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Current Affairs April 2018
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Current Affairs PDF : April 2018
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Contents
INDIAN AFFAIRS .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Cabinet Approvals ........................................................................................................................................... 3
Schemes ........................................................................................................................................................... 8
Launches & Inaugurations ............................................................................................................................. 10
Festivals ......................................................................................................................................................... 27
Other News Related to Indian Affairs ........................................................................................................... 28
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS......................................................................................................................... 60
VISITS ............................................................................................................................................................... 73
Indian Visits: .................................................................................................................................................. 73
Foreign Visits ................................................................................................................................................. 74
BANKING & FINANCE ...................................................................................................................................... 79
RBI in News................................................................................................................................................... 79
Technology in Banking .................................................................................................................................. 81
Other Bank & Finance related News: ............................................................................................................ 83
MOU’S/AGREEMENT IN NEWS ................................................................................................................... 97
COMMITTEES & MEETING ........................................................................................................................ 103
SUMMITS & CONFERENCE ........................................................................................................................ 106
Rankings ...................................................................................................................................................... 109
Reports ......................................................................................................................................................... 111
BUSINESS....................................................................................................................................................... 113
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS...................................................................................................................... 124
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATION ........................................................................................................... 137
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS ..................................................................................................................... 148
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................................................ 149
DEFENCE........................................................................................................................................................ 157
ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................................................................................ 160
SPORTS ........................................................................................................................................................... 162
OBITUARY ..................................................................................................................................................... 171
BOOKS & AUTHORS........................................................................................................................................ 174
IMPORTANT DAYS ...................................................................................................................................... 175
STATIC INFORMATIONS FROM April CURRENT AFFAIRS ................................................................. 183
Terminologies ............................................................................................................................................. 215
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INDIAN AFFAIRS
Cabinet Approvals
Cabinet Approvals
On April 4, 2018, Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved following initiatives:
Cabinet approves closure of loss making Burn Standard Company Limited - a Central Public Sector Enterprise
(CPSE)
i The decision for closure has been taken on account of poor financial performance of the company for more than
10 years, despite financial assistance and other support provided by Government.
ii Indian Government will provide one-time grant of Rs. 417.10 crore to Burn Standard Company Limited for
severance package of employees and for clearing the current liabilities.
Cabinet approves rightsizing the Competition Commission of India
Union Cabinet has approved rightsizing the Competition Commission of India (CCI) from One Chairperson and Six
Members (totalling seven) to One Chairperson and Three Members (totalling four).
i Presently CCI has a Chairperson and four Members.
ii This decision of rightsizing is in line with Governments objective of "Minimum Government - Maximum
Governance".
Cabinet approves the Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill, 2018
Union Cabinet has given its approval to the Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill, 2018 aimed at
strengthening the Human Rights Institutions of India and bringing the protection of human rights law in India in
perfect sync with the agreed global standards.
Salient Features of Protection of Human Rights (Amendments) Bill, 2018:
i The amendment bill proposes to include “National Commission for Protection of Child Rights” as deemed
Member of the Commission.
ii It also proposes to add a woman Member in the composition of the Commission.
iii Scope of eligibility for selection of Chairperson of National Human Rights Commission as well as the State Human
Rights Commission has been widened.
iv The amendment bill proposes to put in place a mechanism to look after the cases of human rights violation in the
Union Territories.
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Cabinet approves revised cost estimates of the scheme of updation of National Register of Citizens, 1951 in
Assam
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Revised Cost Estimates (RCE) of the scheme of Updation of
National Register of Citizens (NRC), 1951 in Assam at a cost of Rs. 1220.93 crore up to December 31, 2018.
i NRC, Assam is being updated as per the provisions of the Citizenship Act, 1955 and the Citizenship (Registration of
Citizens and Issue of National Identity Cards) Rules, 2003.
ii It will include persons whose names appear in any of the electoral rolls up to the midnight of March 24, 1971 or
National Register of Citizens, 1951 and their descendants.
iii NRC, Assam will contain the names of genuine Indian citizens and will help the government to check illegal
immigration in India.
iv First Draft of NRC, Assam covering 1.90 crore persons out of 3.29 crore applicants was published on
December 31, 2017. This list contains names of those applicants for whom the entire process of verification has been
completed.
On April 11, 2018, Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved following bilateral agreement
and initiatives.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and United Kingdom and Northern Ireland on the return of Illegal
Migrants
This MoU will streamline the procedure of return of nationals (to their Home country) who are caught to be
staying illegally, in the other country (either in India or United Kingdom) in a specified time-frame.
Cabinet approves revision of pay and allowances of Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories
The revision will bring the pay and allowances of Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories at par with that of the
Secretary to the Government of India.
i As per the norms, pay and allowances of Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories remain at par with those of
officers of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
ii Pay and allowances of Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories was last revised with effect from January 1, 2006
from Rs. 26,000/- (fixed) per month to Rs.80000/- (fixed) per month plus dearness allowance, sumptuary allowance
at the rate of Rs. 4,000/- per month and local allowances.
iii Thus, with this approval, pay and allowances of Lieutenant Governors of Union Territories too has been
revised from Rs. 80,000/- to Rs. 2,25,000/- per month with effect from January 1, 2016.
Cabinet approves Headquarters (Host country) Agreement between India and the International Solar
Alliance
Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to Union Ministry of External Affairs for entering into Headquarters
(Host country) Agreement between India and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
i This agreement was signed on March 26, 2018.
ii This agreement will institutionalize the functional arrangements between India and ISA and will help in smooth
transition of ISA as international inter-governmental organization.
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iii Headquarters of ISA is located in Gurugram, Haryana, India.

Cabinet Approval to boost ‘Ease of doing Business’ in Petroleum and Natural Gas sector
Union Cabinet has given its approval for delegating the powers to Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Finance
Minister to award the Blocks/Contract Areas to successful bidders under Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing
Policy (HELP) after International Competitive Bidding (ICB).
i Thus delegation of powers to Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Finance Minister will expedite the
decision making process on awarding blocks and will thereby enhance ease of doing business.
Cabinet approves framework for Coal Bed Methane Extraction by Coal India Limited (CIL) and its
Subsidiaries
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved to amend PNG Rules, 1959 in order to grant relaxation to
Coal India Limited (CIL) and its subsidiaries for not applying for grant of license/lease for extraction of Coal
Bed Methane (CBM) under their Coal Bearing Areas.
Cabinet approves the restructured Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan

On April 21, 2018, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its
approval for restructured Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA).
i. Launch of new restructured scheme of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) was first announced by Finance
Minister Arun Jaitley while presenting Union Budget 2016-17. Thereafter, a Committee under the Chairmanship of the
Vice Chairman-NITI Aayog was constituted to restructure the existing scheme of Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj as
Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan.
ii. The restructured Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) will help more than 2.55 lakh Panchayati Raj
Institutions (PRIs) to develop governance capabilities to deliver on Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) through inclusive local governance with focus on optimum utilisation of available resources.
iii. The restructured RGSA will be implemented from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2022 at the total cost of Rs. 7255.50
crore.
iv. Out of 7255.5 crore, Central Government will provide Rs. 4500 crore and the remaining will be raised by State
Governments.
On April 25, 2018, Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved following bilateral agreements
and initiatives:
Cabinet approves Memorandum of Understanding between India and Sao Tome and Principe for Cooperation
in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy
Union Cabinet Modi has given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India
and Sao Tome and Principe for Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine and Homoeopathy.
i This MoU was signed in March 2018.
ii It is to be noted that Indian Government has already signed similar MoUs with Malaysia, Trinidad & Tobago,
Hungry, Bangladesh, Nepal, Mauritius, Mongolia and Iran.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Sao Tome and Principe on cooperation in the field of Medicinal
Plants
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Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and
Sao Tome and Principe on cooperation in the field of Medicinal Plants.
i This MoU was signed on March 14, 2018.
ii This MoU holds lot of significance as world herbal trade has touched $ 120 billion mark on account of global
resurgence in traditional and alternative health care systems.
Cabinet apprised of the Memorandum of Agreement between India and World Health Organisation
represented by its Regional Office for South-East Asia acting through its Country Office in India
i This MoA was signed on March 13, 2018 in New Delhi.
ii It shall encourage bilateral cooperation between India and World Health Organisation (WHO) for
improving the public health status of the people in India.
Cabinet approves MoU on cooperation in the field of regulation of medical products for human use amongst
the medicine regulatory agencies of the BRICS countries
i This MoU would facilitate better understanding about the regulatory aspects between the parties.
ii Besides, it could help in increasing India’s export of medical products to BRICS countries viz. Brazil, Russia,
China and South Africa.
Cabinet approves Long Term Agreements for supply of iron ore to Japan and South Korea through MMTC
Limited
These Long Term Agreements (LTAs) are for supply of iron ore (lumps and fines) of grade +64% Fe content to
Japanese Steel Mills (JSMs) and POSCO, South Korea from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2023 through Metals
and Minerals Trading Corporation of India (MMTC).
i These are the renewed Long Term Agreements (LTAs) as the current LTAs were valid only till March 31, 2018.
ii Export of iron ore under the LTAs would not only help to strengthen India’s bilateral ties with Japan and South
Korea but would also help to secure international market for India’s ores and ensure stable economic
ecosystem which provides direct and indirect employment in mining, logistics and related sectors.
iii MMTC has been supplying iron ore to Japanese Steel Mills (JSMs) since 1963 and to South Korea since 1973.
Cabinet approves declaration of Scheduled Areas in respect of Rajasthan under Fifth Schedule to the
Constitution of India
Union Cabinet granted this approval by rescinding the Constitution Order (C.O.) 114 dated February 12, 1981 and
promulgation of a new Constitution Order.
i Promulgation of a new Constitution Order will ensure that the Scheduled Tribes residing in Banswara,
Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, and partial areas of Udaipur, Rajsamand, Chittorgarh, Pali and Sirohi districts of
Rajasthan will get benefits of protective measures available under the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution of India.
ii. Constitution Orders specifying the Scheduled Areas in Rajasthan were issued in 1981. However, due to re-
organization/creation of new districts and changes in population of Scheduled Tribes as per 2011 Census, the
Government of Rajasthan had requested for extension of Scheduled Areas in the State of Rajasthan.
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Cabinet Approvals on Economic Affairs

On April 25, 2018, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved
following initiatives.
Cabinet approves Minimum Support Prices for Raw Jute for 2018-19 season
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has given its approval for the increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP)
for Raw Jute for 2018-19 season.
MSP for Jute, 2018-19:
Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Raw Jute has been increased to Rs.3700/- per quintal for 2018-19 season as
compared to Rs. 3500/- per quintal in 2017-18 season.
i. MSP has been hiked based on recommendations of Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP).
Cabinet approves restructured National Bamboo Mission
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved Centrally Sponsored Scheme of National Bamboo Mission
(NBM) under National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) for remaining period of Fourteenth Finance
Commission i.e. for 2018-19 & 2019-20.
Overview of Restructured National Bamboo Mission (NBM):
National Bamboo Mission (NBM) was launched as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in 2006-07 with an emphasis
on propagation and cultivation of bamboo, with limited efforts on processing, product development and value
addition.
i. Main objective behind restructured NBM is to increase the area under bamboo plantation in non forest
Government and private lands and thereby supplement farm income and contribute towards resilience to climate
change.
ii. About one lakh hectare area is proposed to be brought under plantation which will directly benefit about one
lakh farmers.
Cabinet Approvals with Foreign Countries

On April 4, 2018, Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved following bilateral agreements:
Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and United Arab Emirates on Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector
Union Cabinet has been apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Federal Transport
Authority - Land & Maritime of the United Arab Emirateson Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector.
i. This MoU was signed on February 10, 2018.
ii. It envisages cooperation in the areas of regulation, safety and technical investigation of accidents, station
redevelopment and any other area jointly identified by the parties to the MoU.
Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Canada to foster cross-border partnerships focused on research
excellence and industry-academic collaboration
This MoU was signed on February 21, 2018 in New Delhi.
iii. Seeking collaboration through talent mobility is the central theme of this MoU.
Cabinet approves a Cooperation Arrangement between India and Afghanistan for cooperation in the field of
food safety and related areas
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This Cooperation Arrangement will be between Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation & Livestock (MAIL).
i. The arrangement envisages information sharing, training and capacity building measures and mutual learning of
best practices to improve food safety ecosystem.
ii. The areas of cooperation also include technical exchange on import procedures, quality control operations,
sampling, testing, packaging and labelling.
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Iran on the establishment of an expert group on trade remedy
measures
Union Cabinet has given its ex post facto approval to MoU between India and Iran on the establishment of an expert
group on trade remedy measures.
Schemes
Atal Pension Yojana subscriber base touches over 97 lakh by end of FY18: PFRDA
As per data released by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), subscriber base of Atal
Pension Yojana (APY) stood at 97.05 lakh at the end of the financial year 2017-18.
i. It is administered by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
ii. All Indian citizens in the age group of 18-40 years are eligible to subscribe for this scheme.
iii. Depending on the age at entry and amount of contribution, every subscriber will get a guaranteed pension in the
range of Rs. 1000 – Rs. 5000 per month after he/she attains the age of 60 years.
iv. The scheme is being executed across the country through APY service providers comprising Public Sector Banks,
Private Banks, Regional Rural Banks, District Cooperative Banks, State Cooperative Banks, Urban Cooperative Banks,
Department of Posts and one foreign bank.
v. There was an addition of over 48.21 lakh APY subscribers in 2017-18.
vi. Subscribers have been given online access to their statement of transaction (e-SOT) and Permanent Retirement
Account Number (e-PRAN).
vii. Besides, a mobile application has also been introduced, through which, customers can view their account details.
TN Government rolls out Amma Free Wi-Fi zones

On 5th April 2018, the Tamil Nadu government launched Amma Free Wi-Fi zones in 5 cities of Tamil Nadu.
i. This scheme was announced by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in September 2016. It was said that
Wi-Fi zones will be set up in 50 spots, mainly in larger bus terminals, parks and commercial complexes.
ii. Amma Free Wi-Fi zones have been introduced at the following five locations:
1. Labour Statue at Marina, Chennai
2. Central Bus stand at Salem
3. Central Bus stand at Tiruchirappalli
4. Gandhipuram Bus Stand in Coimbatore
5. Mattu Thavani Bus Stand in Madurai
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iii. Users of Amma Free Wi-Fi zones will be offered 20 minutes of free internet service per day. After that the
users will be charged Rs 10 per hour.
iv. This scheme will be implemented in 50 spots by Tamil Nadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation (TACTV). Cost of
this project is Rs 8.50 crore.
Ganga Hariteema Yojana launched in 27 districts of Uttar Pradesh
On April 7, 2018, Ganga Hariteema Yojana (Ganga Greenery scheme) was launched in 27 districts of Uttar
Pradesh, located on the bank of river Ganga.
i. The scheme was launched by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at Allahabad on the bank of Sangam, the
confluence of rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati.
ii. It envisages carrying out plantation drives in one-kilometre areas from the banks of river. The objective is to
enhance green cover in the catchment areas of the river Ganga and to control the land erosion.
iii. Uttar Pradesh’s Department of Forest has been nominated as nodal department for this scheme, while total
seven state government departments will be engaged in implementation.
iv. The scheme will be carried out till September 16, 2018 (Ozone Day).
Union Home Minister launches e-FRRO scheme

On April 13, 2018, Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh launched the web-based application ‘e-FRRO’ (e-Foreigners
Regional Registration Office).
i. Under the current system, foreigners staying in India on Visa duration of more than 180 days have to get themselves
registered with their respective FRROs. Similarly, foreigners requiring different kind of visa related services such as
Visa extension, Change of address, Visa Conversion, Change of Educational institutions, Exit permits etc. are currently
required to visit the FRROs.
ii. By using e-FRRO application, foreigners in India would be able to get as many as 27 Visa and Immigration
related services from the comfort of their place of stay, through email/post without appearing in person at the
FRRO office.
iii. e-FRRO was introduced in four FRROs (Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai) on February 12, 2018. Now it has
been rolled out in the remaining eight FRROs viz. Kolkata, Hyderabad,
Amritsar, Cochin, Thiruvananthapuram, Calicut, Lucknow and Ahmedabad.
Target year of completing PMGSY-1 advanced to 2019 from 2022

On 16th April 2018, the Union Rural Development Ministry said that, the government has advanced the target year
for completion of phase one of rural road scheme PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana) to 2019 from
2022.
i. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched in 2000. It has provided connectivity to 1.52 lakh
habitations (85.37 % out of the total 1.78 lakh eligible habitations).
ii. The Union Rural Development Ministry said that due to the need and urgency of rural roads for national
development the target date for completion of PMGSY-I has been preponed from 2022 to 2019.
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Launches & Inaugurations
Multi Modal Logistic Park inaugurated at Goa

On 28th March 2018, a Multi Modal Logistics Park was inaugurated at Balli Station on Konkan Railway route,
near Madgaon in Goa.It was inaugurated by CMD Konkan Railway Sanjay Gupta and P K Agarwal, Director, Container
Corporation.
i. This park has been constructed at a cost of Rs 43 crore. It has been constructed as per the MoU between Konkan
Railway & Container Corporation of India Ltd.(CONCOR).
ii. It has been set up on an area of 81,300 square meters. It has the capacity to handle both Domestic and Exim
Container Traffic.
iii. It will also provide value added services like stuffing, repackaging etc. After Container Depot set up is completed at
Balli, containers from Goa can reach JNPT (Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust) within 16 to 18 hours against the 30-40
hours through road currently.
iv.This facility is expected to bring additional income to Konkan Railway. Through the economic transport solutions
and advanced facilities that CONCOR and Konkan Railway offer at this facility, the trade and industry in Goa will be
highly benefited.
World-Class tourist amenities unveiled at Konark Sun Temple

On April 1, 2018, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated World-Class tourist amenities at
Konark Sun Temple in Odisha.
i. Inauguration of World-Class tourist amenities at Konark Sun Temple coincided with Utkal Diwas the foundation
day of Odisha State.
ii. Visitor-friendly infrastructure and facilities at Konark Sun Temple have been developed by Indian Oil
Foundation (IOF), a trust formed by Indian Oil Corporation.
West Bengal Launches Rupashree scheme for marriage of poor girls

West Bengal State Government has rolled out Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s dream project "Rupashree" scheme
aimed at providing marriage assistance to girls coming from economically weaker families.
i. This scheme was announced by West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra while presenting the state budget
for 2018-19.
ii. Post submission of the form, amount of Rs 25000 will be credited to her bank account before her marriage.
iii. Only those women, whose annual family income is up to Rs 1.5 lakh are eligible for this scheme.
iv. Besides, women must be a permanent resident of West Bengal and must have attained 18 years age at the time of
their marriages. There is no minimum educational qualification to apply for this scheme.Budgetary allocation for
this scheme is Rs 1500 crore and is expected to benefit around six lakh women every year.
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Suresh Prabhu Launches Digital Initiative for Ease of Export

On April 3, 2018, Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Suresh Prabhu launched digital initiatives by Export
Inspection Council (EIC) for ease of export at New Delhi.
i. Three online portals have been developed in line with Digital India initiative to make it easier to export farm
products from India and reduce transaction costs.
ii. Entire export food chain has been integrated with these platforms by linking primary production,
aquaculture pond, dairy farms and apiaries.
iii. The One lab one assessment portal brings together all stakeholders like accreditation bodies, regulators and
laboratories on a single platforms and thus provides simplified procedures for granting joint certification and joint
decisions which will help in reducing cost.
Suresh Prabhu inaugurates Delhi-Pathankot flight under UDAN scheme

On April 5, 2018, Union Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu inaugurated first flight from Delhi to Pathankot (in
Punjab), at a ceremony held at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
i. Pathankot airport has been opened by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to improve regional connectivity as per
the UDAN (‘Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik’) Scheme.
ii. Civil Aviation Ministry launched Regional Connectivity Scheme ‘UDAN’ (‘Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik’) in October
2016.It aims at making flying a reality for common people residing in Tier-II and Tier-III towns by providing
air connectivity to currently underserved and unserved airports.
MAA programme launched by Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Vipin Parmar

On March 4, 2018, Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Vipin Parmar launched Mother's Absolute Affection
(MAA) programme with an aim to promote breastfeeding.
i. Objective of MAA programme is to create awareness among masses about the importance of breastfeeding.
ii. Beastfeeding helps in reducing the incidence of infant mortality and early childhood mortality and provides
complete nutrition to a child.
Uttarakhand CM launches drive to transform public schools

On 4th April 2018, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat launched a transformation campaign to
improve the standard of education in the government schools of Uttarakhand.
i. The main purpose of this campaign is to start smart classes in government schools and provide them with all basic
facilities required by students like safe buildings, clean drinking water, furniture, fans, heaters, sports material and
computers.
ii. Trivendra Singh Rawat said that one model school will be opened in Kumaon and another in Garhwal region to
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offer quality education to the poor and underprivileged children in classes 6 to 12.
IndiaFilings launches online income tax filing services

IndiaFilings.com has launched online income tax filing services for salaried individuals.
i. IndiaFilings’ online income tax filing service will help individuals and businesses file their income tax return using
their platform.
ii. All income tax returns like ITR-1, ITR-2, ITR-3, ITR-4, ITR-5, ITR-6 and ITR-7 can be filed online using their
platform directly.
iii. In order to prevent errors made by users while filing tax returns, intelligence and in-built algorithms have been
incorporated in the platform.
About IndiaFilings.com:
♦ Established – 2013
♦ Head - Lionel Charles.
Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri launched the modernisation of the Government Press
On 5th April 2018, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri
launched the modernisation of the Government Press.
i. The Government Press serves both the Houses of Parliament during session for printing services. It also prints
important gazette notifications, ordinances and budget related materials.
ii. The Government Press will be modernised with advanced technology and machineries after it is re-developed by
the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). It will be made ready by 2020.
iii. Amount sanctioned for the total project is Rs 338.56 crore. Out of this Rs 100 crore has been allotted for
plant and machineries.
About Government Press:
♦ Location - Minto Road, New Delhi
Union Government launches UTTAM App for Coal Quality Monitoring

i. UTTAM App has been developed by Union Ministry of Coal and Coal India Limited (CIL) for all citizens and coal
consumers to monitor the process of Third Party Sampling of coal across CIL subsidiaries. UTTAM stands
for ‘Unlocking Transparency by Third Party Assessment of Mined Coal’.
ii. It has been designed with an aim to make the citizens, a stakeholder in coal governance and ensure accountability,
transparency, effectiveness and efficiency in coal ecosystem.
Khadi Store Locator App launched

On April 6, 2018, Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (Independent Charge), Giriraj
Singh launched a mobile phone application for locating Khadi stores in the country.
i. The app was launched during 9th meeting of National Board of Khadi and Village Industries Commission
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(KVIC) in New Delhi.The app will help in locating 4000 Khadi stores across India.
ii.Currently, there are more than 8000 Khadi stores in India. Location for the remaining 4000 stores will also be
available on the Khadi store locater app by the end of April 2018.
Quick Facts about Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC):
♦ Founded in – 1956
♦ Head Office – Mumbai, Maharashtra
♦ Current Chairman – V. K. Saxena
TN govt launches mobile app for farmers

Tamil Nadu (TN) Chief Minister K Palaniswami recently launched ‘Uzhavan’ (meaning - farmer), a mobile
application for farmers.
i. This app allows farmers to have access to nine types of services, including details about their crop insurance,
information on farm subsidies, book farm equipment and related infrastructure and receiving weather forecast for
the next four days.
ii. ‘Uzhavan’ app is available in Tamil as well as in English. The app also provides information on the available
stocks of seeds and fertilisers in local government and private stores.
iii. This app is an attempt by Tamil Nadu State Government to use technology for benefit of farmers in the state.
Indian Railways introduces new machines for Mechanised Track Maintenance

Indian Railway has inducted three ‘09-3X Dynamic Tamping Express machines’, the state of the art integrated
track maintenance machines.
i. ’09-3X- Dynamic Tamping Express’ is an integrated machine that carries out multiple functions viz. measures
pre & post track geometry, corrects the track to required geometry, can tamp three sleepers simultaneously, stabilize
and measure post tamping track parameters under load to ensure quality of work done.
ii. Each new 09-3X- Dynamic Tamping Express machine costs about Rs. 27 Crore. 42 more such machines will be
inducted in Indian Railway maintenance fleet over next three years.
iii. A new 3D state-of-the-art tamping simulator has been installed and commissioned at Indian Railway Track
Machine Training Centre Allahabad (IRTMTC) for practical hands-on training to operate such advanced track
maintenance machines. Such advanced technology simulator is presently available only in five countries including
India.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurates Uttarakhand’s second Mega Food Park

On April 8, 2018, Union Food Processing Industries Minister, Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated
Uttarakhand’s second Mega Food Park in Udham Singh Nagar district.
i. Uttarakhand’s Second Mega Food Park, M/s Himalayan Mega Food Park Private Ltd, is being set up over an area of
50.14 acres at a cost of Rs 99.96 crore.
ii. Central Processing Centre (CPC) of this Mega Food Park will have a Multi-Purpose Cold Storage, Aseptic Brick
Filling Line, Dry Warehouse, Fruit & Vegetable Processing Line, Quality Control & Food Testing Lab and other related
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food processing facilities.

iii. This Mega Food Park will benefit around 25000 farmers in Udham Singh Nagar district as well as neighbouring
districts of Nainital, Garhwal, Almora and Champawat. Besides, it will also provide direct and indirect employment to
5000 persons.
iv. It is to be noted that Uttarakhand’s first Mega Food Park is located at Haridwar and has already become
operational.
Dharmendra Pradhan launches PMUY scheme in Delhi

On April 8, 2018, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan launched Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala
Yojana (PMUY) scheme in Delhi.
i. During the launch event, Mr. Pradhan distributed about 400 LPG connections to families belonging to below poverty
line category.
ii. PMUY was launched in May 2016. The objective of this scheme is to provide deposit-free LPG connections
with monetary assistance to women from below poverty line (BPL) households, thereby preventing health hazards
emanating from usage of unclean cooking fuel and fossil fuel for domestic cooking purpose.
iii. PMUY is administered by Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
iv. PMUY has so far transformed the lives of more than 3.5 crore women. Target under this scheme has been
increased from the existing 5 crore connections to 8 crore connections by 2020.
Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb launches state component of PMKVY in Agartala

On April 7, 2018, Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb launched state component of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal
Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) in Agartala.
i. PMKVY is a skill development initiative of Government of India aimed at encouraging aptitude towards
employable skills and increasing working efficiency of probable and existing daily wage earners, by providing
quality training to them.
ii. Tripura has thereby become the first North East Indian state to implement state component of Pradhan
Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) through Directorate of Skill Development (DSD).
Kerala Govt to launch 'community radio' to update farmers

In May-June 2018, Kerala State Government will start a 'community radio' to update farmers about the latest
developments in the sector.
i. This will be the first such community radio in India, under Government initiative to get connected with the
farming community.
ii. The farm radio will start broadcast from Kuttanad in Alappuzha district of Kerala and will serve farmers in a
20 square kilometre radius in the region. Kuttanand was once popularly known as the 'rice bowl of Kerala.
iii. This ‘community radio’ will serve as a platform to provide range of information to farmers including climate
change and environment issues, tips and information on various aspects of agriculture and agrarian crisis and alerts.
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Goa govt to launch its app-based taxi service

Goa State Government has decided to launch its own app-based taxi service at some key tourist destinations across
the state.
i. Earlier, tourist taxi operators who run their businesses individually in Goa, opposed attempts made by
online cab aggregators like Ola to start services in the state, fearing that such a move will affect their business.
ii. Thus, Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) itself decided to start the new mobile application-based
transport service and invited the taxi operators to register with it.
EPCES launches new membership software application

On 9th April 2018, Export Promotion Council for EoUs and SEZs (EPCES) announced that, it has launched a new
membership software application.
i. The new membership software application will help EPCES members to digitally interact with the council. The
facility is available at https://membership.epces.in
ii. It will also help to reduce delays and paperwork for the members. The new facility allows
members to renew their membership, apply for new membership or to download certificates, also.
iii. Officiating Chairman EPCES, Vinay Sharma said that, this move has been made with an aim to save paper and
create a better work environment.
Vice President inaugurates “Scientific Convention on World Homoeopathy Day”

On April 10, 2018, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the two-day “Scientific Convention on World
Homeopathy Day” in New Delhi.
i. The two-day convention has been organized by Union Ministry of AYUSH.
ii. The inaugural function was presided over by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Shripad Yesso.
iii. The theme of this convention is "Innovate: Evolve; Progress: Exploring Science since 40 years".
Haryana Government launches Water ATM policy for urban areas

Haryana State Government has come up with Water ATM Policy to provide clean drinking water to people at public
places.
i. Distance between two water ATMs within a city would be 400 metres, which could be adjusted according to
convenience of people.
ii. This responsibility may also be handed over to a company willing to look after it as a part of its Corporate
Social Responsibility initiative.
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New Website & Mobile APP of National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Launched
On April 10, 2018, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, Thaawarchand Gehlot launched a new
Website and Mobile App of the ‘National Commission for Safai Karamcharis’.
i. The new website and Mobile App will help the Commission in addressing the grievances/complaints of
petitioners in an efficient manner.
ii. Earlier, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment had advised the Commission to undertake the task of
preparing a new website as the erstwhile website was not user-friendly.
iii. Layout and interface of the new website is very user-friendly and is in accordance with Government of India
Guidelines for official websites.
Quick facts about National Commission for Safai Karamcharis:
♦ Constituted in – 1994
♦ Objective – To promote and safeguard the interests and rights of Safai Karamcharis
♦ Type – Non-Statutory body
FSSAI launches Project Dhoop to address vitamin D deficiency amongst youngsters

On 9th April 2018, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) launched 'Project Dhoop', an initiative to
shift the school assembly time to noon to make sure maximum absorption of Vitamin D in students through natural
sunlight.
i. Project Dhoop was launched at National Bal Bhavan in New Delhi. FSSAI CEO Pawan Agarwal said that, all schools in
India have been asked to conduct daily assembly between11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
ii. He said that, concerns of parents regarding noon assembly will be addressed properly.
iii. This initiative has been conceptualised by McCannHealth. It is supported by Kwality (Ltd).
Website of veterinary association launched

On 10th April 2018, Animal Husbandry Secretary Tarun Shridhar launched a website of Pashu Chikitsak
Mahasangh, the topmost body for state veterinary associations.
i. Tarun Shridhar inaugurated the website 'www.pashuchikitsakmahasangh.in'. He dedicated it to veterinarians.
ii.He asked Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh to develop the website as an effective platform for exchange of knowledge
and development of a database.
iii. Pashu Chikitsak Mahasangh works for the welfare of the veterinarian's working in government service sector.
Hardeep Puri Launches Smart Imprest Cards & E-Measurement Book (e-MB) On PFMS Portal for CPWD
On 13th April 2018, Hardeep Puri, Minister of State (I/C) for Housing & Urban Affairs launched Smart Imprest
Cards & e-Measurement Book (e-MB) on PFMS portal for CPWD (Central Public Works Department).
i. This is the first integrated web based module in Civil Ministries to monitor and track both the financial progress -
utilization of funds and related physical progress captured through e-MB of various works in CPWD projects.
ii. Smart Imprest cards with end to end digitization of complete process is introduced for the first time in Civil
Ministry.
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iii. Smart Imprest cards will enable to reach 100% digitization of payments in MoHUA (Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs).
iv. The Smart Imprest will be introduced in over 400 offices of Ministry. Axis bank for main Ministry, SBI for
CPWD and IDBI bank for Printing have tied up with MoHUA for this launch on all India basis.
v. A special integrated portal of e- Measurement Book module on PFMS has been developed by office of CCA
(Controller of certifying Authorities) in MoHUA in consultation with CPWD which has been developed by PFMS
(Public Financial Management System) team of CGA (Controller General of Accounts).
About CPWD (Central Public Works Department):
♦ Director General - Abhai Sinha
♦ Headquarters - New Delhi.
PM Modi arrives in Chhattisgarh, to launch various schemes

On April 14, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Chhattisgarh for two-day state visit. During the course of
this visit, he will launch various welfare schemes.
PM Modi to inaugurate first health centre under Ayushman Bharat Scheme
On April 14, 2018, on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti, Prime Minister Modi launched first of 1.5 lakh health
and wellness centres, planned under the recently launched Ayushman Bharat Scheme, at Jangla village in
Bijapur district of Chhattisgarh.
i. Under this scheme, Government has set a target to set up 1.5 lakh wellness centres by 2022 to deliver
comprehensive primary healthcare. Other component of this scheme is to provide insurance cover to most deprived
Indian population.
PM Modi to visit Jangala Development Hub
During the course of this visit, PM Modi will be visiting Bijapur district's Jangala Development Hub, situated in a
panchayat that has emerged as a model panchayat.
ii.It is to be noted that, despite this place being at the epicentre of Left Wing Extremism, it has performed very
well, especially post the launch of Aspirational District programme on January 5, 2018.
Other Highlights of PM Modi’s Chhattisgarh visit:
PM Modi has become first Indian Prime Minister to visit tribal district Bijapur, which was till now considered as
one of the most backward regions of India.
iii. During this visit, PM Modi inaugurated Van Dhan Yojana aimed at empowering tribal communities.
iv. He also flagged off a train between Dalli Rajhara and Bhanupratappur and thereby dedicating the Bhanupratappur-
Gudum railway line to the nation.
Maharashtra Govt. launches Tribal development centre

On April 10, 2018, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched ‘QUEST’, a centre to evaluate and
quantify special development budget allocations and their impact on tribal development.
i. Abbreviation ‘QUEST’ stands for Quality Evaluation for Sustainable Transformation.
ii. ’QUEST’ has been initiated by Maharashtra State Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Tribal Welfare, with an
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objective to bring greater accountability in spending and management of dedicated funds allocated for tribal welfare.
iii. Maharashtra has become the first among all Indian states to kick start such initiative.
iv. In context of this news, it is important to note that in Maharashtra State Budget 2018-19, Rs 8233.12 crore has
been allocated for development of Scheduled Tribes.
Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation launched 6th edition of Heat Action Plan

On April 11, 2018, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), in Gujarat launched 6th edition of Heat Action Plan
(HAP) aimed at protecting city dwellers from scorching temperatures during summer.
i. The plan has been designed and will be implemented in partnership with Gandhinagar-based Indian Institute of
Public Health (IIPH) and US based Natural Resources Defence Council (NRDC) along with other groups and
NGOs.
ii. AMC has been implementing HAP since 2013. Ahmedabad is the first city to prepare and implement heat
action plan.
Pradhan Mantri Ujwala Yojana Launched in Telangana

On April 14, 2018, on the occasion of 127th birth anniversary BR Ambedkar, Union Petroleum and Natural Gas
Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan launched Pradhan Mantri Ujwala Yojana (PMUY) in Telangana.
PMUY was launched in May 2016. The objective of this scheme is to provide deposit-free LPG connections with
monetary assistance to women from below poverty line (BPL) households, thereby preventing health hazards
emanating from usage of unclean cooking fuel and fossil fuel for domestic cooking purpose.PMUY has so far benefited
more than 3.5 crore families.
Smriti Irani inaugurates Home Expo India 2018 at India Expo Mart
On April 16, 2018, Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated the 7th edition of Home Expo India 2018 at the
India Expo Mart in Greater Noida.
i. This three-day fair has been organised by Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), which is the nodal
export promotion body for handicrafts in India
ii. Display at the fair can be placed under three broad categories viz. Housewares, Textiles and Furniture.
Government launches first tranche of Sovereign gold bonds for FY19

Government of India has decided to issue Sovereign Gold Bonds 2018-19
i.These bonds will be issued by Reserve Bank India (RBI) on behalf of the Government of India.
Subscription Date: April 16, 2018 to April 20, 2018. Bond Certificate will be issued on May 4, 2018
Denomination: 1 gm multiples
Issue Price: Rs. 3114 per gram. The issue price is the simple average of closing price of gold of 999 purity published
by the India Bullion and Jewellers Association Limited for the last 3 business days of the week preceding the
subscription period. Discount of Rs. 50 per gm for those who subscribe online and pay through digital mode.
Tenure: 8 years
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Interest Rate: 2.50% per annum, payable every 6 months.

Exit Option: From 5th year onwards, to be exercised on interest payment dates
Minimum Size: 1 gm
Maximum Limit: 4 KG for individual, 4 Kg for HUF and 20 Kg for trusts and similar entities per fiscal (April-March)
notified by the Government from time to time.
Sold By: Banks, Post Offices, Stock Holding Corporation of India (SHCIL), National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay
Stock Exchange (BSE)
The Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme was first announced in Union Budget 2015-16. Consequentially, the first tranche
was issued in November 2015.
There were two objectives behind launching Sovereign Gold Bonds. Firstly to reduce the demand of physical gold and
thereby reduce the import bill of the country.
Benefits of Sovereign Gold Bonds:
i. The investors get stipulated interest on the bonds and can also get the benefit if the price of gold appreciates in
future.
ii. These bonds are highly liquid, just as physical gold. These bonds can even be placed as collaterals while seeking
loan.
Smriti Irani launches GNFC’s Neem project in UP

On April 13, 2018, Union Cabinet Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals
Limited (GNFC’s) Neem Project in Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh.
i. Under this project, GNFC intends to collect 8,000 to 10,000 MT Neem seeds from Uttar Pradesh, which in turn will
provide additional income of Rs 12-15 crore for over one lakh rural woman from 2,500 villages in the State.
ii. The project will not only provide additional income to rural women but will also help in fulfilling Prime Minister’s
vision of Neem-coated urea in the interest of millions of farmers of the country.
iii. GNFC has been running Neem Project since 2015, in over 60 districts of five states including Gujarat,
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Rajasthan.
Quick Facts about GNFC:
♦ Located in – Bharuch, Gujarat
♦ Jointly Promoted by – Government of Gujarat and the Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals
DARPAN-PLI App launched by Manoj Sinha

On April 17, 2018, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Communications, Manoj Sinha launched DARPAN-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.
i. In context of this news, DARPAN refers to DIGITAL ADVANCEMENT OF RURAL POST OFFICE FOR A NEW INDIA
(DARPAN) Project, a project launched by Department of Posts as a part of its IT Modernisation plan, aimed at
connecting all 1.29 lakh Rural Branch Post Offices in the country, to enable them to do online Postal and Financial
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Transactions.
ii. The DARPAN-PLI App will not only help in collection of premium for PLI and RPLI policies at Branch Post Offices,
but will also enable indexing of maturity claims in respect of PLI and RPLI policies at
Branch Post Office itself.
iii. This app is a part of Department of Posts endeavour to go digital which will help in providing better after-sales
service to customers of PLI and RPLI, particularly to those living in rural areas of India.
‘Study in India’ portal of HRD Ministry launched by Ms. Sushma Swaraj

On April 18, 2018, Union Minister of External Affairs, Ms. Sushma Swaraj launched ‘Study in India’ portal of Human
Resource Development (HRD) Ministry in presence of Union Minister of Human Resource Development, Prakash
Javadekar and Minister of State for HRD, Dr. Satya Pal Singh.
i. ‘Study in India’ portal is aimed at making India a preferred destination for the foreign students to pursue
their education. ’Study in India’ film was also launched on the occasion.
ii. The 150 institutions are the ones which have a high National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)
and National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking.
Gujarat CM launches Pocket Cop project; cops to get smartphones to curb crime
On 16th April 2018, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani launched 'Pocket Cop' project to improve crime detection
rate in the state, in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
i. Under the Pocket Cop project, smartphones having data of people with a criminal background will be given to
4,900 police personnel. The personnel include investigating officers, in-charges of police stations, those placed in
PCR (Police Control Room) vans and working in passport verification.
ii. Some police personnel were handed the smartphones at the event held in Gandhinagar.
iii. The smartphone will contain four different applications for passport verification, tracing criminals,
finding missing persons and for stolen vehicles.
iv. A trial was launched in Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad districts earlier. After its success it has been launched for the
whole state now.
v.Vijay Rupani said that, all districts of Gujarat will be soon brought under CCTV surveillance for better crime
detection.
Venkaiah Naidu launches Assam government’s cashless health scheme

On 18th April 2018, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu launched 'Atal Amrit Abhiyan', a health scheme of Assam
government that provides free medical care of up to Rs 2 lakh for every person from Below Poverty Line
(BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families.
i. Atal Amrit Abhiyan will cover 92 % of the Assam's population with annual income below Rs 5 lakh.
ii. Assam state government has allocated Rs 400 crore for the scheme in the financial year 2018-19.
iii. The scheme has been named after former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
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UIDAI introduces new QR code for offline Aadhaar verification

On April 18, 2018 Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has taken an another effort to increase the
privacy level of aadhar details without disclosing the 12-digit Aadhar card number.
i. It introduced an updated digitally signed 'QR code' on e-Aadhaar that will now contain the photograph of the
Aadhaar user with other non-sensitive details like name, address and birth date.
ii. A QR code is a form of barcode label which contains machine-readable information.Aadhaar holders can download
and print their biometric ID with the QR code from the website of Unique Identification Authority of India
(UIDAI) or its mobile app.
iii. Aadhaar users can manually darken the Aadhaar number and use the printout with the new QR code for
establishing their identity, offline also.
Gujarat launches magazine on hemophilia to spread awareness

On World Haemophilia Day (17th April 2018), Gujarat assembly Speaker Rajendra Trivedi launched 'Haemophilia
Jagruti, a magazine to create awareness on haemophilia, an inherited bleeding disorder.
i. Haemophilia Jagruti is a tri-monthly magazine. It aims to share knowledge and the research done on Haemophilia.
Hemophilia affects over 6,000 people in Gujarat.
ii. Even after a minor injury or cut, the patients' blood does not clot normally due to the absence of clotting proteins
named Anti Hemophilia Factors.
Major electrification scheme launched in Nagaland

On April 20, 2018, Nagaland launched "Saubhagya, Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana", aimed at electrifying over 90000
households across the state by March 31, 2019.
i. Under this programme, electricity will be provided to 66766 rural households and 24,566 urban households
in Nagaland.
ii. The programme will be monitored by Rural Electrification Corporation (REC).
iii. In remote areas where electricity connection is not possible, efforts will be made to provide electricity through
Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) system.
Govt. launches Central Project Monitoring Unit for e-Vidhan project at Parliament.
On April 20, 2018, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Statistics and Programme
Implementation, Vijay Goel inaugurated the new office of Central Project Monitoring Unit for the e-Vidhan project of
the Government at the Parliament House Annexe.
i. e-Vidhan, a part of Central Government’s Digital India Programme, is a mission mode project to digitize and
make the functioning of State Legislatures in India paperless.
ii. Objective of this project is to reduce the use of papers and thereby contribute in conserving environment and
maintaining cleanliness.Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs is the Nodal Ministry for the project. Creating Project
Monitoring Units, both at Central as well as State levels is an important part of implementation strategy.
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Uttarakhand CM launches campaign to connect with youngsters

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat launched a campaign called "Devbhoomi dialogue", calling upon
youth to look for self-employment opportunities in their chosen fields.
i. Seeking valuable suggestions from Youth, Mr. Rawat stated that a search for self-employment opportunities
can to help check the perennial problem of migration from the remote hill areas.
ii. Uttarakhand State Government had successfully conducted a similar feedback oriented programme called 'Apki
Rai, Apka Budget' to seek suggestions from public before introducing State's annual budget in March 2018.
PM Modi to launch Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan from MP

On April 24, 2018, on the occasion of National Panchayati Raj Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Madhya
Pradesh's Mandla district and launched the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan at Ram Nagar.
i. Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) is aimed at helping Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to develop
governance capabilities to deliver on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through inclusive local governance
with focus on optimum utilisation of available resources.
ii. The roadmap includes utilisation of Rs. 2 lakh crore funds for development of areas under tribal panchayats.
iii. During the course of this visit, PM Modi also unveiled a plaque to mark the laying of foundation stone of an LPG
bottling plant of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) at Maneri.
Chandrababu Naidu inaugurates AP Cyber Security Operations Center

On 23rd April 2018, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the Andhra Pradesh
Cyber Security Operations Center (APCSOC) in Amaravati.
i. APCSOC is an initiative taken by Andhra Pradesh Information Technology, Electronics and Communications
(IT and E&C) ministry.
ii. N Chandrababu Naidu said that, the Center will fight cyber security threats and offer real time intelligence sharing
and threat analysis to all state government departments and entities.
iii. Andhra Pradesh has involved Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) as cyber security consultants to the
Government to help framing and adopting best practices and frameworks in this domain.
iv. Tech Mahindra has been chosen to operate the APSCOC. He also launched a cyber threat portal and the
Andhra Pradesh’s draft Cyber Security Framework (CSF).
Meghalaya launches mission to increase organic turmeric

The Meghalaya government has launched 'Mission Lakadong' to achieve a five-fold increase in the production of
Lakadong turmeric, an organic variety of turmeric grown in Meghalaya, to at least 50,000 metric tonne per year in the
next 5 years.
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This mission will be implemented by the directorate of horticulture, the Community and Rural Development
department, the Forest department, the North Eastern Hill University and the Meghalaya Institute of
Entrepreneurship under the direct supervision of the Governor’s secretariat. Objective of 'Mission Lakadong' is
to improve the livelihood and income of farmers involved in Lakadong turmeric cultivation.
Human Resource Development Ministry Launches Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0

On April 25, 2018, Union Human Resource Development Ministry launched Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0 in New Delhi.
i. Unnat Bharat Abhiyan is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Human Resources Development, which seeks to
bring in transformational change in rural developmental process by leveraging knowledge base and
resources of the Premier Institutions of India.
ii. Under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0, students from selected colleges and universities will go to nearby villages to get
acquainted with the life of the village people and the problems faced by them in day to day life.
iii. Through this activity, students will not only learn about the basic challenges faced by rural people but would also
be encouraged to come up with practical solutions for their betterment.
iv. Indian Institute of Technology - IIT Delhi has been designated as the National Coordinating Institute for
this programme. Besides, selected institutes would also have to coordinate with the district administration and
elected public representatives of panchayat/villages.
Kerala CM launched Pravasi Pension Scheme

On 21st April 2018, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan launched Pravasi pension scheme.
i. The Pravasi Pension Scheme offers people hailing from Kerala but living outside the state or country, a
pension of Rs 2,000 a month.
ii. People aged over 60 years are eligible for this scheme. To avail this scheme a person has to pay Rs 100 per
month.
iii. They should register in the scheme launched by Kerala Pravasi Pension Board. The contribution will be for five
years. The scheme is not applicable for state and central government employees.
Van Dhan Scheme launched by PM to help increase tribal income

On April 14, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Van Dhan Scheme of Ministry of Tribal Affairs
and Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) during the celebrations of Ambedkar
Jayanti at Bijapur, Chattisgarh.This scheme is for socio economic development of tribals living in forests, for
whom, collecting Minor Forest Produce (MFP) is a major source of livelihood.
i. Value addition will fetch better prices and will thereby increase the income of tribals engaged in this activity.
Under Van Dhan, 10 Self Help Groups (SHGs) of 30 Tribal gatherers will be constituted.
ii. Each SHG will trained and provided with working capital to add value to the products, which they collect from the
jungle.
iii. SHGs will be linked to facility of primary processing in a Van Dhan Vikas Kendras.
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iv. Working under the leadership of Collector, SHGs can then market their products not only within the States but
also outside the States.
“Van Dhan Vikas Kendra” is for providing skill upgradation and capacity building training and setting up of primary
processing and value addition facility.
v. The first “Van Dhan Vikas Kendra”, to be set up in Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh will provide skill
upgradation and capacity building training to 300 individualsand will have a primary processing and value addition
facility.
vi. It will be set up at an estimated cost of Rs.43.38 lakhs.
Tourism Ministry launches 360° Virtual Reality (VR) video on Incredible India
On April 26, 2018, Union Ministry of Tourism launched a 360° Virtual Reality (VR) experience video on Incredible
India.
i. Union Ministry of Tourism has launched this video in collaboration with Google India.
ii. This 360° Virtual Reality (VR) experience video on Incredible India takes through a journey across Hampi, Goa,
Delhi and Amritsar. The video covers the site-specific as well as the people-aspect associated with these destinations.
Government launches Seed import-export portal

On April 26, 2018, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh launched a portal to facilitate import-export of
seeds and planting material.
i. This portal will help organisations involved in import-export of seeds to do away with the requirement to
submit their applications in 20 copies.
ii. Besides, the portal will expedite fetching remarks from the different departments which will lead to timely disposal
of the applications.
iii. Overall, the portal is geared towards making the entire trade related processing, easy & fast.
iv. While launching the portal, Mr. Singh stated that with a view to encourage export of seeds, all prohibitions
imposed on the export of seeds of different varieties have been removed.
H.P. to introduce free heli-ambulance services
Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to introduce free Heli-ambulance services in order to help patients in the
far flung and inaccessible areas of the State.
i. Decision in this regard was taken on April 26, 2018, during State Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Jai
Ram Thakur.
ii. The free Heli-ambulance services will be operated by Heli-mission Switzerland with the assistance of Lady
Willingdon Hospital, Manali in District Kullu.
Bhaichung Bhutia launches ‘Hamro Sikkim Party’

On 26th April 2018, former footballer Bhaichung Bhutia launched his political party named "Hamro Sikkim" at
the Press Club of India, New Delhi.
i. Bhaichung Bhutia had joined Trinamool Congress in 2013, two years after retiring from professional football.
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ii. He resigned from the Trinamool Congress in February 2018. He said that "Hamro Sikkim" will focus on corruption
and unemployment in Sikkim.
iii. He had contested as Trinamool Congress candidate from Darjeeling in 2014 Lok Sabha elections and Siliguri
assembly constituency in 2016, but did not win.
A first of its kind Israeli Modern Art Exhibition inaugurated in the Capital
A first of its kind Israeli Modern Art Exhibition was inaugurated in New Delhi on April 28, 2018.
i. This exhibition titled ‘To the End of Land’ was organised by National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi in
collaboration with the Embassy of Israel in India and the Petach Tikva Museum of Art, Israel.
ii. The exhibition is a collection of contemporary art creations of 19 Israeli artists, including the internationally
acclaimed Shahar Marcus who also performed at the exhibition opening.
iii. The innovative modern art pieces and installations at the exhibition focus on connection of human beings with
land, territory, locality and identity.
Centre to launch National Disaster Database

Indian Government will soon launch a uniform and credible national-level disaster database on UN Office for
Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR’s) insistence to implement its commitment to the Sendai Framework.
i. India’s National Disaster Database will be a dynamic platform having locally obtained and validated data on
nationwide losses of properties and lives occurring due to disasters.
ii. The state authorities will be directed to mandatorily report and feed all disaster-related losses in the platform on
real time basis.
iii. Having National Disaster Database will not only reduce dependence on estimates given by external entities about
the losses caused by man-made and natural disasters in India but will also help Central Government in deciding
the quantum of future investments in critical infrastructure.
Indian Culinary Institute inaugurated

On 27th April 2018, K.J.Alphons, Minister of State for Tourism (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for
Electronics and Information Technology inaugurated the Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) at Noida.
i. The Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) has been set up by the Ministry of Tourism. Dr.Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State
for Culture (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change was the Chief
Guest of the event.
ii. The Noida campus is one of the two ICI campuses. The other one is developed at Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
iii. The Noida campus has been set up on an area of 5 acres. The total project cost is Rs.98 crore.
Naveen Patnaik launches Odisha Skills, Dharmendra Pradhan opens 3 facilities

On 28th April 2018, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated 'Odisha Skills 2018', the state-level chapter
of India Skill competition organised by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in Cuttack, Odisha.
i. The Odisha Skills 2018 coincided with the birth anniversary of the architect of modern Odisha Madhusudan Das. It
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is a two-day competition.
ii. It saw participation from nearly 7000 participants in six sectors and 25 skills from all over Odisha.
iii. Union Petroleum and Skill Development Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also inaugurated a skill-cum-
common facility centre for filigree craftsman of Cuttack.
iv. A tripartite MoU was signed between NSDC and Gems and Jewellery Skill Council of India and Edujobs
Academy to work for the Cuttack facility, on the occasion.
v. He awarded pre-learning certificates issued by the Skill Development Institute to five goldsmiths. He said
that within two years all goldsmiths and filigree artisans of the city will be offered training and certificates.
HP CM inaugurates Rs 39.65 crore water supply scheme in Mandi

On 27th April 2018, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur inaugurated the Kanda Pattan-Sarkaghat
Water Supply Schemeat Cholthara in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh.
i. Jai Ram Thakur said that, the Kanda Pattan-Sarkaghat water supply scheme has been developed at a cost of Rs
39.65 crore. It will benefit more than 31,000 people of that region.
ii. He said that 30 new developmental schemes are present in the first budget presented by his government.
iii. He said that, out of 69 highways sanctioned for Himachal Pradesh, tenders have been floated for 53 projects.
Swachh Bharat Mission launches GOBAR-DHAN to promote wealth and energy from waste
On April 30, 2018, Union Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Uma Bharti launched the GOBAR
(Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) - DHAN scheme at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) in
Karnal, Haryana. Ms. Bharti launched this scheme in presence of Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar.
This scheme was announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley while presenting Union Budget 2018.
i. This scheme will be run by Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). Under Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin), over 3.5
lakh villages, 374 districts and 16 States/UTs across India have already been declared open defecation free (ODF).
ii. GOBAR-DHAN scheme will be a part of ODF-plus strategy, focusing on management of solid and liquid waste in
villages.
GOBAR-DHAN scheme – Objectives and Salient Features:
i. Funds required to setup bio-gas plants will be provided by central and state governments in the ratio of 60:40.
ii. Government has set a target to setup nearly 700 bio-gas units in different states under the scheme during
2018-19.
Govt. launches Pilot scheme Procurement of Aggregate Power of 2500 MW

Central Government has started a Pilot Scheme for Procurement of Aggregate Power of 2500 MW on competitive
basis for 3 years from generators with commissioned projects but without Power Purchase Agreement.
i. This scheme will revive power demand, which has affected the generators who do not have Power Purchase
Agreements.
ii. Maximum allotment to a single entity has been capped at 600 MW.
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iii. PFC Consulting Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of PFC Ltd is the Nodal Agency and PTC India Limited is
the Aggregator for this scheme.
Surat railway station to be 3rd in country to have 'airport like' facilities

Surat railway station (in Gujarat) will be the third in India to be developed as a world-class facility under Railway
Ministry’s station redevelopment programme.
i. Several “airport-like” amenities will be installed at Surat Railway Station under Union Railway Ministry’s ‘Rs 1
lakh crore station redevelopment’ programme.
ii. Estimated cost for redevelopment of Surat Railway Station is Rs 5000 crore. It is expected to be ready by 2020.
iii. India’s two world-class Railway stations — Habibganj (in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh) and Gandhinagar (in
Gujarat) — will be ready by the beginning of 2019.
Second World Hindu Congress (WHC), scheduled to be held in Chicago in September

Second edition of World Hindu Congress (WHC)/World Hindu Congress 2018 will be held in Chicago, US from 7th –
9th September, 2018.
i. The theme of World Hindu Congress 2018 is "Sumantrite Suvikrante" – “think collectively, achieve valiantly”.
ii. It is being organised by World Hindu Foundation to commemorate 125 years of Swami Vivekananda's historic
Chicago address on September 11, 1893.
iii. Tulsi Gabbard, the first Hindu lawmaker in the US Congress has been named Chairperson of WHC 2018.
iv. The inaugural World Hindu Congress was held in New Delhi in November 2014.
Festivals
Assam Spring Festival organised at Manas National Park

On 7th and 8th April 2018, the Assam Spring Festival was held at the Manas National Park, in Assam.
i. The Assam Spring Festival was organized by Indian Weavers' Association and the Swankar Mithinga Onsai
Afat. Swankar Mithinga Onsai Afat is an association of reformed poachers who are now involved in wildlife
conservation in Manas.
ii. The aim of the festival is to promote the local food and culture. The Manas National park is also a tiger and rhino
reserve. It covers five districts of Assam: Kokrajhar, Baksa, Chirang, Udalguri and Barpeta.
Manipur’s Shirui Lily festival began

Shirui Lily Festival 2018 is being held in Ukhrul district of Manipur from 24th to 28th April, 2018.
i. The festival commemorates the significance of Manipur's state flower, the Shirui Lily.
ii. Lilium Mackliniae Sealy (locally known as Shirui Lily or Kashongwon) was discovered in 1946 by Frank Kingdom
Ward, a botanist from United Kingdom. This flower is found only in Manipur’s Shirui Kashong Peak.
iii. Shirui Lily Festival 2018 is the second edition of this festival. It is sponsored by the Manipur State Department
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of Tourism to spread awareness about conservation of the endangered Shirui Lily and promote the district of Ukhrul
as a tourist destination in Manipu
Other News Related to Indian Affairs
Delhi becomes first city to roll-out Euro VI fuel

