July 2018 4th Quarter Current Affairs

Prelims-cum-Mains 2019
WEEKELY CURRENT AFFAIRS: [25 – 31 JULY 2018]

(Series-8)
General Studies-I
History, Indian Heritage and Culture
Geography of the World
Society
(The Hindu +
General Studies -II Indian Express
Governance, Constitution, Polity
Social Justice + PIB)
International relations
General Studies -III
Economic Development
Science & Technology
Environment and Bio-diversity
Disaster Management
Internal Security
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
Note: Currents material with Purvanchal IAS team under

the guidance of Ms. Deepinder Kaur
Purvanchal IAS, House No. 2, Near Padlegunj Polics Station, Indira Nagar, 1
Gorakhpur (UP) Contact: 6393641090, 9911809808, 0551-2255462
General Studies-I
HISTORY, INDIAN HERITAGE AND CULTURE
The Walled City of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India” is the next

proposed site for UNESCO World Heritage recognition
The site namely “The Walled City of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India” has been proposed for World
Heritage. As per Operation Guidelines 2017, only one site can be nominated by the state party
each year. The recognition of World Heritage is a matter of great pride. It impacts the local
economy by giving a boost to domestic and international tourism leading to increased
employment Generation, creation of World class infrastructure and augmentation of sale of local
handicrafts, handlooms and heritage memorabilia. Besides, it adds to the prestige of the country
as well as prescribed site.
There are a total of 37 World Heritage sites in India at Present. A list of these sites, State wise, is
given below,
WORLD HERITAGE SITES IN INDIA
CULTURAL SITES:
Under Protection of Archaeological Survey of India
S.No Name of Site State
1. Agra Fort (1983) Uttar Pradesh
2. Ajanta Caves (1983) Maharashtra
3. Ellora Caves (1983) Maharashtra
4. Taj Mahal (1983) Uttar Pradesh
5. Group of Monuments at Tamil Nadu

Mahabalipuram (1984)
6. Sun Temple, Konarak (1984) Odisha
7. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) Goa
8. Fatehpur Sikri (1986) Uttar Pradesh
9. Group of Monuments at Hampi (1986) Karnataka
10. Khajuraho, Group of Temples (1986) Madhya Pradesh
11. Elephanta Caves ( 1987) Maharashtra
12. Great Living Chola Temples at Tamil Nadu

Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram
and Darasuram (1987 & 2004)
13. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal Karnataka

(1987)
14. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) Madhya Pradesh
15. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993) Delhi
16. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi Delhi

(1993)
17. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003) Madhya Pradesh
18. Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Gujarat

Park (2004)
19. Red Fort Complex, Delhi (2007) Delhi
20. Hill Forts of Rajasthan Rajasthan

(Chittaurgarh, Kumbhalgarh,
Jaisalmer and Ranthambhore, Amber
and Gagron Forts) (2013)
(Amber and Gagron Forts are under
protection of Rajasthan State
Archaeology and Museums)
21. Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) at Gujarat

Patan (2014)
22. Archaeological Site of Bihar
Nalanda Mahavihara (Nalanda
University) at Nalanda (2016)
Under Protection of Ministry of Railways
23. Mountain Railways of India ( West Bengal, Tamil Nadu,

Darjeeling,1999), Nilgiri (2005), Himachal Pradesh
Kalka-Shimla(2008)
24. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Maharashtra

(formerly Victoria Terminus)
(2004)
Under Protection of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee
25 Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bihar

Bodh Gaya, (2002)
Under Protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums
26. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010) Rajasthan
Under Protection of Chandigarh Administration
27. The Architectural Work of Le Chandigarh

Corbusier, an Outstanding
Contribution to the Modern
Movement (2016)
Under Protection of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation
28. Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017) Gujarat
Under Protection of Government of Maharashtra
29. Victorian and Art Deco Ensembles of Maharashtra

Mumbai (2018)
NATURAL SITES:
Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes
30. Kaziranga National Park (1985) Assam
31. Keoladeo National Park (1985) Rajasthan
32. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985) Assam
33. Sunderbans National Park (1987) West Bengal
34. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand

National Parks (1988, 2005)
35. Western Ghats (2012) Karnataka, Kerala,

Maharashtra,Tamil Nadu
36. Great Himalayan National Park Himachal Pradesh

(2014)
MIXED SITE:
Under Protection of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Changes
37. Khangchendzonga National Park Sikkim

(2016)
GEOGRAPHY OF THE INDIA AND WORLD
SOCIETY
Launching of National Viral Hepatitis Control Program
MoHFW has launched the ‘National Viral Hepatitis Control Program’, with the goal of ending viral
hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030 in the country. The aim of the initiative is to reduce
morbidity and mortality due to viral hepatitis. The key strategies as follows
(i) preventive and promotive interventions with focus on awareness generation,

(ii) safe injection practices and socio-cultural practices,
(iii) sanitation and hygiene,
(iv) safe drinking water supply,
(v) infection control and immunization;
(vi) co-ordination and collaboration with different Ministries and departments;
(vii) increasing access to testing and management of viral hepatitis;
(viii) promoting diagnosis and providing treatment support for patients of hepatitis B &C
through standardized testing and management protocols with focus on treatment of
hepatitis B and C;
(ix) building capacities at national, state, district levels and sub-district level up to Primary
Health Centres (PHC) and health and wellness centres such that the program can be
scaled up till the lowest level of the healthcare facility in a phased manner.
Government launches Swachh Bharat Internship to

promote involvement of students in rural cleanliness
Government of India launched a “Swachh Bharat Summer Internship- 100 hours of Swachhta”
programme for the students of Universities and Higher Education Institutions. The students are to
devote approximately 100 hours conducting Swachhta- related activitiesin villages selected by
them and approved by their parent institution. The participants are to conduct (i) Information-
Education- Communication activities for increasing awareness of village people about sanitation
and hygiene and (ii) Solid Waste Management related activities in villages.
All the participants of the Internship programme will be given a Swachh Bharat Summer
Internship Certificate on completion of their internship and its approval by their parent
institution. Apart from these Certificates, the Best interns will be recognised withShields/cups at
college level and cash prizes of Rs. 30,000,Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 10,000 at University level; Rs.
50,000,Rs. 30,000 and Rs. 20,000 at State level and Rs. 2 Lakh, Rs. 1 Lakh and Rs. 50,000 at the
National level. As per the guidelines of the Internship programme, 2 curriculum credits are to be
given by institutions affiliated with UGC to those interns whose internships are certified by the
parent institution as eligible for the credits on the basis of higher parameters.
General Studies -II

GOVERNANCE, CONSTITUTION AND POLITY
Major e-Learning Projects of the HRD Ministry over last

three years
The key e-Learning Projects running by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD)
are as follows:
• SWAYAM: The ‘Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds' (SWAYAM) an
integrated platform for online courses, using information and communication technology (ICT)
and covering school (9th to 12th) to Post Graduate Level. At present, about 1000+ MOOCs Courses
are listed on SWAYAM, wherein about 30 Lakhs students have enrolled to these courses. It also
offers online courses for students, teachers and teacher educators. It may be accessed
on swayam.gov.in
• SWAYAM Prabha: SWAYAM Prabha is an initiative to provide 32 High Quality Educational
Channels through DTH (Direct to Home) across the length and breadth of the country on 24X7
basis. It has curriculum based course content covering diverse disciplines.
• National Digital Library (NDL): The National Digital Library of India (NDL) is a project to
develop a framework of virtual repository of learning resources with a single-window search
facility. There are more than 153 Lakhs digital books available through the NDL. It may be
accessed on ndl.gov.in
• ICT in Educational Curriculum for School System: The “Information and Communication
Technology in School” (ICT) component of centrally sponsored scheme of Integrated scheme for
School Education (Samagra Shiksha) provides for opportunities to secondary stage students to
build their capacity in ICT skills and make them learn through computer aided learning process.
The Scheme covers Government and Government Aided Secondary and Higher Secondary
Schools.
• e-Pathshala: e-Books of the resources developed by NCERT, SCERT / SIEs, State Boards etc. SIEs
in multiple languages and uploaded on e-Pathshala Website and disseminated through Mobile App
(Android, iOS and Windows). e-Pathshala has been listed / made available on the UMANG App of
Government of India, which was launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister of India on 23rd November,
2017 during GCCS-2017. So far, 3311 audios and videos, 650 e-books (e-pubs) and 504 flip books
have been made available on the portal and mobile app.
• Shagun Portal – an Initiative to monitor the implementation of SSA: A web portal

