher Airlines.



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Section G: ECONOMY

Forex reserves fall by USD 1.43 bn to USD 418.94 bn

Continuing downward trend, the country‘s foreign exchange reserves fell by USD 1.426 billion to USD 418.940 billion in the

week to May 4, due to decrease in foreign currency assets, RBI data showed on May 11, 2018.

In the previous week, the reserves had fallen by USD 3.216 billion to USD 420.366 billion.

The reserves had touched a record high of USD 426.028 billion in the week to April 13, 2018. The figure had crossed the USD

400-billion mark for the first time in the week to September 8, 2017, but has since been fluctuating.

The foreign currency assets, a major component of the overall reserves, declined by USD 1.560 billion to USD 393.716 billion.

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

currencies such as the euro, the pound and the yen held in the reserves.

Gold reserves rose by USD 150.7 million to USD 21.661 billion in the reporting week.

The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) dipped by USD 7.1 million to USD 1.515 billion.

The country‘s reserve position with the IMF also declined by USD 9.7 million to USD 2.046 billion.

India‟s growth to accelerate to 7.5% in 2019-20: Fitch

Credit rating agency Fitch has said that India‘s economic growth will accelerate to 7.3% in 2018-19 and 7.5% in 2019-20.

Observations made by Fitch In its second-quarter Sovereign Credit Overview for Asia Pacific region include the following:

The growth rate will accelerate as money supply has recovered to its pre-demonetisation level and disruptions related to the

rollout of GST have diminished.

India‘s ratings balance a strong medium-term growth outlook and favourable external balances against a weak fiscal position

and difficult business environment.

The country‘s business environment is likely to improve gradually with the implementation and continued broadening of the

government‘s structural-reform agenda.

Panel formed to advise on 15th

Finance Commission‟s terms of reference

The 15th Finance Commission on May 9, 2018 set up an advisory council to assist it in matters related to its terms of reference

(ToR).

The panel, to be headed by Forum for Strategic Initiatives President Arvind Virmani, will advise the commission on all relevant

issues and subjects and help conduct research studies to enhance the commission‘s understanding of issues in its ToR.

It will also ―help in broadening the commission‘s ambit and understanding to seek best national and international practices on

matters pertaining to fiscal devolution and improving the quality and reach and enforcement of its recommendations‖.



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The other members of the advisory council include Prime Minister‘s Economic Advisory Council member (part-time) Surjit

Bhalla, Ex-Deputy Director (Fiscal Affairs Department) of International Monetary Fund Sanjeev Gupta, National Institute of

Public Finance and Policy professor Pinaki Chakraborty, JP Morgan‘s Chief India Economist Sajjid Chinoy and Credit Suisse

India economist and strategist Neelkanth Mishra.

On May 7, a meeting of 11 state finance ministers held in Amaravati (AP) described the Finance Commission‘s ToR as

undermining the federal structure and decided to seek President Ram Nath Kovind‘s intervention to reframe them. They

claimed that the ToR almost penalises states for being progressive and well-performing.

Govt approves green licence plates for e-vehicles

To promote electric vehicles in India, the government has approved green licence plates bearing numbers in white fonts for

private e-vehicles and yellow for taxis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said on May 9, 2018. The purpose behind distinctive

number plates is their easy identification for preferential treatment in parking, free entry in congested zones besides other

proposed benefits like concessional toll, the road transport and highways minister said.

The government also plans to allow youth in the age bracket of 16-18 years to drive electric scooters, besides mandating taxi

aggregators to have a certain percentage of e-vehicle fleet. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, those in the age group of 16-

18 years are granted licence for below 50 CC gearless scooters. Incidentally there is no scooter in this category made in the

country.

India, currently, has four kinds of number plates - white licence plates with numbers on black font for private cars, yellow

plates with fonts in black for commercial vehicles, black plates with yellow font letters for self-driven rental vehicles and blue

plates with white font letters for Embassies and High Commissions.

Army vehicles on the other hand follow a different registration system given by the defence ministry, while vehicles of the

President and governors have red licence plates with the national emblem.

India opens biggest city gas distribution licensing round

India on May 8, 2018 opened for bidding the biggest city gas distribution licensing round, offering 86 permits for selling CNG

and piped cooking gas in 174 districts in 22 states and union territories.

As many as 86 geographical areas (GAs), made by clubbing adjacent districts, are on offer in the 9th

city gas distribution (CGD)

bidding round, according to oil regulator Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).

A floor tariff of Rs 30 for city gas and Rs 2 per kg for CNG has been put in order to deter bidders from quoting unviable tariff

of 1 paisa per unit.

Companies having a net worth of not less than Rs 150 crore can bid for cities with a population of 50 lakh and more while the

same for cities with population of 20 lakh to 50 lakh has been proposed at Rs 100 crore. The net worth eligibility goes down

with population, with a Rs 5 crore net worth firm being eligible to bid for cities that have less than 10 lakh population.

The GAs cover 24 per cent of the country‘s area and 29 per cent of its population, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said at a

roadshow organised in New Delhi to promote the round. The last day for bidding is July 10.



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Prior to the 9th round, 91 GAs were awarded to firms like Indraprastha Gas Ltd and GAIL Gas Ltd. Of these, 56 GAs were

awarded through bidding rounds and the rest on government nomination.

MSE business sentiment improves in January-March quarter: CriSidEx survey

Business sentiment among micro and small enterprises (MSE) improved in the January-March quarter as the sentiment index

rose by 14 points in the quarter, according to the CriSidEx survey.

The CriSidEx sentiment index rose to 121 in the survey quarter (SQ) of January-March from 107 in the previous quarter,

according to an official release in May 2018.

The CriSidEx index, developed jointly by CRISIL and SIDBI, is based on a diffusion index of eight parameters -- five

manufacturing and three services -- that have equal weights. It measures MSE business sentiment on a scale of 0 (extremely

negative) to 200 (extremely positive).

India 6th

in Business Optimism Index: Thornton

India slipped to the 6th

position globally in the business optimism index for the first quarter of this year, as per Grant

Thornton‘s quarterly global business survey released on May 8, 2018. Grant Thornton‘s International Business Report revealed

that business sentiment in India has been the weakest since 2014 in the first quarter. With a score of 89, India is at the sixth

place in the index. The top five nations are Austria, Finland, Indonesia, the Netherlands and the US. The conclusions are based

on a quarterly global business survey of 2,500 businesses in 37 economies.

Industrial growth at 4.3% in in 2017-18

Industrial output grew by 4.4 per cent in March, the slowest in five months, data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO)

showed on May 11, 2018. Industrial growth measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in 2017-18 decelerated to 4.3

per cent from 4.6 per cent in 2016-17. The IIP grew by 4.4 per cent in March 2017. The previous low at 1.8 per cent was

recorded in October 2017.

India fastest growing economy at 7.4% in 2018: IMF

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reaffirmed on May 9, 2018 that India will be the fastest growing major economy in

2018, with a growth rate of 7.4 per cent that rises to 7.8 per cent in 2019 with medium-term prospects remaining positive. The

IMF‘s Asia and Pacific Regional Economic Outlook report said that India was recovering from the effects of demonetisation

and the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax and ―the recovery is expected to be underpinned by a rebound from

transitory shocks as well as robust private consumption.‖

India‟s clean energy capacity touches 70 GW: MNRE

Ministry of New and Renewable Energy on May 9, 2018 said India‘s installed clean energy capacity has already touched 70

GW and 38 GW is under implementation as per the data compiled till March 31.

TRAI releases draft of telecom interconnection regulation



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The Indian telecom regulator on May 8, 2018 released the draft amendment of telecommunication interconnection where it

has set time-frame for provisioning of ports for initial interconnection and augmentation to be increased to a maximum 42

working days. It further added that the port charges and infrastructure charges for all ports provided before the February 1,

2018 shall continue to be payable as per the terms and conditions which were applicable to them before the February 1, 2018.

Govt. planning to double credit guarantee under CGTMSE for FY19

With a view to allay the trade finance woes of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Union Government has

planned to more than double the credit guarantee up to Rs 50,000 crore for 2018-19 under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust

For Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) scheme set up by MSME Ministry, MSME Secretary A.K. Panda said at an

ASSOCHAM event in New Delhi on May 11, 2018. To ensure credit availability to MSMEs for inclusive growth, the Ministry is

also holding discussions with all banks and NBFCs and is planning that 70,000 units giving employment generation to almost

5 lakh people be taken up this year itself.

6th

US-India Aviation Summit held in Mumbai

The 6th US-India Aviation Summit was held in Mumbai on May 9, 2018. Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu said

India has great potential and opportunities in civil aviation sector and its partnership with the US will boost strategic

relationship between two countries. U.S. Ambassador to India, Kenneth I. Juster, was also present on the occasion. The

biennial Summit is jointly organised by Ministry of Civil Aviation and US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). The

summit is a technical, policy and commercial forum.

SC extends tenure of NCDRC chief, members till successors appointed

The Supreme Court on May 11, 2018 extended the tenure of the president and other members of the National Consumer

Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), till their successors are appointed to ensure smooth judicial functioning of the apex

consumer disputes body. Attorney General K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, told the court that the process to fill in

the vacancies in the commission was underway.

The appointments in various tribunals were stalled due to the pendency of the petitions in the apex court challenging the

Finance Act and the Tribunal, Appellate and other Authorities (Qualifications, Experience and other conditions of Service of

Members) Rules, which deal with appointments, tenure and other service conditions of office-bearers of such panels.

A batch of pleas have alleged that the newly-amended Finance Act has changed the search, selection and removal process of

members and presiding officers of tribunals.



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Walmart buys 77% stake in Flipkart for $16 billion

Walmart Inc on May 9, 2018 said it is buying 77 per cent stake in Indian e-commerce company Flipkart for about USD 16

billion (Rs 1.05 lakh crore). The deal, wherein co-founder Sachin Bansal and Japan‘s Softbank Corp Group are exiting, values

Flipkart at USD 20.8 billion.

Binny Bansal, who had co-founded Flipkart with Sachin 11 years ago, will retain his 5.5 per cent stake and will be Chairman of

the company‘s Board. Walmart‘s Krish Iyer will be the CEO of the company which will continue to be based out of Bengaluru.

Walmart and Flipkart will remain separate brands.

Walmart runs 21 Best Price wholesale stores in the country that sell everything from fast-moving consumer goods to furniture

to other retailers and institutions. Launched in 2007, Flipkart also owns online fashion retailers -- Myntra and Jabong -- both

of which it had acquired. It also owns eBay‘s India business as well as popular mobile payments app, PhonePe.

eBay to sell stake in Flipkart for about USD 1.1 billion; to relaunch eBay India

US-based eBay on May 9, 2018 said it plans to sell its stake in Flipkart for about USD 1.1 billion, and will relaunch eBay India.

The statement by eBay came after Walmart Inc announced that it is buying 77 per cent stake in Flipkart for about USD 16

billion, and also within a year of Flipkart acquiring eBay India.

London ranked top city for students by QS survey

London has been ranked the best city in the world for university students. Tokyo and Melbourne are second and third

respectively in QS Best Student Cities 2018. The ratings are based on factors such as the number of top universities in a city,

the local jobs market, the diversity of the culture and the quality of life. The ranking of university cities, rather than the quality

of institutions, is produced by the QS higher education group, which publishes the annual World University Rankings. In the

academic World University Rankings, top 5 are: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (USA), Stanford University (USA),

Harvard University (USA), California Institute of Technology (USA) and University of Cambridge (UK).

Anand Burman-Sunil Munjal combine selected to buy Fortis Healthcare

Based on the assessment made by the Independent Expert Advisory Committee, the Fortis Healthcare Ltd board on May 10,

2018 gave nod to the offer made by Anand Burman and Sunil Munjal combine for stake in the company‘s hospital and

diagnostic chain.

NASA and Uber sign agreement on flying taxis

NASA and Uber have signed an agreement to explore putting flying taxis in the skies over U.S. cities. NASA said that it will

begin simulations for so-called ―urban air mobility‖ vehicles that also include delivery drones. The simulations are planned at

its research facility at Dallas Fort Worth.

NEWSMAKERS

Chinese President tops Forbes list of most powerful people in the world



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coiPrime Minister Narendra Modi is ninth in US magazine the 2018 Forbes World‘s Most Powerful People list that has been

topped by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reliance Industries (RIL) Chairman Mukesh Ambani is the only Indian businessman to

feature in the list of 75. Modi and Ambani (32nd

) are the only two Indians on list released on May 9, 2018.

Xi tops the list for the first time, replacing Russian President Vladimir Putin, who drops to second place after being named the

most powerful person in the world for four years in succession. US President Donald Trump is ranked third.

According to Forbes, to compile the list it considered hundreds of candidates worldwide, from various walks of life, and

measured their power along four dimensions of whether the person has power over lots of people, financial resources

controlled by each person, whether the candidate is powerful in multiple spheres and whether the candidates actively used

their power.

Hinduja brothers second in Britain‟s Sunday Times Rich List‟

The Indian-born Hinduja brothers have been displaced to the second position by chemicals entrepreneur Jim Ratcliffe in an

annual rich list of Britain‘s wealthiest released in London on May 13, 2018. Srichand and Gopichand Hinduja are listed with an

estimated fortune of around 20.64 billion pounds in the Sunday Times Rich List‘. Jim Ratcliffe, a British-born industrialist who

came from very humble beginnings to launch chemical firm Ineos, topped the list with a fortune of 21.05 billion pounds. The

biggest successes of Hinduja Brothers in India have been their automotive manufacturer Ashok Leyland and the Mumbai-

based IndusInd Bank.

British-American industrialist-turned-media mogul Sir Len Blavatnik came in at third place with 15.26 billion pounds. Another

set of India-born entrepreneurial brothers, David and Simon Reuben, were in fourth place, with a fortune of 15.09 billion

pounds and steel tycoon Lakshmi N Mittal was in fifth place with 14.66 billion pounds.

Mukesh Ambani is conspicuous as the only Indian on a separate ―50 Richest in the World‖ ranking, with 31.7 billion pounds.

The Reliance Industries chief is ranked No. 19 on a list topped by US-based Walmart owners the Walton family.



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Section I: STATES

President clears Delhi govt‟s amendment in Minimum Wages Act: fine, jail term for violators

President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the Delhi government‘s proposed Bill to amend the Minimum Wages Act

under which employers violating labour rules in the city will now face fine ranging from Rs 20,000-50,000 and jail term

between one to three years.

The Department of Law, Justice and Legislative Affairs of the Delhi government has issued a notification, making it mandatory

for employers to pay remuneration either electronically or through cheques, except in some special circumstances.

For an unskilled worker, the minimum wages is Rs 13,350 per month while for semi-skilled, it is Rs 14,698. The minimum

wages for skilled persons is Rs 16,182 in the national capital.

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the amended law will act as a ―strong deterrent‖ against the employers who do not pay full

minimum wages.

QR codes on autos, cabs to give driver details to be mandatory in Delhi

From June 2018, it will be mandatory for all cabs and autos in Delhi to have QR codes compatible with the ‗Himmat Plus‘ app,

which will allow commuters to get details about the driver and share it with their family. The Transport Department has made

the QR codes a mandatory permit condition for cabs and autos plying on the city roads. The decision was taken in Delhi‘s

State Transport Authority (STA) board meeting in April. The board had decided that the codes will be displayed conspicuously

and in an accessible manner in vehicles of permit holders.

J&K Cabinet abolishes stamp duty on sale of properties in women‟s name

The Jammu and Kashmir government on May 11, 2018 abolished stamp duty on sale of properties registered in the name of

women. The state Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, sanctioned reduction of stamp duty and

no stamp duty in case the property is registered in the name of a female member of the family.

The cabinet approved levying of stamp duty at the rate of 5 per cent in the urban areas and three per cent in the rural areas if

the property is registered in the name of a male member of the family. However, there will be no stamp duty if the property in

both urban as well as rural areas is registered in the name of a female member of the family.

The chief minister said this would encourage families to register their properties in the name of women.

J&K govt launches Mufti Mohammad Sayeed fellowship

The Jammu and Kashmir government on May 12, 2018 launched a fellowship named after former Chief Minister Mufti

Mohammad Sayeed, under which up to 20 youths will be sent abroad to study in world‘s leading universities for up to 12

months beginning in the academic session in 2019, with an aim to develop into global leaders.

The Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Global Leaders Fellowship is aimed at reaching out to the educated youth in the state. The

State Knowledge Initiative Platform (SKIP), constituted under the chairmanship of the Advisor to Chief Minister, Amitabh

Mattoo, has launched the fellowship in collaboration with J&K State Sports Council.



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SKIP has identified six universities for the fellowship in 2019: Oxford and Cambridge (UK); Harvard, Yale and Princeton (US);

and Melbourne (Australia), the spokesman said. All selected fellows will have to commit to serve Jammu and Kashmir for at

least 12 months.

First integrated smart cities control centre launched in MP

In a major step towards realising the Centre‘s smart city mission (SCM), the Madhya Pradesh government on May 8, 2018

launched the country‘s first Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC) in Bhopal for all seven smart cities of the state in

Bhopal. The ICCC would enable the authorities to monitor the status of various smart civic amenities in real-time through the

sensors connected to it. Bhopal, Indore, Ujjain, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Satna, and Sagar are the seven smart cities under SCM in

Madhya Pradesh. ICCC is a cloud-based Universal Internet of Things (UIoT) platform developed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise

(HPE). It can run multiple city command centre operations through its multi-efficiency capabilities.

Punjab signs MoU with UK for setting up bio-gas, bio CNG plants

The Punjab government on May 11, 2018 signed a pact with the UK for setting up of bio-gas and bio-CNG plants in the state.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Chandigarh as part of the state‘s efforts to find sustainable solutions

to paddy straw burning, which has become a major environmental concern. The MoU has been signed with Rika Biofuels

Development Ltd UK by Punjab Bureau of Industrial Promotion (PBIP) and Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA).

Stanford University to partner with UP to combat chronic diseases

Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Sidharth Nath Singh on May 9, 2018 informed that the United States Stanford University will

come in a partnership with the state to combat disease like Japanese Encephalitis (JE) and Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES).

Singh, who headed the high-powered delegation of top state officials to the United States, said this in a press briefing in

Lucknow.

UGC grants deemed to be university status to national rail institute in Vadodara

The University Grants Commission (UGC) on May 11, 2018 approved a proposal for granting deemed to be university status

for the National Rail and Transport Institute, Vadodara. The Union Cabinet had approved the establishment of India‘s first

national rail and transportation university at Vadodara on December 20, 2017. Christened ‗National Rail and Transport

University (NRTU)‘, the institute is expected to have 3,000 full-time students.

Telangana CM launches „Rythu Bandhu‟ investment support scheme for farmers

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on May 10, 2018 launched an investment support scheme for farmers,

claimed to be the first such initiative in the country. Under the scheme ‗Rythu Bandhu‘ (friend of farmers), Rs 8,000 per acre

per year will be given to all farmers who own land. Rao said a budgetary allocation of Rs 12,000 crore has been made for the

scheme in 2018-19. He said Rs 6,000 crore has been provided to banks till May 9 for distribution to farmers. Rao said the

scheme shall not be extended to tenant farmers.

International Children‟s Film Festival of Kerala to start from May 14

The first edition of the International Children‘s Film Festival of Kerala will get underway in Thiruvananthapuram on May 14,

2018, with over 140 films, documentaries and short films set to be screened. The festival will conclude on May 26, according



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to organisers the Kerala State Council for Child Welfare, Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, Kerala State Film Development

Corporation and the state Institute of Children‘s literature.

UNDP to set up skill development centre in Hyderabad

Aimed at empowering vulnerable and marginalised women by imparting skills training, the United Nations Development

Programme (UNDP) will soon set up a skill development centre at ‗Bharosa,‘ an integrated support centre for distressed

women and children in Hyderabad. This was disclosed by city police officials in May 2018. In 2017, the Hyderabad Police had

signed an agreement with UNDP under the ‗Disha‘ project to build capacities and skills of women affected by violence to help

make them economically self-sufficient. The agreement extends support to enable these women to learn marketable skills and

connect with income opportunities. ‗Bharosa,‘ an initiative of Hyderabad City Police, is a state-of-the-art centre to support

women and children who are victims of violence.

Centre proposes to link Godavari, Cauvery: Tamil Nadu CM

The Centre has proposed the linking of Godavari and Cauvery rivers to facilitate optimum utilisation of surplus water going

waste into the sea, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami said in Salem on May 13, 2018. According to the CM, Union

Minister of Water Resources Nitin Gadkari had held discussions with him in this regard.

NEWSMAKERS

Telangana CM unveils minted coins of himself and TRS

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on May 8, 2018 unveiled minted coin of himself and TRS party logo in

Hyderabad. Rao was presented with the minted coin by a delegation of NRIs, who met him. The project was initiated and

executed by TRS supporters of U.K.

Andhra CM launches NCBN app to implement effective governance

In order to implement effective governance in the state, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on May 8, 2018

launched the official ‗NCBN‘ (Nara Chandrababu Naidu) App at Amaravati. The mobile application will notify people in real-

time with news updates and will also act as a direct platform for the common people to interact with the government. The

NCBN app is currently available on Android and Apple app stores for download.

Pawan Kalyan unfurls world‟s largest Indian flag in Telangana

Actor-turned-politician and Jana Sena Party founder Pawan Kalyan on May 10, 2018 unfurled the national flag, claimed to be

the world‘s largest Indian tricolour, in Hyderabad to commemorate the first war of the country‘s independence that took

place in 1857. According to a party release, the flag was 122 ft in length and 183 ft in width. The flag, prepared by an

organisation called ‗Vibrants of Kalam,‘ is world‘s largest Indian National Flag, it claimed.

Nirmal Singh elected J&K Assembly speaker

BJP legislator and former deputy chief minister Nirmal Singh was elected as the speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative

Assembly on May 10, 2018. Singh, who is an MLA from Billawar constituency in Jammu region, was elected as the speaker by

a voice vote in a one day special session of the Assembly in Srinagar.



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Mohit Chauhan nominated as Green Ambassador of Sikkim

The Sikkim government has nominated Mohit Chauhan, Bollywood playback singer and singer of a band known as ‗Silk

Route‘, as the Green Ambassador for promoting Sikkim as a Green Destination, nationally and internationally, on voluntary

basis. The announcement was made in Gangtok on May 10, 2018. The state government had earlier this year roped in AR

Rahman as its ambassador to promote tourism in Sikkim.

Centre gives historian Babasaheb Purandare Rs. 5 crore for his Shivshrushti project

The Centre has given a cheque for Rs.5 crore to rightwing historian Babasaheb Purandare for his Shivshrushti project

proposed to come up at Bavdhan in Pune. Purandare, known as ‗Shivshahir‘ owing to his works on the Maratha warrior-king

Shivaji, was presented the cheque by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at a function in Pune

on May 12, 2018. The project proposes a thematic exhibition on the life of Shivaji, replete with models of his forts and scenes

from his life.

Noted lyricist, poet, politician Balkavi Bairagi dies in Neemuch (MP) at 87

Noted Hindi film lyricist, Nandram Das Bairagi, popularly known as Balkavi Bairagi, died in Neemuch (MP) on May 13, 2018 at

the age of 87. A Congress leader, Bairagi won the Lok Sabha polls from Mandsaur (MP) in 1984 and was a Rajya Sabha

member from 1998 to 2004. He was also Minister in the Congress government in MP.

Veteran actress Lalita Chatterjee dies at 81

Veteran film and folk theatre actress Lalita Chatterjee died in Kolkata on May 9, 2018 at the age of 81. Chatterjee began her

film career in 1964 with the movie ―Bivas‖ opposite Bengali matinee idol Uttam Kumar. Chatterjee spent ten years in

Bollywood, where her notable films included Victoria No. 203, Raat Andheri Thi, Aaap ki Kasam, Chori-Chori and Talash. She

was also a regular in Bengali jatra (folk theatre).

Veteran Odia actor Anita Das dies at 57

Veteran Odia film and television actor Anita Das died in Cuttack on May 11, 2018 at the age of 57. Das had acted in over 100

films and left an impression with her portrayal of the role of mother. She had made her feature film debut with ‗Jajabara‘ in

1975.

Himanshu Roy, former Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief, dies at 54

Himanshu Roy, former Maharashtra ATS chief and additional director general of police, died at 54 in Mumbai on May 11,

2018. He was an IPS officer of Maharashtra Cadre of 1988 batch and alumnus of St. Xavier‘s College, Mumbai. The officer had

served in elite groups of the Maharashtra police, including as chief of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and in the Crime Branch.

Roy is credited with being involved in the solving of a string of prominent cases, including the murder of journalist J Dey. Roy,

who was joint commissioner of police (Crime) from 2012 to 2014, is credited with leading the investigation into the IPL

betting scandal.



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Section J: SPORTS

India at International Shooting Competition of Hannover

The International Shooting Competition of Hannover was organised in Germany in May 2018.

Vinita Bharadwaj and Mukund Agarwal won the gold in 10m Air Rifle mixed team event on May 9.

In Men‘s 10m Air Pistol event Amanpreet Singh won gold for India.

In Men‘s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, Arpit Goel and Rushiraj Barot won gold and bronze medals respectively.

In Men‘s 25m Standard Pistol, Gurpreet Singh and Amanpreet Singh won gold and silver medals respectively.

In Men‘s 50m Free Pistol, Amanpreet Singh won silver behind Sander Nooij of Netherlands.

In Men‘s 50m Rifle 3-Position, Yuriy Yurkov of Kazakhstan won gold while Gagan Narang won silver.

In Women: 50m Rifle 3-Position, Lajja Gauswami won gold medal.

Gagan Narang won gold in Men‘s 10-metre Air Rifle event.

Indian team comprising Narang, Mukund Agarwal and Gaurav Singh bagged the bronze medal in the team event of Men‘s

10-metre Air Rifle with United States of America and Kazakhstan won taking gold and silver respectively.

In Women‘s 10m Air Rifle, India‘s Shriyanka Sadangi and Ayonika Paul won silver and bronze medals respectively. Germany‘s

Charleen Baenisch won gold. In the team event, Sadangi, Lajja Gauswami and Vinita Bharadwaj clinched gold for India.

Former Test cricketer Rajinder Pal dies at 80

Former Delhi cricketer Rajinder Pal, who had represented the country in one Test match, passed away in Dehradun on May 9,

2018. A right-arm medium pacer, Rajinder Pal played his only Test match against England (then known as MCC) during the

1963-64 series at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai. However, it was domestic cricket where Rajinder Pal was a force to

reckon with, scalping 337 wickets from 98 first class games with 23 five wicket hauls. He served Delhi for a decade in Ranji

Trophy, followed by stints for Southern Punjab (Punjab had two teams in Ranji then) and Haryana.

Pakistan‟s hockey legend Mansoor Ahmed dies at 49

Pakistan‘s World Cup-winning hockey goalkeeper Mansoor Ahmed passed away in Karachi on May 12, 2018 at the age of 49.

Mansoor became well-known in 1994 after heroic saves in penalty shootouts against Germany and Holland in the Champions

Trophy and World Cup finals. He represented Pakistan in some 338 internationals.

Zverev, Petrova win Singles titles at Madrid tennis

Germany‘s Alexander Zverev defeated Austria‘s Dominic Thiem in the final 6-4, 6-4 to win Men‘s Singles title at Madrid

Masters tennis tournament in Madrid on May 13, 2018. Women‘s singles title was won by Czech Republic‘s Petra Kvitova who

beat Kiki Bertens of The Netherlands 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-3 in the final.

Aditya Jagtap wins City View Open squash title

India‘s Aditya Jagtap beat Alister Walker of Botswana 11-8, 11-5, 11-6 in the final to win Men‘s title at the City View Open

squash tournament in Long Island, USA on May 12, 2018.

Lewis Hamilton wins Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona



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Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain won the Formula One Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona

on May 13, 2018. Valtteri Bottas of Finland, also of Mercedes, and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of Netherlands finished

second and third respectively.



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G. Sathiyan to play for German TT club

Indian table tennis player G. Sathiyan has signed a one-year contract with German super division club, ASV Grunwettersbach

Tischtennis. Sathiyan said he will play for the club from August, after the Asian Games. The contract runs through May 2019.

Sathiyan is currently playing in the Polish league.

Mark Williams wins World Snooker title

Mark Williams of Wales beat Scotland‘s John Higgins 18-16 in a dramatic final on May 7, 2018 to win his third World snooker

title in Sheffield, UK. Higgins, four-times World champion, finished runner-up for the second year in a row.

IAAF unveils new, mass worldwide running event

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) has unveiled a new series of one-mile runs in 24 cities around the

world to celebrate Global Running Day on June 6. Celebrating its third year in 2018, Global Running Day is a grassroots

initiative where people of all abilities and from all paths of life come together to celebrate their passion for running and

inspire others to get moving. The initiative incorporates races to be held in cities across 15 time zones. All races will start at

the same time to create a ‗simultaneous‘ worldwide celebration of running.



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HEADLINES

Section A: INDIA

Swachh Survekshan 2018: Indore, the cleanest, followed by Bhopal and Chandigarh

SC approves setting up of Cauvery Management Authority

Facebook received over 22K data requests from Indian govt in 2017

AYUSH finds a place in English Language

BrahMos test fired to validate service life extension

PM reshuffles cabinet; Irani removed as I&B Minister

Amit Khare appointed Information and Broadcasting Secretary

Mukul Rohatgi appointed as eminent jurist in Lokpal panel: Govt

Artist Uttam Pacharne appointed Lalit Kala Akademi chairman

Lt Gen Sangwan takes over as DG of Assam Rifles

Karnataka MPs Yeddyurappa, Sreeramulu quit Lok Sabha

VCs of JU, KU granted 'Honorary Colonel' rank


Informal Summit between India and Russia held in Sochi

INSV Tarini arrives in Goa after historic circumnavigation

UAE oil for Mangalore strategic stockpile arrives

India and Pakistan to revive joint judicial committee on prisoners, fishermen

Meeting of Cultural Ministers of SCO held in China

Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre visits Nauru

Mission Innovation Ministerial organised at Malmo, Sweden

26th BASIC Ministerial Meeting of Environment Ministers held in Durban

UPSC MAGIC

Current Affairs Magic May 23 to 29,2018 www.globalias.in

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MoS for External Affairs Gen V K Singh visits North Korea

Army chief honours fallen IPKF personnel in Sri Lanka

Delhi court awards 3 years jail to ex-diplomat for spying for Pak ISI

Ambika Sharma is USIBC's Managing Director of India operations

Indian academic C Raja Mohan joins Singapore's think-tank as director

Physicist E C G Sudarshan dies at 86

Section C: WORLD

UK lists Pakistan among top three money launderers

US opens new embassy in Jerusalem amid 37 deaths in Israel-Palestinian clashes

Guatemala becomes 2nd country to open embassy in Jerusalem after USA

Delhi projected to become world's most populous city around 2028: UN report

China to purchase more US goods to reduce trade deficit

North Korea cancels talks with South over US military drill

WHO publishes its first essential diagnostics list

Nepal's two left parties merge to become largest communist party

Paraguay opens its embassy in Jerusalem

Russia unveils world's first floating nuclear power station

Plane crashes on take-off in Cuba

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day observed on May 17

International Day of Living Together in Peace observed on May 16

International Day of Families observed on May 15

US Senate confirms Gina Haspel as first female CIA director

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro wins re-election

Author Tom Wolfe dies at 88

Iconic Indian-origin musician Ramesh Hassan dies at 73 in S. Africa

Richard N. Goodwin, White House speech writer, dead at 86

Bernard Lewis, influential scholar of Islam, dies at 101

Bill Gold, designer of iconic movie posters, dies at 97

Chinese Terracotta Warriors archaeologist dies aged 82

Margot Kidder, 'Superman' star, dead at 69

Richard Pipes, scholar of Russian history, dies at 94

Poisoned Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal discharged from UK hospital

Prince Harry and Meghan become Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Slain Salvador archbishop, Pope Paul VI to be made saints

US diplomat involved in road accident in Pak returns home


Workshop on AI in National Security and Defence held in New Delhi

President launches integrated centre for crisis management at BARC

IISER develops device to detect and remove arsenic from water

WHO launches 'REPLACE' to eliminate trans fat in foods by 2023

China launches satellite to explore dark side of Moon

Section E: AWARDS

Cannes Film Festival awards conferred

2018 Billboard Music Awards presented

NRI industrialist Swraj Paul wins lifetime achievement award in UK

UPSC MAGIC


79

Veteran journalist Mark Tully bags RedInk Award

Sulabh International founder awarded Nikkei Asia Prize

Robert De Niro to receive Brass Ring Award at 2018 Carousel of Hope Ball

NMDC bags S&P PLATTS Global Metals Award 2018 under CSR category

NPCIL wins Russian award for 'Atom on Wheels' campaign

India's Jagriti Yatra wins charity award in UK

Nara Lokesh receives award for 'Digital Leader of the Year'


RBI tweaks norms for setting up of IFSC Banking Units

Nirav Modi fraud costs PNB Rs 14,357 crore

RBI bars Allahabad Bank from giving fresh loans

Moody's downgrades PNB, cites negative impact of fraud

Allahabad Bank divests its CEO Usha Ananthasubramanian of all powers

Section G: ECONOMY

Indian economy projected to grow 7.6% in 2018-19: UN WESP

Cabinet approves National Biofuel Policy

Govt announces national wind-solar hybrid policy

CCEA approves Rs 5,000 cr micro-irrigation fund

New mechanism to settle commercial disputes between govt. departments, PSUs approved

Foodgrain production at record 279.51 MT in 2017-18

Atal Pension Yojana crosses 1 crore subscribers

Forex reserves fall by $1.237 bn to $417.702 bn

Exports rise 5.17% to USD 25.9bn in April; trade deficit up at USD 13.7 bn

Army finalises Rs 15,000 crore ammunition production project

Both retail and wholesale inflation rise in April

DoT issues guidelines for use of embedded SIMs

NITI Aayog organised Venture Capital Symposium 2018 in New Delhi

MCX launches India's first copper options

NHAI Chairman Deepak Kumar sent back to cadre state Bihar


India 6th wealthiest nation with $8,230 bn: AfrAsia Bank Global Wealth Migration Review

Kaspersky to transfer infrastructure out of Russia

Facebook launches global project to fight election interference

Horlicks creates a new Guinness World Record for making largest glass of milkshake

Sony Pictures acquires rights for Jhulan Goswami biopic

Facebook launches India-first features for ‗stories‘

IIM-A centre unveils $25 million initiative to fund start-ups

IOA signs Li-Ning as its apparel partner till Tokyo Olympic Games

UltraTech to acquire Century‘s cement unit in share swap deal

Flipkart introduces ‗certified‘ furniture

Lexus India launches SUV LX 570 priced at Rs 2.33 crore

Toyota adds Yaris to lineup

Tata Steel completes acquisition of controlling stake in Bhushan Steel

WOW offers India-U.S. flights from Rs.13,499

Birju Kishore Salla becomes first to be on 'No-fly list'

UPSC MAGIC


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P. K. Purwar appointed full time CMD of MTNL

Nick Read to succeed Vittorio Colao as Vodafone Group CEO

Netmeds appoints Mahendra Singh Dhoni as brand ambassador

Anil Kumar Jha appointed CMD of Coal India Ltd

LG Group chairman Koo Bon-moo dies at 73

Section I: STATES

Karnataka Assembly election results

Cabinet approves central university for Andhra Pradesh

International Rail Expo organised in Chennai

PM unveils plaque to mark commencement of work on the Zojila Tunnel

J&K Governor clears ordinance advocating death for rape of girls below 12

Bastariya Battalion of CRPF formed in Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh to get specialised combat unit 'Black Panther'

Students to say 'Jai Hind' during roll call in MP schools

Bihar CM inaugurates "Malmas Mela" at Rajgir

Bihar CM flags off Beej Vahan Vikas Vahan Rath for every district

Cabinet approves establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation at Bhopal

Chetak Corps conducting in exercise 'Gandiv Vijay' in Rajasthan

First all-woman Post Office Passport Seva Kendra starts operations in Punjab

Cabinet approves setting up of a new AIIMS in Deoghar, Jharkhand

Maharashtra women's commission to protect women from harassment on social media

Solapur University to be named after Ahilyabai Holkar:

President Kovind inaugurates Global Exhibition on Services-2018 in Mumbai

Camera trap spots Black Panther in Odisha

Foundation stone of LPG bottling plant laid in Odisha

Meeting of South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network held in Kolkata

Sikkim govt. announces incentive to have more than one child

First commercial flight lands in Arunachal Pradesh

Eminent Warli artist Jivya Soma Mashe dies at 84

Tamil novelist Balakumaran dies at 71

Telugu novelist Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani passes away

Renowned homeopath Prasanta Banerji dies in Kolkata at 84

Muzaffarnagar's last freedom fighter Raghuvir Singh passes away at 95

SC holds Navjot Singh Sidhu guilty in road rage case, spares him jail term

Assam MLA asked to prove citizenship

NSA Ajit Doval conferred honorary doctorate by Kumaun University

Maharashtra CM unveils wax statue of Union minister Athawale

Section J: SPORTS

Kenyans sweep medals at Kigali International Peace Marathon

Amicus Curiae suggest 5 members for cricket selection committees

Ireland lose their first ever test to Pakistan

Shashank Manohar re-elected unopposed as ICC Chairman

Australian Steve Plain climbs 7 peaks in 7 continents in record time

Gurgaon's father-daughter duo scale Mt Everest

Nepal‘s Kami Rita scales Everest for a record 22nd time

Himanta Biswa Sarma elected as Vice-President of Badminton Asia Confederation

UPSC MAGIC


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Heena Sidhu bags gold in Hannover

Federer replaces Nadal as number one in Men‘s Singles tennis

Nadal, Svitolina win Singles titles at Italian Open tennis

Balaji and Vishnu win Challenger tennis at Samarkand

Rafael Nadal regains number one ranking

Ray Wilson, member of England's 1966 FIFA World Cup winning side, dies at 83

India U-16 defeat Tajikistan 4-2 to win four-nation tournament in Serbia

Atletico Madrid wins Europa League football title

Lionel Messi wins fifth European Golden Shoe award

Chelsea beat Manchester United to win FA Cup

Katie Ledecky breaks her own 1,500m freestyle world record

South Korea win Women's Asian Champions Trophy Hockey

Rajinder Singh named Hockey India president

Gary Russell Jr. retains featherweight crown

Sathiyan-Sanil win silver in Thailand Open TT

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Section A: INDIA

NEWS ROUND UP

Swachh Survekshan 2018: Indore, the cleanest, followed by Bhopal and Chandigarh

Indore emerged as the cleanest city, followed by Bhopal and Chandigarh in the government's cleanliness survey.

The results of Swachh Survekshan 2018, which aims to estimate levels of cleanliness across cities in the country, were

announced by Minister of State for Housing Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi on May 16, 2018.

Jharkhand was adjudged the best performing state in the survey followed by Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh.

Compared to the previous surveys, this year's exercise allocated substantial weightage to the feedback from citizens based on

their daily experience.

Indore was the cleanest city in 2017 as well but that survey was conducted only for around 430 cities. This time it was

conducted for around 4,200 cities.

Component-wise weightages considered for rankings: ODF progress 30%, Collection & Transportation of Solid Waste:

40%, Processing & disposal of solid waste: 20%, Information, Education & Communication: 5%, Capacity Building: 5%,

Innovation: 5%.

The names of the worst performing cities would be announced on the day the awards would be presented, Puri said.

SC approves setting up of Cauvery Management Authority

The Supreme Court on May 18, 2018 approved the Cauvery Management Authority (CMA) for the implementation of the 2007

Cauvery Award, as modified and reaffirmed by the top court by its February 16 judgment.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud said the government would notify

it before the monsoon season sets in June.