On 1st April 2018, Delhi started supplying Ultra-clean Euro-VI or Bharat Stage (BS)-VI grade petrol and diesel
without any additional cost in order to curb air pollution.It is the first city in India.
i. Cities in the national capital region like Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad and 13 major cities like Mumbai,
Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune will switch to Euro-VI grade fuel from 1st January 2018.
ii. Rest of India will switch to Euro-VI grade fuel from April 2020. Euro-VI grade fuel is estimated to cost nearly 50
paisa a litre more. But customers are not charged any additional cost.
iii. The Euro-VI or BS-VI grade fuel contains 10 parts per million (ppm) of sulphur whereas Euro-IV or BS-IV grade
fuel contains 50 ppm of sulphur.
Core sector growth up by 5.3% in February 2018

As per data released by Union Commerce and Industry Ministry, Core Sector recorded 5.3% growth in February
2018 on account of a steep rise in output of cement and fertilisers.
i. Coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilisers, steel, cement and electricity are together referred to
as core industries.
ii. The core industries constitute 40.27% of the total industrial production in India.
PM announced ex-gratia payment of Rs. 10 lakh each for kin of those killed in Mosul, Iraq
On April 3, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each to the next of the
kin of 39 Indians who were killed in Iraq.
i. 39 of the 40 Indian labourers were killed by Islamic State terrorists in Iraq, while one of them managed to
escape.
ii. Mortal remains of 38 of these 39 Indians were brought back to India on April 2, 2018 in a special aircraft and
handed over to their relatives.
iii. 27 hailed from Punjab, 6 from Bihar, 4 from Himachal Pradesh and 2 from West Bengal.
Govt levies 10 pc import duty on key smartphone components

On April 2, 2018, Indian Government imposed a 10 per cent duty on import of key smartphone components with a
view to boost domestic manufacturing.
i. Components on which 10 per cent import duty has been imposed are printed circuit board assembly, loaded or
stuffed printed circuit boards (for telephones as well as mobile phones), camera module and connectors of
cellular mobile phones.
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ii. Indian Government has already imposed 15 per cent import duty on chargers, battery, speaker, microphone,
headset, keypad etc. underphased manufacturing programme (PMP) aimed at boosting indigenous production
of mobile phones, by providing tax relief and other incentives on components and accessories used for the devices.
‘Monument Mitras’ to adopt heritage sites/monuments to provide world class tourist amenities: Tourism
Minister
Ministry of Tourism along with Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has launched “Adopt a
Heritage Project”
i. Main focus of the project will be to provide basic facilities like cleanliness, public convenience, drinking water, ease
of access for tourists, signage etc. and advanced facilities like Souvenir shop, Cafeteria etc.
ii. The project envisions that selected public sector companies, private sector companies and individuals will
create tourist facilities at heritage sites.
iii. Those entities will be named ‘Monument Mitra’. They will adopt the sites under Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) programme.
President of India addresses 34th Annual session of FICCI Ladies Organisation

On 5th April 2018, President Ram Nath Kovind addressed the 34th annual session of FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO)
in New Delhi. Pinky Reddy took charge as New President of FLO at the annual session.At the Annual session 10
Indian Women Achievers were presented the FLO ICON AWARDS.The award winners are:
i. Banking & Finance - Ms Chanda Kochhar, MD & CEO, ICICI Bank
ii. Health & Wellness - Dr Aarti Vij, Chief of AIIMS’ Organ Retrieval and Banking Organization (ORBO)
iii. Media Entrepreneurship - Ms Ekta Kapoor, Joint Managing Director and Creative Director of Balaji Telefilms
iv. Conscientious Cinema - Ms Twinkle Khanna, Entrepreneur, Author, Film Producer
v. Digital Entrepreneurship - Ms Falguni Nayar, Founder & CEO, NYKAA
vi. Science & Technology - Dr Tessy Thomas, Director, Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), Defence Research
and Development Organization (DRDO)
vii. Promoting Literature - Ms Namita Gokhale, Author and Director of Jaipur Literature Festival
viii. Environmental Protection - Ms Bharati Chaturvedi, Founder of CHINTAN, Environmentalist and writer
ix. Commando Training - Dr Seema Rao, Commando Trainer, certified Doctor and MBA in crisis management
x. Grassroots Mobilization - Ms Kamal Kumbhar, Social entrepreneur & Founder of Ekta Producer Company.
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CBDT forms Working Group to assess tax risks of HNWIs migrating abroad
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has constituted a five-member working group to examine the taxation
aspects related to High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) who are migrating abroad to other jurisdictions.
i. This Working Group will be headed by Pragya Sahay Saksena, a joint secretary with Foreign Tax & Tax Research
Division of CBDT.
ii. As per media reports, 23000 Indian millionaires (in dollar terms) have left India since 2004, which is
alarmingly the highest in percentage terms among all countries.
iii. According to Ruchir Sharma, head of emerging markets and chief global strategist at Morgan Stanley Investment
Management, in 2017 alone, 7000 millionaires left India.
TRAI proposes Wi-Fi grid to bring down cost of internet by 90%

On April 5, 2018, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) put forth a concept of open architecture-
based public Wi-Fi grid to bring down the cost of the internet by 90%.
i. Public Wi-Fi grid proposed by TRAI entails various providers coming together to address aspects like services,
access, payment, and authentication.
ii. TRAI has already tested this concept on pilot basis and findings from the same have been presented to Union
Telecom Ministry to demonstrate the proof of concept of such an architecture.
iii. TRAI Chairman R S Sharma believes that Broadband proliferation across the country is an important pillar of
Digital India and Wi-Fi is the cheapest option owing to low cost of equipment and free spectrum.
Quick Facts about TRAI:
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ Current Chairman – R S Sharma
Jammu gets its first tulip garden at Sanasar

Jammu's first tulip garden has been set up at Sanasar in Ramban district of Jammu region. This is the first tulip
garden in Jammu region. A tulip garden is present in Srinagar region of Jammu and Kashmir.
i. The tulip garden was developed by the Floriculture Department. There are no time restrictions for visiting the
garden. Also, no fee is charged from visitors.
ii. This garden has been set up on half an acre of land near the Sanasar lake. Red, yellow and white tulips have been
grown in the garden this year.
First ever “Van Dhan Vikas Kendra” to come up at Bijapur, Chhattisgarh

Union Ministry of Tribal affairs has approved establishment of the first multipurpose “Van Dhan Vikas Kendra” in
Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh for value addition of Forest Produce.
i. Van Dhan Vikas Kendra will be an important part of Central Government’s scheme of “Mechanism for marketing of
Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support price (MSP) and development of Value chain for MFP”.
ii. The first “Van Dhan Vikas Kendra” in Bijapur District of Chhattisgarh will provide skill upgradation and capacity
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building training and will have primary processing and value addition facility.
iii. Initially, this Kendra will have processing facility for Tamarind brick making, Mahua flower storage facility and
chironjee cleaning and packaging.
Government bans imports of hormone oxytocin

On April 6, 2018, Indian Government banned imports of the hormone oxytocin to stop its misuse in the livestock
industry.
i.Oxytocin is referred to as "love hormone". It is released naturally during human bonding activities such as sex,
childbirth and breastfeeding.
ii. Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi has stated that abuse of ‘oxytocin’ in animals,
especially milch animals, causes hormonal imbalances and makes them barren sooner.
iii.‘oxytocin’ is a prescription-only drug and Indian Government had halted its retail sales in 2014. However, attempt
to curb its illegal sales has met with limited success and the volume of imports is unclear.
iv. Ban on import of ‘oxytocin’, for human or animal use has been imposed with immediate effect and Central Board of
Excise and Customs has stepped up vigilance against those likely to try and smuggle ‘oxytocin’ into India.
NITI Aayog plans National Data & Analytics Platform

NITI Aayog is planning to build National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP) to host and analyse huge amount of
data which shall be helpful for citizens to understand spend patterns of the government, consumption trends and the
success of various government policies.
i. Objective behind developing this platform is to increase transparency in government functioning by giving citizens
access to this data. NDAP will use artificial intelligence (AI) for in-depth analysis.
ii. NDAP will be developed through public-private partnership on design, build, operate and transfer basis. Cost of
developing NDAP could between Rs 50 crore to Rs 100 crore and would entirely be funded by NITI Aayog.
Madhubani railway station in Bihar gets makeover with Mithila paintings
Madhubani railway station in Bihar, which was once considered as a dirty railway station has got a makeover with the
traditional Mithila paintings.
i. Mithila art, also referred to as Madhubani art is practiced in the Mithila region (in Bihar). These paintings
constitute geometrical patterns drawn with twigs, fingers, brushes, nib-pens, and matchsticks, using natural
dyes and pigments.
ii. More than 225 artists, comprising 80 per cent women, volunteered to paint the station free of cost.
iii. This feat is equivalent to a world record as the total wall area of more than 14000 sq ft has been fully painted
with various themes under traditional Mithila painting style.
IHHC sets up first ICU simulation lab to train nursing staff

IHHC (India Home Health Care) has become the first home health care company to create a dedicated ICU
simulation lab to train nursing staff, at its Bengaluru facility.
i. This advanced simulation lab will offer hands-on training modules and aide nursing staff to improve the quality of
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medical and healthcare services offered to homes.

ii. Through this, IHHC will introduce critical care at home services. IHHC customers can now enjoy enhanced care
service in the comfort of their homes.
About IHHC (India Home Health Care):
♦ Founder and CEO - V Thiagarajan
♦ Headquarters – Bangalore.
Walmiki and Malhar: 2 unknown languages discovered

Prof Panchanan Mohanty, former dean of the School of Humanities at University of Hyderabad (UoH) has discovered
two new languages: Walmiki and Malhar.
i. These languages were discovered by Prof Mohanty as a part of the research activity of the Centre for Endangered
Languages and Mother Tongue Studies, UoH.
ii. These languages were unknown to linguists so far. Walmiki is spoken in Koraput of Odisha and in the bordering
districts of Andhra Pradesh.
iii. Walmiki is an isolate language (it does not belong to a family of languages). The community speaking Walmiki
claims descent from Indian saint-poet Valmiki.
iv. Malhar is spoken in an isolated region 165 km away from Bhubaneswar in Odisha. Around 75 people form the
community that speaks Malhar language.
Maharashtra to start free chemotherapy units for cancer patients

Maharashtra State Government has announced that, starting from June 2018, cancer patients in the state would
be provided free chemotherapy treatment at district hospitals.
i. This facility will be rolled out in phased manner, starting with hospitals in Nagpur, Pune, Gadchiroli, Amravati,
Jalgaon, Nashik, Satara, Wardha, Bhandara and Akola.
ii. In context of this news, it is important to note that according to the National Cancer Registry Programme, 11
lakh people are diagnosed with cancer every year across India.
Kerala issues protocol to confirm brain death cases

With an aim to make organ transplants more transparent in the state, Kerala State Government has issued
guidelines to be followed to confirm brain death cases.
i. A medical board comprising four doctors, including one in government service, will be the competent authority
to declare a patient brain-dead.
ii. Distinction between a state of coma and brain has also been clearly outlined by precise definitions. A state of
unconsciousness caused by damage to particular nerves of brain has been defined as ‘Coma’ while state of
permanent destruction of brain cells caused by excessive bleeding in brain has been defined as ‘Brain Death’.
8th Theatre Olympics concludes in Mumbai

51-day long 8th Theatre Olympics, concluded in Mumbai on April 8, 2018. Theatre Olympics is the largest
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international theatre festival and was held in India for the first time.
i. 8th edition of Theatre Olympics was inaugurated by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu at the Red Fort, Delhi,
on February 17, 2018
ii. This event brought together around 25000 artists under the theme “Flag of Friendship”.
iii. 8th Theatre Olympics witnessed 450 shows from more than 30 countries performed across 17 Indian cities -
Agartala, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Chandigarh, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Guwahati, Jaipur, Imphal, Jammu,
Kolkata, Mumbai, New Delhi, Patna, Thiruvananthapuram, and Varanasi.
Odisha Public e-library opens in Berhampur

Odisha Public e-library set up by Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) and Odisha Society of America
(OSA) has started functioning from the Berhampur Town Hall in Odisha.
i. The Odisha Public e-library is expected to support the library movement of Odisha and help computer literate
students.
ii. This library was inaugurated by Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik at BeMC's Maharaj Krushna Chandra
Gajapati Research Library in Berhampur on 31st August 2017. Later it was moved to the Town Hall since it has more
space and parking slots.
iii. The library has 12 computers, two servers and a projector. The library was opened for the public on 4th April 2018.
UIDAI brings digitally-signed QR code with photo for e-Aadhaar

The UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) has introduced secure digitally-signed QR Code on e-
Aadhaar that will contain photograph of the Aadhaar holder along with demographic details.
i. UIDAI has replaced the existing QR code on e-Aadhaar containing the Aadhar holder’s demographic details with a
secured digitally-signed QR Code that contains demographics along with photograph of the Aadhaar holder.
ii. This has been introduced to enable better offline verification of an individual. QR code is a form of barcode label
containing machine-readable information.
iii. e-Aadhaar is the electronic version of Aadhaar. It can be downloaded from UIDAI website.
iv. This new facility enables user agencies like banks to verify authenticity of Aadhaar card offline. Still, to confirm
that a person is a bona fide owner of the Aadhaar card, a manual check of photo with the individual’s face, should be
performed.
Intra-state e-way bill to be rolled out in five states from April 15

Intra-State E-way (Electronic Way) bill i.e. the E-way bill for movement of goods within the state will be rolled out
from April 15, 2018, starting with 5 states.
i. Five states in which Intra-State E-way bill will be rolled out from April 15, 2018 are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,
Gujarat, Kerala and Uttar Pradesh.
ii. Karnataka is the only state which had rolled out Intra-State E-way bill system from April 1, 2018.
iii. In March 2018, Goods and Services Tax (GST) council had decided that Intra-State E-Way bill will be rolled out
in a phased manner but not later than June 1, 2018.
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Modi launches India's most powerful electric locomotive in Bihar

On April 10, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled India's first 12000 horsepower electric
locomotive from Bihar's Madhepura locomotive factory.
i. This locomotive, which is so far India’s most powerful locomotive has been developed at Madhepura's Electric
Locomotive Factory and is the first big Make-in-India project completed by Alstom of France.
ii. It has a hauling capacity of 6000 tonnes and can attain maximum speed of 120 km/hr.
iii. With the launch of this locomotive, India has joined the league of countries - Russia, China, Germany and
Sweden – that have successfully run 12000 horsepower and above capacity electric Locomotives.
About centenary celebrations of the Champaran Satyagraha:
i. PM Modi was in Bihar to attend the centenary celebrations of the Champaran Satyagraha as a part of "Chalo
Champaran Campaign".
ii. Theme of the centenary celebrations of the Champaran Satyagraha is "Satyagraha se Swachhagrah".
Eighth Regional 3R Forum in Asia and Pacific was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Eighth ‘Regional 3R Forum in Asia and the Pacific’ was held in Indore, Madhya Pradesh from 10th – 12th April, 2018.
i. 3R stands for – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
ii. During the course of this event, participants engaged in high-level discussions on policies, shared useful
information and committed to support implementation of 3R projects in member countries.
iii. Theme of this event was 'Achieving Clean Water, Clean Land and Clean Air through 3R and Resource
Efficiency - A 21st-Century Vision for Asia-Pacific Communities'.
iv The event concluded with the signing and adoption of 'Indore 3R Declaration on Achieving Clean Water, Clean
Land and Clean Air' in cities.
Quick Facts about Regional 3R Forum in Asia and Pacific:
♦ Established in – 2009
♦ Proposed by – Japan
♦ Inaugural Forum held in – 2009, in Tokyo, Japan.
PM addresses National Convention of Swachhagrahis, launches development projects

On April 10, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the National Convention of Swachhagrahis (cleanliness
ambassadors) at Motihari, in East Champaran district of Bihar.
i. The event was organized, as part of the centenary celebrations of the Satyagraha led by Mahatma Gandhi, in
Champaran.
ii. Theme of the centenary celebrations of the Champaran Satyagraha is "Satyagraha se Swachhagrah".
Overview of Development Projects launched by PM Modi in Motihari:
On April 10, 2018, PM Modi launched development projects worth over Rs. 6600 crore in Motihari.
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Water Supply and Sanitation sector: PM Modi unveiled a plaque to mark the foundation stone of Motijheel Project,
the Bettiah Nagar Parishad Water Supply Scheme and four Ganga Projects viz. Saidpur Sewage Network – Patna,
Pahari STP project, Pahari Sewage Network - Zone 4, Patna and Pahari Sewage Network - Zone 5, Patna.
i. Railways Sector: PM Modi laid the foundation stone of the doubling of railway lines between Muzaffarpur -
Sagauli and Sagauli - Valmikinagar. He dedicated the first phase of the Madhepura Electric Locomotive Factory to the
nation and also flagged off the first 12000 Horse Power Freight Electric Locomotive and the Champaran Humsafar
Express.
ii. Other Projects: PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for a petroleum oil lube and LPG terminal of Indian Oil
Corporation Ltd at Motihari, a road lane of National Highway-2 in Auranagabad Bihar-Jharkhand border section and
an LPG Plant of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) at Sagauli.
UP cabinet nod for integrated sugar complex in Pilibhit, Tiger Conservation Foundation in Dudhwa
On 10th April 2018, Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved construction of an integrated sugar complex in Pilibhit and
setting up a Tiger Conservation Foundation in Dudhwa.
i. Uttar Pradesh cabinet presided by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath decided to develop the sugar mill of Kisan Sahkari
sugar mill limited located near Pilibhit since 2011 as an integrated complex.
ii. 40.308 hectare land of the sugar mill will be offered on 30 years lease. The ownership of the land will be with the
sugar mill company.
iii. The cabinet also approved setting up of Dudhwa Tiger Conservation Foundation, as said by central government in
2007.
World's largest solar park to come up in Gujarat

Gujarat is to set up India’s largest 5,000MW solar park in Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR).
i. On 10th April 2018, Gujarat state government offered its in-principle approval to the project.
ii. It will be established on 11,000 hectares of land along the Gulf of Khambhat in the Dholera Special Investment
Region (DSIR).
iii. The construction of this solar park will attract an investment of Rs 25,000 crore and provide employment for more
than 20,000 people.
iv. Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd (GPCL), Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL) and Gujarat Electric Transmission
Corporation (GETCO) along with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and the Central Transmission Unit (CTU)
are involved in implementing the project.
v. Gujarat state government has also planned to set up a 200MW wind park in DSIR. It would attract additional
investment of Rs 1,400 crore.
2018 Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) held from April 8-11
On 8th to 11th April 2018, the 2018 edition of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), also known as Asia's Davos was
held in Hainan, China.
Theme: The theme for 2018 Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) is: "An Open and Innovative Asia for a World of Greater
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Prosperity"
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the conference.
Government sets up committee to review the enforcement of CSR provisions

Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs has set up a 12-member panel to review the enforcement of Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) provisions under the Companies law and to recommend a uniform approach for its enforcement.
i. The panel is headed by Manmohan Juneja - Regional Director (Western Region) while Seema Rath – Deputy
Director (CSR) will be the convener. Other members include Sanjay Shorey - Joint Director (Legal) and N K Dua - Joint
Director (Policy) N K Dua.
ii. Representatives from apex bodies of chartered accountants, cost accountants and company secretaries will also be
a part of this panel.
iii. Besides, there will be two sub-committees -- legal and technical – which will examine various aspects of
compliance with CSR provisions.
iv. It is to be noted that Under the Companies Act, 2013, profitable entities falling under specified categories
are required to spend at least two per cent of their three-year annual average net profit towards CSR
activities. This norm came into force on April 1, 2014.
IIT-Delhi installs India’s first 5G lab
Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology lab, India’s first-of-its-kind 5G radio laboratory will
be inaugurated at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on April 13, 2018.
i. The Massive MIMO Technology Lab has been set up at the Bharti School of Telecommunication Technology and
Management, at IIT Delhi.
ii. Most important feature of Massive MIMO is the deployment of several antennas as compared to only a few
antennas in 3G/4G. Having several antennas improves system power efficiency, as the mobile terminals would
be required to radiate ten times lesser power than in 3G/4G systems.
India hosts 16th International Energy Forum (IEF) Ministerial Meeting

16th International Energy Forum Ministerial (IEF16) Meeting was held on 10th -12th April 2018 in New Delhi.
i. This meeting was hosted by India and co-hosted by China and South Korea.
ii. IEF16 was the largest gathering of Energy Ministers from across the globe. From the Indian side, the
ministerial was attended by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
iii. Along with Energy Ministers from across the globe, the event also brought together, industry leaders and heads of
key international organizations to debate the future of global energy.
Haryana Cabinet approves new rehabilitation policy for slum dwellers

Haryana State Government has approved the slum-in-situ rehabilitation policy in line with Housing for All-2018,
under which, urban slum dwellers on Government land will be provided housing facility without relocating
them to other areas.
i. As per the policy approved by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Rs 1.67 lakh per dwelling unit will be
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provided to developer for construction of houses for these urban slum dwellers.
ii. Out of Rs. 1.67 lakh, Rs 1 lakh financial assistance per dwelling unit will be provided by Central Government, while
Haryana State Government will provide assistance of Rs 67000.
iii. The carpet area for a dwelling unit constructed under this policy will be 50 square metre.
Industrial production grows 7.1% in February 2018: CSO

As per data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) on April 12, 2018, industrial production grew at 7.1 per
cent in February 2018.
i. Growth in industrial production during February 2018 came on account of robust performance of the
manufacturing sector and higher offtake of capital goods and consumer durables.
ii. Factory output measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), has thus maintained high growth for
the fourth month in a row. In November 2017, IIP grew by 8.54 per cent, followed by 7.1 per cent in December 2017
and 7.4 per cent in January 2018.
iii. During February 2018, Manufacturing sector grew at 8.7 per cent, capital goods output rose by 20 per cent,
Consumer durables grew at 7.9 per cent and Electricity generation grew by 4.5 per cent. However, mining output
declined by 0.3 per cent in February 2018.
Provision of Aadhaar Act validating collection of data is 'badly drafted': Supreme Court
On 10th April 2018, the Supreme Court said that, the provision of Aadhaar Act that seeks to validate the data
collected from 2009 to 2016 was "badly drafted".
i. The provision validated all biometric enrolments even before the law was passed with retrospective effect.
ii. The Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act came into effect in
2016. But the government had started enrolling people under Aadhaar scheme in 2010.
iii. Section 59 of the Act deems consent in all pre-2016 cases where biometrics were collected without the backing of
any law. Chief Justice Dipak Misra said that “Section 59 is badly drafted.”
Tripura Govt sanctions Rs 50 crore for IIIT at Bodhjungnagar

On April 12, 2018, Tripura State Government approved Rs 50.67 crore to set up an Indian Institute of Information
Technology (IIIT) at Bodhjungnagar, located 15 km away from Agartala.
i. Bodhjungnagar is one of North Eastern region's biggest industrial zones.
ii. Decision to set up IIIT at Bodhjungnagar in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode was taken in 2012. However, the
project could not take off due to non clearance of funds from the previous Left Front government.
iii. The institute would be set up on 52.08 acres land and the total project cost would be Rs 128 crore.
Andhra transforming its capital into world class city

State of Andhra Pradesh is constructing a world-class city in its de facto capital Amaravati.
i. Nearly 3840 apartments in 61 towers are under construction in the Amaravati capital region.
ii. Out of 61 towers, 21 towers having 1440 apartments are being built by Shapurji Palonji. These apartments will be
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for Type 1, Type 2 government officers and Group D employees.

iii. 22 towers with 1968 apartments for NGOs, are being built by L&T while 18 towers having 432 apartments (for
Members of Legislative Assembly, Members of Legislative Council and All India Services Officers are being built
by Nagarjuna Construction Company.
iv. Towers being built by Shapurji Palonji and L&T are at Nelapadu village while those being built by Nagarjuna
Construction Company are at Rayapudi village.
25 MW waste-to-power plant to be constructed in Gurugram

A power plant worth Rs 502 crore will be set up in Bandhwari village of Gurugram district, Haryana, to
produce electricity from waste under the Integrated Solid Waste Management Scheme.
i. The plant will be set up by August 2019. It will generate 25 MW of electricity. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar
Lal Khattar laid the foundation stone of the plant in Bandhwari village on 13th April 2018.
ii. He said that the plant will be set up as per the conditions of the National Green Tribunal.
iii. Urban Local Bodies Minister Kavita Jain said the plant will be installed in Gurugram and Sonipat clusters to
generate electricity from waste.
Intra-state e-way bill to come into effect from April 20 in Haryana

The intra-state e-way bill will come into effect on 20th April 2018 in Haryana.
i. The e-way bill is mandated for intra-state movement of goods also in Haryana. This was announced by Haryana
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar at the inaugural function of new building of excise and taxation.
ii. He said the Haryana state government has been expanding e-governance in a planned manner to create an easy and
transparent work environment.
2nd India Mobile Congress to be held in New Delhi in October 2018

Union Communications Minister Manoj Sinha has announced that second edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC)
will be held in New Delhi from 25th – 27th October.
i. Second edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) will be hosted by the Department of Telecommunications and
the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI).
ii. The event will serve as a platform for policy makers, regulators and other industry stakeholders to engage in
meaningful deliberations on contemporary issues and futuristic aspects of the sector.
iii. The three-day event will be attended by nearly 200000 professionals from the telecom industry, delegates
from US, Canada, European Union, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries.
Government extends Phase-1 of FAME-India scheme by 6 months

On April 13, 2018, Central Government announced extension of phase 1 of the FAME-India scheme by six months till
end of September 2018 or till its second phase is approved, whichever is earlier.
i. Announcement in this regard was made through a notification issued by Department of Heavy Industry under
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Union Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, which is the administrative authority for this
scheme.
ii. Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles – FAME India Scheme was announced in
Union Budget 2015-16 and is a part of National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020.
iii. Under Phase 1, incentives were offered for mass adoption of electric and strong hybrid vehicles
iv. Under Phase 2 of FAME India, spanning over five years, incentives will be
restricted to new energy vehicles used for public transport, commercial purposes and high-speed two-wheelers.
Total financial outlay for Phase 2 will be Rs 8730 crore.
ITDC bags Rs.550 crore project for developing infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh
On April 10, 2018, India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) signed a memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with Hyderabad based firm M/s Suraas Impex Pvt. Ltd. for developing a Mega Tourism Destination project
in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.
i. The proposed Mega Tourism Destination project in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh will be implemented at an estimated
cost of Rs. 550 crore.
ii. ITDC will be the Consulting Agency as well as Implementing Agency for this project.
iii. It also provides Engineering Consultancy Services through its division, Ashok Consultancy & Engineering
Services.
Indian economy has recovered from impact of demonetisation, GST: World Bank Report
As per World Bank’s bi-annual South Asia Economic Focus report released on April 15, 2018, Indian economy has
recovered from the adverse impacts of demonetisation (in November 2016) and roll out of Goods and Services Tax (in
July 2017).
i. Owing to recovery from above stated events, Indian economy is projected to grow by 7.3% in 2018 and 7.5% in
2019.
ii. South Asian region as a whole is projected to grow at 6.9% in 2018 and 7.1% in 2019.
iii. However, the report cautioned that despite growth, India was not creating enough jobs. As per the report,
India must create 8.1 million jobs a year to maintain its employment rate.
India to set up natural gas trading hub by October

In a bid to further boost the consumption of natural gas in the country, Indian Government is planning to set up a Gas
Trading Hub/Exchange (GTHE) by October 2018.
i. The GTHE will enable trading in natural gas and supply through a market-based mechanism instead of
multiple formula driven prices.
ii. Setting up of natural gas trading hub is in line with Indian Government’s vision of ushering into a gas-based
economy by increasing the share of natural gas in the primary energy mix of the country from current level of about 6
per cent to 15 per cent by 2030.
iii. Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) has invited bids to hire a consultant, who would help
develop a regulatory framework for operationalising the gas trading/exchange hub
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Bengaluru is highest paying city for talent: Randstad study

Bengaluru has emerged as the highest paying city in India, with an average annual cost to company (CTC) for
talents through all levels and functions at Rs 11 lakh, as per the report of Randstad Insights.
i. Second position was secured by Pune with an average annual CTC at Rs 10 lakh. NCR occupies the
3rd position with an average annual CTC figure of a little under Rs 10 lakh.
ii. Mumbai has come fourth with an average annual CTC of Rs 9 lakh. Chennai (Rs 8 lakh), Hyderabad (a little under
Rs 8 lakh) and Kolkata (around Rs 7 lakh) are the other three cities in the list of Indian cities paying the highest
average salaries for professionals.
iii. Randstad Insights’ report also states that professionals from pharma and healthcare industry are paid the
highest in India with an average annual CTC of Rs 10 lakh across all levels and functions.
iv. Due to the introduction of GST there was an increase in demand for implementation and compliance specialists.
v. This made professional services the second highest paying sector in India, with an average salary of a little
more than Rs 9 lakh. The sector mainly consists of management consulting, strategy, accounting, audit and legal firms.
vi. FMCG (Fast-moving consumer goods) sector is in third position with an average CTC of Rs 9 lakh. The IT
sector is in fourth place, with an average annual CTC of Rs 9 lakh. Infrastructure, real estate & construction
sector is in fifth position with an average annual CTC of at Rs 9 lakh.
FAO designates 14 new sites as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS)
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has designated 14 new sites as Globally Important
Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) since 2016.
i.These systems highlight agricultural traditions that promote sustainability, protect biodiversity and the
environment and support the social and economic development required for stable, decent livelihoods.
ii.The 14 new sites are wide ranged from oases to rice terraces, wasabi cultivation to raisin production. These places
have shaped landscapes into works of art. They have protected sustainable ways of living and producing food.
The 14 new sites are:
i. Siwa Oasis, Egypt, 2016
ii. Chinampa Agriculture in the World Natural and Cultural Heritage Zone in Xochimilco, Tláhuac and Milpa
Alta, Mexico, 2017
iii. Zhagana Agriculture -Forest-Animal Husbandry Composite System, China, 2017
iv. Huzhou Mulberry-dyke & Fish Pond System, China, 2017
v. Osaki Kodo's Traditional Water Management System for Sustainable Paddy Agriculture, Japan, 2017
vi. Nishi-Awa Steep Slope Land Agriculture System, Japan, 2018
vii. Traditional Hadong Tea Agrosystem in Hwagae-myeon, Republic of Korea, 2017
viii. The Agricultural System of Valle Salado de Añana, Spain, 2017
ix. Malaga Raisin Production System in La Axarquía, Spain, 2017
x. The Cascaded Tank-Village System, Sri Lanka, 2017
xi. Rice Terraces in Southern Mountainous and Hilly Areas, China, 2018
xii. Xiajin Yellow River Old Course Ancient Mulberry Grove System, China, 2018
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xiii. Traditional Wasabi Cultivation in Shizuoka, Japan, 2018

xiv. Barroso Agro-sylvo-pastoral System, Portugal, 2018
TRAI launches beta portal for comparing telcos’ tariffs

On April 16, 2018, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) unveiled the beta version of a website that
contains information about mobile tariffs of all operators for all service areas.
i. Objective behind unveiling this portal is to allow users to compare tariffs of different telecom operators and
thereby enhance transparency in the industry.
ii. The beta portal which has been unveiled provides information about regular tariffs, special tariff vouchers,
value-added service packs and promotional tariffs.
Suresh Prabhu launches digital platform for MSME Exporters

On April 17, 2018, Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Suresh Prabhu launched Federation of Indian Export
Organisations (FIEO’s) GlobalLinker, a digital platform for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME)
Exporters.
i. FIEO GlobalLinker is a growing global network, which currently comprises over 140000 SME firms. These
firms use their electronic business card and digital profiles created on the platform to seek growth opportunities
through business collaboration.
ii. Through this platform MSME exporters can digitise their businesses and thus join a global community of growing
businesses
iii. By using FIEO GlobalLinker search and review facilities, exporters can find clients, suppliers and
advisors. Through this platform, exporters can even creating a free e-commerce store for direct sales and improved
chain management.
iv. In addition to above features, the platform also hosts business articles and industry news, through hich, exporters
can update their knowledge.
Odisha’s second longest river bridge opened

On April 15, 2018, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated a 2.5-km-long bridge built over the Ib river
in Sambalpur district.
i. This is Odisha’s second longest bridge and has been built at a cost of Rs. 117.50 crore.
ii. The bridge has enabled direct road connectivity between Sambalpur and Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda
district.
iii. By Commuting through this bridge, distance between these two places is reduced by 50 km.
Goa to be Developed as Cargo Hub- Suresh Prabhu

Union Minister for Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu said that, Central government along with state government and
private partners is working to promote Goa as a tourism destination and a cargo hub.
i. Suresh Prabhu said this when he addressed media persons at Dabolim Airport, Goa, after inspection of the
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renovation work.
ii. He said that, Mopa airport will start operations by September 2020. Dabolim Airport will continue to operate
along with Mopa Airport.
iii. At Dabolim airport, renovation work worth Rs 300 crore is being done. New multi-layer parking complex will
start operation by July 2018.
World Bank to fund community-led landscapes management in Meghalaya

On 16th April 2018, a loan agreement worth USD 48 million for the "Meghalaya Community - Led Landscapes
Management Project (MCLLMP)" was signed by India and the World Bank, in New Delhi.
i. The objective of this project is to enhance community-led landscapes management in selected landscapes in
Meghalaya.
ii. The project has three components:
strengthening knowledge and capacity for natural resource management
community-led landscape planning and implementation
project management and governance
iii. It will help in managing the depleting natural resources like land, water sources, and forests by strengthening the
communities and traditional institutions.
iv. This will increase water for local communities and improve the soil productivity, resulting in increased incomes
and lesser poverty.
v. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) loan agreement was signed by Sameer
Kumar Khare, Joint Secretary (MI), Department of Economic Affairs on behalf of India. Hisham A Abdo Kahin, Acting
Country Director, World Bank (India) signed it on behalf of the World Bank.
Union Environment Ministry notifies Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Plastic Waste Management
(Amendment) Rules 2018.
i. The amended Rules state that, the phasing out of Multilayered Plastic (MLP) is now applicable to MLP that are
non-recyclable, or non-energy recoverable, or with no alternate use.
ii. The amended Rules state that:
a central registration system for the registration of the producer/importer/brand owner is prescribed
any mechanism for the registration should be automated and should take into account ease of doing business for
producers, recyclers and manufacturers
the centralised registration system will be developed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for the registration of
the producer/importer/brand owner
a national registry is prescribed for producers with presence in more than two states
a state-level registration has been prescribed for smaller producers/brand owners operating within one or two states
iii. Rule 15 of the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules 2018 on “explicit pricing of carry bags” has
been omitted.
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iv.The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change had formed a committee to study the issues faced in
implementation of Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 and Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
v. The committee had submitted its recommendations. The Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2018,
was notified by the ministry on 27th March 2018.
About Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change:
♦ Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change - Dr. Harsh Vardhan
♦ Minister of State - Mahesh Sharma
Bihar has highest rate of crime against SC/ST

i. As per NCRB data, crime against SC/ST is lowest in West Bengal.
ii. Madhya Pradesh reported the highest rate of crime (43.4%) against SCs specifically, while West Bengal had the
lowest at 6%.
iii. Rajasthan reported the highest rate of crime (12.9%) against STs specifically, while West Bengal had the lowest at
1.6%.
iv. The data also revealed that since 2014, crimes against SCs have increased by one percent overall, with a steep
rise of 5.5% occurring in 2016.
v. On the other hand, crimes against STs since 2014 have seen an overall decrease of 3.8%, with a significant
drop of 8 percent in 2015.
Quick Facts about National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB):
♦ Formed in – 1986
♦ Responsible for – collecting and analysing crime data as defined by the Indian Penal Code (IPC)
♦ Parent Ministry – Union Ministry of Home Affairs
♦ Current Director – Ish Kumar
Bharat-22 ETF follow-on offer may be worth Rs. 10,000 crore

The Finance Ministry might bring up a Rs 10,000-crore follow-on fund offer of the Bharat-22 exchange traded
fund (ETF) as it plans to dilute stake in Coal India to meet the minimum public holding norm.
i. The finance ministry is also focused on using the ETF route to sell off government shares held through SUUTI
(Specified Undertaking of Unit Trust of India) in private companies - ITC, Axis Bank and L&T.
ii. In November 2017, the government had introduced Bharat-22 ETF consisting of shares of 22 companies like public
sector undertakings (PSUs), public sector banks, ITC, Axis Bank and L&T.
iii. The fund had gathered bids for Rs 32,000 crore. But the government retained only Rs 14,500 crore.
iv . PSUs that are part of the new Bharat ETF-22 are ONGC, IOC, SBI, BPCL, Coal India and Nalco.
v. Other central public sector enterprises on the list are Bharat Electronics, Engineers India, NBCC, NTPC,
NHPC, SJVNL, GAIL, PGCIL and NLC India.
vi. Three public sector banks: SBI, Indian Bank and Bank of Baroda are in the Bharat-22 index.
vii. It has been said that, through the ETF route, the government might dilute about 3.55 % stake held in Coal
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India to comply with the minimum 25 % public float requirement as mandated by SEBI.
E-way bill to be rolled out on April 20, 2018 in six states

Intra-State E-way (Electronic Way) bill i.e. the E-way bill for movement of goods within the state will be rolled out in
six more states from April 20, 2018.
i. Six states in which Intra-State E-way bill will be rolled out from April 20, 2018 are Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana,
Himachal Pradesh, Tripura and Uttarakhand.
ii. In context of this news, it is important to note that E-way bill system for moving goods worth over Rs 50000 from
one state to another has already been rolled out since April 1, 2018.
iii. Karnataka is the only state which had rolled out Intra-State E-way bill system from April 1, 2018. After that,
Intra-State E-way bill system was rolled out in five states viz. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Kerala and Uttar
Pradesh from April 15, 2018.
Union Environment Ministry releases the draft of National Clean Air Programme
On 17th April 2018, the Environment Ministry released the draft of National Clean Air Programme aimed to
reduce air pollution.
i. The Environment Ministry has published the draft of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) on its website. It
has invited comments from stakeholders by 17th May 2018.
ii. Objectives of the NCAP as mentioned by the Environment Ministry in the draft are:
to augment and develop an effective and a proficient ambient air quality monitoring network throughout India to
ensure comprehensive and reliable database
to have efficient data dissemination and a public outreach mechanism for timely measures for prevention and
mitigation of air pollution,
to have a feasible management plan for prevention, control and reduction of air pollution
iii. Measures that will be taken for reducing air pollution are:
augmenting the air quality monitoring network
identification of alternative technology for real-time monitoring
setting up of 10 city super network
indoor air pollution monitoring and management and air pollution health impact studies
air quality forecasting system
issuance of notification on dust management
a three-tier mechanism for review, assessment and inspection for implementation and a national emission inventory
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India wins six elections to UN Economic and Social Council bodies

On April 16, 2018, India won six elections to UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) bodies.
i. By winning these elections, India won places on the executive boards of four UN bodies, three commissions
and a committee.
ii. In election for the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) Committee, within the Asia-Pacific group, India got the
highest number of votes (46).
iii. Through another single election, India made its way to the executive boards of the UN Development Programme
(UNDP), the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for a three-year terms
from January 2019.
India has also been elected to following bodies:
Board/Commission Term
Executive Board of UN-Women Three-year term starting January 2019
Commission on Population and Development Will start immediately. Term will end in Septemb
2021
Commission for Social Development Four-year term starting immediately
Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Three-year term starting January 2019
Justice
China moots India-Nepal-China economic corridor through Himalayas

On April 18, 2018, China proposed a India-Nepal-China economic corridor with multi-dimensional connectivity
through the Himalayas.
i. This proposal was put forth by China after visiting Nepalese foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali held talks
with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing.
ii. China has proposed this trilateral economic corridor on basis MoU signed by Nepal to join its multi-billion-
dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
iii.The China-Nepal MoU pertaining to BRI envisages a well-developed connectivity network through ports, railways,
highways, aviation, power and communications, which according to China will offer suitable conditions for an
economic corridor connecting China, Nepal and India.
Chhattisgarh Govt to distribute free smartphones to over 50 lakh people

In a bid to reduce the digital divide, from May 2018, Chhattisgarh State Government will start distributing free
smartphones to over 50 lakh people across the state under theSanchar Kranti Yojana (SKY).
i. Distribution of smartphones will start during the 'Vikas Yatra' campaign of Chief Minister Raman Singh. The Yatra
has been organised to create awareness about developmental activities undertaken by the incumbent BJP
Government under Mr. Raman Singh.
ii. Women heads of households will be the priority recipients of the smartphones as out of 50 lakh smartphones,
40 lakh will be given to women heads of households in villages having population of more than 1000, 5 lakh phones
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will be given to women heads belonging to poor families living in urban areas and 5 lakh phones will be given to
college students.
iii. On account of this scheme, 13900 villages of Chhattisgarh will get better phone connectivity.
UP Govt orders Govt hospitals and orphanages to establish SHISHU SWAGAT KENDRA- PALNA
On April 18, 2018, Uttar Pradesh State Government ordered all government hospitals and orphanages to establish
SHISHU SWAGAT KENDRA - PALNA and put up cradles in front of their buildings so that any person, lady or couple
can leave their unwanted child without disclosing their identity.
i. Objective of this setup is to tackle the problem of abandoning the infants at the roadside or other places
which may pose a risk of life for the baby.
ii. As per the order, the cradles will be set up at medical colleges, district, satellite and sub-district hospitals.
iii. This setup is expected to bridge the gap between the number of children available for adoption and the
increasing list of adoptive parents.
MSME Ministry Sets UP four Technology Centres for North East: Giriraj Singh
Minister of State of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Giriraj Singh has stated that four technology
centres are being established in North Eastern India for supporting Micro industries in the region.
i. Mr. Singh shared this information on April 18, 2018 at UdyamSamvad Workshop organised by Ministry of
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in New Delhi.
ii. The workshop had eleven session with different entities like Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
(DoNER), financial organisations and industry bodies.
iii. Mr. Singh stated that technology centres are being established in Imphal (Manipur), Dimapur (Nagaland),
Tinsukia (Assam) and Agartala (Tripura).
IIIDEM organizes Consultative Workshop for the Delegation from CEC of Kazakhstan
On 16th and 17th April, 2018, India International Institute of Democracy and Election
Management (IIIDEM) organized a Consultative Workshop in New Delhi for the Delegation from the Central Election
Commission (CEC) of Kazakhstan.
i. The delegation comprised six members including Vice-Chairman of CEC, Kazakhstan and other Senior Officials.
ii. Interactive discussions on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) & Role of Information Technology (IT) and a
Training Programme were conducted during the course of this workshop.
iii. India’s Chief Election Commissioner O. P. Rawat stated that EVMs are being used in Indian elections for the
past 20 years.
iv. IIDEM was established by Election Commission of India (ECI) in June 2011 to advance its professional
competence in election management.
KJo to be first Indian filmmaker in Madame Tussauds collection

Karan Johar (referred to as KJo), will soon become first Indian filmmaker to get a wax statue at Madame Tussauds,
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London. He owns Dharma Productions Pvt. Ltd., a production and distribution company. Karan Johar is not just
engaged in film making, but is also a costume designer, and television personality.
Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar and PM Narendra Modi are some of the other Indian dignitaries who
have got a wax statue at Madame Tussauds, London.
Kochi to host India Skills Kerala 2018

From April 28 to 30 , Kerala will host the India Skills Kerala 2018 in Kochi, as part of the World Skills India 2018. It
will help youngsters in the State to show their vocational skills. It aims to generating interest and creating awareness
among the general public.
i. The activities for the above event had organized by Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence (KASE), the State Skill
Development Mission (SSDM) and Industrial Training Department under the Department of Labour and Skills.
ii. It might help training students to get medals at the World Skills Competition Kazan 2019.
e-SANAD portal and National Academic Depository integrated

On 18th April 2018, the integration of e-SANAD portal and NAD – National Academic Depository (of HRD
Ministry) was launched by Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, at the India Habitat Centre in New
Delhi.
i. Minister of State for HRD (Human Resource Development), Dr. Satyapal Singh said that the integration of e-
SANAD and NAD – National Academic Depository, will improve transparency in the Indian education system.
ii. National Academic Depository was launched by the government to digitally store school learning certificates,
degrees and other academic awards of institutions of higher education.
Centre aims to make UP open-defecation free state

Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS), Union Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) have come together to make Uttar
Pradesh Open Defecation Free (ODF).
i. To accomplish this feat, the ministries recently organised a training camp for nearly 1000 masons in Jhansi city
for the construction of twin pit toilets.
ii. These masons will also go through skilling sessions under the guidance of NSDC. The plan is to impart training to
50000 masons in future.
Taipei World Trade Centre opens in Delhi

In a bid to promote trade between India and Taiwan, Taipei World Trade Centre (TWTC) launched its office at New
Delhi on April 19, 2018.
i. Taipei World Trade Centre will serve as a single venue that combines consulting service on trade-related
issues, trading partners, suppliers, and markets for international business.
ii. On the occasion of launch, leading Indian trade bodies such as Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce
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and Industry (FICCI), Society of Manufactures of Electric Vehicles (SMEV), PHD Chamber of Commerce and
Industry and World Trade Center, Mumbai notified MoUs with TWTC for enhancing trade collaboration.
GoM recommends uniform road tax structure for vehicles across country
A Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted by the Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry, has recommended a
uniform structure of road tax for vehicles across states.
i. This recommendation was given during GoM’s meeting held on April 20, 2018 in Guwahati, Assam. The two-day
meeting was attended by transport ministers from Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Goa, Kerala,
Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya, Haryana and Jharkhand.
ii. The GoM is headed by Rajasthan transport minister Yoonus Khan.
iii. If this recommendation is accepted, transfer of vehicles from one state to another will be allowed without levying
road tax.
iv. For levying tax based on invoice price of the vehicles, GoM has recommended three slabs viz. 8 percent tax
on vehicles below 10 lakhs, 10 percent for vehicles costing between 10-20 lakh, and 12 percent for vehicles above 20
lakh.
First International SME Convention 2018 to be held in New Delhi

The Four day first International SME (Small,Medium Enterprises) convention 2018 is being held in New Delhi
from 22ndto 24th April 2018. The main focus of this convention is on inclusion of MSMEs in the Make in India
program & empowering women entrepreneurs. It has been engaged by Minister of MSME (Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises) with 35 International Trade Development organizations.
Participants: - 150 participants from 31 countries and 400 entrepreneurs from India.
i. It helps our Indian SMEs in collaborating with International Companies for setting up manufacturing operations in
India.
ii. It will allow Entrepreneur to Entrepreneur exchange of ideas, free and fair business discussions, mutual sizing of
opportunities and ways to address them.
Indian MSME
i. India has more than 60 million MSMEs, especially majority of who are in low-tech areas and serve the local
domestic markets.
ii. Few of MSMEs have the ability and capability to derive access to International Markets. Highly developed
economies have banked on their small and medium enterprises for both GDP Growth as well as higher employment
resulting in higher per capita incomes.
Health Ministry to roll out initiative for prevention & control of viral hepatitis
Shri. Jagat Prakash Nadda,Union health minister has decided to roll out 'Integrated initiative for prevention &
control of viral hepatitis' with a budget of Rs 517.39 crore for three year. This initiative for prevention and control
of viral hepatitis has roll out under National Health Mission (NHM).
This initiative addresses with the various aspects such as surveillance, awareness generation, immunization, safe
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blood, and injection safety infection control, diagnosis of viral hepatitis, capacity building, research and monitoring to
combat the disease.
i. Under the initiative, the ministry has decided to establish a state coordination unit under the state NHM for efficient
rollout of the programme in 26 large and four small states.
ii. There is also a plan to set up 50 state laboratories for assisting in diagnosis and training of the district hospitals for
screening of hepatitis.
iii. The ministry intends to scale up to 100 treatment and 665 testing centres over a period of next three years.
iv. It is also proposed to establish 15 model treatment centres based on the endemicity of the disease.
Viral hepatitis is liver inflammation due to a viral infection. Hepatitis viruses replicate (multiply) primarily in the liver
cells. This can cause the liver to be unable to perform its functions.
i. There are several types of hepatitis viruses including types A, B, C, D, E, and possibly G. Types A, B, and C are the
most common. All hepatitis viruses can cause acute hepatitis.Viral hepatitis types B and C can cause chronic
hepatitis.
ii. Symptoms of acute viral hepatitis include fatigue, flu-like symptoms, dark urine, light-colored stools, fever, and
jaundice
Union Home Minister lays foundation for several development projects in Diu
On April 21, 2018, Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh laid foundation for various development projects in Union
Territory, Diu.
i. Mr. Rajnath Singh laid foundation for Construction of a pile jetty in Vanakbara village at a cost of Rs.3.77 crores, first
phase of sewerage network, including a common sewage treatment plant, in Diu costing Rs.20.70 crores, building of
an Annexe Circuit House at a cost of Rs. 20.60 crores and New school buildings at Kamleshwar, Zampa and Ghoghla.
ii. In context of this news, it is important to note that Diu has been selected for Central Government’s Smart Cities
Mission.
iii. A total of Rs. 1400 crore would be spent on developmental projects under this programme.
G20 Ministers and Central Bank Governors agree to aim for economic growth by promoting trade
Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from G20, (the Group of 20 economies) have agreed to aim for
economic growth by promoting trade.
i. Agreement in this regard was arrived at the G20 Spring Meeting held in Washington D.C., US on 19th and
20th April, 2018.
ii. The meeting was chaired by Argentina’s Treasury Minister Nicolas Dujovne.
iii. During the course of this meeting, the participants expressed concerns over protectionist international trade
policies and a further escalation of US-China trade war, which could slow down the global economy.
Quick Facts about G20 (Group of Twenty):
♦ Purpose – Forum to deliberate upon key issues affecting the global economy
♦ Members Countries:
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Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russian
Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and the European Union
Yogi’s FB page most popular among Indian CMs

As per rankings released by Facebook on April 19, 2018, Facebook (FB) page of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi
Adityanath is the most popular among all other chief ministers of India.
i. On April 19, 2018, social media platform, Facebook released data of top ranked Facebook pages of government
bodies, ministries and political parties in India.
ii. Popularity of the pages is based on total interactions which includes total reactions, shares and comments
on the page for the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017.
iii. With 42 million likes, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the most popular Lok Sabha member while
legendary cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar is the most popular Rajya Sabha member with over 28 million likes.
iv. Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) Facebook page has been adjudged as the most active, followed by Aam Aadmi
Party at second place and Congress at third position.
PM Modi award for Manipur’s Karang – India’s first cashless island of the country
On April 22,2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured officials for making Manipur’s Karang the first cashless
island of the country, and implementing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other priority initiatives of the
Centre.
i. Karang island, a remote and backward region. It was separated from the Bishnupur district. Incentives were
provided for training towards digital payments and five POS machines were installed on the island.
ii. Self-help groups and youth clubs were roped in for community mobilization and parallel activities were
conducted on the island for Aadhaar enrolment and opening of bank accounts.
iv. Modi awarded civil servants for smooth implementation of four priority programmes — Pradhan Mantri Fasal
Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban and Rural), Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, and
for promoting digital payments.
vAssam’s Dhemaji and Telangana’s Karimnagar - best implementation of ‘Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen
Kaushal Yojana’.
vi. Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra and Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch - implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana (Gramin) aimed at providing pucca houses with basic amenities to all homeless people.
Digambarpur of West Bengal: India's best Gram Panchayat

The central government has declared Digambarpur gram panchayat of West Bengal in South 24 Parganas
district as the best panchayat in the country.
i. State Panchayat Minister Subrata Mukherjee. There are 2.5 lakhs gram panchayats in the country, the central
government had selected 1000 and "Digambarpur under Pathar Pratima block has came out the best among those
1000 gram panchayats.
ii. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjeereminded that state was topped in job creation under the NREGA
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project. West Bengal has not only topped in rural employment generation, but also been able to reduce the
unemployment rate by 40 per cent.
iii. On the basis of seven factors of work include the system of planning, quality of planning, different activities and
level of coordination, implementation of the plan and its proper monitoring, use of Information Technology and
documentation the ranking of the Gram Panchayats have been selected.
Sunderban Reserve Forest to get Ramsar site status

Sunderban Reserve Forest is likely to be declared a Ramsar Site as West Bengal State Government has given approval
to its State Forest Department to apply for recognition under the Ramsar Convention.
i. According to 2017 Forest Survey of India report, Indian Sunderbans, with 2114 sq. km. of mangrove forests,
comprise almost 43% of the mangrove cover in India.
ii. Besides, it is also home to about 100 Royal Bengal tigers.
Diu Smart City becomes first to run on 100% Renewable Energy during Daytime
Diu Smart City has become the first city in India to function on 100% renewable energy during daytime.
i. Diu was importing 73% of its power from Gujarat until 2017.
ii.Diu has now adopted a two-pronged approach. According to that, a 9 MW solar park has been se t up in 50 hectares
and solar panels have been installed on the roof tops on 79 government buildings accounting to 1.3 MW power
generation annually.
iii. In a move to further increase the solar capacity, Diu provides a subsidy of Rs 10,000-50,000 for its residents to
install 1-5KW roof top solar panels.
iv. Diu is saving nearly13,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Due to low-cost solar
energy, power tariffs have been reduced in residential category by 10% in 2017 and 15% in 2018.
India to join countries having Sex Offender database

On April 21, 2018, Union Cabinet stated that India will now maintain a database of sexual offenders to monitor and
track those individuals convicted of such crimes.
i. In India, the sexual offender database will be maintained by National Crime Records Bureau.
ii. Across the world, only eight countries viz. US, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa,
Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom have sexual offender database.
iii. Only in US, the registry of convicted sex offenders is public, while in other seven countries it is maintained purely
for the consumption of the law enforcement authorities.
iv. However, it has not been clarified whether, Indian database will be made public or not.
Indian airports get their first woman firefighter

Taniya Sanyal from Kolkata has become the first woman firefighter appointed by Airports Authority of India (AAI).
i. Taniya Sanyal, who has done masters in Botany, has been appointed for AAI’s eastern region airports.
ii. Post completion of training at Kolkata firefighting centre, she may be posted at any of the eastern region
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airports that include Kolkata, Patna, Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Gaya and Ranchi.
iii. As having fire service is a mandatory condition for planes to land anywhere, AAI currently has 3310 fire fighters
posted at different airports across India.
iv. Physical standards for selection of male firefighters is minimum height of about 1.6 metres and minimum weight of
50 kg.
Government approved death penalty for rapists

On 21st April 2018, the central government approved an ordinance to amend the Protection of Children from Sexual
Offences (POCSO) Act to provide death penalty for the rape of children below the age of 12 years.
i. This move has been made after the recent Kathua rape-and-murder case where the victim was only 8 years old and
few other rape cases that followed, where the victims were minors.
ii. Rape of women: Minimum punishment has been increased from imprisonment of 7 years to 10 years, extendable
to life imprisonment.
iii. Rape of a girl under 16 years of age: minimum punishment has been increased from 10 years to 20 years,
extendable to imprisonment for rest of life.
iii. Gang rape of a girl under 16 years of age: imprisonment for rest of life of the convict.
iv. Rape of a girl under 12 years: minimum 20 years of imprisonment or imprisonment for rest of life or with death.
v. Gang rape of a girl below 12 years: punishment will be imprisonment for rest of life or death sentence.
Madras HC becomes first court in south India to introduce e-court fee payment facility
On April 20, 2018, Madras High Court became the first court in south India and eighth in India to introduce e-court fee
payment facility.
i. e-court fee payment facility at Madras HC was jointly launched by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K.
Palaniswami and Chief Justice of Madras High Court, Indira Banerjee.
ii. It is an advocate/litigant-centric initiative which enables advocates and litigants to pay court fee online.
iii.The e-stamps would not just do away with the hassle of procuring physical court fee stamps but will also
help to tackle counterfeiting.
iv. So far, only Supreme Court and the High Courts in Delhi, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and
Himachal Pradesh have the e-court fee payment facility.
Recommendations of Rajesh Bindal committee on Inter-country removal and retention of children