called ShaGun (from the words Shaala and Gunvatta) which has two parts i.e., one is a Repository
of good practices, photographs, videos, studies, newspaper articles etc. on elementary education,
State/UT wise. These would be in the public domain. Its purpose is to showcase success stories
and also to provide a platform for all stakeholders to learn from each other. This would also instill
a positive competitive spirit among all the States and UTs. The second part is regarding the online
monitoring of the SSA implemented by States and UTs and will be accessed by Government
Officers at all.
• Shaala Kosh: Shaala Kosh is a repository of school data. The Shaala Kosh App for schools aims to
reduce the time wasted in academic administrative works and non-academic administrative
works in Schools. Streamlining school operations and reducing the administrative burden. Shaala
Kosh application in Schools helps in the day-to-day functioning of schools at ease.
• National Repository of Open Educational Resources (NROER): To make digital resources

available for teachers and students as free and open source material. To enable the participation
of the community in development and sharing of digital resources. To facilitate the adoption and
creation of digital resources in different Indian languages.
• Saransh: Developed by CBSE is a tool for comprehensive self-review for schools and parents. It is
a data driven analytical solution for tracking performance of students, within schools, state, region
and national level.
Lok Sabha passes anti-graft amendment Bill

The Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018 that seeks to punish
bribe-givers and bribe takers.The Bill provides for jail terms of three to seven years, besides fine,
to those convicted of taking bribes and those offering illegal gratification.
The Bill also extends the ambit of public servants who will be protected by the provision of a prior
government sanction for prosecution. There is also a provision now to get prior permission for
starting an investigation.
Bill Features
1) Giving bribe is a specific and a direct offence.
2) Those convicted of taking bribes can be imprisoned for three to seven years besides being
fined under the provisions of the Bill.
3) Bribe-givers have also been included in the legislation for the first time and they can be
punished with imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine or both.
4) It makes a provision for providing protection to 'coerced' (forced to pay a bribe) bribe-
givers if the matter is reported to the concerned law enforcement agencies within a week.
5) The Bill has removed the provision which protected a bribe-giver from prosecution for
statements made by him/her during corruption trials.
6) The Bill also redefines criminal misconduct and will now only cover misappropriation of
property and possession of disproportionate assets.
7) The Bill proposes a 'shield' for government servants, including those retired, from
prosecution by making it mandatory for investigating agencies such as the Central Bureau of
Investigation to take prior approval from a competent authority before conducting an enquiry
against them.
8) However, it states that such permissions shall not be necessary for cases involving the arrest of
a person on the spot on the charge of accepting or attempting to accept any undue advantage for
himself or for any other person.
9) Another relief that the Bill provides to a public servant is that in any corruption case against
him or her, the factor of "undue advantage" will have to be established.
10) According to the Bill, the trial in cases pertaining to the exchange of bribe and corruption
should be completed within two years. Further, even after reasoned delays, the trial cannot
exceed four years.
11) The Bill covers bribe-giving commercial organisations to be liable for punishment or
prosecution. However, charitable institutions have been left out of its ambit.
12) According to PRS Legislative Research, the Bill provides powers and procedures for the
attachment and forfeiture of a corruption-accused public servant's property.
Lok Sabha passes anti-trafficking Bill

