Weekly Current Affairs Capsule April 2018 3rd Week
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National News
1.Smriti Irani Inaugurates 7th Edition of Home Expo India 2018
The seventh edition of Home Expo India 2018, organised by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), was inaugurated at India Expo Centre & Mart in Greater Noida.
ii. Union Minister of Textiles Smriti Irani inaugurated the fair, while Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Textiles, was the guest of honour. Home Expo India 2018 will generate business deals for direct import.
2.Himachal Pradesh Celebrates its 71st Foundation Day
Himachal Pradesh celebrated its 71st foundation day with much fanfare and gaiety. Several cultural events were organized across the state. It may be recalled that the hill state came into existence after the merger of 30 odd princely states in 1948.
- Himachal Pradesh CM- Jai Ram Thakur, Governor- Acharya Dev Vrat.
3. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Launched in Telangana
Launching the ‘Gram Swaraj Abhiyan’ in Telangana, the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan stated the number of LPG distribution points in the State will be increased to 1,000 from the existing 707 for quicker and efficient delivery of gas cylinders.
- Telangana CM- K. Chandrashekar Rao, Governor- ESL Narasimhan.
4.India Signs Loan Agreement with World Bank for USD 48 million for Meghalaya
A Loan Agreement for IBRD loan of USD 48 million for the “Meghalaya Community – Led Landscapes Management Project (MCLLMP)” was signed with the World Bank.
- Meghalaya CM- Conrad Sangma, Governor- Ganga Prasad.
5.Government Revises Target to Complete PMGSY from Year 2022 to 2019
The Union Government has stated that the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana or PMGSY is well on its way to achieving the target by March 2019. The scheme, since its inception in 2000, has been able to provide connectivity to more than One lakh 50 thousand habitations.
ii. Sensing the importance and urgency of rural roads for national development, the target date for completion of PMGSY-I has been preponed from 2022 to 2019.
6. Bengaluru Highest Paying City For Talent: Report
The garden city of Bengaluru is found to be the highest paying city in the country, with an average annual cost to company (CTC) for talent across all levels and functions standing at about Rs 11 lakh, according to Randstad Insights, the research and analysis division of Randstad India.
- Bengaluru is the capital city of Karnataka.
- CM of Karnataka- Siddaramaiah.
- Governor of Karnataka- Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala.
7.List of MOUs and Agreements Signed on Visit of PM Modi to Stockholm
MOUs/Agreements between India and Sweden
- Joint Declaration on India-Sweden Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future between Ministry of Science and Technology of India and the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation.
ii. MOUs/Agreements between India and Denmark
- MOU on Cooperation in the field of Sustainable and Smart Urban Development between the Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs of India and the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark.
- MOU on Cooperation in the fields of Animal Husbandry and Dairying between Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare of India and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark.
- MOU on Food Safety Cooperation between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration.
- MOU on Cooperation in Agricultural Research and Education between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Science, Denmark.
iii. MOUs/Agreements between India and Iceland
- MOU on the Establishment of the ICCR Chair for Hindi Language between Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the University of Iceland.
- Sweden Capital- Stockholm, Currency- Swedish krona.
- Denmark Capital- Copenhagen, Currency- Danish krone.
- Iceland Capital- Reykjavik, Currency- Icelandic króna.
8.Commerce Ministry Launches Digital Platform for MSME Exporters
Commerce and Industry Minister launched the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) GlobalLinker platform for MSME exporters in New Delhi. This move is aimed at assisting the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in exports.
9.DARPAN-PLI App Launched by Communications Ministry
Minister of Communications Manoj Sinha launched here the DARPAN (Digital Advancement of Rural Post Office for a New India)-PLI App, which will help in collection of premium for Postal Life Insurance (PLI) and Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) policies at Branch Post Offices anywhere in India, with online updation of the policies.
10.Odisha’s 2nd Longest River Bridge Opened
i. The much-awaited bridge ‘Ib Setu’ built over the Ib river in Sambalpur district was thrown open to the public by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The 2.5-km-long bridge, which is the State’s second longest bridge, has been built in three years at a cost of Rs. 117.50 crore.
ii. The bridge has helped establish direct road connectivity between Sambalpur and Brajarajnagar and the distance has now been reduced by 50 km.