On April 23, 2018, Committee headed by Justice Rajesh Bindal, Judge, High Court of Punjab & Haryana, Chandigarh,
submitted its report on legal issues related to inter country removal & retention of children to Minister for Women
and Child Development, Maneka Gandhi.
i. Rajesh Bindal Committee was setup in February 2017 by Ministry of Women and Child Development to evaluate
legal issues related to inter country removal & retention of children and to study the draft of the International Child
Abduction bill, prepared by the Law Commission.
ii. Most important recommendation of this committee is that the Government should establish an ‘Inter Country
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Parental Child Removal Disputes Resolution Authority’, which will function as a one window solution in cases of
inter country removal and retention of Children.
iii. The committee has recommended that ‘Inter Country Parental Child Removal Disputes Resolution Authority’
should be chaired by a retired High Court Judge and should have Members from Legal and Social sector background
along with representatives from key Ministries.
India co-hosts Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop

On April 24, 2018, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the
four-day Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) in New Delhi.
i. This four-day regional Workshop (April 24-27, 2018) is the fourth in a series of UNCCD Workshops held around
the world and the first one being co-hosted by India.
ii. Representatives from nearly 40 Asia-Pacific nations are participating in this workshop.
iii. Besides, scientists and academicians from premier scientific and research-based institutions of India and senior
officers of Central Government ministries that work closely with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change to monitor the progress of the Convention in India, are also participating in the Workshop.
Two day Secure India Conclave underway in New Delhi

Two day Secure India Conclave, organised by Global Counter Terrorism Council began in New Delhi on April 24,
2018.
i. The conclave has been organised keeping in view, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘New India : Secure
India 2018”.
ii. Several sessions on internal security situation on Jammu & Kashmir, Left wing Extremism and cyber
security, chaired by eminent personnel will be held during the course of this two day conclave.
GI tag for Telangana’s Adilabad dokra, Warangal Dhurries

Two craft forms from Telangana - Adilabad Dokra, an ancient bell metal craft popular in the tribal regions of
Adilabad district in Telangana and Warangal Dhurries, a popular cotton rug - have been issued the Geographical
Indication (GI) Registration Certificate by the GI Registry, Chennai.
i. Adilabad Dokra metal casting products mainly includes bells, idols of local deities, dancing figures, statues, jewellery
and many other decorative items.
ii. The speciality of Adilabad Dokra is that no two pieces are alike in shape as well as in size thus making it
impossible to replicate.
iii. 'Warangal Dhurries' are famous across the world due to the high degree of craftsmanship involved in its
creation. Warangal became famous as Dhurrie weaving centre on account of abundant availability of cotton.
About Geographical Indications (GI) tag:
i. GI tag is a name or sign given to certain products which correspond to a specific geographical location or origin.
ii. GI tag grants exclusivity for using the name/sign to the producer/manufacturer in the corresponding region and
thereby testifies the origin, quality and reputation of the product/commodity.
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Bengaluru Smart City testing prototype Intelligent Traffic Management Solution

Prototype of an intelligent traffic management solution is currently being tested by Bengaluru Smart City
jointly with the Electronics City Township Authority (ELCITA), to enhance traffic management.
i. The intelligent traffic management solution will offer traffic information that is unavailable at present. It will
improve management of commuter traffic.
ii. It captures video from several cameras and processes them through artificial intelligence.
iii. Typical traffic management activities like vehicle detection, traffic density estimation and control of traffic lights
will be automated for real-time performance.
About Electronics City Township Authority (ELCITA):
♦ CEO - Ms. Rama N S
♦ Location – Bangalore.
AFSPA removed from Assam, Meghalaya and parts of Arunachal

On 23rd April 2018, the central government said that, the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been
removed from Assam, Meghalaya and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
i. AFSPA has been removed from Assam, Meghalaya and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, due to remarkable improvement
in security situation in those regions.
ii. In Arunachal Pradesh, the AFSPA will remain in force under eight police station limits. Earlier it was 16 areas.
iii. It has been extended by another six months in the following areas: in three eastern districts of Arunachal Pradesh:
Tirap, Longding and Changlang that border Myanmar and specific areas under eight police stations of seven other
districts bordering Assam.
Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime: MHA allows foreign tourists to visit Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur
On 24th April 2018, an official announcement stated that, foreign tourists, except those from Pakistan, China and
Afghanistan, will now be allowed to visit Nagaland, Mizoram and Manipur
i. The Home Ministry has decided to relax the Protected Area Permit (PAP) regime from Nagaland, Mizoram and
Manipur for five years with effect from 1st April 2018.
ii. As per the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958, all areas falling between the Inner line and the International
Border of some states were declared as protected areas.
iii. Currently, the protected areas include whole of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim, parts
of Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand and Jammu and Kashmir.
iv. Still Citizens from Pakistan, China and Afghanistan are banned from all PAP areas, including Nagaland,
Mizoram and Manipur.
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Roll-out of e-Way Bill system for Intra-State movement of goods in Arunachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh,
Meghalaya, Sikkim and Puducherry
The e-Way Bill system for Intra-State movement of goods is implemented from 25th April 2018 in Arunachal Pradesh,
Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Puducherry.
i. e-Way Bill system for Inter-State movement of goods was launched on 1st April 2018.
ii. As on 20th April, 2018, e-Way Bill system for Intra-State movement of goods has been rolled-out in Andhra Pradesh,
Bihar, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand and Uttar
Pradesh.
iii. Trade and industry and transporters present in the above locations can register on e-Way Bill portal
at https://www.ewaybillgst.gov.in
NITI Aayog to Open Applications for Atal New India Challenge

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under the NITI Aayog will launch the Atal New India Challenge on
26th April 2018.
i. The Atal New India Challenge will be run in collaboration with five ministries. Through the Atal New India
Challenge, AIM will invite prospective innovators/MSMEs/start-ups to design market-ready products, using advanced
technologies or prototypes in 17 focus areas like Climate Smart Agriculture, Smart Mobility, Predictive Maintenance of
Rolling Stock, Waste Management etc.
ii. Applicants with capability, intent and potential to productize technologies will be granted up to Rs. 1 crore.
iii. In addition, mentoring, handholding, incubating and other support will be offered at various stages of
commercialisation, also creating wider deployment for the product.
Six countries suspend membership in UNASUR

Six countries of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) have suspended their memberships amid
differences over who should lead the group.
i. Six countries that have suspended their membership from UNASUR are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia,
Paraguay and Peru.
ii. Leaders of these six countries believe that the impossibility of electing a general secretary for UNASUR affects the
bloc and thus they will not participate in UNASUR meetings for a period of one year until the leadership issue is
resolved.
iii. Owing to this, membership of UNASUR has reduced to half and now only Bolivia, Ecuador, Guyana, Surinam,
Uruguay and Venezuela remain in the bloc.
iv. UNASUR was promoted by late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. It was constituted in 2008 to counter US
influence in the region.
Adopt Heritage project: Government awards LoI to 9 agencies for 22 monuments

On April 24, 2018, Union Tourism Minister K J Alphons awarded Letters of Intent (LoI) to 9 agencies for 22
monuments under ‘Adopt a Heritage: Apni Dharohar, Apni Pehchaan’ project.
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i. The third award ceremony of ‘Adopt a Heritage Project’ was conducted in New Delhi by Ministry of Tourism in
collaboration with Ministry of Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and State/UTs Governments.
ii. ‘Adopt a Heritage Scheme’ was launched on World Tourism Day i.e. September, 27 2017 by President Ram
Nath Kovind. This scheme has been initiated by Ministry of Tourism in close collaboration with the Ministry of
Culture and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
iii. Under this scheme, Ministry of Tourism invited private and public sector entities to adopt as many as 116 ASI-
protected monuments/sites and to take up the responsibility for its maintenance, conservation and
development.
First edition of Cancer Screening Mela organized in Mizoram

A Cancer Screening Mela was organized in Mizoram by the Health Department of Mizoram jointly with Public
Foundation of India and National Health Mission under the initiative of Swasth Uttar Purv.
i. The Cancer Screening Mela was funded by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) at
Kolasib District, Diakkawn YMA Hall in Mizoram.
ii. The event saw participation from a wide range of people belonging to various fields. Theme of the mela was:
'Come on Mizoram, together let's beat Cancer’.
iii. Over 1000 participants participated in the screening. The mela was conducted to create awareness on cancer
prevention and early diagnosis, early detection and management.
PM releases commemorative postage stamp on Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna

On April 25, 2018, Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, released a commemorative postage stamp on former Chief
Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Late Shri Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna
i. While releasing the commemorative postage stamp, PM Modi mentioned about Mr. Bahuguna’s contributions in the
education sector and development in the hilly areas of India.
ii. Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna was the 9th Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. He held office from November 8, 1973
to November 29, 1975.
NDMA conducts mock exercise in North East on earthquake

On April 26, 2018, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) conducted a mock exercise on earthquake
preparedness in three North Eastern States - Tripura, Nagaland and Mizoram.
i. Conducting such mock exercise was required as these three states fall under seismic vulnerability zone V.
ii. The mock exercise helped in filling gaps, ensuring better communication and improving coordination among
various stakeholders and agencies that are a part of response mechanism.
iii. It also generated awareness among the local people about the Do's and Don'ts to be followed before, during and
after an earthquake.
iv.With an objective to improve preparedness and response for various disaster situations, NDMA has so far
conducted more than 600 mock exercises for various disaster situations across India.
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Maharashtra government to hold Startup Week

On 25th April 2018, the Maharashtra government announced the launch of 'Startup Week 2018' from 25th June to
29th June 2018, with an aim to promote entrepreneurial eco-system.
i. Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar, Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Maharashtra, said the startup
week will offer new companies a platform to display their innovative products and services to the Maharashtra state
government.
ii. He said that top 100 ventures will be chosen to present their solutions to a panel consisting of members from
government, industry, academia and investors.
iii. 10 startups from each sector will showcase their solutions to the panel. Best three among them (a total of 24) will
be awarded work orders of up to Rs 15 lakh from the Maharashtra State Innovation Society.
iv. The chosen start-ups will be given access to the government machinery and will receive mentoring from its
institutional partners for 12 months.
Comprehensive strategy to implement BharatNet in NE: Sinha

On 27th April 2018, Union Minister Manoj Sinha said that, the Telecom Commission has approved a comprehensive
strategy to implement BharatNet in the North East region.
i. Manoj Sinha said that, as per this Comprehensive strategy, all the uncovered gram panchayats in the North East
region, mainly in Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura will be connected through
broadband connectivity on satellite media by December 2018.
ii. The estimated cost for this is Rs 733 crore. 6994 towers will be set up to offer connectivity to 8621 villages and
along the national highways at a cost of Rs 5336 crore.
iii. He said that, for Meghalaya, the Telecom Commission has recommended setting up of 2173 towers on 2G+4G
technology at a cost of Rs 3911 crore.
iv. He added that, to assure reliability and redundancy in the transmission network and expansion of transmission
media between state capitals and between state capitals and district headquarters, BSNL will establish 3000 km of
OFC (Optical fiber cable) network at a cost of Rs 295.97 crore.
v. He said that armed forces in the border areas and police will be offered satellite phones to tackle natural disasters
and other issues.
vi. He also launched mobile connectivity of unconnected villages of North East and satellite connectivity of gram
panchayats under BharatNet.
vii. He revealed the vision document of "Ashtamangal" Phase II. Phase II of BharatNet and Ashtamangal will be
finished by December 2018 or March 2019.
NDMA conducts its first-ever Mock Exercise on Bio-Disasters at Patna airport

A five-day day training programme, aimed at enhancing the preparedness of Airport Emergency Handlers (AEHs) to
respond to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) emergencies at the airports, concluded on April
27, 2018 at the Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Airport in Patna, Bihar.
i. During the course of this training, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and National Disaster
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Response Force (NDRF) jointly conducted its first-ever full-scale Biological Management Emergency Exercise.
ii. This mock exercise was based on a simulated situation wherein the participants responded to a suspected
Ebola outbreak scenario.
iii. Participants in this drill included personnel from Airport Management, Customs, Health and Medical services,
Immigration, Fire Services, State Disaster Management Authority and Disease Surveillance.
Government declares all protected areas 'plastic free zones'
The environment ministry has banned plastics in all protected areas throughout India, declaring them
"plastic free zones".
i. This initiative has been taken prior to the World Environment Day on 5th June. States and Union territories have
been directed to conduct awareness campaigns to enlighten people about this issue.
ii. India will host the World Environment Day for 2018. United Nations environment chief Erik Solheim visited
India recently and signed a letter of intent declaring India to host the World Environment Day.
iii. Environment secretary C K Mishra said all protected areas and forest reserves will be plastic free zones. This
will be mandatorily enforced. He added that, alternatives to plastics will be made available gradually.
NITI Aayog and ITC to join hands to transform agriculture and water sectors
NITI Aayog and ITC Ltd will be collaborating in the area of agriculture and allied sectors with an objective to
strengthen farming systems.
i. NITI Aayog and ITC signed a letter of intent (LoI) in this regard on April 26, 2018.
ii. This collaboration will be for a period of four years till April 2022 under which, both the entities will strive to
increase net returns from farming through reduction in costs of production and increasing productivity of
major crops.
iii. ITC expects to impart training to over 2 lakh lead farmers in 25 districts a part of the partnership.
India’s first industrial solar microgrid commissioned in Gujarat

On April 26, 2018, Swedish-Swiss multinational giant ABB announced commissioning of India’s first industrial
solar microgrid at its factory in Vadodara, Gujarat.
i. Microgrid is a localized electricity source which can function autonomously as well as by connecting and being
synced with the traditional centralized electrical grid (macrogrid).
ii. Microgrids with integrated battery energy storage is primarily setup to ensure continuity of work during
planned and unplanned power outages.
iii. ABB’s Mircrogrid (having rooftop photovoltaic field and battery-energy storage system) at its factory zin Vadodara
will harness the solar energy and will thus help in meeting the growing electricity needs.
AIIMS sets up India’s first VBN system

On 26th April 2018, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) set up India’s first Virtual
Bronchoscopy Navigation (VBN), an advanced facility for diagnosis and treatment of small tumour-like spots in lungs.
i. The VBN system was installed in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Disorders at AIIMS.
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ii. Apart from India only few countries like China, Singapore besides the US and Europe own this facility.
iii. Using VBN system samples can be collected from small lung lesions with extreme precision and safety by using a
bronchoscope.
Central assistance for irrigation projects in drought prone areas of Maharashtra

On April 27, 2018, Expenditure Finance Committee of Union Finance Ministry accepted the proposal of Union Ministry
of Water Resources to provide Central Assistance for completion of 8 Major/Medium Irrigation projects and 83
Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI) projects in Vidarbha, Marathwada and drought prone areas of rest of
Maharashtra.
i. Estimated cost for completion of these projects is Rs. 13651.61 Crore.All these projects are expected to be
completed latest by 2022-23. Post completion, additional irrigation potential of 3.77 lakh ha will be created in
the above stated regions.
Delhi govt to set up Rogi Kalyan Samiti in every Assembly constituency

Delhi government will set up ‘Rogi Kalyan Samitis’ in each Assembly constituency and ‘Jan Swasthaya Samitis’ in
state-run dispensaries, poly clinics and mohalla clinics in order to provide support to the health institutions in the
national capital.
i. An official order in this regard was issued by Delhi Health and Family Welfare Department on April 26, 2018.
ii. As per the order, 'Assembly Rogi Kalyan Samitis' will have an advisory role in assisting health facilities,
develop and customise strategies. The 'Jan Swasthaya Samitis' will be set up as its sub-committee.
iii. Each 'Assembly Rogi Kalyan Samiti' and 'Jan Swasthaya Samiti' will receive Rs 3 lakh as grand-in aid every year.
Lands get unique number in Andhra's new project 'Bhu Seva'

On 28th April 2018, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister (Revenue) K E Krishnamurthy initiated Andhra
Pradesh government's 'Bhu Seva' (land hub) project aimed at offering integrated services related with land.
i. As per the Bhu Seva project, each land parcel will be given a Bhudhar Number. The Bhudhar Number is an 11
digit unique number.
ii. It will help in easy identification of the details of land parcel. A pilot project of this scheme was launched on
11th April 2018 in Jaggaiah Peta Mandal and Vuyyur Nagar Panchayat of Krishna district.
Sikkim C.M becomes India's Longest serving C.M

On 29th April 2018, Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling surpassed the record of former West Bengal
Chief Minister Jyoti Basu as the longest serving Chief Minister of any Indian state.
i. Jyoti Basu was Chief Minister of West Bengal for 23 years from 21st June 1977 till 6th November 2000.
ii. Pawan Kumar Chamling became Chief Minister of Sikkim on 12th December 1994. He completed his 24th year as
Sikkim Chief Minister on 29th April 2018.
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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
Nepal launches its first accessible trekking trail
India’s neighbouring country, Nepal has launched its first accessible trekking trail (for the differently-abled and
the elderly) in Pokhara city.
i. The trail was inaugurated as a part of International Conference on Accessible Tourism (held for the first time
in Nepal) from 29th to 31st March, 2018 in Pokhara, Nepal.
ii. This accessible trekking trail is a 1.3-km patch on the 14-km long hiking path in the ridge connecting Sarangkot to
Naudanda areas.
China set to unveil world's longest sea bridge

In 2018, China will unveil the world's longest cross-sea bridge, connecting Hong Kong, Macau and mainland
China.
i. This cross-sea bridge will be 55km-long and six lanes wide, comprising of four tunnels and four artificial islands.
ii. It is reported that quantity of steel used in building this bridge is more than 60 Eiffel Towers in Paris, France and
experts from 14 countries have been involved in its construction.
iii. The brigde will reduce the commute time between mainland China, Macau and Hong Kong to half. It is
estimated that nearly 40000 vehicles will be passing over this bridge on daily basis, including shuttle buses running at
10-minute intervals.
Turkey launches construction of first-ever nuclear plant

On April 3, 2018, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan launched
construction of Turkey’s first ever nuclear plant on the Mediterranean coast at Akkuyu.
i. Turkey’s first-ever nuclear plant is being built by Russia's nuclear energy agency, Rosatom.
ii. Estimated cost for building this plant is $20 billion.It is expected that after all reactors of this plant become
operational, it will fulfill 10 percent of Turkey's energy needs.
Qatar introduces national service for women
Qatar has introduced national service for women for the first time as per a law issued by Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin
Hamad al-Thani.
i. On 4th April 2018, the Law No. 5 of 2018 on national service was issued by Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-
Thani. According to the law, women above the age of 18 can volunteer for national service. Men between the
ages of 18 and 35 are required to perform compulsory military service, and now the service period has been
increased from three months to one year.
ii. The new law also states that men must apply for compulsory enlistment in the military service within 60 days of
turning 18 years.Persons who are caught avoiding military service will be imprisoned up to three and a fine of up to
50,000 Qatari riyals will be imposed.
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India, Korea to ink pact for seafarers, boost bilateral ties: Gadkari
On April 8, 2018, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that India and South Korea will sign a pact to provide Indian
seafarers employment on over 500 Korean ships.
i. The pact will prove to be mutually beneficial for both the countries as Korea is a large ship-owning nation and
India is a large seafaring nation with over 1.5 lakh seafarers.
ii. Mr. Gadkari will be on a four-day visit to South Korea from April 9, 2018. During the course of this visit, India
and South Korea will also explore partnerships in shipbuilding, waterways and smart transportation.
Microfactory that may help tackle e-waste hazard

Veena Sahajwalla, an Indian-origin scientist in Australia, has launched the world's first microfactory that can
transform the components from electronic waste like smartphones and laptops into valuable materials for re-
use.
i. Veena Sahajwalla, a professor at the University of New South Wales, said that, the e-waste microfactory can also
convert many types of consumer waste like glass, plastic and timber into commercial materials and products.
ii. Veena Sahajwalla pursued her BTech degree in metallurgical engineering from IIT Kanpur in 1986.
India, Vietnam discuss ways to boost ties

On April 10, 2018, Vice Foreign Minister of Vietnam, Dang Dinh Quy met Union External Affairs Minister Sushma
Swaraj in New Delhi and held discussions on India-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership and on ways to
further boost ties.
i. It is to be noted that in 2016, India and Vietnam formally upgraded their relationship status (from Strategic
Partnership) to "comprehensive strategic partnership.
ii. India-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership focuses on bilateral trade and Defence cooperation.
India, Peru to hold next round of FTA talks this week

Officials of Union Commerce Ministry are in Peru for the second round of negotiations for proposed free trade
agreement (FTA) to boost two-way commerce between both the countries.
i. Under FTA, the partner countries reduce or eliminate duties on most of the goods traded between them.
ii. Besides, related norms and rules are also eased to promote trade in services and increase bilateral investments.
iii. FTA with Peru, is part of India’s efforts to enhance its engagements with regions like Africa, South
America and Central Asia in wake of uncertainties in its traditional markets, including the US and Europe.
iv.As per Federation of India Export Organisations (FIEO), Peru holds huge potential for exports and thus
having an FTA with Peru would be beneficial for Indian exporters.
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UAE approves law on equal wages for men, women

With a vision to bring more females into its workforce, United Arab Emirates’ cabinet approved a bill guaranteeing
equal pay for men and women.In context of this news, it is important to note that UAE ranked 120 out of 144
countries overall in the 2017 World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report.
World's first long-distance electric bus line to begin in Paris

World's first long-distance electric bus line began service on April 12, 2018 in Paris, France.It will link Paris to
France’s northern city of Amiens, undertaking a 160 kilometres journey within two hours. This 49-seater bus has
a maximum travel range of 250 kilometres. Its batteries can be fully charged in 5 hours.
New Zealand bans all new offshore oil exploration

On April 12, 2018, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a ban on all new offshore oil
exploration permits as a part of her Government’s plan to transition towards a carbon-neutral future.
i. The ban on new offshore oil exploration permits has been applied with immediate effect. However, it will not affect
existing permits and onshore drilling.
ii. She has also assured that the decision will not lead to job losses in oil industry, which currently employs at least
11000 workers and contributes $1.8 billion per year to New Zealand economy.
China launches cloud platform for its scientists

China has introduced China Science and Technology Cloud (CSTC) to provide scientists with accessible,
accurate and secure data services to promote research and innovation.
i. China Science and Technology Cloud (CSTC) has been developed by the Computer Network Information Centre
of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
ii. CSTC obtains data from the academy's research institutes and major scientific installations, and many Chinese top
universities and private innovation centres.
iii. Applications are classified into 5 categories:
data resources
cloud computing with artificial intelligence (AI) and supercomputers
research software support
research community networks
outreach to foreign scientists and platforms
Pakistan bars former PM Sharif from holding office for life

On 13th April 2018, Pakistan's Supreme Court disqualified former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from holding
office for life.
i. Nawaz Sharif is 67 years old. He resigned in July 2017 after the Supreme Court disqualified him from holding office
on an issue over undeclared source of income.
ii. But he is still associated with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.
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iii. The Supreme Court verdict has stated that, under Pakistan’s Constitution, no person once disqualified from office
by the Supreme court can hold public office again.
Kazakhstan, India agree to enhance energy cooperation

The state of cooperation between Kazakhstan and India in the energy sector was discussed and analysed at
the 16th International Energy Forum held in New Delhi from 10th to 12th April 2018.
i. A delegation from Kazakhstan, led by the Vice-Minister of Energy, M. Mirzagaliyev, held talks with the Indian
delegation led by Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan.
ii. The talks were focused on "The future of global energy security - transition, technology, trade and investment", and
how Kazakhstan and India can improve cooperation in the energy sector within the framework of the IEF and the Gas
Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
US, Britain and France launch military operation against Syria

On 13th April 2018, US President Donald Trump launched air strikes on Syria in a combined operation with
France and Britain.
i. US, Britain and France have targeted Damascus (capital of Syria) and surrounding areas in response to Syrian
President Bashar al-Assad’s chemical attack that killed over 60 people last week.
ii. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia will call an emergency session of UN Security Council regarding
the airstrike on Syria.
UN launches road safety trust fund

United Nations (UN) has launched a UN Road Safety Trust Fund to spur action that could save lives and prevent the
loss of opportunity associated with road accidents.The fund has been launched in wake of tragic road accidents in
Canada and India.
i. As per data provided by UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, around 1.3 million drivers,
passengers and pedestrians die each year, and up to 50 million are injured on the world's roads.
ii. UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is the secretariat for the trust fund. According to UNECE, every
USD 1500 contributed to the fund could save one life, prevent 10 serious injuries, and leverage USD 51000 towards
investments in road safety.
India to work with China on OPEC’s Asian Premium issue
Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said that India, China and other Asian countries will work
together to voice against the "Asian Premium" being charged by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC).
i. OPEC sells oil to Asian countries, including India, at a higher price as compared to America and European
countries. The price differential is referred to as ‘Asian Premium’.
ii. Mr. Pradhan has stated that his Ministry has nominated Indian Oil Corporation Chairman Sanjiv Singh to
coordinate with the head of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and frame a suitable strategy for getting
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better price for oil exports from OPEC countries.
Generalized System of Preferences: US announces eligibility review of India

On April 12, 2018, United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced that it is reviewing the eligibility of India,
Indonesia, and Kazakhstan under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in response to concerns that these
countries are not complying with the programme criterion.
i. Under GSP, US Government gives preferential treatment (duty free entry of certain goods like chemicals,
gems, textiles among others to the US market) to exporters from developing and developed countries.
ii. In 2017, India benefited to the tune of $5.6 billion under GSP.
iii. U.S. dairy industry and the U.S. medical device industry exporters are at the forefront in seeking a review
of India’s GSP benefits as trade barriers imposed by Indian Government are affecting their exports to India.
Partnership with New South Wales to enhance Indian startup ecosystem

On April 16, 2018, New South Wales (NSW), a southeastern Australian state, announced a two-year USD 1.58
million partnership with India to enhance Indian startup ecosystem, technology, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
i. Announcement in this regard was made by New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian, who is on an official
visit to India from 16th – 19th April, 2018.
ii. Funds allotted under this partnership funds will be used to send NSW young entrepreneurs and startups
to India to support commercial connections between startups in NSW and India and for fostering collaboration
on advanced technology projects.
Bisket Jatra being celebrated in Nepal

Bisket Jatra celebration began in Bhaktapur, Nepal on April 14, 2018.
i. Bisket Jatra is a nine-day festival, celebrated annually to welcome the spring and the Nepalese
New Year. The Jatra begins four days before the start of new year.
ii. It is believed that the festival started during Malla dynasty, that ruled Kathmandu from 1201–1769 AD.
India claims top spot for 2018 growth among major economies: Reuters Poll
According to a Reuters poll of economists, India will reach the top position among the world's fastest-growing major
economies in 2018, but increasing trade tensions between the United States and China might hinder that growth.
i. The recent tit-for-tat import tariffs introduced by the US and China have created concerns about a global trade war.
Otherwise a strong world economy could be developed.
ii. The recent poll was taken on 11th to 18th April 2018. It has predicted that India's economy will expand 7.4 %
in the fiscal year that began in April 2018.
iii. Increased government spending prior to national elections next year is expected to be inflationary.Inflation is
forecast to average 4.7 % in the fiscal year ending in March 2019, and 4.9 % the following year, according to
the poll.
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India ranks 10th on new Commonwealth innovation index

India was ranked 10th on a new Commonwealth Innovation Index. First three rankers are UK, Singapore and Canada.
i. The index was launched as part of a new Commonwealth Innovation Hub on the sidelines of the Commonwealth
Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in partnership with the United Nations World Intellectual Property
Organisation (WIPO) and its annual Global Innovation Index (GII).
ii. The sixty percent of Commonwealth 2018 participants were under 30 with a lot of talent and innovation and with
this new digital platform.
iii. The Global Innovation Fund (GIF) will work as the delivery partner to host a new Commonwealth Innovation Fund
(CIF). The GIF will manage the fund and its investments, which will be targeted at innovative projects across
Commonwealth countries that "save and improve lives".
iv. The target size of the new fund, with financial commitments from member-countries, is expected to be 25 million
pounds of initial funds to prove the new model.
India-UK free trade agreement to boost economic ties: UKIBC

As per UK India Business Council (UKIBC’s) report ‘The UK and India: The Bilateral Trade Relationship’, a free
trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK will help boost two-way commerce and investments between both
the countries.
i. Under FTA, the partner countries reduce or eliminate duties on most of the goods traded between them.
ii. The report has also recommended a tighter alignment of the bilateral economic architecture, including the UK-
India CEO Forum and Joint Economic and Trade Committee and a focused outreach campaigns in both the countries,
informing trade associations about the opportunities in each other markets.
UK-India Tech Alliance launched by Nasscom, TechUK

Indian IT body National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) has partnered with techUK
to launch the UK-India Tech Alliance aimed at strengthening the technology sectors in both the countries.
i. The partnership envisages lending support to IT sectors in both India and the UK by developing stronger people-to-
people and business-to-business links, networks and joint platforms.
ii. This partnership will also promote the growth of skills in areas like artificial intelligence, big data analytics,
machine learning and cyber security.
UK-India Joint Statement during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to UK

Through UK-India Joint Statement issued during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to UK, both the countries have
agreed to reinforce the Strategic Partnership, based on shared values, common law and institutions.
i. Both countries have also agreed to work closely together and with other Commonwealth member-states, the
Commonwealth Secretariat and other partner organisations to address shared and global challenges.
ii. Leaders of both the countries reiterated their commitment to work together in various areas viz. trade, investment,
finance, technology, climate change, defence, cyber security and counter terrorism.
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India pools into USD 5mn small states fund at CHOGM

India is among four countries to pool into the USD 5 million ‘Commonwealth Small States Trade
Finance Facility’ which will enable small states to obtain easier access to international trade finance to diversify their
economies and achieve the sustainable development goals.
i. The fund was announced at the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London, UK.
ii. Along with India, other three countries that will inject capital in this facility are Sri Lanka, Mauritius and
Malta.
iii. Standard Chartered Bank and the Bank of Baroda, are the facility managers for this fund.
iv. 31 Commonwealth nations classified as small states can avail this facility. But before it is available to all such
nations, it will be rolled out on pilot basis in Bahamas, Botswana, Brunei, Dominica, Fiji,
Mauritius, Namibia and Seychelles.
PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Hasina, others on CHOGM sidelines

On April 18, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a series of bilateral meetings including discussions with
his Bangladesh counterpart Sheikh Hasina and Seychelles President Danny Faure on the sidelines of the
multilateral Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London, UK.
i. As stated by the Ministry of External Affairs official, PM Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh
Hasina had a productive exchange of views on various issues of bilateral interest.
ii. PM Modi’s discussion with Seychelles President Faure focused on cooperation in areas of trade and investment and
other bilateral issues.
iii. PM Modi also met Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth and talked about cooperation in trade
and investment, maritime cooperation and people-to-people ties.
iv. Other leaders with whom PM Modi interacted on sidelines of CHOGM: Australian Prime Minister Malcolm
Turnbull, Gambian President Adama Barrow, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Fiji Prime Minister Frank
Bainimarama and Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Rick Houenipwela.
Saudi Arabia unveils first new cinema

On 18th April 2018, Saudi Arabia unveiled its first cinema in more than 35 years with a private screening of the mega
hit Hollywood movie ‘Black Panther’, as a trial run before movie theaters are opened to the public.
i. The private screening was made in an invitation-only event. This has been done after Saudi Arabia lifted the ban
on cinemas in 2017 as part of a liberalization initiative.
ii. US firm AMC Entertainment has been offered the first license to operate movie theatres in Saudi Arabia.
iii. It was earlier said that, the movie theaters are expected to open to the public in May 2018. It is said that, test
screenings would be done for few days and an online ticketing system will be formally launched.
The first meeting of the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors
On 19th April 2018, the first meeting of the BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors was held in the
sidelines of the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., United States.
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i. Subhash Chandra Garg , Secretary , Department of Economic Affairs (EA) represented Ministry of Finance, India, in
the meeting.
ii. Major issues discussed in the meeting were related to:
improving the project pipelines of New Development Bank (NDB) evenly across member countries
a) expansion of NDB’s membership
b) proposal of South African Presidency for setting up a working group on illicit financial flows
c) BRICS Task Force on Public Private Partnership
d) issues related to BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA)
e) BRICS Bond Fund
India, Afghanistan held bi-lateral meet on drugs

On 20th April 2018, India and Afghanistan held bi-lateral talks to discuss issues related to illicit drug trafficking and
narcotics abuse, in New Delhi.
i. The Indian side was led by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Director General Abhay. The Afghan side was led
by Director (International Affairs) of the Ministry of Counter Narcotics Abdul Qayyom Samer.
ii. Discussions were held on cooperation between India and Afghanistan for exchange of ideas, sharing of best
practices and enhancing areas of cooperation in the drug crime domain.
iii. India is located between two major narcotics regions: the Golden Crescent (Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran) and
the Golden Triangle (Myanmar, Laos and Thailand). It is prone to transit, trafficking and consumption of opium
derivatives and its different forms.
PM Modi's Visit to Germany

On April 20, 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Germany after wrapping up his visit to the United
Kingdom where he attended the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and held bilateral
meeting with British PM Theresa May.
i. On April 20, 2018, Indian PM Narendra Modi met German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin and discussed
multiple aspects relating to bilateral cooperation as well as other global issues.
ii. This was the first meeting between PM Modi and Angela Merkel since Merkel began her fourth term as German
chancellor in March 2018.
iii. Germany is India’s largest trade partner in the European Union. In 2016-17, the bilateral trade between India
and Germany stood at USD 18.76 billion.
G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) Meeting held in Washington D.C.
On 19th and 20th April 2018 , Shri Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA),
Ministry of Finance, Government of India led the Indian Delegation to the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank
Governors (FMCBG) Meeting held in Washington D.C.
i. The Main schema of the Meeting was to discuss prospects and vulnerabilities of global economy, harnessing future
of work for inclusive growth and take stock of progress made under G20 Compact with Africa Initiative.
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ii. Secretary Shri Garg highlighted that the digital age technologies have profound implications for policies
concerning every aspects of the economy. It also has enormous implications for emerging markets and developing
countries.
iii. India has started adopting policies and programmes for transforming systems of delivery of services using digital
technologies and connecting every Indian with digital technologies and access through Adhaar .
iv. The Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri Garg is currently on an official tour to Washington D.C. to
attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank and other associated
meetings. He is accompanied by Mr. Urjit Patel, Governor, RBI and other senior officials.
North Korea halts all nuclear tests and missile launches as Trump hails 'big progress'
North Korea halts missile and nuclear tests, a pledge made by leader Kim Jong-un ahead of a meeting with Donald
Trump. All other countries have welcomed this decision.
i. North Korea has conducted all six of its nuclear tests at Punggye-ri test site in the country’s north-east. It tested its
first nuclear weapon in 2006, while its last and most powerful test came last September 2017.
ii. South Korea’s presidential office welcomed the announcement as “meaningful progress” towards denuclearisation.
“It will create a very positive environment for the success of the upcoming inter-Korean and North-US summits.
iii. The two countries are due to hold a summit on the southern side of the demilitarised zone.The meeting is to be
followed in May or June by a meeting between Kim and Trump.
India, Finland settle Nokia tax dispute under MAP

India and Finland have reached an agreement on the dispute between Indian Income Tax Department and Finnish
Telecom firm Nokia, under the Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP).
i. In March 2013, Indian Income Tax Department issued a tax demand of around Rs 2500 crore on Nokia India for
making royalty payments made to its parent company in Finland since 2006.
ii. The tax liability arose as Nokia India had imported software from its head office in Finland. Nokia India showed it
as purchase while Indian Income Tax department contested it as Royalty payment. Under India-Finland
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) Royalties attract 10 per cent tax.
iii. At Nokia India's request, Finland initiated the MAP process under the DTAA in 2013. The process resulted in
rectified tax liability of 1600 crore, which Nokia India paid in March 2018, thus bringing an end to the dispute.
iv. Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) is an alternate dispute settlement mechanism aimed at resolving
outstanding disputes between multi-national companies and local tax authorities arising out of differential
pricing treatment.
Iran bans banks from using cryptocurrencies

On April 23, 2018, Iran banned the use of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies by its banks and financial institutions.
i. Ban has been imposed citing concerns that cryptocurrencies can be used for money-laundering and
financing terrorism.
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ii. Central Bank of Iran states that, this decision was taken by government's money-laundering committee in
December 2017, but is now being put into effect.
Canada to host the world's female foreign ministers

On 22nd April 2018, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland announced that, Canada will host the
world's female foreign ministers for talks ahead of this year's UN General Assembly.
i. Chrystia Freeland opened a meeting in Toronto of G7 foreign ministers with a session, co-hosted by EU High
Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini.
ii. Along with male chief diplomats from most of the G7 major industrialized powers, female ministers from Ghana,
Ecuador, Panama, Jamaica, Guatemala and Colombia participated.
iii. Chrystia Freeland said that, she and Federica Mogherini had decided to host talks on 21st and 22nd September 2018
ahead of UN General Assembly just for female foreign ministers.
About G7 (Group of Seven):
♦ Members - Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States
♦ The European Union is also represented at the G7 summit.
Swaraj co-chairs 6th Joint Committee for Cooperation with Mongolia's Tsogtbaatar
On 25th April 2018, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj led the delegation at the 6th Joint Committee for
Cooperation with Mongolian Foreign Minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar.
i. Various aspects of bilateral relations, particularly in trade and investment, energy, mining, animal husbandry,
education and capacity building and tourism were discussed in the meeting.
ii. This is Sushma Swaraj's first visit to Mongolia after she became the External Affairs Minister in 2014.
iii. She reached Mongolia on 24th April 2018, after finishing her one-day China visit where she attended the Shanghai
Cooperation Organisation Foreign Ministers' meeting in Beijing.
Government to tie up with US and Finland to jointly develop new pollution-forecast system
India is tying up with the United States and Finland to create a pollution-forecast system that will enable anticipation
of particulate matter (PM) levels at least two days in advance with a better resolution.
i. Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will coordinate this exercise. It has been planned to have the system ready by
winter.
ii. At present, the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), run out of the Indian
Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, is the major forecaster of pollution trends in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and
Ahmedabad.
iii. It generates air quality profile, a day in advance, for these cities. The new system will be jointly developed by
Finnish Meteorological Institute and the U.S.’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
iv. The new system will use a different modelling approach and computational techniques.
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2018 World Press Freedom Index released: India falls to 138th rank
India has ranked 138th out of 180 countries in the 2018 ‘World Press Freedom Index’ released by Reporters Sans
Frontières (RSF), also known as Reporters Without Borders.
India’s 138th rank in the 2018 ‘World Press Freedom Index’ marks a drop of two places as compared to 136th rank in
2017.
i. Killing of journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, who was shot down outside her house in Bengaluru in September
2017 has been cited as the main reason behind India’s low ranking on the index.
ii. Besides, hate crime has been identified as another issue plaguing India.
iii. Among world’s major powers, Russia retained its position at 148th rank while US slipped to 45th as compared to
43rd rank in 2017. China too retained its spot at 176th.
iv Among India’s neighbouring countries, Bhutan (94th), Nepal (106th) and Sri Lanka (131st) rank ahead of India.
Myanmar, Pakistan and Bangladesh rank 137th, 139th and 146th respectively.
v. Norway topped the index for second consecutive year, while North Korea at 180th spot remained the most
repressive country.
2018 ‘World Press Freedom Index’ – Top 10 Countries:
Rank Country
1st Norway
2nd Sweden
3rd Netherlands
4th Finland
5th Switzerland
6th Jamaica
7th Belgium
8th New Zealand
9th Denmark
10th Costa Rica
Kazakhstan introduces 72-hour free transit visa for Indian citizens

The Government of Kazakhstan has launched a 72-hour-long transit visa free regime for Indian citizens from
17th April 2018 to 31st December 2018.
i. Kazakhstan's Ambassador to India Bulat Sarsenbayev said that, only citizens of India
are eligible for this facility who fly with Air Astana (Kazakhstan's national carrier) or any other Kazakh airline and are
transiting through international airports in Astana and/or Almaty to a third country or returning from a third country
through Astana and/or Almaty.
ii. This 72-hour transit visa free regime is applicable for both individual passengers and tour groups.
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iii. Discussions are being held with GMR Group that manages infrastructure-related operations at the Indira Gandhi
International Airport to offer more space to Kazakh airlines.
India and Nepal agree to review bilateral trade treaty by July this year
During the India-Nepal Inter Government Committee (IGC) meeting on Trade, Transit and Cooperation to Control
Unauthorised Trade, held in Kathmandu last week, both the countries have agreed to review bilateral trade treaty.
i. As per the agreement, a comprehensive review of India-Nepal bilateral trade treaty will be initiated in July
2018.
ii. This treaty was last revised in 2009.
iii. Both countries also agreed to synchronise development of border trade infrastructure, as most of the bilateral
trade takes place through land customs stations located along the India-Nepal border.
India, Pakistan to participate in SCO counter-terror exercise

For the first time, India and Pakistan will be part of a multi-nation counter-terror exercise, schedule to be held in
Russia in September 2018.
i. This multi nation exercise will be conducted under the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
(SCO).
ii. The exercise has been named ‘Peace Mission 2018’ and almost all SCO member countries including China will be a
part of this exercise.
iii. Objective of conducting ‘Peace Mission 2018’ is to enhance counter-terror cooperation among the eight SCO
member countries.
iv. India’s participation in this military drill was confirmed by Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the
recent SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Beijing, China.
USTR again places India in Priority Watch List

Office of United States Trade Representative (USTR) released 2018 edition of ‘Special 301 Report’. In this report,
India has once again been placed in the ‘Priority Watch List’ on account of longstanding challenges in its Intellectual
Property (IP) framework and lack of sufficient measurable progress.
i. Office of the United States Trade Representative(USTR) annually prepares Special 301 Report that identifies
countries which do not provide “adequate and effective” protection of intellectual property rights and “fair and
equitable market access” to US entities relying on IPR protection.
ii. Those countries where current IPR regulation has serious deficiencies and requires active monitoring are
placed in Priority Watchlist under Special Report 301 by the USTR.
iii. Besides India, other countries that have been placed in this year’s ‘Priority Watch List’ are: Algeria, Argentina,
Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Kuwait, Russia, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
India projected to be 2nd fastest growing nation for passenger traffic: ACI
India has been projected as the second fastest growing country in the world for passenger traffic based on traffic
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forecasts during 2017-40 by the Airports Council International (ACI).

i. Vietnam has topped the list with a 8.5 per cent growth rate. It is followed by India at 7.5 per cent and Iran at 7.3 per
cent.
ii. China occupies 8th position with 5.9 per cent growth rate. ACI has forecasted that by 2022, passenger traffic in
emerging economies like India will beat advanced economies.
iii. By 2040, international passenger traffic will reach parity with domestic traffic, which means more people will
travel offshore with increased economic activities.
iv. In 2022, passenger traffic in developing economies will reach 5.4 billion, which will be little higher than advanced
economies at 5.3 billion.
v. The Asia-Pacific region will have a healthy growth rate. During 2017-40, it will have a passenger traffic growth rate
of 38.8 per cent. This will be the fastest in the world.
vi. The growth in Europe will be 26 per cent and in North America it will be 8.4 per cent. The middle east has been
referred as the 'aviation bridge'.
vii. Earlier, ACI ranked Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi at 16th position in the twenty busiest
airports in the world list.
viii. Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai were also named the fastest growing airports in the world with year-
over-year growth of 26.9 per cent, 19.6 per cent, 12.9 per cent and 10.5 per cent, respectively in 2017.
Most trusted Internet brand in India

According to TRA's Brand Trust Report 2018, Google is the most trusted Internet brand in India.
i. Facebook has attained the second position on the list. TRA's Brand Trust Report 2018 has said that, Google
features 1.2 trillion searches every year.
ii. Amazon has ranked third. It is followed by e-Bay in the fourth position. Flipkart has secured 6th position.
iii. Ola has been ranked seventh in the list. Uber has secured fifteenth position.
About TRA:
♦ Type - Brand Intelligence and Data Insights Company
♦ CEO of TRA Advisory - N. Chandramouli.
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VISITS
Indian Visits:
Overview of Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli’s India visit

Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Oli was on a three-day official visit to India from 6th – 8th April 2018.
i. KP Oli was accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya and a 54-member delegation, including Nepalese Ministers,
Secretaries, Government Officials and businesspersons.
ii. KP Oli took charge as Prime Minister of Nepal for the second time in February 2018. Oli’s, this visit to India
was in line with the tradition of a Nepalese Prime Ministers visiting India on their first overseas trip.
Highlights of Meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli:
On April 7, 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli met in New Delhi
and held discussion to expand bilateral ties in developmental cooperation, agriculture, trade & investment, energy,
connectivity & people-to-people contacts.
i. Both the Prime Ministers jointly pushed a button to virtually lay the foundation stone of the 900 MW Arun III
hydroelectric project, for which Indian Government will provide USD 1.5 billion. This project will be built by Sutlej
Jal Vikas Nigam.
ii. The integrated checkpost at Birgunj-Raxaul, the main entry-exit point on the open India-Nepal border, was also
remotely inaugurated by both the Prime Ministers.
India to build strategic Railway link between Kathmandu and Raxaul:
India will build a strategic railway link between Raxaul in Bihar and Kathmandu in Nepal to enhance people-
to-people linkages and promote economic growth and development.
i. This railway line holds strategic significance as in March 2016, China had agreed to construct a railway link with
Nepal through Tibet, aimed at reducing Kathmandu's dependence on India.
India, Nepal to enhance Agriculture cooperation:
On April 7, 2018, India and Nepal reiterated their commitment to promote bilateral cooperation in agricultural
science and technology, agricultural production and agro-processing.
i. This partnership will be driven by Ministers for Agriculture of both the countries.
ii. It envisages collaborative projects in various areas of agricultural research and education and also promotes
exchanges between the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Nepal Agricultural Research
Council (NARC).
India, Nepal decide to develop inland waterways for Cargo Movement:
India and Nepal have agreed to develop inland waterways for cargo movement, within the framework of trade and
transit arrangements.
i. Both the Prime Ministers acknowledged the untapped potential of inland waterways which can contribute towards
overall economic development of the region.
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ii. Officials from both the sides have been directed to work out modalities for including inland waterways as an
additional means of transport in the Protocol to the Treaty of Transit between India and Nepal.
Modi, Oli launch ground breaking of India-Nepal petroleum products pipeline project:
On April 7, 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepal counterpart K P Sharma Oli launched the
ground-breaking ceremony of Rs 3.24 billion India-Nepal petroleum products pipeline from Motihari to
Amlekhgunj.
i. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed in August 2015 between Indian Oil Corporation
and Nepal Oil Corporation.
ii. The 69-km-long pipeline (32.7 km of pipeline in the Indian Territory and 36.2 km in Nepal territory) is the
first international cross-country petroleum pipeline project in India.
iii. A 10.75-inch diameter cross-country pipeline will be laid from Motihari in Bihar to Amlekhganj in Nepal.
Oli Seeks farm expertise for Nepal:
On the third day of his India visit, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Oli visited the GB Pant University of Agriculture and
Technology in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand.
i. KP Oli was conferred with a Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science at the university.
President of India visits Madhya Pradesh on April 28 and 29

President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, visited Madhya Pradesh on 28th and 29th April, 2018.
i. On April 28, 2018, President Kovind graced the 27th convocation of Dr. Harisingh Gour Vishwavidyalaya, Sagar.
ii. He also attended the Satguru Kabir Saheb Mahotsav, organised on the occasion of 620th Pragatosav of
Satguru Kabir in Sagar.
iii. On April 29, 2018, President attended an ‘Asangathit Shramik Sammelan’ organised by Government of Madhya
Pradesh, in Guna district. In Guna, he also addressed a function related to Mini Smart City Mission of Government
of Madhya Pradesh.
Foreign Visits
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to visit Russia on April 3

Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharama is on an official visit to Russia from 3rd – 5th April, 2018.
i. Main purpose of this visit is to attend the seventh Moscow Conference on International Security. During the
course if this visit, Ms. Sitharaman will also meet her Russian counterpart, Army General Sergei Shoigu, and other
senior leaders.
ii. This visit will reinforce India-Russia bilateral relation with particular reference to military technical cooperation.
President Ram Nath Kovind concludes visit to Equatorial Guinea

On April 9, 2018, President of India, Ram Nath Kovind concluded his visit to Equatorial Guinea, the first leg of his visit
to three African nations – Equatorial Guinea, Swaziland and Zambia.
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i. Mr. Ram Nath Kovind is the first President of India to visit Equatorial Guinea.
ii. President Ram Nath Kovind was conferred with the 'Condecoracion', the highest honour accorded to a non-
citizen by the government of Equatorial Guinea. So far, 'Condecoracion' has been awarded only to select heads of
state.
iii. During the course of this visit, India and Equatorial Guinea signed three Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) in the fields of AYUSH and traditional medicine; medicinal plants; and an action plan for Information
and Communication Technology.
Overview of President's Swaziland and Zambia visit

President of India, Ram Nath Kovind was on an official visit to three African nations – Equatorial Guinea,
Swaziland and Zambia from 7th – 12th April 2018.
i. President Kovind’s visit to Equatorial Guinea concluded on April 9, 2018.
ii. Highlights of President Kovinds’s visit to Equatorial Guinea was the signing of three Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) between India and Equatorial Guinea in the fields of AYUSH and traditional medicine; medicinal
plants; and an action plan for Information and Communication Technology.
President Ram Nath Kovind arrived in Swaziland on April 9, 2018.
i. On April 10, 2018, India announced to donate USD 1 million to support Swaziland's national disaster
management agency and also expressed commitment to the developmental partnership to create local capacities in
Swaziland and across Africa.
ii. This announcement was made during President Ram Nath Kovind’s address to Swaziland's parliament.
iii. It is to be noted that Ram Nath Kovind is the first Indian President to visit Swaziland and also the first
visiting Head of State to address Swaziland’s Parliament.
iv. President Kovind also announced that India will establish a Centre of Agricultural Excellence in Swaziland for
sharing its experience in the sector.
v. During the course of this visit, he also inaugurated and Information Technology (IT) centre built with Indian
assistance and held delegation level talks with Swaziland’s King Mswati III.
vi. Swaziland’s King Mswati III conferred ‘Order of the Lion’ on President Kovind to acknowledge the
contributions made by India for advancing Swaziland's development agenda. Order of the Lion is Swaziland’s highest
civilian honour bestowed on non-citizens.
vii. Highlight of President Kovind’s Swaziland visit was two agreements signed between India and Swaziland on
health cooperation and on visa waivers for those travelling on official and diplomatic passports.
President Ram Nath Kovind arrived in Zambia on April 10, 2018. This was the first visit to Zambia by an Indian
president since 1989.
i. On April 11, 2018, President Ram Nath Kovind held delegation-level talks with his Zambian President Edgar Chagwa
Lungu.
ii. On the same day, India and Zambia signed four agreements viz. on double taxation avoidance; on mutual
visa waivers for officials and diplomats, on judicial cooperation and on the Entrepreneurship Development
Institute that India will build in Zambia.
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iii. During the course of this visit, President Kovind also addressed the Zambia-India Business Forum.
Visit of Prime Minister of India to Sweden (16-17 April 2018)

On 16th and 17th April 2018, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi visited Sweden on the invitation of
Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Lofven.·
i.During the visit, India and Sweden hosted an India-Nordic Summit on 17 April 2018, named ‘India-Nordic
Summit: Shared Values, Mutual Prosperity’.
ii.All Nordic Prime Ministers, PM Lars Lokke Rasmussen of Denmark, PM Juha Sipila of Finland, PM Katrin
Jakobsdottir of Iceland and PM Erna Solberg of Norway, participated in the Summit.
iii.Annual India-Nordic trade is about $5.3 billion. The cumulative Nordic FDI into India is $2.5 billion.
iv.At the end of the Summit, India and the Nordic countries issued a Joint Statement.
Sweden India Joint Action Plan (April 17, 2018):
To promote bilateral cooperation, the following India-Sweden Joint Action Plan was decided. As per the Joint Action
Plan, India and Sweden, through relevant ministries, agencies and actors, aim to:
Innovation:
· Initiate a multi-stake holder Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future, to improve prosperity and growth
and address societal challenges like climate change and sustainable development through innovation.
· Perform dialogue and cooperative activities in intellectual property rights as per the MoU between the Swedish
Patent Registration Office and the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion of India.
Trade and investment
· Promote trade and investment in both directions, like Sweden’s investment in India through ‘Invest
India’ and Indian investment in Sweden through ‘Business Sweden’.
· Promote the work of the India-Sweden Business Leaders Round Table (ISBLRT) to strengthen India-Sweden
business cooperation in smart cities, digitization, skills development and defence.
Smart Cities and Next Generation Transport
· Knowledge sharing and cooperation on smart cities, transit-oriented urban development, air pollution control,
waste management, waste-to-energy, waste-water treatment, district cooling and circular economy, also through
dialogue and capacity building.·
Smart, sustainable and renewable energy
· mutual collaboration in development of smart grid technologies like smart metering, demand response, power
quality management, distribution automation, electric vehicle and charging infrastructure, renewable integration,
through research, capacity building, policy cooperation
Women’s skills development and empowerment
· Encourage women empowerment by skilling employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for women
through projects like"Kraftsamla”.
· It has been undertaken by Swedish and Indian actors in Pune, Maharashtra. It offer skills training for women in
jobs like forklift drivers, warehouse managers, assembly operators etc.
Defence
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· Explore the finalization of a bilateral agreement on exchange and mutual protection of classified information for
cooperation in the defence area.
Space and science
· Acknowledge the importance of bilateral cooperation on space research, technology, innovation and
applications. Encourage space agencies to improve space cooperation under the MoU, especially in Earth observation,
planetary exploration and satellite ground station activities, through an Indo-Swedish Space Seminar and a visit by an
Indian delegation to Swedish space establishments.·
Health and Life Sciences
Improve collaboration in health sector like health research, pharmaco vigilance and anti-microbial resistance, under
the MoU in the field of health care and public health.
Follow-up
The implementation of this Action Plan will be overseen by the Indo-Swedish Joint Commission on Scientific and
Economic Affairs, Foreign Office Consultations and other relevant bilateral fora and Joint Working Groups.
List of MOUs and Agreements signed and exchanged on the occasion of the visit of Prime Minister to
Stockholm (April 16-17,2018):
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 of Sweden
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
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.
President of India's 2 day visit to Jammu & Kashmir overview

On 18th and 19th April 2018, President Ram Nath Kovind was on his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.
i. President Ram Nath Kovind was accompanied by First Lady Savita Kovind. He was received by J&K Governor N N
Vohra, J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Legislative Assembly Speaker Kavinder Gupta and Legislative Council
Chairman Haji Anayat Ali at the airport.
ii. Ram Nath Kovind addressed the sixth convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) at Katra on
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18th April 2018. Nearly 880 scholars received degrees and merit certificates at the event.
iii. Ram Nath Kovind also met Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Ramalingam Sudhakar and
other judges.
iv. On 19th April 2018, Ram Nath Kovind visited the Mubarak Mandi heritage site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s UK Visit - Overview

On April 18, 2018 Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London, United Kingdom (UK) for a four-day official visit,
during which, he held bilateral meeting with UK Prime Minister Theresa May and attended Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London on April 19, 2018.
i. PM Modi’s visit to UK focused on the India-UK technological partnership and an enhanced role in the
Commonwealth.
ii. In context of this news, it is important to note that India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion and
UK is among the largest G20 investors into India.
iii. CHOGM is generally held at an interval of two years. Indian Prime Minister’s attendance at this meeting comes
after a gap of 9 years. The last CHOGM attended by an Indian Prime Minister was CHOGM 2009 in Trinidad and
Tobago, by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
UK Joins International Solar Alliance to Mark PM Modi’s visit:
On April 16, 2018, on the eve of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to London, UK formally joined the
International Solar Alliance.
i. Announcement in this regard was made at an event titled “Financing the Green Revolution” organised at the
London Stock Exchange by the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and London Stock Exchange (LSE) Group with the
support of the governments of India and the United Kingdom.
ii. UK thus became the 62nd signatory member of the ISA.
Highlights of Meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Theresa
May:
On April 18, 2018, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held breakfast meeting with his British Prime Minister
Theresa May in London.
iii. Both the leaders discussed multiple aspects of India-UK bilateral relations and issues like counter-terrorism,
radicalisation and online extremism.
iv. PM Modi assured Ms. Theresa May that there would be no dilution in the importance of the UK to India
after it leaves the European Union.
PM Modi visits China for informal summit with Prez Xi