Headquartered in Delhi, the CMA will be the sole body to implement the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award as modified

by the apex court. The Centre would have no say in it except for issuing administrative advisories to it.

The CMA will be assisted in the discharge of its functions by a Regulatory Committee located in Bengaluru.

On May 14, the Centre submitted in the Supreme Court the draft of the Cauvery management scheme, following which the

court had said it will examine whether the scheme conformed to its February 16 judgment.

On May 3, the apex court had rapped the Centre for not framing the Cauvery management scheme for river-water sharing

between four southern states.

"The authority shall take care of storage, apportionment, regulation and control of Cauvery waters; It shall supervise the

operation of reservoirs and regulation of water releases with assistance from Regulation Committee. Regulated release by

Karnataka at the inter-state contact point located on common border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu," the draft Cauvery

Management scheme said.

Facebook received over 22K data requests from Indian govt in 2017

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Facebook received more than 22,000 requests from the Indian government for data in 2017, the second highest globally after

the US, the social network said in its Transparency Report in May 2018. Facebook said it had received 9,853 total requests in

January-June 2017, followed by 12,171 requests in the second half of the year. This is about 62 per cent higher than 2016

when the Indian government made 13,613 such requests. Facebook had received over 65,000 government requests for user

data in the US in 2017. The company said it responds to government requests for data in accordance with applicable law and

our terms of service.

AYUSH finds a place in English Language

The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology has decided to adopt the word ‗AYUSH‘ in Hindi and English

languages for scientific and technical purposes. The ―AYUSH‖ became popular as the acronym for five traditional and

complementary systems of medicine, namely Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy and

successfully adopted and used in all Government communications. The decision follows a proposal from the Ministry of

AYUSH in this regards.

BrahMos test fired to validate service life extension

BrahMos, supersonic cruise missile was successfully test fired on May 21, 2018 from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in

Balasore, Odisha as part of service life extension programme. The life extension test firing of BrahMos was conducted from a

Static Inclined Launcher, proving the efficacy and longevity of the system which was witnessed by the Scientist from Defence

Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and BrahMos. The precision strike missile flew in its designated trajectory

and the key components functioned perfectly. BrahMos is a joint venture between DRDO of India and NPOM of Russia.

RECENT BOOKS

Behemoth: A History of the Factory and the Making of the Modern World by Joshua B. Freeman

Swachch India by K.S. Babu, M. Gopinath Reddy& Others

Whither Indian Judiciary by Justice Markandey Katju

Supreme Whispers: Conversations with Judges of the Supreme Court of India 1980-89 by Abhinav Chandrachud

Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, and Punish the Poor by Virginia Eubanks

Adi Shankaracharya: Hinduism‘s Greatest Thinker by Pavan K. Varma

Republic of Caste: Thinking Equality in the Time of Neoliberal Hindutva by Anand Teltumbde

Mannequin: Working Women in India‘s Glamour Industry by Manjima Bhattacharjya

The Last White Hunter: Reminiscences of a Colonial Shikari by Joshua Mathew

An Ordinary Man‘s Guide to Radicalism — Growing Up Muslim in India by Neyaz Farooquee

Son of Bhrigu (The Pataala Prophecy) by Christopher C. Doyle

The Brahmin by Ravi Shankar Etteth

NEWSMAKERS

PM reshuffles cabinet; Irani removed as I&B Minister

Smriti Irani, Information and Broadcasting Minister, was on May 14, 2018 divested of the portfolio as Prime Minister Narendra

Modi reshuffled his cabinet in which Rail Minister Piyush Goyal was given the additional charge of the Finance Ministry. Irani

remains the Textile Minister.

Minister of State Rajyavardhan Rathore has been assigned the independent charge in the Ministry of Information and

Broadcasting.

The communique said that during the indisposition of Arun Jaitley, the portfolio of Finance and Ministry of Corporate Affairs,

have been "temporarily" been assigned to Goyal.

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S. S. Ahluwalia has been relieved of the charge of Minister of State in Drinking Water and Sanitation Ministry and assigned a

new portfolio of Electronics and Information Technology.

Alphons Kannanthanam has been relieved as Minister of State in the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. He

continues as Minister of State for Tourism.

Amit Khare appointed Information and Broadcasting Secretary

Senior IAS officers Amit Khare and Anup Wadhawan have been appointed as secretaries in the Information and Broadcasting

Ministry and the Commerce Ministry respectively as part of a major bureaucratic reshuffle on May 18, 2018.

M. M. Kutty has been named new Petroleum Secretary and senior bureaucrat Rina Ray the Secretary in the Department of

School Education and Literacy.

Atanu Chakraborty, a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Gujarat cadre, will be Secretary, the Department of Investment and Public

Asset Management. He is at present Director General of Hydrocarbons.

Binoy Kumar was named the Steel Secretary. He has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty in the Ministry of Steel.

Mukul Rohatgi appointed as eminent jurist in Lokpal panel: Govt

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi has been appointed as an eminent jurist in the selection committee for appointment of the

Lokpal, the Centre told the Supreme Court on May 15, 2018.

Attorney General K. K. Venugopal told a bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi that a decision was taken on May 11

appointing Rohatgi as an eminent jurist in the selection committee, which is chaired by the Prime Minister.

Rohatgi was appointed as Attorney General of India after the Narendra Modi government assumed power in May 2014. He

resigned from the post in June 2017.

The post of eminent jurist in the Lokpal selection panel was lying vacant since the death of senior advocate P. P. Rao on

September 11, 2017.

The bench, on hearing the submissions, posted the matter for further hearing on July 2. It was hearing a contempt petition

filed by NGO Common Cause, which had raised the issue of non-appointment of the Lokpal despite the apex court's verdict

of April 27, 2017.

Artist Uttam Pacharne appointed Lalit Kala Akademi chairman

Artist and sculptor Uttam Pacharne was appointed the chairman of the Lalit Kala Akademi on May 17, 2018. He is the recipient

of National Lalit Kala Award 1985, Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar 1985 from Government of Maharashtra, Junior National

Award 1986 and Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar 2017 from Prafulla Dahanukar Foundation. Pacharne would hold office for a term of

three years from the date on which he assumes charge.

Lt Gen Sangwan takes over as DG of Assam Rifles

Lt. Gen. Sukhdeep Sangwan on May 14, 2018 took over the charge as the 20th Director General of Assam Rifles (DGAR) in

Shillong. Lt. Gen. Sangwan is an alumnus of Officers Training Academy, Chennai and was commissioned into the Rajputana

Rifles in August 1982. He is an alumnus of Defence Services Staff College Wellington, College of Defence Management

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Secunderabad & the prestigious National Defence College. Lt Gen Sangwan has a vast combat experience including counter

insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and Nagaland.

Karnataka MPs Yeddyurappa, Sreeramulu quit Lok Sabha

Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP legislature party leader B.S. Yeddyurappa along with co-legislator B. Sreeramulu resigned as

Lok Sabha members on May 19, 2018 after taking oath as the MLAs of the newly-constituted state Legislative Assembly.

Yeddyurappa represented Shivamogga parliamentary segment in the state's northwest Malnad region, about 300km from

Bengaluru and Sreeramulu was from Ballari (reserved) segment from the state's northern region.

VCs of JU, KU granted 'Honorary Colonel' rank

The Vice Chancellors of Jadavpur University and Kalyani University were on May 21, 2018 granted the rank of 'Honorary

Colonel' by the Centre for promoting NCC activities in the varsities. At the investiture ceremony organised at Fort William in

Kolkata, West Bengal Education and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Partha Chatterjee conferred on Prof Suranjan Das (JU) and

Prof Shankar Kumar Ghosh (KU) the ranks in the presence of Lt General P. P. Malhotra, DG of National Cadet Corps. The vice-

chancellors of both the universities shall hold the rank of 'Colonel Commandant' in the NCC for the duration of their office.

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NEWS ROUND UP

Informal Summit between India and Russia held in Sochi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin held their first informal Summit in the city of Sochi in the Russian

Federation on May 21, 2018. The Summit provided an occasion for both leaders to deepen their friendship and to exchange

views on international and regional issues.

The two leaders agreed that the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia is an important factor

for global peace and stability. Both leaders agreed to institute a Strategic Economic Dialogue between NITI Aayog of India

and the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, to identify greater synergy in trade and investment.

US sanctions

The possible impact of the US sanctions against Russia under the ‗Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act‘

(CAATSA) on Indo-Russia defence cooperation might have figured during the talks between Modi and Putin.

The CAATSA is a United States federal law that imposed sanctions on Iran, North Korea, and Russia. It includes sanctions

against countries that engage in significant transactions with Russia's defence and intelligence sectors.

India could face US sanctions for purchasing high value military defence items, in particular state-of-the-art S-400 Triumf

missile defence system, from Russia under the act.

Modi thanked Russia for playing a major role in helping India get a permanent membership in the Shanghai Cooperation

Organisation. India and Pakistan were admitted last year into the organisation.

INSV Tarini arrives in Goa after historic circumnavigation

The all woman-crew commanding the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) Tarini arrived in Panaji (Goa) on May 21, 2018 after

successfully circumnavigating the globe for eight months. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman received the six-member

team along with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lamba. The expedition had started from Panaji on September 10, 2017.

The INSV Tarini is the first Indian all-women crew to circumnavigate the globe, led by Lt. Commander Vartika Joshi. The crew

comprises of Lieutenant P Swathi, Lieutenant Pratibha Jamwal (Air Traffic Control specialists), Lieutenant Vijaya Devi, Sub

Lieutenant Payal Gupta (both Education officers) and Lieutenant B Aishwarya, a Naval Architect.

The expedition known as ―Navika Sagar Parikrama‖ was covered in five legs, with stopovers at four ports - Fremantle in

Australia, Lyttelton in New Zealand, Port Stanley in Falklands and Cape Town in South Africa.

INSV Tarini was built by Aquarius Shipyard Pvt Ltd at Divar, Goa. The boat draws her origin from the famous Tara-Tarini

temple of Orissa‘s Ganjam district. The word Tarini means boat and is also a Sanskrit word for saviour.

UAE oil for Mangalore strategic stockpile arrives

India on May 21, 2018 received the first shipload of crude oil from UAE for storage at the Mangalore underground strategic

storage which will act as insurance in times of emergencies.

Ship MT Inspiration carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil belonging to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) docked at

the Mangalore port.

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Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd - a special purpose vehicle that will build and manage India's maiden strategic

storages - had in February signed a contract with ADNOC to lease out part of the Mangalore storage.

Under the pact, ADNOC will store about 5.86 million barrels of crude oil at Mangalore storage at its own cost. ADNOC will

bring additional crude oil and fill up the Mangalore cavern later this year.

India has in the first phase of strategic oil storage programme built underground facilities with total capacity of 5.33 million

tonnes (around 39 million barrels) at Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Mangalore and Padur in Karnataka.

Vishakhapatnam storage has a capacity of 1.33 million tonnes (around 9.77 million barrels) of crude oil, Mangalore has a

capacity of 1.5 million tonnes (around 11 million barrels) and Padur can stock 2.5 million tonnes (18.37 million barrels).

India and Pakistan to revive joint judicial committee on prisoners, fishermen

Pakistan has responded positively to India's proposal to revive a mechanism of a joint judicial committee which looks into

humanitarian issues of fishermen and prisoners in each other's custody, the External Affairs Ministry said on May 17, 2018.

The ministry said names of members of the reconstituted committee from the Indian side have been communicated to

Pakistan. The committee was first formed in 2007. It consists of retired judges of the higher judiciary who visit and meet

prisoners in each other's jails and propose steps to ensure humane treatment and expedite release of prisoners and fishermen

who have completed their prison terms.

The committee met seven times. The last meeting was hosted by India in October 2013.

Meeting of Cultural Ministers of SCO held in China

The Minister of State for Culture, Dr Mahesh Sharma led the Indian delegation to the 15th

Meeting of the Cultural Ministers of

the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Member States held in Sanya, China on May 16-17, 2018. India participated for

the first time at the Meeting of Cultural Ministers of the SCO.

Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre visits Nauru

Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre went on an official visit to Republic of Nauru from May 16 to 18, 2018. He

attended the 50th anniversary celebrations of its Constitution Day on May 17 as the Chief Guest. Nauru will be hosting the

49th

Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September 2018 and Bhamre conveyed that India will be offering 22 Mahindra

SUVs and two Tata buses worth $ 706,000 to Nauru as per their request for this meeting.

Mission Innovation Ministerial organised at Malmo, Sweden

Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Environment, Forests and Climate Change Dr. Harsh Vardhan led an

Indian delegation for participation in the Mission Innovation Ministerial organised at Malmo-Sweden on May 22-23, 2018.

Mission Innovation is a global platform of 23 countries and European Union aimed at accelerating clean energy innovations

through enhanced Government funding, greater public-private sector partnership and enhanced global cooperation.

26th

BASIC Ministerial Meeting of Environment Ministers held in Durban

The 26th

BASIC Ministerial Meeting of Environment Ministers was held in Durban on May 20, 2018. Union Minister for

Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that the response of developed nations for greater action in

combating climate change is inadequate. He reiterated his appeal to make joint efforts to create a societal movement in

combating climate change through ―Green Good Deeds‖ which is a societal movement to protect environment and promote

good living in the country, BASIC is a bloc of four countries – Brazil, South Africa, India and China, formed by an agreement on

November 28, 2009. The four committed to act jointly at the Copenhagen climate summit.

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MoS for External Affairs Gen V K Singh visits North Korea

In first high-level visit to North Korea from India in two decades, Minister of State for External Affairs General V K Singh visited

Pyongyang on May 16, 2018 where he held talks with Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho on key issues. Singh conveyed India's

concerns over nuclear proliferation linkages of North Korea with India's neighbourhood, seen as a clear reference to Pakistan.

Army chief honours fallen IPKF personnel in Sri Lanka

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat on May 14, 2018 paid tribute to Indian Peace Keeping Force personnel who died during the

Sri Lankan civil war. Gen Rawat placed a floral wreath at the IPKF monument in Colombo and saluted the Indian soldiers who

laid down their lives in Sri Lanka's fight against terrorism. The Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was stationed in Sri Lanka's

war-torn north and east between 1987 and 1990.

NEWSMAKERS

Delhi court awards 3 years jail to ex-diplomat for spying for Pak ISI

Former diplomat Madhuri Gupta, who had served at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, was on May 19, 2018

sentenced to three years in jail by a Delhi court which convicted her for passing on sensitive information to Pakistan's ISI.

Additional Sessions Judge Sidharth Sharma gave her the maximum sentence for the offences of spying and wrongful

communication of information protected under the law.

Gupta, who was the Second Secretary (Press & Information) at the high commission, was held guilty on May 18 under various

provisions of the Official Secrets (OS) Act.

She was arrested on April 22, 2010 by the special cell of the Delhi Police for allegedly passing on sensitive information to

Pakistani officials and remaining in touch with two ISI officials, Mubshar Raza Rana and Jamshed.

Ambika Sharma is USIBC's Managing Director of India operations

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) on May 16, 2018 announced that Ambika Sharma will

join the USIBC as Managing Director of India operations. Sharma brings over three decades of experience in catalysing

business engagement and public policy advocacy. Formed in 1975 at the request of the US and Indian governments, USIBC is

the premier business advocacy organization, comprised of 350 top-tier US and Indian companies advancing US-India

commercial ties.

Indian academic C Raja Mohan joins Singapore's think-tank as director

Renowned Indian academic and foreign policy analyst C Raja Mohan has been appointed as director of the Institute of South

Asian Studies (ISAS), a think tank of the National University of Singapore, a statement said on May 18, 2018. Mohan has held

academic appointments at leading institutions globally and is author of several publications. From 2009 to 2010, he was the

Henry Alfred Kissinger Chair in Foreign and International Relations at the Library of Congress. Prior to that, he was a professor

of South Asian Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi. He was also a member of India's National

Security Advisory Board and served as the diplomatic editor and Washington correspondent for the national daily 'The Hindu'.

Mohan was the founding director of Carnegie India, a Delhi-based research centre. HE holds a PhD in International Relations

(Strategic Studies and Arms Control) from the JNU.

Physicist E C G Sudarshan dies at 86

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Eminent Indian-American theoretical physicist EC George Sudarshan died on May 13, 2018 in Austin, Texas (USA) at the age of

86. He was born in Kottayam, Kerala, India, in 1931. He was honoured Padma Bhushan in 1976 and Padma Vibhushan in 2007

by the Indian government. He was also awarded the Dirac Medal in 2010, which is known to be given out to scientists who

have made substantial contributions in theoretical physics, computational chemistry and mathematics.

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Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

UK lists Pakistan among top three money launderers

The United Kingdom's National Crime Agency (NCA) has listed Pakistan among the top three sources for money laundering in

the United Kingdom. The other two countries are Nigeria and Russia. The NCA report is titled "National Strategic Assessment

of Serious and Organized Crime 2018‖.

The NCA report says that the UK is a prime destination for foreign corrupt and politically exposed people to launder money

and has identified trade misinvoicing as one of the key mechanisms used for such operations. Trade misinvoicing is the

largest component of illicit financial outflows from developing countries as measured by New York- based Global Financial

Integrity (GFI) which tracks such flows.

Global Financial Integrity (GFI) defines trade misinvoicing as "fraudulently manipulating the price, quantity, or quality of a

good or service on an invoice submitted to customs" to quickly move substantial sums of money across international borders.

Under-invoicing

Here is how it works: Let's say an exporter in Pakistan exports goods worth USD 1 million to a foreign country and invoices it

at USD 500,000 through an offshore middleman. The middleman invoices and collects USD 1 million from the end customer,

sends USD 500,000 to Pakistan and deposits $500,000 in an offshore account. The result: Pakistan is deprived of the USD

500,000 in foreign exchange.

Over-invoicing

Similarly, imports of goods worth USD 1 million to Pakistan are overinvoiced at USD 1.5 million through an offshore

middleman and the difference is kept in an overseas account. The result: Pakistan loses another USD 500,000 in foreign

exchange. Meanwhile, Pakistani traders and the officials facilitating misinvoicing together pocket USD 1 million or 50 percent

on the two trades. Pakistan's trade and current account deficits grow and the foreign exchange reserves are depleted, forcing

Pakistan to go back to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for yet another bailout with tough conditions.

US opens new embassy in Jerusalem amid 37 deaths in Israel-Palestinian clashes

The US on May 14, 2018 opened its embassy in Jerusalem under a controversial move by President Donald Trump that has

infuriated the Palestinians, who clashed with Israeli soldiers who shot dead at least 37 of them in Gaza.

Trump announced the decision to move the embassy in December 2017, when he formally recognised the city as the capital

of Israel, breaking away from decades of US neutrality on the sensitive issue.

The Embassy move is contentious for Palestinians, who hope to claim part of Jerusalem as their future capital, and for many in

the Arab world, as it is home to some of the holiest sites in Islam. The city is also home to deeply holy sites for Jews and

Christians.

The issue has been so thorny that international negotiators had left the question of Jerusalem to the final stages of any peace

deal.

Guatemala becomes 2nd

country to open embassy in Jerusalem after USA

Guatemala inaugurated its Israel embassy in Jerusalem on May 16, 2018, becoming the first country to follow in the footsteps

of the United States' deeply controversial move. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin

Netanyahu and Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales in the disputed city at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The

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US embassy move on May 14 was accompanied by mass protests and clashes along the Gaza border that saw Israeli forces kill

60 Palestinians.

Delhi projected to become world's most populous city around 2028: UN report

Delhi is projected to become the most populous city in the world around 2028, according to new United Nations estimates

released on May 16, 2018, which said India is expected to add the largest number of urban dwellers by 2050.

The 2018 Revision of World Urbanisation Prospects produced by the Population Division of the UN Department of Economic

and Social Affairs (UN DESA) said that 68 per cent of the world population is projected to live in urban areas by 2050.

Currently, 55 per cent of the world's population lives in urban areas.

Currently Tokyo is the world's largest city with an agglomeration of 37 million inhabitants, followed by New Delhi with 29

million, Shanghai with 26 million, and Mexico City and Sao Paulo, each with around 22 million inhabitants. Cairo, Mumbai,

Beijing and Dhaka all have close to 20 million inhabitants.

The urban population of the world has grown rapidly from 751 million in 1950 to 4.2 billion in 2018. Today, the most

urbanized regions include Northern America (with 82 per cent of its population living in urban areas in 2018), Latin America

and the Caribbean (81 per cent), Europe (74 per cent) and Oceania (68 per cent). The level of urbanization in Asia is now

approximating 50 per cent. In contrast, Africa remains mostly rural, with 43 per cent of its population living in urban areas.

China to purchase more US goods to reduce trade deficit

China will ramp up its purchase of US goods to reduce its massive trade imbalance with the United States, the two countries

said in a joint statement at the conclusion of the latest round of high-level trade talks between them. The two sides also

agreed on "meaningful increases" in United States agriculture and energy exports. The US will send a team to China to work

out the details, the joint statement at the conclusion of the trade delegation level talks between the two countries on May 17

and 18, stated. The United States delegation included Secretary of the Treasury Steven T Mnuchin, Secretary of Commerce

Wilbur L. Ross, and United States Trade Representative Robert E. Lighthizer. The Chinese delegation was led by State Council

Vice Premier Liu He, Special Envoy of President Xi.

North Korea cancels talks with South over US military drill

North Korea cancelled the high-level talks with South Korea due to latter's ongoing military drills with the United States. As

reported by the North's Korean Central News Agency on May 16, 2018, military drills called 'Max Thunder' are taking place

between the US and South Korea air forces. North Korea had earlier agreed to send two of its diplomats to South Korea's

unification ministry to attend the forum hosted by South Korea.

WHO publishes its first essential diagnostics list

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on May 16, 2018 published its first 'essential diagnostics list', a catalogue of tests

needed to diagnose the most common conditions as well as a number of global priority diseases. The step was taken to

address the problem of people's inability to access diagnostic services, thus failing to receive the correct treatment. "An

accurate diagnosis is the first step to getting effective treatment. No one should suffer or die because of lack of diagnostic

services, or because the right tests were not available, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

Nepal's two left parties merge to become largest communist party

Nepal's ruling CPN-UML (Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist) and CPN-Maoist Centre on May 17, 2018

merged to form the Nepal Communist Party, eight months after they initially agreed on the unification. The CPN-UML, led by

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Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and the CPN-Maoist Centre, led by former PM Prachanda, had secured 174 seats in the 275-

member Parliament in the election results announced in December 2017.

Paraguay opens its embassy in Jerusalem

Paraguay on May 21, 2018 officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem, becoming the third country to do so after the United

States and Guatemala. Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the

inauguration ceremony of the embassy at Malha Technological Park in the city.

Russia unveils world's first floating nuclear power station

Russia on May 19, 2018 unveiled the world's first floating nuclear power station at a ceremony in the port of the far northern

city of Murmansk where it will be loaded with nuclear fuel before heading to eastern Siberia. The 21,000-tonne barge will be

towed in the summer of 2019 to the port of Pevek in the autonomous Chukotka region in Russia's extreme northeast, 350

kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. The barge can produce enough electricity to power a town of 200,000 residents. It will be

primarily used to power oil rigs as Russia pushes further north into the Arctic to drill for oil and gas and needs electricity in

far-flung locations.

Plane crashes on take-off in Cuba

A Cuban State airways plane with 104 passengers on board crashed shortly after taking off on May 18, 2018 from Havana‘s

Jose Marti airport, leaving a thick column of smoke over the scene. The Boeing 737 operated by Cubana de Aviacion crashed

in a field near the airport. The plane was almost completely destroyed in the crash and subsequent fire. The jetliner was

heading from the capital to the eastern city of Holguin.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day observed on May 17

The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) was observed on May 17, 2018 to help raise awareness

of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to

societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. 17 May marks the anniversary of the signing of the

first International Telegraph Convention and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union. 2018 Theme:

Enabling the positive use of Artificial Intelligence for All

International Day of Living Together in Peace observed on May 16

The International Day of Living Together in Peace was observed on May 16, 2018. The Day aims to uphold the desire to live

and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.

International Day of Families observed on May 15

International Day of Families was observed on May 15, 2018 with its theme as ―Families and inclusive societies‖.

NEWSMAKERS

US Senate confirms Gina Haspel as first female CIA director

The United States Senate on May 18, 2018 voted to confirm Gina Haspel as the first female director of the Central Intelligence

Agency (CIA). A career CIA official for more than three decades now, Haspel, 61, worked in Africa, Europe and classified

locations around the globe and was tapped as deputy director of the CIA in 2017. She worked under former CIA director Mike

Pompeo until President Donald Trump moved him to the secretary of state.

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Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro wins re-election

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was re-elected for a second six-year term in presidential elections on May 20, 2018.

Maduro got 68 percent of votes.

Author Tom Wolfe dies at 88

Award winning writer and journalist Tom Wolfe, who is noted for works like "The Bonfire of the Vanities", "The Right Stuff"

and "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test", died in New York on May 14, 2018 at the age of 88. Wolfe, who began working as a

journalist for the New York Herald Tribune in 1962, was a pioneer of "new journalism", which melded traditional reporting

methods and literary fiction techniques.

Iconic Indian-origin musician Ramesh Hassan dies at 73 in S. Africa

South African musician and singer Ramesh Hassan, considered the face of Hindu-Muslim unity in the country, died on May 12,

2018 at the age of 73. He had changed his birth name of Hassan Saib to Ramesh Hassan because he wanted to foster

harmony between Hindus and Muslims living in South Africa through music.

Richard N. Goodwin, White House speech writer, dead at 86

Former White House aide and speechwriter Richard N. Goodwin died in Concord, Massachusetts on May 20, 2018. He was a

liberal force for President John Kennedy and President Lyndon Johnson who helped develop Kennedy's "Alliance for Progress"

in Latin America and write Johnson's historic "We Shall Overcome" speech on civil rights. His memoir "Remembering America"

inspired the 1994 film "Quiz Show," directed by Robert Redford and featuring Rob Morrow as Goodwin.

Bernard Lewis, influential scholar of Islam, dies at 101

Bernard Lewis, an eminent historian of Islam who traced the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, to a declining Islamic

civilization, a controversial view that influenced world opinion and helped shape American foreign policy under President

George W. Bush, died on May 19, 2018 in Voorhees Township, N.J. He was 101. His books included "The Arabs in History"

(1950), "The Emergence of Modern Turkey" (1961), and "The Crisis of Islam" (2003).

Bill Gold, designer of iconic movie posters, dies at 97

Bill Gold, who created posters for Casablanca, A Streetcar Named Desire, Alien, Mystic River, A Clockwork Orange and

hundreds of other films with an artistry that captured the intrigue, romance and drama of Hollywood for nearly 70 years, died

on May 20, 2018 in Greenwich, Connecticut. He was 97.

Chinese Terracotta Warriors archaeologist dies aged 82

The Chinese archaeologist credited with discovering the emblematic ancient Terracotta Warriors, Zhao Kangmin, died aged 82

on May 16, 2018. Zhao was the first archaeologist to identify fragments of terracotta found by local farmers digging a well in

1974 as relics dating back to the Qin dynasty and the first to excavate the site. The 8,000-man clay army, crafted around 250

BC for the tomb of China's first emperor Qin Shihuang, is a UNESCO world heritage site, a major tourist draw and a symbol of

ancient Chinese artistic and military sophistication.

Margot Kidder, 'Superman' star, dead at 69

Veteran actor Margot Kidder, best known for playing Lois Lane in 1978 film "Superman," died in Montana on May 15, 2018 at

the age of 69. Kidder began acting in the late 1960s, but rose to fame in 1978 for her role as Lois Lane in "Superman: The

Movie" opposite Christopher Reeve. She went on to reprise the part in the movie's three sequels.

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Richard Pipes, scholar of Russian history, dies at 94

Richard Pipes, a renowned scholar of Russian history and aide to President Ronald Reagan, died in Massachusetts (USA) on

May 17, 2018. Pipes was born in Poland in 1923. He and his family later fled the Nazi occupation of the country and arrived in

the United States in 1940. Pipes spent his entire academic career at Harvard University, teaching history from 1958 until his

retirement in 1996. He became a leading authority on the history of Russia and the Soviet Union, writing numerous books. In

the early 1980s, Pipes served as director of Eastern European and Soviet Affairs for the National Security Council under

President Reagan.

Poisoned Russian ex-spy Sergei Skripal discharged from UK hospital

Former Russian spy Sergei Skripal, who was poisoned with a military-grade nerve agent in March 2018, leading to a major

diplomatic standoff with Russia, was on May 18, 2018 discharged from a hospital in Salisbury (UK) and taken to an

undisclosed location. The 66-year-old former Russian double agent and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious on a

shopping centre bench in the Salisbury town on March 4. They were hospitalised in critical condition after he was found

poisoned and spent weeks in critical condition. Yulia, 33, recovered more quickly than her father and was discharged in April

2018 and also taken to an undisclosed location.

Prince Harry and Meghan become Duke and Duchess of Sussex

Queen Elizabeth II on May 19, 2018 bestowed the title of Duke and Duchess of Sussex on her grandson, Prince Harry, and his

bride Meghan Markle as part of Britain's royal wedding tradition. The couple formally take on the titles as they tied the knot

at a wedding ceremony in St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in London.

Slain Salvador archbishop, Pope Paul VI to be made saints

Salvador Archbishop Oscar Romero, assassinated by a right-wing death squad in 1980, and Pope Paul VI (1963-1978) will be

made saints in October, Pope Francis announced in Vatican City on May 19, 2018.

US diplomat involved in road accident in Pak returns home

A US diplomat, who killed a Pakistani motorcyclist in a road accident in April left the country on May 14, 2018 amidst

controversy over his immunity from prosecution. Defence attache Colonel Joseph Hall killed a motorbike rider and injured

another on April 7 in Islamabad after jumping a red signal. A case was registered but he was never formally arrested due to

diplomatic immunity. Washington refused to withdraw the immunity of the diplomat but promised to hold him accountable

under its domestic laws.

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Workshop on AI in National Security and Defence held in New Delhi

The ‗Stakeholders‘ Workshop on Artificial Intelligence in National Security and Defence, Listing of Use Cases‘, was organised in

New Delhi on May 21, 2018. The event inaugurated by defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was attended by Chairman

DRDO & Secretary Department of Defence R&D Dr S Christopher, Secretary (Defence Production) Dr Ajay Kumar and other

senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and Services.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), a branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of intelligent behaviour in computers, has

shown significant technical advancement in some of the developed countries. Most of this progress is due to advances in the

AI sub-field of Machine Learning (ML). Most AI research advances are occurring in the private sector and academia.

AI has a potential to have transformative impact on national security. It is also seen that AI is essentially a dual use

technology. While it can fuel technology driven economic growth, it also has potential to provide military superiority. To study

the whole gamut of issues surrounding strategic implications of AI in national security perspective, a multi-stakeholder Task

Force represented by members from the Government, Services, Academia, Industry Professionals and Start-ups has been

constituted with the approval of the Raksha Mantri for developing future roadmap on AI

The AI Task Force of Ministry of Defence under the Chairmanship C. Chandrasekharan, Chairman of Tata Sons, has met twice

on February 10 and April 28, 2018.

President launches integrated centre for crisis management at BARC

President Ram Nath Kovind on May 15, 2018 inaugurated an integrated centre for crisis management (ICCM) at the iconic

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Mumbai that will help the nation respond more effectively to chemical, biological,

radiological and nuclear emergencies. The new facility will monitor radiological data from a network of 504 radiation sensors

across the country.

Among the other facilities that were inaugurated on the same day today include a metal fuel pin fabrication facility jointly

developed by BARC and the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research at Kalpakkam, near Chennai, that can increase

plutonium production in fast breeder reactors.

The third facility in Hyderabad will help develop high-power electron beam melting furnace for nuclear and strategic

applications. This technology is jointly developed by the scientists of BARC and the Nuclear Fuel Complex.

Kovind also inaugurated an integrated enriched boron tri-fluoride gas generation facility developed by the Heavy-water

Board in Odisha that will be used in neutron detectors.

That apart, the president launched a multi-leaf collimator system developed by BARC that will enable gamma radiation to be

exposed only on cancer-affected organs.

The Department of Atomic Energy also presented a high-yielding dwarf variety of Dubraj mutant rice (Trombay Chhattisgarh

Dubraj Mutant-1) to the president. This is the 43rd high-yielding crop variety developed by BARC.

IISER develops device to detect and remove arsenic from water

In a major breakthrough to tackle arsenic contamination in West Bengal, the Indian Institute of Science Education and

Research, IISER Kolkata has developed a new device which can be used to detect and remove arsenic content from water and

make it safe and usable by households.

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IISER Director Sourav Pal said in a press conference that the device, 'Arsenic Sensor and Removal Media, developed in

collaboration with a private company, is an effective system with low production cost.

An IISER research team, led by Dr Raja Shunmugam, developed the arsenic sensor which would show an immediate change in

colour in arsenic contaminated water.

West Bengal has the highest number of arsenic-affected people in the country. In 83 blocks in eight districts of the state,

groundwater is affected by arsenic contamination.

WHO launches 'REPLACE' to eliminate trans fat in foods by 2023

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a comprehensive plan to eliminate industrially-produced artificial trans

fats from the global food supply by 2023.

The global health body estimates that every year, trans fat intake leads to over 5,00,000 deaths worldwide from cardiovascular

diseases.

Industrially-produced trans fats are contained in hardened vegetable fats such as margarine and ghee, and are often present

in snack, baked, and fried foods.

Manufacturers often use them as they have a longer shelf life than other fats. But, healthier alternatives can be used, which

would not affect taste or cost of food, the WHO said in a statement on May 14, 2018.

"WHO calls on governments to use the 'REPLACE' action package to eliminate industrially-produced trans-fatty acids from the

food supply," WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said.

REPLACE, which is an acronym for Review, Promote, Legislate, Assess, Create and Enforce, is the first global initiative to

eliminate a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of deaths globally, accounting for

one in every three deaths.

The initiative provides six strategic actions to ensure the prompt, complete, and sustained elimination of industrially-produced

trans fats from food supply.

China launches satellite to explore dark side of Moon

China launched a relay satellite on May 21, 2018 to enable a rover to communicate with the Earth from the Moon's mysterious

far side. Named Queqiao (Magpie Bridge), the 400-kg satellite has a designed life of three years. It was carried by a Long

March-4C rocket that blasted off from southwest China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center, the China National Space

Administration (CNSA) said.

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Section E: AWARDS

Cannes Film Festival awards conferred

Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda took home the top prize -- the Palme d'Or for his film "Manbiki Kazoku" ("Shoplifters")

at the 71st Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2018.

Spike Lee's engaging, feisty anti-racism period drama "BlacKkKansman", the true story of an African-American police detective

who infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan in Colorado Springs in the 1970s, won the Grand Prix, while Lebanese filmmaker Nadine

Labaki's neorealist Beirut street life tale Capharnaum earned the Jury Prize.

The Best Director prize went to Poland's Pawel Pawlikowski for the wonderfully well-crafted black-and-white "Cold War".

Iranian auteur Jafar Panahi (along with co-screenwriter Nader Saeivar) figured on the Cannes 2018 winners list with "Se Rokh"

(3 Faces), which shared the Best Screenplay prize with Italian director Alice Rohrwacher's "Lazzaro Felice" (Happy as Lazzaro).

Best Actor award was won by Italian Marcello Fonte for his deeply affecting performance as the tragically vulnerable dog-

washer in a small town in Matteo Garrone's "Dogman". Best Actress award was won by Kazakhstan's Samal Yeslyamova for

her performance as an illegal immigrant who abandons her newborn child in a Moscow in Sergey Dvortsevoy's "Ayka".

Jury president Cate Blanchett announced a Special Palme d'Or to 88-year-old Jean-Luc Godard's "The Image Book".

Cannes Film Festival paid tribute to actor Sridevi with the Reginald F. Lewis Film Icon Award. The award traditionally celebrates

women of the film industry all over the world. Filmmaker Subhash Ghai and producer Namrata Goyal received the award on

behalf of Sridevi‘s family.

2018 Billboard Music Awards presented

Ed Sheeran emerged as the big winner as the singer-songwriter bagged five top honours, including the Top Artist

recognition, at this year's Billboard Music Awards (BBMA) in Los Angeles on May 20, 2018.

Sheeran also took home trophies in Top Male Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Song Sales Artist and Top Radio Songs

Artist categories.

Kendrick Lamar won as the Top Streaming Songs Artist, Top Rap Artist, Top Rap Male Artist, Top Streaming Song

(Audio) for "Humble". Bruno Mars won the awards in Top R&B Artist, Top R&B Male Artist and Top R&B Tour categories.

Janet Jackson was announced as the BBMA Icon Award - the first African American female artiste to receive the recognition.

Taylor Swift won Top Female Artist for her album "Reputation" with Cardi B winning the title of Top Rap Female Artist and

SZA being adjudged Top R&B Female Artist. Maren Morris received the award for Top Country Female Artist.

"Havana" hitmaker Camila Cabello won the Billboard Chart Achievement Award.

Khalid emerged as the Top New Artist. The Chainsmokers snagged the Top Dance/Electronic Artist award.

K-pop boy band BTS bagged the trophy of Top Social Artist. They are the first-ever Korean act to perform at the BBMAs.

U2 was named the Top Touring Artist and Top Rock Tour.

NRI industrialist Swraj Paul wins lifetime achievement award in UK

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Leading NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul has received a lifetime achievement award for his contributions towards promoting

brand India in the UK. The founder of Caparo Group of industries was recognised at a UK & Asia Business Awards ceremony in

London on May 17, 2018, organised by World Consulting and Research Corporation (WCRC) the research and consultancy

firm behind collating the world's "iconic" brands.

Among some of the other awards presented at the event included the Business Leader of the Decade honour for another

prominent Indian-origin peer, Cobra Beer founder Lord Karan Bilimora.

A Champion of International Trade and Investment award went to Dr Mohan Kaul, President of the Indian Professionals Forum

(IPF), and an Iconic Leader award was presented to Vijay Goel, founder of the Indo-European Business Forum (IEBF).

Veteran journalist Mark Tully bags RedInk Award

Veteran British journalist and former BBC India correspondent Sir William Mark Tully has been chosen for this year's RedInk

award for lifetime achievement in journalism. The RedInk awards for excellence in journalism are instituted by the Mumbai

Press Club. The award was presented to him in Mumbai on May 18, 2018. Tully worked with the BBC for 30 years before

resigning in July 1994. He held the position of Chief of Bureau, BBC, Delhi, for 20 years. Meanwhile, Faye D'Souze, the

executive editor of Mirror Now channel, won the RedInk award for 'journalist of the year'. Apart from these two awards, the

RedInk awards for excellence in journalism are given in 13 competitive categories to 32 journalists after a process of selection

by a jury appointed for each category.

Sulabh International founder awarded Nikkei Asia Prize

The founder of Sulabh International, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, has been honoured with the Nikkei Asia Prize in Japan for his

contribution to Asia's development. Pathak is among the three who have been conferred with the award. The prizes will be

awarded on June 13 in Tokyo in Japan. According to an announcement made by the Nikkei Asia Prize Secretariat in Tokyo on

May 14, 2018, Pathak has been described as "an Indian social reformer tackling two of his country's biggest challenges --

poor hygiene and discrimination". Dr Pathak founded the Sulabh International in 1970. It is an NGO that works to promote

human rights, environmental sanitation among other social services.