The Lok Sabha recently passed the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and
Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018.The Bill lays down a stringent punishment of 10 years to life
imprisonment for aggravated forms of trafficking, which include buying or selling of persons for
the purpose of bonded labour, bearing a child, as well as those where chemical substances are
administered, and a survivor acquires life-threatening illnesses such as AIDS.
The Bill proposes establishing a National Anti-Trafficking Bureau (NATB) for coordinating and
monitoring of trafficking cases. It also provides for a Relief and Rehabilitation Committee and
Rehabilitation Fund with an initial allocation of ₹ 10 crore. It prescribes forfeiture of property
used or likely to be used for the commission of an offence.
Protect critical personal data of citizens: draft Bill
The draft personal data protection Bill, 2018, submitted by the Justice B.N. Srikrishna-headed
expert panel has proposed that critical personal data of Indian citizens be processed in centres
located within the country. The draft law has left it to the government to notify categories of
personal data that will be considered critical. Other personal data may be transferred outside the
territory of India with some riders. However, at least one copy of the data will need to be stored in
India. The draft Bill, which India hopes will become a model framework for personal data
protection for the world, will apply to processing of personal data within India, including the
State.
For data processors not present in India, the Act will apply to those carrying on business in India
or other activities, such as profiling, which could cause privacy harms to data principals in India.
The draft also provides for penalties for the data processor as well as compensation to the data
principal to be imposed for violations of the data protection law. It has suggested a penalty of ₹ 15
crore, or 4% of the total worldwide turnover of any data collection/processing entity, for violating
provisions. Failure to take prompt action on a data security breach can attract up to ₹ 5 crore or
2% of turnover in penalty.
As per the bill, personal data may be processed on the basis of the consent of the data principal,
before the commencement of the processing. It added that processing of sensitive personal data
should be on the basis of “explicit consent.”
The draft Bill, which has recommended that a Data Protection Authority be set up to prevent
misuse of personal information, also provides for setting up an Appellate Tribunal. The draft
states that data principal will have the right to restrict or prevent continuing disclosure of
personal data by a data processor.
Data Protection Authority will be sector-agnostic

The Justice Srikrishna committee, in a report and a draft Bill, recommended the creation of a Data
Protection Authority that will be in charge of ensuring that entities processing data do so in keeping with
the law.
The DPA, being a sector agnostic body, will ensure that every entity that handles data is conscious of its
obligations and that it will be held to account in case of failure to comply.
The authority will be governed by a board consisting of six whole-time members and a chairperson
appointed by the Union government on the recommendation of a selection committee. The selection
committee shall consist of the Chief Justice of India or her nominee (who is a judge of the Supreme
Court of India), the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India, and one expert of repute who has special
knowledge of, and professional experience in, areas related to data protection, information technology,
data management, data science, cyber and Internet laws and related subjects.
The members of the DPA are to be “individuals of integrity and ability” with special knowledge of, and
professional experience of not less than 10 years in, areas related to data protection, information
technology, data management, data science, cyber and internet laws and related subjects. The DPA
members will have a five-year term, subject to a suitable retirement age and their salaries will be
prescribed by the Central government.
Broadly, the DPA will have four departments and related functions: monitoring and enforcement; legal
affairs, policy and standard setting; research and awareness; and inquiries, grievance handling and
adjudication.The DPA will be stating codes of practice, conducting inquiries, and issuing warnings and
injunctions.
SOCIAL JUSTICE
Govt Steps in respect of Lifestyle diseases in India
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and other Institutes conduct studies on lifestyle
disease. According to ICMR India State-Level Disease Burden Study report “India: Health of the
Nation’s States”, the estimated proportion of all deaths due to Non-Communicable Diseases
(NCDs) has increased from 37.09% in 1990 to 61.8% in 2016.
As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS); 2015-16, 11% of women (1 in 10) and 15% of
men (1 in 7) of age 15-49 are hypertensive. The survey has also found that about 60.4% of
persons screened have ever had their blood pressure measured.
As per ICMR’s cancer registry data, the estimated incidences of cancer patients in India are
13,28,229, 13,88,397, 14,51,417 and 15,17,426 during the years 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017,
respectively. While estimated deaths due to cancer during these years are 670541, 701007,
732921 and 766348, respectively.
The Government has formulated the National Health Policy, 2017, which aims attainment of the
highest possible level of good health and well-being for all at all ages, through a preventive and
promotive health care orientation in all the developmental policies, and universal access to good
quality health care services without anyone having to face financial hardship as a consequence.
Government of India is also implementing National Programme for Prevention and Control of
Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) under the National Health
Mission. The objective of the programme includes awareness generation for Cancer prevention,
screening, early detection and referral to an appropriate level institution for treatment. For
Cancer, the focus is on three Cancer namely breast, cervical and oral.
Further, for early diagnosis, population level initiative of prevention, control and screening of
common NCDs (diabetes, hypertension and cancers viz. oral, breast and cervical cancer) has been
rolled out in over 150 districts of the country in 2017-18 under NHM, as a part of comprehensive
primary healthcare. This initiative will not only help in early diagnosis but also will generate
awareness on risk factors of common NCDs.
Under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana(PMSSY), 6 new AIIMS have been set up and
upgradation of identified medical colleges has been undertaken which will also improve tertiary
care facilities for NCDs including Diabetes.
In collaboration with the Ministry of AYUSH, an initiative to use the knowledge available in AYUSH
system of medicines for prevention and control of Non-communicable Diseases is being
implemented in 6 districts on pilot basis.
LS passes Bill on rape punishment