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held the first-ever informal summit in
China’s Wuhan city on 27th and 28th April, 2018 to discuss measures for strengthening bilateral ties between both
the countries.
This was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fourth visit to China after he came to power in 2014.
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i. During this visit, PM Modi gifted to Xi Jinping, specially made prints of paintings by legendary Chinese artist
Xu Beihong. Titled ‘The Horse and Sparrows and Grass’, Xu made these paintings during 1939-40, when he stayed at
Kala Bhavan in Santiniketan and worked under Rabindranath Tagore.
ii. On April 27, 2018, the first day of the summit, both the leaders held one-to-one talks, where they discussed
the historical past of both India and China.
iii. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the need for strengthening bilateral relations between India and
China through his own version of "Panchsheel" or five-point agenda - shared vision, shared resolve, strong
relationship, better communication and shared thought process.
iv. Discussion during the course of this informal summit between PM Modi and Xi Jinping revolved
around trade, strategic military relations, tourism, promoting cultural, people to people relations and other
bilateral and regional issues.
v. Both the leaders, acknowledged the need to maintain peace and tranquillity in all areas of the India-China border
region.
vi. Besides, they also agreed to undertake a joint India-China economic project in Afghanistan. Officials of both
sides will identify the project and work out modalities.
BANKING & FINANCE
RBI in News
RBI switches back to GDP model from GVA model to measure economy
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to use Gross Domestic Product (GDP) instead of Gross Value Added
(GVA) to measure economic activity in India.
i.Viral Acharya, deputy governor of RBI said that, this change has been done to confirm with international practice and
for ease of comparison.
ii. GVA gives the picture of the state of economic activity from the producers' side or the supply side. GDP
provides the picture from the consumers' side or the demand side.
FPI investment limit in Govt Securities hiked

On April 6, 2018, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), in consultation with the Central Government, hiked the foreign
portfolio investors (FPI) investment limit in Central government securities (G-Sec).
i. The FPI investment limit in G-Sec has been hiked from 5 per cent of outstanding stock now to 5.5 per cent in
Financial Year 2018-19 and 6 per cent in Financial Year 2020.
ii. As per the current situation, 99.31 per cent of the upper FII investment limit in G-Secs, amounting to
Rs.191300 has already been utilised.
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RBI announces its first bi-monthly monetary policy for the new fiscal year
On April 5, 2018, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced First Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement for
financial year 2018-19. This time too, the Policy Repo Rate has been kept unchanged.
Policy Repo Rate 6.00% Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
Reverse Repo Rate 5.75% Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
Marginal Standing Facility Rate 6.25% Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
Bank Rate 6.25% Unchanged – since 2nd August 2017
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) 4.00% Unchanged – since 9th February 2013
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) 19.50% With Effect from 14th October 2017
RBI slaps Rs.3 Crore monetary penalty on IDBI bank

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a penalty of Rs. 3 crore on IDBI Bank for non-compliance with the
outlined norms related to reporting of bad loans.
i. RBI said that, the penalty was imposed on account of non-compliance with the directions issued on Income
Recognition and Asset Classification (IRAC) norms.
ii. Notification regarding this stated that, this penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in the RBI under
the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, taking into
account failure of the bank to adhere to the aforesaid directions issued by the RBI.
RBI tightens reporting norms for Liberalised Remittance Scheme

On April 12, 2018, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a notification aimed at tightening reporting norms for the
Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS).
i. Under LRS, all resident Indian individuals, including minors, are allowed to freely remit abroad, up to USD
250000 per financial year for any permissible current or capital account transaction or a combination of both.
ii. However, till now, Authorised Dealers/Banks permitted LRS transactions solely on the declaration made by
the remitter and thus monitoring of adherence to the limit was confined to obtaining such a declaration without
independent verification
iii.With a view to improve monitoring and also to ensure adherence to LRS limits, RBI has directed Authorised
Dealers (ADs)/Banks to put in place a daily reporting system listing out all transactions undertaken by
individuals under LRS. These reports will be accessible to all the other ADs.
RBI directs Mumbai-based bank to restrict withdrawals

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has placed Mumbai-based City Co-operative Bank under directions, owing to which, its
customers will not be allowed to withdraw more than Rs. 1000 per deposit account.
i. In addition to withdrawal restrictions, City Co-operative Bank would not be able to accept fresh deposits,
disburse loans, make any investment, or borrow funds without RBI approval.
ii. In context of this news, it is important to note that City Co-operative Bank’s net non-performing assets stood at 8.84
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per cent of advances.
RBI makes Aadhaar key to KYC compliance

On April 20, 2018, Reserve Bank of India amended its ‘know your customer’ (KYC) guidelines,
making Aadhaar mandatory for conducting customer due diligence by banks and finance companies.
i. As per the circular, for the purpose of doing customer due diligence, all RBI regulated entities must obtain
Aadhaar number, PAN or Form No. 60 from an individual who is eligible for enrolment of Aadhaar. As every
citizen is eligible for Aadhaar, the rule will apply to all Indians.
ii. The mandatory Aadhaar norm will not apply to residents of Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Meghalaya.
iii. In addition to this, RBI has also done away with sections relating to the use of other “officially valid
documents” by banks and financial institutions for address and identity proof.
RBI liberalises ECB norms; more access to cheaper funds

Ob 27th April 2018, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) liberalised External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) Policy by
including more sectors in the window, with an aim to enable cheaper access of overseas funds.
i. RBI notified that, it has decided to increase the ECB Liability to Equity Ratio for ECB raised from direct
foreign equity holder under the automatic route to 7:1.
ii. This ratio will not be applicable if total of all ECBs raised by an entity is up to USD 5 million or equivalent.
iii. In order to harmonise the extant provisions of Foreign Currency and Rupee ECBs and Rupee Denominated Bonds,
it has been decided to set a uniform all-in-cost ceiling of 450 basis points over the benchmark rate.
iv. The benchmark rate will be 6 month USD LIBOR (or applicable benchmark for respective currency) for Track I and
Track II. It will be existing yield of the Government of India securities of corresponding maturity for Track III (Rupee
ECBs) and RDBs.
Technology in Banking
IndusInd Bank to use WhatsApp for customer service

On April 4, 2018, IndusInd Bank announced that it has launched a pilot WhatsApp enterprise solution to
communicate with its customers.
i. IndusInd Bank’s message service on WhatsApp is being rolled out to customers in phases, wherein customers can
save the official WhatsApp number of the bank and initiate conversation.
ii. There will be a two-way communication with replies to customer messages seeking basic banking services by
which customers of IndusInd Bank will now be able to check balance, obtain mini statement, check reward points
as well as update of Aadhaar through WhatsApp.
Indian Bank launches PFMS & also launched ‘Bharat QR’, a mobile payment collection
Indian Bank has introduced Public Financial Management System (PFMS) and has launched ‘Bharat QR’ facility.
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i. Indian Bank, Managing Director and CEO, Kishor Kharat launched these initiatives in Chennai.
ii. Indian Bank has introduced public financial management system aimed to benefit government agencies for utilising
payment service.
iii. PFMS will help government agencies for processing payments, tracking, monitoring, accounting, reconciliation.
iv. 'Bharat QR' is a mobile payment collection scheme to accept digital payments. Using this scheme, a merchant
will receive Bharat QR sticker. This will enable customers to make payments through the QR facility.
Indian Overseas Bank launches IoT-based customer service app

As part of its 'Customer First' initiative, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has launched three ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT)-
based customer service initiatives on a pilot basis at one of its branch in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
i. First initiative is a sound pressure level meter placed at the branch service counter with a configured average
decibel level. Whenever the sound at this counter crosses the average threshold, the system sends an alert to
the branch manager as well as the designated official at the regional office, on a real-time basis.
ii. Second initiative is to provided a tablet containing a web responsive application to customers visiting the branch.
Visiting customers can submit their feedback through this application which also has ‘Happy’ and ‘Unhappy’
emoticons. The feedback will be monitored by a team of dedicated customer service representatives.
iii. Third initiative is a 'Missed Call Feedback' system wherein customers can give a missed call on the dedicated
mobile numbers in case of grievances.
HDFC Bank unveils IRA 2.0

HDFC Bank has launched IRA 2.0, the second version of its interactive humanoid at the Koramangala branch in
Bengaluru, Karnataka.
More Details about HDFC Bank’s IRA 2.0:
i. IRA 2.0 has been developed by HDFC Bank in collaboration with Invento Makerspaces and Senseforth
Technologies.
ii. Through voice based navigation, IRA will interact with customers, answer bank-related queries, frequently
asked questions and will guide them inside the branch.
iii. The first version of IRA, which was launched in January 2017 at HDFC Bank’s Kamala Mills Branch in Mumbai and
is currently stationed at its Palarivattom branch in Kochi, Kerala.
iv. HDFC Bank has also launched its virtual assistant ‘EVA’ (Electronic Virtual Assistant) on Amazon Alexa and
Google Assistant which allows customers to procure basic
bank account related information through voice chat from the comfort of their homes, without having to pick up a
phone, tablet or laptop.
v.Information that can be procured through HDFC Bank’s ‘EVA’: Information about bank’s product features, interest
rates, fee and charges, credit card reward points/payment date/expiry date, branches address, IFSC, process to
block/unblock cards and what to do if one forgets pin.
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Other Bank & Finance related News:
Allahabad Bank cuts lending rates by 45 bps

On 31st March 2018, Allahabad Bank announced that, it has reduced the base rate and benchmark prime
lending rate (BPLR) by 45 basis points each.
The Asset Liability Management Committee (ALCO) of Allahabad bank decided to decrease base rate and BPLR
(benchmark prime lending rate) by 45 basis points.It has reduced base rate to 9.15 per cent from 9.60 per
cent. BPLR has been reduced to 13.40 per cent from 13.85 per cent.
PFMS portal processes Rs 71, 633.45 crore transactions on a single day

On 28th March 2018, a record amount of Rs 71, 633.45 crore was digitally transacted through the Public
Financial Management System (PFMS) portal.
i. The total number of transactions through the PFMS portal was 98,19,026 on 28th March 2018. This has created a
record in number of digital transactions processed in a single day.It is implemented by the Controller General of
Accounts, Ministry of Finance.
ii. It is also used for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments under MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act) and other notified schemes of the government.
MoU between Indian Army and HDFC Bank

On April 3, 2018, Indian Army and HDFC Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Defence Salary
Package.The 1st MoU was signed in 2011 and was renewed in March 2015.
As per the terms of the current MoU, in addition to other benefits, the Army personnel having accounts in HDFC
Bank will get free personal accident death cover and free permanent disability cover of Rs 30 lakhs, free
educational cover of upto Rs 1 Lakh per year for four years for education of dependent child in case of accidental
death of defence personnel and 100% processing fees waived for Car Loans and Personal Loans.
Jio Payments Bank begins its operations

Jio Payments Bank Limited has commenced operations as a payments bank with effect from April 3, 2018.
i. Jio Payments Bank is a 70:30 joint venture between Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries and the State
Bank of India (SBI). H.Srikrishnan, who was earlier with HDFC Bank and Yes Bank, has been appointed as MD and
CEO of Jio Payments Bank.
ii. In November 2016, Airtel Payment Bank became the first entity to commence operations as Payments
Bank. Paytm Payments Bank and Fino Payments Bank commenced operations in 2017.India Post Payments Bank,
which also got a license for a payment bank is yet to start its full-fledged operations in a formal way.
ICICI Bank 1st to get Swift's new cross-border payment service

On April 6, 2018, global financial messaging cooperative, SWIFT (Society for World Interbank Financial
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Telecommunication System platform) announced that ICICI Bank has become its first Indian client to go live with
an improved cross-border payments service.
i. The improved cross-border payments service which is being referred to is the gpi (Global Payment Innovation)
Tracker, which has been extended to cover all payment instructions sent across the SWIFT network.
ii. SWIFT’s gpi tracker enables real-time payments tracking across correspondent banks and has a facility to
track the payments instructions across the correspondent banks globally.
India, World Bank sign US$ 420 million project agreement to benefit farmers in Maharashtra
On 6th April 2018, Government of India, Government of Maharashtra and the World Bank signed a US$ 420
million project to benefit Small and Marginal farmers in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions of
Maharashtra.
i. This project will benefit more than 7 million people over an area of 3.0 million ha. It will cover 5,142 villages in the
15 most climate vulnerable districts of the region.
ii. The $420 million loan provided by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) has a
grace period of 6 years. Its maturity period is 24 years.
iii. The Agreements for the Maharashtra Project for Climate Resilient Agriculture were signed by Sameer Kumar
Khare, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, on behalf of the Indian government.
SBI to invest Rs 80 bn in hydropower project of Nepal

India’s largest bank, State Bank of India (SBI) will be investing a total of Rs 80 billion in the 900 megawatt (MW)
Arun III hydropower project of Nepal.
i. The contract for constructing this project has been awarded to Sutlej Jal Vikas Nigam (SJVN) and SJVN has made an
agreement with the SBI to acquire the investment as a loan.
ii. Indian Government has already granted approval to SJVN to invest Rs. 92 billion in this project.
iii. This project is targeted to be completed by September 2022. On account of investment, SJVN will take the charge
for 25 years excluding the time for the construction.
11 public sector banks placed under RBI’s PCA Framework

11 public sector banks have been placed under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)’s Prompt Corrective Action (PCA)
framework due to non-performing assets.
i. These banks have been placed under RBI’s PCA framework to keep a check on NPAs. Generally, lending activities of
banks under PCA are restricted.
ii. They are also restricted from opening new branches, staff recruitment and increasing the size of their loan book.
They are instructed to disburse loans only to companies whose borrowing is above investment grades.
iii. The 11 public sector banks under RBI’s PCA Framework are:
a) Allahabad Bank
b) United Bank of India
c) Corporation Bank
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d) IDBI Bank
e) UCO Bank
f) Bank of India
g) Central Bank of India
h) Indian Overseas Bank
i) Oriental Bank of Commerce
j) Dena Bank
k) Bank of Maharashtra
iv. Five more banks are expected to be brought under RBI’s PCA framework. They are:
a) Andhra Bank
b) Punjab National Bank
c) Canara Bank
d) Union Bank
e) Punjab & Sind Bank.
J&K Bank launches special financing scheme for industrial units

Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) Bank has launched 'Add on Working Capital GST', a special financing scheme to help the
state industry cope with the delay in reimbursement of Goods and Services Tax (GST) under special tax relief.
i. This scheme was launched by J&K Finance Minister Syed Altaf Bukhari in the presence of Minister for Industry
and Commerce Chander Parkash Ganga.
ii. By ensuring healthy cash flow, this scheme will provide relief to industrial units in J&K that are facing
stressed liquidity position due to Goods and Services Tax regime.
Asian Development Bank Noted that Indian economy will grow by 7.3% in FY'18, 7.6% in FY'19
On 11th April 2018, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) stated that the Indian economy would expand by 7.3
% in fiscal year (FY) 2018 and 7.6 % in the next fiscal year.
i. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said that, this growth will be facilitated by various growth-oriented policy
measures.
ii.In ADB’s Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2018 report, it stated that the reduction in growth to 6.6 % in
FY2017 was partially due to demonetization.
iii. Also, issues related to Goods and Services Tax (GST) disturbed operations of small and medium-sized enterprises
(SMEs) and exporters.
iv. ADO stated that, in the upcoming months, growth will improve with the support of various measures like
improving farmers' purchasing power, higher procurement prices, agriculture market reforms, and investments in
irrigation and logistics.
v.The current account deficit would widen to 2.2 percent of GDP in FY2018 and 2.4 percent of GDP in FY2019. It also
said that, current account deficit is expected to be financed by capital flows.
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NABARD to expand its long-term lending to Rs 80,000 crore in FY19

On 11th April 2018, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) announced that, it has
aimed to raise its long-term on-lending or refinance portfolio to nearly Rs 80,000 crore in the current fiscal
year in a move to improve rural economy.
i. NABARD’s on-lending in 2017-18 was Rs 65,000 crore. NABARD earned a surplus of Rs 2,951 crore for the fiscal
year that ended in March 2018.
ii. It has planned to raise Rs 40,000 crore from the bond borrowing. Its borrowing was Rs 33,000 crore in 2017-18. It
has been one of the top three borrowers in the market.
iii. NABARD’s balance sheet grew 17 % to Rs 4.06 lakh crore in the fiscal year that ended in March 2018, against Rs
3.48 lakh crore in FY17.
iv. Loans and advances increased 15 % to Rs 3.54 lakh crore in the period compared to Rs 3.08 lakh crore in the same
period that ended in March 2017.
v. Its long-term refinance was Rs 1,22,688 crore, up 17 per cent in the fiscal 2018, compared to Rs 1,05,209 crore.
AIIB decides to invest $140M to improve Rural Connectivity in India

The Board of Directors of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have approved USD $ 140-Million loan
to improve the rural road connectivity and management for residents in Madhya Pradesh, India, at a Meeting held
recently in Beijing, China.
i. Nearly, 1.5 Million rural people of Madhya Pradesh will be benefited from improved livelihoods, education and
mobility offered through this project.
ii. This project is co-financed by the World Bank. It aims to improve the rural road connectivity and management
for residents of nearly 5,640 villages.
iii.Activities planned under this project are:
a) Upgrading the gravel surfaced roads to a sealed surface standard
b) Creating additional linkages to villages with potential for high growth
c) Improving institutional capacity through implementing/upgrading a rural road asset management system and
strengthening design and research and quality assurance capacity of the implementation agency
d) Developing road safety management capacity with road accident data management system and piloting a
comprehensive road safety program
e) Supporting design, implementation and management
World Bank approves $55mn for Bangladesh project

World Bank has approved $55 million to expand the use of clean renewable energy in rural areas
of Bangladesh that do not have access to grid electricity.
i. $55 million has been approved as an additional financing to the Second Rural Electrification and
Renewable Energy Development (RERED II) Project.
ii. Renewable Energy Development (RERED II) Project and additional financing will provide access to electricity and
energy efficient cooking stoves to about 10 million people living in villages, shoals and islands in Bangladesh.
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iii. Funds procured through additional financing will be utilised to install 1000 solar irrigation pumps, 30 solar
mini-grids and about 4 million improved cooking stoves in rural areas.
SIDBI ties up with CSC to promote MSEs in 115 districts

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has tied up with Common Service Centre (CSC) to
run micro enterprises promotion programme (MEPP) in 115 aspirational districts across India.
i. 'Transformation of Aspirational Districts' was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January
2018. Aspirational districts refer to selected 115 backward districts that are lagging on specific development
parameters.
ii. MEPP is geared towards promoting potential rural entrepreneurs by hand-holding them and also
facilitating access to finance for such enterprises from formal banking sector.
ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank repository participants for NERL

National E-Repository Limited (NERL), a group company of National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited
(NCDEX), has empanelled ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank as repository participants.
i.As per the agreement, ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank will offer pledge finance against electronic negotiable
warehousing receipts (eNWR) created on NERL’s repository platform for commodities stored in warehouses
registered with Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA).
ii.These empanelment will boost the repository ecosystem and will also be beneficial for stakeholders in reducing the
turn-around time in processing the loans and marking the pledge on the eNWR.
iii.It is to be noted that ICICI Bank itself is one of the promoter shareholder in NERL.
Quick Facts about NERL:
♦ Incorporated in – February 2017
♦ Location of Registered Office – Mumbai, Maharashtra
♦ Promoter Shareholders – NCDEX, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India and NABARD
India’s forex reserves at record high of $424.864 billion: RBI
According to the weekly data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), India’s foreign exchange reserves touched a life-
time high of $424.864 billion in the week to April 6, 2018.
i. As per RBI data, on a week-on-week basis, forex reserves increased by $503.6 million in the week to April 6,
2018.
ii. In the previous week, forex reserves rose by $1.828 billion to $ 424.366 billion.
iii. The latest surge in forex reserves came solely on the back of increase in foreign currency assets.
iv. For the reporting week, Gold reserves decreased by $130.7 million to $21.484 billion while special drawing rights
with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) declined by $10 million to $ 1.534 billion.
PNB launched new products such as pre-approved credit card and UPI solution to mark its 124th foundation
day
On 13th April 2018, Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched new products like pre-approved credit card and
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UPI solution to mark its 124th foundation day.

i. PNB also announced its UPI partnership with WALNUT, an expense management app, that has features like bill
reminders, bill-split and instant paperless loans.
ii. The camp was inaugurated at PNB head office in New Delhi by Sunil Mehta, MD and CEO of PNB.
Government raises NABARD's authorised capital to Rs 300 billion to aid rural economy
The government has raised the authorised capital of NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural
Development) by 6 times to Rs 300 billion, aimed to increase its lending to the rural economy, as a part of the
initiative to double farmers’ income by 2022.
i. A notification regarding this was released by the Finance Ministry on 10th April 2018. A bill in this regard was
approved by Parliament at the start of this year.
ii. The increased authorised capital will enable NABARD to perform the commitments it has undertaken, especially
with respect to Long Term Irrigation Fund and on-lending to cooperative banks.
YES Bank launches YES GST facility for MSMEs

Yes Bank has launched ‘Yes GST’, an OD (over draft) facility for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
i. ’Yes GST’ enables MSME to avail OD up to Rs 1 crore, based on their annual turnover, backed by Goods and
Services Tax (GST) returns.
ii. This OD facility can be availed by an MSME against mortgage of residential or commercial property.
iii. Thus the essential documents to be provided are GST returns and residential or commercial property papers. Any
additional assessment of balance sheet or bank statements will not be required.
WPI inflation at 2.47 % in March

On 16th April 2018, data from Ministry of Commerce & Industry stated that, India's annual Wholesale Price
Inflation (WPI) was at 2.47 % in March 2018, a nine-month low, due to a fall in price of vegetables and other
food and beverages.
i. The notification said that, the official Wholesale Price Index (WPI) for 'All Commodities' for March 2018 increased
by 0.2 % to 116.0 (provisional) from 115.8 (provisional) for the previous month.
ii.The annual rate of inflation, based on monthly WPI, was at 2.47 percent (provisional) for March 2018 (over March,
2017) as compared to 2.48 %(provisional) for the previous month and 5.11 percent during the corresponding month
of the previous year.
iii. The build up inflation rate in the financial year so far was 2.47 percent compared to a build
up rate of 5.11 percent in the corresponding period of the previous year.
iv.The index for 'Crude Petroleum & Natural Gas' group reduced by 0.5 % to 80.2 from 80.6 for the previous month
due to lower price of crude petroleum.
About Ministry of Commerce & Industry:
♦ Minister of Commerce and Industry - Suresh Prabhu
♦ Departments - Department of Commerce & Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.
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Bandhan Bank among top 50 most valuable entities

Bandhan Bank has found a place in the list of the top-50 most valuable companies in terms of market
capitalization (m-cap) in India.
i. Bandhan Bank reached 50th position in overall market capitalization ranking with a market capitalization of Rs 640
billion on 12th April 2018, as per Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) data.
ii .Bandhan Bank has surpassed Dabur India, Britannia Industries, New India Assurance Company, Tech Mahindra and
Bharti Infrastructure in the last 10 trading sessions.
iii. Tata Consultancy Services Ltd is the most valuable company in India. It is followed by Reliance Industries Ltd and
HDFC Bank Ltd.
ICICI Bank on-boards 250+ corporate entities on its blockchain platform

On April 17, 2018, India's largest private sector bank, ICICI Bank announced that it has on-boarded over 250
corporates on its blockchain platform for domestic and international trade finance.
i. In August 2016, ICICI Bank became the first bank in India to successfully undertake pilot transactions on its
blockchain platform for international trade finance.
ii. ICICI Bank’s blockchain platform digitises the paper-intensive international trade finance process as an electronic,
distributed and unalterable ledger, which is accessible to all the participating entities including banks.
iii. This is not just more time and cost efficient but also a secure way of undertaking domestic and
international trade transactions.
Kotak Bank goes past SBI to become India’s 2nd most valuable lender
On April 16, 2018, market capitalisation of Kotak Mahindra Bank, for the first time surpassed that of State Bank of
India.
i. Market value of a company's outstanding shares is referred to as market capitalisation (m-cap). It is
calculated by multiplying the current market value of company’s share with total outstanding shares.
ii. At the end of the trading day on April 16, 2018, Kotak Mahindra Bank’s market capitalisation rose to Rs 2.23
lakh crore compared with SBI’s market cap of Rs 2.22 lakh crore.
iii.On account of this surge, Kotak Mahindra Bank has become the second-most valuable bank in India after HDFC
Bank.
NABARD approves Rs 14,690 crore funding to Rajasthan

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced that it has extended total credit
support of Rs 14690 crore to Rajasthan during 2017-18.
i. Rajasthan has been one of the biggest beneficiaries under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF)
of NABARD.
ii. Funds sanctioned by NABARD were used for 10 irrigation projects, construction of 1614 roads and two rural
drinking water supply projects in the state.
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1.55 lakh post offices to be empowered as Payments Banks: Manoj Sinha

On 17th April 2018, Communications and Railways Minister Manoj Sinha said that, the government aims to
empower 1.55 lakh post offices after integration with 650 Payments Banks to offer digital services including
financial inclusion.
i. Manoj Sinha has said that, in 5 to 6 months, 1.5 lakh postal offices will operate as Post Payments Banks.
ii. He also launched Digital Advancement of Rural Post Office for a New India or Darpan program with a budget
of Rs 1,300 crore, under the IT modernisation initiative to enable digital transactions and online postal services in
1.29 branch post offices in rural regions of India.
iii. Bharti Airtel offers Machine-to-Machine (M2M) SIM cards for postal department’s modernisation initiative. IT
comapnies like Infosys and TCS are vendor-partner in the postal department’s modernisation drive.
iv. He said that the Postal Life Insurance (PLI) now covers people other than its employees with lesser premium and
more returns. He added that this has helped to gather Rs 6 crore of additional revenue within 4 months of its
introduction.
v. He also launched Darpan-PLI app that enables renewal of pension including premium collection and
indexing of maturity of claim.
SBI India's most trusted bank, ICICI tops in private sector: Report
As per Trust Research Advisory’s Brand Trust Report 2018, State Bank of India (SBI) is the most-trusted bank
(among both public and private sector banks) in India.
i. Among private sector banks, the list was topped by ICICI Bank. However, Brand Trust Report 2018 is based on a
survey that was carried out during November 2017 – January 2018 period and did not take into account the recent
reports of irregularities involving the ICICI Bank.
ii. Although SBI has topped the Banking and Financial Services Institutions (BFSI) super-category , its overall brand
trust index ranking has dropped from 13th in 2017 to 21st this year.
AU Bank bets on ‘Kamao’ app to ramp up biz

AU Small Finance Bank has decided to improve its business through crowd-sourcing, involving not only employees
but also customers and non-customers using the mobile app named ‘Kamao’ (earn).
i. AU Small Finance Bank has planned to encourage stakeholders to refer prospective customers, who want to open
deposit accounts or get loans, on the app and win rewards.
ii. The app is currently undergoing beta (field) testing. If an employee, customer or non-customer give leads
(prospective customer’s name, contact details, and banking requirements) they will be rewarded.
India contributing to global growth in financial inclusion: World Bank report

Global Findex Report, 2017 released by the World Bank has acknowledged that rapid increase
in financial inclusion has taken place in India in recent years.
i. As per the report, number of account holders in India rose from 35 percent of the adults in 2011 to 53 percent in
2014 and 80 percent in 2017.
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ii. This growth has been largely attributed to Government’s Jan Dhan Yojana, launched in 2014.
iii. 51.4 crore accounts have been opened globally from 2014 to 2017. During this period 28.17 crore Jan
Dhan Accounts were opened in India, constituting almost 55 percent of the accounts opened globally.
iv. Highlighting the growth of digital payments in India, the report states that 36 percent of account owners
in India are already using their accounts to make or receive digital payments.
ICICI Bank launches digital form for opening current accounts

India’s largest private sector bank ICICI Bank has introduced a 'digital form' which will help open current accounts in
a few hours.
i. Through ‘digital form’, ICICI Bank officials would be able to capture information about the customer and the
business digitally and verify KYC documents in real-time, at the premise of the customer.
ii. Opening account through ‘digital form’ application will provide a faster and smoother account opening experience
to customers by doing away with the hassle of arranging lengthy paper-work like physical photographs and
photocopies of KYC documents of themselves and their firm.
iii. ICICI Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Chanda Kochhar has claimed that this is a first of its kind
service by any bank in India, and will thus help to secure more clients as it enhances the 'ease of doing business'.
Yes Bank got RBI’s nod to open two global representative offices
Mid-size private sector bank YES Bank has got approval from the Reserve Bank of India to open two international
representative offices - in London and Singapore.
i. Offerings at these offices would include ‘Yes First’ and ‘Yes Private Wealth Management’ programme along with
Non-Resident External/ Non-Resident Ordinary (NRE/NRO) savings accounts and deposits and similar services.
ii. Yes Bank started creating international presence in 2015, with opening of its first overseas office in Abu
Dhabi, UAE followed by IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) at GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
PNB impounds passports of wilful defaulters

India’s second largest public sector bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB) has stated that Union Ministry of External
Affairs (MEA) has confiscated passports of 150 wilful defaulters based on its complaints.
i. In addition to impounding the passports, PNB has also lodged 37 FIRs against those who are not repaying loans.
ii. In March 2018, Union Finance Ministry asked banks to obtain passport details of those who have borrowed
more than Rs 50 crore and ensure swift action in case of fraud in order to prevent them from fleeing the country.
iii. In wake of Rs 14000-crore fraud by diamond traders Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, PNB has become proactive in
recovery of loans to improve its financial position.
IOB inks information utility pact with NeSL

On April 20, 2018, Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) entered into an agreement with National e-Governance Services
Limited (NeSL) for utilizing its Information Utility Services envisaged under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,
2016.
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i. State-owned NeSL is the first Information Utility entity registered with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board
of India (IBBI) under the aegis of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
ii. Information utility is an information network which procures and stores financial data like borrowings, default and
security interests of various entities. It enables lenders in making decisions on credit transactions.
iii. Owing to this agreement, IOB branches will now be able to provide authenticated information about debts and
defaults, thereby enhancing transparency in maintaining the list of borrowers, debtors, creditors and loan defaulters.
India's growth expected to expand at 7.4 % in 2017-18: RBI Governor Urjit Patel
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Urjit Patel has stated that India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to
grow at 7.4% in 2018-19.
i. He stated that global demand has been improving, which should encourage exports and boost fresh
investments in 2018-19.
ii. According to Mr. Urjit Patel, Gross fiscal deficit (GFD) of the Central Government is budgeted at 3.3 per cent in
2018-19.
iii. He outlined that although GDP growth in 2017-18 moderated to 6.6 percent as compared to 7.1 percent in 2016-
17, there was a strong rebound in the second half of 2017-18 on the back of a turnaround in investment demand.
Deposits in Jan Dhan account cross Rs 80000 crore

According to Union Finance Ministry data, total deposits in Jan Dhan accounts crossed Rs. 80000 crore mark as on
April 11, 2018.
Deposits in Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts shot up during the demonetisation period starting
from November 8, 2016.
i. The impact was so phenomenal that deposits in PMJDY accounts touched Rs. 74000 crore mark in the later
part of November 2016 from Rs 45300 in the beginning of November 2016.
ii. Although the deposits dipped for a brief period after that, it started picking up again in a steady manner from
March 2017 and crossed Rs 75000 crore mark in February 2018 and Rs 78000 crore mark in March 2018.
iii. Even the Global Findex Report, 2017 released by the World Bank has acknowledged that rapid increase
in financial inclusion has taken place in India in recent years due to Indian Government’s Jan Dhan Yojana.
iv. The increase in Jan Dhan deposits was fuelled by increase in number of Jan Dhan account holders, which stood
at 31.45 crore as on April 11, 2018 as compared to 26.5 crore at the beginning of 2017.
About Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a scheme for comprehensive financial inclusion launched by the Prime
Minister of India, Narendra Modi on August 28, 2014.
i. Its Objective is to ensure access to financial services, namely, Banking/ Savings & Deposit Accounts, Remittance,
Credit, Insurance, Pension in an affordable manner.
ii. The Slogan of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is “Mera Khata – Bhagya Vidhaata.” PMJDY is operated by
Department of Financial Services under Union Finance Ministry.
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Paytm Payments Bank registers 100M KYC wallets

On April 23, 2018, Paytm Payments Bank announced that it now has over 100 million KYC wallets.
i. Paytm stated that it was able to accomplish this feat on account of a constant campaigning highlighting about the
benefits of the Know Your Customer (KYC) system.
ii.Besides, it also introduced Paytm KYC centers and 'Paytm-Ka-ATM' outlets to offer localised support.
BoI inks pact with NeSL to share data under insolvency rules
On April 23, 2018, Bank of India (BoI) entered into an agreement with National e-Governance Services Limited
(NeSL) for utilizing its Information Utility Services envisaged under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
i. State-owned NeSL is the first Information Utility entity registered with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of
India (IBBI) under the aegis of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
ii. Information utility is an information network which procures and stores financial data like borrowings, default and
security interests of various entities. It enables lenders in making decisions on credit transactions.
World Bank group approves massive USD 13 billion increase in paid-in capital
On 21st April 2018, the World Bank Group approved USD 13 billion increase in paid-in capital, as part of a
series of internal reforms.
i. The package approved by the Development Committee of the Board of Governors consists of USD 7.5 billion paid-
in capital for International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and USD 5.5 billion paid-in
capital for International Finance Commission (IFC), through both general and selective capital increases.
ii. It also includes a USD 52.6 billion callable capital increase for the IBRD. The boost in capital will be supported
by various internal measures like operational changes and effectiveness reforms, loan pricing measures, and other
policy steps.
ADB has agreed in principle to give an aid of 1700 crore rupees to Uttarakhand
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has agreed in principle to give an aid of Rs 1700 crore to Uttarakhand for
infrastructure development in its urban areas.
i. Decision in this regard was conveyed to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat by the country director
of ADB's India Regiment Mission Kenichi Yokoyama at a meeting between the two in Dehradun on April 28, 2018.
ii. Rs 1700 crore procured through ADB aid will be utilised for creation of infrastructural facilities, sewer
treatment plants and water supply facilities in urban areas of Uttarakhand.
iii. Besides, ADB can also initiate a reform programme to economically strengthen municipal corporations of
Uttarakhand which would enable them to efficiently manage the resources at their disposal.
Government of India and World Bank Signs Agreement to Improve Rural Road Network in Madhya Pradesh
On 24th April 2018, Government of India, Government of Madhya Pradesh and World Bank signed a $210
million loan agreement for the Madhya Pradesh Rural Connectivity Project.
i. The Project would enhance the durability, resilience and safety of the gravel surfaced rural roads and improve the
capacity of Madhya Pradesh to manage its rural roads network.
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ii. The Project will cover 10,510 km distance of rural roads in Madhya Pradesh that come under the Chief
Minister's Gram Sadak Yojana (CMGSY) program.
iii. Out of this 10,000 km will be upgraded from existing gravel to bituminous surface roads. 510 km of new roads will
be built to the bituminous surface standard.
iv. This project will carry out surface sealing of roads, embankment pitching, and balancing culverts to prevent
damages caused by extreme flood events.
v.The project will implement Road Accident Database Management System (RADMS). Madhya Pradesh will pilot a
comprehensive Road Safety Program (PCRSP) in districts with the most fatal and serious injuries observed in the past.
About Madhya Pradesh Rural Connectivity Project (MPRCP):
♦ Chief General Manager - Pankaj Jhawar
♦ Project Implementing Agency of MPRCP - Madhya Pradesh Rural Road Development Authority (MPRRDA)
Electoral Bond Scheme 2018: Sale of Electoral Bonds at Authorised Branches of State Bank of India (SBI)
In the 3rd phase of sale, State Bank of India (SBI) has been authorised to issue and encash Electoral Bonds
through its 11 Authorised Branches with effect from 01.05.2018 to 10.05.2018.
i. Government of India notified the Electoral Bond Scheme 2018 as on Gazette Notification No. 20 dated 2nd January
2018.
ii. Electoral Bond Scheme 2018 states that, Electoral Bonds can be purchased by a person, who is a citizen of
India or incorporated or established in India.
iii. A person can buy Electoral Bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals.
iv. Only the Political Parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (43 of
1951) and those that have secured not less than 1 % of the votes polled in the last General Election to the House of
the People or the Legislative Assembly of the State are eligible to receive the Electoral Bonds.
India - World Bank sign $125 million agreement for “Innovate in India for Inclusiveness Project”
On April 24, 2018, India signed a loan agreement with World Bank for IBRD credit of $125 for the “Innovate in India
for Inclusiveness Project”. International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) is a member institution of
World Bank Group.
i. Objective of “Innovate in India for Inclusiveness Project” is to encourage indigenous innovation, facilitate
local product development and accelerate commercialization process in the sphere of affordable and innovative
healthcare products.
ii. The project would support public, private and the academic institutions to overcome the key market failures by
bridging critical skill and infrastructure gaps and thereby nurture an innovative biopharmaceutical and medical
devices industry in India.
iii. Term of IBRD $125 million credit will be 19 years with a grace period of 5 years.
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Rs 10012 cr aid given to UP in 2017-18: NABARD

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has stated that it has provided an assistance of Rs 10012 crore
to UttarPradesh during 2017-18.The funds were provided to facilitate overall development in the state with special
focus on agricultural credit.
i. Our of the above stated amount, Rs 8450 crore released to commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks and
Cooperative Banks.
ii. For 2018-19, NABARD’s priorities in Uttar Pradesh will be digital transformation of rural financial
institution,crop residue management in western UP, development plans for Bundelkhand region and setting
up irrigation infrastructure.
Govt. of India and World Bank sign legal agreement on National Biopharma Mission
On April 24, 2018, Government of India signed a Legal Agreement with World Bank for flexible financing
arrangements for National Biopharma Mission (NBM).
i. National Biopharmaceutical Mission is the first ever Industry-Academia mission to accelerate biopharmaceutical
development in India. This programme has been named Innovate in India (i3).
ii. It is a $250 million dollar initiative that includes a $125 million loan from the World Bank.
iii. Objective of this programme is to make India a hub for design and development of novel, affordable and effective
biopharmaceutical products.
iv. The mission will be implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Public
Sector Undertaking of Department of Biotechnology, Union Ministry of Science & Technology.
v. On April 24, 2018, a Legal Agreement for flexible financing arrangements for this NBM was signed between BIRAC,
Department of Economic Affairs under Union Ministry of Finance and International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (a member institution of World Bank Group).
IISL launches Nifty equity savings index

India Index Services & Products Limited (IISL), index services subsidiary of National Stock Exchange of India has
introduced Nifty Equity Savings Index, which can serve as a benchmark for equity savings funds offered by various
mutual fund houses.
i. This index captures the performance of a portfolio having exposure to equity, equity arbitrage and debt
instruments.
ii. Components and Weightage: Nifty 50 Total Return Index – 35%, Equity arbitrage (long position in Nifty 50 Total
Return Index and equivalent short position in Nifty 50 Futures Index) – 30%, Nifty Short Duration Debt Index – 30%,
Nifty 1D Rate Index – 5%.
Fitch retains India’s sovereign rating at ‘BBB-‘ with ‘stable’ outlook

Global credit ratings agency, Fitch ratings has retained India’s sovereign rating at BBB- with a stable outlook on
account of its assessment that upside and downside risks to ratings remains evenly balanced.
i. As per Fitch’s assessment, positive factors such as strong medium-term growth outlook for Indian economy
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and favourable external balances are countered by weak fiscal management and sub-par structural factors,
including governance standards and a difficult business environment.
ii. In context of this news, it is important to note that a rating upgrade reflects positive outlook for the country and
makes it an attractive destination for investors.
iii. Fitch has retained ‘BBB-‘ with stable outlook for India since August 2006. However, it changed the outlook to
negative in 2012 and then again to stable in 2013.
India GDP likely to grow 7.5 pc in FY19: Deutsche Bank

As per a report by Deutsche Bank, Indian economy is likely to register Gross Domestic Product
(GDP) growth of 7.5 per cent in financial year 2018-19.
i. Deutsche Bank’s 7.5 per cent growth forecast for 2018-19, marks an improvement as compared to the likely 6.7 per
cent growth in 2017-18.
ii. Positive factors leading to higher growth: Improvement in capacity utilisation which should expedite private sector
capex recovery, uptick in GST collections due to implementation of e-way bill, bad loans resolution plan and
Government’s focus on infrastructure investment.
iii. However, higher global oil prices, anticipated rate hike cycle from the RBI and negative impact of the
banking sector frauds on credit may pose a challenge to higher growth trajectory.
Economic growth likely to hit 7.5 pc in FY19: Niti VC Rajiv Kumar

As per Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar, Indian economy is expected to grow by at least 7.5 per cent in 2018-
19.He believes that India’s economic growth in 2018-19 will come on back of improvement in investment cycle
and capacity utilisation.
i.He added that overall economic environment has become extremely positive, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflow
in India is increasing and capacity utilisation has risen to 74 %.
ii. Mr. Rajiv Kumar has recommended that Indian Government should now focus on consolidating reforms that have
been initiated in past four years.
SBI rejigs portfolio of top brass

India’s largest bank, State Bank of India (SBI) has reshuffled the roles of its top management.
i. Padmaja Chunduru, who was in charge of digital banking and new businesses will now be in charge of SBI’s
global treasury operations while C Venkat Nageswar, who was in charge of global treasury operations will be the
new MD & CEO of SBI Capital Markets.
ii. PN Prasad, who was heading mid corporate group will be the chief risk officer while DA Tambe will be the new
chief information officer.
iii. Among other important reassignments, Arijit Basu, who was earlier heading SBI Life, will now head corporate
accounts group while Sanjeev Nautiyal has been appointed as CEO of SBI Life.
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MOU’S/AGREEMENT IN NEWS
FIEO, PayPal ink MoU to empower Indian SMEs to sell globally
On April 5, 2018, digital payments company PayPal and the Federation of Indian Export Organisations
(FIEO) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for promotion of outbound shipments among small and
medium enterprises (SMEs).
i. As per the terms of the MoU, PayPal will work with FIEO to educate SMEs on how to leverage global
opportunities, help them receive money in a safe and timely manner with PayPal products and inform them
of global best practices.
ii. Through activities carried out under the scope of this MoU, FIEO will be able to reach out to cottage industries,
MSMEs, artisans and clusters, even in distant areas to develop their orientation towards exports.
Singapore and China signed MoU along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
On April 8, 2018, Singapore and China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Beijing to promote greater
collaboration between Singapore and Chinese companies in third-party markets along the Belt and Road initiative.
i. Belt and Road initiative is a strategic developmental project proposed by Chinese president Xi Jinping in year
2013. The project aims to connect China with Eurasia through land-based "Silk Road Economic Belt" (SREB)
and ocean going "Maritime Silk Road" (MSR).
ii. As per the terms of the MoU, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and NDRC (China's lead
agency for BRI) will form a working group to identify sectors and markets of mutual interest, and organise
business matching activities and forums to facilitate third-party market cooperation between Singapore and Chinese
companies along the Belt and Road.
India, Bangladesh sign six MoUs including 129.5 km oil pipeline deal
On April 9, 2018, India and Bangladesh signed six pacts including one for the construction of a 129.5 km-long oil
pipeline between Siliguri and Parbatipur.
i. India-Bangladesh Friendship pipeline between Siliguri (on Indian side) & Parbatipur (on Bangladesh’s
side) is aimed at transporting 1 million tonnes diesel per annum from India to Bangladesh.
ii. Other two MoUs were pertaining to projects for setting up language labs in 500 schools in Bangladesh and upgrade
different roads in Rangpur city.
iii. All these MoUs were signed during the course of India’s Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale’s visit to Dhaka,
Bangladesh.
Inian Consortium and Saudi Aramco Sign MoU for Ratnagiri Mega Refinery in Maharashtra
On April 2018, Indian Consortium consisting of IOCL, BPCL and HPCL signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) with Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil company of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to jointly develop and
build Ratnagiri Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd. (RRPCL), an integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex, in
the State of Maharashtra.
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i. This MoU was signed on the sidelines of 16th International Energy Forum Ministerial Meeting in New Delhi.
ii. The MoU envisages to bring together crude supply, technologies, resources, experience and expertise of these
multiple oil companies with an established commercial presence around the world.
iii. RRPCL entails investment of Rs. 3 lakh crore and will be world’s largest refining & petrochemicals project.
India and Zambia sign four agreements to strengthen the ties between two countries
On 11th April 2018, India and Zambia signed four agreements as a part of Indian President Ram Nath Kovind’s visit to
three African countries.
i. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind arrived in Zambia on 10th April 2018. He held delegation-level talks
with Zambian President Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
ii. India and Zambia signed four agreements on:
double taxation avoidance
judicial cooperation
mutual visa waivers for officials and diplomats
the Entrepreneurship Development Institute that India will build in Zambia
iii. This is the first visit to Zambia by an Indian president since 1989. Ram Nath Kovind also addressed the Zambia-
India Business Forum.
iv. As part of President’s visit, India has agreed in principle to offer concessional finance and support for construction
of the Mahatma Gandhi Convention Centre in Lusaka.
v.Ram Nath Kovind will inaugurate work on the 93-km Lusaka Traffic Decongestion Project on 12th April 2018.
India-Timor Leste sign MoU in field of public health

India has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Timor-Leste (East Timor) in the field of public health
to extend affordable healthcare to its people.
i. This MoU was signed during India’s Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Krishan Pal
Gurjar’s four-day visit to Timor Leste from 7th – 10th April 2018.
ii. This MoU between India and Timor-Leste was being discussed for more than five years.
India, Morocco sign MoU to promote cooperation in mineral exploration

India and Morocco have signed a MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) in the field of Mining and Geology for a
period of 5 years.
i. The MoU envisages strengthening geological research and evaluation of the potential of mineral resources,
development of the geological infrastructure for Geoscience Maps and geochemical maps and promoting
exploration and mining through participation of both public & private sector.
ii. On April 11, 2018, Aziz Rabbah, Minister of Energy, Mines and Sustainable Development of Kingdom of Morocco
held discussions in this regard with Union Mines Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar in New Delhi.
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NHAI signs agreement for its first International project under IMT Trilateral Highway
On 11th April 2018, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed an agreement for its first international
project as part of the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway.
i. NHAI has signed an agreement with Punj Lloyd Ltd - Varaha Infra Ltd joint venture for upgradation of Yagyi -
Kalewa section in Myanmar to Two Lane with Earthen Shoulder.
ii. India, Thailand and Myanmar are working on the 1,400 km long highway. The highway will enhance trade,
business, health, education and tourism ties between the three countries.
iii. The project is funded by Ministry of External Affairs, India. It will be executed on EPC (engineering,
procurement and construction) method. The estimated cost for the project is Rs 1,177 crore.
NPCIL & NSDC signed a MoU

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) to provide skill training to
500 youth and women at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu.
i. Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project (KKNPP), situated in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu is the single largest
nuclear power station in India.
ii. Thereafter, NSDC will impart training through its approved training partners near KKNPP. The objective is to
provide gainful employment (wage and self-employment) to nearly 70 percent of the trained candidates post-
training.
iii. NPCIL has committed Rs. 1.74 crore under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions towards
this project, which is estimated to be complete in 15 months.
vi.NPCIL will monitor the progress of the implementation of the project to ensure that the objective of the project is
met effectively.
India, Russia sign seven MoU at Defence expo

On 13th April 2018, Indian companies and Russian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) signed 7 MoUs
at the DefExpo 2018 held in Thiruvidanthai, Chennai.
i. Earlier, at the third India-Russia Military Industrial Conference, discussions were made on improvement of after-
sales support of Russian origin defence platforms used by Indian defence forces.
ii. The 7 MoUs that were signed are:
a) Larsen & Toubro Ltd and joint stock company Rosoboronexper: for underwater platforms of Indian Navy and
Heavy Weight Torpedo and future-ready combat vehicles.
b) Ananth Technologies and JSC Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies (KRE): for product support for defence
systems and upgrade of opto-electric sighting and navigation complex for Su-30MKI aircraft).
c) Ananth Technologies and Research and Production Corporation: to set up technical and logistic support in
India for T90 S&T72 tanks in service with the Indian Army.
d) Space Era and KRET: to set up technical and logistics support in India.
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e) OSKROSOMARINE and Russian company JSC AGAT: for post-sale support for Fregat radar installed onboard
naval frontline warships.
f) Krasnet Defence Technologies and JSC Concern AGAT: for co-operation in the field of after-sales support of
equipment manufactured by JSC AGAT and installed on board Indian ships.
g) Aviatech Enterprises and JSC AGAT: for co-operation in after-sales support of equipment manufactured by
JSCAGAT and installed on board Indian naval ships.
L&T, BEL ink MoU for defence products

On April 11, 2018, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), India's multinational engineering conglomerate, and Bharat Electronics
Limited (BEL), a government-owned aerospace and defence company signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) to cater to the needs of evolving domestic and export markets for defence products and systems.
i. The MoU envisages collaboration between L&T and BEL to fulfil growing requirements of the Indian Armed
Forces.
ii. Besides, the MoU will also leverage expertise, experience and well-developed supply chain of BEL and L&T to
enhance exports in the defence sector.
Signature of MoU between the GIFAS (France) and the SIDM (India)
A MoU was signed between the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM), India, and the Groupement des
Industries Françaises Aeronautiques et Spatiales (GIFAS), France, to promote a sustainable framework for
present and future partnerships and cooperative actions between the French aerospace industry and the Indian
defence industry.
i. The MoU was signed during a major industrial mission in India in the aerospace and defence sector, which was
organised by GIFAS with the support of SIDM from 16th April to 19th April 2018.
ii. The MoU was signed by Pierre Bourlot, managing director of GIFAS and Lt Gen Subrata Saha, director general of
SIDM.
iii. The cooperation will focus on five axes of common interest. They are:
a) The development of business opportunities between members of GIFAS and SIDM
b) Training and human capital development
c) Research and technology
d) Aerospace Industry Policy and Business Environment
e) International Trade Issues
India, Eritrea sign MoU on Foreign Office Consultations

On April 20, 2018, India and Eritrea signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Foreign Office Consultations in
New Delhi.
i. The MoU will facilitate a structured dialogue for strengthening bilateral corporation between both the
countries.
ii. It will be instrumental in taking forward the warm and cordial relation between India and Eritrea in political,
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commercial and education spheres.
India and UK sign 10 agreements in several sectors including cyber-relationship and Ganga rejuvenation
India and UK signed following Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs)/Agreements during the course of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to UK:
i.UK-India Cyber Relationship framework aimed at having a free, open, peaceful and secure cyberspace; and
cooperation in exchange of information and strategies for effective cyber security incident management and
threat response.
ii.MoU between National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC), UK
to enable United Kingdom to support Government of India in sustainable management of water resources in the
Ganga river basin.
iii.MoU on agreement on Skill Development, vocational education and training.
iv.Agreement between Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India (AERB) and the Office for Nuclear Regulation of
Great Britain (ONR) related to regulation of safe nuclear energy use for peaceful purposes.
v.Statement of Intent between NITI Aayog and UK's Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to
explore the scope of technology co-operation in areas such as electric vehicles, AI (Artificial Intelligence), FinTech,
and advanced manufacturing.
vi.MoU on cooperation in the field of animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries sectors.
vii.MoU on exchange of information for the purposes of combating international criminality and tackling serious
organised crime.
viii.An addendum covering research in humanities and social sciences has been added to the 2004 Newton-Bhabha
MoU.
ix.MoU between All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and College of Medicine, UK to enable development of
evidence-based guidelines for integrating Ayurvedic principles and practices with modern medicine, and develop
Ayurvedic medical education guidelines for Ayurveda education in the UK.
x.MoU to strengthen institutional cooperation in the field of sustainable urban development, to include
business engagement, access to finance, knowledge exchange and research and innovation and to build on
existing cooperation on the Smart Cities Mission.
SJVN signs MoU with Ministry of Power to achieve 9200 Million Units in FY 2018-19
SJVN Limited, the operator of one of the largest Hydro Power Plants in India has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Union Ministry of Power for the year 2018-19.
i. SJVN Ltd. is a Mini Ratna public sector undertaking under administrative control of Union Power Ministry.
ii. As per the terms of the MoU, SJVN shall strive to achieve 9200 Million Units generation during 2018-19. In FY
2017-18, it generated 9280 Million Units against the target of 8950 Million Units.
iii. SJVN’s Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) target for 2018-19 has been set at Rs. 900 crore.
iv. Having four projects with capacity of 1610 MW under construction and another four projects with capacity of 2155
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MW under various stages of clearances, SJVN envisages being a 5700 MW+ generating company in near future.
MOU signed between Indian Culinary Institute and IGNTU, Amarkantak for collaborative degree programmes
and research in culinary arts
A MOU was signed between the Indian Culinary Institute (ICI), an autonomous body under the Ministry of
Tourism, and Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU), Amarkantak.
i. The MOU was signed for introducing collaborative degree programmes including research in culinary arts.
ii. ICI has campuses at Tirupati and Noida. The academic courses at Noida campus will start from 2018-19 batch and
batches at Tirupati campus will start from 2018-19 academic session.
iii. Objective of setting up of ICI was to create a mechanism to support efforts taken to preserve, document, promote
and disseminate Indian Cuisine, meet the requirement of specialists in Indian Cuisine, to promote Cuisine as a Niche
Tourism product.
iv. The ICIs will act as Centres of Excellence which will provide structured regular programmes of study specific to
culinary arts and culinary management.
CSIR and DoT sign MoU for nationwide Time Stamping & Time Synchronization network
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research -National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) and Department of
Telecommunications (DoT) under Union Ministry of Communications have signed a Memorandum of Understanding
(MoU) on technical knowledge sharing for establishing a nationwide Time Stamping & Time Synchronization
network.
i. Recording date and time of an event is referred to as time stamping.
ii. As per the terms of the MoU, DoT will be setting up Nationwide, Time Stamping & Time Synchronization
network consisting of 22 Time Synchronization Centers (TSC’s)with technical assistance from CSIR-NPL.
iii. This network will provide synchronizing pulse in Indian Standard Time(IST) to all Telecom & Internet
Service providers across India.
Maharashtra signed MoU with British Council

On April 26, 2018, Maharashtra State Government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the British
Council to strengthen educational and cultural cooperation.
i. British Council is United Kingdom’s (UK's) international culture and educational arm. It has completed 70 years in
India.
ii. As per the terms of the MoU, British Council would be training 30000 teachers in the English language
in Maharashtra. In the past, British Council already trained more than 100000 teachers, benefitting around five
million learners.
MoU signed between PHDCCI, Indian Yoga Association to promote yoga

On April 29, 2018, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) and Indian Yoga Association (IYA) signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly promote yoga, health and spiritual tourism in the Krishna Circuit
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in Uttar Pradesh.
i. Krishna Circuit is among the thirteen thematic circuits under Swadesh Darshan Scheme. It comprises twelve
destinations associated with Lord Krishna viz. Dwarka (Gujarat), Kurukshetra (Haryana), Nathdwara, Jaipur & Sikar
(Rajasthan), Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Barsana, Nandgaon & Govardhan (Uttar Pradesh) and Puri (Odisha).
ii. PHDCCI – IYA MoU is for promoting Yoga in above stated six destinations in Uttar Pradesh.
iii. As per the terms of the MoU, both the entities will strive to provide a holistic tourism experience to domestic and
international travellers looking for some spiritually invigorating and cultural experiences.
COMMITTEES & MEETING

114th Indus Commission meet held in New Delhi
114th meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) took place in New Delhi on 29th and 30th March, 2018
& the meeting focused on technical deliberations on various issues related to Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)
between India and Pakistan.
i. Indian side that took part in this meeting comprised Indus water commissioner P.K. Saxena, technical experts
and a representative of the Union Ministry of External Affairs, while Pakistani delegation was led by Syed Muhammad
Mehar Ali Shah.
ii. Last PIC meeting was held in Islamabad, Pakistan in March 2017.
Facts about Indus Waters Treaty (IWT):
IWT is a bilateral treaty between India and Pakistan that lays out terms and conditions for sharing waters of Indus
River System.It was signed in year 1960 between the then Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru and the
then President of Pakistan Ayub Khan. The World Bank played a crucial role as a mediator.
India-Japan-US 9th Trilateral Meeting held in New Delhi

India - Japan - United States 9th Trilateral Meeting at Joint Secretary/Director General/Assistant Secretary level was
held in New Delhi on April 4, 2018.
i. During the course of this meeting, the officials discussed practical steps to enhance cooperation in the areas of
counter-proliferation; connectivity and infrastructure development, counter-terrorism; humanitarian
assistance and disaster relief, maritime security and maritime domain awareness.
ii. Outcomes of the Trilateral Infrastructure Working Group that met in Washington, US in February 2018 were
also reviewed.
Government constitutes committee to regulate news portals

On April 4, 2018, Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting constituted a 10-member committee to regulate
online portals, including news websites, entertainment sites and media aggregators.
i. The committee includes Secretaries of the departments of Home, Electronics and Information and Technology,
Legal Affairs, and Industrial Policy and Promotion. CEO of MyGov and one representative each of the Press Council of
India and National Broadcasters’ Association will also be part of this committee.
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ii. In context of this news, it is important to note that in India, print and electronic media, both are regulated but
online media does not come under the ambit of any regulatory mechanism. Besides, it will also propose a
policy for foreign direct investment in online media.
NITI Forum for North East holds first meeting in Agartala