Robert De Niro to receive Brass Ring Award at 2018 Carousel of Hope Ball

Veteran actor Robert De Niro will be honoured with the Brass Ring Award at the Carousel of Hope Ball event. The Carousel of

Hope Ball is held every two years in Los Angeles and over the years, it has raised over USD 100 million dollars towards finding

a cure for diabetes. It is hosted by Barbara Davis and the proceeds from the event go to Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes.

The center was created after Davis' daughter, Dana, was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 7.

NMDC bags S&P PLATTS Global Metals Award 2018 under CSR category

NMDC Limited bagged the prestigious S&P Global PLATTS Global Metals Award 2018 in corporate social responsibility (CSR)

category held in London on May 17, 2018. The shortlisted 12 nominations were of renowned companies across the world. This

is the first time since inception of this award that an Indian Company bagged an award in this category. S&P Global Platts is

the leading independent provider of information, benchmark prices and analytics for the energy and commodities markets. It

has been in existence for over 100 years.

NPCIL wins Russian award for 'Atom on Wheels' campaign

In recognition of the importance of public outreach in nuclear power development, state-run Nuclear Power Corp of India

(NPCIL) on Monday won the top award in the public communication category from the Russian state atomic energy

corporation Rosatom at its 10th

Atomexpo international conference in Sochi (Russia) on May 15, 2018. NPCIL won the award

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for its "Atom on Wheels" campaign started in 2016 to spread awareness in rural areas about the benefits of nuclear energy

and dispel doubts about its risks.

India's Jagriti Yatra wins charity award in UK

An Indian charity that organises 15-day train journeys around India to understand and build the India of smaller towns and

villages through enterprise has won an award in London. Jagriti Yatra was among a series of worldwide charities and

individuals recognised for their impact within their communities at the Asian Voice Charity Awards, powered by due diligence

platform Charity Clarity.

Nara Lokesh receives award for 'Digital Leader of the Year'

Andhra Pradesh Minister for IT, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Nara Lokesh on May 18, 2018 received the "Digital

Leader of the Year" award during Businessworld Digital India Summit and Awards 2018 at New Delhi. The 'Business World'

magazine has announced this award for the best utilisation of technology in governance. Lokesh won this award for using

cutting edge technology and yielding good results in Panchayat Raj, Rural Development, and Rural Water Supply

departments. The state Panchayat Raj and Rural Water Supply Department officials have won another award for the

ultramodern tracking system for water supply program.

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RBI tweaks norms for setting up of IFSC Banking Units

Modifying the norms for setting up IFSC Banking Units, RBI said on May 17, 2018 that the parent bank will be required to

provide and maintain at all times a minimum capital of USD 20 million to its IBU.

In April 2015, the Reserve Bank had formulated a scheme for setting up of International Financial Services Centres (IFSC)

Banking Units (IBUs) by banks in IFSCs.

RBI said modification has been made based on suggestions from stakeholders to consider minimum prescribed regulatory

capital at the parent level rather than at the IBU level.

Also, the parent bank will be required to provide a Letter of Comfort for extending financial assistance, as and when required,

in the form of capital/liquidity support to IBU.

The government has set up an IFSC in Gujarat namely Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The guidelines are applicable to IBUs set up in GIFT as well as in other IFSCs which may be set up in India.

Nirav Modi fraud costs PNB Rs 14,357 crore

Punjab National Bank said on May 15, 2018 that its total liability works out to Rs 14,356.84 crore on account of the fraud

allegedly carried out by jewellery designer Nirav Modi and associates.

The fraud was detected at PNB's Brady House branch in Mumbai involving certain accounts under 'gems and jewellery' sector

wherein, through apparent connivance between "these entities and few employees of the bank", some LoUs/FLCs were issued

fraudulently to certain overseas branches of Indian banks through misuse of the SWIFT messaging system.

The fraud allegedly perpetuated through Letters of Undertaking (LoUs)/Foreign Letter of Credit (FLCs) is currently being

investigated by different agencies.

The bank has posted largest ever quarterly loss of Rs 13,416.91 crore for January-March period, mainly on account of high

provisioning for bad loans. It had reported standalone profit of Rs 261.90 crore in the fourth quarter of 2016-17. The total

income for the fourth quarter also declined to Rs 12,945.68 crore, from Rs 14,989.33 crore in the year-ago period.

RBI bars Allahabad Bank from giving fresh loans

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred state-run Allahabad Bank from extending fresh loans, under its prompt corrective

action (PCA) framework, after the lender fell short of minimum capital adequacy ratio (CAR) requirement. The bank‘s CAR was

8.69% as on March 31, 2018 against the regulatory minimum requirement of 9%. The bank reported a net loss of Rs.3,510

crore in the January-March quarter and Rs.4,674 crore loss for the financial year 2017-18. RBI had also asked the Kolkata-

based lender to reduce its exposure to unrated and high risk advances. The central bank also restricted the lender‘s access to

raise high cost deposits and creation of non-banking assets.

Moody's downgrades PNB, cites negative impact of fraud

Moody's Investors Service has downgraded Punjab National Bank's rating citing impact of the recent USD 2 billion fraud on its

capital as well as weak internal controls. The outlook to the rating has been however retained as stable, reflecting Moody's

expectation that the negative impact of the fraudulent transactions is largely known. The agency downgraded PNB's foreign

currency issuer rating by a notch to 'ba1', which is non-investment grade, from 'Baa3'- meaning below investment grade.

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NEWSMAKERS

Allahabad Bank divests its CEO Usha Ananthasubramanian of all powers

The Board of state-owned Allahabad Bank on May 15, 2018 divested its MD and CEO Usha Ananthasubramanian of all powers

with immediate effect, following a directive from the finance ministry after she was named in the CBI's chargesheet in PNB

fraud case. Ananthasubramanian, was the CMD of Punjab National Bank till May 2017. On May 14, the finance ministry had

asked the boards of Allahabad Bank and PNB to take action against Ananthasubramanian and two executive directors of PNB.

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Section G: ECONOMY

Indian economy projected to grow 7.6% in 2018-19: UN WESP

India's economy is projected to grow 7.6 per cent in fiscal year 2018-19, remaining the fastest growing economy in the world,

as robust private consumption and benefits from past reforms help the country's GDP gain momentum but sustained

recovery in private investment remains a crucial challenge, according to a UN report.

The UN World Economic Situation and Prospects (WESP) as of mid-2018, launched on May 17, 2018, said GDP growth in India

is expected to climb to 7.5 and 7.6 per cent in fiscal years 2017-18 and 2018-19 respectively. This is a substantial recovery

from the 6.7 per cent growth India registered in fiscal year 2017.

Among the major economies, growth in India is gaining momentum, underpinned by robust private consumption, a slightly

more supportive fiscal stance and benefits from past reforms. WESP added that although capital spending has shown signs of

revival, a more widespread and sustained recovery in private investment remains a crucial challenge in India.

World economic growth is forecast to reach 3.2 per cent both in 2018 and 2019, an upward revision by 0.2 and 0.1 percentage

points, respectively. This revised outlook reflects further improvement in the growth forecast for developed economies due to

accelerating wage growth, broadly favourable investment conditions, and the short-term impact of a fiscal stimulus package

in the US. GDP growth forecasts in 2018 have been upwardly revised in nearly 40 per cent of countries since the previous

forecast presented in the WESP Report 2018 was released December 2017.

Cabinet approves National Biofuel Policy

Food grains can now be used for producing ethanol during surplus production years, according to the national policy on

biofuels that was approved by the Cabinet on May 16, 2018.

The Policy expands the scope of raw materials for ethanol production by allowing use of sugarcane juice, sugar beet, sweet

sorghum, corn, cassava, damaged food grains like wheat, broken rice, and rotten potatoes unfit for human consumption.

Currently, ethanol is mainly produced from molasses.

The policy, which aims to provide financial and fiscal incentives specific to a biofuel type, categorized biofuels as first

generation (1G), second generation (2G) and third generation (3G) fuels.

The first generation category of biofuels includes bioethanol and biodiesel. The second generation comprises ethanol and

municipal solid waste. The third generation includes bio-compressed natural gas (CNG).

―Farmers are at a risk of not getting appropriate price for their produce during the surplus production phase. Taking this into

account, the Policy allows use of surplus food grains for production of ethanol for blending with petrol with the approval of

National Biofuel Coordination Committee,‖ an official statement said.

Food for fuel has often been a controversial policy matter across the globe as many believe using grains for ethanol raises

food inflation risk. By limiting use of grains for fuel production only in surplus production years, the government has tried to

limit the risk.

India has for years trailed the official target of blending 5 percent ethanol and biodiesel in petrol and diesel respectively to cut

pricey oil import and save foreign exchange. The current blending ratio is about 2% for petrol and less than 0.5% for diesel.

The country imports 83 percent of its domestic crude oil requirement.

Govt announces national wind-solar hybrid policy

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With an aim to boost renewable power generation, the government on May 14, 2018 announced a national wind-solar hybrid

policy, which seeks to promote new projects as well as hybridisation of the existing ones.

The government has set an ambitious target of achieving 175 gigawatt (GW) of installed capacity from renewable energy

sources by 2022, which includes 100 GW of solar and 60 GW of wind power capacity.

The total renewable power installed capacity in the country stood at about 70 GW in 2017-18.

The policy provides for a comprehensive framework to promote large grid-connected wind-solar photovoltaic (PV) hybrid

system for optional and efficient utilisation of transmission infrastructure and land, thereby reducing the variability in

renewable power generation and achieving better grid stability.

Besides, the policy also aims to encourage new technologies, methods and way-outs involving combined operation of wind

and solar PV plants.

Under the policy, the government will extend all fiscal and financial incentives available to wind and solar power projects to

hybrid projects. It will also support technology development projects in the field.

CCEA approves Rs 5,000 cr micro-irrigation fund

The Government on May 16, 2018 approved a dedicated Rs 5,000 crore fund to bring more land area under micro-irrigation

as part of its objective to boost agriculture production and farmers income. An allocation of Rs 2,000 crore has been made for

this fiscal while Rs 3,000 crore has been earmarked for the 2019-20 fiscal.

"The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved an initial Corpus

of Rs 5,000 crore for setting up of a dedicated 'Micro Irrigation Fund' (MIF) with NABARD under Pradhan Mantri Krishi

Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)," an official statement said.

The fund will provide this amount to States on concessional rate of interest to promote micro-irrigation, which currently has

coverage of only 10 million hectares as against the potential of 70 million hectares.

NABARD will extend the loan to state governments from this fund. Borrowings from NABARD shall be paid back in seven

years including the grace period of two years. The lending rate under MIF has been proposed at 3 per cent lower than the

cost of raising the fund by NABARD.

New mechanism to settle commercial disputes between govt. departments, PSUs approved

The government on May 16, 2018 put in place a new mechanism to settle commercial disputes between government

departments and Public Sector Undertakings where the Cabinet Secretary will have the last word, and barred them from

approaching courts to settle such matters.

However, disputes concerning the Railways, Income Tax, Customs and Excise departments have been kept out of ambit of the

new mechanism.

"The Union Cabinet approved the strengthening of the mechanism for resolution of commercial disputes of central public

sector enterprises inter se and also between CPSEs and other government departments/organizations. The decision will put in

place an institutionalised mechanism within the government for speedy resolution of commercial disputes of CPSEs without

the matter being referred to the courts of law," an official statement said.

2-tier mechanism

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A two-tier mechanism will be put in place of the existing permanent machinery of arbitration mechanism to resolve

commercial disputes between CPSEs, and CPSEs and government departments outside courts.

At the first level, such commercial disputes will be referred to a committee comprising secretaries of the administrative

ministries to which the disputing parties belong and the Law Secretary.

The financial advisors of the two ministries concerned will represent the issues related to the dispute in question before the

committee.

In case the two disputing parties belong to the same ministry, the committee will comprise secretary of the administrative

ministries concerned, the Law Secretary and Secretary, Department of Public Enterprises. In such a case, the matter would be

represented by the financial advisor and one joint secretary of that ministry.

At the second level, in case the dispute remains unresolved, it will be referred to the Cabinet Secretary, whose decision will be

"final and binding on all".

For the faster disposal of disputes, a timeline of three months at the first level has been prescribed.

Foodgrain production at record 279.51 MT in 2017-18

India is estimated to have harvested a record 279.51 million tonnes (MT) of foodgrains in the 2017-18 crop year ending next

month, up 1.6 per cent from 275.11 million tonnes achieved during 2016-17, according to the third advance estimates

released by the agriculture ministry released on May 16, 2018.

The country achieved an all-time high production in all four foodgrains -- rice, wheat, coarse cereals and pulses -- during

2017-18 crop year (July-June)

Rice output is estimated at record 111.52 MT as against 109.7 million tonnes in the 2016-17 fiscal. The production of wheat

during 2017-18 is estimated at record 98.61 MT as against 98.51 MT in the previous year. Coarse cereals output is also seen

at record 44.87 MT tonnes as against 43.77 MT achieved during 2016-17. Total pulses production during 2017-18 is

estimated at record 24.51 MT which is higher by 1.37 MT than the previous year's production of 23.13 MT.

In non-foodgrains category, oilseeds production is estimated to have declined to 30.64 MT in 2017-18 from 31.28 MT in the

previous year. With a significant increase by 49.03 MT over 2016-17, total production of sugarcane in the country during

2017-18 is estimated at 355.10 MT. Production of cotton during 2017-18 is estimated to have increased to 34.86 million bales

(of 170 kg each) from 32.58 million bales in the previous year. Jute and Mesta output is estimated at 10.62 million bales (of

180 kg each), lower than the production achieved during 2016-17.

Atal Pension Yojana crosses 1 crore subscribers

Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has added over 1 crore subscribers since its launch in May 2015, the Pension Fund Regulatory and

Development Authority (PFRDA) said on May 15, 2018. APY was launched in May 2015 and current number of subscriber

stands at 1.10 crore.

Till date, the APY has collected Rs 3,950 crore of contribution from subscribers. The scheme has generated around 9.10 per

cent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) since inception till March 2018.

A guaranteed pension scheme for citizens of India, APY is focused on the unorganised sector workers which constitute more

than 85 per cent of the workforce.

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Under this scheme, the guaranteed minimum pension of Rs 1,000 per month or Rs 2,000-5,000 per month will be given at the

age of 60 years depending on the contributions by subscribers.

The spouse of a subscriber is also eligible for pension and the nominee receives the accumulated pension wealth.

The top ten states in APY mobilisation are Uttar Pradesh (1,401,631); Bihar (1,061,660); Tamil Nadu (814,917); Maharashtra

(758,695); Karnataka (686,504); Andhra Pradesh (686,504); West Bengal (551,471); Madhya Pradesh (498,111); Rajasthan

(497,962) and Gujarat (486,465).

Forex reserves fall by $1.237 bn to $417.702 bn

The country's foreign exchange reserves decreased by USD 1.237 billion to USD 417.702 billion in the week to May 11, on

account of a fall in foreign currency assets, the Reserve Bank data showed on May 18, 2018.

In the reporting week, the foreign currency assets, a major component of the overall reserves, declined by USD 1.262 billion to

USD 392.453 billion.

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


Gold reserves rose by USD 26.2 million to USD 21.687 billion in the reporting week.

The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) dipped by USD 0.3 million to USD 1.515 billion.

The country's reserve position with the IMF also declined by USD 0.3 million to USD 2.045 billion.

Exports rise 5.17% to USD 25.9bn in April; trade deficit up at USD 13.7 bn

India's exports rose by 5.17 per cent year-on-year to USD 25.9 billion in April on back of good show by sectors like

engineering, pharmaceutical and chemicals, according to the commerce ministry data. Imports during the month were valued

at USD 39.6 billion, up 4.6 per cent over April 2017. The gap between imports and exports or trade deficit was marginally

higher at USD 13.7 billion during April 2018 compared to USD 13.24 billion in April 2017.

Army finalises Rs 15,000 crore ammunition production project

Army has finalised a mega 15,000 crore rupees project under which a range of ammunition for its critical weapons and tanks

will be produced indigenously. Official sources said, 11 private firms would be involved in the ambitious project.

Initially, ammunition for a range of rockets, air defence system, artillery guns, infantry combat vehicles, grenade launchers and

various other field weapons would be produced under strict timelines.

The immediate aim of the project is to create an inventory for all major weapons to enable the forces to fight a 30-day war

while the long-term objective is to cut dependence on imports.

Army have set a specific target for the next 10 years in terms of the volume of ammunition to be produced. The

implementation of project is being monitored by the top brass of the Army and the Defence Ministry.

Both retail and wholesale inflation rise in April

Reversing the declining trend of three months, retail inflation, based on movement in Consumer Price Index (CPI), inched up

to 4.58 per cent in April. The Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation too rose to 3.18% in April mainly on account of spike

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in fuel prices, as per inflation data released by the government on May 14, 2018. WPI-based inflation stood at 2.47% in March

and 3.85% in April 2017.

DoT issues guidelines for use of embedded SIMs

Mobile users will not need to buy a new SIM while changing service provider or buying a new connection, according to new

guidelines issued by the Department of Telecom to allow use of embedded SIMs (eSIM).

The eSIM will be installed in the device and details of service providers can be updated in it at the time a customer buys a new

connection or changes operator or wants to buy standalone service from a telecom operator like data or calling etc.

"To cater the needs of modern technological developments in M2M/IoT, it has been decided to permit the use of

"Embedded-Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) with both single and multiple profile configurations with over the air

subscription update facility, as the case may be, as per prevailing global specifications and standards," the DoT said.

NITI Aayog organised Venture Capital Symposium 2018 in New Delhi

NITI Aayog, in association with Vision India Foundation, organised the Venture Capital Symposium 2018 in New Delhi on May

18-20, 2018 to deepen the economic relationships between France and India. Following the visit of French President

Emmanuel Macron, 20 of the biggest French venture capital and private equity funds are coming to India to explore

investment opportunities. French investors interacted with 100 early to mid-stage Indian start-ups at the Symposium

organised to support the Start-up India programme

MCX launches India's first copper options

Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) launched the country's first copper options contracts on May 21, 2018. Three contracts

expiring in June, August and November with a lot size of 1 tonne were launched, the exchange said in a statement.

NEWSMAKERS

NHAI Chairman Deepak Kumar sent back to cadre state Bihar

Deepak Kumar, the chairman of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), was on May 17, 2018 sent back to his cadre state

Bihar before completion of his tenure. Yudhvir Singh Malik, the Secretary of Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, has

been given additional charge of the post of NHAI chairman. Kumar, a 1984 IAS officer of Bihar cadre, had taken over as the

NHAI chief on June 28, 2017.

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India 6th

wealthiest nation with $8,230 bn: AfrAsia Bank Global Wealth Migration Review

India is the sixth wealthiest country in the world with a total wealth of $8,230 billion, while the US is the richest nation

globally, said the AfrAsia Bank Global Wealth Migration Review report. The US is the wealthiest country in the world with a

total wealth of $62,584 billion, followed by China ($24,803 billion) at the second place and Japan ($19,522 billion) at the third

place.

Total wealth refers to the private wealth held by all the individuals living in each country. It includes all their assets (property,

cash, equities, business interests) less any liabilities. We exclude government funds from our figures. Larger countries have an

advantage due to higher populations.

Other countries in the top 10 wealthiest list includes the UK ($9,919 billion), Germany ($9,660 billion), India ($8,230 billion),

Australia ($6,142 billion), Canada ($6,393 billion), France ($6,649 billion) and Italy ($4,276 billion).

Kaspersky to transfer infrastructure out of Russia

Russian anti-virus software firm Kaspersky Lab, which is suspected by US authorities of helping the Kremlin's espionage

efforts, said on May 15, 2018 it was moving its core infrastructure and operations to Switzerland.

"To ensure full transparency and integrity, Kaspersky Lab is arranging for this activity to be supervised by an independent

third party, also based in Switzerland," it added.

The move follows controversy in the United States in 2017 when the federal government removed Kaspersky from its list of

approved vendors, weeks after senior US intelligence agency and law enforcement officials expressed concerns about the

safety of its software. US government workers were ordered to stop using Kaspersky anti-virus software.

Kaspersky denied that its products had "backdoors" which would allow Russian intelligence agencies to spy on computers

using its software, and said it would take measures to reassure customers about the safety of its products.

Facebook launches global project to fight election interference

In a bid to prevent its platform from being abused during elections, Facebook on May 17, 2018 announced a partnership with

Washington-based Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab that will independently monitor disinformation and other

vulnerabilities in elections globally, including in India.

Experts from the research lab will work closely with Facebook's security, policy and product teams to get real-time insights

and updates on emerging threats and disinformation campaigns from around the world.

Facebook is doubling the number of people who work on safety and security and using technology like Artificial Intelligence

(AI) to more effectively block fake accounts during elections

Facebook will also use the Atlantic Council's Digital Research Unit Monitoring Missions during elections and other sensitive

moments.

Horlicks creates a new Guinness World Record for making largest glass of milkshake

Horlicks has launched its cold consumption campaign platform 'Kuch Bhi Karega for Chilled Horlicks'. As part of the

campaign, Horlicks along with 2000 school children created a new Guinness World Record title of making the largest glass of

milkshake at DAV Public school in New Delhi. The children clustered together to set an all new record of 'largest glass of

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milkshake' which was 5.5ft tall with 500 litres of Horlicks milkshake. The Guinness team confirmed that the record was set and

it put India on the world map for this achievement.

Sony Pictures acquires rights for Jhulan Goswami biopic

Sony Pictures International Productions has acquired the rights for a biopic on India's veteran medium pacer Jhulan Goswami.

The studio will develop and produce the film in partnership with Dunamis Entertainment. Jhulan will be the first female

cricketer on whom a biopic will be made. The 34-year-old, who hails from Nadia district of West Bengal, is the highest wicket-

taker in One-day Internationals (ODIs) with 195 scalps in 164 matches.

Facebook launches India-first features for „stories‟

Facebook has rolled out a set of India-first features to its stories format, including voice posts and stories archive, before

hitting the rest of world. The updates will also let users save photos and videos directly to their accounts in the Facebook

cloud to avoid using up space on phones.

IIM-A centre unveils $25 million initiative to fund start-ups

Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad‘s (IIMA‘s) centre for innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship (CIIE) on May

14, 2018 launched a $25 million ‗Bharat Inclusion Initiative‘ that will look to mentor and invest in start-ups in the early stage

and seed segment over the next three-four years. The initiative received an initial pledge of $12.5 million from the Bill and

Melinda Gates Foundation, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and Omidyar Network. The fund will look at start-ups in

areas such as financial inclusion, livelihood, education, agriculture, and health.

IOA signs Li-Ning as its apparel partner till Tokyo Olympic Games

The IOA on May 15, 2018 announced sports apparel brand Li-Ning as Indian team's official sports apparel partner till Tokyo

2020 Olympic Games. As part of the partnership, Li-Ning will provide Indian athletes and officials with sports competition and

training apparel, leisure wear and footwear for the Asian Games 2018, 2018 Summer Olympic Youth Games and Tokyo 2020

Olympic Games.

UltraTech to acquire Century‟s cement unit in share swap deal

Century Textiles and Industries Ltd., a B.K. Birla Group company, has decided to demerge its cement business to UltraTech

Cement Ltd. of the Aditya Birla Group in a stock (share) swap deal. Century‘s cement business is being acquired at an

enterprise value of Rs.8,621 crore, including debt of Rs.3,000 crore which will be taken over by UltraTech. Century‘s cement

business consists of three integrated cement units in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra with a total capacity of

11.4 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) and a grinding unit in West Bengal of 2 mtpa.

Flipkart introduces „certified‟ furniture

Flipkart said it has introduced ‗FurniSure,‘ a certification that assures customers ‗quality and durability‘ of furniture available

on its website. It added that this was a first-of-its-kind certification for furniture in Indian retail industry. The products that get

certified would be available at the ‗FurniSure‘ store on Flipkart.

Lexus India launches SUV LX 570 priced at Rs 2.33 crore

Toyota group luxury automobile maker Lexus on May 21, 2018 launched its flagship SUV LX 570 in India priced at Rs 2.33

crore (ex-showroom).

Toyota adds Yaris to lineup

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor on May 17, 2018 introduced its new mid-segment sedan Yaris in India with an introductory starting

price of Rs.8.75 lakh ex-showroom all India. The top most model is priced at Rs.14.07 lakh ex-showroom. The model will

compete with Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Ciaz.

Tata Steel completes acquisition of controlling stake in Bhushan Steel

Bamnipal Steel Ltd (BNPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Steel, has successfully completed the acquisition of controlling

stake of 72.65 per cent in Bhushan Steel Ltd (BSL). Tata Steel Ltd had won the bid to acquire debt-laden Bhushan Steel Ltd

(BSL) in an insolvency auction.

WOW offers India-U.S. flights from Rs.13,499

Iceland‘s low-cost carrier WOW Air announced on May 15, 2018 it would start flights from December 7 connecting New Delhi

to the island country‘s capital city of Reykjavik and onwards to Canada, U.S. and London at fares starting from Rs.13,499. India

is the first destination in Asia for the airline and the flights from the Indian capital would be operated five times a week.

NEWSMAKERS

Birju Kishore Salla becomes first to be on 'No-fly list'

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has confirmed that a Mumbai-based jeweller, Birju Kishore Salla, who created

a hijack scare onboard a Jet Airways flight in 2017, has become the first person to be put on the 'National No Fly List.'

Salla, 37, was arrested in October 2017 by the crime branch following the emergency landing made by the Mumbai-Delhi Jet

Airways plane at the Ahmedabad airport after the pilot was alerted about a note about hijackers and a bomb which was found

in the plane's washroom by a cabin crew. He was also the first one to be booked under the stringent Anti-Hijacking Act.

According to the DGCA, it is the responsibility of Jet Airways now to inform other airlines about the grounding of this

particular passenger under the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR).

No-fly-list is a central database of unruly or disruptive passengers. If an airline decides to ban a passenger for unruly or

disruptive behaviour, it will have to inform the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other airlines and the

passenger will become a part of the National No-Fly List.

P. K. Purwar appointed full time CMD of MTNL

The government has confirmed appointment of P. K. Purwar as chairman and managing director of public sector telecom firm

MTNL. "PK Purwar is confirmed as CMD, Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited for the balance period of his tenure after

expiry of first year on March 2, 2018," the Department of Telecom said in its order dated May 15, 2018. The telecom PSU has

been without a full-time CMD since May 30, 2014 when A K Garg retired from the post. MTNL, which offers telecom services

in Delhi and Mumbai circles, has been making losses since 2009-10. MTNL's debt stands at a staggering Rs 17,000 crore, and

its annual interest burden is close to Rs 1,450 crore. Its losses were pegged at Rs 2,893 crore in 2014-15 , Rs 2,005 crore in

2015-16, and Rs 2,970 crore in 2016-17.

Nick Read to succeed Vittorio Colao as Vodafone Group CEO

British telecom major Vodafone said on May 15, 2018 that Nick Read will be the next CEO of the company, succeeding

Vittorio Colao. Read, currently the group's CFO, will take over from October 1.

Netmeds appoints Mahendra Singh Dhoni as brand ambassador

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Online pharmacy Netmeds on May 15, 2018 said it has appointed cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador.

Promoted by Dadha family, Netmeds currently has an inventory of 35,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) of prescription drugs

and 5,000 SKUs of OTC products.

Anil Kumar Jha appointed CMD of Coal India Ltd

Anil Kumar Jha was on May 18, 2018 appointed as the chairman-cum-managing director (CMD) of Coal India Limited. Jha, at

present the CMD of Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd, has been appointed to the post till his superannuation i.e. January 31, 2010. CIL

is a state-owned coal mining company headquartered in Kolkata.

LG Group chairman Koo Bon-moo dies at 73

Koo Bon-moo, the Chairman of South Korean conglomerate LG Group, died at the age of 73 in Seoul on May 20, 2018. He is

credited with expanding the business empire -- centred on consumer electronics, displays and chemicals -- founded by his

grandfather in 1947.

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Section I: STATES

Karnataka Assembly election results

Karnataka Assembly election on May 12, 2018 saw 72% voter turnout. Voting was held in 222 out of 224 seats.

In the results announced on May 15, BJP emerged as the largest party with 104 seats followed by Congress-78, Janata Dal

(Secular) plus-38 and Others-2. Prominent winners were JD(S) plus leader H.D. Kumaraswamy from Ramanagara and

Channapatna seats, BS Yeddyurappa (BJP) from Shikaripura and Siddaramaiah (Congress) from Badami (lost from

Chamundeshwari). CM Siddaramaiah of Congress submitted his resignation to Governor Vajubhai Vala

On May 17, BJP leader B. S. Yeddyurappa took oath as the new Chief Minister of Karnataka. Governor gave him 15 days to

prove his majority on the floor of the Assembly.

On May 18, the Supreme Court ordered Yeddyurappa to face a floor test in the state Assembly on May 19.

On May 20, Yeddyurappa resigned ahead of trust vote and JD(S)-Congress combine led by H. D. Kumaraswamy was invited by

the Governor to form new govt.

Cabinet approves central university for Andhra Pradesh

The Union Cabinet on May 16, 2018 cleared in-principle a proposal for setting up a central university in Andhra Pradesh and

approved a provisioning of Rs 450 crore for its first phase. The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,

gave its approval to the proposed "Central University of Andhra Pradesh", which is to be set up in Janthaluru village of

Anantapur district. After its division into two states, Andhra Pradesh was left with no central university while the newly carved

Telangana was endowed with three such varsities in Hyderabad.

International Rail Expo organised in Chennai

The maiden International Rail Coach Expo was organised in Chennai on May 17-19, 2018. The expo displayed coaches and

train sets by reputed rail car and equipment manufacturers. Organised by leading Public Sector Unit rail coach maker Integral

Coach Factory, in coordination with CII and RITES Ltd, the three-day expo also showcased their technology and products.

About 100 participants from over 10 countries participated in the expo, where seminars and conferences were also held. Tamil

Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit inaugurated the Expo on May 17.

PM unveils plaque to mark commencement of work on the Zojila Tunnel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a plaque to mark the commencement of work on the Zojila Tunnel in Leh, Jammu &

Kashmir on May 19, 2018. Modi also attended the closing ceremony of the birth centenary celebration of the 19th

Kushok

Bakula Rinpoche in Leh.

The 14 km long Zojila tunnel will be India‘s longest road tunnel and Asia‘s longest bi-directional tunnel. The CCEA had

approved the construction, operation and maintenance of this tunnel between Baltal and Minamarg, on the Srinagar-Leh

section of NH-1A, at a total cost of Rs 6800 crore earlier this year.

The construction of this tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh. The Zojila pass is

situated at an altitude of 11,578 ft on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway and remains closed during winter It will cut

down the time taken to cross the Zojila pass from the present three and a half hours, to just fifteen minutes. It will lead to all-

round economic and socio-cultural integration of these regions. It also has immense strategic importance.

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During his visit, Modi also laid the foundation stone of 1000 MW Pakal Dul hydroelectric project in Kishtwar district and

inaugurated the 330 MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project in Bandipora District of Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K Governor clears ordinance advocating death for rape of girls below 12

In a bid to curb violence against women, Jammu and Kashmir Governor N. N. Vohra has approved two ordinances, one of

which advocates the death penalty for those convicted of raping a girl below 12 years of age. Both ordinances came into

effect from on May 17, 2018.

Under the Jammu and Kashmir Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance, 2018, raping a girl under the age of 12 years can lead

to a death sentence. It also provides for 20 years imprisonment, which may extend to the remainder of a convict's natural life,

for raping a woman under the age of 16 years.

The Jammu and Kashmir Protection of Children from Sexual Violence Ordinance, 2018 provides for preventing a minor from

sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography for safeguarding the interest of the child at every stage of the judicial

process.

Bastariya Battalion of CRPF formed in Chhattisgarh

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh attended the passing out parade of 241 Bastariya Battalion of CRPF in Ambikapur,

Chhattisgarh on May 21, 2018. Singh lauded the efforts of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the State Police in

combating the Left Wing Extremism (LWE).

Numbered 241, this new battalion of CRPF carries the moniker ‗Bastariya Battalion‘ for the special reason that it comprises

of youths, mostly scouted from the four highly naxal infested Bijapur, Dantewada, Narayanpur and Sukma districts of

Chhattisgarh. Another remarkable feature of the battalion is its adequate female representation which is in sync with the

Government‘s policy of 33% reservation for women.

The ‗Bastariya Battalion‘ that came into existence on 1st April 2017, has been created to enhance local representation in

CRPF‘s combat lay-out in the Bastar area besides providing the ‗Bastariya‘ youths a full-proof platform for employment.

Accordingly, its recruitment process too carried some unique features. While the physical standards of height and weight

were relaxed to give a fair chance to the local aspirants, CRPF also walked yet another extra mile to provide pre-educational

and physical training to the local youths through Civic Action Programmes so as to maximize their ability and eligibility for

induction into the special formation.

Chhattisgarh to get specialised combat unit 'Black Panther'

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on May 21, 2018 said Chhattisgarh would get a specialised anti-Naxal combat force

called "Black Panther" on the lines of the Greyhound unit of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Singh chaired a meeting on Left-

Wing Extremism (LWE) in Naya Raipur. The Greyhounds are a special force that specialise in anti-insurgency operations

against Naxalites and Maoists. Meanwhile, seven police personnel were killed in a Maoist attack in Dantewada on may 20.

Students to say 'Jai Hind' during roll call in MP schools

Students across Madhya Pradesh would be responding to the roll call with 'Jai Hind' instead of the usual 'Yes sir' or 'Yes

madam' from the coming academic year, as per a recent government order. The objective is to foster patriotism among

children, said School Education Minister Vijay Shah. The order will be applicable to both government and private schools.

Bihar CM inaugurates "Malmas Mela" at Rajgir

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The month-long "Malmas Mela", which attracts people from across the country to this pilgrimage town in central Bihar, was

inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Rajgir on May 16, 2018. Kumar also launched a mobile app that would help

tourists gain information about Rajgir, which was the capital of the mighty Magadh Empire in ancient India.

Bihar CM flags off Beej Vahan Vikas Vahan Rath for every district

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on May 19, 2018 flagged off the 'Krishi Mahabhiyan-cum-Beej Vikas Vahan Rath' to create

alertness among farmers about government schemes for them during Kharif season. Kumar flagged off two ''raths' each for

every district of the state at a function in May 19, 2018 on the occasion of 'Kharif Mahabhiyan-cum-Mahotsav 2018'. The

'raths' would travel to blocks, gram panchayats and villages to tell the farmers about the schemes being run during kharif

season. Of the two raths, one is 'Kharif Mahabhiyan-cum-Mahotsav Rath' while the other is 'Beej (Seed)Vahan Vikas Rath'

which would have Kharif seeds and pesticides for the treatment of kharif seeds.

Cabinet approves establishment of National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation at Bhopal

The Union Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 16, 2018 approved the establishment of National

Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR) at Bhopal as a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 under the

aegis of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities. The main objectives of the NIMHR are to provide

rehabilitation services to the persons with mental illness, capacity development in the area of mental health rehabilitation,

policy framing and advanced research in mental health rehabilitation.

Chetak Corps conducting in exercise 'Gandiv Vijay' in Rajasthan

Thousands of soldiers with war fighting equipment of South Western Command's Chetak corps are engaged in intensive

training in Mahajan field firing ranges of Rajasthan under exercise 'Gandiv Vijay'. The exercise, which began two months ago,

will conclude on May 23.

First all-woman Post Office Passport Seva Kendra starts operations in Punjab

In a first, a Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) run by an all-woman team has started operations in Phagwara (Punjab)

on May 14, 2018. It was 192nd POPSK in the country, but first one to be operated by an all-woman team.

Cabinet approves setting up of a new AIIMS in Deoghar, Jharkhand

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 16, 2018 approved setting up of a new All India Institute

of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Deoghar, Jharkhand. A provision of funds worth Rs. 1103 crore has been approved for the

project and the said AIIMS will be set up under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY). The setting up of new

AIIMS at Deoghar will serve the dual purpose of providing super speciality health care to the population while also helping to

create a large pool of doctors and other health workers in this region to be available for primary and secondary-level

institutions/facilities being created under the National Health Mission (NHM).

Maharashtra women's commission to protect women from harassment on social media

The Maharashtra State Women's Commission (MSWC) has set up a committee comprising cyber crime experts to recommend

measures to the state government for protecting women from harassment on social media. MSWC chairperson Vijaya

Rahatkar said the decision to set up the panel was taken owing to complaints about the online harassment of women. The

panel, headed by Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Director Brijesh Singh, comprises lawyers, cyber crime

experts, and government officials.

Solapur University to be named after Ahilyabai Holkar:

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The Maharashtra government has decided to rename Solapur University as "Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Solapur

Vidyapeeth", state Education Minister Vinod Tawde said on Mumbai on May 19, 2018. The renaming function will be

organised on May 31 to coincide with the birth anniversary of Ahilyadevi Holkar. He added that proposals to name Solapur

Airport after Mahatma Basaveshwar and rename Solapur Railway Station as Shri Siddheshwar Railway Terminus would be sent

to authorities.

President Kovind inaugurates Global Exhibition on Services-2018 in Mumbai

The 4th

edition of Global Exhibition on Services was organised by the CII in Mumbai from May 15 to 18, 2018. President Ram

Nath Kovind inaugurated the event on May 15. 25 Indian states and around 100 countries participated. The event also

featured roundtables and seminars, state investment summits, B2B meetings, exhibition of key services sectors, cultural

activities, country and international pavilions, among others.

Camera trap spots Black Panther in Odisha

The wildlife wing of Odisha‘s Forest and Environment Department has recorded the presence of a black panther in a forest in

Sundargarh district. The photographs make Odisha the ninth State in India where the elusive and rare big cat has been seen.

Black panthers have also been reported from Kerala (Periyar Tiger Reserve), Karnataka (Bhadra Tiger Reserve, Dandeli-Anshi

Tiger Reserve and Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary), Chhattisgarh (Achanakmar Tiger Reserve), Maharashtra (Satara), Goa (Mhadei

Wildlife Sanctuary), Tamil Nadu (Mudumalai Tiger Reserve), Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Foundation stone of LPG bottling plant laid in Odisha

Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on May 21, 2018 laid the foundation stone of a LPG bottling

plant of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) in Odisha's Balangir district. The bottling plant will entail an investment

of Rs 103 crore. It is likely to be commissioned by March 2020 and will cater to 14 districts of the state. The Balangir plant will

give a boost to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana and tribals and Dalits will be its main beneficiaries, Pradhan said.

Meeting of South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network held in Kolkata

The South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN), an inter-governmental wildlife law enforcement agency, in its first

ever meeting in India, adopted many resolutions to curb wildlife crime in the region. At the two-day conference held in

Kolkata from May 8-10, the members agreed on having an operational framework for strengthening the regional body to

combat wildlife crime. Members of all participant countries — India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan —

except Pakistan participated in the meeting. SAWEN was launched in Bhutan in 2011 and in 2016 the Union Cabinet gave

permission to adopt the statute of SAWEN.

Sikkim govt. announces incentive to have more than one child

Apparently alarmed over decreasing population of the indigenous people, Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling on

May 17, 2018 announced financial incentives for birth of more than one child in a family. To encourage Sikkimese couples to

have more than one child, the state government will provide financial grant of Rs 7,000 and Rs 10,000 on the birth of the first

and second child, respectively. A monthly grant of Rs 300 will also be provided for nutritional food for a baby till the age of six

years. Chamling, however, did not say anything about the birth of more than two children in a family. According to the 2011

census, the population of Sikkim was 6,10,577, while in the 2001 census report, the state's population stood at 5,40,851 and in

1991, it was 4,06,457. These figures also include non-indigenous people.