The Lok Sabha passed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2018, to provide the death sentence for
rape of girls aged under 12 and enhance the minimum punishment for rape of a woman from
seven years to 10.The Bill amends the Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, the
Indian Evidence Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The Bill, once passed
by the Rajya Sabha, will replace the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance promulgated in April
2018, following an outcry over the Kathua rape case.
The minimum punishment for the rape of a girl under 12 will be 20 years of rigorous
imprisonment, the maximum being the death sentence or life imprisonment. Earlier, the
punishment was rigorous imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life imprisonment. For gang
rape of a girl below 12, the punishment will be life imprisonment or death.
The minimum punishment for rape of a girl under 16 will be 20 years of rigorous imprisonment,
extendable to life imprisonment. The punishment in such cases earlier was 10 years of rigorous
imprisonment. In the case of gang rape of a girl below 16, the punishment will be life
imprisonment. The minimum punishment under the Bill for the rape of a girl over 16 is 10 years,
extendable to life (under Section 376, IPC).The minimum punishment earlier was seven years and
the maximum, life imprisonment.
The Bill also provides for investigation of rape cases within two months from the registration of an
FIR. Earlier there was no timeline for disposal of an appeal after conviction in a lower court, now
this have to be done within six months. There was no longer any provision for anticipatory bail in
the case of rape of a girl below 16. The government would set up fast track, special courts for rape
cases.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Modi, Xi reaffirms promise of peace
India and China held talks on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, to maintain
peace and tranquillity in the border areas. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister
Narendra Modi also discussed plans to hold multiple, high level meetings during the rest of the
year.
Both leaders have reaffirmed once again their readiness to give the necessary directions to their
militaries to enhance communications between them and to maintain peace and tranquillity in the
border areas.
The official said both sides firmed up a round of defence and security related talks in August. The
talks would be held in the backdrop of the first anniversary of the Doklam standoff. Chinese
Ministers of Defence and Public Security will visit India this year and these two visits will take
place in August and October respectively. PM conveyed to the Chinese leadership about India’s
plans to send National Security Advisor Ajit Doval for the Special Representative talks in Beijing to
be held later this year.
The discussion also included possibilities of export of urea among other items from India to
China.Further, an Indian trade delegation will travel to China in the month of August to explore
export possibilities for soya, non-Basmati rice and pharmaceutical products.
General Studies -III
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Banking Regulatory Powers in India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulates and supervises Public Sector and Private Sector Banks.
Under the Provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, it can, Inter Alia:
• inspect the bank and its books and accounts (section 35(1));
• examine on oath any director or other officer of the bank (section 35(3));
• cause a scrutiny to be made of the affairs of the bank (section 35(1A));
• give directions (a) in public interest (b) in interest of banking policy (c) in the interest of the
depositors (d) in the interest of the bank and (e) to secure proper management of the bank
(section 35A);
• call for any information of account details (section 27(2));
• determine the policy in relation to advances by the bank (section 21);
• direct special audit of the bank (section 30(1B));
• direct the bank to initiate insolvency resolution process in respect of a default, under the
provisions of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016(section 35AA);
• issue directions to banks for resolution of stressed assets (section 35 AB);
• direct changes in management of the bank (section 36(1d)(v));
• caution or prohibit banks in particular against entering into any particular transaction or class of
transactions, and generally give advice to any bank (section 36(1a));
• give assistance to any bank by means of the grant of a loan or advance (section 36(1c));
• direct banks to call a meeting of its directors for the purpose of considering any matter relating to
or arising out of the affairs of the bank; or require an officer of the bank to discuss any such matter
with an officer of the RBI (section 36(1d)(i)); and
• appoint one or more of its officers to observe the manner in which the affairs of the bank or of its
offices or branches are being conducted and make a report thereon (section 36(1d)(iv))
The powers of RBI are wide-ranging and comprehensive to deal with various situations that may
emerge in all banks, irrespective of ownership i.e. the Public Sector and the Private Sector owned
Banks.
Govt. panel to study stressed power sector