11.Signature of MoU Between GIFAS (France) and SIDM (India)
The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and the Groupement des Industries Françaises Aeronautiques et Spatiales (GIFAS) signed an MoU on the sidelines of a major industrial mission in India in the field of aerospace and defence organised by GIFAS with the support of SIDM.
12. India-Wiesbaden Conference 2018 Held in New Delhi
The Ministry of External Affairs in cooperation with the Government of Germany and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) hosted the India-Wiesbaden Conference 2018 in New-Delhi.
13. India and UK Sign 10 Agreements in Several Sectors
i. India and the UK have signed 10 agreements in several sectors including cyber-relationship, rejuvenation of Ganga and skill development.
ii. The Important agreements signed between the 2 countries are as follows:
1. The two countries have agreed to an overarching cyber-relationship framework that among others enables the development of a common and shared understanding of the international cyber activity.
2. An MoU on the rejuvenation of River Ganga, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the UK-based Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC).
3. An MoU on Skill Development, Vocational education and Training and seek to promote greater collaboration in domains such as strengthening skill delivery in high demand sectors where UK has technical and skilling expertise.
4. A Statement of Intent between NITI Aayog and UK’s Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has also been signed.
5. Inked the deal on cooperation in the field of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Sectors seeking to strengthen collaboration in livestock health and husbandry, breeding, dairying and fisheries.
6. An MoU on Exchange of Information for the Purposes of Combating International Criminality and Tackling Serious Organised Crime has been signed.
13.Government Launches ‘Study in India’ to Attract Foreign Students
The Indian Government has launched the ‘Study in India’ initiative to attract international students to study in India. The website of Study in India can be accessed at www.studyinindia.gov.in. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Minister of State for Human Resources Development Satya Pal Singh jointly launched the initiative in New Delhi.
14.Venkaiah Naidu Launches Assam Govt’s Cashless Health Scheme
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has launched a health scheme of the Assam government named Atal Amrit Abhiyan that offers free medical care of up to 2 lakh rupees for every individual from Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families.
15.1st Meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan Held
The first meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN Abhiyaan was held today in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Dr Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog.
16. Smriti Irani Launches GNFC’s Neem Project in UP
State-run Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC) started its socio-economic Neem Project, inaugurated by Union Minister Smriti Irani in Amethi District of Uttar Pradesh.
17.Gujarat Launches Pocket Cop Project
The Gujarat police unveiled the Pocket Cop project, which will enable quicker verification of passport applicants, and search of accused persons, among others. The project was inaugurated by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in Gandhinagar.
18.Vijay Goel Launches Central Project Monitoring Unit for e-Vidhan Project
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Vijay Goel inaugurated the new office of Central Project Monitoring Unit for the e-Vidhan project of the Government at the Parliament House Annexe.
19. e-SANAD Portal and National Academic Depository Integrated
The Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has launched integration of e-SANAD portal and NAD – National Academic Depository in a bid to make education system in India more transparent.
International News
1.Commonwealth Heads of Government held in London
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2018) has begun in London, the UK. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the event on 19th and 20th of April.
2.UN Launches Road Safety Trust Fund
United Nations’ Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed announced the launch of the ‘UN Road Safety Trust Fund’ to stimulate action that can save lives and prevent injuries and sufferings associated with road accidents.
3. World Bank Projects India’s Growth Rate at 7.3% for 2018-19
The World Bank has projected a growth rate of 7.3% for India this year and 7.5% for 2019 and 2020.
4.UK Joins International Solar Alliance
The United Kingdom joined the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA) ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s four-day visit to Britain
5.World Haemophilia Day- 17 April
Every April 17 World Haemophilia Day is recognised worldwide to increase awareness of haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. The theme of WHD 2018 is ‘Sharing Knowledge Makes Us Stronger’.
6.Bisket Jatra Being Celebrated in Nepal
The Jatra begins in Nepal. It is believed that the festival started during Malla dynasty. In Nepal, the famous Bisket Jatra is being celebrated in Bhaktapur and other parts of Kathmandu valley.
7.FAO Designates 14 New Sites As GIAHS
Since 2016, fourteen new sites have been designated as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS), including the first ones in Europe.
8. India Wins Election to Crucial NGO Committee in UN
India has won an election to a crucial non-governmental organisation committee in the United Nations. It topped the election held by the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations in the Asia Pacific States category.