First meeting of newly constituted ‘NITI Forum for North East’ was held in Agartala, Tripura on April 10, 2018.
i. First meeting of NITI Forum for North East was chaired by Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog - Rajeev Kumar and
the Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jitendra Singh.
ii. It was constituted with an aim to ensure sustainable economic growth of the North Eastern Region (NER) of
India and review the development status in the North Eastern region at periodic intervals.
POSHAN Abhiyaan: 1st meeting of National Council on India’s Nutrition Challenges held in New Delhi
On 18th April 2018, the first meeting of National Council on India's Nutrition Challenges under POSHAN
Abhiyaan was held at Vigyan Bhawan, in New Delhi.
i. Rajiv Kumar, Vice Chairman NITI Aayog, Dr V K Paul, Member (Health & Nutrition) NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, CEO,
NITI Aayog, and representatives of several ministries of the Central and State Governments participated in the
meeting.
ii. Mandate of the National Council on India’s Nutritional Challenges is as follows:
Provide policy directions to address India’s nutritional challenges through coordinated inter-sectoral action.
Coordinate and review convergence between Ministries.
Review programmes for nutrition on a quarterly basis.
First meeting of E-commerce think tank held on April 24

First meeting of the think tank set up by the government to deliberate on issues related to e-commerce sector and
cross-border digital trade was held in New Delhi on April 24, 2018.
i. The think tank is led by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu and comprises officials from
ministries of finance, corporate affairs, home affairs and electronics and information technology.
ii. Representatives from several industry bodies including Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Federation of Indian
Export Organizations (FIEO), telecom firms including Bharti Enterprises and Reliance Jio, IT fimrs including TCS and
Wipro and ecommerce firms including Ola and Makemytrip also took part in this meeting.
iii. Key issues discussed at the meeting are cross border data flow, data localisation, non-discriminatory treatment of
digital products, protection and disclosure of source code and online consumer protection.
Rajnath Singh chairs third meeting of Island Development Agency

On 24th April 2018, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, chaired the third meeting of the Island Development
Agency (IDA) in Delhi.
i. The Island Development Agency reviewed the work done for preparation of Development Plans for identified
Islands (4 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands - Smith, Ross, Long, Avis and five in Lakshadweep - Minicoy, Bangaram,
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Thinnakara, Cheriyam, Suheli).

ii. For these Islands, Final Site Suitability Reports have been made, Carrying Capacity measured and Environmental
zoning performed to ensure sustainable development.
iii. Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog presented details of actions taken in line with decisions taken in earlier
meetings.
iv. Additional Locations in Islands - 12 in Andaman and Nicobar (North Passage, Cinque, Inglis, Viper, Neil (Bharatpur
Beach), Ramnagar Beach, Karmatang Beach, Dhaninallah Beach, Kalipur Beach, Rutland, North Bay and Great Nicobar
- B Quarry) and 5 in Lakshadweep (Kalpeni, Kadmat, Agatti, Chetlat and Bitra) have been identified by NITI Aayog for
planning projects to create more jobs for the Island people.
Union Home Minister to chair the 23rd meeting of Western Zonal Council in Gandhinagar tomorrow
On 26th April 2018, the 23rd meeting of the Western Zonal Council consisting of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa,
Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli will be held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
i. The meeting will be chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. Chief Minister of Gujarat, Vijay Rupani is the
Vice Chairman and host.
ii. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir will also take part in the meeting.
iii. Chief Ministers of all member States of Western Zonal Council and some Ministers, Chief Secretaries and senior
officers from the State Governments and senior officers from Central Government will also participate in the meeting.
Health Minister chairs high level review meeting on control of vector borne diseases
On 25th April 2018, J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, conducted a high level meeting to
review the preparedness of the Ministry for prevention and control of vector borne diseases like kalaazar, dengue,
malaria and chickungunya in India.
i. J P Nadda ordered the officials for launching aggressive IEC (Information Education and Communication) campaigns
to create awareness on prevention and control of vectors before the season starts.
ii. He directed the officials and Nodal officers to visit kalaazar endemic States of Jharkhand and Bihar immediately and
report to him by 2ndMay 2018.
iii. He asked the officials to organise and complete the Training of Trainers (ToT) for ventilator management for 125
doctors for management of H1NI cases.
India-Nepal IGC meeting began in Kathmandu

India-Nepal Inter Governmental Committee (IGC) meeting on Trade, Transit and Cooperation to Control Unauthorised
Trade was held in Kathmandu, Nepal on 26th and 27th April, 2018.
i. Indian side to this meeting was led by Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia.
ii. Discussions at this meeting focused on adopting measures to further strengthen trade and investment ties
between India and Nepal.
iii. IGC also takes up issues relating to bilateral trade, transit facilities provided by India to Nepal to facilitate
trade with third countries and Indian investment in Nepal.
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SUMMITS & CONFERENCE

Global Logistics Summit held in New Delhi
On 5th and 6th April 2018, Global Logistics Summit was held in New Delhi.
i. The Global Logistics Summit was organised by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce &
Industry, along with FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) and the World Bank
Group.
ii. The Summit acts as a platform to hold discussions for global experts, academics, government officials and private
sector and industry representatives.
Turkey hosts critical summit on Syria with Russia, Iran

On 4th April 2018, the presidents of Iran, Turkey and Russia met for their tripartite summit, aimed at
speeding up the peace process for Syria and establishing their influence in Syria.
i. The tripartite summit was hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at his presidential palace in Ankara,
Turkey. It was attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani.
ii. This is the second such tripartite summit. The first tripartite summit was hosted by Vladimir Putin in November
2017 in Sochi, Russia.
iii. Iran, Turkey and Russia have supported peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan. They believe that it is a parallel process
to support UN-supported discussions in Geneva.
Sushma Swaraj attended NAM Mid-Term Ministerial Conference in Baku

On April 4, 2018, Union External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj embarked on a three-day official visit
to Azerbaijan's capital city Baku to participate in Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial Conference.was
held in Baku on 5th and 6th April 2018.
i Theme of this conference was "Promoting international peace and security for sustainable development". This
was the first-ever bilateral visit of an Indian External Affairs Minister to Azerbaijan.
ii. Before the conference, on April 4, 2018, Ms. Sushma Swaraj held bilateral consultations with her Azerbaijani
counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov and discussed bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Quick Facts about Non-Aligned Movement (NAM):
♦ Headquarters – Jakarta, Indonesia
♦ Current Presidency – Venezuela
♦ Membership – 120 Member countries
Logo, Website of 11th World Hindi Conference released

On April 10, 2018, Education Minister of Mauritius, Leela Devi Dookhun Luchoomun released the logo and
website of 11th World Hindi Conference in New Delhi.
i. 11th World Hindi Conference is scheduled to be held in Mauritius from 18th to 20th August 2018.
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ii. World Hindi Conference is a world conference on Hindi language, which brings together Hindi scholars, writers
and laureates from different parts of the world.1st World Hindi Conference was held in January 1975 in Nagpur,
Maharashtra.
First International conference on Water, Environment held in Kathmandu

The first international conference on ‘Water, Environment and Climate Change: Knowledge Sharing and Partnership’
began in Kathmandu, Nepal on April 10, 2018.
i. The three day – conference was inaugurated by Vice President of Nepal Nanda Bahadur Pun.
ii. The conference has been organised by Department of Water Supply and Sewerage under Government of
Nepal in association with the Society of Public Health Engineers Nepal and Nepal Engineers Association.
iii. Objective of this conference is to bring together professionals, researchers, academicians, entrepreneurs,
government and non government institutions to discuss and deliberate on challenges, opportunities and strategies
related to water and environmental issues.
Biannual Army Commanders’ Conference to commence in New Delhi
On 16th April 2018, the biannual Indian army commanders' conference began in New Delhi.
i. The Biannual Army Commanders’ Conference is held for 6 days. Discussions will be made on management of the
extant security dynamics, mitigation of future security threats and enhancement of combat edge over potential
adversaries.
ii. The opening address was delivered by Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre.
iii. The conference is chaired by General Bipin Rawat, Chief of the Army Staff. Senior commanders will also
discuss issues related to Army formations and Army as a whole.
US, Nigeria hold military summit in Abuja

The first African Land Forces Summit (ALFS) began on April 16, 2018 in Nigerian capital, Abuja.
i. ALFS 2018 is hosted by U.S. Army Africa and Armed Forces Nigeria.
ii. This weeklong Summit brings together land force chiefs from across Africa for candid dialog aimed at improving
security and stability across the continent.
India-Wiesbaden Conference 2018 takes place on April 16-17 in New Delhi

On 16th and 17th April 2018, the India-Wiesbaden Conference 2018 was held at the Federation House, Tansen
Marg, New Delhi.
i. Hosts: The India-Wiesbaden Conference 2018 was hosted by the Ministry of External Affairs, India, along with
the Government of Germany and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).
ii. Industry Partner: Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) was the industry partner
for the event.
iii. Title of the Conference: The Title of the Conference is ‘Securing Global Supply Chains through Government-
Industry Partnerships towards Effective Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1540’.
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iv. Participation: The Conference saw participation from representatives of Government and Industry of 39
countries, and experts from the UNSC 1540 Committee and UN Office for Disarmament Affairs in New York.
Two day Regional Conference on “Urban Development: Technological Solutions and Governance Challenges”
begins in Ahmedabad
On 19th April 2018, the 2-day Regional Conference on “Urban Development: Technological Solutions and
Governance Challenges” began in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
i. Organisers: The conference is organized by Ministry of Finance, along with the Associated Chamber of Commerce
and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), Gujarat Council, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Research and
Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), an autonomous research organization under the Ministry of
External Affairs.
ii. The Conference is a lead-up event to the 3rd Annual Meeting of AIIB that would be held on 25th and 26th June
2018 in Mumbai.
iii. The Conference was attended by experts, policy practitioners, officials from central government, industry leaders,
bilateral partners and representatives of Multilateral Development Banks like AIIB.
Radha Mohan Singh’s addresses the National Kharif Conference 2018 in New Delhi
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh addressed the National Kharif Conference
2018 in New Delhi on April 25, 2018.
i. While addressing the conference, Mr. Singh outlined that the Central Government is working towards making
agriculture policy and programs 'income-oriented' rather than 'production-oriented'.
ii. PM Modi’s multi-dimensional Seven-point Strategy: In order to achieve this objective, government is encouraging
the adoption of 'multi-dimensional seven-point' strategy suggested Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which includes
enhancing irrigation coverage focusing on ‘More crop per drop', provision of quality seeds, large investments in
warehouses and cold chains, promotion of value addition through food processing, Implementation of National
Agricultural Markets and e-platforms (e-NAM), introduction of crop insurance and promotion of allied activities such
as Dairy-Animal husbandry, Poultry, Horticulture, and Fisheries.
iii. Mr. Singh added that farmers should be encouraged to participate in the ongoing Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan,
in which every block will organize Kisan Kalyan Karyashala on May 2, 2018 wherein Agriculture officers and
scientists will discuss ways to increase income through new technology and progressive farmers will also narrate
their success stories.
Andhra Government holds Cyber Security Summit in Visakhapatnam

On 27th April 2018, Andhra Pradesh government and MasterCard, along with Fintech valley conducted the
Andhra Pradesh Cyber Security Summit in Visakhapatnam. Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh took part
in the summit. The summit acted as a platform for top cyber security experts to exchange strategies and solutions to
fight the cyber threat issues in India and worldwide.
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International Buddhist Conference held in Lumbini, Nepal

International Buddhist Conference 2018 was held in Lumbini, Nepal on 28th and 29th April, 2018.
i. The conference was organised as part of 2562nd Buddha Jayanti celebrations.Objective of the conference was
to disseminate teachings of Gautam Buddha and spread the messages of brotherhood, nonviolence, co-existence, love
and peace to the international community. Theme ‘Lumbini Nepal: The birthplace of Lord Buddha and the
fountain of Buddhism and world peace’.
INDEXES
Rankings
IISc Stood First in National institutional ranking framework (NIRF) by HRD ministry
The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru has been named the overall best institution in India by the
National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) of HRD (Human Resource Development) ministry.
In the university category, IISc secured the top spot. It was followed by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in the
second position and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in the third spot.
Other top institutions as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF):
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) - best engineering college
Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A) - best management institution
Delhi University's Miranda House - best college
AIIMS (All India Institutes of Medical Sciences) - best medical college
NLSIU (National Law School of India University), Bengaluru - best law school in India
India third most vulnerable country to cyber threats

India has been ranked the third most vulnerable country in terms of risk of cyber threats in 2017, as per
the ‘Internet Security Threat Report’ presented by Symantec, a security solutions provider.
i. In 2017, 5.09% of global threats detected were in India. India has moved one position up compared to 2016.U.S. has
been ranked as the top most vulnerable country to such attacks with 26.61% attacks. It is followed by China in
the second position with 10.95% attacks.
ii.This global threat ranking is based on eight factors: malware, spam, phishing, bots, network attacks, web attacks,
ransomware and cryptominers.
India ranks 9th globally in cryptojacking activities

India has become the ninth most affected country in the world and second most affected country in Asia-
Pacific Japan region in cryptojacking activities, as per the ‘Internet Security Threat Report’ presented by
Symantec, a security solutions provider.
i. The secret use of a computing device to mine cryptocurrency with the use of malware is called
Cryptojacking.According to the ‘Internet Security Threat Report’ by Symantec, Cryptojacking increased by 8,500%
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throughout the world in 2017.

ii. India is one among the top five countries as a source for IoT (Internet of Things) attacks.
Delhi’s IGI Airport ranked among World’s Top 20 Busiest Airports

As per Airport Council International’s preliminary report on airport traffic for 2017, Delhi’s Indira Gandhi
International (IGI) Airport has ranked as 16th busiest airport in the world.
i. With traffic increasing at the rate of 14.1%, IGI Airport climbed six spots to 16th from 22nd for previous year.
ii. The 14.1% increase has also made IGI Airport, the fastest-growing airport among the Top 20 busiest
airports.
iii. The tag of World’s Busiest Airport went to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport in the United States, which
served 10.4 crore passengers during 2017.
iv. Four other airports in India too registered a double digit growth in 2017 and ranked among fastest growing
airports in the world – Kolkata (26.9%), Hyderabad (19.6%), Bengaluru (12.9%) and Chennai (10.5%).
World’s Busiest Airports, 2017 – Top 5:
Airport Passenger Traffic
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, US 10.4 crore
Beijing Capital International Airport, China 9.6 crore
Dubai International Airport, UAE 8.8 crore
Tokyo International Airport (Haneda Airport), Japan 8.5 crore
Los Angeles International Airport, US 8.4 crore
2018 Index of Economic Freedom: India leapfrogs 13 places to 130

India has ranked 130th out of 180 countries on 2018 Index of Economic Freedom published by the
Heritage Foundation, an American think-tank.
i. Index of Economic Freedom is an annual index and ranking which was first created in 1995.
ii. The economic freedom is measured by assessing the countries of on 12 quantitative and qualitative factors
placed under four broad categories/pillars of economic freedom viz. Rule of Law (property rights,
government integrity, judicial effectiveness), Government Size (government spending, tax burden, fiscal
health), Regulatory Efficiency (business freedom, labour freedom, monetary freedom) Open Markets (trade
freedom, investment freedom, financial freedom).
iii. India’s 130th rank on 2018 Index of Economic Freedom marks a jump of 13 spots as compared to 143rd rank
in 2017.
iv. For 2018 edition, India's economic freedom score was 54.5, registering an improvement of 1.9 points as
compared to previous year.
v. The year-on-year improvement has been largely attributed to business freedom, judicial effectiveness,
government integrity and fiscal health.
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vi. India ranked 30th among the 43 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and its overall score was below the regional
and world averages.
vii. Among India’s prominent neighbours, China ranked 110th while Pakistan ranked 131st.
viii. Hong Kong topped the index with Economic Freedom Score of 90.2.
2018 Index of Economic Freedom – Top 10:
1 Hong Kong
2 Singapore
3 New Zealand
4 Switzerland
5 Australia
Reports
India ranks 37th in global startup ecosystem in 2017: Report

According to a report released by StartupBlink, the Indian startup ecosystem, during 2017, ranked at number 37 out
of 125 countries.
i. Startupblink report includes a global ranking index which has been compiled by measuring startup
ecosystem strength and activity in 125 countries and 900 cities.
ii. Entrepreneurs can refer the rankings to determine if a particular city has suitable business environment and
resources needed to support their goals.
iii. India’s 37th rank outlines that there is still much to be done in terms of ease of doing business, startup
policies and easing tax compliance.
iv. In global ranking of cities, Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Mumbai are the top three Indian cities that have
featured in the list.
v. United States (US) has topped the global ranking index of countries, followed by United Kingdom (UK)
and Canada.
vi. Among Asian Countries, Singapore (at 10th spot) has attained the highest ranking.
vii. Four African nations that have featured in the list are South Africa (38th), followed by Kenya (53rd), Egypt
(54th) and Nigeria (57th).
Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking 2017 – Top 5:
1 United States
2 United Kingdom
3 Canada
4 Israel
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5 Germany
Patna tops in 4G connectivity among 20 largest cities: Report

As per a report by OpenSignal, Patna has ranked No.1 among 20 largest cities in India in terms of 4G availability.
i. OpenSignal is Lonon-based company that specializes in wireless coverage mapping. It monitored 4G user
experience (availability) in India’s 20 largest cities for 90 days from December 1, 2017.
ii. The findings have revealed that Patna has topped the list and is placed ahead of cities like Delhi, Mumbai and even
Bengaluru, which is considered a tech hub of India.
4G Availability – Top 10:
City Availability Time (in % terms) for 90 days

Patna 92.61%
Kanpur 91.33%
Allahabad 91.04%
Kolkata 91.02%
Bhopal 90.99%
Jaipur 90.31%
Ahmedabad 89.93%
Lucknow 89.35%
Chandigarh 88.46%
Bengaluru 88.29%
Commonwealth Trade Review 2018: India top recipient of Commonwealth FDI: Report
'Commonwealth Trade Review 2018: Strengthening the Commonwealth Advantage' has been released, that states
that, India is the top recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) from within the Commonwealth.
i. 'Commonwealth Trade Review 2018: Strengthening the Commonwealth Advantage' was compiled by the
Commonwealth Secretariat.
ii. India has become the top recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) from within the Commonwealth. It has
become the second-most lucrative source of investment within Commonwealth after the UK.
iii. India has entered into the top five providers of intra-Commonwealth services trade, surpassing Canada, Australia,
Singapore and the UK.
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BUSINESS
India becomes world's second largest mobile phone producer: ICA
As per information shared by Indian Cellular Association (ICA) with Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha and IT Minister
Ravi Shankar Prasad, India is now the second largest mobile phone producer in the world after China.
i. ICA’s claim was based on data available from market research firm IHS, China's National Bureau of Statistics and
Vietnam General Statistics Office.
ii. With 11 million units produced in 2017, India replaced Vietnam as the second largest producer of mobile phones
in 2017.
iii. Fast Track Task Force (FTTF), a body under Union Ministry of Electronics and IT, has set target to achieve
around 500 million mobile phone production in India by 2019.
CBDT signs 14 unilateral, 2 bilateral APAs in March

During the month of March 2018, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) entered into 16 more Advance Pricing
Agreements (APAs), taking the total number of APAs to 219 so far.
i. Out of the 16 APAs signed in March 2018, 14 are unilateral APAs and 2 are bilateral APAs with US and pertain to
sectors like telecom, IT, automobile, pharmaceutical, beverage, banking and insurance.
ii. Out of all APAs entered into by the CBDT till date, 199 are Unilateral APAs and 20 are Bilateral APAs.In financial
year 2017-18, CBDT entered into 67 APAs so far, out of which, 58 are Unilateral and 9 are Bilateral.
iii. APA provisions were introduced in the Income-tax Act, 1961 in 2012. Objective of APA scheme is to provide
certainty to taxpayers in the domain of transfer pricing by specifying the methods of pricing and thereby reducing
litigation.
IndusInd Bank gets RBI nod to acquire IL&FS arm

IndusInd Bank has received Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI's) approval to buy IL&FS Securities Services Ltd. (ISSL),
the securities services arm of IL&FS.
Incorporated in July 2006, ISSL is a capital markets intermediary for professional clearing, depository and custodial
services catering to both retail and institutional clients including over 1000 brokers, Foreign Portfolio Investors
(FPIs) and Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIS).
SoftBank, China's GCL team up for $930 million Indian solar venture
SoftBank Group Corp of Japan has planned to launch a $930 million Indian joint solar energy venture with
GCL System Integration Technology Co, a Chinese firm, as part of its India solar investment roadmap.
i. This joint venture will work on photovoltaic technology that is used in solar panels. Technology support will be
provided by GCL and SoftBank will help in obtaining land and regulatory approvals.
ii. The joint venture between SoftBank and GCL will have a capacity of 4GW. It will be implemented in two 2GW
phases.
iii. SoftBank will own 60 percent of the joint venture’s shares and GCL will own 40 percent. The project will be
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funded by SoftBank’s Vision Fund.
Ola unveils in-trip insurance: Cost starts at Re 1, covers up to Rs 500,000

Ola has introduced an in-trip insurance programme for all its customers in India starting at just Re 1.
i. This in-trip insurance will cover for loss of belongings, missed flights, and medical expenses up to Rs
500,000 in case of an accident.
ii. This service is optional. It will be available on rides taken in cabs, auto rickshaws, kaali-peeli cabs and e-rickshaws
through Ola.
iii. Ola has partnered with Acko General Insurance and ICICI Lombard General Insurance for this in-trip
insurance programme.
iv. Ola has become the first ride-hailing app to launch this kind of insurance service for customers in
India. Customers can make insurance claims through the Ola app itself.
About Acko General Insurance Ltd:
♦ MD & CEO - Varun Dua
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai
India pips Japan, becomes second largest manufacturer of crude steel

India has surpassed Japan and has become the world’s second largest producer of crude steel in February 2018,
according to Steel Users Federation of India (SUFI).
i. China is the current largest producer of crude steel in the world. It contributes to more than 50% of steel
production in the world.
ii. India’s crude steel production was up 4.4% with 93.11 million tonnes (MT) from April 2017 to February 2018,
compared to April 2016 to February 2017.
iii. Nikunj Turakhia, president of SUFI said that, India’s growth in steel production is due to the policies introduced
by the government.
iv. According to the World Steel Association, India produced 8.4 MT of crude steel in February 2018, which is 3.4%
more than February 2017.
About Steel Users Federation of India (SUFI):
♦ President - Nikunj Turakhia
♦ Location – Mumbai.
Flipkart signed a pact with MakeMyTrip
On 5th April 2018, MakeMyTrip Limited, and Flipkart announced that they have entered into a partnership
regarding online bookings in the travel segment.
Various brands of MakeMyTrip like MakeMyTrip, Goibibo, and redBus, will utilize the customer base of Flipkart to
increase online travel bookings.
About MakeMyTrip:
♦ Founder and group CEO - Deep Kaira
♦ Headquarters - Gurugram, Haryana.
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RInfra wins Rs 1,081 crore contract for Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project
On 9th April 2018, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd (RInfra) said that, it has won a Rs 1,081 crore contract from
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) for work in two units of the Kudankulam project in Tamil
Nadu.
i. RInfra said that, it has obtained purchase order of Rs 1,081 crore for Common Services System, Structure &
Components (SSC) package and allied civil works of Unit -3 and 4 of the Kudankulam project at Tirunelveli
District.
ii. This project will be commissioned in 56 months. The contract value is inclusive of taxes and duties and also has
imported component of USD 23.2 million.
About Reliance Infrastructure Ltd (RInfra):
♦ Chairman – Anil Ambani
♦ CEO of RInfra EPC - Arun Gupta.
Tech Mahindra, Balbix launch AI-powered predictive cyber risk platform

Tech Mahindra has partnered with Balbix, a breach avoidance platform provider, to launch the security industry's
first AI (Artificial intelligence)-powered continuous threat assessment and prioritised actionable risk intelligence
platform.
i. Tech Mahindra along with Balbix provides intelligent security operations center (iSOC). Using this, cyber-
breaches can be predicted and proactively avoided by continuously monitoring IT inventories.
ii. iSOC can prioritise actionable intelligence for proactive handling of identified critical risks. It also prevents security
incidents and decreases compliance verification cycles from months to minutes.
iii. iSOC also enhances reporting by accurately measuring overall breach risk and cyber-resilience.
Google Home, Home Mini launched in India

Google Home and Home Mini Bluetooth speakers have been launched in India.
i. Google Assistant-powered speakers will be available on Flipkart and in 750 retail stores in India.
ii. Google Home is priced at Rs 9,999 and Home Mini at Rs 4,499 in India. They were launched at Google’s I/O
2016 conference. This is the first time Google has launched its speakers in India.
iii.Google Home and Home Mini can be activated by saying ‘Ok Google’. Google Home works with Android TVs also
and can be used to control Netflix.
iv. Google Home and Home Mini are offered with six months of ad-free music experience by Saavn and Gaana.
Uber launches new partner app in India
On April 11, 2018, online cab aggregator platform Uber announced the launch of its new partner (driver) app in India.
i. The new app is more simple as compared to previous version, provides a personalised experience, and has been
designed to support Uber drivers on every moment of their journey.
ii. Inputs collected by interacting with drivers via groups sessions, ride alongs and in person meetings have
been incorporated in the new Driver app.
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Mahindra group ties up with Japanese firm for amphibious aircraft ShinMaywa US-2
On 11th April 2018, Mahindra Defence Systems signed an agreement with ShinMaywa Industries, Japan, to
manufacture and assemble amphibious aircraft ShinMaywa US-2 in India.
i. Mahindra Group (aerospace and defence) President S P Shukla exchanged documents with director of ShinMaywa
Industries, Yasuo Kawanishi at the DefExpo at Thiruvadanthai near Chennai.
ii. Mahindra Defence Systems will absorb the technology for ShinMaywa US-2 in India.
iii. As per the MoU, both the companies will develop a strategic partnership. ShinMayway US-2 is a unique aircraft.
Jio, Sodexo join hands to accelerate digital transformation

On 12th April 2018, Reliance Jio and Sodexo announced their tie-up to accelerate India's digital
transformation.
i. Jio Money, the Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) wallet of Jio Payments Bank Ltd., has enabled integration of
Sodexo Meal Cards with the Jio Money account of its users. This will allow mobile-based payments through Sodexo
Meal Card.
ii. Hence Sodexo merchants in India can accept digital payments through Sodexo. Sodexo Meal Pass can be linked to
the Jio Money app to perform quick payments.
Reliance Jio raises Rs 3250 crore from Japanese banks to fund capex
Reliance Jio has signed an agreement to raise nearly Rs 3,250 crore as samurai term loan from Japan-based
banks.
i. Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited said that, it had signed approximately JPY 53.5 billion samurai term loan with 7 year
bullet maturity.
ii. With exchange rate of 60 paise per Japanese yen, the loan value amounts to nearly Rs 3,248 crore.
iii. This deal is said to be the largest samurai loan (low interest loans from Japanese investors) for an Asian
corporate company.
iv. Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited said that, the facility has been fully underwritten by Mizuho Bank, Ltd., MUFG Bank,
Ltd. and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Singapore Branch. It added that, it will be launched into syndication
soon.
DHL aims to link Indian businesses with ASEAN economic community

Deutsche Post DHL Group, a Global logistics group, is working to connect Indian companies with businesses in
the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) to enhance India's economic relations with Southeast Asian markets.
i. Alfred Goh, President, Global Fast Growing Enterprise and Regional Head, Customer Solutions and Innovation Asia
Pacific, DHL, said that, DHL India is one of our major markets.
ii. He said that, they aim to capitalise their presence in high-growth markets and partner businesses on developing
cross-border commerce and trade.
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Suzlon commissions 626 MW wind power projects in FY'18

On 16th April 2018, Suzlon, a renewable solution provider, said that it has commissioned 626 MW of wind
power projects in 2017-18 (FY18), the highest installations by any firm in this fiscal year.
i. Suzlon has stated that, with this, Suzlon has gained a market share of 35 % despite an extremely challenging year.
Various obstacles were faced due to the shift from feed-in-tariff (FiT) to bidding regime.
ii. It also, said that, due to the introduction of bidding regime, the overall wind industry installations fell to 1,766 MW
in FY'18 (32 per cent of FY17 installations) due to stagnant volumes, uncertainty on power purchase agreements
(PPAs) and policy environment.
India expected to grow at 7.4% in 2018: IMF

As per latest World Economic Outlook, released by International Monetary Fund (IMF) on April 17, 2018, Indian
economy is projected to grow 7.4% in the current fiscal i.e. FY 2018-19 and accelerate further in FY 2019-20 to 7.8%.
i. The report has outlined that in the medium term, there will be a gradual increase in India’s growth rate as
structural reforms raise potential output and Indian will thus consolidate its position as the world’s fastest-growing
major economy.
ii. India’s growth in current and next fiscal will come on back of strong private consumption as well as fading
transitory effects of demonetisation (in November 2016) and roll out of Goods and Services Tax (in July
2017).
iii. Consumer inflation is projected at 5% for the current as well as next year while the current account deficit is seen
at 2.3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) this fiscal and 2.1% next fiscal.
iv. As per IMF, Chinese Economy will slow down from 6.9% in 2017 to 6.6% in 2018 and further to 6.4% in 2019
while Global growth is seen stable at 3.9% over the current and next calendar years.
CII projects FY19 GDP growth at 7.3-7.7 percent

On April 12, 2018, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) stated that India's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected
to grow at 7.3-7.7 percent during the 2018-19 financial year.
i. The growth in 2018-19 will come on back of strong demand in the rural economy, including agriculture and
non-farm activities, as well as better global growth climate.
ii. Strong demand in the rural economy will boost investment in industry, which in turn will increase manufacturing
activities.
iii. As per CII, agriculture sector is expected to grow at 2.5-3.5 percent, industrial sector to grow at 7.2-7.5
percent and services sector to grow at 8.4-8.7 percent.
Airtel tops 4G download speed, Jio in coverage area: OpenSignal

As per a report of OpenSignal (a London-based company that specialises in wireless coverage mapping), Bharti
Airtel has the highest 4G download speed among all Indian telecom operators.
i. Based on the tests conducted by OpenSignal between December 2017 to February 2018, Bharti Airtel has topped
the chart of 4G service providers with 9.31 mbps download speed.
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ii. Airtel is followed by Idea Cellular (7.27 mbps), Vodafone (6.98 mbps) and Jio (5.13mbps).
iii. Even in overall speed test, Airtel topped with 6 mbps download followed by Jio at 5.1 mbps download speed.
iv. However, Jio topped the list in terms of 4G network coverage. OpenSignals’s 4G network coverage refers to
how often users can access a 4G network during the test period.For test period from December 2017 to February
2018, testers were able to access Jio 4G network signal 96.4 per cent of the time.
v. In terms of 4G coverage, Jio was followed by Vodafone.
Defence Planning Committee to formulate military, security strategy, supervise foreign deals
On 18th April 2018, the government formed Defence Planning Committee (DCP) to reform the process of higher
defence planning and national security strategy.
i. Chairman of the Defence Planning Committee (DCP) is National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval.
ii. High-powered members of the DCP will be:
a) principal secretary to Prime Minister
b) three chiefs of armed forces
c) foreign and defence secretaries
d) Secretary (expenditure) in the Finance Ministry
e) chief of the integrated defence staff (IDS)
f) Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC)
iii. The Defence Planning Committee will develop national security strategy and defence strategy. It will also
supervise foreign deals in the defence sector.
iv. It will carry out the comprehensive and integrated planning of higher defence matters.
v. The committee will operate through 4 sub-committees on:
a) Policy and Strategy
b) Plans and Capability Development
c) Defence Diplomacy
d) Defence Manufacturing Ecosystem
India is world’s sixth largest economy: IMF

India has been declared the 6th largest economy in the world with a GDP of 2.6
trillion in 2017, according to the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook (WEO) for April
2018.
i. India has replaced France on the 6th position. United States of America, China, Japan, Germany, and the United
Kingdom are ahead of India in the ranking.
ii. India has improved on structural reforms in the recent past, also through GST, which will help eliminate internal
barriers for trade, increase efficiency, and improve tax compliance.
iii. India has improved from 6.7 % in 2017 to 7.8 % in 2018. As per the analyses done by the World Economic
Outlook (WEO), over one year the Indian economy was supported by resurgent net exports and strong private
consumption, respectively, while investment growth reduced.
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Vodafone launches VoLTE services in Chennai

i. On April 20 2018 Telecom giant Vodafone announced the rollout of Voice-over LTE(VoLTE) Services in Chennai,
Tamilnadu and confirmed it would expand the service across the State over the next few months.
ii. By using the VoLTE services, 4G customers in Chennai can make calls and can access Vodafone VoLTE for no
additional charges and all calls would be billed as per existing plan. The company has invested Rs 7,200 crore till date
including Rs 450 crore last year.
TCS inches closer to become first Indian company with $100 bn market cap
On April 20 2018 , TCS moved closer to the USD 100 billion mark in market capitalisation as its share price surged
nearly 7 per cent , adding about USD 6.2 billion to its valuation.
i. This has taken its market capitalisation (m-cap) to over Rs 6.50 lakh crore or around $98 billion. With this, the IT
major emerges as the first Indian company with a market capitalisation of close to $100 billion.
ii. On NSE, shares of the company surged 6.54 per cent to its one-year high of Rs 3,399.90.The stock was the biggest
gainer on both key indices, Sensex and Nifty.The firm's market valuation zoomed Rs 37,702.06 crore to Rs
6,45,880.63 crore.
Mahindra Electric ties up with Meru for e-vehicle project

On 22nd April 2018, Mahindra Electric and cab service Meru announced a joint electric vehicle (EV) pilot project in
Hyderabad, which will be introduced soon in other cities also.
i. A joint statement by Mahindra Electric and Meru said that under the pilot project, Meru will deploy Mahindra's
eVeritos all-electric sedans.
ii. Mahindra eVerito will be available for booking in Hyderabad through Meru's mobile apps. Also, it can be boarded
from the Meru Zone at Hyderabad airport.
iii. The services will be offered at the same price as provided by the Telangana government's radio taxi fares
for sedans.
India receives $69 billion remittances in 2017; retains top slot

On 23rd April 2018, the World Bank said that, India has retained its position as the top remittances receiving
country with its people who have immigrated to various countries sending nearly USD 69 billion back home
in 2017.
i. Remittances to India increased sharply by 9.9 per cent to USD 69 billion in 2017. It reversed the previous
year’s decrease, but was still short of USD 70.4 billion received in 2014.
ii. In 2015, India received remittance of USD 68.91 billion. It reduced to USD 62.74 billion in 2016.
iii. The World Bank has said in a report that, payments from immigrants back to their home countries reached a new
record in 2017 but the costs of transferring funds also have increased.
iv. The report stated that, the recovery in remittances was driven by growth in Europe, Russia, and the United States.
v. The increase in remittances was also helped by higher oil prices and a strengthening of the euro and ruble.
vi. India is followed by China (USD 64 billion), the Philippines (USD 33 billion), Mexico (USD 31 billion), Nigeria (USD
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22 billion), and Egypt (USD 20 billion) in the remittance inflow.

vii. World Bank estimated that officially recorded remittances to low- and middle-income countries reached USD 466
billion in 2017, an increase of 8.5 per cent over USD 429 billion in 2016.
viii. Global remittances, which include flows to high-income countries, grew 7 per cent to USD 613 billion in 2017,
from USD 573 billion in 2016.
ix. World Bank has said that, remittances are expected to continue to increase in 2018, by 4.1 per cent to reach USD
485 billion. Global remittances are expected to grow 4.6 per cent to USD 642 billion in 2018.
Government planning to gift obsolete weaponry to friendly countries

In a bid to boost defence cooperation, Indian Government is planning to gift obsolete military equipment to friendly
countries.
i. For this purpose, Indian Government has already asked the armed forces to compile a list of obsolete military
equipment that can be refurbished at minimal cost and can be gifted to friendly countries.
ii. Indian Government is expecting that this strategy may help in creating a base to expand export of newer
defence platforms, which have been made in India.
NSE launches e - Gsec platform for bringing retail participation in Govt. Securities
On April 24, 2018, The National Stock Exchange (NSE) announced the launch of its e-Gsec platform which will
allow retail investors to invest in government securities.
i. Government issues securities in order to borrow money from the market.
ii. Government Securities are offered to investors through competitive and non-competitive auctions.
iii. Auction is held by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on weekly basis, wherein large investors viz. banks, primary
dealers, financial institutions, mutual funds, insurance companies participate in the competitive auctions by placing
bids directly with Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
iv. In the weekly auctions, 5 per cent of the notified amount is allotted for eligible investors under the scheme
for non-competitive bidding facility.
v. Through NSE’s e-Gsec platform, the retail investors will now be able to participate in the next weekly auction which
is scheduled on April 26, 2018.
vi. Allowing retail participation in G-Sec auctions through stock exchanges was first announced in Union budget 2016-
17.
India's average GDP growth to rise to 7.8 pc in first half of this year: Report
According to the Japanese financial services major Nomura, India’s average Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
growth is expected to rise to 7.8 per cent in the first half of 2018.
i. As per Nomura, GDP growth of 7.8 per cent in first half of 2018 will come on back of increase in investments
as well as consumption demand.
ii. However, rising oil prices, tighter financial conditions and a likely slowdown in investment activity ahead of the
elections have been identified as factors that may lead to moderation in growth for the second half.
iii. On account of these factors, growth for Q4-2018 is forecasted at 6.9 per cent.
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iv. Further, Nomura has cautioned that rising oil prices may have a direct bearing on Consumer Price Index (CPI)
inflation, wherein every USD 10/bbl rise in oil prices will spike the CPI inflation by 30-40 bps and would worsen
the current account balance by 0.4 percentage points.
AAI ties up with SAIL for UDAN flight to Burnpur, Rourkela and Bokaro
On 23rd April 2018, SAIL (Steel Authority of India Ltd) said that, it has signed a MoU with Airports Authority of
India (AAI) for utilisation of airstrips at Rourkela, Bokaro and Burnpur under the Regional Connectivity
Scheme (RCS) - UDAN.
i. The RCS-UDAN scheme was launched by the Ministry of Civil Aviation to improve regional air connectivity by
providing support in infrastructure and other facilities.
ii. As per the MoU, AAI as an implementation agency under RCS-UDAN will carry out necessary works before
commencement of RCS flights at the three airports.
iii. AAI will operate and manage airport operations for Burnpur, Rourkela and Bokaro airport on behalf of
SAIL for three years.
iv. This move will benefit people of these cities with better connectivity and speed up the developmental activities
there.
v. After the RCS-UDAN flights become operational from Rourkela, Bokaro and Burnpur, it will help in improving
mobility of employees of SAIL at a faster pace from respective plants.
India's global trade rises 16% to $767.9 billion in 2017-18

As per data released by Commerce Ministry, India's global trade in 2017-18 stood at $767.9 billion.
i. India's global trade at $767.9 billion in 2017-18 marks an increase by 16.32 per cent as compared to $660.2
billion in 2016-17.
ii. Bilateral trade with Latin American Countries (LAC) including Bolivia, Peru, Chile and Brazil has recorded healthy
growth of 19.63 per cent in 2017-18.
iii. Out of all the above stated LACs, India-Bolivia bilateral trade grew phenomenally at 205 per cent from $253
million in 2016-17 to $772.44 million in 2017-18.
Bureau of Indian Standards grants first license for Liquid Chlorine on All India Basis
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has granted first licence for Liquid Chlorine on All India basis to M/s Gujarat
Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd.
i. Liquid chlorine is primarily used in paper, pulp, textile bleaching, water sterilization and manufacture of
chemicals. As the name indicates, this product is in liquid form, but is used as a gas obtained by evaporating the
liquid from a metal container.
ii. License granted to Vadodara-based M/s Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd. will be operative with effect from April
12, 2018 for a period of one year.
iii. The move will facilitate industry to get a quality Liquid Chlorine with Standard Mark under BIS Certification Marks
scheme.
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Indian Oil Corporation Limited, R&D signs Letter of Intent with IFRF, Haryana
Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Research & Development (R&D) centre in Faridabad, Haryana has signed a Letter of
Intent (LoI) with ISKCON Food Relief Foundation (IFRF), Haryana, through which, entire cost of Cooking gas and
Delivery Vehicle's CNG incurred under IFRF, Haryana’s midday meal initiative will be borne by IOC.
i. IFRF, Haryana currently serves midday meal to more than two thousand schools across Haryana.
ii. In collaboration with HUDA (Haryana Urban Development Authority) and MCF (Municipal Corporation of
Faridabad), domestic waste from the households of Faridabad will be picked, segregated and converted into
Biogas by a unique "Bio-Methanation Patented Plant" conceptualized by the IOCL's R&D centre.
iii. IOC will be undertaking this noble task under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme.
NHAI inks pact with Macquarie

On 26th April 2018, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) signed an agreement with Macquarie for
road projects under the highway monetisation initiative.
i. The agreement has been signed with Macquarie for the first set of highway projects worth USD 1.5 billion. This is
one of the highest FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in highways.
ii. Macquarie had won the first set of 9 highway projects under toll-operate-transfer (TOT) model last month. This
will bring Rs 10,500 crore cash to NHAI's account under the first tranche of monetisation initiative.
iii .NHAI's expectations was Rs 6,258 crore and the winning bid was for Rs 9,681.5 crore. The total funds that will
accumulate in government account will be Rs 10,500 crore.
iv. As per TOT model, the concessionaire will pay a one-time concession fee. This lets the concessionaire to operate
and toll the project stretch for the 30 year concession period.
Dalmia Bharat Adopts Red Fort, Delhi

Dalmia Bharat Limited has signed a MoU with the Tourism Ministry to take up Red Fort and Gandikota Fort
(Andhra Pradesh) under the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ project.
i. Dalmia Bharat Limited has become the first corporate to be part of the ‘Adopt a Heritage’ project.
ii. Dalmia Bharat will look after the operations and the maintenance of Red Fort and Gandikota Fort for the next five
years.
iii. The MoU was signed in the presence of K J Alphons, Minster of State for Tourism (Independent Charge).
DAC Approves Capital Acquisition Proposals Worth Rs 3687 Crore

On April 27, 2018, Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Union Defence Minister, Nirmala
Sitharaman, approved Capital Acquisition Proposals of defence equipments/ammunition valued at over Rs 3687
crore.
i. DAC approved procurement of NAG Missile System (NAMIS) comprising third generation Anti-Tank Guided
Missile, the NAG, along with the Missile Carrier Vehicle (NAMICA).
ii. NAMIS has been designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It will be
procured at a cost of Rs. 524 crore.
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iii. DAC also approved procurement of thirteen 127 mm calibre guns for Indian Navy. The Indian Navy has been
asking for these guns since long time. Having a strike range of 24 km, these guns will be fitted on-board new
construction ships for undertaking surface engagements.
iv. The thirteen 127 mm calibre guns will be procured from BAE Systems (United States of America) at an
approximate cost of over Rs 3000 crore.
AAI inks performance MoU with Civil Aviation Ministry

Airports Authority of India (AAI) has signed its Annual Performance Contract (APC) for 2018-19 with Ministry
of Civil Aviation.
i. The MoU was signed between Secretary (Civil Aviation) R.N. Choubey and Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, Chairman,
AAI, on 27th April 2018.
ii. The MoU mentions the parameters and targets to be executed by AAI during 2018-19. The parameters and targets
are related to major areas of AAI like finance, capacity utilization, research and development, project implementation,
HR and cargo etc.
Paytm introduces 'Tap Card' offline payments solution

One97 Communications Limited, the owner of Paytm, announced the launch of Paytm Tap Card, its offline payments
solution to provide easy payments solutions for non-internet customers.
i. The Tap Card utilises Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to enable safe and convenient digital
payments, totally offline at Paytm-issued, NFC PoS terminals, within a second.
ii. In order to make payments, users can add money from their Paytm account by scanning the QR code on the Tap
Card and by authenticating it at any add value machines (AVM).
iii. This will be a solution that also addresses network-related issues at the consumers' or merchants' side.
Govt. collects Rs 7.41 trillion from GST

As per data provided by Union Finance Ministry, Government has collected Rs 7.41 trillion in taxes in the first year of
the Goods and Services Tax (GST) ending March 31, 2018.
i. Rs. 7.41 trillion collection includes Rs 1.19 trillion of Central Goods and Services Tax (CGST), Rs 1.72 trillion of
State Goods and Services Tax (SGST), Rs 3.66 trillion of Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) and Rs
620.21 billion of cess for first eight months and Rs 240 billion addition for March 2018.
Quick Facts about GST:
♦ Rolled out on – July 1, 2017
♦ Type – Indirect Tax
♦ Tax Slabs – 5%, 12%, 18% 28%.
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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Mithali Raj adjudged 'Sportsperson of the Year'
On 31st March 2018, Indian women's cricket team captain Mithali Raj was honoured with the 'Sportsperson of the
Year' award at the Telangana Sports Journalists Association annual awards for 2017, in Hyderabad, Telangana.
i. The 'best senior male athlete' award was presented to shuttler Kidambi Srikanth by former BCCI president N
Shivlal Yadav.
ii. The 'best senior female athlete' award was handed to shuttler P V Sindhu by tennis player Sania Mirza.
iii. The 'best coach of the year' award was given to Pullela Gopichand for the second consecutive time, by former
Indian cricketer VVS Laxman.
iv.Hockey player N Mukesh Kumar - Lifetime Achievement award
v.Hyderabad Cricket team - 'team of the year' award
vi.Gymnast B Aruna Reddy - outstanding achievement award
Mukesh Ambani is Asia’s third richest, five Indians in Bloomberg Billionaires top 100 Index
i. Jeff Bezos has secured the top position globally with a net worth of $121 billion. He is followed by Bill Gates at
the second spot with a net worth of $90.4 billion. The third position is occupied by Warren Buffett with $85.5 billion
net worth.
ii. Jack Ma, Executive Chairman of Alibaba Group, is Asia's richest person with $47.2 billion net worth. He is
followed by Pony Ma, Tencent co-founder and CEO, with $41.1 billion net worth.
Indians who feature in Bloomberg Billionaires top 100 index:
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries - 19th spot with $38 billion net worth
Lakshmi Mittal, chairman of ArcelorMittal - 54th spot with $18.5 billion net worth
Pallonji Mistry - 65th position, with $16.8 billion net worth
Azim Premji, Chairman of Wipro - 71st position with $16.2 billion net worth
Shiv Nadar, founder of HCL Technologies - 86th spot with $14.5 billion net worth
Sindhu, Srikanth Bag Top Honours At ESPN Multi-Sport Awards

i. ESPN Multi-Sport Awards recognised achievements across 11 categories. The winners were selected by an
independent 14-member jurycomprising eminent sports personalities - Somdev Devvarman, Abhinav Bindra and
Bhaichung Bhutia.
ii. Kidambu Srikanth has been adjudged 'Sportsperson of the Year - Male' for winning four Super Series titles. He is
the only Indian shuttler and the fourth player ever to accomplish this feat in one calendar year.
iii. PV Sindhu has been adjudged ‘Sportsperson of the Year - Female' for her outstanding performance in past one
year, wherein she won the Indian and Korean Open Super Series titles.
iv. PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth’s coach Pullela Gopichand has been adjudged 'best coach'.
v. Among other winners, Indian National Women's Hockey Team got the 'Team of the Year' title for their first
Asia Cup victory in 13 years.
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vi. ’Moment of the Year' award, which was decided through a public poll went to Jeakson Singh for scoring a
memorable goal against Columbia in the U-17 FIFA World Cup. Jeakson is the only Indian to score in a FIFA event.
Mangaluru airport adjudged India's cleanest airport

Mangalore International Airport has been named the cleanest airport in India.
i. Mangalore Airport director V V Rao received the award at the 23rd annual day function of the Airports
Authority of India (AAI) in New Delhi on 1st April 2018.AAI conducted a survey in 53 Indian airports.
ii. Cleanliness management at the Mangaluru airport is handled by Durga Facility Management Services Private
Limited.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni was conferred the prestigious Padma Bhushan Award by President Ram Nath Kovind
On 2nd April 2018, Mahendra Singh Dhoni was honoured with the Padma Bhushan Award by President Ram
Nath Kovind at an event in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.Billiards player Pankaj Advani also received the Padma
Bhushan award for his extra ordinary achievements.
Study Khazana, an e-portal has been awarded "For best emerging online Education Portal in North India"
Study Khazana, an e-portal, was awarded "For best emerging online Education Portal in North India" at the
'World Education Summit and Award 2018’ at New Delhi. Actress Sharmila Tagore presented the award to Sana
Baqai, the Founder of Study Khazana.It helps education-deprived aspirants get access to quality education
irrespective of geographical boundaries and it encourages open knowledge movement.
Chhattisgarh awarded 'State of the Year'

On 6th April 2018, Chhattisgarh won the 'State of the Year' Award under the 'business leader' category at the
India Business Leader Awards (IBLA) in New Delhi.
i. The India Business Leader Awards (IBLA) was organised by CNBC-TV18 channel. Union Information Technology
and Electronics Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad presented the award to Chhattisgarh Minister Prem Prakash
Pandey.
ii. Chhattisgarh’s growth has been attributed to various policy decisions taken by Chhattisgarh Government in
business sector and its effective implementation.
iii. Prem Prakash Pandey said that, Chhattisgarh occupies 4th rank in World Bank's list of 'Ease of doing Business'.
Goafest 2018: Pratap Bose's Social Street bags Creative Agency of the Year
On 5th to 7th April 2018, Goafest 2018 was held at Grand Hyatt Hotel, in Bambolim, Goa.
i. This is the 13th edition of Goafest. Goafest is organised by the Advertising Club along with the Advertising
Agencies Association of India. Social Street won the Creative Agency of the Year award, with three gold, seven silver
and seven bronze metals and a score of 94.
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Siddharth Varadarajan, the founding editor of The Wire will receive the Shorenstein Journalism Award for
2017 at Stanford University on April 16
Siddharth Varadarajan, the founding editor of The Wire, will be awarded the Shorenstein Journalism Award
for 2017 at Stanford University on 16th April 2018.
i. The Shorenstein Journalism Award is given every year by Stanford University’s Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific
Research Center. It awards people from the West and Asia.
ii. Nayan Chanda, a member of the jury said that, Siddharth Varadarajan’s initiative in independent, web-based
journalism as founding editor of The Wire, his well-researched reports, and his commentaries have attributed to his
success.
65th National Film Awards

On 13th April 2018, the 65th National Film Awards for 2017 was announced by Ministry of Information and
Broadcasting.The 65th National Film Awards will be presented by President Ram Nath Kovind on 3rd May 2018.The
Feature Film Central panel was headed by Shekhar Kapur. The Non- Feature Film panel was headed by Nakul Kamte
and the Best Cinema on Writing jury was headed by Anant Vijay.
List of winners is as follows:
a. Best Actress: Sridevi for ‘Mom’
b. Best Actor: Riddhi Sen for ‘Nagar Kirtan’
c. Best Director: Jayaraj for ‘Bhayanakam’
d. Best Film: Village Rockstars (Assamese)
e. Best Action Direction: ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’
f. Best Choreography: Ganesh Acharya for ‘Gori Tu Latth Maar’ from the film ‘Toilet Ek Prem Katha’
g. Best Special Effects: ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’
h. Special Jury Award: Nagar Kirtan (Bengali)
i. Best Lyrics: Muthurathinam
j. Best Music Direction: AR Rahman for 'Katru Veliyidayi'
k. Best Make-up Artist: Ram Rajak for 'Nagar Kirtan'
l. Best Costume: Gobinda Mandal for 'Nagar Kirtan'
m. Best Production Design: Santosh Rajan 'Take Off'
n. Best Editing: Rima Das for 'Village Rockstar'
o. Best Sound Design: 'Walking With The Wind'
p. Best Audiography (Location Sound): Mallika Das, Village Rockstar
q. Best Location Sound Recording: Mallika Das for 'Village Rockstar'
r. Best Screenplay Original: Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum
s. Best Screenplay Adapted: Bhayanakam
t. Best Cinematography: Bhayanakam
u. Best Female Playback Singer: Sashaa Tirupati for ‘Kaatru Veliyidayi’
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v. Best Male Playback Singer: K.J Yesudas for the song ‘Poy Maranja Kalam’ from ‘Viswasapoorvam
Mansoor’
w. Best Child Artist: Anita Das for ‘Village Rockstar’
x. Best Children's Film: 'Mhorkya'
y. Best Film on Environmental Conservation: 'Irada'
z. Best Direction: Jayaraj for 'Bhayanakam'
aa. Best Feature Film on National Integration: Dhappa (Marathi)
bb. Best Debut Film of a Director: 'Sinjar'
cc. Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment: ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’
2. Best Regional Films Special Mention:
a. Marathi - Mhorkya
b. Malayalam - Take Off
3. Best Regional Films:
a. Hindi - Newton
b. Ladakh - Walking With The Wind
c. Lakshadweep - Sinjar
d. Tulu - Paddayi
e. Marathi - Kachcha Limboo
f. Malayalam - Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum
g. Kannada - Hebbettu Ramakka
h. Bengali - Mayurakshi
i. Assamese - Ishu
j. Telugu – Ghazi
k. Gujarati – Dhh
l. Odiya - Hello Arsi
m. Tamil - To Let
Dharmendra to receive Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement award

Veteran actor Dharmendra will be conferred Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement by Maharashtra State Government.
i. Along with Dharmendra, Director Rajkumar Hirani will get the Raj Kapoor Special Contributions Award,
veteran Marathi actor Vijay Chavhan will get Chitrapati V Shantaram Jivangaurav Puraskar (Lifetime
Achievement Award) and actress-director Mrinal Kulkarni will get Chitrapati V Shantaram Vishesh Yogdaan
Puraskar (Special Contributions Award).
ii. These awards were instituted by Maharashtra State Government. Both the lifetime achievement awards carry a
citation and cash reward of Rs 500000 while the special contribution awards carry a citation and Rs 300000
cash prize each.
iii. The awards will be given away at the 55th Maharashtra State Marathi Film Festival.
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“Game of Thrones” to receive Special BAFTA recognition

The production team of "Game of Thrones" drama will be awarded the BAFTA Special Award at this year's
British Academy Television Craft Awards.
i. The BAFTA Craft Awards will be held on 22nd April 2018 in London. Hannah Murray and John Bradley will receive
the award on behalf of the “Game of Thrones" production team.
ii. "Game of Thrones" is being honoured for revolutionising several aspects of production in shooting the drama.
Commonwealth Games 2018 - Overview

i. The 2018 Commonwealth Games, officially known as the XXI Commonwealth Games or Gold Coast 2018,which
is held in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, between 4 and 15 April 2018. It was the fifth time Australia had hosted
the Commonwealth Games. Officially Opened by Charles,Prince of Wales.There were 71 nations competing at 2018
Commonwealth Games and 275 events were conducted in 19 sports.
ii. The next Commonwealth Games are to be held in Birmingham, England from 27 July to 7 August 2022, This is the
third time England has hosted the Games.The Previous Commonwealth Games took place in Glasgow, Scotland, from
23 July to 3 August.Click here to read more.
Winners of 2018 Pulitzer Prize

The prestigious Pulitzer Prizes for achievements in journalism, literature and musical composition were announced
on April 16, 2018. This was the 102nd edition of Pulitzer Prizes.
i. ‘Less’ is about a 49-year-old struggling San Francisco-based author, Arthur Less, who decides to tour the
world to escape himself.
ii. As per Pulitzer Prize Committee, ‘“Less” is “a generous book, musical in its prose and expansive in its
structure and range, about growing older and the essential nature of love.”
iii. On April 16, 2018, 30-year old Kendrick Lamar became the first rapper to win a Pulitzer Prize for music.
iv. Lamar has won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music for his album 'DAMN'.
v. Pulitzer Prize for Music has been awarded 67 times since its inception in 1943.
Winners of 2018 Pulitzer Prize - Letters, Drama & Music:
Category Winners
Fiction Less, by Andrew Sean Greer
Drama Cost of Living, by Martyna Majok
Poetry Half-light: Collected Poems 1965-2016, by Frank Bidart
History The Gulf: The Making of an American Sea, by Jack E. Davis
General Nonfiction Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America, by Jam
Forman Jr.
Biography Prairie Fires: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder, by Caroli
Frase
Music DAMN, by Kendrick Lamar
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Winners of 2018 Pulitzer Prize – Journalism:

The coveted Pulitzer Prize in Public Service category went to The New York Times and The New Yorker for their
revelations of sexual harassment and abuse in Hollywood.
Category Winners
Public Service The New York Times, for reporting led by Jodi Kantor and Meg
Twohey, and The New Yorker, for reporting by Ronan Farrow
Breaking News Reporting Staff of The Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, California
Investigative Reporting Staff of The Washington Post
Explanatory Reporting Staffs of The Arizona Republic and USA Today Network
Local Reporting The Cincinnati Enquirer Staff
National Reporting Staffs of The New York Times and The Washington Post
International Reporting Clare Baldwin, Andrew R.C. Marshall and Manuel Mogato of
Reuters
Feature Writing Rachel Kaadzi Ghansah, freelance reporter, GQ
Commentary John Archibald of Alabama Media Group, Birmingham, Alabam
Criticism Jerry Saltz of New York magazine
Editorial Writing Andie Dominick of The Des Moines Register
Editorial Cartooning Jake Halpern, freelance writer, and Michael Sloan, freelance
cartoonist, The New York Times
Breaking News Photography Ryan Kelly of The Daily Progress, Charlottesville, Virginia
Feature Photography Photography Staff of Reuters
Madhya Pradesh conferred Most Film Friendly Award

Madhya Pradesh will be conferred Most Film Friendly State Award 2017 by Central Government.
i. Announcement in this regard was made on April 19, 2018 by Ramesh Sippy, Chairman of the jury for selecting
the Most Film Friendly State Award 2017. The jury comprised renowned filmmakers - Nagraj Manjule, Raja Krishna
Menon, Vivek Agnihotri and Uday Singh.
ii. Madhya Pradesh has been selected for the award on account of ease of filming in the state, excellent ground
support, filmic infrastructure, informative website and incentives for filmmaking.
iii. The award will be presented by President Ram Nath Kovind on May 3, 2018 during the presentation of the 65th
National Film Awards.
Rana Kapoor Felicitated With Outstanding Brand Builder Award By AAAI

Mr. Rana Kapoor, MD & CEO of Yes Bank, was recognized as an Outstanding Contributor to the Media and
Communication Industry and Indian Brand Builder by Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) at the
13th edition of Goafest 2018.
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i. Mr. Rana Kapoor was honoured by AAAI for initiating banking and financing solutions in the Media and
Communications Industry.
ii. Under his leadership, Yes Bank’s Media and Entertainment banking knowledge vertical has helped to further
corporatize the Indian Film, Media, Entertainment and Communications industry.
iii. Goafest was hosted by AAAI and the Advertising Club for the advertising industry on April 5th to 7th 2018.
Bhuj Mercantile Coop Bank bags Banco Award for best performing cooperative bank
Bhuj Mercantile Cooperative Bank has won the Banco Award for best performing cooperative bank.
i. Bhuj Mercantile Cooperative Bank received the Banco Award from Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar
Rao at an award ceremony held recently in Hyderabad.
ii. Bhuj Mercantile Cooperative Bank was selected as the best performing cooperative bank from 1500 cooperative
banks in India.
iii. Also, Bhuj Mercantile Cooperative Bank ranked in the top in Gujarat for hi-tech technology upgradation. It
ranks third in the category at National level.
iv. Banco Award is presented every year to the top performing cooperative banks to recognise and encourage best
practices in the cooperative banking sector.
BCCL chairman Indu Jain gets lifetime contribution to media award

On 18th April 2018, Indu Jain, chairman of Bennett, Coleman & Co received the All India Management
Association’s (AIMA’s) annual award for lifetime contribution to media.
i. AIMA honours achievers who created a fundamental difference to society through its annual Managing India
Awards.
ii. It has honoured Indu Jain for managing the Times Group and for establishing the Times Foundation.
J P Nadda gives away Kayakalp awards, 2017-18

National felicitation ceremony of Kayakalp awardees (2017-18) was held in New Delhi on April 19, 2018.
i. Launched in 2015, Kayakalp scheme awards public health facilities for their work in maintaining high
standards of sanitation and hygiene.
ii. On April 19, 2018, Union Health Minister, J P Nadda gave away Kayakal Awards to the winners under various
categories.
iii. NEIGRIHMS, Shillong was adjudged the winner in Group B category and was awarded Rs. 1.5 crore.
iv. Mr. Nadda also felicitated the District Hospitals, Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres
(CHCs) for winning the awards in their respective states and union territory.
2018 TIME 100 Most Influential People List

2018 TIME 100 Most Influential People List, featuring some of the world’s most significant artists, leaders,
scientists, activists and entrepreneurs was announced on April 19, 2018.
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Four Indian who have featured in 2018 TIME 100 are Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, Ola co-founder Bhavish
Aggarwal, Bollywood star Deepika Padukone and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
i. Sachin Tendulkar wrote Virat Kohli's TIME profile while Deepika’s profile has been written by her 'xXx:
Return of Xander Cage' co-star Vin Diesel.
ii. Bhavish Aggarwal’s profile has been written by Flipkart's executive chairman Sachin Bansal and Walter
Isaacson, the former TIME managing editor wrote Satya Nadella's profile.
iii. Surprisingly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not feature in this year’s list. Some of the world leaders
who made it to the list are United States President Donald Trump, North Korea Supreme Leader Kim
Jong-un, French President Emmanuel Macron, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Bangladesh Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
iv. 14-year-old English actress and Model, Millie Bobby Brown has become the youngest person to be named
as one of the world's 100 most influential people by TIME.
v. K-pop group BTS, a seven-person group of multitalented South Korean artists is the winner of the 2018
TIME 100 reader poll.
Winners of the ‘1st Print Biennale India 2018’ given away awards in New Delhi
The awards of Print Biennale India 2018 were given at a function in New Delhi on April 20, 2018.
i. ‘Print Biennale India 2018’, the first-ever International Exhibition of Graphic Prints was inaugurated in New
Delhi on March 25, 2018.
ii. It was hosted by India’s National Academy of Art, the Lalit Kala Akademi.
iii. The exhibition brought together participants from 17 countries such as USA, UK, Sri Lanka, Mexico, China, Sweden,
Poland, Argentina, Greece, Bangladesh, and Mauritius.
iv. A total of 1126 entries of 415 artists across the globe (including 364 of Indian artists) were received.
v. Winners of the ‘1st Print Biennale India 2018’: Arup Kumar Kuity (Andhra Pradesh), Satya Narayana Gavara
(Andhra Pradesh), Purvi Parmar (Gujrat), Preya Bhagat (Uttar Pradesh) and Sonal Varshneya (Uttar Pradesh).
vi. In addition to above five awards, eight other printmakers were chosen for appreciation mention by the jury of the
competition.
IOC President Thomas Bach presents memento to Abhinav Bindra, Vijender Singh
On Apr. 20 2018 , International Olympic Committee(IOC) president Thomas Bach presented a memento to Indian
Olympic medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra and boxer Vijender Singh.
i. A dinner was hosted last night in honour of IOC president Bach during his second visit of India. On this
occasion Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President
Narinder Dhruv Batra, Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) President HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Sabah
were also present.
ii. On this occasion IOC President presented a memento to Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and bronze
medallist Vijender Singh. During the dinner former Indian Olympians and players were also present.
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Boycott shooting from 2022 CWG huge setback for India: Abhinav Bindra
On April 19 2018, Indian Olympics Association President Narinder Batra calls for boycotting the 2022
Commonwealth Games over the absence of shooting from the event's roster are going a "bit too extreme".
i. The Birmingham Organising Committee has decided to exclude shooting from the 2022 Games. National Rifle
Association of India (NRAI) president Raninder Singh had called for the 2022 Games' boycott if shooting was not
reinstated at the next CWG.
ii. In the recent Gold Coast Common Wealth Games ,India has bagged 16 medals includes seven gold Medals.
Winners of Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Awards 2018

Dadahaheb Phalke Excellence Awards 2018, honouring individuals from the entertainment industry for their
outstanding contribution towards the growth and development of cinema and/or television were presented on April
21, 2018.
i. This was the fourth edition of Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Awards.
ii. It is to be noted that these awards are different from the Government of India-instituted Dadasaheb
Phalke Award, which is India’s highest cinematic honour.
Winners of Dadahaheb Phalke Excellence Awards 2018:
Category Winner
Best actor (male) Shahid Kapoor
Best actor people's choice award Ranveer Singh
Entertainer of the year Kartik Aryan
Best actress (critics) Aditi Rao Hydari
Lifetime achievement award Simi Garewal
Pride of Indian cinema Sanjay Dutt
Path breaking producer of the year Anushka Sharma and Karnesh Sharma
Best director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Outstanding performance male Raj Kumar Rao, Rana Daggubati
Outstanding performance female Tamannahh Bhatia, Kriti Sanon
Promising face of the year Aahana Kumra
Best actor (male) Marathi Vaibhav Tatwawaadi
Best actor (female) Marathi Pooja Sawant
Best fashion designer of the year Sanjukta Dutta
Socially conscious performance of the year Rani Mukherjee
Best comic role Tusshar Kapoor
Entertaining performance in reality show Bigg B Hina Khan
Best actress drama award Jennifer Winget
Best actor (male) Television Karan Patel
Best reality show judge Shilpa Shetty
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Best talk show host Karan Johar

Best lyricist Manoj Muntashir
Best performance in a short film Divya Khosla Kumar
Iconic contribution towards music Hans Raj Hans
Comic performer of the year Sumona Chakraborty
Versatile singer Rani Hazarika
Social and business entrepreneur of the year Jaya Misra
Best Couple of the Year Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudhary
Break Through Artist Of The Year Vikas Gupta
People’s Choice Award Rohan Mehra, Lopamudra Raut
Style Influencer of the Year Karan Singh Grover
Mukesh Ambani named by Fortune magazine as the World's Greatest Leaders of 2018
Richest Indian, Mukesh Ambani and human rights lawyer Indira Jaising have featured in Fortune magazine’s 2018
ranking of the 50 Greatest Leaders.
i. Mukesh Ambani has ranked 24th on the list. Launch of Reliance Jio ushered in a new era of affordable mobile data
for the Indian masses. This phenomenon, referred to as ‘Jio-fication’ radically altered the telecom industry landscape,
as older operators were compelled to reduce prices.
ii. Indira Jaising, the lawyer who has dedicated her life to battling injustice ranked at 20th. Ms Jaising has fought
on behalf of victims of 1984 Bhopal Gas disaster and has played instrumental role in drafting India's first domestic
violence law.
iii. Architect Balkrishna Doshi (43rd rank) is another Indian who has made it to the list along with Mukesh Ambani
and Indira Jaising.
President Confers Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards

On 23rd April 2018, President and Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces Ram Nath Kovind conferred
Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards at an event at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, in New Delhi.
i. Ram Nath Kovind conferred 3 Kirti Chakras and 13 Shaurya Chakras to Armed Forces Personnel for displaying
courage and devotion to duty.
ii. 2 Kirti Chakras and 2 Shaurya Chakras were awarded posthumously. The President also conferred 13 Param
Vishisht Seva Medals, 2 UttamYudhSeva Medals, 2 Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medals and 26 Ati Vishisht Seva
Medals to senior officers of the Armed Forces for distinguished service of an exceptional order.
iii. The list of awardees is as follows:
Kirti Chakra:
i. Pramod kumar (posthumous)
ii. Giris gurung (posthumous)
iii. Preetam Singh Kunwar
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Shaurya Chakra:
i. Gosavi Kunal Munnagir (posthumous)
ii. Raghubeer Singh (posthumous)
iii. Kashmir singh
iv. Shabir ahmed
v. Vikash jakhar
vi. Riyazalam ansari
vii. Deepak ale
viii. Pradeep shoury arya
ix. Manchu
x. Rabindra thapa
xi. Narender singh
xii. Akhil raj rv
xiii. Devendra Mehta
Param Vishisht Seva Medal:
i. Sarath chand
ii. Dewan rabindranath soni
iii. Devrajanbu
iv. Cherish mathson
v. Abhay raghunath karve
vi. Chandrashekharan hari kumar
vii. Anil khosla
viii. Rajendra ram rao nimbhorkar
ix. Sanjay kumar jha
x. Gurpratap singh dhillon
xi. Parminderjit singh pannu
xii. Kanwaljeet singh gill
xiii. Sanjay thapa
Uttam Yuddh Seva Medal:
i. Jaswinder singh sandhu
ii. Amarjeet singh bedi
Bar to Ati Vishisht Seva Medal:
i. Ranbir singh
ii. Lalit kumar pandey
Abu Zeid: Jailed Egyptian Photographer wins 2018 UNESCO Press Freedom Prize
On 23rd April 2018, jailed Egyptian photojournalist Mahmoud Abu Zeid won the 2018 Press Freedom Prize
awarded by UNESCO.
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i. In spite of warnings from Egypt, UNESCO has awarded the World Press Freedom prize to Egyptian photographer
Abu Zeid. He is also known as Shawkan.
ii. The Guillermo Cano Press Freedom Prize will be awarded on 2nd May 2018 in connection with World Press
Freedom Day.
Microsoft India most attractive employer brand: Randstad

On 25th April 2018, Randstad Employer Brand Research (REBR) 2018 stated that, Microsoft India is the most
attractive employer brand in India this year.
i. Microsoft India is followed by Amazon India. The Randstad Employer Brand Research (REBR) 2018 survey was
conducted by Randstad, a HR service provider.
ii. The survey also stated that salary and employee benefits remain as major factors among the local workforce in all
profiles.
iii. On a sectoral basis, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) ranked as the top employer brand for the IT industry.
iii. Larsen & Toubro was ranked as top employer for infrastructure & construction and Hindustan Unilever
for FMCG.
iv. The top 10 most attractive employers brands in 2018 also features: Hindustan Unilever, IBM India, ITC Group,
Mercedes-Benz India, Samsung India and Sony India.
Nadiya Shafi has won the 2018’s Martha Farrell Award for Excellence in women’s empowerment
Nadiya Shafi, a video reporter from Srinagar, has received 2018’s 'Martha Farrell Award for Excellence in
Women's Empowerment', with a cash prize of Rs 1.50 lakh.
i. This award is given in recognition of Nadiya Shafi's contribution to gender equality and leading gender discussion
clubs in Srinagar.
ii. The award has been instituted in the memory of Dr. Martha Farrell, an eminent activist for gender equality
and women's empowerment. She was killed in Kabul in a terrorist attack in 2015.
iii. The award is co-sponsored by Rizwan Adatia Foundation (RAF) and Participatory Research in Asia (PRIA)
and supported by Martha Farrell Foundation (MFF).
iv. The 'best organisation for gender equality' award, was awarded to Maharashtra-based Resource and
Support Centre for Development (RSCD) for promoting inclusion of women in political processes in 30 districts of
Maharashtra.
CSIR wins National Intellectual Property Award 2018

On 26th April 2018, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was awarded the National Intellectual
Property (IP) Award 2018 in the category 'Top R&D Institution/Organisation for Patents and Commercialisation'.
i. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu handed over the award to CSIR Director General Girish
Sahni at an event in New Delhi.
ii. The event was organised by the Indian Intellectual Property Office and Confederation of Indian Chambers of
Commerce (CII) to celebrate the World IP Day.
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iii. CSIR has been ranked 9th in the world among 1,207 government institutions, with an overall global ranking of 75
in the world, covering 5,250 institutions.
iv. IAS officer couple Mayur Maheswari and Ritu Maheswari were awarded a special citation award for their
patent invention to enable communication between various health stakeholders. They assigned it to the Union
Health and Family Welfare Ministry for free utilization.
Moglix bags SAP ACE AWARD 2018 for Sourcing Excellence

On 26th April 2018, Moglix, a B2B commerce company, announced that it has won 11th edition of SAP ACE
Awards 2018 in Sourcing Excellence category.
i. SAP India has given this award to Moglix as a recognition to its extraordinary innovative procurement technology.
ii. SAP ACE awards recognises excellences in IT innovation in various business sectors, bringing a digital impact in
India's economy.
iii. This year, SAP ACE Awards 2018 received more than 300 project nominations in 16 award categories, with focus
on large and midsize companies.
Santosh Gangwar gives away NSCI Safety Awards – 2017

On 27th April 2018, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (Independent charge) Ministry of Labour &
Employment presented the National Safety Council’s (NSCI) Safety Awards’ for 2017 at New Delhi.
i. The function was presided by Satish Reddy, Chairman, National Safety Council & Chairman, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories
Ltd.
ii. The NSCI Safety Awards are national level Awards in occupational safety, health and environment sector.
iii. They are given in recognition for effective Safety Management System and excellent safety & health performance
by the organizations in Manufacturing, Construction and MSME Sectors.
iv. The Sarva Shreshtha Suraksha Puraskar under Group A, Group B, Group C, Group D and Group E in
Manufacturing Sector were won by: Indian Farmers Fertilizer Co-operative Ltd., Bareilly (UP); NPCIL, Kaiga
Generating Station 3 & 4, (Karnataka); Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (Automotive Sector), Haridwar, Uttarakhand and
Vardhman Acrylics Ltd., Bharuch, Gujarat, respectively.
v. Sojitz - L & T Consortium, Jaipur, Rajasthan was awarded Sarva Shreshtha Suraksha Puraskar in Construction
Sector.
Gujarati poet Sitanshu Yashaschandra chosen for 2017 Saraswati Samman

K K Birla Foundation has announced that, Gujarati poet Sitanshu Yashaschandra's poetry collection "Vakhar" has
been selected for the Saraswati Samman for 2017.
i. The selection for this award is done by a high level named 'Chayan Parishad' (selection committee). It is presided by
former secretary general of Lok Sabha, Subhash C Kashyap.
ii. This award was instituted in 1991. It recognises outstanding literary work every year written in any Indian
language and published in the last 10 years.
iii. The 'Vakhar' (poetry) by Sitanshu Yashaschandra was published in 2009. Sitanshu Yashaschandra was born in
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1941 in Bhuj.
iv. He has written 10 books of plays and three books of criticism. He has received Sahitya Akademi Award, Kabir
Samman and Padma Shri etc.
v. The Saraswati Samman award carries a cash prize of Rs 15 lakhs, a citation and a plaque.
Budgam shortlisted for PM Modi's excellence award

Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir has been shortlisted for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's excellence
award for promoting digital payments and cashless economy.
i. Digital payments facility has been implemented at 670 places throughout the Budgam district, under the
supervision of District authorities.
ii. The places cover 372 ration shops, 285 fertilizer shops and 13 Revenue (Tehsil) offices in Budgam.
iii. The district administration has trained local residents at Common Services Centers (CSC) to execute the digital
payments system successfully.
Parijat Industries wins prestigious NSCI Sarvashrestha Suraksha Puraskar

Parijat Industries (India) Pvt Ltd, an Indian agrochemical company, has been conferred the "Sarvashrestha
Suraksha Puraskar" gold award for the year 2017.
i. The award was given away by Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labour and
Employment, at an event in New Delhi.
ii. The award was given for consistent and effective operational safety, performance and executing occupational
safety and health (OSH) management system procedures at Parijat Industries (India)’s manufacturing plant at
Ambala.
About Parijat Industries (India):
♦ Chairman and Managing Director - Keshav Anand
♦ Corporate Office – New Delhi.
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATION

BCCI appoints former Rajasthan DGP Ajit Singh as head of its Anti Corruption Unit
On March 31, 2018, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed former Rajasthan DGP, Ajit Singh as
the Head of its Anti-Corruption Unit.
Ajit Singh will replace former Delhi Police Commissioner Neeraj Kumar, who has been assigned advisory role in
the ACU till May 31, 2018.He has served in Indian Police Service (IPS) for 36 years. He is experienced in anti-
corruption operations, investigative work and field policing.He has also been the head of Rajasthan’s anti-corruption
bureau.
Former CBSE chairman Vineet Joshi is National Testing Agency D-G
On March 30, 2018, Central Government appointed former chairman of the Central Board of Secondary Education
(CBSE), Vineet Joshi as the Director General (D-G) of the National Testing Agency (NTA), which will conduct
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various entrance examinations across India.

i. With the creation of National Testing Agency (NTA), CBSE and All India Council for Technical Education
(AICTE) will be relieved from conducting the above stated exams/tests.
ii. Setting up of NTA was announced by Finance Ministry Arun Jaitley while presenting Union Budget 2017-18.
Subsequently, on November 10, 2017, Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cleared a proposal for
creation of NTA.
M L Srivastava appointed protem chairman of Lalit Kala Akademi

On 31st March 2018, it was announced that, M L Srivastava has been appointed as the protem chairman of the Lalit
Kala Akademi. He will hold this post until a regular chairman is appointed. The previous administrator of Lalit Kala
Akademi is CS Krishna Setty.
About Lalit Kala Akademi:
♦ Location – New Delhi
♦ Inaugurated – 1954.
Former Yes Bank senior president joins Rubique as COO

On April 3, 2018, Rubique, an online marketplace for loan, credit card and insurance announced the
appointment of Ajay Desai as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Rubique has taken Ajay Desai onboard to leverage his exceptional expertise in Small and Medium Enterprise (SME),
financial exclusion and Financial Technology (Fintech).
SBI Life Insurance appoints Sanjeev Nautiyal as new MD & CEO

On April 3, 2018, SBI Life Insurance Company Limited appointed Sanjeev Nautiyal as its new MD and CEO.
i. Nautiyal started his career with State Bank of India (SBI) in 1985 as a probationary officer.
ii. Immediately before being appointed as MD & CEO of SBI Life Insurance, he was chief general manager at
SBI's Ahmedabad circle.Sanjeev Nautiyal replaces Arijit Basu as MD & CEO of SBI Life Insurance. Arijit Basu will
be taking over a key role in the State Bank of India Group.
Actor Rituparna Sengupta appointed Shilpi Sansad chairperson

On 2nd April 2018, actor Rituparna Sengupta was appointed the chairperson of Shilpi Sansad.
Rituparna Sengupta replaces Supriya Devi. Supriya Devi passed away recently.It provides financial assistance to
artistes in times of emergency and for medical treatments.
Debjani Ghosh appointed NASSCOM President

On 2nd April 2018, Debjani Ghosh took charge as the President of NASSCOM.She replaces R Chandrashekhar. R
Chandrashekhar has completed his five-year term as head of NASSCOM.
She is the former Managing Director of Intel South Asia. She was the first woman to lead Intel India and MAIT
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(Manufacturers' Association for Information Technology).
Subrata Bhattacharjee appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Serbia
On 3rd April 2018, Subrata Bhattacharjee was appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Serbia.He
is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of 1989 batch. He is Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs at
present.He has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Serbia. He will take up this
assignment soon.
Aashish Kapoor replaces Venkatesh Prasad in BCCI junior selection committee

On 3rd April 2018, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that Aashish Kapoor has replaced
Venkatesh Prasad in the three-member All-India Junior Selection Committee.Other two members of the All-
India Junior Selection Committee are Gyanendra Pandey and Rakesh Parikh. Aashish Kapoor is a former off-spinner in
the Indian cricket team.
Himanta Biswa Sarma elected as President of Badminton Association of India (BAI)

On 3rd April 2018, Himanta Biswa Sarma was elected as the President of the Badminton Association of India
(BAI) for the next 4 years.
i. Himanta Biswa Sarma is a Cabinet Minister in Assam. He took charge as the interim President of BAI in 2017
following the death of former BAI president Akhilesh Das Gupta.
ii. Former Tamil Nadu Badminton Association president and Lok Sabha MP from Dharmapuri constituency, Dr.
Anbumani Ramadoss was elected as the treasurer uncontested.
iii. Ajay Singhania of Haryana Badminton Association was elected as General Secretary of BAI.Maharashtra
Badminton Association President, Arun Lakhani, was elected as the Senior Vice-President unopposed.
iv. Omar Rashid, Secretary of Assam Badminton Association was elected unopposed as the Secretary (events).
Myntra hires PepsiCo India's Mithun Sundar as chief revenue officer

Fashion retailer Myntra has appointed Mithun Sundar as its chief revenue officer.
Mithun Sundar was PepsiCo India’s Head of Strategy. He will take charge as chief revenue officer of Myntra in June
2018. He will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Ananth Narayanan. He succeeds Naresh Krishnaswamy. Earlier
he had worked with McKinsey and Unilever.
Julius Maada Bio elected as Sierra Leone's President

i. On 5th April 2018, National Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone announced that Julius Maada Bio won the
presidential elections with 51.8 percent votes. He belongs to the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP).
ii. He defeated Samura Kamara. Samura Kamara was the candidate of All People's Congress, which is the ruling party.
iii. The presidential elections were conducted on 31st March 2018. Julius Maada Bio succeeds Ernest Bai Koroma.
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Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar will hold additional portfolio of Information, Public Relations and
Languages department
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar will also hold the additional portfolio of Information, Public
Relations and Languages, now.
i. A notification issued on this regard stated that, Harayana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki has allocated the
portfolio of Information, Public Relations and Languages to Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar with
immediate effect.
Rakesh Kumar Vats given additional charge of NPPA Chairman

Rakesh Kumar Vats has been given the additional charge of chairman of NPPA (National Pharmaceutical
Pricing Authority) with immediate effect.He replaces Bhupendra Singh as Chairman of NPPA. Bhupendra Singh has
been appointed as chairperson of National Authority for Chemical Weapons Convention under the Cabinet Secretariat.
The NPPA fixes and revises prices of controlled bulk drugs and formulations. It enforces prices and availability of the
medicines in India.
About National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA):
♦ Functions under - Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi.
Ashok Gehlot appointed member of Congress central election panel

Congress general secretary Ashok Gehlot has been made a member of Congress central election committee. Ashok
Gehlot is a former chief minister of Rajasthan. He was appointed the AICC (All India Congress Committee) general
secretary in charge of organisation and training of party cadres, recently.
Manu Bhaker will be the brand ambassador of Haryana's Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign
Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has been named the brand ambassador of Haryana's Measles and Rubella (MR)
vaccination campaign.This campaign will be launched by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on
25th April 2017.
This campaign will continue for 5-6 weeks. Decision regarding this was taken in a meeting of State Level Steering
Committee for Measles Rubella Campaign chaired by Chief Secretary, D S Dhesi. As part of this campaign,
immunisation will be done in 22,626 government and private schools, 25,771 Anganwadi centres, construction sites,
brick kilns, poultry farms, other high risk zones and urban areas.
AIIMS professor Balram Bhargava appointed DG of ICMR
On 10th April 2018, Balram Bhargava was appointed the Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research
(ICMR) and Secretary of the Department of Health Research.
i. Balram Bharagava is currently Professor/Senior Consultant Cardiologist at All India Institute of Medical Sciences
(AIIMS). He has been appointed the DG of ICMR for a 3 year term or until 60 years of age, as per an order issued by the
Personnel Ministry.
ii. Also, scientist Renu Swaroop has been appointed the Secretary of the Department of Biotechnology.
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iii. Renu Swaroop is at present senior adviser in the Department of Biotechnology. She has been appointed as
Secretary for a two year term or until 60 years of age.
Ban Ki-moon elected as Chairman of Boao Forum

On 9th April 2018, former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was elected chairman of the Boao Forum for
Asia.
i. Also, former governor of the People's Bank of China Zhou Xiaochuan was appointed vice-chairman of Boao
Forum for Asia.
ii. Over 2,000 political and economic leaders, including heads of large multinational firms, take part in this annual
session.
Labour Secretary M Sathiyavathy took charge as member of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
On 9th April 2018, Labour Secretary M Sathiyavathy took charge as a member of Union Public Service
Commission (UPSC).
i. U P Singh has been given additional charge as secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment. He is a senior IAS
officer. He is currently secretary in Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.
ii. M Sathiyavathy is an IAS officer of 1982 batch of Union Territories cadre. Vinay Mittal, chairman of the UPSC,
administered her oath.
iii. She was the first woman chief of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). She was joint director general in the
Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Controller, ISRO Satellite Centre,
Department of Space, member secretary, Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, and additional secretary and
financial adviser, Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Rishad Premji appointed Nasscom chairman for 2018-19

On 10th April 2018, Nasscom (National Association of Software and Services Companies) announced that it has
appointed Rishad Premji as its chairman for 2018-19.
i. Rishad Premji is Wipro’s Chief Strategy Officer and Board member. Also, Keshav Murugesh, CEO of WNS Group,
has been appointed the vice chairman for 2018-19.
ii. Rishad Premji has been a member of Nasscom's Executive Council. He was the vice chairman of Nasscom for 2017-
18.Rishad Premji replaces Raman Roy, Chairman and Managing Director of Quatrro Global Services.
Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban wins new term

On 8th April 2018, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban won a third consecutive term as Prime Minister.
i. Viktor Orban is 54 years old. He will serve a third consecutive term as Hungarian Prime Minister.
ii. Hungary's National Election Office said that, Viktor Orban’s party Fidesz won nearly half of the votes, with 93% of
votes counted. Fidesz is expected to win a two-thirds majority in parliament.
KR Nautiyal appointed Coast Guard Commander (East)
Inspector General KR Nautiyal has been appointed as the new Coast Guard Commander (Eastern Seaboard).
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i.KR Nautiyal will take over Headquarters Eastern Seaboard from Inspector General KS Sheoran on 12th April 2018.
He has been promoted to the rank of Additional Director-General.
Rajesh Ranjan appointed as DG of CISF

Rajesh Ranjan has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Rajesh Ranjan is an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1984 batch. He is currently the Special Director General of
the Border Security Force (BSF).This post was vacant after OP Singh took charge as Director General (DG) of the Uttar
Pradesh Police in January 2018.
IG Vijay Chafekar appointed as Flag Officer of ICG West

On 10th April 2018, Inspector General Vijay Chafekar took charge as the new Flag Officer, Indian Coast Guard
(West Region) from IG K.R. Nautiyal.
i. K.R. Nautiyal has been promoted as Additional Director General and ICG Commander, Eastern Seaboard.
ii. Vijay Chafekar has an M.Phil. in Defence and Strategic Studies. Earlier, he was Deputy Director (Policy and Plans) at
the ICG Headquarters, New Delhi. He has received Tatrakshak Medal and the President's Tatrakshak Medal.
Chandra Shekhar Ghosh re-appointed as MD & CEO of Bandhan Bank

Chandra Shekhar Ghosh has been re-appointed as managing director and CEO of Bandhan Bank for a three
year term from 10thJuly 2018.
i. Chandra Shekhar Ghosh’s re-appointment is subject to regulatory clearances. It was approved by Bandhan Bank
board recently.
ii. Bandhan Bank was listed on 27 March 2018. Mr. Chandra Shekhar Ghosh was appointed to this post in July 2015.
iii. Bandhan Bank had recently announced the resignation of its part-time, non-executive chairman Ashoke Kumar
Lahiri.
Former RBI deputy governor Harun Rasid Khan joins Bandhan Bank board
Former deputy governor at Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Harun Rasid Khan, has joined Bandhan Bank board.
i. Harun Rasid Khan joined the board of Bandhan Bank two weeks ago. He has replaced PK Saha in Bandhan Bank
board.
ii. He had headed RBI's vision on payment system. He had handled financial market, foreign exchange, financial
inclusion, etc. in RBI. He served as deputy governor of RBI from 2011 to 2016.
Sripriya Ranganathan appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea
On 11th April 2018, Sripriya Ranganathan was appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea.
i. Sripriya Ranganathan is an Indian Foreign Service Officer (IFS) of 1994 batch. She is at present Joint Secretary in the
Ministry of External Affairs.
ii. She has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea. She will take up the new
assignment soon.
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Former DoPT Secretary Bhanu Pratap Sharma appointed chairman of Bank Board Bureau (BBB)
On 12th April 2018, former DoPT (Department of Personnel and Training) Secretary Bhanu Pratap Sharma was
appointed the Chairman of Banks Board Bureau (BBB) by the government.
i. Bhanu Pratap Sharma succeeds Vinod Rai. Vinod Rai was appointed as the first chairman of BBB for a period of two
years.
ii. Bhanu Pratap Sharma has been appointed for a two year term. Other members of the BBB are:
Vedika Bhandarkar (former MD Credit Suisse India)
P Pradeep Kumar (former MD SBI)
Pradip P Shah (founder MD Crisil)
Arun Jaitley to take oath today for fresh six-year term in Rajya Sabha
On April 15, 2018, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley took oath for his new six years term in the Rajya Sabha.
He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Uttar Pradesh. He was re-elected for new term in March 2018.Following
his re-election, he was also appointed the Leader of the House on April 2, 2018.
However, he was not able to take oath, owing to his health condition.
TK Rajalakshmi elected IWPC president

On April 18, 2018, senior journalist T K Rajalakshmi was elected the new president of the Indian Women's Press
Corps (IWPC).
i. Every year IWPC members elect a 21-member Managing Committee and six office bearers – President, two Vice –
Presidents, General Secretary, Joint Secretary and Treasurer.
ii. Along with T K Rajalakshmi’s election as President, Jyoti Malhotra and Shobhna Jain were declared vice-
presidents of IWPC.
iii. Besides, Shalini Bhardwaj was elected joint secretary and Preeti Mehra as treasurer.
iv. Fresh elections will be held to fill the post of the General secretary, as there was a tie between the two contestants
in the election held on April 14, 2018.
Lt Gen PP Malhotra takes over as DG NCC
On April 17,2018 Chief engineer of the Indian Army's Northern Command Lieutenant General P P Malhotra has
assumed charge as the new Director General of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), the largest uniformed youth
organization in the world on 11 Apr 2018.
i. Lt Gen Malhotra’s distinguished professional career includes various regimental, staff and command appointments.
ii. His educational qualifications include a B.Tech from the College of Military Engineering, Pune; M.Tech from IIT-
Bombay; M. Phil from DAVV, Indore; and an M.Phil from the Madras University.
Rahul Kulshreshth appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Egypt
Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed Rahul Kulshreshth as the next Ambassador of India to
Egypt.He is a member of the 1985 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). He is currently serving as Ambassador
of India to the Republic of Turkey.
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Sanjay Bhattacharya appointed as the next Ambassador of lndia to Turkey

Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed Sanjay Bhattacharya as the next Ambassador of India to
Turkey.He is a member of the 1987 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). He is currently serving as
Ambassador of India to Egypt.
Ravi Thapar appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Nicaragua

Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed Ravi Thapar as the next Ambassador of India to Nicaragua.He
is a member of the 1983 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS).
ii. He is currently serving as Ambassador of India to Panam.
Dilip Chenoy new Secretary General of FICCI

On 17th April 2018, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) informed that, it has appointed
Dilip Chenoy as its new Secretary General.
i. Dilip Chenoy replaces Sanjaya Baru as the Secretary General of FICCI. Sanjaya Baru had decided to step down
from his position.He joined FICCI as Director General. Earlier, he was working as MD & CEO of the National Skill
Development Corporation (NSDC) from May 2010 till October 2015.
ii.He was also Director General of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) from 2004 till 2010.
US Senate confirms appointment of Jim Bridenstine as NASA Administrator

i. On April 19, 2018 Jim Bridenstine, a Republican congressman from Oklahoma became 13th Administrator for
the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).The appointment has been confirmed by acting NASA
Administrator Robert Lightfoot.
ii. Alan Stern, chairman of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation said that "NASA needs dedicated and inspired
leadership, and Rep. Bridenstine is an outstanding choice to provide precisely that,".
Suresh Kumar assumes additional charge as Coal India CMD

On 23rd April 2018, Suresh Kumar took the additional charge as chairman and managing director of Coal India Ltd.
i. Suresh Kumar is an additional secretary with the Coal Ministry. He has replaced Gopal Singh as chairman and
managing director of Coal India Ltd.
ii. Gopal Singh had succeeded Sutirtha Bhattacharya who retired from the post of Coal India CMD on 31st August 2017.
Tata Sons appoints ex-foreign secretary Jaishankar as global corporate affairs head
On 23rd April 2018, former Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar was appointed as the new president of Tata Sons'
global corporate affairs.
i. As president of Tata Sons' global corporate affairs S. Jaishankar will be responsible for the group's global corporate
affairs, international strategy development, and functioning of the company's international offices.
ii. He will report to Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran. He had joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1977.
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Mario Abdo Benitez elected new president of Paraguay

Mario Abdo Benitez has been elected as the new president of Paraguay.
i. Mario Abdo Benitez won the presidential election conducted on 22nd April 2018. He belongs to the ruling Colorado
Party.He had secured 46.5% of the votes, with 96% of 21,000 polling stations reported.
ii. Efrain Alegre of the Authentic Radical Liberal Party came second with 42.7% of the votes.
iii. Mario Abdo Benitez’s 5 year term begins on 15th August 2018. He is 46 years old.
Indu Malhotra first woman lawyer to become SC judge

On 26th April 2018, sources in the Law Ministry said that, the government has cleared the appointment of senior
advocate Indu Malhotra as a judge of the Supreme Court, making her the first woman lawyer to become Supreme
Court judge.
i. Indu Malhotra will be the first woman judge to be appointed as Supreme Court judge directly from the bar.
ii. She is 61 years old. She will be the seventh woman to become a Supreme Court judge.
iii. Previously, Justices M. Fathima Beevi, Sujata Manohar, Ruma Pal, Ranjana Desai, Gyan Sudha Misra and R.
Banumathi, held the post of Supreme Court judge.
Gauri became Brand Ambassador for Haryana

Haryana State Government has appointed international female shooter Gauri Sheoran as the
brand ambassador for its two health-related programmes viz. measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign and
Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK).
i. Under measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, about 80 lakh children aged between nine months and 15 would
be vaccinated.
ii. RBSK involves screening children enrolled in government and government-aided schools and anganwadi
centres (AWCs) for detecting deficiencies, diseases, and development delays including disability.
iii. Accomplisments of Gauri Sheoran: won Gold medal in the 7th World University Shooting Championship held
in Kuala Lumpur in March 2018, won a bronze medal at the World Championships in Suhl, Germany, clinched two
gold and two silver medals in the National Championship at Thiruvananthapuram.
Mike Pompeo sworn in as US secretary of state

Mike Pompeo former CIA Director, has been sworn in as the 70th US secretary of state.He was elected as the US
secretary of state by the Senate with votes 57-42. He is a former Army officer.
As soon as he was sworn in as US secretary of state, the State Department said that, he will visit Saudi Arabia, Jordan
and Israel on the weekend after attending a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) meeting in Brussels on
27th April 2018.
Lt Gen Bipin Puri takes over as Senior Colonel Commandant of AMC

On 26th April 2018, Lt Gen Bipin Puri took charge as Senior Col Commandant of the Army Medical Corps.
i. Lt Gen Bipin Puri assumed the appointment of Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) on
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1st November 2017.

ii. Lt Gen Bipin Puri is a paediatric surgeon. He was awarded the GOC-in-C Commendation in 2010 and the COAS
Commendation in 2001 and 2012.
iii. He was awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2017. He was Honorary Surgeon to The President of India (PHS) from
June 2016.
iv. He was awarded ‘Double Helical's National Health Awards-2017' by Indian Medical Association.
v. The Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh) awarded him the Award of Fellowship ad hominem in November 2017.
Rajiv Kumar Nagpal appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
On 26th April 2018, Rajiv Kumar Nagpal was appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela.He is currently the Ambassador of India to Iceland. He has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India
to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
Krishan Kumar appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Norway
On 26th April 2018, Krishan Kumar was appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Norway.He is
an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) Officer of the 1984 batch. He is at present the Ambassador of India to the Czech
Republic. He has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Norway.
Narinder Chauhan appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Czech Republic
On 26th April 2018, Narinder Chauhan was appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Czech
Republic.She is an Indian Foreign Service Officer (IFS) of the batch 1985. She is at present the Ambassador of India to
the Republic of Serbia. She has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Czech Republic.
IndiGo president Aditya Ghosh resigns; Rahul Bhatia named interim CEO
InterGlobe Aviation, the operator of IndiGo airlines, announced that Aditya Ghosh, the President and whole-time
Director of IndiGo has resigned from his position.
i. Indigo announced that its Chairman, Rahul Bhatia, will serve as the interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and
the Director of Indigo.
ii. Aditya Ghosh has worked with IndiGo for ten years. His resignation as President of IndiGo will be effective from 31
July 2018.
iii. IndiGo also said that Greg Taylor has returned to its Board as a Senior Advisor.
Saudi Aramco appoints first woman to the board

On 29th April 2018, Saudi Aramco appointed a woman to its board, by recruiting American Lynn Laverty
Elsenhans to its 11-member board.
i. Lynn Laverty Elsenhans is a former chief executive and chairperson of US oil refinery Sunoco. She was named as one
of the world’s most powerful women in 2008 by Forbes magazine.
ii. Before joining Sunoco, she was a senior executive at Royal Dutch Shell. She is also on the board of GlaxoSmithKline.
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iii. The government of Saudi Arabia has set a goal of raising female participation in the workforce from 22% to 30%
by 2030.
Nirmal Singh resigns as J-K Deputy CM & Kavinder Gupta sworn in as Deputy CM
On 29th April 2018, Nirmal Singh resigned as Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and Kavinder Gupta
(Gandhinagar MLA) took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.
i. The following persons took charge as ministers of state:
Mohammad Khalil Band (Pulwama MLA)
Sat Paul Sharma (BJP's state unit chief)
Mohammad Ashraf Mir (Sonwar MLA)
Rajiv Jasrotia (Kathua MLA)
Devinder Kumar Manyal (Sambha MLA)
Shakti Raj (Doda MLA)
ii. Sunil Kumar Sharma, who was the minister of state for transport, was promoted to the rank of cabinet minister.
iii. On 17th April 2018, BJP had asked all its nine ministers in the Jammu and Kashmir state government to submit
their resignations to introduce new faces.
Rajiv Bakshi appointed CMO of Intex Technologies

Intex Technologies has appointed Rajiv Bakshi as its Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).
i. Rajiv Rajiv Bakshi has headed brand development, business transformation, consumer acquisition and digital
strategy for long term growth and profitability.
ii. Before joining Intex, he worked with Discovery Networks India and South Asia region as vice president and head of
marketing and products.
iii. As the CMO, Rajiv Bakshi will head the generation of consumer insights for product development and planning,
expand sales and distribution network in general trade, e-commerce portals, large format stores and retail network.
Uday Kotak redesignated as MD & CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank

The board of directors of Kotak Mahindra Bank has redesignated Uday Kotak as Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer with effect from 1st May 2018.
i. Earlier, Uday Kotak was executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director. He was the only official among private
banks to have a Vice Chairman designation. All other private banks have MD & CEO designation.
ii. Kotak Mahindra Bank also informed that Shankar Acharya, part-time Chairman, will retire on 19th July 2018.
iii. Prakash Apte has been appointed as part-time Chairman of the Bank in place of Shankar Acharya. Prakash
Apte’s term is till 31stDecember 2020.
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ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Ola Acquires Ticketing App Firm Ridlr
On 3rd April 2018, ride-hailing service provider Ola announced that, it has acquired Ridlr, a public transport
ticketing and commuting app.Ridlr was established in 2012. It is based in Mumbai. It enables users to search and
book public transport options through its mobile app. Brijraj Vaghani, founder of Ridlr, will continue to lead the
operations. Ridlr’s team of 64 employees will become a part of Ola.
HCL Technologies acquires C3i Solutions for $60 million

HCL Technologies has acquired C3i Solutions for USD 60 million, in a move to enhance HCL’s growth in life
sciences and consumer services.
i. C3i Solutions is a wholly owned, independently operated subsidiary of Merck & Co, which is known as MSD outside
the US and Canada.It offers multi-channel customer engagement services for life sciences and consumer packaged
goods (CPG) industries.
ii.C3i's expertise in the clinical, pharmacovigilance, and pharma sales support domains will help HCL offer more
patient-centric services and enhanced services to its life sciences customers.
Myntra acquires smart wearables startup, Witworks

On 16th April 2018, fashion retailer Myntra announced that it has acquired Witworks, a Bengaluru based
technology startup, involved in developing smart wearable devices and their underlying software.
i. As a part of the acquisition Myntra has inducted the team into its Innovation Labs.
ii. Witworks launched the Blink Watch wearable device in 2016. It operates on their voice-based platform, Marvin OS.
iii. The platform integrates native and third-party services with the potential of innovative voice and visual
interactions, designed exclusively for wearable devices.
About Witworks Consumer Technologies:
♦ Founded - 2014
♦ Founded by - Somnath Meher, Ankit DP and Chandrashekhar Iyer.
Zoom announces mega partnership with Myntra

Zoom, part of the Times Network has announced a partnership with India’s leading online fashion e-tailer, Myntra.
i. This partnership is slated to be one of the biggest-ever brand partnerships in the television history in India. As
per the terms of this partnership, Zoom will transition from being just a TV channel to the best entertainment
and style destination across every medium viz. TV, Social, On-Ground and Digital. On April 19, 2018, Zoom
unveiled its new avatar, ‘Zoom Styled by Myntra’.
Indus Towers, Bharti Infratel to merge; to create listed pan-India tower juggernaut
On 25th April 2018, Indus Towers and Bharti Infratel Ltd announced that, they have
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agreed to combine operations in a deal that will create the world's second-largest mobile masts company
measured by numbers of towers. The combined company will lag only China Tower. It will still be listed on Indian
bourses. It will have a presence throughout India with more than 163,000 towers. Bharti Airtel will have a stake of
33.8 % to 37.2 % in the combined entity. The combined entity will be called Indus Towers.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

ISRO confirms it has lost contact with GSAT-6A satellite
On April 1, 2018, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stated that it has lost contact with GSAT-6A, the latest
communication satellite, which was launched on board Geosynchronous rocket GSLV-F08 on March 29, 2018.
GSAT-6A was to provide mobile communication to India through, multi-beam coverage facility.
It weighs 2140 kg and has mission life of 10 years.
China's Tiangong-1 space lab set to hit Earth

China's Tiangong-1 (English translation - "Heavenly Palace") space station is set to re-enter the Earth's
atmosphere between 1st and 2nd April 2018.
i. Launched in September 2011, Tiangong-1, represented China’s goal to establish a permanent space station.
ii. Currently, Tiangong-1 is orbiting the Earth at a height of 196.4 kilometres.
iii. Scientists are not sure as to where Tiangong-1 would come down on Earth, but it is likely to burn up in the
atmosphere during its re-entry and would thus not pose any risk.
SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket

On 2nd April 2018, SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched its Dragon spacecraft – SpaceX’s
14th commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
i. The spacecraft carries 2,630 kg of research, crew supplies and hardware. It took off from Space Launch Complex
40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on 2nd April 2018.
ii. It is expected to reach the International Space Station on 4th April 2018. It will return to Earth in May 2018 with
results of a few completed experiments.
iii. This mission will focus on scientific investigations such as a study on severe thunderstorms on Earth, effects of
microgravity on production of high-performance products from metal powders, and food growth in space.
iv. The spacecraft also carried cargo for testing effects of harsh space environment on materials, coatings and
components; identifying potential pathogens on the station and investigating an antibiotic-releasing wound patch.
NASA's Hubble Telescope captures the most distant star ever seen named 'Icarus'
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Hubble Space Telescope has discovered 'Icarus', the
farthest individual star ever seen.
i. The star has been named Icarus after the Greek mythological character who flew very close to the Sun with wings of
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feathers and wax that melted. Official name of Icarus is MACS J1149+2223 Lensed Star 1.
ii. Astronomers found Icarus through a phenomenon called gravitational lensing. Gravitational lensing amplifies the
glow of the star to a great extent.
iii. In the case of Icarus, a galaxy cluster named MACS J1149+2223 developed a natural magnifying glass.
RH300 sounding rocket launched for atmospheric studies

On 6th April 2018, the RH300 sounding rocket was launched from Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching
Station (TERLS), in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
i. The RH300 sounding rocket was developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). It has been developed as
part of a study to enhance available atmospheric data and refine the models used for tropical weather prediction.
ii. This is the 21st launch of RH300 sounding rocket. This launch is part of a study done by VSSC under the
Sounding Rocket Experiment (SOUREX) programme.
iii. Objective of the experiment is to measure neutral wind in the dynamo region (80-120 km) of equatorial
ionosphere using Electron Density and Neutral Wind Probe (ENWi) and perform cross-validation using an
independent Tri Methyl Aluminium (TMA) release technique.
About Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC):
♦ Director - S. Somanath
♦ Headquarters - Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Health Ministry bans over-the-counter sale of 14 steroid creams
The Health Ministry has banned over the counter sale of 14 skin creams and ointments containing steroids.
i. They had been insisting ban on manufacture and sale of steroid based ointments by the Union ministry of health and
family welfare, stating that they are dangerous and cause fungal epidemic in India.
ii. Now, these creams can be bought using doctor’s prescription only. Health ministry said that, a notification has been
issued by placing 14 drugs under the Schedule H of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945, based on
recommendations of the Drug and Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) under the Drug Controller General of India.
Odilorhabdins: New class of antibiotics to fight drug resistance discovered

A new class of antibiotics named “Odilorhabdins” has been discovered which can help in fighting drug-
resistant or hard-to-treat bacterial infections.
i. The antibiotic called odilorhabdins, or ODLs, are developed by symbiotic bacteria present in soil-dwelling nematode
worms that colonise insects for food.
ii. Researchers from the University of Illinois (UIC) at Chicago and Nosopharm, a France-based biotechnology
company, were involved in this study.
iii. It has been found that ODLs act on the ribosome of bacterial cells. When ODL is bound to ribosome, it disrupts its
ability to interpret and translate genetic code.
Earth’s bedrock: New source of global nitrogen discovered

A study by National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded researchers at the University of California (UC), Davis, states
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that more than a quarter of total available nitrogen is derived from the weathering of Earth's bedrock.
The results of this study has been published in the journal Science. The study says that, up to 26 % of the nitrogen
in ecosystems is obatined from rocks, and remaining is obtained from atmosphere.
Tiny DNA unicycle successfully completes test drive

Scientists have successfully completed the first test drive of a DNA 'unicycle' - a tiny machine made of genetic
material powered by chemical energy that could perform directed movements.
i. Researchers from the University of Bonn in Germany and the University of Michigan in the US used structures made
of DNA nano rings to make the vehicle. The two rings are linked like a chain.
ii. The tiny vehicle is only 30 nanometers in size. Fuel is given by the protein "T7 RNA polymerase", as per study
published in the journal Nature Nanotechnology.
iii. This enzyme is coupled to the ring that serves as an engine. It synthesizes an RNA strand based on the DNA
sequence. It uses the chemical energy released during this process for the rotational movement of the DNA ring.
ISRO launched the navigation satellite IRNSS-1L

On April 12, 2018, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the IRNSS-1L navigation satellite
aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C41.
i. PSLV-C4 carrying IRNSS-1L was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre located at Sriharikota in Andhra
Pradesh.
ii. IRNSS-1L is part of Indian satellite navigation system ‘Navigation with Indian Constellation’ (NavIC) that was
earlier known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
iii. NavIC is an independent regional navigation satellite system designed to provide position information in the
Indian region and 1500 km around the Indian mainland. It is being referred to as Indian 'GPS'.
Union Government to constitute Task Force for fast-tracking Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Technology
On 12th April 2018, Union government announced the formation of a 13-member task force, to develop a
roadmap for the implementation of unmanned aerial vehicle technology.
i. The Task Force is headed by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha. The task force will develop a
roadmap with implementable recommendations for central and state governments, industry and research
institutions.
ii. It will also focus on research and development, acquisition and commercialisation, application and adoption in
specific sectors, the regulatory framework and preference for Make in India.
iii. Task force will consist of:
Rajiv Nayan Choubey, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation
Rajiv Gauba, Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs
Sanjay Mitra, Secretary, Department of Defence
Ramesh Abhishek, Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion
Lt Gen Satish Dua, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff
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Dr A.P. Maheshwari, Director General, Bureau of Police Research and Development

B.S. Bhullar, Director General, Directorate General of Civil Aviation
Dr. S Christopher, Chairman and Secretary, Defence Research & Development Organisation
Dr Girish Sahni, Director General and Secretary, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research
Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra, Chairman, Airports Authority of India
A K Ghosh, HoD, Aerospace Engg. Dept., IIT Kanpur
Satyendra Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation – Member Secretary.
FDA approves marketing of first AI device to detect diabetic eye disease

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved marketing of IDx-DR, first Artificial Intelligence (AI)-
based device to detect certain diabetes-related eye problems.
i. IDx-DR, is a software programme that uses an artificial intelligence algorithm to analyse images of eye
taken with a retinal camera.
ii. FDA has permitted marketing of IDx-DR to IDx LLC, a medical device company. This will help detect greater
than a mild level of the eye disease diabetic retinopathy in adults suffering from diabetes.
iii. Diabetic retinopathy is a common cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. IDx-DR offers a screening decision
without the help of a clinician to also interpret the image or results.
China to launch new weather satellite - Fengyun-II 09

On 16th April 2018, China authorities said that, China will launch Fengyun-II 09 satellite, a new meteorological
satellite, in 2018 to enhance its weather forecasting capabilities.
i. The Fengyun-II 09 satellite is the last in the Fengyun-II series. It will collect meteorological, maritime, and
hydrological data to help weather forecast in China and neighbouring regions.
ii. The satellite will be launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in Sichuan Province of China.
iii. The Fengyun satellites are a series of remote-sensing meteorological satellites developed by China.
iv. Fengyun-I and Fengyun-III are polar orbiting weather satellites. Fengyun-II and Fengyun-IV function in
geostationary orbit.
About China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation:
♦ Executive Director and President - Wu Yansheng
♦ Headquarters - Haidian District, Beijing, China.
Pakistan successfully test fires enhanced version of Babur cruise missile

On April 14, 2018, Pakistan successfully test fired 'Babur Weapon System-1 (B)', an enhanced version of
indigenously-built Babur cruise missile.
i. This enhanced version on Babur, has a strike range of 700 km and can deliver conventional and non-
conventional weapons.
ii.It is equipped with advanced aerodynamics and avionics (Terrain Contour Matching – TERCOM and all time
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Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation - DSMAC technologies) which enables it to strike targets both at land
and sea with high accuracy.
NASA set to launch Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite to search exoplanets

On April 17, 2018 (as per Indian Standard Time), US space agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration
(NASA) will launch Transit Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), a satellite designed to detect more exoplanets
(Earth-like worlds around stars beyond our solar system).
i. TESS will be launched aboard a SpaceX’s Flacon 9 rocket from Florida, US.
ii. Like its predecessor Kepler space telescope, TESS will use a detection method called transit photometry. With
four sensitive cameras, it will track periodic, repetitive dips in the visible light from stars caused by planets passing,
or transiting, in front of them.
China develops 3D conic device to increase solar-thermal conversion

Chinese scientists have developed ‘Artificial Transpiration’, a new device of 3D hollow-cone structure that can
greatly increase the solar-thermal conversion efficiency.
i. ‘Artificial Transpiration’ device was named by Zhu Jia and his team members in Nanjing University. An article
published online by the National Science Review said that, ‘Artificial Transpiration’ was named so inspired by the
transpiration process of trees.
ii. It comprises a special 1D water path within it. It can reduce the energy loss in conduction.
Indian-led scientists' team develops electronic device that mimics human brain
Scientists at Northwestern University, USA, headed by an Indian, have developed “Memtransistor”, an
electronic device that can mimic the human brain.It combines the functions of a memristor and a transistor & has
a great potential in Artificial Intelligence.It has been designed by Dr Vinod Kumar Sangwan a post-doctoral
researcher at Northwestern University and a team of scientists.He said that, the operating power can be reduced by
reducing channel dimensions and grain size of the semiconductor molybdenum disulfide .It is published in the
Journal Nature.
Scientists develop plastic-eating enzyme

Scientists in Britain and the United States have discovered “PETase” an enzyme that can digest some commonly
polluting plastics.
i. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a strong plastic that is commonly used in bottles. It takes hundreds of years to
break down in the environment.
ii. The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
iii. The discovery was made in Japan. Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6 is a bacterium that uses the plastic as its
major energy source.
iv. PETase is secreted by Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6 to digest plastic. The enzyme is able to digest PET
(polyethylene terephthalate).
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Indian scientists make Ayurvedic drug to cure dengue

Indian scientists have formulated world’s first ayurvedic drug to cure dengue, which is likely to be available in the
market by 2019.
i. Dengue (caused by the aedes aegypti mosquito which breeds in clean water), is the fastest growing
mosquito-borne disease across the world as per World Health Organisation (WHO).
ii. first Ayurvedic drug to cure Dengue has been made with seven herbal ingredients which are in use in
Ayurveda system of medicine.
Scientists discover sweet spot of activity in immune system, key to fight cancer
Scientists in the University of Southampton have discovered that, stimulating a specific location on the
surface of immune cells can be targeted with antibodies to help in fighting cancer.
i. This discovery is related to a receptor called CD40. CD40 is found on the surface of certain immune cells which
regulates their activity.
ii. The CD40 receptors are normally distributed on the surface of resting immune cells. They have to be very precisely
clustered in order to trigger an immune response against cancer.
iii.They also found that the ability of antibody drugs, which bind to the CD40 protein, to cluster the immune cell's
receptors, played a major role in triggering the receptors. This study has been published in Cancer Cell.
Chandrayaan-2 launch postponed to October-November 2018