The government announced its intention to set up a high-level empowered committee under the
Cabinet Secretary to resolve the stress in the thermal power sector.
Stressed thermal power assets are a cause of concern for the country as per the Ministry of Power
statement. With a view to resolve the stress and revive such assets, the government has decided to
set up a high-level empowered committee headed by Cabinet Secretary with representatives from
the Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Finance,Ministry of Power, Ministry of Coal, and the lenders
having major exposure to the power sector.
The committee is to look into the various issues in the thermal power sector with a view to
resolve them and take steps to maximise the efficiency of investment, including changes in the fuel
allocation policy, regulatory framework, mechanisms to facilitate sale of power, payment security
mechanisms, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), asset restructuring company (ARC)
regulations and any other measures proposed for revival of stressed assets so as to avoid such
investments becoming NPA.
Leg-up for private sector participation in defence

equipment manufacturing
In a major step towards boosting private sector participation in domestic defence manufacturing,
the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the implementation of Strategic Partnership
guidelines. SP model aims to revitalise defence industrial ecosystem and progressively build
indigenous capabilities in the private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex weapon
system for future needs of armed forces. The amplifying guidelines lay emphasis on
incentivisation of transfer of niche technology and higher indigenous content.
The SP model has four segments submarines, single engine fighter aircraft, helicopters and
armoured carriers/main battle tanks which would be specifically opened up for the private sector.
Under this policy one Indian private company would be selected in each segment which would
tie-up with shortlisted global equipment.
The Ministry stated that all procurements under the SP model would be executed by specially
constituted Empowered Project Committees to provide focussed attention and ensure timely
execution.
Draft e-commerce policy will be in line with Srikrishna

panel proposals
The draft e-commerce policy being formulated by the government will be in keeping with the
recommendations of the Justice Srikrishna Committee report on data privacy.The draft personal
data protection Bill 2018, submitted by the Justice B.N. Srikrishna-headed expert panel, proposed
that critical personal data of Indian citizens be processed in centres located within the country.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Underground lake detected on Mars
With the usage of a radar instrument on an orbiting spacecraft, scientists have spotted a sizeable
salt-laden lake under ice on the southern polar plain of Mars, a body of water considered as a possible
habitat for microbial life.The reservoir detected is roughly 20 km in diameter, shaped like a rounded
triangle and located about 1.5 km beneath the ice surface represents the first stable body of liquid
water ever found on Mars.
Novel biomarkers for gastric cancer progression

Researchers from University of Delhi and National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research,
Noida have identified two proteins i.e survivin and STAT3 that can be potential markers of the
disease. According to them, these proteins could also be suitable therapeutic targets in preventing
gastric cancer progression.Protein expression studies revealed that survivin and STAT3 were
produced in abundance during gastric tumour progression.The Survivin protein can help cancer
cells to survive in harsh toxic conditions and to withstand chemoradiation, causing the patient to
not respond or poorly respond to chemotherapy.
Stem cells will now fight Parkinson’s