9.World Heritage Day- 18 April
Every year, 18th April is celebrated Worldwide as World Heritage Day to create awareness about Heritage among communities. This year the theme is ‘Heritage for Generations’.
10.Swaziland King Changes Country’s Name to ‘Kingdom of eSwatini
Swaziland’s King Mswati III, Africa’s last absolute monarch, officially changed the name of his country to the ‘Kingdom of eSwatini’. Accordingly, the country, a member of the Commonwealth, will now be known by its historic name of eSwatini.
11.Karan Johar, 1st Indian Filmmaker in Madame Tussauds Collection
Karan Johar has become the first-ever Bollywood filmmaker to get a place at the famous Madame Tussauds.
12.Prince Charles to Succeed His Mother Queen Elizabeth II as Head of Commonwealth
Britain’s Prince Charles will succeed his mother Queen Elizabeth II as the Head of the Commonwealth after the heads of government agreed on his succession.
Sports
1.CWG 2018 Concludes: Important Indian Highlights
i. India finished third in the medals tally at the Commonwealth Games 2018 with 66 medals (26 Gold, 20 Silver and 20 Bronze).
ii. Only Australia with 198 medals and England with 136 were ahead. India’s 26 Golds was also third, behind Australia (80) and England (45). India’s combined 66 medals is its third-best showing in the history of the Games.
ii. Only Australia with 198 medals and England with 136 were ahead. India’s 26 Golds was also third, behind Australia (80) and England (45). India’s combined 66 medals is its third-best showing in the history of the Games.
iii. India’s best remains 101 in New Delhi (2010), followed by 69 in Manchester (2002).
iv. India’s best Gold tally of 38 came at home in 2010.
v. India’s maximum medals came from shooting (16), followed by wrestling (12) and weightlifting (9).
2. Kidambi Srikanth Wins his 1st CWG Silver
World number one Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth won his career’s first Commonwealth Games singles Silver medal.
3. Saina Nehwal Wins Historic 2nd CWG Gold
Shuttler Saina Nehwal defeated world number three PV Sindhu in the first-ever all-Indian women’s singles final at the Commonwealth Games
4.Daniel Ricciardo Wins Chinese Grand Prix 2018
The 2018 Chinese Grand Prix was a Formula One motor race that took place at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China. Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo won the race ahead of Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen.
5.Official Mascot of FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Unveiled
‘Son of Dreams’ was unveiled as official Mascot of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China. The selection of Son of Dreams as China 2019’s Official Mascot was the culmination of a unique process by FIBA.
6.16th Federation Cup Junior National Athletics Championship Begins
The 16th Federation Cup Junior National athletics championship has begun in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Over 800 athletes from 32 states across the country will take part in this tournament
Banking
1.PNB Launches Products to Mark Foundation Day
State-run Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched new products such as pre-approved credit card and UPI solution to mark its 124th foundation day.
2.CII Pegs India’s GDP Growth at 7.3-7.7% for 2018-19
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has announced that it expects India’s gross domestic product (GDP) to grow at 7.3-7.7%.
3.Government Raises NABARD’s Authorised Capital to Rs 300 billion
As part of the drive to double the income of farmers by 2022, the government has raised the authorised capital of NABARD by six times from 50 billion to Rs 300 billion to help it increase its lending to the rural economy.
4.Kotak Mahindra Bank Pips SBI to Become India’s 2nd Most Valuable Bank
Shares of private lender Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd beat India’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) for the first time to become the second most valued bank in the country. Data from BSE showed that Kotak Mahindra Bank has a market capitalization of Rs2,22,560.69 crore after its shares rose 1.7%.
5.Bandhan Bank Among Top 50 Most Valuable Brand in India
i. Kolkata-based Bandhan Bank Ltd became one of the top 50 most valuable publicly traded firms in India. The market capitalization of Bandhan Bank was at Rs64,000 crore, claiming 50th rank, according to BSE data.
ii. Tata Consultancy Services Ltd is the most valuable company in India, followed by Reliance Industries Ltd and HDFC Bank Ltd. Bandhan Bank had raised Rs4,500 crore through a successful initial public offering (IPO) in March after setting the pricing at Rs375 per share.
6. India to Grow at 7.4% in 2018: IMF
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stated that India is expected to grow at 7.4% in 2018 and 7.8% in 2019.