First commercial flight lands in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh on May 21, 2018 found a place on the aviation map of the country as the state's first commercial flight

with Chief Minister Pema Khandu among 25 passengers on board, landed at Pasighat Advance Landing Ground in East Siang

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district. The 42-seater ATR aircraft of the Alliance Airlines touched down at Pasighat airport after 1.5-hour journey from the

Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi Airport in Guwahati. Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India, will operate flight services on the

Calcutta-Guwahati-Pasighat route thrice a week - on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

NEWSMAKERS

Eminent Warli artist Jivya Soma Mashe dies at 84

Noted artist Jivya Soma Mashe, who popularised the Warli tribal art form, died in Dahanu taluka in Palghar district of

(Maharashtra) on May 14, 2018 at the age of 84. He had received the Padma Shri in 2011 for his contribution towards the

Warli painting. He had got the National Award for the Tribal Art in 1976. Through his works, the Warli art form emerged from

its cocooned world to draw global fame and attention. Mashe received international recognition for his work and participated

in several exhibitions and festivals across the world.

Tamil novelist Balakumaran dies at 71

Veteran Tamil novelist Balakumaran died in Chennai on May 15, 2018 at the age of 71. The late author was famous for his

novels like 'Mercury Pookal' and 'Irumbu Kuthiraigal'. Balakumaran also published a number of short stories and later entered

Tamil cinema through script and dialogue writing.

Telugu novelist Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani passes away

Renowned Telugu novelist Yaddanapudi Sulochana Rani has passed away in the United States on May 19, 2018 at the age of

78. Rani was a household name in Andhra Pradesh and extremely popular with women readers in the 1970s and 1980s before

the advent of television. Some of her popular novels include Meena, Secretary and Radhakrishna.

Renowned homeopath Prasanta Banerji dies in Kolkata at 84

Renowned homeopath Prasanta Banerji passed away in Kolkata on May 18, 2018 at the age of 84. He was best known for

establishing 'The Banerji Protocol', which has been described by his website as a method to diagnose and cure specific

diseases with homeopathy medicines. He had also founded the Prasanta Banerji Homeopathic Research Foundation. Banerji

had worked as an honorary adviser to the Minister of Health and Family Welfare.

Muzaffarnagar's last freedom fighter Raghuvir Singh passes away at 95

The lone freedom fighter of Muzaffarnagar district, Raghuvir Singh, passed away in Noida on May 19, 2018 at the age of 95.

Singh was part of Subhas Chandra Bose's Azad Hind Fauj.

SC holds Navjot Singh Sidhu guilty in road rage case, spares him jail term

The Supreme Court on May 15, 2018 convicted Punjab Tourism Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu for voluntarily causing hurt to a

65-year-old man but spared him a jail term in the 1988 road rage case. The bench said Sidhu is guilty of Section 323 of IPC

and is fined Rs 1,000 for the offence but did not award any sentence. The court acquitted the co-accused Rupinder Singh

Sandhu. Sandhu was sentenced to a three-year jail by the Punjab & Haryana High Court in the case

Assam MLA asked to prove citizenship

An MLA of the ruling BJP in Assam has been served notice to prove his citizenship amid the exercise to update the National

Register of Citizens nearing completion. BJP legislator Kishore Nath and six members of his family were served the notice on

May 17, 2018 by Foreigners‘ Tribunal No. 1 on suspicion of being ‗doubtful‘ voters. Mr. Nath, 53, represents the Barkhola

Assembly seat in southern Assam‘s Cachar district.

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NSA Ajit Doval conferred honorary doctorate by Kumaun University

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval was conferred an honorary doctorate by the Kumaun University at the varsity's 14th

convocation in Nainital on May 18, 2018. Doval was conferred the Doctorate of Literature (D Litt) by Uttarakhand Governor K.

K. Paul at the ceremony which was held at Dev Singh Bisht College.

Maharashtra CM unveils wax statue of Union minister Athawale

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled a wax statue of Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas

Athawale in Mumbai on May 18, 2018. Some 25 kg of wax has been used for the statue, made by sculptor Sunil Kundilur.

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Section J: SPORTS

Kenyans sweep medals at Kigali International Peace Marathon

Kenyans took the most medals in the 14th edition of the Kigali International Peace Marathon held in the Rwandan capital

Kigali on May 21, 2018. The peace marathon had three race categories; the 42 km full marathon, the 21 km half marathon and

the 10 km fun run for peace.

Kenya's Elkana Kibet won the gold medal in the full marathon race after clocking a time of 2:23:42. Fellow compatriot Kibet

Rono Kenneth won silver with a time of 2:23:52 and another Kenyan, Jones Omar Onyambu won the bronze with a time of

2:24:35. In the women's category, Kenya's Beatrice Jepkorir Rutto won the gold medal, clocking a time of 2:54:01. She was

followed by her compatriot Caroline Jeruto with a time of 2:55:27. Uganda's Priscilla Chelangat came in third with a time of

3:07:17.

The gold medal in the women's half marathon was won by Rwanda's defending champion Salome Nyirarukundo. She was

followed by Kenya's Esther Chesang who won the silver medal and Rwanda's Marthe Yankurije who won bronze. In the men's

half marathon, Rwanda's Noel Hitimana won gold after clocking a time of 1:16:16. Kenya's Kipsang Kipkemoi won silver in

1:17:01 and Moses Kingeitch won the bronze medal.

About 8,000 athletes from across the world participated in the street race flagged off at Kigali's Amahoro National Stadium.

The international peace race was launched 13 years ago to promote peace after the 1994 Rwanda genocide, which killed over

1 million people.

Amicus Curiae suggest 5 members for cricket selection committees

Amicus Curiae (AC) Gopal Subramaniam, guiding the Supreme Court in the matter of the implementation of the Justice Lodha

committee reforms, has urged the apex court to issue directions to increase the composition of the selection committees

(senior men, junior and women) from three to five members.

The AC has also said that the Committee of Administrators (CoA) be empowered to relieve the present selection committees

of their burden immediately.

Selection committee criteria: Senior men: Seven Tests & 30 First Class (FC) matches, or 10 ODIs & 20 FC games (minimum);

should have retired from the game (at least five years previously - applies to all categories); Juniors: 25 FC matches

(minimum); Women: Should have represented the National team.

Ireland lose their first ever test to Pakistan

Ireland were defeated in their first ever test match by Pakistan by 5 wickets at The Village, Malahide on May 15, 2018. Scores:

Pakistan: 310/9d, Faheem Ashraf 83, Tim Murtagh 4/45 and 160/5, Imam-ul-Haq 74*, Tim Murtagh 2/55. Ireland: 130/10,

Kevin O'Brien 40, Mohammad Abbas 4/44 and 339/10, Kevin O'Brien 118, Mohammad Abbas 5/66. Kevin O'Brien, who scored

the first test century for Ireland, was named Man of the Match. William Porterfield and Sarfraz Ahmed were captains of Ireland

and Pakistan respectively.

Shashank Manohar re-elected unopposed as ICC Chairman

International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Shashank Manohar, who became the first independent ICC Chairman in 2016, will

continue for a second two-year term following his unopposed election in Dubai (UAE) on May 15, 2018.

Australian Steve Plain climbs 7 peaks in 7 continents in record time

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An Australian mountaineer scaled Mount Everest on May 14, 2018, completing his quest to climb the highest peaks on all

seven continents in record time. Steve Plain scaled Everest 117 days after he began his mission in Antarctica. The 36-year-old

Plain began his mission by climbing Mount Vinson in Antarctica on January 16. He followed that with Mount Aconcagua in

South America, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Carstensz Pyramid in Papua New Guinea, which covers Australia and

Oceania, Mount Elbrus in Europe and Denali in North America.

Gurgaon's father-daughter duo scale Mt Everest

Gurgaon-based Ajeet Bajaj and Deeya Bajaj (24) on May 16, 2018 became the first Indian father-daughter duo to climb Mount

Everest. A Padma Shri awardee, 53-year-old Ajeet became the first Indian to ski to the North Pole and the South Pole within a

year in 2006-2007. Deeya trained at the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) in Uttarkashi.

Nepal‟s Kami Rita scales Everest for a record 22nd

time

Nepali Sherpa guide Kami Rita Sherpa achieved the record for most ascents to the summit of Mount Everest after reaching it

for a 22nd

time in May 2018 at the age of 48. In 2017, Kami was the third person to ascend to the summit of Everest 21 times

along with Apa Sherpa and Phurba Tashi Sherpa.

Himanta Biswa Sarma elected as Vice-President of Badminton Asia Confederation

The President of Badminton Association of India (BAI), Himanta Biswa Sarma was on May 17, 2018 elected as the Vice-

President of Badminton Asia Confederation (BAC). The election took place during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the

continental body in Bangkok, Thailand.

Heena Sidhu bags gold in Hannover

Indian shooter Heena Sidhu clinched the gold medal while compatriot P Shri Nivetha settled for bronze in the Women's 10m

Air Pistol at the International Shooting Competitions of Hannover (ISCH) on May 14, 2018.

Federer replaces Nadal as number one in Men‟s Singles tennis

Spain‘s Rafael Nadal has been replaced as world number one by Swiss Roger Federer in the latest ATP rankings published on

May 14, 2018. Germany‘s Alexander Zverev remains in third place.

Nadal, Svitolina win Singles titles at Italian Open tennis

Rafael Nadal defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev 6-1, 1-6, 6-3 on May 20, 2018 to win the men‘s Singles title at

Italian Open tennis in Rome. Defending champion Ukraine‘s Elina Svitolina won the Women‘s singles title by sweeping aside

Romania‘s Simona Halep in the final 6-0, 6-4.

Balaji and Vishnu win Challenger tennis at Samarkand

India‘s Vishnu Vardhan and Sriram Balaji won the Men‘s Doubles at the $75,000 Challenger tennis tournament at Samarkand

(Uzbekistan) on May 18, 2018. The Indian pair got a walkover in the final from Mikhail Elgin and Denis Istomin.

Rafael Nadal regains number one ranking

Spain‘s Rafael Nadal regained the number one position in Men‘s Singles tennis in the world rankings on May 21, 2018 after

winning his eighth Rome Masters Singles title. The victory saw Nadal overtake Roger Federer of Switzerland. ATP rankings at

May 21: 1. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8,770 pts (+1) 2. Roger Federer (SUI) 8,670 pts (-1) 3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 5,615 4. Marin

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Cilic (CRO) 4,950 (+1) 5. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 4,870 (-1) 6. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 4,450 7. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 3,635

8. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3,195 9. David Goffin (BEL) 3,020 (+1) 10. John Isner (USA) 2,955 (-1)

Ray Wilson, member of England's 1966 FIFA World Cup winning side, dies at 83

Ray Wilson, a member of the England team that beat West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final, died aged 83 on May 15,

2018. An outstanding left-back, Wilson won 63 caps with 1966 a memorable year for him as he won the FA Cup with Everton

at Wembley and the World Cup as hosts England beat West Germany 4-2 at the same stadium.

India U-16 defeat Tajikistan 4-2 to win four-nation tournament in Serbia

India won against Tajikistan 4-2 and emerged as champions in the four-nation Under-16 Tournament held in Serbia on May

14, 2018. India drew 0-0 with the hosts, defeated Jordan 2-1 before beating Tajikistan in the final. India finished their

campaign unbeaten in three matches, accumulating seven points out of a maximum nine.

Atletico Madrid wins Europa League football title

Antoine Griezmann was the hero for Spain‘s Atletico Madrid as he scored twice in their 3-0 win over French club Marseille in

Europa League final in Lyon (France) on May 17, 2018. The third goal came from Gabi.

Lionel Messi wins fifth European Golden Shoe award

Barcelona star striker Lionel Messi has been confirmed to pick the prestigious fifth European Golden Shoe award of his career

after finishing the campaign as top La Liga goal scorer. The Argentine smashed a total of 34 goals for Barcelona in their Liga-

winning campaign. Messi, who finished for a total of 68 points in the Golden Shoe scoring system, edged out competition

from the Premier League duo of Mohamed Salah (32/64) and Harry Kane (30/60). Messi, who also lifted the prestigious award

last year as well as in 2010, 2012 and 2013, has now overtaken Ronaldo's tally of four Golden Shoes with his most recent

victory.

Chelsea beat Manchester United to win FA Cup

Eden Hazard first-half penalty helped Chelsea win the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the final on May

19, 2018 at Wembley Stadium in London. Meanwhile in Germany, Eintracht Frankfurt clinched their fifth German Cup after

beating Bayern Munich 3-1 in Berlin on May 19.

Katie Ledecky breaks her own 1,500m freestyle world record

Five-time Olympic champion Katie Ledecky smashed her own 1,500m freestyle world record by five seconds in her first race as

a professional. The 21-year-old American clocked 15min 20.48sec at the Pro Swim event in Indianapolis, obliterating her

previous best of 15:25.48 set at the World Championships in Kazan in 2015.

South Korea win Women's Asian Champions Trophy Hockey

Defending Champions Indian Women's Hockey Team lost to hosts South Korea 0-1 in the final match of the fifth Women's

Asian Champions Trophy played at the Sunrise Stadium in Donghae City on May 20, 2018. The match saw South Korea keep a

resolute defence and score the only goal of the match in the 24th minute when Youngsil Lee found the back of the net. India‘s

Vandana Katariya was declared as the player of the tournament while youngster Lalremsiami was given the award for the

upcoming player of the tournament. Forward Navneet Kaur and Vandana Katariya were also the joint top-scorers of the

tournament along with China's Xiaoming Song.

Rajinder Singh named Hockey India president

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Rajinder Singh was on May 19, 2018 named president of Hockey India (HI), following the resignation of Mariamma Koshy

from the post. Koshy, a former State-level centre forward player, was appointed as the President of HI in November 2016

following Narinder Batra's decision to step down after being elected as the President of International Hockey Federation (FIH).

Gary Russell Jr. retains featherweight crown

Gary Russell Jr. retained his World Boxing Council featherweight title on May 19, 2018, taking a unanimous 12-round decision

over previously unbeaten Joseph Diaz in a showdown of American southpaws. Russell improved to 29-1 while Diaz suffered

his first loss after 26 victories in his first World title bout.

Sathiyan-Sanil win silver in Thailand Open TT

Indian doubles pair of G. Sathiyan and Sanil Shetty settled for silver medal after going down against Tobias Hippler and Kilian

Ort of Germany (1-3) in the finals of 2018 Challenge Thailand Open on May 20, 2018. The Indian duo won the first game 11-9

but fell short in the next three games, losing 12-14, 9-11, 7-11.



HEADLINES

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Section A: INDIA

India 145th among 195 countries in healthcare access, quality: Lancet

UGC approves regulations for online courses by universities

HRD Ministry launches ‗Samagra Siksha‘ scheme for holistic development of school education

UNICEF launches data visualisation app for education scenario in India

EC to launch app to help voters share malpractice proof

Women Safety Division created in Home Ministry

Cabinet approves provision of mobile connectivity in Left Wing Extremism Areas

BSF troops to undergo ‗happiness test‘ to gauge wellness quotient

Army‘s Gandiv Vijay exercise concludes in Rajasthan

Brahmos test-fired on consecutive days

Commissioning of fourth ship of Landing Craft Utility MK-IV done

National parties under RTI Act: EC clarifies

International Day for Biodiversity celebrated on May 22

World Thyroid Day observed on May 25

AfricaDay celebrated on May 25

India‘s highest decorated general Zorawar Chand Bakshi passes away at 97

S. Christopher completes term as DRDO Director General

Former SC judge R K Agrawal appointed NCDRC president

Sangeeta Bahl, 53, becomes oldest Indian woman to scale Mount Everest

Lt Gen Devraj Anbu is the new Vice Chief of Army Staff

Justice C K Prasad appointed PCI chief for second term

Akshay Kumar launches ad campaign for Swachh Bharat

Actress Geeta Kapoor dies at 67

Veteran actor Hemu Adhikari dies at 81

Section B: INDIA&THE WORLD

Dutch PM Mark Rutte visits India

Netherlands joins International Solar Alliance

Dutch PM launches ‗Clean Air India Initiative‘

Indo-Dutch #StartUpLink initiative launched

Indo-Dutch Ganga Forum inaugurated

Meeting of agriculture ministers of India and the Netherlands held

Govt collaborating with Netherland, Sweden for research programme on HIV/AIDS

Pakistan integrates Gilgit-Baltistan into its federal structure

PMs of India and Bangladesh inaugurate Bangladesh Bhavan in Santiniketan

AIR and Bangladesh‘s Betar to co-produce radio programmes

India rejects US sanctions on Iran

India CLMV Business Conclave held at Phnom Penh

India-Nepal Joint Military Exercise to be held in Uttarakhand

Could not address Islamabad‘s concerns regarding Indus Waters Treaty with India: World Bank

Coast Guards of India, Pakistan hold talks on maritime boundary violations by fishermen

Cabinet approves inking of India, Singapore MoU on personnel management

India launches 2nd IT corridor in China to gain access to the Chinese market

India, Russia conclude negotiations for S-400 Triumf deal

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands visits India



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Section C: WORLD

Over 66% voters favour scrapping anti-abortion laws in Ireland

Pakistan‘s Senate votes to merge FATA with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

SCO legal experts meet in Pakistan to discuss extremism, terrorism

108th session of UNWTO Executive council held in San Sebastian

Putin and Abe discuss peace treaty over Kuril Islands

Pakistan‘s Sindh province assembly passes bill to allow Hindu widows to remarry

Colombia joins global partnership program of NATO

China, Burkina Faso establish ties following Taiwan snub

Cyclone Mekunu lashes Oman, Yemen

Hamburg to host 2018 Global Wind Summit

European Union‘s new data protection rules come into force

North Korea demolishes nuclear test site

Trump cancels June 12 summit meeting with Kim Jong un

Nepal first country in south-east Asia to eliminate trachoma: WHO

White House releases commemorative coin before Kim-Trump meet

Saad Hariri wins third term as Prime Minister of Lebanon

Ex-ISI chief Lt.-Gen. Asad Durrani (retd.) placed on ‗no-fly‘ list by Pakistan govt.

Ex-chief justice Nasirul Mulk named caretaker PM of Pakistan

Children‘s author Richard Peck dies at 84

Apollo 12 mission astronaut Alan Bean dies at 86

American literary giant Philip Roth dies at 85

Gina Haspel sworn in as CIA‘s first female director


Twin spacecraft to track Earth‘s water cycle successfully launched

Section E: AWARDS

Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017 presented to the INSV Tarini Team

Virat Kohli is International Cricketer of the Year at CEAT awards

Indian botanist Kamaljit S. Bawa receives Linnean Medal in UK

Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk bags Man Booker International Prize

UNEP recognises Cochin International Airport Ltd as world‘s 1st solar airport

Arunachal NGO honoured for conserving wildlife resources‘


Cabinet clears ordinance for amendments to bankruptcy code

Govt reconstitutes Financial Stability and Development Council

EPFO cuts administrative charges to 0.5%

EPF interest rate hits 5-year low at 8.55%

Paytm unveils initiative to educate women on financial services

Reserve Bank of India appoints Sudha Balakrishnan as its first CFO

Govt appoints chairpersons of Dena, Punjab & Sind and Central Bank



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Section G: ECONOMY

E-Way Bill system for intra-State movement of goods rolled out in more States/UTs

15th Finance Commission constitutes High Level Group on Health Sector

2nd Advance Estimates of production of Horticulture Crops released

NSDC to Set Up Trainer and Assessor Academies across India

Air passenger citizen charter for domestic sector launched

DAC approves procurement of equipment for Defence Forces

Engineering Wings of CAPFs authorised to execute construction works

Ayushman Bharat a tectonic shift in Indian healthcare: PwC

Centre unveils model contract farming law

Alcoholic beverages to carry warning on safe driving: FSSAI

CSC, SIDBI ink pact for financial support to village level entrepreneurs

TRIFED elects new Board of Directors

M. Venkatesh appointed MRPL MD


India ranked 44th in IMD‘s competitiveness rankings

Ramdev‘s Patanjali ties up with BSNL; launches Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards

IMD teams up with BSNL to send extreme weather warnings

TCS m-cap surges past Rs 7-lakh cr mark

NITI Aayog and ABB India sign Statement of Intent

CCI approves Bayer‘s $62.5 bn acquisition for US seed major Monsanto

Five Indian brands among world‘s top 100 luxury goods companies: Deloitte Report

Sushant Singh Rajput to promote NITI‘s Women Entrepreneurship Platform

Stacey Cunningham is the first woman to lead the NYSE

French industrialist Serge Dassault dies at 93

IMFA founder & industrialist Bansidhar Panda passes away at the age of 87

Section I: STATES

Central High-level Team calls Nipah virus disease in Kerala a local occurrence

Tamil Nadu closes Vedanta copper smelter permanently after bloody protest

Kerala tourism to unveil world‘s largest bird sculpture

PM inaugurates expressway projects in Delhi NCR

Himachal CM launches three schemes

Tata Trusts signs MoU with govt to support development in Naxal-hit districts of Chhattisgarh

Incubation centre and Food Testing Laboratory inaugurated at NIFTEM in Sonipat

PM lays foundation stone for Patratu Super Thermal Power Project

PM inaugurates Digital Art Gallery of NHAI in Haryana

Main event of International Yoga Day to be held in Dehradun

NIA convicts five IM militants for 2013 Bodh Gaya serial blasts

NIC launches new data centre in Bhubaneswar

Gaj Yatra honours Meghalaya‘s elephant corridor effort

Ordinance approved for India‘s first sports varsity in Manipur

H.D. Kumaraswamy sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka



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BJD leader & Lok Sabha MP from Odisha Baijayant Panda quits party

Newly elected Karnataka Congress MLA S B Nyamgoud dies at 71

Veteran Telugu actor, producer Madala Ranga Rao dies at 69

Veteran Gujarati writer, humourist Vinod Bhatt dies at 80

Commemorative stamp on C. Kesavan released

President appoints Odisha, Mizoram Governors

Section J: SPORTS

Chennai Super Kings win IPL

AB de Villiers announces retirement from international cricket

ICC bars cricketers from wearing smartwatch

BCCI goes ‗green‘ by joining hands with UN

Real Madrid beat Liverpool 3-1 to win Champions League

China wins Thomas Cup Men‘s Team Badminton Championship

Japan wins Uber Cup Women‘s Team Badminton Championship

India bag silver, bronze in archery World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo named most famous athlete in the world by ESPN World Fame 100

Tejaswini wins gold, Chain Singh silver at Munich World Cup

Srinath Narayanan is Kolkata Open chess champion

Former NZ athlete Dick Quax dies aged 70

Daniel Ricciardo wins Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix



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Section A: INDIA

NEWS ROUND UP

India 145th

among 195 countries in healthcare access, quality: Lancet

India ranks 145th among 195 countries in terms of quality and accessibility of healthcare, behind its neighbours like China,

Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, according to the Global Burden of Disease study of medical journal Lancet.

The report mentions that India has seen improvements in healthcare access and quality since 1990. In 2016, India‘s healthcare

access and quality scored at 41.2 (up from 24.7 in 1990). It said that Goa and Kerala had the highest scores in 2016, each

exceeding 60 points, whereas Assam and Uttar Pradesh had the lowest, each below 40.

India lags behind China (48), Sri Lanka (71), Bangladesh (133) and Bhutan (134) while its health index was better than Nepal

(149), Pakistan (154) and Afghanistan (191). The five countries with the highest levels of healthcare access and quality in 2016

were Iceland (97.1 points), Norway (96.6), the Netherlands (96.1), Luxembourg (96.0), and Finland and Australia (both 95.9).

The countries with the lowest scores were the Central African Republic (18.6), Somalia (19.0), Guinea-Bissau (23.4), Chad (25.4),

and Afghanistan (25.9).

UGC approves regulations for online courses by universities

University Grants Commission (UGC) on May 24, 2018 approved UGC (Online Courses) Regulations, 2018 as landmark reform

in the field of Higher Education.

Higher Educational Institutions can now offer Certificate, Diploma and Degree Programmes in full-fledged online mode in

only those disciplines in which it has already been offering the same or similar Programmes /Courses at graduation level in

regular mode (of classroom teaching) or in Open and Distance Learning mode and from which at least one batch has been

graduated and approved by the statutory councils, as applicable.

Online Programmes requiring Practical/ Laboratory Courses as a curricular requirement shall not be permitted.

HRD Ministry launches „Samagra Siksha‟ scheme for holistic development of school education

Union Minister for Human Resource Development Prakash Javadekar launched the ‗Samagra Shiksha‘ - an integrated Scheme

for school education extending support to States from pre-school to senior secondary levels for the first time in New Delhi on

May 24, 2018. The Scheme is a paradigm shift in the conceptual design of school education by treating ‗school‘ holistically as

a continuum from pre-school, primary, upper primary, secondary and senior secondary levels.

UNICEF launches data visualisation app for education scenario in India

The UNICEF on May 24, 2018 launched a ‗data visualisation app‘ which provides a user-friendly visual representation of

complex analytics of the education scenario in the country. The app has been made with technical inputs from the UNICEF, in

collaboration with the National Institute of Education Planning and Administration (NIEPA) and the National Council for

Educational Research and Training (NCERT). It uses the UDISE (Unified District Information System for Education), the NAS

(National Assessment survey) and demographic data and can be used as a visual tool by policy makers, senior government

officials, academia, and researchers to address gaps and monitor programs in the field of education.

EC to launch app to help voters share malpractice proof



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The Election Commission will launch a multi-lingual mobile application empowering people across the country to share

evidence of malpractice by political parties, their candidates and activists ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, directly with the

electoral body. Chief Election Commissioner O.P. Rawat said on May 22, 2018 that such an application, called Model Code of

Conduct Violation Reporting App, was made available for the first time in Bengaluru in the run-up to the recently concluded

Karnataka Assembly polls. ―The application registered a total of 780 downloads and complaints were received from the users.

Accordingly, action was taken by the officials concerned in all the cases.

Women Safety Division created in Home Ministry

Union Home Ministry has created a new Division to address issues of women safety comprehensively. This Division would deal

with all aspects of women safety in coordination with relevant Ministries/Departments and State Governments. Punya Salila

Srivastava, AGMUT Cadre officer of 1993 batch has been posted as Joint Secretary to head this Division, a press note issued

by the Ministry said on May 24, 2018. The new division will deal with subjects like crimes against women, SCs & STs, crimes

against children, elderly persons, anti-trafficking cell, matters relating to prison legislation and prison reforms, all schemes

under NIRBHAYA fund, Crime and Criminal Tracking & Network System (CCTNS) and the National Crime Records Bureau

(NCRB).

Cabinet approves provision of mobile connectivity in Left Wing Extremism Areas

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 23, 2018 approved the ―Universal Service Obligation

Fund [USOF]‖ supported scheme to provide mobile services at 4072 tower locations identified by MHA in inhabited

uncovered areas affected by Left Wing Extremism ([LWE) of 96 districts in 10 States for Phase-II of the project. The total

project cost would be Rs.7330 Crore. This network would be used by the security personnel deployed in LWE affected areas.

Project will also provide the mobile services to help the residents in unconnected inhabited villages which would improve the

economic activities in the region. It will give impetus to the e-Governance activities in the backward and LWE affected area

with the availability of digital mobile connectivity.

BSF troops to undergo „happiness test‟ to gauge wellness quotient

Troops of the BSF, country‘s largest border guarding force, will now undertake a ―mandatory‖ test that will analyse the state of

their happiness and wellbeing before deployment along the borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, and in anti-Naxal

operations. The forces‘ headquarters in New Delhi has prepared a multi-point wellness quotient assessment test (WQAT) tool

that helps ―identify stress precipitators and physical and mental health issues that need interventions.‖ The WQAT is a special

tool designed to understand the happiness quotient and mental wellbeing of an individual and this has now been made a

compulsory part of the annual medical test for the troops.

Army‟s Gandiv Vijay exercise concludes in Rajasthan

Indian Army‘s South Western Command concluded its ‗Gandiv Vijay‘ exercise in Mahajan field firing ranges near Suratgarh in

Rajasthan on May 23, 2018. The two-month long exercise aimed at training commanders and soldiers in their offensive tasks.

During the exercise, synergy between mechanised forces, infantry, artillery, engineers, elements of Special Forces (SF) and Air

Force was practised and fine tuned.

Brahmos test-fired on consecutive days

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired from an integrated test range in Odisha‘s coastal Balasore

district for the second consecutive day on May 22, 2018, validating its strike capability. ―Through this launch the critical



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indigenous components including fuel management system and other non-metallic airframe components have qualified to

form part of the missile,‖ Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of BrahMos Sudhir Mishra said. Brahmos is a joint

venture between India‘s DRDO and NPO Mashinostroyeniya (NPOM) of Russia. It has a maximum speed of Mach 2.8 to 3, and

it is believed to be the one of the world‘s fastest cruise missiles currently in operational use.



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Commissioning of fourth ship of Landing Craft Utility MK-IV done

Vice Admiral GS Pabby on May 24, 2018 commissioned IN LCU L54 into the Indian Navy at Port Blair. IN LCU L54 is the fourth

Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk-IV class to be inducted into the Indian Navy. The ship has been indigenously designed and built

by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata.

National parties under RTI Act: EC clarifies

The Election Commission on May 28, 2018 said national parties are public authorities under the RTI Act as declared by the

Central Information Commission, a day after the poll panel‘s appeal order on an RTI application saying political parties are out

of the purview of RTI Act was reported. The EC clarified that it goes by the CIC order of 3rd

June, 2013 that declared national

parties as public authorities for the purposes of RTI Act. In pursuance of this, the CIC order had said, all the information about

the contributions received by these parties as well as their annual audited accounts, as and when submitted to the

Commission, are put in public domain.

International Day for Biodiversity celebrated

The International Day for Biodiversity (IBD) 2018 was celebrated all over the country on May 22, 2018. The theme for 2018 was

―Celebrating 25 years of action on biodiversity‖. The theme provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance

of and threats to biodiversity, while highlighting its contribution to sustainable development. The national-level celebrations

were held at Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) Auditorium in Hyderabad.

World Thyroid Day observed on May 25

May 25, 2018 was observed as World Thyroid Day. Established in 2008, the day is celebrated on May 25 each year to increase

awareness of thyroid health and promote understanding of advances made in treating thyroid disease.

AfricaDay celebrated on May 25

Africa Day was observed on May 25, 2018. Africa Day was first held in 1963 in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, when 32

countries formed the Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU). OAU is today known as African Union. This year‘s theme was

‗Combating Corruption: A Sustainable Path To Africa's Transformation.‘

RECENT BOOKS

NON-FICTION

The People vs. Democracy: Why Our Freedom Is in Danger and How to Save It by Yascha Mounk

Religion as Critique: Islamic Critical Thinking from Mecca to the Marketplace by Irfan Ahmad

There and Back: Twelve of the Great Routes of Human History by Stewart Gordon

Legendary Maps From The Himalayan Club Edited by Harish Kapadia

Illiberal India by Chidanand Rajghatta

The Climate Solution: India‘s Climate-Change Crisis and What We Can Do About It by Mridula Ramesh

Karunanidhi: A Life in Politics by Sandhya Ravishankar

Leadership for India Inc: An Experiential Treatise by C.B. Rao

Happyness: Life Lessons from a Creative Addict by Yusuf Merchant

The Climate Solution: India‘s Climate Change Crisis and What We Can Do About It by Mridula Ramesh

Waste of a Nation: Garbage and Growth in India by Assa Doron and Robin Jeffrey

FICTION



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The Unseeing Idol of Light by K. R. Meera

All the Lives We Never Lived by Anuradha Roy

Clouds by Chandrahas Choudhury

Happy Dreams by Jia Pingwa (translated by Nicky Harman)

Life over Two Beers and other Stories by Sanjeev Sanyal

The Last Color by Vikas Khanna

Obsessed by Ruchi Kokcha

Ranji the Music Maker by Ruskin Bond

Shambuka Rama: Three Tales Retold by Mukunda Rao

NEWSMAKERS

India‟s highest decorated general Zorawar Chand Bakshi passes away at 97

Lt Gen Zorawar Chand Bakshi, one of India‘s most highly decorated generals, died in New Delhi at the age of 97 on May 24,

2018. He was decorated for gallantry with the Maha Vir Chakra, Vir Chakra, Mention-in-Despatches, besides being awarded

the Param Vishisht Seva Medal for distinguished service.

Gen Bakshi hailed from Gulyana village near Rawalpindi in Pakistan, where he was born in 1921. His father, Bahadur Bakshi Lal

Chand, served with the erstwhile British Indian Army and was decorated with the Order of British India.

After graduating from Rawalpindi‘s Gordon College in 1942, he was commissioned into the Baloch Regiment in 1943. His first

major engagement was against the Japanese in Burma in World War II.

After Partition, he was transferred to the 5th

Gorkha Rifles of the Indian Army and soon after saw action during the Indo-

Pakistan War of 1947-1948, where he was awarded the Vir Chakra in July 1948. In 1949, he received the MacGregor Medal,

awarded to Indian armed forces personnel for valuable reconnaissance.

In the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, he was instrumental in the capture of the strategic Haji Pir Pass in the Uri Sector from the

Pakistani forces, for which he was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra.

In the early 1960s he had led his battalion in a United Nations Operation in Congo. In 1969-1970, he took part in counter-

insurgency operations in the North-East. During the 1971 Indo-Pak war he oversaw operations in the crucial Chicken‘s Neck

area in the Sialkot sector, capturing territory from enemy control. He retired in 1979. He also served as the Military Secretary

at Army Headquarters.

S. Christopher completes term as DRDO Director General

Eminent scientist S. Christopher has completed his term as the Director General of the Defence Research and Development

Organisation (DRDO), and Defence Secretary Sanjay Mitra was given additional charge of the post on May 28, 2018.

Christopher was in May 2017 given a one-year extension. His extended term ended on May 28. He was in May 2015

appointed as Director General of the DRDO for a two-year term. Christopher was then working as Distinguished Scientist and

Programme Director (airborne early warning and control system) and Director, Centre for Air-Borne Systems in the DRDO.

Established in 1980, the DRDO advises the government on scientific aspects of military equipment and logistics and the

formulation of research, design and development plans for the equipment required by the three services-- the Army, Navy

and the Air Force.



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Former SC judge R K Agrawal appointed NCDRC president

Justice R K Agrawal, who retired as Supreme Court judge recently, was appointed the president of the National Consumer

Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) on May 28, 2018. He will succeed Justice D K Jain, who completes his term on May

31. The NCDRC, a quasi-judicial authority, was set up in 1988 to decide on consumers‘ complaints. Anybody aggrieved over

goods and services, for values over Rs one crore, can approach the commission for grievance redressal.

Sangeeta Bahl, 53, becomes oldest Indian woman to scale Mount Everest

Gurugram resident, Sangeeta Bahl, at the age of 53 became the oldest Indian woman to scale the world‘s highest mountain,

the 8,848 m-Mount Everest located in Nepal. She scaled the peak on May 19, 2018 with the help of two Sherpas. Her husband

Ankur Bahl climbed Mt Everest in 2016. She broke the record of Premlata Agarwal, 48, who scaled Everest on May 20, 2011.

Sangeeta Bahl has already conquered six out of the seven highest peaks of the world.

Lt Gen Devraj Anbu is the new Vice Chief of Army Staff

Lt. Gen. Devraj Anbu was on May 24, 2018 appointed as the new Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS). He is presently GOC-in-C

(General Officer Commanding-in-Chief) Northern Command. He will replace Lt. Gen. Sarath Chand who retires on May 31. He

will take over the new appointment on June 1. He had taken over as the Northern Army Commander in December 2016.

Justice C K Prasad appointed PCI chief for second term

Former Supreme Court judge C K Prasad was on May 22, 2018 appointed the chairman of the Press Council of India (PCI) for a

second term. Prasad headed the media watchdog for three years from November 2014. The Press Council of India is a

statutory body with a mandate to act as a watchdog to oversee the conduct of the print media. It was reconstituted for three

years in October, 2014 and the term ended in October 2017. According to the Press Council Act, the council shall consist of a

chairman and 28 other members. In March, the government had notified the names of eight nominated members of the

reconstituted council, while 20 other names are yet to be announced. Prasad had said that the Council has submitted the

names of the other members of the revamped PCI to the Centre, which will decide on its notification.

Akshay Kumar launches ad campaign for Swachh Bharat

Akshay Kumar on May 27, 2018 launched an advertisement campaign for the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) in New Delhi.

The campaign was launched at a Collectors Convention for Toilet Technology organized in the capital. The campaign focuses

on promoting the twin pit toilet technology in rural India, and also features actor, Bhumi Pednekar along with Kumar.

„Pakeezah‟ actress Geeta Kapoor dies at 67

Veteran Bollywood actress Geeta Kapoor, who shot into the limelight for her role in the classic ―Pakeezah‖, died in Mumbai on

May 26, 2018 at the age of 67. She had acted in around 100 films in supporting roles/characters, including prominent ones in

Kamal Amrohi‘s films ―Pakeezah‖,‖―Razia Sultan‖.

Veteran actor Hemu Adhikari dies at 81

Veteran film and theatre actor Dr Hemu Adhikari died in Mumbai on May 22, 2018 at the age of 81. Adhikari was known for

his cameo in Rajkumar Hirani‘s ―Lage Raho Munna Bhai‖ (2006). He acted in Sai Paranjpe‘s ―Katha‖ and Marathi films like

―Dhyaas Parya‖ and ―Harishchandrachi Factory‖.



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Section B: INDIA &THE WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

Dutch PM Mark Rutte visits India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 24, 2018 held wide-ranging talks with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte in New Delhi

during which both sides decided to deepen engagement in a range of areas including trade, investment, energy and

agriculture. Rutte came on a two-day visit to India on May 24-25, 2018. India and the Netherlands signed ten agreements,

mainly relating to smart cities, knowledge institutions, high-tech IT and Space, life sciences and health. India and the

Netherlands have a bilateral trade of USD 5.39 billion. The Netherlands is the fifth largest investor in India with a cumulative

investment of USD 23 billion from 2000 to December 2017. The Netherlands is also home to a 235,000 strong Indian

Diaspora, the largest in mainland Europe.

Netherlands joins International Solar Alliance

New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 24, 2018 welcomed the entry of the Netherlands into the International

Solar Alliance (ISA). In a joint statement, issued after delegation level talks between Modi and PM Rutte, New Delhi welcomed

the signing of the Framework Agreement of the ISA by the Netherlands. The two Prime Ministers urged research institutions

and industry to collaborate, including in third countries, to promote greater use of solar technologies through the ISA that will

also benefit the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Dutch PM launches „Clean Air India Initiative‟

Prime Minister of Netherlands Mark Rutte launched the ‗Clean Air India Initiative‘ in the national capital on May 24. The

campaign aims to curb air pollution in Indian cities by promoting partnerships between Indian start-ups and Dutch companies

and build a network of entrepreneurs working on business solutions for cleaner air. The Clean Air India Initiative is a

collaborative project between ‗Get In The Ring‘, a platform for start-ups, the government of the Netherlands, Start-up India,

and INDUS Forum, an online matchmaking platform of Indian and Dutch businesses.

Indo-Dutch #StartUpLink initiative launched

In an endeavour to further the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, Invest India (host to the Govt. of India‘s initiative,

‗Startup India‘ under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry) and the Dutch Government jointly launched the Indo-Dutch

#StartUpLink initiative on May 25, 2018 in Bengaluru. The objective is to facilitate market expansion for startups in the two

countries alongside fostering a joint sense of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Indo-Dutch Ganga Forum inaugurated

Prime Minister of Netherlands Mark Rutte inaugurated the Indo-Dutch Ganga Forum on May 25, 2018 in New Delhi to take

forward the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India‘s Ministry of Water Resources, River Development

and Ganga Rejuvenation and the Ministry of Infrastructure & Environment of the Netherlands in June 2017. Rutte appreciated

the efforts being made under Namami Gange programme and acknowledged the vastness of the task at hand. Minister of

Water and Infrastructure, Netherlands, Cora van Nieuwenhuizen also advocated trash-to-cash approach. She expressed the

Netherlands government‘s keenness to work closely with National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).