On 18th April 2018, 'Chandrayaan-2', India's second moon mission, which was planned to be launched in April 2018
has been postponed to October-November 2018.
i. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman K. Sivan said that the total cost of this mission is Rs 8
billion. Rs 2 billion for launching and Rs 6 billion for the satellite.
ii. Chandrayaan-2 will comprise a lander and rover probe which will descend on the surface of the moon. It will
observe the lunar surface and send back data for analysis of the lunar soil.
SpaceX blasts off NASA's new planet-hunter, TESS

On 18th April 2018, NASA’s latest planet-hunting spacecraft TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) on
board a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket took off from Cape Canaveral, in Florida, United States.
i. Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is a $337 million satellite. It aims to scan 85 % of the skies for cosmic
bodies where life might exist.
ii. The spacecraft is of the size of a washing machine. It is built to search outside the solar system, scanning the
nearest, brightest stars for signs of periodic dimming.
iii. These transits will indicate that the planets are in orbit around them. TESS is expected to find 20,000 planets
beyond our solar system.
iv. This number includes more than 50 Earth-sized planets and up to 500 planets less than
twice the size of the Earth.
v. NASA has confirmed that the spacecraft's twin solar arrays have been successfully deployed.
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vi. TESS will spend two months moving into the correct orbit. Its first scientific data will be sent in July 2018.
NASA launches CHESS mission to study matter between stars

On 17th April 2018, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) successfully launched Colorado High-
resolution Echelle Stellar Spectrograph or CHESS 4 on a NASA Black Brant IX sounding rocket, from the
Kwajalein Atoll in The Republic of the Marshall Islands.
i. The CHESS 4 mission will study the interstellar medium (the matter between stars). It focuses on translucent clouds
of gas that provide the fundamental building blocks for stars and planets.
ii. These clouds have very low densities. The only way to study them is to measure how a cloud is affected by a star
and related outpouring of stellar material, the stellar wind moving through it.
iii. The CHESS 4 instrument was developed by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the
University of Colorado, Boulder.
iv. Prior to this, the Penn State Water Recovery X-ray (WRX) rocket was launched on 4th April 2018.
Researchers develop potent molecule to treat chikungunya

Researchers from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have discovered a small molecule named
“Pep-I” that exhibits good antiviral activity against chikungunya virus.
i. The antiviral activity of Pep-I molecule was very high. Nearly 99% reduction in chikungunya virus was seen when
5 microMolar of Pep-I was used.
ii. At present, there are no drugs to treat chikungunya and no vaccine to prevent it.
iii. Earlier through structure-based studies of chikungunya virus-specific nsP2 protease, researchers had identified
two small molecules: Pep-I and Pep-II, which showed inhibitory activity.
Scientists identify four bacterial strains to remove sulphur from fossil fuels.
Scientists have successfully removed sulphur from fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal using novel bacterial
strains.
i. Sulphur is one of the major pollutants released during the combustion of fossil fuels. The research was carried out
by scientists from CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT) in Bhubaneswar.
ii. They used four bacterial strains: Rhodococcus rhodochrous, Arthrobacter sulfureou, Gordonia rubropertinita
and Rhodococcus erythropolis.
iii. These bacterial strains use dibenzothiophene (an organic sulphur compound which is a major contaminant of
fossil fuel) as an energy source. This eliminates the sulphur content.
ISRO to launch slew of military satellites soon

In coming months, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be launching a slew of strategically important
satellites, which will help the military to keep an eye on activities of hostile neighbours and safeguard our land and
sea borders.
i. In September 2018, ISRO will launch Gsat-7A, for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Gsat-7A will be launched onboard
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GSLV Mk II rocket and will enable the IAF to interlink different ground radar stations, airbases and Airborne Warning
and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.
ii. Another strategically important satellite, Risat-2A will be launched by the end of 2018 onboard PSLV rocket. It
is an advanced remote sensing satellite and will boost India’s surveillance capabilities.
Sh. Hardeep Puri, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C) launched a Mobile App
On 24th April 2018, Hardeep Puri, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs (I/C) launched a Mobile App
(m-Awas) for allotment of Government accommodations in General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) in
Delhi under the control of the Directorate of Estates.
i. m-Awas was developed by NIC (National Informatics Centre). e-Awas, the application of online allotment will
support this App.
ii. 61,317 residential accommodations of various types are available in Delhi which are allotted to the eligible Central
Government employees through Automated System of Allotment (ASA), by using login Id and password.
iii. This app will enable applicants of the Central Government accommodation in Delhi and people in waiting list, to
apply for allotment.
iv. Users can also view waiting list and allotment lists. The app is user friendly. It can be downloaded and used in an
android mobile phone. It can be downloaded for free from the website of GPRA: https://gpra.nic.in
v. This will be extended to applicants of 8 other cities where ASA is in operation for the purpose of registration and
filling of DE-II form.
Bhabha Kavach: BARC’s Lightest, Cheapest Bullet Proof Jacket

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has developed ‘Bhabha Kavach’, a next-generation bulletproof jacket for
the Indian armed forces, which is cheaper and much lighter as compared to the ones which are used currently.
i. Named after nuclear physicist Dr. Homi J. Bhabha, the jacket has been developed at BARC’s Trombay centre,
Maharashtra.
ii. Bhabha Kavach is made using extremely hard boron carbide ceramics (used for first time in India for making
jackets), hot-pressed with carbon nano-tubes and composite polymer. It weighs just 6.6 kg in comparison to the 17-kg
jackets in use.
iii. Each Bhabha Kavach costs Rs. 70000, which is almost half the price of jackets of similar strength available in the
range of Rs. 1.5 lakh, and that too have to be imported.
Quick Facts about BARC:
♦ Headquarters – Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra
♦ Parent entity – Department of Atomic Energy
LCA Tejas Achieves Yet Another Milestone Towards FOC Certification

LCA Tejas has achieved another milestone towards FOC certification, after the launch on 27th April 2018, piloted by
Wg Cdr Siddharth Singh from the firing range off the coast of Goa.
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i. The missile was launched from LCA Tejas. Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) successfully fired Derby Air-to-Air
beyond Visual Range Missile to expand the firing envelope.
ii. It demonstrated safe operation of the aircraft during missile plume ingestion into the aircraft engine in worst case
situations.
ii. LCA Tejas was designed and developed by Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), an autonomous society
of DRDO.
iii. Integration of Derby, a BVR class missile is one of the key objectives of Final Operational Clearance (FOC) of LCA
Tejas.
iv. The aircraft was tracked by two other Tejas aircraft to capture the firing event for detailed analysis and
comparison with the simulation model for validation.
v. The entire planning, practice and final firing was performed by ADA and it’s National Flight Test Centre (NFTC)
officials Cmde JA Maolankar and GpCapt A Kabadwal, IAF, DG(AQA), HAL & INS HANSA.
vi. After the successful integration and demonstration, Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness (RCMA), a unit of
DRDO has approved the series production aircraft of Squadron 45, to equip with Derby operational capability.
vii. LCA Tejas has successfully finished captive flight trials to clear Derby for complete operational capability in the
total FOC envelope.
DEFENCE
US, S.Korea begin "Foal Eagle drill" army drills amid diplomatic thaw
On April 1, 2018, United States and South Korea kicked off the annual military exercise ‘Foal Eagle drill’.
i. This edition of ‘Foal Eagle drill’ will be a low-key event, featuring fewer strategic weapons, as North Korea
has proposed to hold summits with the South Korea and US, which has in turn eased the tension and diplomatic
rhetoric on Korean peninsula.
Indo-Korean joint exercise SAHYOG-HYEOBLYEOG 2018 held

i. The exercise was a part of a proposed establishment of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Indian
Coast Guard and South Korea Coast Guard to improve maritime security in Indian Ocean Region.
ii. As a part of this exercise, ships of the Indian Coast Guard and Korean Coast Guard ship 'BADARO' jointly
undertook tactical manoeuvres and drills to counter piracy and carry out maritime law enforcement tasks.
iii. Along with ICG Shaurya, C-423, C-431, Indian Coast Guard also deployed a Dornier aircraft to carry out sea-
air coordinated search.
IAF to conduct Exercise Gaganshakti 2018 along Pakistan, China borders

From 10th to 23rd April, 2018, Indian Air Force (IAF) will conduct exercise ‘Gagan Shakti, 2018’, its biggest ever
combat exercise along Pakistan and China borders.
i. The exercise will be conducted in day and night mode, with the enemy encompassing China border in the Northern
areas and along Pakistan border in the Western areas.
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ii. IAF will mobilise more than 1100 combat, transport and rotary wing (helicopter) aircraft for Exercise
Gaganshakti 2018.
iii.Indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will be taking part in the exercise for the first time. Besides,
Indian Navy's Maritime Combat Aircraft MiG 29s will also take part.
Japan activated its first marine unit since World War Two
On April 8, 2018, Japan activated its Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB), its first marine unit since
World War Two.
i. The activation ceremony was held at a military base near Sasebo on the southwest island of Kyushu, wherein about
1500 ARDB members conducted a 20-minute mock public exercise recapturing a remote island from invaders.
ii. In context of this news, it is important to note that in Japan’s Constitution that was formed after World War
Two, it renounced the right to wage war.
iii. The marine unit has been activated to counter invaders who attempt to occupy Japanese islands along the edge of
the East China Sea. Japan fears that those islands are vulnerable to attack by China.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia concluded joint military exercise “Desert Tiger 5”
United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia concluded "Desert Tiger 5" joint military exercise aimed at sharing
expertise and enhancing joint military actions.
i. It was aimed at improving combat readiness, raising combat efficiency and enhance interoperability of the
ground forces of both the countries.
ii. The concluding ceremony was attended by General Dato' Sri Zulkiple bin Hj Kassim - Malaysian Chief of Army and
Brigadier Saeed Rashid Al Shehi - Deputy Commander of the UAE land forces.
The four-day DefExpo begins

Tenth edition of India's mega defence exhibition, DefExpo 2018 began at Thiruvidanthai (on the outskirts of
Chennai) on April 11, 2018.
i. DefExpo 2018 was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 12, 2018.
ii. This exhibition of weapons and military hardware showcases India's defence manufacturing capabilities to the
world.
iii. Live demonstrations, flying display and seminars on weapons and military hardware will be held during the
course of this four-day event.
iv. Theme of DefExpo 2018 is “India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub”.
EAM Sushma Swaraj meets Afghan Defence Minister

On April 13, 2018, Union External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj met the Afghan Defence
Minister Lieutenant-General Tariq Shah Bahramee in New Delhi and agreed to make efforts in combating
terrorism in the South Asian region.
i. During the meeting, Ms. Sushma Swaraj and Lieutenant-General Tariq Shah Bahramee pushed for efforts to combat
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the menace of opium cultivation and drugs trafficking which is the main source of funding terrorism against
the people of Afghanistan.
ii. Ms. Swaraj assured India's support to Afghan government and the people of Afghanistan for building a peaceful,
stable, united and prosperous nation.
iii. Lieutenant-General Tariq Shah Bahramee was in India to attend 10th edition of Defence Expo 2018 in Tamil
Nadu. During the course of this visit, he also met Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Dedicated defence, aerospace SME fund

Indian Government will be setting up a dedicated defence and aerospace small and medium enterprises (SME) fund,
registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
i. Objective for setting up this fund is to channelize investments into the two defence corridors announced by
Government of India in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
ii. Annoucement in this regard was made by Department of Defence Production Secretary, Ajay Kumar during a
session organised by FICCI, 'Offsets: Way forward towards a win-win framework', at the DefExpo 2018 in Tamil Nadu.
Sagar Kavach: Coastal security exercise held in Kerala

A two-day coastal security exercise 'Sagar Kavach' began on April 24, 2018 along Kerala shores.
i. Exercise 'Sagar Kavach' is being conducted to strengthen and assess the loopholes in the coastal security
mechanism along Kerala shores.
ii. Along with Coastal Police and Marine Enforcement wing, Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy is also
participating in Exercise 'Sagar Kavach'.
iii. 10 ships of Indian Coast Guard, three ships of Indian navy, four fishing boats, and 20 coastal police stations from
Vizhinjam to Kasaragod are among those taking part in this exercise.
iv. It is to be noted that Exercise 'Sagar Kavach' is held twice a year.
Commissioning of Third Ship of Landing Craft Utility Mk-IV ‘IN LCU L53’ (GRSE Yard 2094) at port Blair- 25
Apr 18
On 25th April 2018, the third ship of the Landing Craft Utility (LCU) Mk-IV project was inducted into the Indian
Navy at Port Blair.
i. The ship was commissioned as INLCU L53 by Vice Admiral Bimal Verma, AVSM, ADC, Commander-in-Chief A&N
Command.
ii. It was designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.
iii. The ship shows the potential of India’s indigenous ship building capability. It is in line with the ‘Make in India’
initiative.
iv. LCU MK-IV is an amphibious ship. It has a displacement of 830 Tons. It is capable of transporting combat
equipment like Main Battle Tanks Arjun, T72 and other Armoured Vehicles.
v. The ship has advanced equipment and advanced systems like Integrated Bridge System (IBS) and the Integrated
Platform Management System (IPMS).
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vi. Indigenous CRN 91 Gun with Stabilised Optronic Pedestal offers offensive capability for undertaking patrolling.
Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI will be conducted in Malaysia from 30 April 18 to 13 May 18

“Harimau Shakti”, a joint training exercise between India and Malaysia will be conducted in the forests of
Sengai Perdik, Hulu Langat, Malaysia from 30 April 2018 to 13 May 2018.
i. Harimau Shakti is aimed to enhance cooperation & coordination between armed forces of India and Malaysia and to
share the expertise of both the contingents.
ii. Counter insurgency operations will be conducted in jungle terrain. Indian contingent will be represented by 4
GRENADIERS, one of the oldest infantry battalions.
iii. The Malaysian contingent will be represented by soldiers from 1 Royal Ranjer Regiment and the Royal Malay
Regiment.
iv. Main focus of the exercise will be on tactical operations in jungle warfare. A cross training phase and a field
training phase of seven days in the jungles of Hulu Langat will be carried out.
ENVIRONMENT
Rare dinosaur footprints found on Scottish island
Rare dinosaur footprints that are 170 million years old have been discovered in the north-east coast of Isle of
Skye in Scotland.
i. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh were involved in this discovery. The study has been published in
the Scottish Journal of Geology.
ii. Majority of the footprints were made by sauropods and theropods. The sauropods were long-necked and two
metres tall. The theropods were also of the same size.
Fimbristylis agasthyamalaensis: New plant species discovered in Western Ghats

Researchers from the University College, Kerala, have reported the discovery of “Fimbristylis
agasthyamalaensis”, a new plant species from the Western Ghats.
i. The researchers discovered this species in the marshy grasslands of Ponmudi hills in the Agasthyamala Biosphere
Reserve.
ii. It has been classified as a sedge. It is a grass-like plant. It has been named Fimbristylis agasthyamalaensis after the
locality from which it was discovered.
iii. The discovery was made during a survey as part of a project funded by the Women Scientists Division of the Kerala
State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE).
iv. The discovery has been published in Phytotaxa. This species belongs to the
Cyperaceae family. Flowering and fruiting were observed from October to March.
Four kingfisher bird species thriving in Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh
At least four kingfisher species are thriving in the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh.
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i. The four kingfisher species were documented and photographed by a team of Wildlife Management Division, Eluru,
under the control of wetland expert Allaparthi Appa Rao.
ii. The species have been identified as White-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis), Pied kingfisher (Ceryle
rudis), Black-capped kingfisher (Halcyon pileate) and the Common kingfisher. The birds are thriving there as
the sanctuary is an ideal habitation for prey.
1200-year-old Buddha cliff carvings found in Tibet

Cliff carvings of Buddha that are 1,200 years old have been discovered in eastern Tibet.
i. The regional cultural relics protection research institute said that, the Cliff carvings of Buddha were found in Acur
township in Chagyab County of the Qamdo City.
ii. The carvings are inscribed on cliffs that are around 10 metres in total. The carvings are said to be made in 9th
century, based on their style.
Jaw fossil belonging to monstrous marine reptile found on US beach

On 9th April 2018, scientists said that, a jawbone fossil found at a beach in southwestern England, belongs to
“Ichthyosaur”, one of the biggest marine animals on record.
i. Ichthyosaur appears to be the largest marine reptile discovered so far. It had lived 205 million years ago at the end
of the Triassic Period.
ii. The bone named surangular was part of its lower jaw. Scientists have estimated the length of new ichthyosaur to be
around 66 to 85 feet (20 to 26 meters).
iii. Fossil collector Paul de la Salle found the bone in 2016 at Lilstock on England's Somerset coast along the Bristol
Channel.
iv. Ichthyosaur is believed to have belonged to an ichthyosaur group called shastasaurids. The research has been
published in the journal PLOS ONE.
Indian mosquitoes susceptible to Zika virus: NIV study

Scientists at the National Institute of Virology, Pune, have discovered that the Indian Aedes aegypti mosquito,
when infected with the African strain of the Zika virus(ZIKV), can transmit the infection to suckling mice.
i. A study was conducted by scientists from the NIV, the National Jalma Institute of leprosy and other Mycobacterial
Diseases, to demonstrate how the Indian Aedes Aegypti mosquito is vulnerable to the Zika virus (ZIKV).
ii. Few days after bitten by ZIKV contaminated mosquitoes the infant mice showed symptoms like trembling, isolated
behaviour, signs related to the nervous system, lethargic movements etc.
iii. The mice were not able to move in the terminal stages of illness. The mosquitoes store the virus in their salivary
glands, which makes it easy for transmission. The findings of this study were published in the journal
Intervirology.
Malvi’s adder’s-tongue fern: World’s smallest land fern discovered in Western Ghats
Indian researchers have discovered world’s smallest land fern in the Ahwa forests of the Western Ghats in
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Gujarat’s Dang district.

i. Researchers have stated that this fern belongs to a group known as the adder’s-tongue ferns, named after their
resemblance to a snake’s tongue.
ii. The new Malvi’s adder’s-tongue fern Ophioglossum malviae is just one centimetre in size. However, the most
similar adder’s-tongue fern is 10 cm tall.
iii. After studying its morphology in detail, researchers discovered that it differed from similar ferns in not just
size but other complex fern features viz. composition of seeds and DNA.
Giant Mosquito Found In China

Chinese entomologists have discovered a giant mosquito belonging to Holorusia Mikado species, with a wing size of
11.15 cm in Sichuan province of China.
i. The giant mosquito belongs to the world’s largest mosquito species Holorusia Mikado. It was found in August 2017
during a field trip to Mount Qingcheng in Chengdu.
ii. It was first found in Japan and was named by British entomologist John Obadiah Westwood in 1876. The Holorusia
mikado species generally has a wing size of nearly 8 cm. Holorusia mikado also known as the crane fly are mainly
found in the Chengdu plain of the western parts of Sichuan.
Fejervarya goemchi: New frog species named after Goa

‘Fejervarya goemchi’, a large-sized brown frog, measuring 41 to 46mm, has been discovered in Goa.It has been
named after the state Goa, where it was discovered.It has been discovered by scientists of Zoological Survey of
India (ZSI), Pune. It was discovered in Surla, Goa.
World's oldest known spider dies in Australia

Australian researchers have said that, the world’s oldest known spider named “Number 16” has died at the
age of 43 in Australia.
i. Number 16 was a female trapdoor spider. It has broken the previous record of a 28-year-old tarantula in Mexico, as
per a study published in the Pacific Conservation Biology Journal.
ii. Female trapdoor spiders usually stay in and around the same burrow throughout their lives. Hence researchers
marked Number 16’s burrow and checked it regularly.
SPORTS
Kerala beat West Bengal in dramatic shootout, win Santosh Trophy for the 6th time
On 1st April 2018, Kerala defeated West Bengal and won its sixth title in the 72nd Santosh Trophy (Football)
at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Kerala had last won Santosh Trophy in 2005.West Bengal had won Santosh Trophy title 32 times.
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2018 Miami Open

2018 Miami Open, also known as 2018 Miami Masters, a professional men and women's tennis tournament, took
place in Miami, Florida, United States, from March 19, 2018 to April 1, 2018.
i. It was the 34th edition of the Miami Open and was played on outdoor hard courts.
ii. 2018 Miami Open was presented by Itaú (a Brazilian Bank).
John Isner beats Alexander Zverev to win first Masters 1000 title
American Tennis player John Isner won the Men’s Singles title at 2018 Miami Open by defeating Germany’s
Alexander Zverev in the finals.
On account of this victory, John Isner will move into the top 10 (from current number 17) in the Men's tennis
worldwide rankings.
Sloane Stephens claims Miami Open title
American Tennis player Sloane Stephens won the Women’s Singles title at 2018 Miami Open by defeating Latvia’s
Jelena Ostapenko in the finals.
On account of this victory, Sloane Stephens will move into the top 10 (from current number 12) in the
Women's tennis worldwide rankings.
Bob and Mike Bryan Win Men's Doubles Miami open Title
American Tennis players Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan won the Men’s doubles title at 2018 Miami Open by
defeating Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev of Russia.
Barty, Vandeweghe clinches Women doubles Miami Open title
American Tennis player Coco Vandeweghe and Australia's Ashleigh Barty won the Women’s doubles title at 2018
Miami Open by defeating Czech Republic's Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova.
2018 Miami Open – Winners:
Category Winner Runners-up
Men’s Singles John Isner (United States) Alexander Zverev (Germany)
Women’s Singles Sloane Stephens (United States) Jelena Ostapenko (Latvia)
Men’s Doubles Bob Bryan (United States) and Mike Karen Khachanov (Russia) and And
Bryan (United States) Rublev (Russia)
Women’s Doubles Ashleigh Barty (Australia) and CoCo Barbora Krejcikova (Czech Republi
Vandeweghe (United States) and Katerina Siniakova (Czech
Republic)
Paddler Sathiyan Gnansekaran jumps three places to become World No. 46

Indian Table Tennis player Sathiyan Gnansekaran has reached his career-best ranking of 46 in the
latest International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) rankings.
i. Gnansekaran performance has been on an upward trajectory since past six months as he won gold in the ITTF
Challenge - Spanish Open in November 2017 and reached the pre-quarterfinals of the Qatar Open in March 2018.
ii. Veteran Table Tennis player Achanta Sharath Kamal has registered a phenomenal jump of 22 places to be at 48 in
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the latest ITTF Ranking. Soumyajit Ghosh (70), Harmeet Desai(74), Anthony Amalraj (83) and Sanil Shetty (84) are
the other Indian Table Tennis players in top 100.
iii. Among Indian Woman Table Tennis Players, Manika Batra continues to rank highest at 58, followed by
Mouma Das at 88.
ICC Test Rankings: Virat Kohli retains second spot

i. Virat Kohli has secured 912 points and obtained the second spot. Australian former captain Steve Smith has
secured the top spot with 929 points.
ii. India’s Cheteshwar Pujara also retained his seventh position with 810 points. Also India’s Ajinkya Rahane and
Lokesh Rahul have secured 18th and 11th spots respectively.
iii. Indian test spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has obtained fifth position with 803 points in the bowlers ranking.
Ravindra Jadeja has obtained second position in the all-rounders ranking.
iv. South Africa’s Aiden Markram has secured ninth position in the batsmen ranking. New Zealand has surpassed
Australia and secured third place in the ICC Test Team Rankings.
South Africa pacer Morne Morkel to retire from International cricket

On April 3, 2018, South African fast bowler Morne Morkel bid adieu to international cricket at the conclusion of
South Africa-Australia test series.
i. 33-year-old Morne Morkel had announced his retirement from International Cricket in February 2018 itself, after
South Africa-Australia test series, stating that the demanding schedule has put a lot of strain on his family life.
ii. Morne Morkel made his international Test debut against India back in 2006. In his career, Morkel has played
86 Tests, 117 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 44 T20Is, picking up 309, 188 and 47 wickets respectively..He also
played for Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Indian tennis ace Leander Paes won Davis Cup which is his 43rd win
On 7th April 2018, Leander Paes won Davis Cup and secured his 43rd doubles win of his career in the
competition, in Tianjin, China.Leander Paes has won his 43rd Davis Cup doubles match. He has broken the 46-
year-old record of Italian player Nicola Pietrangeli andbecome the Davis Cup's most successful doubles player.
FC Goa, Forca Goa Foundation launch soccer programme for kids

FC Goa in collaboration with the Forca Goa Foundation, is introducing “FC Goa Soccer Schools”, a soccer
programme for kids.
i. FC Goa is a professional football franchise. The FC Goa Soccer Schools programme will be launched on 20th April
2018.
ii. This programme is aimed at developing football in Goa and to provide opportunity to more children to play
football.
iii. FC Goa Head of Youth Development Derrick Pereira has developed a special coaching plan to develop the technical
skills of children.
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Ace shuttler Kidambi Srikanth becomes World No 1

Indian badminton player Kidambi Srikanth has emerged as World Number 1 in the latest edition of the BWF
rankings that were released on 12th April 2018.
i. Kidambi Srikanth has replaced Denmark's Viktor Axelsen and become World Number 1 in the BWF rankings.
ii. He has become the first Indian male player to achieve this mark. Saina Nehwal was the first Indian girl to become
world No 1 in 2015.
Germany top FIFA rankings, Brazil second

On 12th April 2018, the latest FIFA rankings were released in which Germany has secured the top position
followed by Brazil in the second position.
i. Germany has secured the top position in FIFA rankings with 1533 points. Brazil has reached second position with
1384 points.
ii. Tunisia has improved nine places and reached 14th place. This is their highest ever position.
iii. It is the highest position for any African country, since Ivory Coast obtained 13th rank in July 2013.
Kohli and Mithali voted world’s best cricketers: Wisden’s leading cricketers of the year
Virat Kohli and Mithali Raj, captains of Indian men and women’s cricket team respectively found a place in the
Wisden’s leading cricketers of the year.
i. Virat Kohli and Mithali Raj were named the leading men’s and women’s cricketers in the world respectively.
ii. England’s women cricketers Heather Knight, Natalie Sciver and Anya Shrubsole have been selected for
Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year.
iii. West Indies batsman Shai Hope and Essex bowler Jamie Porter were also chosen for Wisden’s Five Cricketers
of the Year.
iv. Stu Forster of Getty Images took a picture of English fast bowler Katherine Brunt taking a selfie at the
cricket world cup final at Lord’s stadium. This has been selected as the Cricket Photograph of the Year.
17-year-old Pune swimmer double crosses Bangla Channel, sets world record
Sampanna Ramesh Shelar, a 17-year-old swimmer from Pune has set a world record to double cross the Bangla
Channel.
i. Water stretch from Saint Martin's Island Jetty to Teknaf in Bangladesh is known as the Bangla Channel.
ii. Sampanna Ramesh Shelar has become the first person to double cross (swim to and fro) the Bangla Channel.
Tennis rankings: Yuki Bhambri back in top-100 after more than 2 years
On 16th April 2018, Yuki Bhambri entered into the top-100 ATP men’s singles ranking with a rank of rank 83,
for the first time since February 2016.
i. Yuki Bhambri has improved 22 places and has reached rank 83, which is considered his career best.
ii. This is the best rank an Indian has obtained in ATP singles ranking, after Somdev Devvarman reached rank 62 in
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2011.
Other Indian rank holders:
iii. Ramkumar Ramanathan has reached his career-best rank of 116. He was Yuki Bhambri’s Davis cup teammate.
iv. Sumit Nagal has been ranked 215. He is followed by Prajnesh Gunneswaran at 266 and Arjun Kadhe at 394.
Doubles ranking:
v. Divij Sharan has improved to rank 41. Leander Paes has secured 49th position. Rohan Bopanna is at rank 19.
Women’s Ranking:
vi. Ankita Raina has secured 194th rank. Karman Kaur Thandi is at 268th rank.
vii. Sania Mirza remains at 24th rank in the women’s ranking.
About Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP):
♦ Executive Chairman & President - Chris Kermode
♦ Purpose - governing body of the men's professional tennis circuits - the ATP World Tour, the ATP Challenger Tour
and the ATP Champions Tour
BWF Rankings: Kidambi Srikanth drops four places, HS Prannoy back in top 10
Indian Badminton player Kidambi Srikanth has lost his World No. 1 rank and has dropped four places to fifth in latest
men’s singles rankings released by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) on April 19, 2018.
i. BWF system considers the 10 best results in the past 52 weeks. Drop in Srikanth’s rank was due to Singapore
Open Superseries (April 2017) points being removed from his total in accordance with the 52 week
rule. Srikanth reached the finals of Singapore Open Superseries and had got a whopping 7800 points for the same.
ii. India’s B Sai Praneeth, the winner of Singapore Open Superseries too dropped down by four spots to 19th due to the
same reason.
iii.India’s HS Prannoy, who did not participate at the Singapore Open in 2017, rose to 10th in the current world
rankings. Sameer Verma (31st) and Parupalli Kashyap (37th) are the other Indians who featured in top 50 of men’s
singles ranking.
iv. Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen has reclaimed the No. 1 spot in men’s singles ranking.
v. In women’s singles ranking, India’s PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal retained their positions at third and the
12th rank respectively.
vi. Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi has dethroned Taiwan’s Tai Tzu Ying to become the new World No. 1 in women’s singles
ranking.
Quick Facts about BWF:
♦ Headquarters – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo wins 2018 Chinese Grand Prix

i. Red Bull`s Daniel Ricciardo celebrated his 6th career win after he won 2018 Chinese Grand Prix.
ii. Defending world champion Lewis Hamilton crossed the line fifth behind Verstappen but was
promoted to fourth after the Dutchman`s penalty was applied. Top three in 2018 Chinese Grand Prix are
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1 Daniel Ricciardo - Red B

2 Valtteri Bottas - Merce
3 Kimi Raikkonen - Ferra
FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 unveils official mascot

On 18th April 2018, Son of Dreams was unveiled as official Mascot of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, in
Beijing, China.
i. Son of Dreams was born in China on 8th August 2015. Son of Dreams' magical horns give him the power to see in the
future, visualizing plays and moves before they happen in real.
ii. The selection of Son of Dreams as China 2019's Official Mascot was conducted through a unique process of FIBA.
iii. The mascot finalists are: a Chinese dragon ('Son of Dream'), a Siberian tiger ('Speed Tiger') and a lion ('Qiu Qiu').
Mumbai Football Arena to host Intercontinental Cup

The Mumbai Football Arena, the new hub of Indian football, will play host to the inaugural edition of the four-nation
Intercontinental Cup, which is slated to be held from June 1 to June 10, 2018.
i. The Intercontinental Cup has been planned to be an annual event and will thus have representation from the CAF(
Confederation of African Football) region in the form of South Africa, New Zealand from the Oceania, and Chinese
Taipei from the AFC.
ii. The respective FAs of all the participating teams will be sending their first Teams for the competition as per the
agreements signed with All India Football Federation. Kushal Das, General Secretary, All India Football
Federation mentioned the tourney will help the Blue Tigers prepare better for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.
Para-athlete Shrimant Jha bags bronze at Asian Armwrestling C'ship

On April 2018, Differently-abled Indian arm wrestler Shrimant Jha won a bronze medal at the Asian Armwrestling
Championship, which is being held from April 16 to April 22 in Kazakhstan.
i. The 25-year-old, resident of Naxal-hit Chhattisgarh finished behind Tajikistan's Firuz and Magolia's Munkhbold to
settle for the bronze in the 80kg senior category.
ii. Jha, who was born with four fingers in both his hands, has been doing arm-wrestling since 2010 and started
representing India since 2013.He is aiming to achieve in para-olympics.
iii. He is currently working as a junior engineer in a private company.Jha, who has five world championship
medals.He also secured a silver medal in Para-Arm Wrestling World Cup in Poland under 80 kg category.
Former Brazil, Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar retires from football at boyhood club Flamengo
i. Julio Cesar, 38-year-old former Brazil, Inter Milan and Benfica goalkeeper has retired from football after playing a
last match for boyhood club Flamengo.
ii. Cesar was a starter for Brazil in two of the last three World Cups.Julio Cesar honoured with five Italian titles and
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the 2010 Champions League title with Inter, three Portuguese titles with Benfica and the 2004 Copa America with
Brazil.
Barcelona won fourth Copa del Rey in a row

On 21st April 2018, Barcelona defeated Sevilla 5-0 to and won its fourth straight and 30th overall Copa del Rey title at
the Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid.Barcelona has headed to win the La Liga title, as they are only one win away with
five games remaining.
Rafael Nadal wins 31st Monte Carlo Masters Title

On 22nd April 2018, Rafael Nadal won his 31st Masters title by defeating Japan's Kei Nishikori in the Monte
Carlo Masters final in Monaco.This will also help Rafael Nadal to retain his world number one spot. Kei Nishikori is
ranked World No. 36. He was playing for his first ever Masters title.
Telangana announces 2% quota for Sports persons in government jobs

On 21st April 2018, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao announced two per cent reservation in
Telangana state government jobs for sportspersons.
i. K Chandrasekhar Rao made this announcement after he met with 18 members, who participated in the recent
Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast.
ii. A senior official said that, currently two per cent seats in educational institutions were reserved for sportspersons.
8th South Asian Judo Championship at a Glance

8th South Asian Judo Championship was held in Lalitpur near Kathmandu, Nepal from 21st- 23rd April, 2018.
i. Total 102 players from six countries – India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan – competed
in this Championship.
ii. The 13-player Indian contingent won 10 golds and three bronze medals in individual categories.
iii. All seven Indian women Judokas who competed won gold medals: Likmabam Shushila Devi (48kg), Thoudam
Kalpana Devi (52Kg), Angom Anita Chanu (57Kg), Huidrom Sunibala Devi (63Kg), Garima Chaudhary (70Kg),
Chongtham Jina Devi (78Kg) and Tulika Maan (78kg)
iv. Among Indian men Judokas, Vijay Kumar Yadav (60Kg), Ajay Yadav (73Kg) and Divesh (81Kg) won Gold while
Ankit Bisht (66kg), Jobandeep Singh (90kg) and Udayvir Singh (100kg) bagged the bronze medals.
v. Besides, India also clinched the title of team champion in men’s team category and women’s team category and
thereby topped the Medals tally with a total of 12 Gold medals and three Bronze medals.
vi. 9th South Asian Judo Championship will be held in Bangladesh in 2020.
8th South Asian Judo Championship – Medals Tally:
Country Gold Silver Bronze
India 12 - 3
Nepal 2 7 13
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Pakistan 2 4 3
Sri Lanka - 3 6
Bangladesh - 2 2
Bhutan - - 1
Mohamed Salah Crowned PFA Player Of The Year

Mohamed Salah, an Egyptian professional footballer who plays for English club Liverpool and the Egypt national team
was named the PFA Player of the Year on April 22, 2018.
i. On April 21, 2018, Salah scored his 31st league goal in Liverpool's match against West Bromwich Albion, thereby
equalling Luis Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Alan Shearer for the most Premier League goals scored in a 38-game
season.
ii. Mohamed Salah is the first Egyptian to win this award.
iii. PFA Player Of The Year is also referred to as Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Players' Player of
the Year Award and is awarded annually to the player who is adjudged to have been the best of the year in English
football.
Zverer surges to 3rd spot, Nadal stays top in ATP rankings

German tennis player Alexander Zverev improved to the third spot in the latest ATP men's singles rankings
released on 23rd April 2018.
i. Alexander Zverev has jumped one position and reached the 3rd rank. He has achieved this feat after he made a semi-
final finish in the recent Monte Carlo Masters.
ii. Rafael Nadal remains at the top spot. He maintains a lead of 100 points over Roger Federer after winning his 11th
Monte Carlo Masters title. He is a 16-time Grand Slam Champion.
iii. Croatia's Marin Cilic is at the fourth spot. Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria has obtained 5th rank.
iv. The latest ATP top 10 are as follows:
1. Rafael Nadal
2. Roger Federer
3. Alexander Zverev
4. Marin Cilic
5. Grigor Dimitrov
6. Juan Martin Del Potro
7. Dominic Thiem
8. Kevin Anderson
9. John Isner
10. David Goffin.
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Three-day martial arts competition concludes in Srinagar

On 24th April 2018, National Muaythai Federation Cup, a martial arts competition, ended at the Indoor
Stadium, Srinagar.
i. National Muaythai Federation Cup was a three-day martial arts competition. It was organised by Jammu and
Kashmir Muaythai Association with the support of Muaythai India National Federation together with Jammu
and Kashmir State Sports Council.
ii. Male and female martial art players from 15 states of India participated in the competition.
iii. This is the first time, this kind of national event of martial arts was held in Kashmir.
iv. Muaythai is a combat sport that originated from Thailand. It uses stand-up striking along with many clinching
techniques.
v. It is also known as 'the art of eight limbs' as it is involves the combined use of fists, elbows knees and shins.
Jeremy win silver & bronze at Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship
India's Jeremy Lalrinnunga (56 kg) won a silver and a bronze medal and broke two national records at the
Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship at Urgench, Uzbekistan.
i. Jeremy Lalrinnunga gave his best total of 250 kg and won the silver in youth section and a bronze medal in
the junior section.
ii. He is 15 years old. He made national records in youth boys and junior men with 250 kg lift.
iii. India’s Sidhant Gogoi won a bronze medal with a lift of 243 kg in youth boys section.
iv. Jhilli Dalabehera (48 kg) won silver medal in junior women after lifting 166 kg (73+93), Sneha Soren (48 kg) lifted
145 kg (63+82) and won bronze medal in Youth Girls.
v. Jacob Vanlaltluanga won a bronze medal in the 62kg youth boys with a total lift of 239 kg (108 kg (Silver medal) in
Snatch + 131 kg in Clean and Jerk).
56th Belgrade International Boxing Tournament in Serbia

56th edition of Belgrade International Boxing Championship was held at Belgrade in Serbia from 24th to 28th April,
2018.
i. Indian boxers won three gold, five silver and five bronze medals at this championship.
ii. Among Gold medal winners, Sumit Sangwan won the final bout by defeating Ecuador's Castillo Torres in 91 kg
category.
iii. Indian woman boxer Nikhat Zareen won Gold medal in 51 kg by defeating Greece's Koutsoeorgopoulou
Aikaterini in the final bout.
iv. Himanshu Sharma (49 kg) too won Gold medal by defeating Algeria's Mohammed Touareg in the final bout.
v. Silver Medal Winners: Jamuna Boro (women, 54kg category) and Ralte Lalfakmawii (women, +81kg), Laldinmawia
(men, 52kg category), Varinder Singh (men, 56kg category) and Pawan Kumar (men, 69kg category).
vi. Bronze Medal Winners: Narender (men, +91kg category), Rajesh Narwal (women, 48kg category), Priyanka
Thakur (women, 60kg category), Rumi Gogoi (women,75kg category) and Nirmala Rawat (women, 81kg category).
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Prajnesh wins maiden singles title on Challenger circuit

On 29th April 2018, Prajnesh Gunneswaran won his first singles title on the ATP Challenger circuit in the Kunming
Open in Anning, China.
i. Prajnesh defeated Egypt's Mohammed Safwat 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 in the final of the Kunming Open.
ii. Prajnesh is 28 years old. He hails from Chennai. He is currently ranked 260th. He is expected to enter the top-200
with the 125 ATP points obtained from the title.
About Kunming Open:
♦ Dates - April 21–29, 2018
♦ Location - Anning, China.
Rafael Nadal lifts 11th Barcelona Open tennis title

On 29th April 2018, Rafael Nadal won the Barcelona Open tennis title for the 11th time in Barcelona, Spain.He
won the Barcelona Open tennis title by defeating Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2 6-1 in the final.
ii. Stefanos Tsitsipas is 19 years old. He is the second-youngest player in the ATP top 100.
About Barcelona Open tennis:
♦ Dates – 21-29 April 2018
♦ Location – Barcelona, Spain.
India’s CA Bhavani Devi wins silver at Satellite Fencing Championship

On 28th April 2018, India's CA Bhavani Devi won a silver medal in the sabre event of the Tournoi World Cup
Satellite Fencing Championship in Reykjavik, Iceland. She had defeated Parede Torres 15-9 in the quarterfinal
and Italy’s Guila Arpino 15-10 in the semifinal.
OBITUARY
Film director C.V. Rajendran passes away
On 1st April 2018, film director CV Rajendran died after a long term illness at a private hospital in Chennai,
Tamil Nadu.
He was 81 years old. He has directed several movies in Tamil. He has also directed movies in Hindi, Kannada,
Malayalam and Telugu.His popular movies are: Sumathi En Sundari, Vani Rani, Garjanai, Ullasa Paravaigal and
Vaazhkai.
Efrain Rios Montt, former Guatemala military dictator, dies aged 91

On 1st April 2018, former Guatemalan military dictator Efrain Rios Montt died due to heart attack at his
residence in Guatemala.He became a military general in 1972. In 1982, he seized power in Guatemala through a
military attack and brought down President Angel Guevara from power.
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Ex-England midfielder Ray Wilkins passes away

On 4th April 2018, Ray Wilkins, ex-England midfielder, passed away after suffering from a cardiac arrest, at St
George's Hospital in Tooting, south-west London.
His nickname was “Butch.” He played for teams like Manchester United, Chelsea and AC Milan. He won the FA Cup in
1983 and the Scottish league title in 1989. He ended his club career in 1997. Later, he served as a commentator on
British TV and radio.
Niranjan Thomas Alva passes away

On 7th April 2018, Niranjan Thomas Alva, the husband of former Rajasthan governor Margaret Alva, passed
away following a chest infection at Ramaiah Hospital in Bengaluru. Niranjan Thomas Alva was 78 years old. He
was a Supreme Court lawyer. He was the son of the first parliamentarian couple, Joachim Alva and Violet Alva.
Noted Assamese film-maker Munin Barua passes away

On 7th April 2018, Assamese film-maker Munin Barua died after fighting cancer, at his home, in Guwahati,
Assam. He had received National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Assamese in 2005. He had also received the
state award for best director for the year 2001-02 and the Lifetime Achievement Award 2017 from Prag Cine Awards.
Former BSF DG Rammohan passes away

On 8th April 2018, former BSF (Border Security Force) director general (DG) E N Rammohan died at AIIMS (All
India Institute of Medical Sciences) hospital, New Delhi.
i. He was an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the 1965 batch of Assam-Meghalaya cadre. He was the director
general (DG) of Border Security Force (BSF) in the 1997 to 2000 period.
ii. He had also worked in Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the National Security Guard (NSG) and the ITBP (Indo-
Tibetan Border Police).
Veteran Journalist Surendra Nihal Singh Passes Away

On 16th April 2018, journalist S Nihal Singh died due to multiple organ failure, at the National Heart Institute,
in New Delhi.
i. S Nihal Singh was 88 years old. He was the Chief Editor of The Statesman, Editor-in-Chief Indian Express and Editor
of Khaleej Times.
ii. He received the International Editor of the Year Award in New York. He was Director, Press Institute of India. He
was also President of the Press Club of India.
Former First Lady Barbara Bush dies

On 17th April 2018, Barbara Bush, the Former First Lady of the United States, passed away due to ill health at
her home in Houston, United States.
i. Barbara Bush was 92 years old. She had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive
heart failure in the past few years.
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ii. She was the wife of former US President George Herbert Walker Bush, and the mother of George Walker
Bush, who is also a former US President.
Veteran journalist T V R Shenoy passes away

Veteran journalist and columnist TVR Shenoy passed away on April 17,2018 in Karnataka.He was awarded the
prestigious Padma Bhushan award in 2003.
i. Shenoy contributed to numerous national and international newspapers, magazines regarding all ranges of issues
through his writing.
ii. Shenoy was a regular contributor to The Indian Express.She also contribute among various newspapers which
included Mathrabhumi, Gulf News. He was also the editor of The Week and was an executive member of Prasar
Bharati.
Former principal information officer (PIO) Shakuntala Mahawal passes away

On 16th April 2018, former principal information officer (PIO) Shakuntala Mahawal, passed away after a short
term illness, in Brussels, Belgium.
i. Shakuntala Mahawal was 72 years old. She was an IIS (Indian Information Service) officer of the 1969 batch.
ii. She was the principal information officer (PIO) from March 2004 to July 2005. She also served as special
correspondent at the All India Radio's office in Brussels.
iii. She also worked as spokesperson for the Finance Ministry and the Head of News in Doordarshan.
Indian animation expert Bhimsain Khurana passed away

On 17th April 2018, Indian animation expert Bhimsain Khurana passed away at a hospital in Mumbai while
undergoing dialysis.
i. Bhimsain Khurana was 82 years old. His first animation short film was “The Climb”. He won the Silver Hugo Award
in the Chicago Film Festival for that movie.
ii. He had directed and produced several animation and ad films. He had won National Award for his animation short
film “Ek Anek Ekta”.
iii. In 1991, he made computer-aided animation serial “Lok Gatha” based on folk tales. He was also a writer. He had
written six books.
Kerala Kaumudi chief editor M.S. Ravi dead

i. On April 20,2018 Chief Editor of leading Malayalam daily Kerala Kaumudi M S Ravi ,68 passed away in
Thiruvananthapuram,Kerala.
ii. He is the youngest son of Kerala Kaumudi founder editor K Sukumaran, was also the Director of Kerala
Kaumudi.Late M S Madhusudanan, Late M S Sreenivasan and M S Mani are his brothers.
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South Sudan’s military chief dies during Egypt visit

i. South Sudan confirmed that its military chief General James Ajongo has died during a visit to Egypt.
ii. General James Ajongo had taken over the role a year ago after Paul Malong was fired and put under house arrest.
Avicii, top electronic dance music artist, found dead at 28

Swedish DJ Avicii, one of the world's biggest dance music stars, has died in Oman at the age of 28. Avicii was an
international pop star, performing his well-known electronic dance songs around the worldThe Grammy-nominated
DJ and producer, born Tim Bergling, was best known for "Levels" and "Wake Me Up."
World’s oldest person dies in Japan at age of 117

On April 22, 2018 The world’s oldest person Nabi Tajima has died in southern Japan at the age of 117. Her town of
Kikai is in Kagoshima prefecture on Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands.
i. Tajima was born on August 4, 1900, and reportedly had more than 160 descendants, including great-great-great
grandchildren.
ii. She became the world’s oldest person seven months ago after the death of Violet Brown in Jamaica, also at the age
of 117.
iii. US-based Gerontology Research Group announce that Japanese woman, Chiyo Yoshida, 116 years old ,is the next
world’s oldest person in its records.
Former Indian athlete Tony Daniel passes away

On 25th April 2018, Tony Daniel, the technical committee chairman of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI)
and the executive vice-president of Kerala State Athletics Association (KSAA), passed away in Kochi, Kerala.
i. Tony Daniel was 66 years old. He was born in Ernakulam, Kerala. He represented Kerala State and University at the
national championships in junior and senior categories between 1968 and 1972.
ii. He was the State Sprint Champion in 1970. He was the Secretary of Kerala Athletics Association for eight years.
iii. He was the Deputy Competition Manager during the Commonwealth Games, Delhi 2010 and Competition Director
(Athletics) in South Asian Games, Guwahati 2016.
BOOKS & AUTHORS

President of India Receives first copy of book ‘Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar: Vyakti Nahin Sankalp’
On 14th April 2018, President Ram Nath Kovind received the first copy of the book ‘Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar: Vyakti
Nahin Sankalp’ from Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, who formally released it at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan,
New Delhi.
i. Ram Nath Kovind said that, the book was a slim volume but covered the inspiring life of Dr Ambedkar and several
dimensions of his ideas and personality.
ii. It also referenced how Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been inspired by the life and message of Dr Ambedkar.
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President Receives the First Copy of “Adi Shankaracharya: Hinduism’s Greatest Thinker”
On April 21,2018 The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, received the first copy of the book “Adi
Shankaracharya: Hinduism’s Greatest Thinker”, from the author Shri Pavan Varma, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
i. Adi Shankaracharya was born over 1,200 years ago in Kerala. He was a spiritual leader, a Vedantic philosopher, a
monk, a scholar and an explorer. His contributions are continued to be a guide to everyday life.
ii. He established four Peethas – in the north, south, east and west. These Peethas were and are different – and at
once they were and are the same. That is the beauty of India.
Nitish Kumar Launches 3 Books On Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Movement

On April 22,2018 Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar released three books based on Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran
movement of 1917.
i. Nitish Kumar released the books titled- 'Mister M K Gandhi Ki Champaran Diary' written by Arvind
Mohan, 'Champaran Andolan 1917' edited by Ashutosh Partheshwar and 'Pir Muhammad Munis: Kalam Ka
Satyagrahi' collected and edited by Srikan.
ii. Talking about the 1857 rebellion, the chief minister said that a three-day function is being organised from April 23,
keeping in mind the important role played by Babu Veer Kuer Singh in the revolt.
Shri Ashwini Choubey releases Handbook on Prevention of Accidents and Awareness of First Aid
On 26th April 2018, Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare released a
Handbook on Prevention of Accidents and Awareness of First Aid on the occasion of ‘Road Safety Week’ at an
event in New Delhi.
i. Ashwini Kumar Choubey stressed on the importance of giving medical trauma care to the injured during the first
hour of the accident, known as the golden hour.
ii. He administered an oath to the officers and staff on road safety. A skit was played highlighting the importance of
first aid training and administering of first aid.
Former PM Manmohan Singh launches economist Rao's book
On 26th April 2018, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh released ‘My Journey from Marxism-Leninism to
Nehruvian Socialism’, a book written by former Planning Commission and Finance Commission member C H
Hanumantha Rao.
Manmohan Singh said that, C H Hanumantha Rao is a creative thinker, social activist, and distinguished economist.
IMPORTANT DAYS
Odisha Formation Day - April 1
On 1st April 2018, the Odisha Formation Day also known as Utkal Dibasa or Utkal Divas was celebrated all over Odisha
to mark the formation of Odisha as a separate province on 1st April 1936. Odisha separated from the combined
Bengal-Bihar-Orissa province on that day.
i. Utkala Gaurav Madhusudan Das, Utkalamani Gopabandhu Das, Maharaja Shri Ramachandra Bhanjadeo, Maharaja
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Shri Krushna Chandra Gajapati, Raja Baikunthanath Dey, Fakir Mohan Senapati, Gangadhar Meher, and Gourishankar
Ray were instrumental in the formation of Odisha.
ii. On 9th November 2010, the Indian Parliament renamed Orissa as Odisha and Oriya language as Odia.
World Autism Awareness Day - April 2

On 2nd April 2018, World Autism Awareness Day 2018 was observed all over the world to highlight the necessity to
improve the quality of life of people with autism.The first World Autism Awareness Day was observed on 2nd April
2008. On this day, various autism organizations come together and discuss on research, diagnoses, treatment of
autism, etc.
Theme: The theme for World Autism Awareness Day 2018 is: "Empowering Women and Girls with Autism".
SIDBI Foundation Day

On 2nd April 2018, SIDBI celebrated its foundation day as day of Sampark (connect), Sanwad (interaction),
Suraksha (security) and Sampreshan (disseminate).
i. On the SIDBI Foundation Day, Chairman & Managing Director of SIDBI Mohammad Mustafa launched various
initiatives from SIBDI headquarters at Lucknow. He launched the ‘MSME contact programme’. A MoU was signed
with The New India Assurance Co. Ltd. on the occasion.
ii. He launched a revamped SIDBI website (www.sidbi.in). It was said that, a "Contactless Loan Platform" will be
introduced on the website soon.
iii. He also launched Samridhhi, a virtual assistant on its universal loan portal www.udyamimitra.in. Samridhhi will
reply to standard queries of users 24*7.
iv. A ‘Bankability Kit’ was also launched. It has been introduced in partnership with Bank of Baroda and IDBI Bank.
International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action – 4 April
On 4th April 2018, International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action was observed all over
the world.This day is observed to create awareness about the threat of mines, unexploded grenades and other
explosive hazards that prevents the return of normalcy in areas affected by armed conflicts.
Theme: Advancing Protection, Peace and Development.
Army Medical Corps celebrates 254th raising day on 3rd April

On 3rd April 2018, the 254th raising day of the Army Medical Corps was celebrated by all the Army medical
units of India.
i. In 1886 the three medical services were combined into one entity named “Indian Medical Services”.
ii. In 1943 it was renamed as The “Indian Army Medical Corps”. Again on 26 January 1950 it was renamed as “Army
Medical Corps” (AMC).
iii. The AMC has served in all wars and Operations including the Kargil war. The Corps has been honoured with 1
Ashok Chakra, 3 Mahavir Chakras, 3 Kirti Chakras, 22 Vir Chakras, 9 Shaurya Chakras, 96 Param Vishisht Seva Medals,
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185 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 08 Yudh Seva Medals, 127 Sena Medals and 492 Vishisht Seva Medals.
iv. It has also received 4 Padma Bhushan and 4 Padma Shri awards.
National maritime Day – 5 April

i. National maritime Day is celebrated on 5th April every year since 1964. On 5th April 1919, SS Loyalty, the
first ship of the Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd started from Mumbai to the United Kingdom.
ii. This is a very important day in the history of Indian maritime sector. The theme for National maritime Day 2018
is: 'Indian Shipping - An Ocean of opportunity'.
iii. ‘Varuna’ award is conferred to outstanding contributors of Indian maritime sector on this day. Also, outstanding
achievers in the field of education and training are awarded on this day.
International Day of Sport for Development and Peace – 6 April

On 6th April 2018, International Day of Sport for Development and Peace was celebrated all over the world.This day
commemorates the inauguration of first Olympic Games of the modern era, in Athens in 1896.
i. Why: This day is celebrated to highlight the contribution of sports and physical activity to education, human
development, healthy lifestyle and a peaceful world.
ii. On this day, people are encouraged to promote the ways through which sport can help countries, communities and
individuals to live a peaceful and prosperous life.
World Health Day – 7 April

On 7th April 2018, World Health Day 2018 was celebrated all over the world. to mark the founding of World Health
Organization (WHO). WHO was founded on 7 April 1948. This day is a global health awareness day.
i.World Health Day 2018 is the 70th anniversary of formation of World Health Organization (WHO).
ii.Theme & Slogan: The theme for World Health Day 2018 is: Universal health coverage: everyone,
everywhere. The slogan is “Health for All”.
International Romani Day – 8 April

On 8th April 2018, International Romani Day 2018 was celebrated all over the world.
i. The International Romani Day also known as International Roma Day celebrates Romani culture and creates
awareness on issues faced by Romani people.
ii. It is celebrated every year on 8th April. International Romani Day was officially declared at the fourth World
Romani Congress of the International Romani Union (IRU) in Serock, Poland, in 1990.
The 63rd Railway Week Function of Railway Board was organized on 11th April
On 11th April 2018, the 63rd Railway Week Function of Railway Board was organized in Rail Bhavan, New
Delhi.
i. Ashwani Lohani, Chairman, Railway Board, presided over the function. He presented Merit Certificates and Cash
Awards to officials of Railway Board for their outstanding performances during 2017-18.
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ii. He presented the Running Efficiency Shield to ERB-III and TC-I Sections (jointly) of Railway Board selected as “Best
Kept Section’.
iii. Also, Merit Certificates and Cash Awards were presented to 2 other well-maintained sections. Merit Certificates
and Cash Awards were given to 69 officials of Railway Board for outstanding performance in 2017-18.
iv. 52 Cash Awards were presented to sportspersons and 10 Cash Awards to Cultural artists along with Appreciation
Letters for outstanding performance in the Inter-Ministry and All India Civil Services Tournaments.
v. 3 Cash Awards were presented to Horticulture staff of Rail Bhawan for their excellent work.
International Day of Human Space Flight & World Aviation and Cosmonautics Day – April 12
On 12th April 2018, International Day of Human Space Flight & World Aviation and Cosmonautics Day was celebrated
in various places of the world.
i. On 12th April 1961 Yuri Gagarin of the Soviet Union, performed the first manned flight to the space on a
“Vostok-1” spaceship.
ii. Russia and some other former USSR countries celebrate 12th April as Cosmonautics Day since 1962.
iii. In 2011, the UN general assembly declared 12 April as the International Day of Human Space Flight
commemorating Yuri Gagarin’s first manned flight to the space on a “Vostok-1” spaceship.
iv. This day is celebrated to remember the important contribution of space science and technology in achieving
sustainable development goals.
Jallianwallah Bagh Massacre Day