Japanese scientists announced the first human trial to treat Parkinson’s disease by injecting stem
cells into brain, building on an earlier trial on primates. The research team at Kyoto University
plans to inject five million induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells, which have the potential to
develop into any cell in the body, into a patient’s brain. The iPS cells from healthy donors will be
developed into dopamine-producing brain cells, which are no longer present in people with
Parkinson’s disease.Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that
affects the body’s motor system, often causing shaking and other difficulties in movement.
ENVIRONMENT AND BIODIVERSITY
CETF Battalion of Territorial Army for Environment

Protection
Govt has accorded sanction for raising a new Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF) of
Territorial Army to patrol sensitive river areas for protection of bio-diversity and other tasks. The
CETF is expected to be largely manned by ex-service men who would bring their spirit of
dedication and expertise to the tasks related of pollution abatement on the lines of Ecological Task
Force Battalions, which are already successfully functioning in different parts of the country.The
decision to raise the new Battalion is to provide platform to every section of people whose
services can be fruitfully utilised in this onerous task and has been a Component of the Namami
Gange Mission. The Battalion is supposed to perform its role under the guidance of authorities who have
the mandate to perform a particular role and they do not have the powers to arrest those found polluting
the river.
Arsenic contamination in paddy is rising in Bengal

A recent study at the School of Environmental Studies (SOES), Jadavpur University, reveals not
only rise in arsenic contamination of paddy plants from ground water in West Bengal, but also
that concentration of ‘arsenic accumulation’ depends on the variety of paddy and its stage in the
crop cycle. The uptake of arsenic is faster in young roots in a vegetative state than in older tissues
with a higher concentrations of iron in root soil in the reproductive phase. Concerns were raised
over the disposal of the contaminated rice straw which is used as animal fodder or burnt or
sometimes left in the field itself to serve as fertiliser.
‘ISRO-like’ ocean mission planned

On the lines of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) success in designing and launching
satellites, the Centre has drawn up a fiveyear, ₹ 8,000 crore plan to explore the deep recesses of
the ocean.
The Union Earth Sciences Ministry tasked with coordinating the exercise unveiled a blueprint of
the ‘Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)’.Among the key deliverables to achieve these goals are an offshore
desalination plant that will work with tidal energy, and developing a submersible vehicle that can
go to a depth of at least 6,000 metres with three people on board. The mission proposes to explore
the deep ocean, similar to the space exploration started by ISRO about 35 years ago.
India has been allotted a site of 1,50,000 sq. km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) by the
UN International Sea Bed Authority for exploitation of polymetallic nodules (PMN). These are
rocks scattered on the seabed containing iron, manganese, nickel and cobalt. It is envisaged that
10% of recovery of that large reserve can meet the energy requirement of India for the next 100
years. It has been estimated that 380 million metric tonnes of polymetallic nodules are available at
the bottom of the seas in the Central Indian Ocean. India’s Exclusive Economic Zone spreads over
2.2 million sq. km and lies unexplored and unutilised.The focus will be on technologies for
deep-sea mining, underwater vehicles, underwater robotics and ocean climate change advisory
services, among other aspects.
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
INTERNAL SECURITY
Over 40 lakh left out of draft NRC in Assam