Meeting of agriculture ministers of India and the Netherlands held



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Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers‘ Welfare Radha Mohan Singh on May 24, 2018 met Carola Schouten, Deputy Prime

Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Netherlands in Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi and expressed his

desire to further strengthen the existing partnership between the two countries in agriculture and allied sectors.

Govt collaborating with Netherland, Sweden for research programme on HIV/AIDS

The government has collaborated with Netherlands and Sweden for a research programme on HIV/AIDS, said Bruno Bruins,

Minister of Medical Care, Netherlands. The announcement about the Collaborative Research Program on HIV/AIDS between

the three nations was made in New Delhi on May 23, 2018. The programme aims to harness complementary research

strengths and diverse expertise across the three nations to catalyse the development of better tools in order to understand

and address the burgeoning global epidemic of HIV. The collaboration would involve various government and non-

government institutions in India, including the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), National AIDS Control Organization

(NACO), and International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) along with Erasmus Medical Centre in The Netherlands, and Karolinska

Institute in Sweden.

Pakistan integrates Gilgit-Baltistan into its federal structure

Pakistan has decided to integrate the region of Gilgit-Baltistan into the federal structure of the country. This was announced

by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in his speech to the Joint Session of the Gilgit-Baltistan Council and Legislative

Assembly on May 27, 2018.

The idea of granting provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan gained momentum since work on the China-Pakistan Economic

Corridor (CPEC) passing through the region, demanded greater coordination between local and central-level leaders.

India, which opposes the CPEC for reasons related to sovereignty, has reiterated its territorial claims over Gilgit-Baltistan, and

said Abbasi‘s order will be against the position of the Indian Parliament, which, in 1994, passed a resolution in support of

India‘s claims over the undivided Jammu and Kashmir.

PMs of India and Bangladesh inaugurate Bangladesh Bhavan in Santiniketan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Bangladesh Bhavan in

Santiniketan (West Bengal) on May 25, 2018. The inauguration of Bangladesh Bhavan inside the Vishwa Bharti University

complex took place in the presence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

The Bangladesh Bhavan features a museum that showcases renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore‘s association with that

country, the Liberation War of Bangladesh and Indo-Bangla relations. It has been built at a cost of Rs. 25 crores, which was

provided by the Bangladesh government.

Prime Minister Hasina was on a two-day visit to India on May 25-26. On May 26, she was conferred a honorary Doctorate of

Literature by the Kazi Nazrul University in Asansol (West Bengal) on May 26, 2018. Nazrul is the national poet of Bangladesh.

AIR and Bangladesh‟s Betar to co-produce radio programmes

The All India Radio (AIR) and state-run Bangladesh Betar will co-produce radio programme on music, quiz, theatre, tourism

and sports among others. The two broadcasters have also agreed to jointly produce one daily news bulletin of ten minutes

with a focus on cooperation between the two nations in various developmental aspects like tourism, commerce and trade,

sports, culture, agriculture and climate change.

India rejects US sanctions on Iran



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India will not accept sanctions imposed, or to be imposed, by the United States on Iran, External Affairs Minister Sushma

Swaraj said on May 28, 2018. The remark was a categorical rejection of U.S. decision to withdraw from the six-nation Joint

Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement and its plans to impose massive new sanctions on Iranian entities.

Later in the day Swaraj met Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif in New Delhi. Zarif has been travelling to several capitals

including Moscow, Beijing and Brussels, in an effort to salvage the agreement despite the U.S. move.

In a statement on May 13, U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton said that countries that ―continue to deal with Iran could

face sanctions‖.

Iran is India‘s third largest oil supplier, and India has many areas of strategic engagement with Iran, including management of

the Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar, co-development of the International North-South Transport Corridor to Russia, as well

as bilateral trade of about $13 billion of which about $5 billion was in non-oil trade in 2016-17.

India CLMV Business Conclave held at Phnom Penh

India‘s Ministry of Commerce & Industry along with Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia organized the 5th

India-CLMV

Business Conclave in Phnom Penh on May 21-22, 2018. The first four rounds of this Business Conclave were held in India. The

Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is the institutional partner of the event. The event was attended by Suresh Prabhu,

Minister of Commerce and Industry. The business conclave provided an opportunity for developing better understanding of

CLMV economies which have untapped potential for development and which offer more scope for enhancement of economic

engagement with India. CLMV comprises Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam.

India-Nepal Joint Military Exercise to be held in Uttarakhand

Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN-XIII between India and Nepal will be conducted at Pithoragarh from 30 May to 12 June

2018. The exercise will comprise of nearly 300 soldiers from both Indian and Nepal Army who would be sharing their

experiences gained during conduct of various counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations in the past. Exercise

SURYA KIRAN is a biannual event which is conducted alternatively in Nepal and India.

Could not address Islamabad‟s concerns regarding Indus Waters Treaty with India: World Bank

The World Bank has snubbed Pakistan and said it could not address Islamabad‘s concerns regarding the Indus Waters Treaty

with India. The World Bank decision came after a high-powered Pakistani delegation led by Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali

met with Bank‘s Chief Executive Officer Kristalina Georgieva on May 21-22, 2018. The Bank said, meeting was held at

Pakistan‘s request to discuss issues regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated

the 330 MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan had protested the inauguration claiming that

the project on a river flowing into Pakistan will disrupt water supplies.

Coast Guards of India, Pakistan hold talks on maritime boundary violations by fishermen

Coast Guards of India and Pakistan on May 28, 2018 held talks in New Delhi, addressing issues pertaining to boundary

violations by fishermen from both sides and enhancing cooperation in the area of maritime search and rescue, and combating

pollution at sea. The talks were attended by Indian Coast Guard Director General Rajendra Singh and a delegation of the

Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) is being led by its Director General Rear Admiral Zaka Ur Rehman.

Cabinet approves inking of India, Singapore MoU on personnel management



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The Union cabinet on May 23, 2018 approved the signing of an MoU between India and Singapore on cooperation in the field

of personnel management and public administration. The MoU aims at improving the current system of governance,

particularly in the areas of workforce, workplace and jobs, public service delivery, human resource management, public sector

reform, leadership or talent development and e-governance or digital government.



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India launches 2nd

IT corridor in China to gain access to the Chinese market

India on May 27, 2018 launched its second IT corridor in China. The National Association of Software and Services Companies

(NASSCOM) has established one more Digital Collaborative Opportunities Plaza (SIDCOP) platform in China in an effort to

provide market access to Indian IT firms in the huge Chinese market, the NASSCOM said. Agreements worth RMB 36 million

(about USD six million) were signed between Indian service providers and Chinese customers at the launch of the corridor by

China‘s Guiyang Municipal government and the NASSCOM. In December 2017, NASSCOM established its first SIDCOP

platform in the Chinese port city of Dalian, which is India‘s first IT hub in China.

India, Russia conclude negotiations for S-400 Triumf deal

India has concluded price negotiations with Russia for a nearly Rs 40,000 crore deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence

missile systems for the Indian Air Force. Both countries are likely to announce the deal before an annual summit between

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in October. Both sides are now looking at ways to

insulate the deal from the sanctions announced by the US against Russia under its Countering America‘s Adversaries Through

Sanctions Act (CAATSA). India wants to procure the long-range missile systems to tighten its air defence mechanism,

particularly along the nearly 4,000-km-long Sino-India border.

NEWSMAKERS

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands visits India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28, 2018 met Queen Maxima of the Netherlands in New Delhi and discussed and

financial inclusion and global development finance. Queen Maxima is visiting India in her capacity as the UN Secretary-

General‘s special advocate for inclusive finance for development.



136

Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

Over 66% voters favour scrapping anti-abortion laws in Ireland

A total of 66.4 per cent of voters voted to scrap the present anti-abortion laws in Ireland in a referendum, according to the

final results announced in Dublin on May 26, 2018. A total of 33.6 per cent of voters chose to retain the present abortion laws

that virtually ban abortions in the country.

Nearly 3.37 million voters were registered for the referendum and 64.1 per cent of them turned out in the voting held on May

25. The referendum received an overwhelming victory in almost all the 40 constituencies across the country except in

Donegal, a constituency in the country‘s northwest, with 51.9 per cent of voters voting against repealing the Eighth

Amendment.

Currently, abortion is only allowed when a woman‘s life is at risk, but not in cases of rape, incest or fatal foetal abnormality.

Following the referendum, the Eighth Amendment, which grants an equal right to life to the mother and unborn, will be

replaced. A vote in favour of repeal has paved the way for the Dáil (Irish Parliament) to legislate for change which would see

the introduction of a much more liberal regime.

Pakistan‟s Senate votes to merge FATA with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan‘s Senate on May 25, 2018 endorsed a Constitutional amendment seeking to merge the restive tribal region of

Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) along the Afghanistan border with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in the

northwest, a day after the historic move was overwhelmingly passed by the National Assembly.

The amendment was passed with a 229-1 vote in the National Assembly on May 24, bringing an end to 150-year-old British-

era arrangement. The bill which needed 69 votes was supported by 71 Senators while only five members opposed it.

The bill will now be presented in the assembly of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province as it aims to change the territory of the

province by merger of tribal region into it. According to the Constitution, any change in the territory of a province must be

passed with two-thirds majority by the assembly of the respective province.

SCO legal experts meet in Pakistan to discuss extremism, terrorism

Legal experts from SCO member states met in the Pakistani capital Islamabad and discussed proposals to increase

cooperation to combat extremism and terrorism. The legal experts‘ group meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation

Organisation-Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (SCO-RATS) started on May 23 and ended on May 25, 2018. This was the first

ever SCO meeting to be held in Pakistan since it become a member of the grouping in June, 2017 along with India.

Legal experts from eight member states, namely China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, India, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and

Pakistan, as well as representatives of the SCO-RATS executive committee participated in the meeting.

The SCO-RATS, based in Tashkent, was established by the member states of the SCO in 2001 to combat terrorism, separatism

and extremism.

As a permanent organ of the SCO, it is a regional forum for exchange of views and best practices on countering terrorism and

extremism. The highest decision-making body of the SCO-RATS is the council, which meets once in six months.



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108th

session of UNWTO Executive council held in San Sebastian

The Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism, K. J. Alphons along with a delegation of senior officials attended the

108th

session of UNWTO Executive Councilheld in San Sebastian, Spain from May 23 to 25, 2018. The Executive council decided

that in order to address new challenge and trends, the organization will pay special attention to scaling up innovation and

digitization in the sector. During the three day Executive Council meeting, K. J. Alphons chaired the ‗Programme and Budget

Committee‘ meeting of UNWTO.

Putin and Abe discuss peace treaty over Kuril Islands

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japan‘s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on May 27, 2018 pledged to move forward on a

peace treaty to solve a territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands. The Soviet takeover of the islands in the closing days of World

War II has soured relations between the two countries for 70 years. The summit in Moscow is the latest attempt to draw a line

under World War II since Japan and the Soviet Union began discussions in 1956.

Pakistan‟s Sindh province assembly passes bill to allow Hindu widows to remarry

A landmark Bill allowing Hindu widows to remarry has been passed by the assembly of Pakistan‘s Sindh Province. The bill was

initially moved by Nand Kumar Goklani of the Pakistan Muslim League. The Bill allows Hindu widows to remarry out of their

own free will but only after a period of six months has lapsed after their husband‘s death.

Colombia joins global partnership program of NATO

Colombia will become NATO‘s first partner in Latin America. President Juan Manuel Santos said in capital Bogota on May 25,

2018 that the country‘s entry into the military alliance‘s global partnership program will take place the forthcoming summit of

NATO in Brussels. NATO‘s other partners include nations such as Japan, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Mongolia and Iraq that

work with NATO in some areas. Colombian authorities said the partnership will help in training a military that confronts

threats from transnational criminal networks and instability in neighbouring Venezuela.

China, Burkina Faso establish ties following Taiwan snub

China and Burkina Faso signed an agreement on May 26, 2018 to establish diplomatic relations, days after the west African

nation cut ties with Taiwan. A communique on establishing relations was signed in Beijing by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang

Yi and his counterpart Alpha Barry. Burkina Faso broke off ties with Taiwan on May 24 leaving the democratically ruled island

with only 18 diplomatic allies around the world. China and Taiwan split in 1949 after a civil war was won by the Chinese

Communists. The two sides often use economic support and other aid as bargaining chips for diplomatic recognition. Earlier

in May 2018, the Dominican Republic switched recognition to Beijing, terminating a 77-year diplomatic relationship to

recognise China.

Cyclone Mekunu lashes Oman, Yemen

Cyclone Mekunu blew into the Arabian Peninsula on May 26, 2018, drenching arid Oman and Yemen, cutting off power lines

and leaving at least three dead and 40 missing. Five people including an Indian national were killed and at least 40 missing on

the Yemeni island of Socotra on May 25 as Cyclone Mekunu disrupted the area before passing through Arabian Peninsula‘s

southern coast. India‘s Meteorological Department said the storm packed maximum sustained winds of 170-180 kilometres

(105-111 miles) per hour with gusts of up to 200 kph (124 mph). It called the cyclone ―extremely severe.‖

Hamburg to host 2018 Global Wind Summit



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The first edition of the Global Wind Summit will be held in Hamburg (Germany) from September 25 to 28, 2018. The

conference on wind is the largest and most important meeting of the wind industry worldwide. The focus of the conferences

would be on three major subjects: Dynamic markets, cost efficiency and smart energy. India is fourth largest country -- after

China, the US and Germany -- in terms of wind energy installation capacity at around 33 GW. The government has set a target

of achieving 60 GW by 2022.

European Union‟s new data protection rules come into force

The European Union‘s new data protection laws came into effect in Brussels on May 25, 2018. The data protection laws are

known as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). GDPR empowers people to control their personal information, setting a

strong standard for privacy and data protection.

North Korea demolishes nuclear test site

North Korea carried out what it said is the demolition of its nuclear test site on May 24, 2018, setting off a series of explosions

over several hours in the presence of foreign journalists. The explosions at the nuclear test site deep in the mountains of the

North‘s sparsely populated northeast were centred on three tunnels into the underground site and a number of observation

towers in the surrounding area. The planned closing was previously announced by leader Kim Jong Un ahead of his planned

summit with US President Donald Trump in June 2018. The North‘s decision to close the Punggye-ri nuclear test site has

generally been seen as a welcome gesture by Kim to set a positive tone ahead of the summit.

Trump cancels June 12 summit meeting with Kim Jong un

In a surprise move, US President Donald Trump on May 24, 2018 cancelled his proposed summit meeting with North Korean

leader Kim Jong-un on June 12 in Singapore and blamed Pyongyang‘s ―tremendous anger‖ and ―open hostility‖ for his

decision.

Nepal first country in south-east Asia to eliminate trachoma: WHO

Nepal has become the first country in south-east Asia to eliminate trachoma, world‘s leading cause of preventable blindness

of infectious origin, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said in a statement on May 23, 2018. ―It is a big step towards the

health of everyone and comes at a time when Nepal accelerates its fight against other neglected tropical diseases as well,‖

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said.

White House releases commemorative coin before Kim-Trump meet

The White House has released a commemorative coin to mark the June 12 meeting between United States President Donald

Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Released by the White House Communications Agency on May 21, 2018, the

―trip coin‖ describes the North Korean leader as the ―supreme leader‖ and the occasion as peace talks. The much-anticipated

meeting between the two leaders is scheduled to be held in Singapore on June 12.

NEWSMAKERS

Saad Hariri wins third term as Prime Minister of Lebanon

Saad Hariri has won a new term as Prime Minister of Lebanon after securing support from the vast majority of lawmakers in

the country‘s new Parliament, Lebanese President Michel Aoun announced on May 24, 2018.



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Hariri received support from 111 politicians in the 128-seat Parliament. All major parliamentary blocs supported him, except

for Hezbollah, the Shiite Muslim group supported by Iran, which abstained. Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah called the

results a ―great moral and political victory.‖

Hariri is the son and political heir of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was credited with ushering Lebanon into a

reconstruction era after its 15-year civil war that ended in 1990. The five-time Prime Minister was assassinated in a 2005

bombing that plunged Lebanon into political crisis.

Ex-ISI chief Lt.-Gen. Asad Durrani (retd.) placed on „no-fly‟ list by Pakistan govt.

Pakistan‘s military on May 28, 2018 took the unprecedented step of preventing a former ISI head from leaving the country,

after he ignited a storm by co-authoring a book that touches on Pakistan‘s alleged role in Afghanistan and Kashmir.

Lt.-Gen. Asad Durrani (retd.), who headed Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) from 1990 to 1992, was placed on the Exit Control

List (ECL), stopping him from leaving the country.

Lt. Gen. Durrani has been mired in controversy since the recent release of ‗The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of

Peace‘. He wrote the book with A.S. Dulat, former head of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). It is based on a series of

discussion between the two on various subjects including tense relations with India. The book also suggests that the Pakistani

authorities may have known about the whereabouts of Osama bin Laden and may have later handed over information to the

U.S.

Lt.-Gen. Durrani was also summoned to the military headquarters for allegedly violating the institution‘s code of conduct. The

military then announced a court of inquiry into his alleged misconduct and said he had been placed on the ECL, marking the

first instance such controls have been placed on a former spy chief.

Ex-chief justice Nasirul Mulk named caretaker PM of Pakistan

Pakistan‘s former chief justice Nasirul Mulk was on May 28, 2018 named as the caretaker prime minister until general

elections on July 25. The caretaker administration will not make any major decisions. The announcement came after weeks of

deadlock between the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Opposition over the name of the caretaker

prime minister.

Children‟s author Richard Peck dies at 84

Richard Peck, a former English teacher who won many awards for his novels for young readers, died in Manhattan. He was 84.

In all, he wrote more than 40 books, mostly for fourth- to seventh-graders but sometimes for teenagers. He also wrote a few

for adults, including London Holiday (1998) and New York Time (1981), and a memoir, Anonymously Yours (1991).

Apollo 12 mission astronaut Alan Bean dies at 86

Alan Bean, a NASA astronaut who journeyed into space two times and, as part of the Apollo 12 mission in 1969, became the

fourth man to walk on the moon, died at the age of 86 in Houston on May 26, 2018. He made his first voyage into space on

November 14, 1969, four months after the historic first landing on the moon of Apollo 11, commanded by Neil Armstrong.

The three astronauts aboard Apollo 12 were Charles ―Pete‖ Conrad Jr., the mission commander, Richard F. Gordon Jr., the

command module pilot, and Bean, whose duty was as lunar module pilot.

American literary giant Philip Roth dies at 85



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Prolific novelist Philip Roth, a dominant force in American literature throughout the latter half of the 20th century, died on

May 22, 2018 in Manhattan at the age of 85. Roth won the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for fiction for his acclaimed novel ―American

Pastoral.‖ Roth first gained attention with the 1959 novella ―Goodbye, Columbus‖, for which he received the U.S. National

Book Award for Fiction.

Gina Haspel sworn in as CIA‟s first female director

Gina Haspel was sworn in on May 21, 2018 as the first female director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in its 71-year

history at the agency‘s headquarters in Langley, in the US state of Virginia.



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Twin spacecraft to track Earth‟s water cycle successfully launched

A twin spacecraft to track the global water cycle has been successfully launched aboard the a SpaceX rocket, along with five

communications satellites on May 23, 2018. The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) is a joint

mission by NASA and the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ). It lifted off on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the

Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, USA. Over its five-year mission, GRACE-FO will monitor the movement of mass

around our planet by measuring where and how the moving mass changes Earth‘s gravitational pull.



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Section E: AWARDS

Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017 presented to the INSV Tarini Team

Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi presented the Nari Shakti Puraskar 2017 to the members of the

INSV Tarini team in New Delhi on May 24, 2018. The six-member all-women team comprising Lt Commander Vartika Joshi, Lt

Commander Pratibha Jamwal, Lt Commander Swathi Paternally ,Lt Aishwarya Boddapati, Lt SH Vijaya Devi and Lt Payal Gupta

received the Puraskar.

President Ram Nath Kovind had conferred the Nari Shakti Puraskars on International Women‘s Day (March 8) in Rashtrapati

Bhavan. As the INSV Tarini team was sailing then, the award could not be presented to the team.

The crew of the Indian Navy Sailing Vessel ‗Tarini‘ is a part of the Indian Navy‘s unique project ‗Navika Sagar Parikrama‘, an

all-women team circumnavigating the globe,

The 6-member all-women team, led by Lieutenant Commander Vartika Joshi circumnavigated and managed the whole

operation in this first ever global journey. The voyage which lasted for 254 days, with 199 days at sea covered 21600 nautical

miles, had 5 port calls in Fremantle, Australia; Lyttelton, New Zealand; Port Stanley, Falklands; Cape Town, South Africa and

finally at Mauritius before returning home to Goa. All six members of the crew were trained for over three years under Captain

Dilip Donde, who is also the first Indian to successfully carry out solo-circumnavigation of the globe between 2009 and 2010.

Virat Kohli is International Cricketer of the Year at CEAT awards

India skipper Virat Kohli won the International Cricketer of the Year Award at the CEAT Cricket Ratings awards which were

presented in Mumbai on May 28, 2018.

India opener Shikhar Dhawan was presented the International Batsman of the Year Award, while New Zealand pace

sensation Trent Boult won the International Bowler of the Year Award.

Afghanistan‘s leg spinner Rashid Khan, who impressed everyone with his skills in the recently concluded Indian Premier

League grabbing 21 wickets, was presented with the T20 Bowler of the Year Award.

New Zealand‘s swashbuckling opening batsman Colin Munro won the T20 Batsman of the Year Award.

Indian cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur, who single-handedly took the women‘s team to the final of the ICC Women‘s World Cup

with her breath-taking knock of 171 not out against Australia in the semi-final, won the Outstanding Innings of the Year

Award.

Mayank Agarwal, who had a dream domestic season with the bat for Karnataka, was given the Domestic Player of the Year

Award.

Eighteen-year-old Shubman Gill, who made his mark in the U19 World Cup in Australia and the IPL while playing for the

Kolkata Knight Riders, was the U-19 Player of the Year.

Swashbuckling West Indian batsman Chris Gayle was presented with the Popular Choice Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed on former India wicket-keeper Farokh Engineer.



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Indian botanist Kamaljit S. Bawa receives Linnean Medal in UK

Indian botanist Kamaljit S. Bawa, president of Bengaluru-based non-profit Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the

Environment (ATREE), received the prestigious Linnean Medal in Botany from the Linnean Society of London on May 24, 2018.

Dr. Bawa is the first Indian to win the award ever since it was first constituted in 1888.

Dr. Bawa was recognised for his pioneering research on the evolution of tropical plants, tropical deforestation, non-timber

forest products and for decades of work on the biodiversity of forests in Central America, the Western Ghats and the Eastern

Himalaya.

The Linnean Medal is awarded to a biologist every year by the Linnean Society of London (the world‘s oldest active biological

society founded in 1788 and named after famous Swedish biologist Carl Linnaeus who gave us one of the systems of naming

plants and animals). According to the society‘s website, it is awarded ―as an expression of the society‘s esteem and

appreciation for service to science.‖

Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk bags Man Booker International Prize

A novel about travel in the 21st century and human anatomy titled ―Flights‖ by Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk has been awarded

the Man Booker International Prize for 2018. A counterpart to the prestigious Man Booker Prize, the 50,000 British Pounds

award goes to the best work of translated fiction from anywhere in the world and is split between the writer and the

translator. ―Flights‖ has been translated by Jennifer Croft and is published by Fitzcarraldo Editions. Tokarczuk and Croft were

presented the award at a ceremony in Victoria and Albert Museum in London on May 22, 2018.

UNEP recognises Cochin International Airport Ltd as world‟s 1st solar airport

The United Nations Environment Programme recognised Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) as the world‘s first fully solar

energy-powered airport. This was announced by its global chief Erik Solheim on May 26, 2018.

Arunachal NGO honoured for conserving wildlife resources

An NGO from West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh has bagged the first prize from the National Biodiversity Authority

(NBA) for its efforts in conserving rare wildlife resources in the area. The NBA, established by the Centre in 2003, honoured the

Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve (SBVCR) with a citation, a memento and a cash prize of Rs one lakh during a

function in Hyderabad, an official release said on May 23, 2018.



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Cabinet clears ordinance for amendments to bankruptcy code

The Cabinet on May 23, 2018 approved promulgation of an ordinance to amend the 16-month-old Insolvency and

Bankruptcy Code (IBC), which proposes to classify home buyers as ―financial creditors‖ at par with lenders to help them

quickly get refunds from defaulting companies.

The amendment comes months after a new Section 29A was added into the bankruptcy code in November, introducing four

layers of ineligibility for potential bidders.

The present amendment is based on recommendations of a 14-member government appointed committee that had last

month suggested a slew of measures, including addressing woes of home buyers and making recoveries easier for lenders.

The Insolvency Law Committee had recommended to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, that home buyers should be treated as

financial creditors, which will allow them to equitably participate in an insolvency resolution process.

The panel has also suggested relaxations for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the IBC.

With realty firms, such as Jaypee Infratech, facing insolvency proceedings, the ordinance, once approved by President

Ramnath Kovind and promulgated, will provide relief for home buyers facing hardships due to incomplete real estate projects.

Under the code, financial creditor implies any person to whom a financial debt is owed. The financial debt can include money

borrowed for interest.

The panel had suggested that the government should exempt MSMEs from application of certain provisions of the code.

―Illustratively, since usually only promoters of an MSME are likely to be interested in acquiring it, applicability of section 29A

has been restricted only to disqualify wilful defaulters from bidding for MSMEs,‖ it had noted. Section 29A of the Code

pertains to ineligibility criteria for bidders.

Besides, the panel had suggested that only those who contributed to defaults of the company or are otherwise undesirable

should be ineligible from bidding for stressed assets under the Code.

In January 2018, the IBC was amended to prevent unscrupulous persons from misusing the law. Wilful defaulters and those

whose accounts have been classified as non-performing assets, among others, are barred from bidding for stressed assets.

The IBC, which came into force on December 2016, provides for market-determined and time-bound insolvency resolution

process.

Govt reconstitutes Financial Stability and Development Council

The government has reconstituted the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) to include secretaries from the

revenue department as well as Ministry of Information Technology (MeitY).

The FSDC, chaired by the Union Finance Minister, was set up in 2010 by the then Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee.

The council comprises RBI Governor, SEBI Chairman, finance secretary, and secretaries in the departments of Economic Affairs,

Financial Services and Corporate Affairs.



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The FSDC also has Chief Economic Advisor and chairpersons of insurance regulator IRDAI, pension regulator PFRDA and

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board (IBBI) as members.

The government, through a gazette notification, has now included Minister of State for Finance (who is in-charge of the

Department of Economic Affairs); Secretary, Department of Revenue; and Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information

Technology as members of the FSDC.

The FSDC was set up to strengthen and institutionalise the mechanism for maintaining financial stability, enhancing inter-

regulatory coordination and promoting financial sector development. Since 2010, the FSDC has held 18 meetings with the

latest on December 29, 2017.

The move to include revenue secretary in FSDC follows increasing safeguards being put in place by the department to check

tax evasion in both direct and indirect taxes. Inclusion of MeitY Secretary in the FSDC comes at a time when there is increasing

public gaze on the issue of data protection and privacy.

EPFO cuts administrative charges to 0.5%

Employees‘ Provident Fund Organisation‘s trustees had decided to cut the administrative charges to 0.50% from 0.65% of

total wage paid by employers in its meeting this year. EPFO decided to cut the administrative charges in view of its expanding

business and high recovery of such fees. According to EPFO estimates, the employers would save in total around Rs. 900 crore

annually after this move.

EPF interest rate hits 5-year low at 8.55%

The government has finally notified 8.55% interest rate on EPF for 2017-18, lowest in 5 years since the 2012-13 fiscal. The

Employees‘ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has asked its more than 120 field offices to credit 8.55% rate of interest for

2017-18 into the PF accounts of close to 5 crore subscribers. EPF‘s rate of interest for 2016-17 was 8.65%. It may be noted

that the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), the apex decision making body of EPFO, headed by the labour minister, had decided

to fix 8.55% interest on PF for 2017-18 in its meeting held on Feb 21, 2018.

Paytm unveils initiative to educate women on financial services

Paytm Payments Bank on May 22, 2018 announced a programme Paytm AshaKiran aimed at educating rural women about

financial services. In the first phase, the bank has partnered with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) under its

Disha project which is supported by IKEA Foundation and women-related organisations like SHEROES ―to mobilize self-help

groups and organize workshops‖. These workshops will be held in smaller cities and towns across Maharashtra, Karnataka,

Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

NEWSMAKERS

Reserve Bank of India appoints Sudha Balakrishnan as its first CFO

Sudha Balakrishnan, until recently the vice-president of National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL), has been appointed the

first chief financial officer (CFO) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) with effect from May 15, according to an Economic Times

report. Balakrishnan, a chartered accountant, will be the 12th executive director of the RBI.

A recruitment notice issued by the RBI in October, 2017 said that the new CFO, in one of his/her key roles will be in charge of

the Department of Government and Bank Accounts and will responsible for formulating the accounting policy of the Bank,



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maintaining the internal accounts and reporting of financial results through various statements of accounts, Balance Sheet

and Profit & loss Account.

Balakrishnan will also be in charge of formulating the policy related to provident fund (PF) and the PF interest rates under the

corporate strategy function. So far, RBI‘s balance sheet and other financial functions were managed internally and there was

no dedicated officer to do the job.

Govt appoints chairpersons of Dena, Punjab & Sind and Central Bank

The government on May 24, 2018 appointed non-executive chairpersons of three public sector banks- Dena Bank, Punjab &

Sind Bank and Central Bank of India. Former Corporate Affairs Secretary Tapan Ray will be the non-executive chairperson of

Central Bank, former Reserve Bank of India director Dr Charan Singh of Punjab & Sind Bank and ex-global partner at TPG

Private Equity Anjali Bansal of Dena Bank. The appointments were based on recommendations of the newly-reconstituted

Banks Board Bureau (BBB) under Bhanu Pratap Sharma‘s leadership.

The appointments come at a time when these banks are under the strict watch of RBI. Dena Bank, Central Bank of India and

Punjab & Sind Bank are among 11 PSBs under the RBI‘s prompt corrective action (PCA). These banks face severe restrictions--

including curbs on dividend distribution, branch expansion and management compensation-- for breaching various limits. In

fact, RBI has put restrictions on all fresh lending by Dena Bank.



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Section G: ECONOMY

E-Way Bill system for intra-State movement of goods rolled out in more States/UTs

As per the decision of the GST Council, e-Way Bill system for inter-State movement of goods was rolled out from April 1,

2018. As on May 23, e-Way Bill system for intra-State movement of goods had been rolled out in the States of Andhra

Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya

Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Union Territory of

Puducherry.

E-Way Bills are getting generated successfully and till May 23, more than five crore and thirty lakh e-Way Bills have been

successfully generated which includes more than one crore and sixty lakh e-Way Bills for intra-State movement of goods.

The e-Way Bill system for intra-State movement of goods was introduced in more states and UTs on May 25. These are:

Maharashtra, Manipur, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu and Lakshadweep.

Twenty seven States / Union Territories have now implemented the e-Way Bill system for intra-State movement of goods with

the roll-out of the same on May 25.

15th

Finance Commission constitutes High Level Group on Health Sector

The Fifteenth Finance Commission has constituted a high level group consisting of eminent experts from across the country in

Health Sector. Dr. Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi will be its Convenor.

The group will evaluate the existing regulatory framework in the Health sector and examine its strength and weaknesses for

enabling a balanced yet faster expansion of the health sector keeping in view India‘s demographic profile;

It will also suggest ways and means to optimize the use of existing financial resources and to incentivize the state

governments‘ effort on fulfillment of well-defined health parameters in India

It will holistically examine best international practices for the health sector and seek to benchmark our frameworks to these

practices for optimizing benefits keeping in mind our local issues.

Convenor and Members of the High Level Group on Health Sector: Dr. Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMS, New Delhi

(Convenor); Dr. Devi Shetty, Chairman, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru; Dr. Deelip Govind Mhaisekar, Vice Chancellor,

Maharashtra University of Health Science, Pune; Dr. Naresh Trehan, Medanta City, Gurgaon; Dr. Bhabatosh Biswas, Prof &

HOD of Cordio Thoracic Surgery, R.G. Kar Medical College, Kolkata; and Prof. K. Srinath Reddy, President of Public Health

Foundation of India.

2nd

Advance Estimates of production of Horticulture Crops released

The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare on May 28, 2018 released the 2017-18 (2nd

Advance

Estimates) of Area and Production of Horticulture Crops. These Estimates are based on the information received from

different States/UTs in the country.

As per the 2nd

Advance Estimates prepared on the basis of information received from State Departments of

Horticulture/Agriculture and various agencies like Directorate of Arecanut & Species Development (DASD), Directorate of

Cashew & Cocoa Development (DCCD) and National Bee Board (NBB) the total horticulture production of the country is



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estimates to be 307.2 Million Tonnes during 2017-18 which is 2.2% higher than the previous year and 8.6% higher than the

past 5 year‘s average production.

The Production of fruits is estimated to be about 94.4 million tonnes which is about 2% higher than previous year production

of vegetables is estimated to be about 182 million tonnes which is about 2.2% higher than previous year.

Onion production in the current year is likely to be around 218 lakh Tonnes in 2016-17(Final) which when compared to 5

years average is about 8% higher. Potato production is estimated at 503 Lakh Tonnes as against 486 lakh Tonnes in 2016-17

(Final) which is about 3.5% higher than the previous year. Tomato production in the current year is likely to be around 220

lakh Tonnes as against 207 lakh Tonnes in 2016-17 (Final Est.) which is about 6.6% higher than the previous year.

NSDC to Set Up Trainer and Assessor Academies across India

To meet the rising demand for trainers and assessors in India‘s skill development ecosystem, National Skill Development

Corporation (NSDC) aims to establish state- of-the-art Trainer and Assessor Academies in the country.

To complement this development, Singapore Polytechnic (SP) and Temasek Foundation International are partnering NSDC on

a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme to build capabilities of 300 education leaders and

specialists who will establish and manage these academies across India. This programme is supported by Temasek Foundation

International with a grant of S$502,955.

To formalise this programme, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NSDC and SP is expected to be signed

during India Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s visit to Singapore from 31 May to 2 June 2018, said Manish Kumar, MD & CEO,

NSDC on May 28, 2018.

Air passenger citizen charter for domestic sector launched

In good news for air travellers facing baggage-related issues, the air passenger citizen charter for domestic sector has

proposed that an airline will have to pay Rs 3,000 for loss of baggage and Rs 1,000 for damage.

The entitlement for passenger relating to baggage is crucial as cases of missing, stolen and damaged luggage have been

reported by passengers from time to time, often ending on a sour note with the airline concerned.

The charter was unveiled on May 22, 2018 and is expected to come into effect from August after a month-long consultation

process with stake-holders. It has proposed that if a passenger dies or suffers injuries on board an aircraft, the ―limit of liability

to be paid by the airline must be same for both international and domestic passengers‖.

DAC approves procurement of equipment for Defence Forces

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, met in New Delhi on May 28, 2018

and accorded approval for the procurement of equipment for the Defence Forces valued at over Rs. 6900 crore. The DAC

approved procurement of Thermal Imaging (TI) Night Sights for the Rocket Launcher (RL) used by the Army and the Air Force

under ‗BUY (Indian) IDDM‘ category through established Indian Vendors.

Engineering Wings of CAPFs authorised to execute construction works

Ministry of Home Affairs on May 25, 2018 issued orders, authorizing the Engineering Wings of CAPFs to function as Public

works organizations. This will enable them execute construction works upto Rs. 15 crore for execution of Major Works and

Rs.1 crore for Minor Repair Works.



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Ayushman Bharat a tectonic shift in Indian healthcare: PwC

Global consultancy firm PwC has said the Indian government‘s flagship programme ‗Ayushman Bharat‘ will result in a tectonic

shift in the healthcare industry, encouraging efficiency and innovation in the sector. The national health protection scheme

aims to cover over 10 crore poor and vulnerable families (about 50 crore beneficiaries) providing coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh

per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation. PwC made this observation in its report on ‗Financing and

Funding Indian Healthcare: Navigating the Turbulent Tide‘.

Centre unveils model contract farming law

To ensure better price to farmers, the Centre on May 22, 2018 unveiled a model law on contract farming and services not only

in agriculture crops but also in livestock, dairy and poultry products. The draft Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract

Farming and Services (promotion and facilitation) Act 2018 seeks to keep the contract farming/services contracts outside the

ambit of respective Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee (APMC) Act of the states, which will help buyers save 5-10 per

cent on their transaction cost. It also provides for setting up of a dispute settlement authority and imposition of penalties for

breach of contract. Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said that states should adopt the model law and implement it at

the earliest for the benefit of farmers.

Alcoholic beverages to carry warning on safe driving: FSSAI

Come April 2019 and all bottles containing alcoholic beverages will carry warning asking people not to drink and drive, the

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has said. The move comes following a Public Interest Litigation filed by

social activist Prince Singhal. Citing Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Beverages Standards) Regulations, 2018, the FSSAI

in a recent order said the warning ―Consumption of alcohol is injurious to health. Be safe - Don‘t drink and drive‖ can be

printed on the labels of alcoholic beverages -- both Indian Made Foreign Liquors (IMFL) and the imported ones.

CSC, SIDBI ink pact for financial support to village level entrepreneurs

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) will provide financial support to village level entrepreneurs who operate

the Common Service Centres that act as access points for delivery of electronic services. An MoU to this effect was signed

between SIDBI and Common Service Centres (CSC) in the presence of Minister for Electronics and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad in

New Delhi on May 24, 2018. The existing VLEs (village level entrepreneurs) who have been operating CSCs for at least one

year and looking to expand their operations are eligible for availing the financial support under the MoU, which is initially

eyeing 50,000 VLEs.

NEWSMAKERS

TRIFED elects new Board of Directors

The General Body meeting of Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India Ltd. (TRIFED) was held on May

25, 2018 in New Delhi in which the 11th

Board of Directors was reconstituted and the Office Bearers were elected

unanimously. Ramesh Chand Meena was elected as the Chairperson and Pratibha Brahma was elected as the Vice Chairperson

of TRIFED. Pravir Krishna is MD of TRIFED.

M. Venkatesh appointed MRPL MD



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M. Venkatesh was on May 23, 2018 appointed as the Managing Director of PSU Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals

Limited (MRPL). He has been appointed to the post for a period of five years with effect from the date of his assumption of

charge of the post on or after June 1, 2018, or till the date of his superannuation.



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India ranked 44th

in IMD‟s competitiveness rankings

India has moved one notch higher, to the 44th

place in terms of competitiveness, in the annual rankings compiled by

International Institute for Management Development (IMD) which placed the US in the top slot. The US became the most

competitive economy globally driven by its strength in economic performance and infrastructure, followed by Hong Kong and

Singapore in the second and third place, respectively. The Netherlands and Switzerland were the other two nations in the top

five slots.

Regarding India, the report said, ―some of the challenges which India has to face for the year 2018 would be skilling of

manpower and employment generation, streamlining the implementation of goods and services tax and balancing high

growth with sustainable development goals‖. The report further noted that ―digital literacy and adequate bandwidth at rural

areas and mobilisation of resources for infrastructure development needs are few more key areas where the government

needs to concentrate‖.