April 13, 2018 was the 99th anniversary Jallianwallah Bagh Massacre (also known as the Amritsar massacre).
i. On April 13, 1919, nearly 15000-20000 people gathered at Jallianwala Bagh, a public garden in Amritsar, Punjab.
The gathering took place to celebrate the Punjabi harvest festival of Baisakhi and to protest against the
repressive Rowlatt Act that imposed control of the press, arrests without warrant and indefinite detention without
trial.
ii. According to British Government assessment, 379 individuals died and 1200 were wounded in Jallianwalah Bagh
massacre. However, as per Indian National Congress’ estimates, more than 1500 were injured and 1000 died.
The National Safe Motherhood Day – 11 April
On 11th April 2018, the National Safe Motherhood Day was celebrated across India.
i. India was the first country in the world to declare a National Safe Motherhood Day on April 11th on Kasturba
Gandhi’s birth anniversary in 2003, on the request of WRAI (White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood, India).
ii. On this day awareness is created on maternity healthcare facilities for pregnant and lactating women.
iii. The theme for National Safe Motherhood Day 2018 is: ‘Respectful Maternity Care’.
B.R.Ambedkar Remembrance Day or Ambedkar Jayanti – 14 April

On 14th April 2018, B.R.Ambedkar Remembrance Day also known as Ambedkar Jayanti was observed all over India
and in few neighboring regions also.
i. Ambedkar Jayanti is observed every year on 14th April to commemorate the birth anniversary of
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B.R.Ambedkar who was born on 14 April 1891.

ii. He was the architect of Indian Constitution. He is known as the "Father of Indian Constitution."
iii. He had dedicated his life for uplifting the deprived section of the society. He had also played a major role in India’s
freedom struggle. He had received Bharat Ratna award in 1990.
South Western Command celebrates 14th Raising Day – April 15

On 15th April 2018, South Western Command celebrated its 14th Raising Day.
i. Tributes were paid to martyrs of Indian Army at a ceremony at 'Prerna Sthal' in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on the 14th
raising day of South Western Army Command.
ii. Lt Gen Vijay Singh, chief of staff, South Western Command and other officers paid tributes. He said that, South
Western Command is the seventh and the youngest command of the Indian Army.
iii. It was formed on 15th April 14 years ago. It is named as the Sapta Shakti. Its motto is Forever Victorious.
On 15th April Himachal marks 71st foundation day, awards best performers
On April 15, 2018, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur hoisted the Indian national flag at the Ridge
Maidan in Shimla to mark state's 71st foundation day.
i. The state of Himachal was founded on April 15, 1948.
ii. On the occasion of State’s 71st foundation days, personnel of Himachal Pradesh state police, home guards, Services
Selection Board (SSB) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets took out a parade. Various groups also performed
traditional folk dances.
iii. Mr. Thakur, presented awards to the best performers in the field of administration, sports, health and social
work.
World Haemophilia Day – April 17
On 17th April 2018, World Haemophilia Day was observed all over the world throughout the world to create
awareness about haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders.
ii. In 1989, World Haemophilia Day was started by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH). This day was
chosen to honour WFH founder Frank Schnabel’s birthday.
iii. Theme: The theme for World Haemophilia Day 2018 is: Sharing Knowledge Makes Us Stronger. 17th April
2018 is the 28th World Hemophilia Day.
World Heritage Day – April 18

On 18th April 2018, World Heritage Day also known as International Day For Monuments and Sites was
celebrated all over the world.
i. The International Day for Monuments and Sites was proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites
(ICOMOS) on 18th April 1982. It was approved by the General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983.
ii. This day is celebrated to create awareness on the cultural heritage of humanity, their vulnerability and efforts
needed to protect and conserve them.
iii. India has 36 world heritage sites approved by the UNESCO. This is the sixth highest in the world. Italy has the most
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number of heritage sites in the world with 53 sites. It is followed by China with 52 sites.
iv.Theme for World Heritage Day 2018: Heritage for Generations.
World Liver Day observed on 19th April

On 19th April 2018, World Liver Day was observed all over the world.
i. World Liver Day is observed every year on 19th April to create awareness on importance of liver to our body and
how liver ailments can be treated and managed.
ii. According to WHO (World Health Organisation), liver diseases are the 10th most common cause of death in India.
Liver is the second largest organ in human body.
iii. Liver diseases can be caused by hepatitis A, B, C, alcohol and drugs. Viral Hepatitis occurs due to intake of
contaminated food and water, unsafe sexual practices and drug abuse.
iv. Theme for World Liver Day 2018: "Riding new waves in liver diagnosis, staging and treatment."
World Creativity and Innovation Day - 21 April

On April 21, 2018, official World Creativity and Innovation Day (WCID) will be celebrated. This day will be
observed six days after Leonardo da Vinci’s birthday and one day before International Mother Earth Day.
i. WCID, the world is invited to embrace the idea that innovation is essential for harnessing the economic potential of
nations. Innovation, creativity and mass entrepreneurship can provide new momentum for economic growth and job
creation.
National Secretaries day – April 21

i. Secretaries Day also known as Administrative professionals Day or Admin Day is observed in several
countries to recognize the work of secretaries, administrative assistants, receptionists, and other administrative
support professionals.
National Civil Service Day – April 21

i. The Government of India celebrates April 21 every year as ‘Civil Services day’ as an occasion for the civil servants
to rededicate themselves to the cause of citizen and renew their commitments to public service and excellence in
work.
ii. This date is chosen to honor the day in 1947 when first Home Minister of Independent India,
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel addressed the probationers of Administrative Services Officers at Metcalf House, Delhi, he
referred to civil servants as the ‘steel frame of India’.
As part of Civil Servant Day, Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration are presented to
Districts/Implementing Units for implementation of Priority programme and innovation categories.
World Earth Day – April 22

Earth Day is observed every year on April 22. It was first celebrated in 1970. The founder of Earth Day is Gaylord
Nelson, a US senator from Wisconsin. Nelson, who had been witnessed the devastation caused by an enormous oil
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spill in Santa Barbara, California in 1969.

i. Theme of Earth Day 2018 - 'End Plastic Pollution'.
It is dedicated to providing the information and inspiration needed to fundamentally change human attitude and
behavior about plastics.
ii. The importance of Earth Day is to increase the awareness among common public, especially among youngsters, to
get full effect of the campaign of environmental safety.
World Book and Copyright Day, World English Language Day

On 23rd April 2018, World Book and Copyright Day and World English Language Day were celebrated all over the
world.
i. Every year 23 April is celebrated as World Book and Copyright Day. On 23 April 1616 Cervantes, Shakespeare and
Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died.
ii. It is also the date of birth or death of other eminent authors like Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir
Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo.
iii. At the UNESCO's General Conference held in Paris in 1995, 23 April was declared as World Book and Copyright
Day.Every year, UNESCO and the international organizations representing the three major sectors of book industry:
publishers, booksellers and libraries, select the World Book Capital for a one-year period effective 23 April each year.
vi. World Book Capital for 2018: Athens, Greece. The 2018 edition of World Book and Copyright Day is
entitled: “READING, it's my right!”
i. English Language Day is celebrated on 23 April every year. It is observed as both the birthday and date of death of
William Shakespeare.
ii. UN's language days aim to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity and to promote equal use of all six
official languages.
Nitin Gadkari inaugurates 29th Road Safety Week in New Delhi

On 23rd April 2018, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the 29th Road Safety Week at Vigyan
Bhawan in New Delhi.
i. He administered Road Safety oath. He released a short story collection on road safety theme named “Have a
safe journey”
ii. The Transport Ministry organizes the Road Safety Week every year to create awareness on road safety and
improve road safety.
iii. Road Safety Week is organized from 23rd to 29th of April 2018. This year’s focus is on schools and commercial
drivers.
iv. Nitin Gadkari presented awards to fifteen school children who won the national level essay competition on road
safety. The top three winners were given cash prizes of Rs 15,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000 and certificates.
v. He released a paper on road safety by Indian Road Safety Campaign (IRSC).IRSC organizes an annual road safety
championship called Safer India Challenge in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
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vi. The Safer India Challenge’18 was also launched at the event.
World Lab Animals Day

On 24th April 2018, World Lab Animals Day was observed all over the world.
i. World Day For Animals In Laboratories (WDAIL) also known as World Lab Animal Day is observed every year on 24
April.
ii. World Day for Laboratory Animals was declared in 1979 by the British National Anti-Vivisection Society
(NAVS).
iii. It marks the birthday of former NAVS president Hugh Dowding. This day highlights the efforts to end the suffering
of animals in laboratories and their replacement with advanced scientific non-animal techniques.
World Malaria Day, Italy Liberation Day – April 25, 2018

On 25th April 2018, World Malaria Day and Italy Liberation Day were observed.
i. World Malaria Day is observed every year on 25th April to highlight global efforts to control malaria.
ii. The theme for World Malaria Day 2018 is: Ready to beat malaria.
iii. In May 2007, at the 60th session of the World Health Assembly declared the World Malaria Day to be celebrated on
25th April every year.
iv. Italy's Liberation Day also known as the Anniversary of the Liberation, Anniversary of the Resistance is a national
Italian holiday.
v. It commemorates the end of the Italian Civil War and the end of Nazi occupation of Italy during World War II.
Manipur observes Khongjom Day

On 23rd April 2018, Khongjom Day was observed in Manipur by paying floral tributes to the martyrs of 1891
at the historic Khongjom War memorial site at Kheba hillock.
i. Khongjom Day is a state holiday. It is observed on 23 April every year throughout Manipur for the martyrs of
Manipur who sacrificed their lives in the last battle of independence known as ‘Khongjom War’ against the Britishers
on 23rd April 1891.
ii. Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla and Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh led the public in paying
tributes to the martyrs.
iii. A play based on the Khongjom battle and a traditional musical sequence was also played on the occasion.
World Intellectual Property Day

On 26th April 2018, World Intellectual Property Day was observed all over the world.
i. This day was declared by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000. 26 April marks the date
on which the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization came to force in 1970.
ii. The theme for World Intellectual Property Day 2018 is - Powering change: Women in innovation and
creativity.
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World Day for Safety and Health at Work – April 28

On 28th April 2018, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work was observed all over the world. to promote safe,
healthy and decent work.
i. It has been observed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 2003.
ii. The theme for World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2018 is: Occupational safety health (OSH) vulnerability
of young workers.
International Dance Day – April 29, 2018

On 29th April 2018, International Dance Day was celebrated all over the world.
i. International Dance Day was founded in 1982 by the Dance Committee of ITI (International Theatre
Institute).
ii. International Dance Day is celebrated every year on 29th April, which marks the birthday of Jean-Georges
Noverre, the creator of modern ballet.
International Jazz Day –April 30, 2018

On 30th April 2018, International Jazz Day was celebrated all over the world. to highlight jazz and its role in uniting
people throughout the world.
ii. International Jazz Day is chaired and led by the UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay and jazz pianist
and composer Herbie Hancock. Herbie Hancock is UNESCO Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue and Chairman of
the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz.
iii. Saint Petersburg, Russia is the Global Host City for International Jazz Day 2018.
STATIC INFORMATIONS FROM April CURRENT AFFAIRS

States:
About Odisha:
♦ Governor - Satya Pal Malik
♦ Chief Minister - Naveen Patnaik
♦ Capital – Bhubaneswar.
Quick Facts about West Bengal:

♦ Capital – Kolkata
♦ Current Governor – Keshari Nath Tripathi
♦ Current Chief Minister – Mamata Banerjee
♦ Important National Park – Sundarbans National Park.
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Quick Facts about Himachal Pradesh:

♦ Capital – Shimla, Dharamshala (second capital, in winter)
♦ Current Governor – Acharya Dev Vrat
♦ Current Chief Minister – Jai Ram Thakur
♦ Important National Park – Pin Valley National Park, Khirganga National Park.
Quick Facts about Assam:

♦Capital – Dispur
♦Current Governor – Jagdish Mukhi
♦Current Chief Minister – Sarbananda Sonowal
♦Important National Park – Kaziranga National Park.
Quick Facts about Tamil Nadu:

♦ Capital – Chennai
♦ Current Governor – Banwarilal Purohit
♦ Current Chief Minister – K Palaniswami
♦ Important National Park – Mudumalai National Park.
Quick Facts about Uttar Pradesh:
♦ Capital – Lucknow
♦ Current Governor – Ram Naik
♦ Current Chief Minister – Yogi Adityanath
♦ Important National Park – Dudhwa National Park.
Quick Facts about Uttarakhand:

♦ Capital – Dehradun
♦ Current Chief Minister – Trivendra Singh Rawat
♦ Current Governor – Krishan Kant Paul
♦ Important National Park – Jim Corbett National Park.
Quick Facts about Tripura:

♦ Capital – Agartala
♦ Current Chief Minister – Biplab Kumar Deb
♦ Current Governor – Tathagata Roy
♦ Important National Park – Rajbari National Park.
Quick Facts about Kerala:

♦ Capital – Thiruvananthapuram
♦ Current Chief Minister – Pinari Vijayan
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♦ Current Governor – P. Sathasivam

♦ Important National Park – Silent Valley National Park.
Quick Facts about Goa:

♦ Capital – Panaji
♦ Current Chief Minister – Manohar Parrikar
♦ Current Governor – Mridula Sinha
♦ Important River – Mondovi.
Quick Facts about Maharashtra:

♦ Capital – Mumbai (summer), Nagpur (winter)
♦ Current Governor – C. Vidyasagar Rao
♦ Current Chief Minister – Devendra Fadnavis
♦ Important National Park – Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Quick Facts about Haryana:

♦ Capital – Chandigarh
♦ Current Governor – Kaptan Singh Solanki
♦ Current Chief Minister – Manohar Lal Khattar
♦ Important National Park – Sultanpur National Park.
Quick Facts about Chhattisgarh:

Capital – Naya Raipur
Current Governor – Balram Das Tandon
Current Chief Minister – Raman Singh
Important National Park – Guru Ghasidas National Park.
Quick facts about Andhra Pradesh:

♦ Capital – Amaravati (de facto)
♦ Current Chief Minister – N Chandrababu Naidu
♦ Current Governor – E S L Narasimhan
♦ Important National Park – Papikonda National Park
Quick Facts about Telangana:

♦ Capital – Hyderabad
♦ Current Governor – E.S.L. Narasimhan
♦ Current Chief Minister – K. Chandrashekar Rao
♦ Important National Park – Mrugavani National Park.
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Quick Facts about Madhya Pradesh:

♦ Capital – Bhopal
♦ Current Governor – Anandiben Patel
♦ Current Chief Minister – Shivraj Singh Chouhan
♦ Important National Park – Bandhavgarh National Park.
Quick Facts about Rajasthan:

Capital – Jaipur
Current Governor – Kalyan Singh
Current Chief Minister – Vasundhra Raje .
Quick Facts about Manipur:

♦ Capital – Imphal
♦ Current Governor – Najma Heptulla
♦ Current Chief Minister – N. Biren Singh
♦ Important National Park – Sirohi National Park.
Quick Facts about Gujarat:

♦ Capital – Gandhinagar
♦ Current Governor – Om Prakash Kohli
♦ Current Chief Minister – Vijay Rupani
♦ Important National Park – Gir National Park
BANKS
About Allahabad Bank:
♦ CEO & MD - Usha Ananthasubramanian
♦ Headquarters - Kolkata
About SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India):
♦ Set up - 2nd April 1990
♦ Chairman & Managing Director - Mohammad Mustafa
♦ Headquarters - Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Quick Facts about HDFC Bank:
♦ Headquarters – Mumbai, Maharashtra
♦ Current MD – Aditya Puri
♦ Tagline – ‘We Undertand Your World’
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Quick Facts about Yes Bank:

♦ Current MD & CEO – Rana Kapoor
♦ Tagline – ‘Experience our Expertise’
Quick Facts about IndusInd Bank:
♦ Current CEO – Ramesh Sobti
About SoftBank:
♦ Chairman & CEO - Masayoshi Son
♦ Headquarters – Tokyo, Japan
About Indian Bank:
♦ MD and CEO - Kishor Kharat
♦ Headquarters - Chennai
Quick Facts about ICICI Bank:
♦ Current MD & CEO – Chanda Kochhar
♦ Tagline – ‘hum hai na’, ‘khayaal aapka’
Quick Facts about IOB:
♦ Headquarters – Chennai, Tamil Nadu
♦ Current MD & CEO – R. Subramania Kumar
♦ Tagline – ‘Good People to Grow With’
Quick Facts about J&K Bank:
♦ Headquarters – Srinagar, J&K
♦ Current Chairman & CEO – Parvez Ahmad
♦ Tagline – Serving To Empower
Quick Facts about Asian Development Bank (ADB):
♦ Formation Year – 1966
♦ Headquarters – Manila, Philippines
♦ Current President – Takehiko Nakaho
About IDBI Bank:
♦ MD & CEO - Mahesh Kumar Jain
♦ Headquarters - Mumbai
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About Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB):

♦ President - Jin Liqun
♦ Headquarters - Beijing, China
About Bandhan Bank:
♦ Tag line - Aapka Bhala, Sabki Bhalai
Quick Facts about Reserve Bank of India (RBI):
♦ Commenced Operations on: 1st April 1935
♦ Headquarters: Mumbai
♦ Current Governor: Mr. Urjit Patel
Quick Facts about SIDBI:
♦ Headquarters – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
♦ Current Chairman and Managing Director – Mohammad Mustafa
About Punjab National Bank (PNB):
♦ MD & CEO - Sunil Mehta
♦ Headquarters - New Delhi
About NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development):
♦ Set up – 1982
♦ Chairman - Dr. Harsh Kumar Bhanwala
Quick Facts about World Bank:
♦ Headquarters – Washington D.C., US
♦ Current President – Jim Yong Kim
Quick Facts about Kotak Mahindra Bank:
♦ Granted Banking Licence in – 2003
♦ Founder, Executive Vice Chairman and MD – Uday Kotak
♦ Tagline – ‘Let’s make money simple’
About India Post Payments Bank (IPPB):
♦ MD & CEO – Suresh Sethi
♦ Headquarters of India Post – New Delhi
Quick Facts about State Bank of India (SBI):
♦ Renamed in – 1955
♦ Current Chairman – Rajnish Kumar
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About Bhuj Mercantile Cooperative Bank:

♦ Chairman - Nilaben S Choksi
About New Development Bank (NDB):
♦ President - K V Kamath
♦ Headquarters – Shanghai, China
Taglines of Banks
♦ Allahabad Bank – A tradition of trust

♦ Bank of Baroda – India’s International Bank
♦ Bank of India - Relationship beyond Banking
♦ Canara Bank - Together We Can
♦ Central Bank of India - Central to You Since 1911
♦ Corporation Bank - Prosperity for all
♦ Bank of India – Relationship beyond banking
♦ Bank of Maharashtra – Ek Parivar Ek Bank
♦ Dena Bank - Trusted Family Bank
♦ ECGC Bank – You focus on exports. We cover the risks
♦ IDBI Bank – Banking For All, Aao Sochein Bada
♦ Syndicate Bank - Faithful and Friendly
♦ UCO Bank - Honours Your Trust
♦ Union Bank of India - Good People to Bank with
♦ ICICI Bank - Hum Hai Na, Khyal Apka.
♦ IDBI Bank - Banking For All, “Aao Sochein Bada”
♦ Indian Bank - Your Tech- Friendly Bank
♦ Andhra bank - Where India banks
♦ Bank of Baroda - India’s International bank
Stadium’s
Some important stadiums in Telangana:
♦ M. C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium – Hyderabad
♦ Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium – Hyderabad
♦ Gachibowli Indoor Stadium - Hyderabad
Some stadiums in West Bengal:
♦ Salt Lake Stadium - Kolkata
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♦ Kolkata Eden Gardens – Kolkata

♦ Rabindra Sarobar Stadium - Kolkata
Some important stadiums in Goa:
♦ Tilak Maidan Stadium
♦ Duler Stadium
♦ Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium
Some stadiums in India:
♦ Chinnaswamy Stadium – Bangalore, Karnataka
♦ Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium – Kochi, Kerala
♦ Ravi Shankar Shukla Stadium – Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh
Some important stadiums in India:
♦ Feroz Shah Kotla – Delhi
♦ Dhyan Chand National Stadium – Delhi
♦ Chhatrasal Stadium – Delhi
♦ JSCA International Cricket Stadium – Ranchi, Jharkhand
♦ Birsa Munda Athletics Stadium - Ranchi, Jharkhand
♦ JRD Tata Sports Complex – Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
♦ Tau Devi Lal Stadium – Gurgaon, Haryana
♦ Chaudhary Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium – Rohtak, Haryana
♦ Mahabir Stadium – Hisar, Haryana
♦ The Arena – Ahmedabad, Gujarat
♦ Tau Devi Lal Stadium – Gurgaon, Haryana
♦ Bakhshi Stadium – Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
♦ Trivandrum International Stadium – Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
♦ Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium – Kochi, Kerala
♦ Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium – Kollam, Kerala
Some stadiums in Jammu & Kashmir:
♦ Bakhshi Stadium
♦ Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium
Some stadiums in Uttar Pradesh:
♦ Green Park Stadium
♦ D. Singh Babu Stadium
♦ Dr. Akhilesh Das Stadium.
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Dam’s
Some important dams in India:
♦ Sardar Sarover Gujarat Dam – Narmada River
♦ Srisailam (N.S.R.S.P) Dam – Krishna River
♦ Nagarjuna Sagar Dam – Krishna River
Some dams in Jammu and Kashmir:
♦ Uri Dam - Jhelum River
♦ Baglihar Dam - Chenab River
Some dams in Tamil Nadu:
♦ Mettur Dam – Cauvery River
♦ Amaravathi Dam - Amaravathi River
Some dams in India:
♦ Tehri Dam – Bhagirathi River
♦ Lakhwar Dam – Yamuna River
♦ Idukki Dam – Periyar River
♦ Tehri Dam – Bhagirathi River
♦ Lakhwar Dam – Yamuna River
♦ Idukki Dam – Periyar River
♦ Bhakra Dam - Satluj River
♦ Pakal Dul Dam – Marusudar River
Some dams in Gujarat:
♦ Ukai Dam – Tapti River
♦ Sardar Sarovar Dam - Narmada River
Some important dams in Maharashtra:
♦ Gangapur Dam – Godavari River
♦ Kanholibara Dam – Krishna River
♦ Totladoh Dam – Pench River
Some dams in Kerala:
♦ Malampuzha Dam – Bharathapuzha River
♦ Sholayar Dam – Chalakkudy River
Some dams in Andhra Pradesh:
♦ Srisailam Dam – Krishna River
♦ Nagarjuna Sagar Dam – Krishna River
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♦ Pakal Dul Dam – Marusudar River
♦ Srisailam (N.S.R.S.P) Dam – Krishna River.
Temple’s
Some important temples in India:
♦ Omkareshwar Mandhata temple - Madhya Pradesh
♦ Shirdi Sai Baba temple - Maharashtra
♦ Konark Sun Temple – Odisha
Quick Facts about Konark Sun Temple:
♦ Built in – 13th Century
♦ Location – 35 kms from the temple town of Puri, Odisha
♦ Declared as UNESCO world heritage site in – 1984
♦ Vaishno Devi Temple - Katra, Jammu & Kashmir
♦ Golden Temple - Amritsar, Punjab
♦ Tirupati Balaji (Tirumala Venkateswara Temple) - Chittor, Andhra Pradesh
♦ Bhimashankar Temple - Pune, Maharashtra.
♦ Kashi Vishwanath Temple - Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
♦ Triambakeshwar Temple - Nashik, Maharashtra
♦ Kedarnath Temple - Uttarakhand
♦ Siddhivinayak - Maharashtra
♦ Somnath Temple - Gujarat
♦ Lotus Temple - New Delhi
♦ Rameshwaram (Ramanathaswamy Temple) - Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
♦ Kedarnath Temple - Kedarnath, Uttarakhand.
Airports
Some important international airports in India:
♦ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport – Ahmedabad, Gujarat
♦ Dholera International Airport – Dholera, Gujarat
♦ Srinagar Airport – Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
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Some important international airports in India:

♦ Veer Savarkar International Airport - Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
♦ Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport – Guwahati, Assam
♦ Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport – Patna, Bihar
Some international airports in India:
♦ Kempegowda International Airport – Bengaluru, Karnataka
♦ Cochin International Airport – Kochi, Kerala
♦ Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport – Indore, Madhya Pradesh
Some important airports in India:
♦ Indira Gandhi International Airport - New Delhi
♦ Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport – Nagpur, Maharashtra
♦ Biju Patnaik International Airport – Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Some important airports in India:
♦ Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport – Indore
♦ Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport - Lucknow
Seaports
Some important sea ports in India:
♦ Panambur Port - Karnataka
♦ Cochin Port - Kerala
Some important sea ports in India:
♦ Paradip Port – Odisha
♦ Haldia Port – West Bengal
♦ Tuticorin Port – Tamil Nadu.
National Parks
Some National Parks in Tamil Nadu:
♦ Mudumalai National Park
♦ Guindy National Park
♦ Karian Shola National Park
Some National Parks in West Bengal:
♦ Jaldapara National Park
♦ Neora Valley National Park
♦ Singalila National Park
Some national parks of Uttarakhand:
♦ Rajaji National Park
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♦ Nanda Devi National Park

♦ Gangotri National Park
Some National Parks in Haryana:
♦ Kalesar National Park
♦ Sultanpur National Park
Some National Parks in Chhattisgarh:
♦ Indravati National Park
♦ Kanger Ghati National Park
Some National Parks in Karnataka:
♦ Nagarhole National Park
♦ Bandipur National Park
♦ Bannerghatta National Park
Few Other National Parks in Assam:
♦ Nameri National Park
♦ Kaziranga National Park
♦ Dibru-Saikhowa National Park
Some National Parks in Mizoram:
♦ Murlen National Park
♦ Phawngpui National Park
Some National Parks in Odisha:
♦ Simlipal National Park
♦ Bhitarkanika National Park
Some national parks in Gujarat:
♦ Vansda National Park
♦ Gir Forest National Park
♦ Blackbuck National Park
♦ Gir Forest National Park
♦ Marine National Park, Gulf of Kutch
Some National Parks in Meghalaya:
♦ Nokrek National Park
♦ Balphakram National Park
Some National Parks in Jammu & Kashmir:
♦ Kishtwar National Park
♦ Dachigam National Park
♦ Hemis National Park
Some National Parks in Manipur:
Sirohi National Park
Keibul Lamjao National Park
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Some National Parks in Maharashtra:

♦ Sanjay Gandhi National Park
♦ Gugamal National Park
Some National Parks in Himachal Pradesh:
♦ Great Himalayan National Park
♦ Inderkilla National Park
♦ Khirganga National Park.
Bird Santuaries
Some important bird sanctuaries in India:
♦ Thattekad Bird Sanctuary – Kerala
♦ Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary – Maharashtra
♦ Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary – Tamil Nadu
♦ Mayani Bird Sanctuary - Maharashtra
♦ Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary – Maharashtra.
Wildlife Santuaries
Some wildlife sanctuaries in Assam:
♦ Hoollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
♦ Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Nambor - Doigrung Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary

♦ Borail Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Bornadi Wildlife Sanctuary
Some wild life sanctuaries in Andhra Pradesh:
♦ Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
Some important wildlife sanctuaries in India:
♦ Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary - Maharashtra
♦ Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary - Gujarat
♦ Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary - Arunachal Pradesh
Some wildlife sanctuaries in Goa:
♦ Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
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♦ Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary

Some wildlife sanctuaries in Uttar Pradesh:
♦ Bakhira Sanctuary
♦ Chandra Prabha Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary
Some wildlife sanctuaries in Haryana:
♦ Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Khaparwas Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary
Some wildlife sanctuaries in Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
♦ Flat Island Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Defence Island Wildlife Sanctuary
Some important wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala:
♦ Kurinjimala Sanctuary
♦ Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary
Some important wildlife sanctuaries in Jammu And Kashmir:
♦ Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary
Some wildlife sanctuaries in Gujarat:
♦ Mitiyala Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Narayan Sarovar Sanctuary
♦ Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary
Some wildlife sanctuaries in Sikkim:
♦ Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary
♦ Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary
♦ Fambong Lho Wildlife Sanctuary.
UNESCO Heritage
Some UNESCO cultural Heritage Sites in India:
♦ Qutb Minar and its Monuments - Delhi
♦ Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) - Gujarat
♦ Red Fort Complex - Delhi
♦ Sundarbans National Park - West Bengal
♦ Western Ghats - Covers Four states (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Maharashtra)
♦ Khangchendzonga National Park – Sikkim
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♦ Agra Fort - Uttar Pradesh

♦ Ajanta Caves - Maharashtra
♦ Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi - Madhya Pradesh
♦ Elephanta Caves - Maharashtra
♦ Ellora Cave - Maharashtra
♦ Fatehpur Sikri - Uttar Pradesh
♦ Manas Wildlife Sanctuary - Assam
♦ Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks - Uttarakhand
♦ Sundarbans National Park - West Bengal
Rivers
Some Important Indian Cities On Rivers:
♦ Badrinath – Alaknanda River
♦ Bhadravathi – Bhadra River
♦ Rourkela – Brahmani River
Museums
Some important museums in India:
♦ Nizam Museum – Hyderabad, Telangana
♦ Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh Museum - Darbhanga, Bihar
♦ Museum of Evolution of Life - Chandigarh
♦ Goa Chitra Museum - Benaulim
♦ Goa Science Centre - Panaji
♦ Goa State Museum – Panaji
♦ Assam State Museum – Guwahati, Assam
♦ Mayong Central Museum and Emporium – Mayong, Asssam
♦ Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra – Guwahati, Assam
♦ Birla Science Museum - Hyderabad
♦ Nizam Museum - Hyderabad
♦ AP State Archaeology Museum or Hyderabad Museum - Hyderabad
♦ Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery – Vadodara, Gujarat
♦ Calico Museum of Textiles - Ahmedabad, Gujarat
♦ Gandhi Smarak Sangrahalaya – Ahmedabad, Gujarat
♦ Archaeological Museum, Thrissur – Thrissur, Kerala
♦ Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Museum – Thrissur, Kerala
♦ Indian Business Museum - Kozhikode, Kerala
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♦ Kirti Mandir – Porbandar, Gujarat

♦ Kutch Museum – Bhuj, Gujarat
♦ Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum – Vadodara, Gujarat
♦ National Handicrafts and Handlooms Museum,New Delhi
♦ National Museum of Natural History, New Delhi
♦ National Rail Museum, New Delhi
♦ Folklore Museum – Mysore, Karnataka
♦ Jayachamarajendra Museum – Mysore, Karnataka
♦ Government Museum (Shivappa Nayaka Palace) – Shivamogga, Karnataka
♦ Bhagwan Mahavir Government Museum,Andhra Pradesh
♦ Victoria Jubilee Museum, ,Andhra Pradesh
♦ Visakha Museum (Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation Museum)
♦ Munshi Aziz Bhat Museum of Central Asian and Kargil Trade Artifacts,J&K
♦ Dogra Art Museum. J&K
Nick Names
Nick names of some Indian cities:
♦ Amritsar (Punjab) - Golden City
♦ 10 Patiala (Punjab) - Royal City
♦ Muzzaffarpur (Bihar) - Lychee City
♦ Auroville (Pondicherry) - City of Dawn
♦ Jamshedpur (Jharkhand) - Steel city, Pittsburg of India
♦ Dhanbad (Jharkhand) - Coal Capital of India
Boundary Lines
Some important international boundary lines:
♦ 20 Parallel North - Libya & Sudan
♦ 22 Parallel North - Egypt & Sudan
♦ 25 Parallel North - Mauritania & Mali
♦ Hindenburg Line - Poland & Germany (at the time of First World War)
♦ Sigfried Line East - France & Germany (at the time of second world war)
♦ 16 Parallel North - Angola and Namibia
♦ 43 Parallel North - US it serves as border of b/w State Nebraska & state of south Dakota
♦ 45 Parallel North - US it forms the boundary b/w Montana & wyoming
♦ 49 Parallel North (Medicine Line) - USA & Canada
♦ Blue Line - Isreal & Lebanon
♦ Purple Line - Israel and Syria
♦ Green Line - Israel and its neighbours (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria)
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♦ McMohan Line - India & China

♦ Maginot Line - France & Germany
♦ Mannar haime line - Russia & Finland
Lakes
Some important Lakes in India:
♦ Largest fresh water lakes in Asia & India – Wular Lake, Kashmir
♦ Largest artificial lake in Asia – Upper Lake, Madhya Pradesh
♦ Largest saline water lake in India – Chika Lake, Orissa
♦ Longest lake in India – Vembanad, Kerala
♦ Highest Lake in India – Cholamu Lake, Sikkim
♦ Khajjiar Lake – Himachal Pradesh
♦ Macchial Lake – Himachal Pradesh
♦ Manimahesh Lake – Himachal Pradesh
♦ Nako Lake – Himachal Pradesh
♦ Pandoh Lake – Himachal Pradesh
♦ Prashar Lake – Himachal Pradesh
♦ Hamirsar Lake - Gujarat
♦ Kankaria Lake - Gujarat
♦ Lakhota Lake - Gujarat
Indian Entities
Quick Facts about ISRO:
♦ Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka
♦ Current Chairman – Dr. K. Sivan
Quick Facts about NDMA:
♦ Parent Entity – Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
About Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI):
♦ President - Nakul Chopra
♦ Location - Mumbai
Quick Facts about IWPC:
♦ Launched in – 1994
♦ Located in – Delhi
♦ Objective – to support women journalist in their professional work, in enhancing their knowledge and skills and to
provide a forum for networking
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About Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE):

♦ Chairman - VK Saxena
About Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL):
♦ Chairman & Managing Director- Shri Anupam Shrivastava
uick Facts about NDMA:
♦ Parent Entity – Union Ministry of Home Affairs
About Container Corporation of India Ltd.(CONCOR):
♦ Chairman & Managing Director - V. Kalyana Rama
♦ Registered Office - New Delhi
About Indian Institute of Science (IISc):
♦ Founder - J N Tata
Quick Facts about PFRDA:
Founded in – 2003
Headquarters – New Delhi
Current Chairman – Hemant Contractor
About Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI):
♦ Founded – 1926
♦ Acting President - C K Khanna
Quick Facts about SBI Life Insurance:
♦ Joint Venture between – State Bank of India (SBI) and BNP Paribas Cardif
About NASSCOM:
♦ Chairman - Raman Roy
♦ Established - 1988
About Airports Authority of India (AAI):
♦ Chairman - Guruprasad Mohapatra
About Ola:
♦ CEO - Bhavish Aggarwal
♦ Headquarters – Bengaluru
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About Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR):

♦ Director General - Girish Sahni
Quick Facts about UIDAI:
♦ Became Statutory Authority in – 2016
♦ Functions under – Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
About Badminton Association of India:
♦ Purpose - to regulate, promote, manage and develop the sport of 'Badminton' in India transparently
Quick facts about Burn Standard Company Limited:
Incorporated in – 1976
Headquarters – Kolkata, West Bengal
Industry – Transportation
Quick Facts about Competition Commission of India (CCI):
Formed in – 2003
Current Chairperson – Devendra Kumar Sikri
Quick Facts about FIEO:
♦ Set up in – 1965
♦ Set up by – Union Ministry of Commerce
♦ Significance - Has over 25000 members, who contribute more than 70 per cent of India's exports
About NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog:
CEO - Amitabh Kant
Headquarters - New Delhi
About FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry):
♦ President - Rashesh Shah
About Indian Navy:
♦ Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) - Admiral Sunil Lanba
Quick Facts about Coal India Limited (CIL):
♦ Headquarters – Kolkata, West Bengal
♦ Current Chairman – Gopal Singh
Quick Facts about Indian Coast Guard:
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♦ Current Director General – Rajendra Singh
About HCL Technologies:
♦ President and CEO - C Vijayakumar
♦ Headquarters – Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Quick Facts about Indian Air Force:
♦ Current Chief of the Air Staff – Birender Singh Dhanoa
Quick Facts about NITI Aayog:
♦ Abbreviation stands for – National Institution for Transforming India
♦ Formed on – January 1, 2015
♦ Ex-Officio Chairperson – Prime Minister of India
About Border Security Force (BSF):
♦ Director General - K.K Sharma
About Indian National Congress:
♦ President - Rahul Gandhi
About Tech Mahindra:
♦ Type - a digital transformation, consulting and business re-engineering services and solutions provider
♦ Chairman - Anand G Mahindra
About Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR):
♦ Headquarters – Delhi
♦ Formed – 1911
About Union Public Service Commission (UPSC):
♦ Chairman - Vinay Mittal
About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
♦ CEO - Pawan Agarwal
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi.
About Indian Coast Guard (ICG):
♦ Director General - Rajendra Singh
About National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC):
♦MD & CEO – Manish Kumar
♦Headquarters – New Delhi
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Quick Facts about International Energy Forum (IEF):

♦ Secretariat – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
♦ Membership – 72 countries
About NABARD:
♦ Chairman - H K Bhanwala
About Central Industrial Security Force (CISF):
♦ Purpose - provides security to various government installations including the airports of India
About Banks Board Bureau (BBB):
♦ Set up - 2016
♦ BBB has replaced - Appointments Board for appointment of Whole-time Directors and non-Executive Chairman of
PSBs
About National Highways Authority of India (NHAI):
♦ Chairman - Deepak Kumar
Quick Facts about NPCIL:
Quick Facts about BEL:

Quick facts about ITDC:
♦ Current Chairman and Managing Director – Ravneet Kumar
About Reliance Industries (RIL):
♦ Chairman & Managing Director – Mukesh D. Ambani
♦ Founder - Dhirubhai Ambani
About Indian Army:
♦ Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) - General Bipin Rawat
About National Institute of Virology, Pune:
♦ Director - Dr Devendra Maurya
♦ Established - 1952
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Quick Facts about TRAI:

♦ Current Chairman – R S Sharma
Quick Facts about FIEO:
♦ Set up in – 1965
♦ Set up by – Union Ministry of Commerce
♦ Significance - Has over 25000 members, who contribute more than 70 per cent of India's exports
About Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM):
♦ Director General - Lt Gen Subrata Saha
Quick Facts about Myntra:
♦ Parent Company - Flipkart
Quick Facts about SJVN Limited:
♦ Incorporated in – 1988
♦ Registered Office – Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
♦ Joint Venture between – Government of India and Government of Himachal Pradesh
Quick Facts about Paytm:
♦ Headquarters – Noida, Uttar Pradesh
About Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA):
Purpose - offers special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in disturbed areas
According to The Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976 once declared 'disturbed', the area has to maintain status
quo for a minimum of 3 months
About Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council:
♦ President – Ms Mehbooba Mufti
♦ Locations – Jammu and Srinagar
About Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology:
Functions under - Ministry of Earth Sciences
Director - Prof. Ravi S. Nanjundiah
Quick Facts about NSE:
Began Operations in – 1994
Located in – Mumbai, Maharashtra
Current Managing Director and CEO – Vikram Limaye
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About SAIL (Steel Authority of India Ltd):

Chairman – P K Singh
Corporate Office - New Delhi
About Indian Weightlifting Federation:
Purpose - national governing body overseeing the sport of weightlifting in India
About National Informatics Centre (NIC):
♦ Director General - Neeta Verma
Quick Facts about Indian Oil Corporation Limited:
About Moglix:
♦ Founder and CEO - Rahul Garg
♦ Type - B2B commerce company
About National Safety Council:
♦ Chairman - Satish Reddy
Quick Facts about IISL:
♦ Owned by – National Stock Exchange of India
Quick Facts about Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):
♦ Parent entity – Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
About Dalmia Bharat Group:
♦ MD - Puneet Dalmia
♦ Headquarters - Delhi
About All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS):
♦ Director - Randeep Guleria
About Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO):
♦ Chairman DRDO & Secretary Department of Defence R&D - Dr. S Christopher
Quick Facts about PHDCCI:
♦ Head Office – New Delhi
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Foreign Entities
Quick Facts about World Health Organisation (WHO):
♦Formed in – 1946
♦Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
♦Current Director General – Tedros Adhanom
Quick Facts about Nomura Group:
Founded in – 1925
Headquarters – Tokyo, Japan
Quick Facts about International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF):
♦ Headquarters – Lausanne, Switzerland
About SpaceX:
♦ CEO - Elon Musk
♦ Headquarters - California, U.S.
About National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA):
♦ Acting Administrator - Robert M. Lightfoot Jr.
♦ Headquarters - Washington, D.C., U.S.
About Macquarie:
♦ MD & CEO - Nicholas Moore
♦ Headquarters - Sydney, Australia
Quick Facts about UNASUR:
Constitutive Treaty Signed in – 2008
Secretariat – Quito, Ecuador
Current Members – Bolivia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela
About United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS):
♦ Director - Ms. Agnès Marcaillou
About United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO):
♦ Director General - Audrey Azoulay
♦ Headquarters - Paris, France
About British National Anti-Vivisection Society (NAVS):
♦ Founded – 1875
♦ Chief Executive - Jan Creamer
About World Bank Group:
♦ President - Jim Yong Kim
♦ Headquarters - Washington, DC
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About Symantec:
♦ CEO – Greg Clark
♦ Headquarters – California, US
About PepsiCo:
♦ Chairman & CEO - Indra Nooyi
♦ Headquarters - New York, United States
About International Cricket Council (ICC):
♦ CEO - David Richardson
♦ Headquarters - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
About Division for Social Policy and Development (DSPD) of United Nations Department of Economic and
Social Affairs (UN DESA):
♦ Director - Ms. Daniela Bas
♦ Headquarters – New York
About World Health Day:
♦ Director-General - Tedros Adhanom
♦ Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland
About Google:
♦ CEO - Sundar Pichai
♦ Headquarters - California, U.S.
About Boao Forum for Asia:
♦ Formed – 2001
♦ Secretariat of Boao Forum for Asia – Beijing, China
Quick Facts about Saudi Aramco:
♦ Operating as Saudi Aramco since – 1988
♦ Headquarters – Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
♦ Products – Petroleum, Natural Gas and other Petrochemicals
About Commonwealth:
♦ Secretary-General - Patricia Scotland
♦ Member nations - 53
About Sodexo:
♦ CEO - Denis Machuel
♦ Headquarters - Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
About US Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
♦ FDA Commissioner - Dr. Scott Gottlieb
♦ Headquarters – Maryland, US
About FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association):
♦ President - Gianni Infantino
♦ Headquarters - Zürich, Switzerland
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About White Ribbon Alliance:

♦ CEO - Betsy Mccallon
♦ Purpose - non-profit and non-governmental membership organization that aims to decrease maternal and newborn
death globally
About Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party:
♦ President - Shehbaz Sharif
♦ Headquarters – Lahore, Pakistan
About Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF):
♦ Secretary General - Yury Sentyurin
♦ Headquarters - Doha, Qatar
About FTII (Film and Television Institute of India):
♦Established – 1960
♦Chairman - Anupam Kher
Quick Facts about OPEC:
♦ Headquarters – Vienna, Austria
♦ Members – Algeria, Angola, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Venezuela
About Deutsche Post DHL Group:
♦ CEO - Dr Frank Appel
♦ Headquarters - Bonn, Germany
About British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA):
♦ Formed - 16 April 1947
♦ President - HRH Prince William, The Duke of Cambridge
About Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations:
Director-General - José Graziano da Silva
Headquarters – Rome, Italy.
About World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO):
♦ Director General - Francis Gurry
♦ Headquarters - Geneva, Switzerland
About UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA):
♦ Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs - Ms. Izumi Nakamitsu
♦ Headquarters – New York, US
Quick Facts about Pulitzer Prize:
Awarded For: Outstanding achievements in journalism, literature and musical composition
First Awarded in: 1917, by provisions in the will of Joseph Pulitzer, a Hungarian-American newspaper publisher
Administered By: Columbia University
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Prize: Gold Medal for the winner in Public Service Category of Journalism. All other winners receive Certificate and
$15000 Cash Prize
World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH):
♦ President - Alain Weill
♦ Headquarters - Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Quick Facts about United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC):
♦ Role – serves as central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and formulating policy
recommendations addressed to UN member countries
♦ Current President – Marie Chatardova
Quick Facts about International Monetary Fund (IMF):

♦ Headquarters – Washington D.C., US
♦ Current Managing Director – Christine Lagarde
About International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS):
♦ President - Mr Toshiyuki Kono
♦ Location - Paris, France
Facts related to 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting/CHOGM 2018:
Dates – 19th and 20th April 2018
Held in – London, Windsor - England
Chair – Theresa May, PM of UK
Theme – ‘Towards a Common Future’.
About FIBA (International Basketball Federation):
♦ President - Horacio Muratore
♦ Location - Mies, Switzerland
Quick Facts about Fitch Ratings:
♦ Current President and CEO – Paul Taylor.
About International Labour Organization (ILO):
♦ Director General - Guy Ryder
♦ Headquarters – Geneva, Switzerland
About International Theatre Institute (ITI):
♦ President - Mohamed Saif AL-AFKHAM
♦ Headquarters - Shanghai, China
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About Saudi Aramco (Saudi Arabian Oil Company):

♦ President - Amin H. Nasser
♦ Headquarters – Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
Other Countries
Quick Facts about South Korea:
♦ Capital – Seoul
♦ Currency – South Korean won
♦ Current President – Moon Jae-in
♦ Important Rivers – Nakdong, Geum, Hantan
Quick Facts about Nepal:
♦ Capital – Kathmandu
♦ Currency – Nepalese Rupee
♦ Current Prime Minister – Khadga Prasad Oli
♦ Neighbouring Countries – India and China
About Mongolia:
President - Khaltmaagiin Battulga
Prime Minister - Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh
Quick Facts about China:
♦ Capital – Beijing
♦ Currency – Renminbi
♦ Current President – Xi Jinping
♦ Important Rivers – Yangtze, Yellow River
About Guatemala:
♦ President - Jimmy Morales
♦ Currency – Quetzal
♦ Capital - Guatemala City
Quick Facts about Russia:
♦ Capital – Moscow
♦ Currency – Ruble
♦ Current President – Vladimir Putin
♦ Important Rivers – Volga, Ob
About Paraguay:
Capital – Asunción
Currency – Guaraní
Official languages – Spanish, Guarani
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About Serbia:
♦ President - Aleksandar Vučić
♦ Prime Minister - Ana Brnabić
Quick facts about Sao Tome and Principe:
Capital – Sao Tome
Currency – Dobra
Current President – Evaristo Carvalho
Quick Facts about Japan:
♦ Capital – Tokyo
♦ Currency – Japanese yen
♦ Current Prime Minister – Shinzo Abe
♦ Important Rivers – Shinano, Tone, Ishikari
Quick Facts about Turkey:
♦ Capital – Ankara
♦ Currency – Turkish lira
♦ Current President – Recep Tayyip Erdogan
♦ Important Rivers – Euphrates, Tigris
Quick Facts about UAE:
Capital – Abu Dhabi
Currency – UAE dirham
Current President – Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Quick Facts about Canada:
Capital – Ottawa
Currency – Canadian Dollar
Current Prime Minister – Justin Trudeau
Quick Facts about Afghanistan:
♦ Capital – Kabul
♦ Currency – Afghani
♦ Current President – Ashraf Ghani
♦ Important Rivers – Helmand River, Kunduz River
Quick Facts about Iran:
Capital – Tehran
Currency – Rial
Current President – Hassan Rouhani
About Sierra Leone:
♦ Capital – Freetown
♦ Official language – English
♦ Currency – Leone
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About Qatar:
♦ Prime Minister - Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani
♦ Capital - Doha
Quick Facts about Bolivia:
♦ Capitals – La Paz, Sucre
♦ Currency – Boliviano
♦ Current President – Evo Morales
Quick Facts about Israel:
♦ Capital – Jerusalem
♦ Currency – Israeli new shekel
♦ Current Prime Minister – Benjamin Netanyahu
♦ Important Rivers – Yarkon, Kishon
Quick Facts about Equatorial Guinea:
♦ Capital – Malabo
♦ Currency – Central African franc
♦ Current President – Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo
♦ Important Rivers – Benito, Mven, Komo
Quick Facts about Vietnam:
♦ Capital – Hanoi
♦ Currency – Vietnamese Dong
♦ Current President – Tran Dai Quang
♦ Important Rivers – Red River, Perfume River
Quick Facts about Bangladesh:
♦ Capital – Dhaka
♦ Currency – Taka
♦ Current Prime Minister – Sheikh Hasina
♦ Neighbouring Countries – India, Myanmar
Quick Facts about Peru:
♦ Capital – Lima
♦ Currency – Sol
♦ Current President – Martin Vizcarra
About Hungary:
♦ Capital – Budapest
♦ Currency – Forint
♦ Official language – Hungaria
♦ President - János Áder
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About Kazakhstan:
♦ President - Nursultan Nazarbayev
♦ Prime Minister - Bakhytzhan Sagintayev
Quick Facts about United Kingdom:
Capital – London
Currency – Great British Pound
Current Prime Minister – Theresa May
Quick Facts about Zambia:
Capital – Lusaka
Currency – Zambian kwacha
Current President – Edgar Lungu
Neighbouring Countries – Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana,
Namibia, Angola
Quick Facts about Timor Leste:
♦ Capital – Dili
♦ Currency – Unites States Dollar
♦ Current President – Francisco Guterres
Quick Facts about Morocco:
♦ Capital – Rabat
♦ Currency – Moroccan dirham
♦ Current Prime Minister – Saadeddine Othmani
♦ Important River – Draa, Sebou
About Republic of Korea or South Korea:
♦ President - Moon Jae-in
♦ Prime Minister - Lee Nak-yeon
Quick Facts about Swaziland:
Capital – Mbabane (executive), Lobamba (legislative)
Currency – Swazi lilangeni and South African Rand
Current Prime Minister – Sibusiso Dlamini
Neighbouring Countries – Mozambique and South Africa
Quick Facts about New Zealand:
♦ Capital – Wellington
♦ Most Populous City – Auckland
♦ Currency – New Zealand Dollar
♦ Current Prime Minister – Jacinda Ardern
About Syria:
♦ Prime Minister - Imad Khamis
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♦ Official language – Arabic

♦ Currency - Syrian pound
Quick Facts about United Nations:
♦ Current Secretary General – Antonio Guterres
Quick Facts about United States of America:
♦ Capital – Washington D.C.
♦ Currency – US Dollar
♦ Current President – Donald Trump
♦ Neighbouring Countries – Canada, Mexico
About Sweden:
Capital - Stockholm
Currency - Swedish krona
Prime Minister - Stefan Löfven
Quick Facts about Eritrea:
♦ Capital – Asmara
♦ Currency – Nakfa
♦ Current President – Isaias Afwerki
♦ Neighbouring countries – Sudan, Ethiopia, Djibouti
Quick Facts about Egypt:
♦ Capital – Cairo
♦ Currency – Egyptian pound
♦ Current President – Abdel Fattah el-Sisi
♦ Neighbouring Countries – Sudan, Israel, Libya
Quick Facts about Nicaragua:
♦ Capital – Managua
♦ Currency – Cordoba
♦ Current President – Daniel Ortega
Quick Facts about Germany:
♦ Capital – Berlin
♦ Currency – Euro
♦ Current Chancellor – Angela Merkel
♦ Important Cities – Hamburg, Munich, Frankfurt,
Quick Facts about Finland:
♦ Capital – Helsinki
♦ Currency – Euro
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♦ Current Prime Minister – Juha Sipila

♦ Neighbouring countries – Norway, Sweden, Russia
Terminologies
Banking
Benchmark prime lending rate (BPLR)
Asset Liability Management Committee (ALCO)
Public Financial Management System (PFMS)
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India)
Small and Medium Enterprise (SME)
Financial exclusion and Financial Technology (Fintech).
Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)
Marginal Standing Facility (MSF)
SWIFT (Society for World Interbank Financial Telecommunication System platform)
Public Financial Management System (PFMS)
foreign portfolio investors (FPI)
Central government securities (G-Sec).
National E-Repository Limited (NERL)
National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX)
Other Terminology
Indian Cellular Association (ICA)
Fast Track Task Force (FTTF)
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act)
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Services Companies)
MAIT (Manufacturers' Association for Information Technology).
Airports Authority of India (AAI)
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Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE)

Mother's Absolute Affection (MAA)
Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs)
Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIS).
Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO)
Organ Retrieval and Banking Organization (ORBO)
FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO)
Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
Steel Users Federation of India (SUFI).
Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs)
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
Minor Forest Produce (MFP)
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)
Indian Railway Track Machine Training Centre Allahabad (IRTMTC)
National Data & Analytics Platform (NDAP)
India Business Leader Awards (IBLA)
Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS)
Sounding Rocket Experiment (SOUREX)
Electron Density and Neutral Wind Probe (ENWi)
Tri Methyl Aluminium (TMA)
Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC)
Drug and Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)
free trade agreement (FTA)
Federation of India Export Organisations (FIEO)
Ratnagiri Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd. (RRPCL)
Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR).
Gujarat Power Corporation Ltd (GPCL)
Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd (GUVNL)
Gujarat Electric Transmission Corporation (GETCO)
Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)
Central Transmission Unit (CTU)
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS)
e-Measurement Book (e-MB)
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CPWD (Central Public Works Department).

Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC)
United States Trade Representative (USTR)
ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)
exchange traded fund (ETF)
Election Commission of India (ECI)
Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)
Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP)
Andhra Pradesh Cyber Security Operations Center (APCSOC)
Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN)
Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness (RCMA)
Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA)
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI)
Good Luck with Your Exams!!!

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Current Affairs April 2018

Current Affairs for Competitive Exam

iii Headquarters of ISA is located in Gurugram, Haryana, India.

Cabinet approves the restructured Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan

Cabinet Approvals on Economic Affairs

Cabinet Approvals with Foreign Countries

TN Government rolls out Amma Free Wi-Fi zones

Union Home Minister launches e-FRRO scheme

Target year of completing PMGSY-1 advanced to 2019 from 2022

Launches & Inaugurations

Multi Modal Logistic Park inaugurated at Goa

World-Class tourist amenities unveiled at Konark Sun Temple

West Bengal Launches Rupashree scheme for marriage of poor girls

Suresh Prabhu Launches Digital Initiative for Ease of Export

Suresh Prabhu inaugurates Delhi-Pathankot flight under UDAN scheme

MAA programme launched by Himachal Pradesh Health Minister Vipin Parmar

Uttarakhand CM launches drive to transform public schools

IndiaFilings launches online income tax filing services

Union Government launches UTTAM App for Coal Quality Monitoring

Khadi Store Locator App launched

TN govt launches mobile app for farmers

Indian Railways introduces new machines for Mechanised Track Maintenance

Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurates Uttarakhand’s second Mega Food Park

food processing facilities.

Dharmendra Pradhan launches PMUY scheme in Delhi

Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb launches state component of PMKVY in Agartala

Kerala Govt to launch 'community radio' to update farmers

Goa govt to launch its app-based taxi service

EPCES launches new membership software application

Vice President inaugurates “Scientific Convention on World Homoeopathy Day”

Haryana Government launches Water ATM policy for urban areas

FSSAI launches Project Dhoop to address vitamin D deficiency amongst youngsters

Website of veterinary association launched

PM Modi arrives in Chhattisgarh, to launch various schemes

Maharashtra Govt. launches Tribal development centre

Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation launched 6th edition of Heat Action Plan

Pradhan Mantri Ujwala Yojana Launched in Telangana

Government launches first tranche of Sovereign gold bonds for FY19

Interest Rate: 2.50% per annum, payable every 6 months.

Smriti Irani launches GNFC’s Neem project in UP

DARPAN-PLI App launched by Manoj Sinha

‘Study in India’ portal of HRD Ministry launched by Ms. Sushma Swaraj

Venkaiah Naidu launches Assam government’s cashless health scheme

UIDAI introduces new QR code for offline Aadhaar verification

Gujarat launches magazine on hemophilia to spread awareness

Major electrification scheme launched in Nagaland

Uttarakhand CM launches campaign to connect with youngsters

PM Modi to launch Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan from MP

Chandrababu Naidu inaugurates AP Cyber Security Operations Center

Meghalaya launches mission to increase organic turmeric

Human Resource Development Ministry Launches Unnat Bharat Abhiyan 2.0

Kerala CM launched Pravasi Pension Scheme

Van Dhan Scheme launched by PM to help increase tribal income

Government launches Seed import-export portal

Bhaichung Bhutia launches ‘Hamro Sikkim Party’

Centre to launch National Disaster Database

Indian Culinary Institute inaugurated

Naveen Patnaik launches Odisha Skills, Dharmendra Pradhan opens 3 facilities

HP CM inaugurates Rs 39.65 crore water supply scheme in Mandi

Govt. launches Pilot scheme Procurement of Aggregate Power of 2500 MW

Surat railway station to be 3rd in country to have 'airport like' facilities

Second World Hindu Congress (WHC), scheduled to be held in Chicago in September

Assam Spring Festival organised at Manas National Park