The other top 10 countries include Denmark (6th), the UAE (7th), Norway (8th) and Sweden (9th) and Canada (10th). The IMD

World Competitiveness Center, a research group at IMD business school in Switzerland, has published the rankings every year

since 1989. This year 63 countries are ranked with Cyprus and Saudi Arabia making their first appearance.

Ramdev‟s Patanjali ties up with BSNL; launches Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards

After becoming India‘s most trusted Fast Moving Consumer Goods brand, Yoga guru Baba Ramdev‘s Patanjali on May 27,

2018 entered the telecom sector. Baba Ramdev launched Swadeshi Samriddhi SIM cards, in alliance with Bharat Sanchar

Nigam Limited (BSNL). Initially, only the employees and office bearers of Patanjali will be able to avail the benefits of the SIM

card. After its full-fledged launch, people will get discount of 10 per cent on Patanjali products with this card.

IMD teams up with BSNL to send extreme weather warnings

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is teaming up with state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to send

extreme weather warnings to people. This was stated by M. Rajeevan, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences. The move comes

after the IMD came under criticism from several quarters, including some state governments for not sending out specific

alerts, a charge denied by the weather body. The area specific alerts will be sent to users if they are in that particular place

where the extreme weather pattern is going to occur, even if their phone numbers do not belong to that particular telecom

circle.

TCS m-cap surges past Rs 7-lakh cr mark

Tata Consultancy Services‘ market capitalisation (m-cap) surged past Rs 7 lakh crore in intra-day on May 25, 2018, making it

the first company to achieve this milestone. The market valuation of TCS jumped to Rs 7,03,309 crore during the intra-day

session on the BSE. At the close of trade, however, the m-cap of TCS slipped below the Rs 7-lakh crore mark and stood at Rs

6,87,123.96 crore.

NITI Aayog and ABB India sign Statement of Intent

NITI Aayog and ABB India signed a Statement of Intent (SoI) on May 23, 2018 in New Delhi to support the Indian government

realize its ambitious vision of ‗Make in India‘ through advanced manufacturing technologies that incorporate the latest

developments in robotics and artificial intelligence.



153

CCI approves Bayer‟s $62.5 bn acquisition for US seed major Monsanto

Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the acquisition of US seed major Monsanto Co by Bayer AG, in a

decision that moves the $62.5 billion deal a step closer to the finish line. German conglomerate Bayer is preparing to close the

takeover this quarter, giving it control of more than 25 per cent of the world‘s seed and pesticides market. Both Bayer and

Monsanto had subsidiaries in India, making it mandatory for them to receive clearance from the CCI.

Five Indian brands among world‟s top 100 luxury goods companies: Deloitte Report

Five Indian brands feature among the 100 largest luxury goods companies in the world, a Deloitte report said on May 22,

2018. The Indian companies in the list are Titan Company (ranked 28th), Kalyan Jewellers India (37th), PC Jeweller (43th),

Joyalukkas India (49th), Tribhovandas Bhimji Zaveri (89th), said the report named ―Global Powers of Luxury Goods 2018‖.

NEWSMAKERS

Sushant Singh Rajput to promote NITI‟s Women Entrepreneurship Platform

Actor-turned entrepreneur Sushant Singh Rajput will promote NITI Aayog‘s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP), which

was launched earlier this year to establish an enabling ecosystem for women across India. Rajput on May 25, 2018 signed an

agreement to promote the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) of the Aayog.

The actor will endorse the Women Entrepreneurship Platform and encourage use of Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM)

application by appearing in various video, print and social media campaigns of NITI Aayog.

Rajput and his business partner Varun Mathur, through their recently launched company Innsaei Ventures, shall be setting

aside a corpus of Rs 20 crore, which shall be invested in start-ups established by women entrepreneurs.

NITI Aayog‘s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) was launched on March 8, 2018 on the occasion of the International

Women‘s Day. It aims to power a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem through an enabling network of industry collaborations,

partnerships, mentors and peer-to-peer connect.

Stacey Cunningham is the first woman to lead the NYSE

The New York Stock Exchange for the first time in its 226-year history will be led by a woman. Stacey Cunningham, who is the

chief operating officer for the NYSE Group, became President on May 25, 2018. Current NYSE President Thomas Farley, is

leaving to head a special purpose acquisition company.

French industrialist Serge Dassault dies at 93

French billionaire industrialist Serge Dassault, whose group builds Rafale warplanes, died in Paris on May 28, 2018 aged 93.

His Dassault group controls Dassault Aviation, newspaper Le Figaro as well as holding major stakes in Dassault Systemes and

Thales and smaller stakes in several other listed French businesses.

IMFA founder & industrialist Bansidhar Panda passes away at the age of 87



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Dr Bansidhar Panda, the doyen of Odisha industries and father of Lok Sabha MP Baijayant Panda, passed away in

Bhubaneswar on May 22, 2018. He was 87. Panda had founded IMFA (Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys) in 1961 and set up his

first plant in Koraput district.



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Section I: STATES

Central High-level Team calls Nipah virus disease in Kerala a local occurrence

Following directions of the Union Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda, a multi-disciplinary Central Team led by the National Centre

for Disease Control (NCDC) is presently in Kerala constantly reviewing the situation of the Nipah Virus Disease.

After reviewing the cases of all the patients who have lost their lives, the Central High-level Team on May 24, 2018 said that

the Nipah virus disease is not a major outbreak and is only a local occurrence. The Team has also further fine-tuned the draft

guidelines, case definitions, advisory for healthcare workers, information to the general public, advisories for sample collection

and transportation accordingly.

About the virus

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic pathogen (transmitted from animals to

humans) reported for the first time in Malaysia in 1998 in a village known as Kampung Sungai Nipah. The virus‘s natural hosts

are considered to be fruit bats although it has been found to have been transmitted to humans from pigs as well as seen in

Malaysia. In later outbreaks in Bangladesh, people were found to have been infected after consuming date palm sap that was

contaminated by virus-carrying fruit bats. The virus can be transmitted from humans to humans as well.

Transmission mode

Air-borne transmission of the virus can be ruled out, say health officials. WHO says humans could get infected if they come in

direct contact with ‗sick pigs or their contaminated tissues.‘ Secretions from fruit bats or pigs and droplets can also lead to

transmission.

Symptoms

Influenza-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, sore throat, vomiting, dizziness and muscle pain are the symptoms

associated with the viral infection. The incubation period, or the period from infection to first symptoms, is generally 4-14

days though health officials say it can extend to 60 days as well.

Treatment

The fundamental mode of treatment is limited to intensive supportive care for neurological and respiratory complications. No

vaccine or cure has been invented yet.

Fatalities

Till May 27, 2018, a total of 13 fatalities have been confirmed for NiV in Kerala. It is a serious health crisis for the state but

doctors say that the virus has been largely contained and that all the fatalities can be tied to one single family. Since human-

to-human contact is necessary for transmission, all the casualties were those who came in contact with the initial victims who

were infected. Most of the deaths occurred at the Kozhikode Medical College where they were admitted.

Tamil Nadu closes Vedanta copper smelter permanently after bloody protest

Tamil Nadu on May 28, 2018 ordered the permanent closure of a copper smelter controlled by London-listed Vedanta

Resources after 13 people protesting to demand its shutdown on environmental concerns were killed on May 22. Residents



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and environmental activists have long demanded a shutdown of the copper smelter operated by Vedanta‘s Sterlite Industries.

The smelter is India‘s second-biggest with an annual production of more than 400,000 tonnes, citing air and water pollution.

The plant, in the coastal city of Thoothukudi, has been shut since March 2018 for maintenance and pending a renewal of its

licence, even as residents continued largely peaceful protests demanding it be shut for good.

The opposition escalated on May 22 when thousands of people marched towards a government office on the 100th day of

the protest. Ten people were killed in police firing that day; three more died in subsequent days.

Vedanta says it has already evacuated about 3,500 employees from the plant site due to the tensions.

On May 23, 2018, the Madras High Court had stayed the construction work at Vedanta Ltd‘s second copper smelter plant at

Thoothukudi. Hearing a public interest petition (PIL) against the company‘s application for renewal of environmental clearance

for the second copper smelter plant project, the Madurai Bench of the High Court ordered that the application be processed

after mandatory public hearing.

Kerala tourism to unveil world‟s largest bird sculpture

Kerala tourism will inaugurate the world‘s largest bird sculpture, Jatayu Earth‘s Centre in Thiruvananthapuram on July 4,

Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said on May 22, 2018. The replica of the bird ‗Jatayu‘ -- a character in the

Ramayana -- is 200 feet long, 150 feet wide, 65 feet tall and is positioned right at the top of a rock situated 1,000 feet above

sea level. The sculpture, spread over 65 acres in Thiruvananthapuram, has been built at a cost of Rs 100 crore.

PM inaugurates expressway projects in Delhi NCR

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 27, 2018 dedicated to the nation, two newly built expressways in the Delhi NCR Region

and addressed a public meeting in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh.

The first of these is the 14 lane, access controlled, Phase-I of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, stretching from Nizamuddin

Bridge to Delhi UP Border. One completed, this expressway will significantly reduce travel times from the National Capital to

Meerut, and to several other parts of Western Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. This expressway stretches from Nizamuddin

Bridge in Delhi to UP Border. This is the first National Highway in the country with 14 lanes.

The second project to be dedicated to the nation is the 135 km long Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE), stretching from

Kundli on NH 1 to Palwal on NH 2. EPE will contribute towards the twin objectives of decongesting and de-polluting the

national capital by diverting traffic not destined for Delhi.

Himachal CM launches three schemes

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur launched schemes for assistance to youths to start self-employment

ventures, distribution of LPG connections to households and a programme to address public grievances in effective manner in

Shimla on May 26, 2018.

The chief minister said that ‗Jan Manch‘ to be organised on first Sunday of every month would go a long way in prompt

redressal of public grievances.

Thakur said Mukhya Mantri Swavlamban Yojana would provide self-employment opportunities to the youth of the state in the

age group of 18-35 years. They would be given 25 per cent investment subsidy for purchase of machinery on an input of Rs

40 lakh. The subsidy would be 30 per cent for women entrepreneurs.



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Under ‗Himachal Grihini Suvidha Yojana‘, gas connections would be provided to all the households which have not been

covered under the Ujjawala Scheme.

Tata Trusts signs MoU with govt to support development in Naxal-hit districts of Chhattisgarh

The Tata Trusts has joined hands with the government to help it in development initiatives in eight worst Naxal-affected

districts in Chhattisgarh, which were covered under the ―transformation of aspirational‖ districts programme. Tata Trusts, the

philanthropic organisation started by the promoters of the Tata group, has signed an MoU with the government to provide

technical and human resource assistance to the special development programme launched by the NITI Aayog.

As per the pact, the Tata Trusts will help the government in conducting surveys and providing ground level and technical

support in raising the living standards of citizens. The eight worst Naxal-hit districts, which were chosen for the programme

and would be helped by the Tata Trusts are Rajnandgaon, Kanker, Bastar, Bijapur, Kondagaon, Dantewada, Narayanpur and

Sukma.

Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January, the ‗Transformation of Aspirational Districts‘ programme aims to

quickly and effectively transform some of the most underdeveloped districts of the country. Over 100 districts from across the

country were chosen to implement the ambitious programme. Health and nutrition, education, agriculture and water

resources, financial inclusion and skill development and basic infrastructure are the programme‘s core areas of focus.

Incubation centre and Food Testing Laboratory inaugurated at NIFTEM in Sonipat

Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal said that the Ministry will collaborate with multiple

international laboratories testing various food products so that the food products approved by laboratories at National

Institute of Food Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) get worldwide acceptability. The Minister was speaking to the

media at the inauguration ceremony of an Incubation centre and Food Testing Laboratory at NIFTEM in Sonipat, Haryana on

May 25, 2018.

PM lays foundation stone for Patratu Super Thermal Power Project

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone on May 25, 2018 for the 2400MW first phase of NTPC‘s Patratu Super

Thermal Power Project in Jharkhand. The project is a 74: 26 Joint Venture between Government of Jharkhand (GoJ) and

Patratu Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd. (PVUN), a subsidiary company of NTPC establishing a total capacity expansion of

4,000MW.

PM inaugurates Digital Art Gallery of NHAI in Haryana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 27, 2018 inaugurated the Digital Art Gallery of National Highways Authority of India

(NHAI) at the toll plaza in Jakhauli village in Sonepat district of Haryana.

Main event of International Yoga Day to be held in Dehradun

The main event of 4th International Yoga Day celebrations (IDY-2018) will be held on June 21 at Dehradun in Uttrakhand.

Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of AYUSH announced on May 28, 2018 that Dehradun has been selected as the

venue for Mass Yoga Demonstration (Main Event).

NIA convicts five IM militants for 2013 Bodh Gaya serial blasts



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A special NIA court in Patna on May 25, 2018 convicted five Indian Mujahideen militants in the Bodh Gaya serial blasts case of

2013. Special NIA judge Manoj Kumar Sinha held all the five accused - Imtiyaz Ansari, Haider Ali, Mujib Ullah, Omair Siddiqui

and Azharuddin Qureishi - guilty in the case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activity (Prevention)

Act and the Explosives Act. The pilgrim town of Bodh Gaya was rocked by a series of explosions in the morning of July 7, 2013

which had left a number of people, including some Buddhist monks, injured.

NIC launches new data centre in Bhubaneswar

The National Informatics Center (NIC) on May 28, 2018 launched its fourth data centre in Bhubaneswar after such centres at

New Delhi, Hyderabad and Pune. Union Electronics and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad inaugurated the centre. The new

cloud-enabled National Data Centre aims to offer round-the-clock operations with secure hosting for various e-governance

applications of Central and state governments and has ability to support 35,000 virtual servers.

Gaj Yatra honours Meghalaya‟s elephant corridor effort

In 2014, villagers in Meghalaya‘s Garo Hills set aside a part of their community-owned land to create village reserve forests to

give right of passage to elephants. In acknowledgement of that gesture, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate

Change and the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) on May 28, 2018 rolled out the ‗Gaj Yatra‘ from Tura, the principal town of Garo

Hills. ‗Gaj Yatra‘, a ―journey celebrating India‘s national heritage animal‖, aims at securing 100 elephant corridors across India.

Four of these are in Meghalaya, including the Siju-Rewak corridor that some 1,000 elephants use to travel between the

Balpakram and Nokrek National Parks in the State.

Ordinance approved for India‟s first sports varsity in Manipur

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 23, 2018 approved an ordinance to set up the country‘s

first National Sports University in Manipur. The proposed university will be spread over 325 acres in Imphal West district and

cost Rs 524 crore.

NEWSMAKERS

H.D. Kumaraswamy sworn in as chief minister of Karnataka

H.D. Kumaraswamy of Janata Dal (Secular) was sworn-in as the 24th

chief minister of Karnataka on May 23, 2018, marking the

beginning of the JD(S)-Congress alliance in the state. G. Parameshwara of Congress took oath as the state‘s Deputy Chief

Minister. Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala administered the oath at a ceremony held outside the Vidhana Soudha, the state

assembly.

Fifty-eight-year-old Kumaraswamy was invited to form the government in Karnataka after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led B S

Yeddyurappa stepped down within three days of taking over as the state chief minister, following a fractured mandate of

Karnataka assembly polls.

The BJP emerged as the single largest party with 104 seats, only eight seats short of the simple majority mark of 112. On the

other hand, the Congress party with 78 seats and JD(S) with 37 seats, along with two independent candidates, stitched up a

post-poll alliance with a total of 117 MLAs.

However, the Governor invited BJP‘s Yeddyurappa to form a government on May 16, and gave him 15 days to prove majority,

amid huge uproar by the opposition.



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On May 18, the Supreme Court, on the plea of the Congress and JD(S), shifted the floor test to May 19. Unable to garner the

required number by the deadline, Yeddyurappa stepped down from the post of chief minister before the floor test could be

conducted.

Kumaraswamy, the son of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, had earlier served as the chief minister of the state from

February 2006 to October 2007

On May 25, 2018, the three-day old H. D. Kumaraswamy government won the vote of confidence in the Legislative Assembly.

The motion expressing confidence in the Kumaraswamy government was adopted by voice vote in the presence of JD (S)-

Congress coalition MLAs and other lawmakers supporting the government. The BJP members staged a walkout before the

trust vote was taken. Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) nominee K.R. Ramesh Kumar was elected the Assembly Speaker

BJD leader & Lok Sabha MP from Odisha Baijayant Panda quits party

Odisha Lok Sabha MP and Biju Janta Dal leader Baijayant Jay Panda quit the party on May 28, 2018. The MP from Kendrapara

district submitted his resignation letter to BJD chief and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Panda has been a parliamentarian of

the BJD since 2000 and was a founding member of Biju Janata Dal. He was suspended from the party‘s primary membership

in January 2018 on disciplinary grounds.

Newly elected Karnataka Congress MLA S B Nyamgoud dies at 71

Senior Congress legislator Siddu Bhimappa Nyamgoud from Karnataka‘s Bagalkot district died in a road accident on May 28,

2018 at the age of 71. Nyamgoud was re-elected to the state Assembly in the May 12 election, defeating BJP‘s Kulkarni

Shrikant Subrao by 2,795 votes. The veteran party leader was a Union Minister in the P V Narasimha Rao cabinet in 1990-91.

Veteran Telugu actor, producer Madala Ranga Rao dies at 69

Noted Telugu film personality Madala Ranga Rao, also popularly known as ―Red Star‖ for his revolutionary movies, died at the

age of 69 in Hyderabad on May 27, 2018. He acted and produced several films with leftist ideologies. He received the

prestigious Golden Nandi award from the then Andhra Pradesh government for his film ‗Yuvatharam Kadilindhi‘.

Veteran Gujarati writer, humourist Vinod Bhatt dies at 80

Eminent Gujarati writer and humourist Vinod Bhatt died in Ahmedabad on May 23, 2018 at the age of 80. The veteran writer

was best known for his humour columns in Gujarati newspapers, which were popular among the masses for years.

Commemorative stamp on C. Kesavan released

A commemorative postage stamp of veteran freedom fighter and Chief Minister of erstwhile Travancore-Kochi C Kesavan was

released at a function in Thiruvananthapuram on May 23, 2018. The stamp is certainly a fitting homage to the memory of the

hero of the ‗abstention movement‘ of the 1930s, Governor P Sathasivam said. The abstention movement started as a protest

against constitutional reforms in 1932.

President appoints Odisha, Mizoram Governors

President Ram Nath Kovind on May 25, 2018 appointed new Governors of two states - Odisha and Mizoram. President Kovind

appointed Professor Ganeshi Lal as the Governor of Odisha with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office. He also

appointed Kummanam Rajasekharan to be the Governor of Mizoram. Rajasekharan will replace incumbent Lt Gen Nirbhay



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Sharma, who is completing his tenure on May 28. Rajasekharan is the current president of Bharatiya Janata Party‘s (BJP) Kerala

unit.



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Section J: SPORTS

Chennai Super Kings win IPL

Chennai Super Kings (181/2 in 18.3 overs) defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) 178/6 (20 overs) in final by 8 wickets in the

final to win the 2018 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on May

27, 2018. Kane Williamson was the captain of the losing side while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was led by Mahendra Singh

Dhoni. Shane Watson who made 117 not out in 57 balls for CSK was named Player of the Match. CSK won the toss and

elected to field first. Tom Moody and Stephen Fleming were coaches of SRH and CSK respectively.

The 2018 season of the Indian Premier League was its eleventh season held from April 7 to May 27. This season saw the return

of the Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals after serving two years of suspension for the involvement of their

respective owners in the 2013 IPL betting case.

Awards

Emerging player of the season award was won by Rishabh Pant of Delhi Daredevils. He made 684 runs in 14 matches. Purple

cap for most wickets in the tournament was given to Andrew Tye of Kings XI Punjab for taking 24 wickets in 14 matches.

Orange cap for most runs in the tournament was given to Kane Williamson of Sunrisers Hyderabad for making 735 runs in 17

matches. The Most Valuable Player award was won by Sunil Narine of Kolkata Knight Riders for making 357 runs and taking

17 wickets in 16 matches. Rishabh Pant also won Stylish Player of the Season award. Narine also won Super Striker of the

Season. Perfect Catch of the Season award was won by Trent Boult. IPL Fairplay award was won by Mumbai Indians.

AB de Villiers announces retirement from international cricket

Former South Africa Test captain AB de Villiers announced his retirement from international cricket on May 23, 2018. The 34-

year-old holds several records including the world‘s fastest ODI half-century, century and 150. De Villiers scored 8,765 runs in

114 Tests with 22 centuries (average 50.66), 9,577 runs in 228 ODIs with 25 centuries and 1,672 runs in 78 T20Is with 10 half-

centuries. Starting out as a wicketkeeper-batsman, he finished his career with 463 catches, including those behind the wicket

and in the field, as well as 17 stumpings.

ICC bars cricketers from wearing smartwatch

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on May 25, 2018 warned players to stop wearing smartwatches during play to avoid

any allegations of match-fixing. Some Pakistan players were seen sporting the devices during the opening day of their first

test against England at Lord‘s on May 24 and were cautioned by an ICC anti-corruption officer.

BCCI goes „green‟ by joining hands with UN

The BCCI and UN Environment on May 27, 2018 signed an agreement to promote green‘ cricket in India. BCCI acting secretary

Amitabh Choudhary and Erik Solheim, Executive Director of UN Environment, signed a letter of intent at the BCCI

headquarters in Mumbai.

Real Madrid beat Liverpool 3-1 to win Champions League

Gareth Bale scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 3-1 in the Champions League final in Kiev on May 27, 2018. Karim

Benzema scored the first goal of the match for Real Madrid. Sadio Mane scored the only goal for the losing side.



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China wins Thomas Cup Men‟s Team Badminton Championship

China won the Men‘s Team title at the Thomas Cup Badminton Championship held in Bangkok by beating Japan 3-1 in the

final held on May 27, 2018. In the first Singles match Japan‘s Kento Momota beat Chen Long 21-9, 21-18. China‘s Liu Cheng

and Zhang Nan won the Doubles match beating Takuto Inoue and Yuki Kaneko 21-10, 21-18 making the score 1-1. China‘s

Shi Yuqi made it 2-1 by defeating Japan‘s Kenta Nishimoto 21-12, 21-17 in the second Singles match making the score 2-1.

The 5-match contest ended in 3-1 in China‘s favour when its Doubles pair Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen beat Japan‘s Keigo

Sonoda and Yuta Watanabe 17-21, 21-19, 22-20. The fifth match was not played.

Japan wins Uber Cup Women‟s Team Badminton Championship

Japan won the Women‘s Team title at the Uber Cup Badminton Championship held in Bangkok by beating hosts Thailand 3-1

in the final held on May 26, 2018. Japan went ahead 1-0 when Akane Yamaguchi defeated Ratchanok Intanon 21-15, 21-19.

Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota made the score 2-0 by beating the Thai pair of Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Puttita

Supajirakul in the Doubles match 21-18, 21-12. Japan won the Uber Cup when Nozomi Okuhara won the Singles match

against Thailand‘s Nitchaon Jindapol 21-12, 21-9.

India bag silver, bronze in archery World Cup

India opened its account with a silver and a bronze medal in the compound section of the ongoing second stage of the

archery World Cup Stage II in Antalya on May 25, 2018. India‘s women compound team of Jyothi Surekha Vennam, Muskan

Kirar and Divya Dhayal lost to their Chinese Taipei opponents by three points to settle for a silver. In another event, mixed pair

of Abhisek Verma and Jyothi prevailed over Belgian duo of Reginald Kools and Sarah Prieels 158-155 in the bronze play-off to

add a second medal to India‘s tally.

Cristiano Ronaldo named most famous athlete in the world by ESPN World Fame 100

Indian cricketers Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni appeared in the top 20 biggest names in the world of sports while Cristiano

Ronaldo was tagged the most famous athlete in the world, according to ESPN World Fame 100, released on May 22, 2018.

Real Madrid and Portugal superstar Ronaldo leads the list for the third successive year. NBA superstar LeBron James and

Barcelona star Lionel Messi take the second and third spot. ESPN uses various categories to score athletes around the world

including search score, social media as well as endorsement deals to come to a judgement. Indians in the list: Virat Kohli

(11th), MS Dhoni (20th), Rohit Sharma (30th), Suresh Raina (41st), Saina Nehwal (50th), Yuvraj Singh (57th), R Ashwin (71st),

Harbhajan Singh (80th), Gautam Gambhir (83rd), Shikhar Dhawan (94th), Sania Mirza (100th)

Tejaswini wins gold, Chain Singh silver at Munich World Cup

Tejaswini Sawant won a gold in the women‘s 50m Rifle Prone event at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol stage in Munich on May

23, 2018. Sawant shot 621.4 to pip younger teammate Anjum Moudgil, who shot 621.2 to win Silver in the event. Chain Singh

also won a silver in the men‘s 50m Rifle Prone event finishing behind USA‘s Matthew Emmonswho won gold.

Srinath Narayanan is Kolkata Open chess champion

Srinath Narayanan won the LIC 3rd Kolkata Open International Grandmasters Chess Tournament in Kolkata on May 22, 2018.

Former NZ athlete Dick Quax dies aged 70



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Former 5,000m world record-holder and Olympic medallist for New Zealand, Dick Quax, died in Wellington on May 28, 2018

at the age of 70. Quax won silver in the 5,000m at the 1976 Montreal Games, and 1,500m silver at the 1970 Commonwealth

Games. In May 1977, he broke the 5,000m world record with a time of 13 minutes 12.9 seconds.

Daniel Ricciardo wins Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix

Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo won the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix on May 27, 2018. He was followed by Ferrari driver

Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes in second and third places respectively.


For the Week: May 30 to June 5, 2018

HEADLINES

Section A: INDIA

Results of Lok Sabha and Assembly byelections in 10 states announced

India‘s forest cover stood at 21.34 per cent in 2015

Centre notifies Cauvery Water Management Authority

Mahanadi water tribunal asks states to nominate reps for adjudication of dispute

Online analytical tool to monitor foreign contributions under FCRA launched



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Campaign for Blue Flag Certification of beaches launched

87% Indians worry about non-recyclable waste‘s impact on environment: Ipsos survey

Govt forms executive committee for Gandhi‘s 150th birth anniversary celebrations

Upgraded Pinaka rocket successfully test-fired

Nuclear-capable Agni-5 test-fired successfully

Ganga Praharis to protect bio-diversity of river Ganga

Jan Aushadhi Suvidha oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkin launched

Foundation laid for India‘s first Advanced Forensic Lab in Chandigarh for women-related cases

Tourism Minister launches guidelines on Adventure Tourism

Health Ministry to immunize healthcare workers with Hepatitis- B vaccine

Rs 100,000 as office expenses/yr for retired President, Rs 90,000 for ex-VP

Dinesh Gupta new Director General of GSI

Akshay Kumar to promote government‘s road safety campaign

Amitabh Bachchan to be face of Railways anti-trespassing campaign

India‘s envoy to Russia Pankaj Saran appointed Deputy NSA


PM Modi visits Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore

PM Modi meets Malaysian PM Mahatir Mohammad

India and Indonesia elevate bilateral ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership level

PM Modi, Widodo inaugurate kite exhibition themed on Indian epics

India-Indonesia to hold first interfaith dialogue in October

PM Modi launches 3 Indian digital payment apps in Singapore

PM Modi unveils Mahatma Gandhi plaque at Clifford Pier in Singapore

Indian, Singaporean navies sign agreement on logistics cooperation

Replica of 6th century Buddhagupta Stele presented to Singapore PM

PM Modi meets US Defence Secretary in Singapore

India signs Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) in Nursing with Singapore

Swaraj discusses bilateral ties with SA President

Commerce Minister attends informal gathering of WTO in Paris

Navy rescues 38 Indians from Socotra Island in Yemen

India, Pak DGMOs agree to fully implement 2003 ceasefire pact

RIMPAC from June 27; India among 26 participant countries

US Pacific Command renamed as US Indo-Pacific Command

India, Japan, US to participate in naval exercise in Guam

Russia‘s Gazprom begins LNG supplies to India

India among top 5 nations in e-waste generation: Report



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Section C: WORLD

IISc makes it to top 100 in Times Higher Education ranking

Japan‘s Lower House passes bills to lower adulthood age

China launches new earth observation satellite Gaofen-6

US vetoes UN resolution on protecting Palestinians

Cuba, US to restore direct postal service

UN releases first education guide on fighting anti-Semitism

First Saudi women get driving licences

Fuego volcano eruption in Guatemala kills 25

Indonesia‘s Merapi volcano ejects towering column of ash

India ranked 113th on world childhood index

Denmark bans Islamic full-face veil in public spaces

International Day of UN Peacekeepers observed on May 29

United Nations Global Day of Parents celebrated on June 1

World Milk Day observed on June 1

World No Tobacco Day observed on May 31

First World Bicycle Day observed on June 3

Pak SC strikes down disqualification of Khwaja Asif

Pedro Sanchez sworn in as new Spanish PM

Giuseppe Conte sworn in as Italian prime minister

Jordan PM Hani Mulki resigns after anti-austerity protests


NITI Aayog releases national strategy on artificial intelligence, identifies 5 focus areas

MoES introduces new forecast model to give accurate prediction

FSSAI to limit trans-fat in vanaspati/margarine to below 2 pc in phased manner

3 ISS astronauts return to Earth safely

Section E: AWARDS

HDFC Bank recognized for Best Practices in Payment Security at Visa Summit

Punjab, Assam, Goa police stand out at FICCI Smart Policing awards

US philosopher Michael Sandel awarded Spain‘s Princess of Asturias prize

Kailash Satyarthi, ISRO chief get ‗Santokbaa Humanitarian‘ award

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance to get Sansad Ratna Award

GNFC gets Porter prize for promoting cashless transactions

Singer Zubeen Garg to receive PETA award

Kerala cartoonist Thomas Antony wins international award


Govt seeks applications for NFRA chairperson, members‘ posts

UIDAI relaxes daily Aadhaar enrolment target for bank branches

Financial Literacy Week held from June 4 to 8

Govt appoints IDBI Bank MD M. K. Jain as RBI Deputy Governor

ICICI Bank orders probe into allegations against Chanda Kochhar



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Section G: ECONOMY

Govt meets fiscal deficit target of 3.5% for FY‘18

India‘s per capita income grows by 8.6% to Rs 113,000 from 103,870 in FY18

India‘s Q4 GDP grows at 7.7%, for entire 2017-18 at 6.7%

New Benami Transactions Informants Reward Scheme launched by Income Tax Department

Revised Income Tax Informants Reward Scheme launched

Govt. introduces ‗Seva Bhoj Yojna‘ scheme to reimburse GST on free food given at religious places

Free banking services not liable to GST, mutual fund exit load to attract levy

Forex reserves decline by $2.23 bn to $412.83 bn

1.5 lakh affordable houses sanctioned for urban poor under PMAY (Urban)

Government, World Bank sign $500 million loan agreement for PMGSY

Environment Ministry, TERI sign MOU to set up Resource Efficiency Cell

Krishi Kalyan Abhiyan being implemented in 111 Aspirational Districts

Financial institution to be set up exclusively for food processing sector

The Knowledge Coalition-Intelligent Conversations organised in New Delhi

Session on ‗Sustainable lifestyle towards Enhancing Resource Efficiency & Circular Economy‘ held

Ministries of MSME and Ayush Sign MoU for the Development of Ayush Enterprises

App and Web portal launched for transparency in electricity payments to Generators

Centre asks states to lift PDS grains for welfare institutions

FICCI‘s Economic Outlook Survey projects GDP growth for FY19 at 7.4%

Moody‘s cuts India‘s GDP forecast in 2018 to 7.3% from 7.5%

Manufacturing PMI declines in May

April eight core industries growth at 4.7%


Workers in Mumbai work longest hours in the world

IOC most profitable PSU for 2nd year in a row

Cipla announces $15 mn ‗disruptive‘ challenge

Google India introduces ‗Neighbourly‘ app to solve local queries

FICCI joins hands with PPMC to chart road map for sustainable mobility in India

Patanjali removes ‗Kimbho app‘ from Play Store

Royal Enfield launches special edition of Classic 500 Pegasus

NCW, Facebook to provide training to women on responsible use of internet

Legal & General sells 26% in IndiaFirst to Warburg Pincus

Bharti Foundation inks pact to support govt schools in NE

NTPC adopts Charminar

Singapore Airlines to launch world‘s longest commercial flight in October

Australia‘s Commonwealth Bank to pay record fine in laundering case

Toshiba completes $18 billion sale of chip unit to Bain consortium

Microsoft acquires GitHub for $7.5bn

HDFC Bank‘s Aditya Puri features in Barron‘s list of top 30 global CEOs

CBI books Air Asia CEO, others for violating international flying norms

Section I: STATES



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Bengal‘s Chau mask acquires Geographical Indication tag

Centre to set up study centre on Brahmaputra river at Gauhati University

World Bank to provide $21.7 mn loan for Rajasthan financial management

Piyush Goyal flags off Humsafar Jodhpur Bandra Express in Rajasthan

Kalkaji-Janakpuri corridor opens to public; Delhi-NCR metro span to be 380 km by Dec

Heli-Taxi services launched between Shimla & Chandigarh

Govt enhances compensation for loss of milch animals due to cross-border firing in J&K

Rose-ringed parakeet is official bird of A.P.

Telangana govt, LIC sign MoU for life insurance scheme for farmers

NASSCOM to set up cyber security CoE in Telangana

Cochin Shipyard, Kerala govt ink pact to build marine ambulances

Kerala Tourism rolls out ‗ComeOutAndPlay‘ monsoon campaign

Odisha launches health insurance scheme for journalists

Maharashtra ties up with Tata Motors, M&M to deploy 1,000 e-vehicles

Maharashtra government unveils ‗sandbox‘ to aid startups

Maharashtra BJP minister Pandurang Fundkar dies at 67

Bengali litterateur Indramitra dies at 89

Section J: SPORTS

Discus thrower Vikas Gowda announces retirement

Monu Goyat tops ProKabaddi 2018 player auction list at Rs.1.51 crore

National Sports University Ordinance, 2018 gets President‘s assent

Rabada named South Africa‘s Cricketer of the Year

India‘s Sanjana Ramesh wins the MVP award at Basketball Without Borders Asia

CWG gold medallist Sanjita Chanu fails dope test

Chennai Customs, KSEB win titles at all-India Basketball Championship

Sports journalist Sathish Paul dies at 52



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Section A: INDIA

NEWS ROUND UP

Results of Lok Sabha and Assembly byelections in 10 states announced

Results of Lok Sabha and Assembly byelections were announced on May 31, 2018. Polling was held for by-elections to 4 Lok

Sabha and 10 Assembly constituencies spread across 10 states on May 28.

Lok Sabha

Maharashtra: BJP retained Palghar seat but lost Bhandara-Gondiya seat to NCP. Rajendra Gavit won from Palghar while

Madhukar Kukade won from Bhandara-Gondiya.

Uttar Pradesh: Tabassum Hasan of the RLD won the Kairana seat, earlier held by BJP.

Nagaland: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) won the state‘s lone seat. Tokheho Yepthomi won.

Legislative Assemblies

West Bengal: Trinamool Congress retained Maheshtala seat. Dulal Das won.

Bihar: RJD wrested Jokihat seat from the JD(U). Shahnawaz Alam won.

UP: Samajwadi Party wrested Noorpur seat from BJP. Naeemul Hasan won.

Uttarakhand: BJP retained Tharali seat. Munni Devi Shah won.

Jharkhand: Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) retained both Silli and Gomia seats. In Gomia, Babita Devi won while in Silli,

Seema Mahto won.

Punjab: Congress wrested Shahkot seat from Shiromani Akali Dal. Hardev Singh Ladi won

Meghalaya: Opposition Congress retained Ampati seat. Miani D Shira won.

Kerala: Ruling CPI (M)-led LDF retained Chengannur seat. Saji Cheriyan won.

Karnataka: Congress retained Rajarajeshwari Nagar seat. N. Munirathna won.

India‟s forest cover stood at 21.34 per cent in 2015

The State of Environment Report 2015 was released by Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan at the state environment

ministers‘ conference in New Delhi on June 4, 2018. According to the report:

Forests and tree cover together constitute about 24.16 per cent of the country‘s geographical area.

As per the latest estimate by Forest Survey of India (FSI), in 2015, the forest cover stood at 21.34 per cent of India‘s total

geographical area, with a marginal rise from 20.05 per cent in 2009.

Mizoram with 89 per cent has the highest forest cover among the states and Union territories in the country. It is followed by

Lakshadweep (84.56 percent), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (82 per cent), Arunachal Pradesh (80 per cent), according to the

report. 15 states and Union territories (UTs) having more than 33 per cent forest cover.

The forest cover of the country has increased from 692,027 square kilometres in 2010 to 701,673 square kilometres in 2015.

There had been a net decline of 628 sq km in forest cover and an increase of 112 sq km in mangroves, as compared with

2009.

Madhya Pradesh has the maximum forest cover of 72,462 sq km in the country.

E. K. Janaki Ammal National awards on taxonomy were also given away on the occasion. The awards consist of Rs. 5 lakh of

cash, a scroll and a medallion. The awards were given to: (i) Dr. S.R Yadav for Plant Taxonomy – (Dr. Yadav is a Scientist, Deptt



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of Botany, Shivaji University, Kolhapur); (ii) Dr. P.T Cherian for Animal Taxonomy (Dr. Cherian is Principal Investigator,

Department of Zoology, Trivandrum) (iii) Dr. S. Sivaji for Microbial Taxonomy – (Dr. S. Sivaji is from Hyderabad).

National Geographic‘s plastic wrapper-free magazine (India, US and UK editions) was also released on the occasion. The

effort of National Geographic is to educate and inform the public about the environmental threats of single-use plastic. This

initiative by National Geographic will save more than 2.5 million single-use plastic bags every month.

Centre notifies Cauvery Water Management Authority

The Centre on June 1, 2018 took the formal steps for notifying the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) for

implementation of the Cauvery Water Tribunal Award on sharing of waters between Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and

Puducherry.

Recently the Supreme Court gave its nod for CWMA for the implementation of the 2007 Cauvery Tribunal Award after the

government placed the scheme following the completion of assembly elections in Karnataka.

Under the draft scheme presented to the court, the authority, which will be headquartered in Delhi, would be the sole body to

implement the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award -- aimed at distribution of Cauvery waters between the party states as

modified by the apex court. The Centre would have no say in it except for issuing administrative advisories to it.

The CWMA will be assisted in the discharge of its functions by a Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) located in

Bengaluru, mandated to collect daily water levels, inflows and storage position at Hemavathy, Harangi, Krishnarajasagara,

Kabini, Mettur, Bhavanisagar, Amaravathy and Banasurasagar reservoirs.

The court had said that the CWMA will be bound by the contours regarding apportionment of river water in terms of the

Award. While doing so, the authority is ―expected to take into account all factors that may be relevant at the given point of

time, including identifying the situation of distress in the basin caused due to identifiable factors before quantifying the water

quantity for being released or allotted to the party States/UT for the relevant period‖.

Mahanadi water tribunal asks states to nominate reps for adjudication of dispute

The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has asked the governments of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and

Maharashtra to nominate their representatives for adjudication of the river dispute by August 6.

―Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal has issued notice under Rule 4 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Rules, 1959 to the

state governments of Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra to nominate their representatives

for adjudication of Mahanadi River Water Disputes latest by August 6, 2018.

―The notice also mentioned that if no nominations were received by the due date, the case may be decided in the absence of

any representation of state government,‖ a statement by the Ministry of Water Resources said.

On the request of Odisha made under the Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956, the central government

constituted Mahanadi Water Dispute Tribunal on March 12.

Online analytical tool to monitor foreign contributions under FCRA launched

Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh on June 1, 2018 launched an Online Analytical Tool to facilitate closer monitoring of

the flow and utilisation of foreign contributions received by various organisations registered or permitted under the Foreign

Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010.



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This web-based tool enables decision-makers in various Departments of Government to scrutinise source of foreign funds

and their actual use in India. It gives them capacity to take data-driven and evidence-based decisions regarding the

compliance of the provisions of the FCRA, 2010.

There are approximately 25,000 active NGOs and other organisations registered under the FCRA,. Foreign contributions worth

Rs 18,065 crore were received by such organisations for various social, cultural, economic, educational and religious activities

during financial year 2016-17.

Campaign for Blue Flag Certification of beaches launched

Society of Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has

embarked upon a programme for Blue flag certification of one Blue Flag beach in each of the 13 coastal States /UTs under the

World Bank-assisted Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP).

SICOM conceived an integrated coastal management scheme named BEAMS (Beach Management Services). The main

objective of BEAMS programme is to reduce pollutants, promote sustainable development and strive for high standards in the

areas of (i) environmental management (ii) environmental education (iii) bathing water quality (iv) safety & security services

scientifically. A ―Clean‖ beach is the primary indicator of coastal environmental quality, management and economic health of

beach tourism. However, coastal regions in India are highly susceptible to litter and other pollution.

A team of SICOM carried out extensive field research work to assess gaps with regard to Blue Flag requirements in the 13

nominated pilot beaches. These 13 beaches include - Shivrajpur (Dwarka) Gujarat, Ghoghla (Diu) Daman & Diu, Bhogve

(Sindhudurg) Maharashtra, Miramar (Panjim) Goa, Padubidri (Udupi) Karnataka, Kappad (Kozhikode) Kerala, Emerald (Karaikal)

Puducherry, Mahabalipuram Tamil Nadu, Rushikonda (Vishakhapatnam), Andhra Pradesh, Chandrabhaga (Puri) Odisha, Tajpur

(Purbi Midnapore) West Bengal, Radhanagar (Havelock) Andaman Nicobar and Bangaram, Lakshadweep.

―BLUE FLAG‖ has very stringent 33 criteria to be complied based on which a beach is certified and permitted to hoist their flag

in these beaches. The moment a ―BLUE FLAG‖ is hoisted in a beach, the mention is made in the global headquarters of

Foundation for Environment Education (FEE) in Copenhagen, Denmark and thereby on the World Tourism Map.

87% Indians worry about non-recyclable waste‟s impact on environment: Ipsos survey

As many as 87 per cent Indians were concerned about the environmental effects of non-recyclable waste which includes

plastic packaging, plastic bags and other disposable objects, according to a new survey by global research firm Ipsos. The

survey also found that Indians have identified air pollution, global warming and overpopulation as top three environment

issues which need attention.

Water pollution, deforestation, poor quality of drinking water, wildlife conservation, natural resource depletion, future food

sources and supplies, emissions, flooding, soil erosion, and over-packaging of consumer goods were some of the other

worrisome environment issues identified by Indians.

Indians recommend a combination of effective actions which include government investment to improve recycling, higher

taxes on shops that use non-recyclable packaging and fines for households that do not recycle enough.

Govt forms executive committee for Gandhi‟s 150th

birth anniversary celebrations



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The government on June 2, 2018 set up an executive committee (EC) under the chairpersonship of Prime Minister Narendra

Modi to ―spread Mahatma Gandhi‘s legacy‖ around the world. The committee comprises senior cabinet ministers, the leader

of opposition in the Rajya Sabha, renowned Gandhians, social activists and noted public figures. The EC‘s mandate is to chalk

out the plan, programmes, and activities under the commemoration. The objective of the commemoration is to spread

Gandhiji‘s legacy amongst the people at the national and international level.

The panel was formed after the first meeting of the National Committee (NC) under the chairmanship of the President to

commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi in which it was decided to form a sub-committee to consider

policies and lay down guidelines for the celebrations. The NC has 125 members, of which 116 are from India. The others are

acclaimed foreign members.

Upgraded Pinaka rocket successfully test-fired

An upgraded version of Pinaka rocket, with a guidance system and an enhanced range, was successfully test-fired from the

Proof & Experiment Establishment (PXE) at Chandipur in Odisha on May 30, 2018.

The earlier Pinaka version, which was an unguided one, has now been upgraded into a guided version, with a navigation,

guidance and control kit developed by the Research Centre, Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad. The RCI comes under the Defence

Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The conversion helped in enhancing the range and accuracy of Pinaka. If its

range was earlier 40 km, it is more than 70 km now.

The guided Pinaka was developed jointly by the Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, the RCI,

and the Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad. The PXE, Chandipur, provided the range and

launch support.

Nuclear-capable Agni-5 test-fired successfully

Indian successfully test-fired nuclear-capable ballistic missile Agni-5 from Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island

off the coast of Odisha on June 3, 2018. The intercontinental ballistic missile was fired with a strike range of 5,000 km that can

reach several parts of China. This was the sixth successful test launch of the longest range nuclear capable missile. It was last

tested on January 18, 2018. Agni-5 is part of the Agni series of missiles, one of the missile systems under the original

Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.

Ganga Praharis to protect bio-diversity of river Ganga

A new grassroots-level volunteer workforce has been deployed to protect the bio-diversity of river Ganga called Ganga

Praharis. A group of 427 trained volunteers are reaching to each and every house in areas along river Ganga to educate them

about the importance of protecting river‘s bio-diversity. They are spread over Ganga basin states of Uttarakhand, Uttar

Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar and West Bengal. Roped-in by Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun as part of the ―Biodiversity

Conservation and Ganga Rejuvenation‖ project being sponsored by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) under the

aegis of the Namami Gange programme, these Ganga Praharis are well trained in ecological monitoring of Ganga aqua life,

plantation techniques, awareness creation and community mobilization.

Jan Aushadhi Suvidha oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkin launched

Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Mansukh L. Mandaviya, launched

the ‗Jan Aushadhi Suvidha‘ oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkin under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana

(PMBJP), in New Delhi on June 4, 2018. The affordable sanitary napkins will now become available at over 3600 Janaushadhi



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Kendras functional in 33 States/UTs across India. Emphasizing upon the affordability aspect of Suvidha napkins, Mandaviya

said that the average price of sanitary napkins available in the market today is around Rs. 8 per pad, whereas now with the

launch of the SUVIDHA napkins at Rs. 2.50 per pad.

Foundation laid for India‟s first Advanced Forensic Lab in Chandigarh for women-related cases

Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi laid foundation of Sakhi Suraksha Advanced DNA Forensic

Laboratory in the campus of Central Forensic Science Lab, Chandigarh on June 1, 2018. The Minister said that forensic analysis

plays critical role in criminal investigation and the Advanced Lab will contribute to address the gap in forensic DNA analysis of

pending sexual assault cases in the country. The Minister added that the lab is being set up as a model forensic lab and would

be replicated in other parts of the country.

Tourism Minister launches guidelines on Adventure Tourism

The Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) K. J. Alphons launched the Guidelines by the Government of India on

Adventure Tourism in New Delhi on May 31, 2018. These guidelines on Safety and Quality Norms for Adventure Tourism in

India have been formulated along with the Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) in an effort to make

adventure sports safer. The aim of this initiative is to help adventure tour operators understand and execute safety guidelines

in a better manner. These guidelines cover land, air and water based activities which include mountaineering, trekking,

bungee jumping, paragliding, kayaking, scuba diving, river rafting and many other sports. These Guidelines are for 15 Land

Based, 7 Air Based and 7 Water Based activities.

Health Ministry to immunize healthcare workers with Hepatitis- B vaccine

On directions of Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken a decision to

vaccinate all healthcare workers who are at an increased risk of acquiring Hepatitis-B infection such as those involved in

conducting deliveries, giving injections and exposed to blood or blood products. Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for

all healthcare workers with occupational exposure, who have not received a complete primary series. Hepatitis B is a viral

infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease. The virus is highly contagious and is transmitted

through contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person.

Rs 100,000 as office expenses/yr for retired President, Rs 90,000 for ex-VP

The government has decided to provide upto Rs 100,000 lakh to a retired President and Rs 90,000 to a retired Vice-President

on account of office expenses every year, the Home Ministry said on May 29, 2018.

RECENT BOOKS

NON-FICTION

Spectrum Politics: Unveiling the Defence by Salman Khurshid

India and Pakistan: Neighbours at Odds by Avtar Singh Bhasin

History Repeating: Why Populists Rise and Governments Fall by Sam Wilkin

Infinite Variety: A History of Desire in India by Madhavi Menon

Across the Universe: The Beatles in India by Ajoy Bose

RSS 360: Demystifying Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh by Ratan Sharda

Beyond Dharma: Dissent in the Ancient Indian Sciences of Sex and Politics by Wendy Doniger

The Vanishing Stepwells of India by Victoria Lautman



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Running Away From Elephants: Adventures of a Wildlife Biologist by Rauf Ali

FICTION

The President Is Missing by Bill Clinton and James Patterson

NEWSMAKERS

Dinesh Gupta new Director General of GSI

Dinesh Gupta was on June 1, 2018 appointed as the new Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) based in

Kolkata. Gupta is an alumni of the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad from where he did PhD in Applied Geophysics.

Akshay Kumar to promote government‟s road safety campaign

Actor Akshay Kumar on June 3, 2018 joined hands with the Union ministry of Road Transport and Highways to promote road

safety through its campaign. The actor has uploaded a photo in which he is dressed as a traffic police constable along with

real life police personnel, and hoped that the campaign will create awareness about road safety.

Amitabh Bachchan to be face of Railways anti-trespassing campaign

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan has become the face of Central Railways‘ anti-trespassing campaign. Trespassing on railway

tracks is a major cause of deaths on Mumbai suburban rail network. Central Railway has launched an initiative ‗Ek Safar Rail Ke

Saath‘, where celebrities will share their experience about Indian Railways and their journey in a short film. At the end of the

film, they will give a message for railway commuters.

India‟s envoy to Russia Pankaj Saran appointed Deputy NSA

Senior diplomat Pankaj Saran was on May 29, 2018 appointed as Deputy National Security Advisor for a period of two years.

Saran is India‘s Ambassador to Russia since November 2015. He had held various positions in India and abroad including the

country‘s High Commissioner to Bangladesh. He also served as the joint secretary in the Prime Minister‘s Office between 2007

and 2012. Former chief of the Intelligence Bureau, Ajit Doval is the National Security Adviser.



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NEWS ROUND UP

PM Modi visits Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore

PM Modi meets Malaysian PM Mahatir Mohammad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 30, 2018 met his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohammad at Perdana Putra

Complex, Putrajaya. The two leaders had ―productive discussions‖ on bolstering the bilateral strategic ties. India is Malaysia‘s

largest trading partner in South Asia with total turnover of RM 61.43 billion (USD 15.44 billion) in 2017.

India and Indonesia elevated bilateral ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership level

India and Indonesia on May 30, 2018 elevated their bilateral ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and called for

freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific region as they signed 15 agreements including one on defence cooperation after

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held ―productive discussions‖ with President Joko Widodo. Modi said that India‘s Act East

Policy and the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for all in the Region) matches Widodo‘s Maritime Fulcrum Vision. The

two countries signed 15 agreements including on the cooperation in the field of defence, space, science and technology,

railways and health.

PM Modi, Widodo inaugurate kite exhibition themed on Indian epics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indonesian President Joko Widodo in May 30, 2018 flew kites as they inaugurated the first

joint kite exhibition themed on India‘s largest epics Ramayana and Mahabharata at the Jakarta‘s National Monument in

Jakarta. The Ramayana theme is designed by Indonesian organisers while the Mahabharata theme has been designed by

Indians. Both leaders visited the Arjuna Wijaya Chariot statue and the grand Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, in

the Indonesian capital. Modi also announced a 30-day free visa for Indonesian citizens.

India-Indonesia to hold first interfaith dialogue in October

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joko Widodo on May 30, 2018 agreed to organise an interfaith dialogue in

Indonesia in early October 2018, which will be followed by a similar dialogue in India next year to promote pluralism and

eradicate radicalism. Indonesia, the world‘s most populous Muslim-majority nation, has struggled with Islamist terrorism and

violence against its Christian minority in the past two decades. India has the second largest population of Muslims, after

Indonesia.

PM Modi launches 3 Indian digital payment apps in Singapore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 31, 2018 launched three Indian mobile payment apps in Singapore aimed at

internationalisation of the country‘s digital payment platforms. At the ‗Business, Innovation and Community Event‘ in

Singapore where digital platform was the main theme, Modi launched India‘s BHIM, RuPay and SBI app.

The RuPay digital payments system was linked up with Singapore‘s 33-year-old Network for Electronic Transfers (NETS).

RuPay users will be able to make payments at all NETS acceptance points across Singapore. Holders of Singapore NETS will be

able to make online purchases on the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) e-commerce merchant website.



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The SBI App will help Indian blue-collar workers in Singapore to send money home. Remittance of up to Rs 100,000 will be

made quick, easy and convenient with the help of Virtual Payment Address (VPA). This service will be available to savings

account holders of SBI Singapore.

PM Modi unveils Mahatma Gandhi plaque at Clifford Pier in Singapore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 2, 2018 unveiled the plaque, marking the immersion site of Father of the Nation

Mahatma Gandhi‘s ashes at Clifford Pier in Singapore. Modi also visited the National Orchid Garden, located within the

Singapore Botanic Gardens. It is the only tropical garden to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An orchid was named

after Modi at the garden to commemorate his visit to Singapore. The orchid was named Dendrobrium Narendra Modi.

Religious places visited by Modi in Singapore were Chulia Mosque and Sri Mariamman Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic

Temple and Museum. The Indian Prime Minister also visited the Changi Naval Base.

Indian, Singaporean navies sign agreement on logistics cooperation

India and Singapore on June 1, 2018 signed a Logistics Cooperation Agreement to strengthen bilateral naval ties. ―Our

defense ties have strengthened. Our navies have signed an agreement today on logistics cooperation and will also celebrate

the 25th anniversary of the annual Singapore-India maritime bilateral exercise this year,‖ the prime minister of Singapore, Lee

Hsien Loong, said after a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Singapore. Loong also dwelled upon the

Andhra Pradesh Amaravati city project, saying that it is ―progressing well‖ with the Singapore Consortium.

Replica of 6th

century Buddhagupta Stele presented to Singapore PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 1 presented his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong a replica of 6th

century

Buddhagupta Stele that bears Sanskrit phrases and symbolises the transmission of Buddhism from India to Southeast Asia.

The original Buddhagupta Stele is currently housed at the Indian Museum, Kolkata. The replica was made by the Ministry of

Culture in association with the Indian Museum in Kolkata. Modi also handed over the Padma Shri award to former

Singaporean diplomat Tommy Koh. Koh, 80, was among 10 ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) receipts of the

prestigious award this year.

PM Modi meets US Defence Secretary in Singapore

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 2, 2018 met US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis in Singapore. Recently the Pentagon

renamed its Pacific Command as Indo-Pacific Command in a largely symbolic move to signal India‘s importance to the US

military. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue which was addressed by Modi on June 1. In

his keynote address at the Dialogue, Modi had said an ―Asia of rivalry‖ will hold the region back while an Asia of cooperation

will shape the current century. India was granted the ‗Major Defence Partner‘ status by the previous Barack Obama

Administration, providing for transfer of technology and deeper cooperation in the defence sector.

India signs Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) in Nursing with Singapore

India has signed the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) in Nursing with Singapore. This is the first MRA being signed by

India with any of our FTA partners. Singapore agreed to expand coverage of Indian nursing institutions by recognising seven

nursing institutions in the MRA. This has paved way for our healthcare service providers to institutionally access markets

abroad.

Swaraj discusses bilateral ties with SA President



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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held talks with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for greater cooperation in

areas of skill development, agriculture and information technology. Swaraj arrived in Johannesburg on June 3, 2018 on a five-

day visit. She participated in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Foreign Ministers‘ meeting on June 4. The

other foreign ministers attending the meeting were China‘s Wang Yi, South Africa‘s Lindiwe Sisulu, Brazil‘s Marcos Bezerra

Abbott Galvao and Russia‘s Sergey Lavrov. Swaraj also chaired a meeting of Foreign Ministers of IBSA (India, Brazil, South

Africa), another bloc working to deepen coordination among the three countries on major global issues.



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Commerce Minister attends informal gathering of WTO in Paris

Commerce and Industry Minister, Suresh Prabhu, attended an Informal Gathering of Trade Ministers from WTO-member

countries in Paris on 31 May 2018. Twenty-Eight (28) member countries of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the

Director General of the WTO Roberto Azevedo attended the informal meeting. Prabhu said that India has reservations on the

introduction of new issues such as investment facilitation in WTO due to which fundamental issues in agriculture and

development get neglected. He also rejected discussions on binding multilateral rules for e-commerce stating that it was

premature to do so and members should stick to the agreed work programme for e-commerce. A number of countries at the

WTO, including powerful members like the US, the EU and Australia, are trying to launch negotiations on new issues such as

investment facilitation, e-commerce and gender.

Navy rescues 38 Indians from Socotra Island in Yemen

In a swift operation, the Navy on June 3, 2018 rescued 38 Indians from Socotra in Yemen where they were stranded for nearly

10 days after Cyclone Mekunu devastated the island. The rescue work was done under ‗Operation Nistar‘. INS Sunayna was

deployed after the Navy received a distress call from the Directorate-General of Shipping and the Indian Sailing Vessels

Association. The Navy had undertaken two aerial sorties on May 28 and 29 to search for the missing Indians.

India, Pak DGMOs agree to fully implement 2003 ceasefire pact

Director General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan on May 29, 2018 agreed to ―fully implement‖ the

ceasefire pact of 2003 in ―letter and spirit‖ forthwith to stop cross border firings in Jammu and Kashmir. The two military

commanders reviewed the prevailing situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in J and K during a

conversation over the hotline at 6 PM. Following the conversation between Indian DGMO Lt Gen Anil Chauhan and Pakistan‘s

Maj Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, the two armies issued identical statements saying both sides agreed to fully implement the

15-year-old ceasefire understanding.

RIMPAC from June 27; India among 26 participant countries

As many as 26 countries, including India, would participate in the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military exercise from

June 27 to August 2, in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California, the Pentagon announced on May 31, 2018.

Known as the world‘s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC this year involves 47 surface ships, five submarines, 18

national land forces, and more than 200 aircraft and 25,000 personnel. Ahead of the announcement, the United States had

disinvited China from RIMPAC, a move Beijing described as ―unfortunate‖. The theme this year is ―Capable, Adaptive,

Partners.‖

US Pacific Command renamed as US Indo-Pacific Command

In recognition of the increasing connectivity between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, the Trump administration on May 31,

2018 renamed the US Pacific Command to US Indo-Pacific Command. The move is also reflective of the growing importance

of the Indian Ocean in US strategic thinking. Henceforth, the US Pacific Command, or PACOM, which was formed after World

War II, will be known as the Indo-Pacific Command.

India, Japan, US to participate in naval exercise in Guam

Naval ships, aircraft and personnel from India, Japan and the United States will participate in exercise ‗Malabar 2018,‘ off the

coast of Guam in the Philippine Sea in mid-summer. This was stated in a release by the US embassy on June 1, 2018. This

exercise is expected to increase the level of understanding and interoperability between the three navies.



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Russia‟s Gazprom begins LNG supplies to India

Russia has begun supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India under a long-term deal. India is world‘s fourth-largest buyer

of LNG. LNG carrier ‗LNG Kano‘, carrying a cargo from Russian supplier Gazprom, docked at Petronet LNG‘s import facility in

Dahej (Gujarat) on June 4, 2018. Gazprom supplied the 3.4 trillion British thermal unit (TBtu) of cargo from Nigeria. The LNG

cargo was received by Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Under the deal, India will import LNG worth an estimated USD 25

billion over the contract period of 20 years from Russia. ―Four years back, we were importing LNG from only Qatar. Today we

are getting LNG from Australia, US and now Russia,‖ Pradhan said.

India among top 5 nations in e-waste generation: Report

India is among the top five e-waste generating countries in the world besides China, the US, Japan and Germany, according to

a report released by Assocham and NEC on June 4, 2018 ahead of the World Environment Day on June 5. Among states,

Maharashtra contributes the largest e-waste of 19.8 per cent but recycles only about 47,810 tonne per annum (TPA). Tamil

Nadu with e-waste contribution of 13 per cent recycled about 52,427 TPA; Uttar Pradesh (10.1 per cent) recycles about 86,130

TPA; West Bengal (9.8 per cent), Delhi (9.5 per cent ), Karnataka (8.9 per cent), Gujarat (8.8 per cent) and Madhya Pradesh 7.6

per cent.



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Section C: WORLD

NEWS ROUND UP

IISc makes it to top 100 in Times Higher Education ranking

The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru has made it to the top 100 universities in the Times Higher Education‘s

World Reputation Rankings 2018, becoming the only Indian institution to make it to the prestigious list this year.

The IISc has been ranked in the 91-100 band of the annual list topped by American universities Harvard, Massachusetts

Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stanford, with the UK‘s Cambridge and Oxford completing the top five.

India features in the table for the first time since 2011, with its flagship institution, the Indian Institute of Science, making the

91-100 banding. The rankings were unveiled in London on May 31, 2018.

The ‗World Reputation Rankings‘ are created using what ‗Times Higher Education‘ describes as the world‘s largest invitation-

only academic opinion survey and unique piece of research.

The survey, available in 15 languages, uses United Nations data as a guide to ensure that the response coverage is as

representative of world scholarship as possible. It is also evenly spread across academic disciplines.

The 2018 rankings are based on a more than 10,000-strong survey carried out between January and March this year.

Japan‟s Lower House passes bills to lower adulthood age

Japan‘s Lower House of Parliament on May 29, 2018 approved bills to lower the legal age of adulthood from 20 to 18, as the

government grapples to contend with its rapidly ageing and declining population and the need for more youngsters to be

socially active. One of the major changes that would be brought if the changes to the Civil Code and laws are enacted and

actualized in April 2022, would be that those aged 18 and 19 would legally be able to marry without parental consent. At

present, males aged 18 and over and females aged 16 and older can marry in Japan but parental consent is required by law

for marrying under the age of 20. Under the new adulthood changes, the legal age for women to marry will also be raised to

18.

China launches new earth observation satellite Gaofen-6

China on June 2, 2018 successfully launched a new Earth observation satellite which will be mainly used in agricultural

resources research and disaster monitoring. The Gaofen-6 satellite was launched on a Long March-2D rocket from the

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China. A scientific experiment satellite named Luojia-1 was sent into space at the

same time.

US vetoes UN resolution on protecting Palestinians

The United States on June 1, 2018 vetoed an Arab-backed UN draft resolution calling for measures to protect the Palestinians

after more than 100 were killed by Israeli fire during protests at the border with Gaza. Ten countries including China, France

and Russia voted in favor of the draft put forward by Kuwait on behalf of Arab countries at the Security Council. Four

countries -- Britain, Ethiopia, the Netherlands and Poland -- abstained. A draft resolution requires nine votes to be adopted in

the 15-member council and no veto from the five permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.



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The Kuwait-drafted text had called for ―measures to guarantee the safety and protection‖ of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and

the occupied West Bank, and requested a UN report to propose an ―international protection mechanism.‖

Cuba, US to restore direct postal service

Cuba and the US on June 1, 2018 agreed to permanently restore the direct postal service between the two countries. The

execution of the service in its current format began on April 16, 2018. This service allows the postal delivery of mail, parcels,

and express courier deliveries on direct flights between Cuba and the United States, and through post offices in both

countries. During 48 years, letters and parcels had to travel through other countries like Canada, Mexico, Panama and

Jamaica. This led to increased operational costs for the Cuban side and caused large delays to deliveries, leading to customer

complaints. The direct postal service between the two neighbouring nations was suspended by Havana in 1968 after the

explosion of a bomb in a parcel coming from New York that killed five postal workers.

UN releases first education guide on fighting anti-Semitism

The United Nations has released its first ever guidelines on fighting anti-Semitism in education. UNESCO, the UN‘s cultural

body, launched the publication on June 4, 2018 in Paris in collaboration with the Organization for Security and Co-operation

in Europe, the OSCE. The guide, aimed to be used by young people, the teaching world, as well as political leaders, was

presented by Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO‘s first Jewish director general. UNESCO said the guide provides tools to strengthen

the resilience of young people to anti-Semitic ideas and violent extremism, such as how to respond to anti-Semitic acts and

words in school settings. It also familiarizes educators with anti-Semitic stereotypes and conspiracy theories as well as

developing media skills to help students resist manipulation.

First Saudi women get driving licences

Saudi Arabia on June 4, 2018 began issuing its first driving licences to women in decades. The move comes as Saudi Arabia,

the only country in the world where women are not allowed drive, prepares to lift its decades-long ban on female drivers on

June 24. Authorities started swapping international licences for Saudi ones in multiple locations across the kingdom, with

women applicants made to undergo a ―practical test‖.

Fuego volcano eruption in Guatemala kills 25

At least 25 people were killed when Guatemala‘s Fuego volcano erupted on June 3, 2018, belching ash and rock and forcing

the airport to close. The eruption sent ash billowing over the surrounding area, turning plants and trees gray and blanketing

streets, cars and people.

Indonesia‟s Merapi volcano ejects towering column of ash

Indonesia‘s Mount Merapi on June 1, 2018 shot a towering plume of ash about 6 kilometers high in an eruption that lasted 2

minutes. The mountain is about 30 kilometers from center of Yogyakarta city on the densely populated island of Java. About a

quarter million people live within a 10 kilometre radius of the volcano. Merapi‘s last major eruption in 2010 killed 347 people.

India ranked 113th

on world childhood index

India has improved its ranking in the world childhood index but stays at a poor 113th position -- up from 116 in 2017 -- in the

list of 175 countries indexed by global child rights group, Save the Children. The report, titled ―End of Childhood‖, released on

May 31, 2018 commends India‘s achievements in reducing the rate of child marriages which it said was a major factor



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contributing to an improved score in the index. However, it said nutrition, infant mortality and child labour remained issues of

grave concern in the country. Another challenge the report mentioned is that of adolescent pregnancy.

Denmark bans Islamic full-face veil in public spaces

Denmark has banned Islamic full-face veil in public spaces. The Danish parliament on May 31, 2018 passed a law in this

regard, becoming the latest European country to do so. As per the law, anyone who wears a cloth that hides the face in public

will be punished with a fine. The law was passed with 75 votes against 30.

International Day of UN Peacekeepers observed on May 29

International Day of UN Peacekeepers was observed on May 29, 2018 with its theme as ―UN Peacekeepers: 70 Years of Service

and Sacrifice‖. The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal was awarded posthumously to the 129 peacekeepers who died in 2017. The

medal is named after former UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjöld who died in plane crash in 1961.

United Nations Global Day of Parents celebrated on June 1

United Nations Global Day of Parents was celebrated on June 1, 2018. The Day is observed on June 1 every year. The Day was

proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2012. The Global Day provides an opportunity to appreciate all parents in all parts

of the world for their selfless commitment to children and their lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing this relationship.

World Milk Day observed on June 1

World Milk Day was observed on June 1, 2018. Interestingly, this is an event which does not follow a specific theme

worldwide. Instead, different countries, governments and non-governmental organizations get to pick a theme of their own.

World Milk Day 2018 theme in India is, ―Drink Move Be Strong‖.

World No Tobacco Day observed on May 31

World No Tobacco Day was observed on May 31, 2018. Every year, on 31 May, WHO and partners mark World No Tobacco

Day (WNTD), highlighting the health and other risks associated with tobacco use, and advocating for effective policies to

reduce tobacco consumption. The focus of World No Tobacco Day 2018 is ―Tobacco and heart disease‖.

1st World Bicycle Day observed on June 3

The first World Bicycle Day was observed on June 3, 2019. The United Nations General Assembly had declared June 3 as

World Bicycle Day.

NEWSMAKERS

Pak SC strikes down disqualification of Khwaja Asif

Pakistan Supreme Court on June 1, 2018 struck down a high court order that disqualified former foreign minister Khawaja

Mohammad Asif, making him eligible to contest in the upcoming elections. Asif on April 27 was disqualified by the Islamabad

High Court (IHC) for failing to disclose his employment in a UAE company and the monthly salary he was receiving. He

challenged it in the Supreme Court.



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Pedro Sanchez sworn in as new Spanish PM

Spain‘s Socialist chief Pedro Sanchez was sworn in as prime minister on June 2, 2018, a day after ousting Mariano Rajoy in a

historic no-confidence vote. Sanchez, a 46-year-old economist with no government experience took the oath of office before

King Felipe VI in the Zarzuela Palace near Madrid. Rajoy, a 63-year-old veteran politician, had been in power since 2011.

Sanchez has vowed to implement the 2018 budget designed by Rajoy‘s conservative Popular Party (PP) government.

Giuseppe Conte sworn in as Italian prime minister

Giuseppe Conte was sworn in as prime minister of Italy‘s new government on June 1, 2018. Conte, an academic and political

novice, will head a government of ministers from the anti-establishment Five Star Movement (M5S) and the far-right League

Party.

Jordan PM Hani Mulki resigns after anti-austerity protests

Jordanian Prime Minister Hani Mulki resigned on June 4, 2018 after days of anti-austerity protests by citizens suffering from

high unemployment and repeated prices hikes. Mulki was summoned by King Abdullah II after the capital Amman and several

other cities were rocked by protests that drew thousands of people.



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NITI Aayog releases national strategy on artificial intelligence, identifies 5 focus areas

NITI Aayog has identified five sectors -- healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities and infrastructure and transportation --

to focus its efforts towards implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) to serve societal needs.

The government‘s think-tank on June 4, 2018 unveiled its discussion paper on national strategy on AI which aims to guide

research and development in new and emerging technologies.

AI refers to the ability of machines to perform cognitive tasks like thinking, perceiving, learning, problem solving and decision

making.

The paper focuses on how India can leverage the transformative technologies to ensure social and inclusive growth in line

with the development philosophy of the government.

NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said AI should be leveraged to provide quality solutions across the identified sectors.

According to the NITI Aayog paper, while AI can increase access and affordability of quality healthcare; in agriculture, it can

contribute towards enhancing farmers‘ income, increase farm productivity and reduce wastage.

The paper added the technology can also improve access and quality of education, help build efficient infrastructure for the

burgeoning urban population and develop smarter and safer modes of transportation to address traffic and congestion

problems.

The paper has proposed a two-tiered structure to address India‘s AI research aspirations with setting up of a Centre of

Research Excellence (CORE) and an International Centres of Transformational AI (ICTAI).

While the CORE will be focused on developing better understanding of existing core research and pushing technology

frontiers through creation of new knowledge, the ICTAI will develop and deploy application-based research.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, in his last budget speech, had mandated the NITI Aayog to establish the national programme

on AI to guide research and development in new and emerging technologies.

MoES introduces new forecast model to give accurate prediction

The Ministry of Earth Science (MoES) on June 1, 2018 launched the Ensemble Prediction System (EPS) for generating more

accurate and area specific forecast of extreme weather events like rains, heat wave and cold wave.

The EPS will not only enable the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to give forecast five days before, but would also add

the probability of occurrence of an extreme weather event with its level of intensity.

Under the new model, the area of spatial resolution, which is 23 km grid scale, will reduce to 12 km. This will enable the

meteorological department to give district-level warning.

The new EPS system has been developed by the IMD, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)

and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology--all three are under the MoES.



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FSSAI to limit trans-fat in vanaspati/margarine to below 2% in phased manner

Food safety regulator FSSAI on June 1, 2018 said it has decided to bring down the trans-fatty acids (TFA) in vanaspati/bakery

shortenings/margarine to less than 2 per cent by 2022 in a phased manner, which would effectively bring the level of trans

fats to zero level in food in India.

TFA are largely present in vanaspati (used in preparation of sweets and deep fried foods) and margarine and bakery

shortenings. Trans-fatty acids are also formed during repeated heating of fats/oils while deep frying at home and restaurants.

The global target is to eliminate industrially-produced trans-fat from the food supply by the year 2023. Food Safety and

Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) CEO Pawan Agarwal said that TFA reduction in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils

(PHVOs) from 5 per cent to 2 per cent will be carried out in a phased manner by the industry.

Research has shown that higher intake of trans-fatty acids is associated with increased risk of high cholesterol and heart

diseases. Trans-fatty acids can be eliminated by adopting newer technologies which allow use of healthier oils in place of

partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Recently, the UN body World Health Organisation (WHO) has given a call to eliminate industrially-produced trans-fats from

the food supply by 2023 and has released an action package ‗REPLACE‘ for the same.

NEWSMAKERS

3 ISS astronauts return to Earth safely

Three members of the International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 55 crew returned safely to Earth on June 3, 2018 after

nearly half a year-long stint in space. American astronaut Scott Tingle, Japanese astronaut Norishige Kanai and Russian

cosmonaut Anton Shkaplerov had lived and worked in a low-Earth orbit for 168 days. During their stay at ISS, the crew

conducted many experiments, including materials testing, a study of the effect of microgravity on the bone marrow and

research into plant growth in space. The Expedition 56 crew -- Commander Drew Feustel and Ricky Arnold of NASA, and Oleg

Artemyev of Roscosmos -- will operate the station and prepare for the arrival of three new crew members on June 8.



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Section E: AWARDS

HDFC Bank recognized for Best Practices in Payment Security at Visa Summit

HDFC Bank has once again been recognized with the Champion Security Award at the 14th

Visa Asia Pacific Security Summit.

For the second time in a row, the bank has won the award in the India & South Asia category. The Award is a mark of

excellence reflecting leadership in risk management and payment security performance.

Held in Singapore on May 16-17, 2018, the annual Visa Asia Pacific Security Summit brought together leading experts to

discuss payment security innovations and developments. With digital wallets and mobile payments becoming more popular

globally, more than 630 participants convened to hear how evolving consumer buying behaviour is shaping the future of

commerce and payments.

Participants also discussed the changing payment landscape, the importance of collaboration between established and new

industry entrants as more payment services become available to consumers, as well as the push among governments towards

a digital cashless society.

The Champion Security awards were presented to Australia/New Zealand: National Australia Bank Limited, Greater China:

National Credit Card Centre, Taiwan, India & South Asia: HDFC Bank Limited, Japan: Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS CO., Ltd, South

Korea: Lotte Card Company, Limited, Southeast Asia (2 awards): Krungthai Card Limited and

Bank Mandiri and Best in Asia Pacific: United Overseas Bank (Singapore)

Punjab, Assam, Goa police stand out at FICCI Smart Policing awards

The Assam Police has bagged the Special Jury Award for its initiative Smart Protection Unit at the Federation of Indian

Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Smart Policing Awards. The award ceremony took place in New Delhi on May 31,

2018. The Goa Police Traffic Sentinel Scheme has also received Special Jury Award during on homeland security. The Punjab

police team has been awarded for using smart policing technology ―PAIS‖. It has won the award under the category of Crime

Prohibition.

The award was presented by Union Minister Vijay Goel in 18 categories to the representatives of the State Police Forces and

Central Armed Police Forces. The categories for which the awards were given are: Anti-Insurgency, Border Management, Child

Safety, Community Policing, Crime Investigation and Prosecution, Cyber Crime, Disaster Management, Elderly Safety,

Emergency Response, Human Trafficking Control, Intelligence Collection, Maritime Security, Road Safety and Traffic

Management, Smart Police Station, Surveillance & Monitoring, Training and Capacity Building, Women‘s Safety and Other

Policing Initiative.

US philosopher Michael Sandel awarded Spain‟s Princess of Asturias prize

US philosopher Michael Sandel, a fierce critic of the influence of the business world on society, was on May 30, 2018 awarded

Spain‘s prestigious Princess of Asturias award for social sciences, with the jury describing him as ―one of today‘s foremost

intellectuals‖. Spain‘s 50,000-euro (USD 58,000) award for international cooperation is one of eight prizes handed out yearly

by a foundation named after Spain‘s Princess Leonor. Other categories include the arts -- US film director Martin Scorsese

won it this year -- sport and literature. The awards are handed out in October in the northern Spanish city of Oviedo, capital

of the Asturias region, in a glittering ceremony that is broadcast live on Spanish television.

Kailash Satyarthi, ISRO chief get „Santokbaa Humanitarian‟ award



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President Ram Nath Kovind on May 29, 2018 presented the ‗Santokbaa Humanitarian Award‘ to child rights activist and Noble

Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and space scientist A S Kiran Kumar, Chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in

Surat. The award, instituted by Shree Ramkrishna Knowledge Foundaton (SRKKF) and led by diamond baron Govind Dholakia,

includes a trophy and a prize money of Rs 1 crore each to the awardees. Named after Patel‘s mother Santokbaa, SRKKF

confers the award every year for humanitarian contributions by individuals whose life and work are characterised by their

selfless and inspiring service.

Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance to get Sansad Ratna Award

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance will be awarded the Sansad Ratna Award 2018 for its outstanding

performance. The award is based on the criteria like the reports presented, numbers of sittings and number of subjects

selected and others. This was announced by K. Srinivasan, Founder, Prime Point Foundation, in Chennai on June 4, 2018. The

Foundation has been awarding top performing MPs since 2010. The selection of award winners was done by a Jury

Committee consisting of eminent parliamentarians. ―M. Veerappa Moily, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee

on Finance will receive the award at a function to be held in Indian Institute of Technology-Madras on June 9.

GNFC gets Porter prize for promoting cashless transactions

Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilisers & Chemicals (GNFC) has bagged Porter Prize for second year in a row for innovative and

pioneering role in promoting cashless/less cash drive. The prize is administered by the Institute for Competitiveness, India,

which works in affiliation with Harvard Business School, USA, GNFC said in a statement issued on May 31, 2018. GNFC said the

company has sold so far about 4 million bags of fertiliser worth nearly Rs 130 crore to over three lakh farmers via cashless

means across many states of the country using PoS machines, BHIM, and other digital means. GNFC is jointly promoted by

the Gujarat government and the Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (GSFC).

Singer Zubeen Garg to receive PETA award

Singer Zubeen Garg would be honoured with the ‗Hero to Animals Award‘ from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

(PETA) India for his recent appeal to end animal sacrifice at the Kamakhya Temple in Assam. Zubeen had expressed his

anguish over the ritual of animal sacrifice and appealed for putting an end to the practice while performing at a Bihu function

near the temple recently.

Kerala cartoonist Thomas Antony wins international award

Kerala cartoonist Thomas Antony has won an international award, in the best caricature category. Antony, currently working

as Executive Artist of Malayalam daily ‗Metro Vaartha‘, is among the nine winners at the 13th

edition of the World Press

Cartoon awards, instituted by an organisation based in Lisbon, Portugal. The awards are given to the best works published in

2017 in newspapers and magazines from around the world. Antony is the lone cartoonist selected from Asia selected for the

prize. The awards were presented in Portugal on June 2, 2018.



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Govt seeks applications for NFRA chairperson, members‟ posts

The government on May 30, 2018 sought applications for the posts of chairperson and three full-time members of the

National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA).

As per the rules, the chairperson and full-time members of NFRA should not be associated with any audit firm during their

tenure as well as two years after demitting office. They would have a three-year term each and would be eligible for re-

appointment for one more term. Another condition is that the appointment would be for three years or till the person attains

65 years age, whichever is earlier. In the case of a part-time member, the tenure would be not more than three years but

eligible for re-appointment.

In March, the Cabinet approved setting up of the NFRA, which would be an independent regulator for the auditing profession.

The same month, the Corporate Affairs Ministry came out with the rules for appointment and other terms of service of

chairperson and members.

The jurisdiction of the NFRA -- which would be an oversight body for auditors -- would extend to all listed companies as well

as large unlisted public companies.

The NFRA is mandated to make recommendations to the central government on the formulation and laying down of

accounting and auditing policies and standards for adoption by companies.

UIDAI relaxes daily Aadhaar enrolment target for bank branches

In a major breather to banks, the UIDAI has halved the daily minimum Aadhaar enrolment/ updation target for stipulated

bank branches to eight from July 1, 2018. The bank branches with Aadhaar facility will have to raise the minimum number of

Aadhaar enrolments and updations to 12 per day per branch from October 1, and to 16 from January 1, 2019 onwards.

The target was so far pegged at 16 daily enrolments or updations per branch. Banks that achieve the target of minimum eight

Aadhaar enrolments or updations per day per branch in July will not have to face ―financial disincentives‖ up to July 2018.

The Bank Aadhaar Kendras are being set up with a view to make the Aadhaar verification process of bank accounts

convenient for the people, and also to have more Aadhaar centres across the country. Banks have been asked to open

Aadhaar enrolment centres in 10 per cent of their branches as part of this initiative being driven by Unique Identification

Authority of India (UIDAI).

Financial Literacy Week held from June 4 to 8

The Reserve Bank of India has chosen customer protection as theme for the Financial Literacy Week beginning June 4, 2018.

This week long event ending on June 8 will focus on creating awareness among customers of banks about financial products

and services, good financial practices and going digital. The week will focus on four consumer protection messages like ‗know

your liability‘ for unauthorised electronic banking transaction and Good practices for a safe digital banking experience.

Bankers, Financial Literacy Counsellors (FLCs) and other stakeholders will participate to create awareness.

NEWSMAKERS

Govt appoints IDBI Bank MD M. K. Jain as RBI Deputy Governor



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The government on June 4, 2018 appointed IDBI Bank MD & CEO Mahesh Kumar Jain as Deputy Governor of RBI in place of S.

S. Mundra, who had completed his three-year term in July 2017.

Jain, with 30 years of banking experience, has been MD of IDBI Bank since March 2017. Prior to this, he was MD of Chennai

based Indian Bank. He was appointed MD of Indian Bank in November 2015.

He also served in several banking sector panels including secretary and coordinator to Basant Seth Committee on Review and

Revamp of Internal and Concurrent Audit System in Public sector banks.

He was a member of the government constituted committee on PIL on NPAs for submission to Supreme Court and

redesigning Annual Performance Appraisal Report of PSB officers.

As per the RBI Act, the central bank should have four deputy governors - two from within the ranks and one commercial

banker and another an economist to head the monetary policy department.

Other serving Deputy Governors are Viral V Acharya, N S Vishwanathan and B P Kanungo.

ICICI Bank orders probe into allegations against Chanda Kochhar

The board of India‘s largest private sector lender ICICI Bank on May 30, 2018 said it has ordered an independent probe into

allegations of ‗conflict of interest‘ and ‗quid pro quo‘ in bank‘s MD and CEO Chanda Kochhar‘s dealing with certain borrowers.

There are allegations of involvement of Kochhar and her family members in a loan provided to Videocon group on a quid pro

quo basis. It was alleged that Videocon Group pumped money into NuPower Renewables, a firm owned by Deepak Kochhar,

husband of Chanda Kochhar. Recently, market regulator SEBI had served a notice on Kochhar on dealings of the bank with

Videocon Group and NuPower.

Interestingly, the board of ICICI Bank expressed full faith in Chanda Kochhar, whose current tenure as CEO is set to end on

March 31, 2019. It had reviewed credit approval processes and found them to be robust, according to a March 28 filing by the

bank.



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Section G: ECONOMY

Govt meets fiscal deficit target of 3.5% for FY‟18

Fiscal deficit for 2017-18 worked out to be 3.53 per cent of the GDP, broadly in line with the government‘s revised estimates.

According to the data released by the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) on May 31, 2018, the revenue deficit was 2.65 per

cent of the GDP.

In absolute terms, the fiscal deficit was Rs 5.91 lakh crore or 99.5 per cent of the Budget estimates.

The government in the Budget, in February, had revised the fiscal deficit target for 2017-18 to 3.5 per cent from the earlier

estimate of 3.2 per cent. It proposes to bring down the fiscal deficit -- the gap between total expenditure and total revenue --

during 2018-19 to 3.3 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

The government‘s total expenditure was Rs 21,42,667 crore or 96.6 per cent of the originally planned. Its total receipts were Rs

15,51,004 crore or 95.6 per cent of the Budget Estimate.

The revenue deficit during the last fiscal was Rs 4.43 lakh crore or 101 per cent of the Budget Estimate.

Fiscal deficit is a reflection of government borrowings, which is used to bridge the gap between revenue and expenditure.

India‟s per capita income grows by 8.6% to Rs 113,000 from 103,870 in FY18

India‘s per capita income grew at a slower pace of 8.6 per cent to Rs 112,835 during the last fiscal ended March 2018, official

data showed on May 31, 2018. The per capita net national income in 2016-17 stood at Rs 103,870, witnessing a growth of

over 10.3 per cent from the preceding fiscal ended March 2016 (at Rs 94,130).

―The per capita income at current prices during 2017-18 is estimated to have attained a level of Rs 112,835 as compared to

the estimates for the year 2016-17 of Rs 103,870, showing a rise of 8.6 per cent,‖ showed the provisional estimates of annual

income, 2017-18 released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI).

In real terms, calculated at constant prices with base 2011-12, the per capita income grew by 5.4 per cent to Rs 86,668 in

2017-18 as compared to Rs 82,229 in 2016-17.

The country‘s gross national income (GNI) at current prices witnessed a rise of about 10 per cent at Rs 165.87 trillion

during 2017-18 as against Rs 150.77 trillion during 2016-17.

The country‘s gross national income (GNI) on real terms (with 2011-12 base year), increased at 6.7 per cent to Rs 128.64

trillion in fiscal ended March 2018, as against the previous year‘s estimate of Rs 120.52 trillion.

For fiscal ended March 2017, the real term GNI grew by 7.1 per cent.

India‟s Q4 GDP grows at 7.7%, for entire 2017-18 at 6.7%

The Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on May 31, 2018 released the

estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the fourth quarter (January-March) Q4 of 2017-18 and Provisional estimates

(PE) of national income for the financial year 2017-18.



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GDP at 2011-12 prices in the fourth quarter (Q4) of financial year 2017-18 registered growth rate of 7.7 per cent as against

5.6 percent, 6.3 percent and 7.0 percent respectively, in the first three quarters, Q1, Q2 and Q3 of 2017-18.

As per the Provisional estimates of national income, the growth rate of GDP at constant (2011-12) prices for the financial year

2017-18 is estimated at 6.7 percent.

New Benami Transactions Informants Reward Scheme launched by Income Tax Department

With the objective of obtaining people‘s participation in the Income Tax Department‘s efforts to unearth black money and to

reduce tax evasion, a new reward scheme titled ―Benami Transactions Informants Reward Scheme, 2018‖, has been issued by

the Income Tax Department. This reward scheme is aimed at encouraging people to give information about benami

transactions and properties as well as income earned on such properties by such hidden investors and beneficial owners.

Under the Benami Transactions Informants Reward Scheme, 2018, a person can get reward up to Rs. One crore for giving

specific information in prescribed manner to the Joint or Additional Commissioners of Benami Prohibition Units (BPUs) in

Investigation Directorates of Income Tax Department about benami transactions and properties as well as proceeds from such

properties which are actionable under Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988, as amended by Benami Transactions

(Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016.

Foreigners will also be eligible for such reward. Identity of the persons giving information will not be disclosed and strict

confidentiality shall be maintained.

Background

It was found in many cases that black money was invested in properties in the names of others, even though benefits were

enjoyed by the investor concealing his beneficial ownership in his tax returns. The Government had earlier amended Benami

Property Transactions Act, 1988, by Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016 to make the law stronger.

Revised Income Tax Informants Reward Scheme launched

With the objective of obtaining people‘s participation in the Income Tax Department‘s efforts to unearth black money and

reduce tax evasion, a new reward scheme titled ―Income Tax Informants Reward Scheme, 2018‖ has been issued by the

Income Tax Department, superseding the earlier reward scheme issued in 2007. Under the revised scheme, a person can get

reward up to Rs. 50 lakh for giving specific information in prescribed manner to the designated officers of Investigation

Directorates in Income Tax Department about substantial evasion of tax on income or assets in India which are actionable

under the Income-tax Act, 1961.

The Government had earlier introduced Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act,

2015, in order to investigate and assess income and specific assets kept in foreign countries by people taxable in India,

recover tax on it and take other actions like penalty and prosecution.

With the objective of attracting and encouraging people to give information about such income and assets actionable under

Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015, reward up to Rs. 5 crore has been

introduced in the new reward scheme. Under this Scheme, a person can get reward for giving specific information in

prescribed manner about substantial tax evasion on income and assets abroad which are actionable under Black Money

(Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015.



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Govt. introduces „Seva Bhoj Yojna‟ scheme to reimburse GST on free food given at religious places

The government has launched ‗Seva Bhoj Yojna‘ for reimbursing the Central Government‘s share of Central Goods and

Services Tax (CGST) and Integrated Goods and Service Tax (IGST) imposed on raw materials purchased by Charitable Religious

Institutions who provide Food/Prasad/Langar (Community Kitchen)/Bhandara free of cost without any discrimination to

Public/Devotees. The scheme covers Charitable Religious Institutions such as Temples, Gurdwara, Mosque, Church, Dharmik

Ashram, Dargah, Matth, Monasteries etc. which have been in existence for at least five years and who serve free food to at

least 5000 people in a month. The total outlay for this scheme is Rs. 325.00 crores for Financial Years 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Free banking services not liable to GST, mutual fund exit load to attract levy

Free services, like ATM withdrawals, provided by banks to customers will not attract GST, but late payment charges on

outstanding credit card bills and purchase of insurance policies by NRIs will attract the levy. This was clarified in a set of FAQs

on applicability of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on banking, insurance and stock brokers sectors by the revenue department.

Transactions relating to securitisation, derivatives, future and forward contracts are exempt from GST. GST will be levied on

the exit-load of mutual funds. Interest on a finance lease transactions are taxable under GST.

Forex reserves decline by $2.23 bn to $412.83 bn

India‘s forex reserves declined by USD 2.23 billion to USD 412.83 billion for the week ended May 25, on a dip in core currency

assets, the Reserve Bank said on June 1, 2018.

Total reserves had declined by USD 2.64 billion to USD 415.05 billion in the previous reporting week.

The reserves had touched a record high of USD 426.028 billion in the week to April 13. It had crossed the USD 400-billion

mark for the first time in the week to September 8, 2017, but has since been fluctuating.

The core currency assets fell by USD 2.229 billion to USD 387.597 billion for the reporting week.

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


The value of the gold assets was unchanged at USD 21.70 billion.

India‘s special drawing rights declined USD 2.9 million to USD 1.498 billion during the reporting week, while the reserve

position in the IMF was down USD 3.9 million to USD 2.027 billion.

1.5 lakh affordable houses sanctioned for urban poor under PMAY (Urban)

Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has approved the construction of another 1.5 lakh affordable houses across the country

for the benefit of urban poor under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) with an investment of Rs.7,227 cr with central

assistance of Rs.2,209 cr. The approval was given in the 34th

meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee in

its meeting held in New Delhi on May 30, 2018.

Government, World Bank sign $500 million loan agreement for PMGSY

The Government of India and the World Bank on May 31, 2018 signed a $500 million loan agreement to provide additional

financing for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Rural Roads Project, implemented by Ministry of Rural



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Development, Govt. of India, which will build 7,000 km of climate resilient roads, out of which 3,500 km will be constructed

using green technologies.

The World Bank has supported PMGSY since its inception in 2004. So far it has invested over $1.8 billion in loans and credits

mostly in the economically weaker and hill states across North India - Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Meghalaya,

Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. It has built and improved about 35,000 km of rural roads and benefited about

eight million people with access to all-weather roads.

Environment Ministry, TERI sign MOU to set up Resource Efficiency Cell

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) on June 2, 2018

launched a number of initiatives to support the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) focus on waste

management and resource efficiency. The initiatives were unveiled by Secretary, MoEFCC, CK Mishra and Director General,

TERI, Dr Ajay Mathur, at an event at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

MoEFCC and TERI entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a resource efficiency cell in the Ministry. The

main objectives of the Cell are to provide a platform to mainstream resource efficiency in public policy.

Also the European Union and MoEFCC also signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) to support the implementation of the EU

Resource Efficiency Initiative (EU-REI) Project in India, with a specific objective to foster the efficient and sustainable use of

natural resources in India.

Krishi Kalyan Abhiyan being implemented in 111 Aspirational Districts

Krishi Kalyan Abhiyan (KKA) is being implemented in 25 villages in each of the 111 Aspirational Districts from June 1 to July

31, 2018. KKA undertakes various activities to promote best farming practices and enhance Agricultural income.

KKA will be undertaken in 25 Villages with more than 1000 population each in Aspirational Districts identified in consultation

with Ministry of Rural Development as per directions of NITI Aayog. In districts where number of villages (with more than

1000 population) is less than 25, all villages will be covered.

An Action Plan comprising specifically identified activities under various departments of the ministry namely, Department of

Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW), Animal Husbandry Dairying & Fisheries (DAHD&F) and Department

of Agricultural Research & Education (DARE-ICAR), will be implemented in each district.

The overall coordination and implementation in the 25 villages of a district is being done by Krishi Vigyan Kendra of that

district. 111 officers have also been made in-charge of one district each for overall coordination and field level monitoring.

These officers have been selected from subordinate/attached/autonomous organizations/PSUs etc. of Ministry of Agriculture

& Farmers Welfare.

Financial institution to be set up exclusively for food processing sector

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is creating a financial institution that will cater exclusively to the credit and lending

needs of the food processing sector. The Ministry expects to bring out an RFP (request for proposal) by July for the Agro-

Processing Financial Institution, which will be a non-banking financial institution. Minister of Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur

Badal said on June 4, 2018 that this was being done as the existing banks and financial institutions do not fully understand the

risk assessment of food processing companies and the sector loses out in terms of loans. The government is likely to hold a

minority stake in this NBFC, while the majority equity will be held by a private company.



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The Knowledge Coalition-Intelligent Conversations organised in New Delhi

Hardeep Puri, Minister of State (I/C), Housing and Urban Affairs on June 3, 2018 stated that Sustainable, balanced and

integrated development of urban areas is a key priority of the Government and a central theme in its urban growth paradigm.

He was addressing ‗The Knowledge Coalition-Intelligent Conversations‘ on the occasion of World Environment Day in the

presence of Erik Solheim, Chief of United Nations Environment Programme, Yuri Afanasiev, UN Resident Coordinator and

UNDP Resident Representative in India, Dr. Ajay Mathur from The Energy and Resources Institute & Dia Mirza, UN

Environment Ambassador, in New Delhi.



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Session on „Sustainable lifestyle towards Enhancing Resource Efficiency & Circular Economy‟ held

A thematic session on ―Sustainable lifestyle towards Enhancing Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy‖ was organised on

June 2, 2018 jointly by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für

Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The session brought together policy-makers, regulators, international organisations,

businesses, civil society and academia for a discussion on the pathways and key elements for shifting consumption patterns

and lifestyles towards sustainable alternatives.

Ministries of MSME and Ayush Sign MoU for the Development of Ayush Enterprises

Ministry of MSME and Ministry of AYUSH signed an MoU in the presence of the Ministers of AYUSH and MSME on June 4,

2018 in New Delhi. The MoU will create synergies through the institutions and schemes of both ministries for the

development of AYUSH enterprises in the country. The objective of this partnership is to position India as a world leader in

―Holistic Healthcare‖. AYUSH industry include the Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy drug manufacturing units as

well as the healthcare delivery centers in public & private sectors and are essentially dominated by MSMEs, which need

handholding support in the areas of entrepreneurship development, capacity building and financial assistance in order to

grow and increase the market share of AYUSH.

App and Web portal launched for transparency in electricity payments to Generators

A Web portal and an App namely PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification And Analysis in Power procurement for bringing

Transparency in Invoicing of generators), www.praapti.in, were launched by Minister of State (I/C) for Power R.K. Singh on May

29, 2018. These have been developed to bring transparency in power purchase transactions between Generators and

Discoms.

Centre asks states to lift PDS grains for welfare institutions

The Centre on May 31, 2018 asked states to lift their quota of subsidised grains meant for distribution to welfare institutions

and residents of SC/ST/OBC hostels. A little over 13 lakh tonnes of foodgrains is allotted to states annually for the welfare

institutions covered under PDS. Out of which, half of it is being lifted by states, as per the official data. About 15/kg of wheat

and rice is given at a BPL price of Rs 4.15/kg and Rs 5.65/kg, respectively, to each beneficiary. Hostels with at least 2/3rd of

the resident students belonging to SC/ST/OBC community are eligible to get subsidised foodgrain for all the resident

students, including those who belong to other categories, as per the guidelines.

FICCI‟s Economic Outlook Survey projects GDP growth for FY19 at 7.4%

FICCI‘s Economic Outlook Survey projects the quarterly GDP growth forecast for Q4 2017-18 at 7.1%; taking the full year

growth estimate for 2017-18 to 6.6%. The survey was conducted during April-May2018 and included economists from

Industry, banking and financial services sector. The annual GDP growth for 2018-19 is projected at 7.4% by the participating

economist; with a minimum and maximum range of 6.9% and 7.5% respectively.

Moody‟s cuts India‟s GDP forecast in 2018 to 7.3% from 7.5%

Moody‘s Investors Service report on May 30, 2018 has cut India‘s GDP growth forecast to 7.3 per cent in 2018, from previous

forecast of 7.5 per cent due to higher oil prices and tighter financial conditions. It, however, kept growth expectation for 2019

unchanged at 7.5 per cent.

Manufacturing PMI declines in May



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India‘s manufacturing sector activity eased in May. the Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) fell from

51.6 in April to 51.2 in May. The latest PMI survey signalled a further, albeit slower, improvement in the health of the

manufacturing sector in May. This was reflective of weaker expansions in output, employment and new business.

April eight core industries growth at 4.7%

Eight infrastructure industries recorded 4.7 per cent growth in April helped by healthy performance in segments like coal,

natural gas and cement. The growth rate of eight core sectors, which also include crude oil production, refinery products,

electricity generation, fertilisers and steel, was 2.6 per cent in April 2017, according to the data released by the commerce and

industry ministry on May 31, 2018.



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Workers in Mumbai work longest hours in the world

Workers in Mumbai are the hardest working and put in the longest hours among 77 major cities of the world, according to a

report by Swiss Bank UBS. The average worker in Mumbai works 3,314.7 hours a year as against an average of 1,987 hours

and more than twice as much as major European cities like Rome (1,581 hours) or Paris (1,662 hours).

However, workers in Mumbai are not able to afford gadgets bought by their counterparts across the world. For instance, a

New Yorker can afford an iPhone X with 54 hours of work, whereas for a worker in Mumbai, the cost of this iPhone is

equivalent to 917 hours wages.

If rental expense is factored in, cost of living in Mumbai is 46% that of New York. Mumbai is more affordable in services such

as haircut for a male, which is around 228 minutes of wages as against 128 minutes for New York. In terms of hourly earnings,

Geneva, Zurich and Luxemburg top the list with Mumbai coming in second last at number 76, only ahead of Cairo. Even

African cities like Nairobi and Laos rank higher than

IOC most profitable PSU for 2nd

year in a row

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) was India‘s most profitable state-owned company in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018 (FY

2017-18) with a net profit of Rs 21,346 crore. Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) retained the crown of being

India‘s most profitable company for the third year in a row, posting highest ever net profit of Rs 36,075 crore. Tata

Consultancy Services, with a net profit of Rs 25,880 crore, was the second most profitable company in the country.

Cipla announces $15 mn „disruptive‟ challenge

Pharma firm Cipla has announced ‗Innoventia‘, a global initiative to crowdsource and incubate disruptive ideas in healthcare,

the company said in a statement. Cipla will give the winner an opportunity to elevate a unique idea by partnering, investing

and incubating it with $15 million especially allocated for this purpose. ―Investment size may vary from a few crore to $15

million.‖ The last date for submissions is July 17.

Google India introduces „Neighbourly‟ app to solve local queries

To help people find local answers in their neighbourhood, Google India on May 31, 2018 announced the beta launch of a new

app called ―Neighbourly‖ in the country. Currently the service is available in Mumbai only. The app will help users answer

queries like ‗find out which is the safest park for my kids in an area‘ or ‗any affordable Maths private tuition available near me‘.

―With ‗Neighbourly‘, your questions get routed to the right neighbours instantly, and then they can write back with the most

up-to-date, relevant and accurate info,‖ the app‘s description said.

FICCI joins hands with PPMC to chart road map for sustainable mobility in India

India‘s industry body FICCI and Paris Process on Mobility and Climate (PPMC) have joined hands to chart a future road map

for sustainable mobility in the country by adapting ongoing global efforts to local needs. A collaborative agreement has been

signed between FICCI and PPMC -- an open platform created to serve as a facilitator for the transport sector in the COP 21

Lima Paris action agenda – in Montreal on May 31, 2018.

Patanjali removes „Kimbho app‟ from Play Store



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Patanjali on May 31, 2018 May 31, 2018 removed its messaging app ‗Kimbho‘ from Google Play Store and Apple‘s App Store,

a day after the launch saying it was released only for one-day trial. Kimbho application is touted to be a competitor of the

messaging app WhatsApp. The tagline of Kimbho is kept as ―Ab Bharat Bolega‖.

Royal Enfield launches special edition of Classic 500 Pegasus

Royal Enfield on May 30, 2018 today launched the special edition of Classic 500 Pegasus motorcycle in the country. The bike

will be priced at Rs 2.49 lakh. The company will put 250 units of Classic Pegasus on sale on July 10 exclusively on the Royal

Enfield website.

NCW, Facebook to provide training to women on responsible use of internet

The National Commission for Women in collaboration with Facebook and a civil society group has launched a ‗Digital Literacy

Programme‘ to provide training to women in universities in several major cities in India on safe and responsible use of the

internet and social media. As part of the initiative launched by NCW, Facebook and Cyber Peace Foundation, training and

awareness programme will be conducted for 60,000 women in universities across Haryana, Delhi-NCR, Manipur, Sikkim,

Meghalaya, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, on a pilot basis.

Legal & General sells 26% in IndiaFirst to Warburg Pincus

Legal & General is exiting the insurance business in India by selling its entire 26 per cent stake in IndiaFirst Life Insurance to

an affiliate of Warburg Pincus LLC (Warburg Pincus). The deal size was around Rs 710 crore. IndiaFirst Life Insurance is

promoted by public sector banks, Bank of Baroda and Andhra Bank, along with UK‘s leading risk, wealth and investment

company Legal & General. Bank of Baroda holds a 44 per cent stake in IndiaFirst, while Andhra Bank and Legal & General hold

a 30 per cent and 26 per cent stake, respectively. The private insurer, which has completed eight years in operations, has been

profitable for four consecutive years declaring Rs 51 crore of profit in FY18. Headquartered in Mumbai, IndiaFirst Life

Insurance, has a paid-up share capital of Rs 625 crore.

Bharti Foundation inks pact to support govt schools in NE

Bharti Foundation on May 29, 2018 said it has joined hands with the Meghalaya government to support 50 state-run schools.

―Bharti Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Bharti Enterprises, announced the launch of Satya Bharti Quality Support

Programme to support 50 government schools in East and West Jaintia Hills, reaching out to 6,500 children and 136 teachers,‖

the organisation said in a statement. The Bharti Foundation also signed an MoU with the Assam government to support 45

government-run schools.

NTPC adopts Charminar

NTPC Ltd has adopted the iconic Charminar in Hyderabad under the Swachh Iconic Places Projects of India, a special drive

under the Centre‘s Swachh Bharat Mission. NTPC Ltd and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) on June 1, 2018

signed a MoU for implementation of development and beautification works under ‗Charminar Pedestrianization Project‘ in

Hyderabad, a release by NTPC said.

Singapore Airlines to launch world‟s longest commercial flight in October

Singapore Airlines Ltd on May 30, 2018 said it would launch the world‘s longest commercial flight in October, a near-19 hour

non-stop journey from Singapore to the New York area. The 8,277 nautical mile (15,329 kilometre) flight from Singapore to

Newark, New Jersey will eclipse the 7,843 nautical mile Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Auckland as the world‘s longest,

according to airline data provider OAG.



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Australia‟s Commonwealth Bank to pay record fine in laundering case

Australia‘s Commonwealth Bank on June 4, 2018 said it will pay a A$700 million ($530 million) fine for breaching anti-money

laundering and counter-terror financing laws. The scandal relates to 53,000 suspect transactions that the bank did not

immediately report to authorities. In 2017, Australia‘s financial intelligence agency accused the country‘s largest lender of

―serious and systemic‖ law breaches. If a court approves the fine, it will be the largest civil penalty in Australian corporate

history. In December 2017, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull established a royal commission inquiry to investigate the scale of

wrongdoing.

Toshiba completes $18 billion sale of chip unit to Bain consortium

Japan‘s Toshiba Corp said on June 1, 2018 it had completed the $18 billion sale of its chip unit to a consortium led by U.S.

private equity firm Bain Capital. The consortium includes South Korean chipmaker SK Hynix, Apple Inc, Dell Technologies,

Seagate Technology and Kingston Technology.

Microsoft acquires GitHub for $7.5bn

Microsoft on June 4, 2018 announced to acquire GitHub, the world‘s leading software development platform, for $7.5 billion.

The two companies will empower developers to achieve more at every stage of the development lifecycle, accelerate

enterprise use of GitHub, and bring Microsoft‘s developer tools and services to new audiences. ―Microsoft is a developer-first

company, and by joining forces with GitHub we strengthen our commitment to developer freedom, openness and

innovation,‖ said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft, in a statement.

NEWSMAKERS

HDFC Bank‟s Aditya Puri features in Barron‟s list of top 30 global CEOs

67-year old Aditya Puri, Managing Director of HDFC Bank, has made it to Barron‘s list of Top 30 Global CEOs for the fourth

straight year, along with big names Jeff Bezos and Warren Buffett. Puri is the only Indian CEO to feature in the list. He has

been at the helm of HDFC Bank, India‘s largest private lender, since its inception in 1994. The 14th edition of the list includes

the world‘s top CEOs such Bezos of Amazon, Buffett of Berkshire Hathaway, Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase, Larry Page of

Alphabet, Reed Hastings of Netflix, Satya Nadella of Microsoft and Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook. This year, the magazine

clubbed the CEOs in three categories: Visionary Founders, Growth Leaders, and Turnaround Experts. Puri has been put in the

Growth Leaders category.

CBI books Air Asia CEO, others for violating international flying norms

The CBI on May 29, 2018 registered a case against Air Asia Group CEO Tony Fernandes and others over alleged violation of

norms for getting international flying licenses. The case relates to alleged violation of norms by directors of the aviation

company for relaxation of 5/20 rules in the aviation sector to get licenses for international operations, as well as violation of

Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) rules. The 5/20 rule means that a company needs five years of experience and 20

aircraft to become eligible for the license. Air Asia Group CEO Tony Fernandes allegedly lobbied with government servants for

clearances, removal of existing 5/20 rule of aviation and change in regulatory policies, CBI has alleged.



200

Section I: STATES

Bengal‟s Chau mask acquires Geographical Indication tag

The Chau mask of Purulia, the wooden mask of Kushmandi, the Patachitra, the Dokras of Bengal, and Madhurkathi (a

kind of mat) have been presented with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indication Registry.

‗Patachitra‘ is a form of scroll painting which uses vibrant natural colours and singing to tell a story. The art form is heavily

concentrated within a community of 250 artists known as ‗Patuas‘ in West Midnapore district‘s Naya village.

In West Midnapore district, it is estimated that there are about 4,500 weavers who are involved in making of ‗Madhukathi‘

mats made from grass weed.

In Purulia district, the ‗Chhau‘ mask is famous and is used for ‗Chhau‘ dance and also for decoration purpose as wall

hangings.

Artisans in South Dinajpur district make the traditional wooden masks of Kushmandi.

In Bankura district, artisans have retained the thousands of years old wax casting technique with ‗Dokra‘ products like

figures of gods and goddesses, birds, animals besides jewellery.

All these five rural crafts are from West Bengal and the GI tag would not only help the artisans create their own brand but

would also provide legal protection to artisans practising the crafts against attempts to duplicate them in other regions.

GI tags are given on the basis of the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. The first

product to be included in the list was Darjeeling Tea.

Centre to set up study centre on Brahmaputra river at Gauhati University

The government announced on May 29, 2018 that a Brahmaputra Study Centre would be set up at Gauhati University at a

cost of Rs 28 crore to conduct research on the causes of and how to prevent frequent floods in the river. Union Minister for

Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jitendra Singh said the Brahmaputra was one of the largest rivers in the world

and the study centre would offer an opportunity for research in different aspects of the river in hydrology, waterways,

environment, disaster, flood management, hydro-power production, etc.

World Bank to provide $21.7 mn loan for Rajasthan financial management

The World Bank will provide a USD 21.7 million loan for strengthening the public financial management in Rajasthan to

improve budget execution and greater revenue efficiency.

An agreement for IBRD credit of USD 21.7 million was signed in New Delhi on May 29, 2018. The project size is approximately

USD 31 million, of which USD 21.7 million will be financed by the World Bank, and the remaining amount will be funded-out

of the state budget. The Project duration is 5 years.

The objective of the project is to contribute to improved budget execution, enhanced accountability and greater efficiency in

revenue administration in Rajasthan. It involves strengthening of the Public Financial Management Framework; strengthening

of expenditure and revenue systems; and project management and capacity building among others.

Piyush Goyal flags off Humsafar Jodhpur Bandra Express in Rajasthan

Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on June 2, 2018 flagged off Humsafar Jodhpur Bandra Express at Bhagat Ki Kothi Railway

Station in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.



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Kalkaji-Janakpuri corridor opens to public; Delhi-NCR metro span to be 380 km by Dec

Commuters can now beat the heavy road traffic on Ring Roads in the national capital by taking metro as the 24.82-km Kalkaji

Mandir-Janakpuri West stretch of Delhi Metro‘s Magenta Line was thrown open to the public on May 29, 2018. The corridor of

the Magenta Line, part of Phase-III of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, was inaugurated by Union Minister for Housing and

Urban Affairs (Independent Charge) Hardeep Singh Puri and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at Nehru Enclave metro

station.

Heli-Taxi services launched between Shimla & Chandigarh

A helicopter taxi service between Shimla and Chandigarh was launched on June 4, 2018. The service has been introduced by

Pawan Hans Ltd in collaboration with Himachal Pradesh government. The 20-seater chopper service will be available on

Mondays and Fridays.

Govt enhances compensation for loss of milch animals due to cross-border firing in J&K

Centre has enhanced the compensation for loss of milch animals due to cross-border firing in Jammu and Kashmir to 50

thousand per milch animal. Earlier the compensation was 30 thousand rupees. Border areas of the state are facing losses of

livestock, crops and houses due to firing from across the border. These claims will initially be paid by the State Government

after evaluating the actual loss. The amount will then reimbursed by the Ministry of Home Affairs under Security Related

Expenditure (Relief and Rehabilitation) Scheme.

Rose-ringed parakeet is official bird of A.P.

The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to notify Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri), known as Rama Chiluka, as

the State bird. The neem ( Azadirachta indica) is the official tree. The black-buck (Antilope cervicapra) is the official animal

while Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) is the official flower. Andhra Pradesh was bifurcated to create Telangana in June, 2014.

Telangana govt, LIC sign MoU for life insurance scheme for farmers

Telangana government and the LIC on June 4, 2018 signed MoU for the implementation of a Rs five lakh life insurance

scheme for the benefit of farmers in the state. The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao in

Hyderabad. Rao said the family of any farmer in the age group of 18-60 would get Rs five lakh cover within 10 days in the

event of his death. LIC Chairman V K Sharma said it was the first time that such a ‗unique scheme‘ was being implemented for

the prosperity of farmers in the country.

NASSCOM to set up cyber security CoE in Telangana

The Data Security Council of India (DSCI), an arm of the NASSCOM, has signed an agreement with the Telangana government

to set up the Centre of Excellence for cyber security. The CoE will accelerate Telangana‘s cyber security momentum and make

the State a hub for cyber security in the next five years. ―The CoE, to be developed on public-private-partnership model will

accelerate and strengthen the ecosystem for cyber security. It will work on innovation, entrepreneurship and capacity

building,‖ Jayesh Ranjan, Secretary (Information Technology and Industries), said after signing the agreement in Hyderabad

on June 2, 2018.

Cochin Shipyard, Kerala govt ink pact to build marine ambulances



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Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) on May 31, 2018 said it has entered into an agreement with Kerala government to construct three

marine ambulance for the state fisheries department. The vessel will be able to complement 2 patients and will have a total

crew capacity of seven, including the paramedical staff. The boats will also have various paramedical facilities like examination

and nursing room, medical beds, mortuary freezer, refrigerator and medical lockers.

Kerala Tourism rolls out „ComeOutAndPlay‟ monsoon campaign

With the monsoon season beginning in Kerala, the state Tourism Department has rolled out ‗ComeOutAndPlay‘ monsoon

campaign to promote the nearly two-month long rainy season.

Odisha launches health insurance scheme for journalists

Odisha government on June 1, 2018 launched a health insurance scheme for working journalists in the state. Chief Minister

Naveen Patnaik launched the scheme called ―Gopabandhu Sambadika Swasthya Bima Yojana‖ in Bhubaneswar. In the first

phase, as many as 3,233 working journalists will get health insurance coverage up to Rs 2 lakh a year. At least five members of

the journalists‘ family will be covered under the scheme.

Maharashtra ties up with Tata Motors, M&M to deploy 1,000 e-vehicles

The Maharashtra government on May 31, 2018 signed MoUs with Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors to promote electric

vehicles in the State. In the two MoUs, the Maharashtra government said it will work closely with various fleet partners, taxi

aggregators, logistics companies, amongst others, to deploy 1,000 electric cars over the next one year.

The announcements, however, will not result into any new projects for either of the companies as the deployment of these

EVs will be a part of a contract signed by both Tata Motors and M&M with state-run Energy Efficiency Services (EESL).

EESL will buy cars from the two automakers, who are currently the only ones in the country to sell electric cars, and then lease

out these e-cars to several States including Maharashtra.

Maharashtra government unveils „sandbox‟ to aid startups

In its efforts to develop the financial capital into a fintech hub, the Maharashtra government on June 2, 2018 announced a

‗sandbox‘ to aid startups in the space. Generally, sandbox is seen as a safe zone to test financial innovation which sees a

limited rollout of new products to select customers. Maharashtra, the first state to have a dedicated fintech policy, is also

planning to have a dedicated ‗Fintech Officer‘ in the Department of Information Technology, Chief Minister Devendra

Fadnavis said at the inauguration of the Mumbai Fintech Festival in Mumbai.

NEWSMAKERS

Maharashtra BJP minister Pandurang Fundkar dies at 67

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Maharashtra Agriculture Minister Pandurang P. Fundkar passed away in Mumbai on

May 31, 2018 at the age of 67. Fundkar served as a three-time Member of Parliament in the 9th, 10th and 11th Lok Sabha

from Akola, besides as MLA and MLC in the state since his first election in 1978.

Bengali litterateur Indramitra dies at 89

Noted Bengali litterateur Arabinda Guha, who is also known by his pseudonym Indramitra, passed away in Kolkata on June 3,

2018. The author was recipient of Rabindra Purashkar, instituted by the West Bengal Government, twice for his books



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‗Karunasagar Vidyasagar‘, a research based work, and ‗Dekha Sakkhat‘, a collection of poems. He was also the recipient of

Narasimha Das Purashkar, instituted by the Delhi University, for ‗Saajghar‘, another research based work.



204

Section J: SPORTS

Discus thrower Vikas Gowda announces retirement

India‘s Men‘s discus throw national record holder Vikas Gowda announced his retirement on May 30, 2018. The 34-year-old

had set the current national record of 66.28 metre in 2012, when he had bettered the previous record held by Shakti Singh.

Gowda had won gold medals at the Asian Championships in 2013 and 2015. He became the only Indian to win a gold medal

in athletics at the Commonwealth Games (CWG) when he took the title at the 2014 edition in Glasgow. He also won a silver

medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. He had bagged silver at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon (South Korea) and

bronze in 2010 at Guangzhou in China. In 2017, he was awarded Padma Shri. He represented the country at the Olympics in

2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. His best performance came at the 2012 London Games where he finished eighth. Gowda was

awarded Padma Shri in 2017 and Arjuna Award in 2011.

Monu Goyat tops ProKabaddi 2018 player auction list at Rs.1.51 crore

The ProKabaddi 2018 players‘ auctions were held on May 30, 2018. Haryana Steelers led the way with Rs.1.51 crore for raider

Monu Goyat. Telugu Titans secured Rahul Chaudhary for Rs.1.29 crore. Deepak Hooda, Nitin Tomar (Rs.1.15 crore each by

Jaipur Pink Panthers and Puneri Paltans) and Rishank Devadiga (Rs.1.11 crore, UP Yodhas) were the other highly-value

purchases. Five Indians crossing the crore mark in a single auction shows the rapid pace at which PKL is becoming an eye-

catching indoor sporting package.

National Sports University Ordinance, 2018 gets President‟s assent

National Sports University Ordinance, 2018 has come into force as the President of India has given his assent to the Union

Cabinet‘s decision to promulgate the said Ordinance. Earlier, the Union Cabinet on May 23, 2018, had decided to approve the

proposal of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to promulgate the National Sports University Ordinance, 2018, by which

the National Sports University will be established with headquarters at Manipur.

Rabada named South Africa‟s Cricketer of the Year

Kagiso Rabada, the world‘s number one Test bowler, was named South Africa‘s Cricketer of the Year. The award came at the

end of a 12-month period during which Rabada, 23, was a consistent match-winner. Rabada took 72 wickets at an average of

19.52 in 12 Tests going back to a series in England in July 2017.

India‟s Sanjana Ramesh wins the MVP award at Basketball Without Borders Asia

India‘s Sanjana Ramesh was awarded the ‗Most Valuable Player‘ (MVP) even as compatriot Vaishnavi Yadav won the ‗Girls Grit

Award‘ on the fourth and final day of Basketball Without Borders Asia, which featured 66 campers from 16 countries from the

Asia-Pacific region on June 2, 2018.

CWG gold medallist Sanjita Chanu fails dope test

Two-time Commonwealth Games champion weightlifter Sanjita Chanu has tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid and

she has been provisionally suspended, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) said on May 31, 2018. Sanjita, who had

won a gold in the women‘s 53kg category in the recent Gold Coast CWG in 2018, has tested positive for testosterone. She had

also won a gold in the 48kg category in the 2014 CWG in Glasgow.

Chennai Customs, KSEB win titles at all-India Basketball Championship



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Chennai Customs beat Indian Railways 69-63 in the men‘s final of 53rd

all-India Basketball Championship in Coimbatore on

May 31, 2018 lift the Natchimuthu Gounder Cup. In the women‘s section, KSEB (Thiruvananthapuram) beat Eastern Railway,

Kolkata, 59-43 in the final to lift the CRI Pumps Trophy.

Sports journalist Sathish Paul dies at 52

Senior sports journalist Sathish Paul passed away in Bengaluru on May 29, 2018. He was 52. Paul had worked with a number

of publications, including The Indian Express, The Times of India and Bangalore Mirror.

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