More than 40 lakh of the 3.29 crore applicants in Assam were left out of the complete draft
National Register of Citizens (NRC), which was recently published. The five year exercise was
completed at a cost of ₹ 1,220 crore.
The draft NRC was released in Guwahati by Registrar General of India and NRC State Coordinator
in the presence of Joint Director (Northeast) in the Ministry of Home Affairs.While the publication
of the list triggered a political row in Parliament, the situation in Assam remained largely peaceful,
with thousands lining up at NRC Nagarik Seva Kendras (NSKs) to check their status. Those not on
the list include 2.48 lakh Doubtful-voters (D-voters) and their siblings and descendants.
CURRENT AFFAIRS OBJECTIVE QUESTION
Q.1) Which of the following comes under Mixed Site(combination of Natural and Cultural
Significance) of ‘World Heritage Site’ of India.
Select the correct statements
a. Khangchendzonga National Park ,Sikkim
b. Victorian and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai
c. Red Fort Complex, Delhi
d. Elephanta Caves, Maharahstra
Answer (a)
Q.2) Consider the following statements about ‘National Viral Hepatitis Control Program’
(1) It is launched by MoHFW with the goal of ending viral hepatitis as a public health threat
by 2030 in the country and as an initiative is to reduce morbidity and mortality due to viral hepatitis.
(2) Its key strategy is of building capacities at national, state, district levels and sub-district
level up to Primary Health Centres (PHC) and health and wellness centres such that the program can
be scaled up till the lowest level of the healthcare facility in a phased manner.\
a. 1 Only
b. 2 Only
c. Both
d. None
Answer (c)
Q.3) Consider the following statement about Swachh Bharat Summer Internship
1. The students are to devote approximately 100 hours conducting Swachhta- related
activitiesin villages selected by them and approved by their parent institution.
2. The participants are to conduct Information- Education- Communication activities for
increasing awareness of village people about sanitation and hygiene and
3. Solid Waste Management related activities in villages is also the part of this Programme.
a. 1 and 2
b. 2 and 3
c. 1 and 3
d. All of the above
Answer (d)
Q.4) Consider the following statements about Programme ‘SWAYAM’.

1. The ‘Study Webs of Active Learning for Young Aspiring Minds' (SWAYAM) is an integrated
platform for online courses, using information and communication technology (ICT) and covering
school (9th to 12th) to Post Graduate Level.
2. It is also an initiative to provide 32 High Quality Educational Channels through DTH (Direct to
Home) across the length and breadth of the country on 24X7 basis.
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. None of the above
Answer (a)
Q.5) Consider the following statements about anti-graft amendment Bill

1. The Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2018 that seeks to
punish bribe-givers and bribe takers.
2 Bribe-givers have also been included in the legislation for the first time and they can be
punished with imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine or both.
3. The Bill covers bribe-giving commercial organisations to be liable for punishment or
prosecution. However, charitable institutions have been left out of its ambit.
4. The Bill proposes a 'shield' for government servants, including those retired, from
prosecution by making it mandatory for investigating agencies such as the Central Bureau of
Investigation to take prior approval from a competent authority before conducting an enquiry
against them.
a. 1 ,2and 3
b. 2 and 3
c. 1 , 3 and 4
d. All of the above
Answer (d)
Q.6 Consider the following statements about National Register of Citizens (NRC).
1. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) is a register containing names of all genuine Indian
citizens
2. The register was first prepared after the 1951,Census of India
3. It is recently published for the state of Assam and more than 40 lakh people left out of draft
NRC.
Select the correct statements.
a. 1 and 2
b. 2 and 3
c. 1 and 3
d. All of the above
Answer (d)
Q.07) Consider the following statements about Deep Ocean Mission (DOM).
1. The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is has launched Deep Ocean Mission to spur
research activities in ocean science and develop technology to harness ocean resources.
2. It will also seek to create jobs and business opportunities in ocean science.
3. China has been working on a deep sea mission for mining mineral deposits in the Indian and
Pacific oceans.
a. 1 and 2
b. 2 and 3
c. 1 and 3
d. All of the above
Answer (d)
Q.08) Consider the following statements about Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF) of
Territorial Army.
1. Govt has accorded sanction for raising a new Composite Ecological Task Force (CETF) of
Territorial Army to patrol sensitive river areas for protection of bio-diversity and other
tasks.
2. CETF is expected to be largely manned by ex-service men who would bring their spirit of
dedication and expertise to the tasks related of pollution abatement on the lines of
Ecological Task Force Battalions.
3. It has been a Component of the Namami Gange Mission.
a. 1 and 2
b. 2 and 3
c. 1 and 3
d. All of the above
Answer (d)
Q.09 Consider the following statements about National health mission -2017
1. Government of India is also implementing National Programme for Prevention and Control
of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) under the National
Health Mission.
2. For early diagnosis, population level initiative of prevention, control and screening of
common NCDs (diabetes, hypertension and cancers viz. oral, breast and cervical cancer)
has been rolled out in over 150 districts of the country in 2017-18 under NHM, as a part of
comprehensive primary healthcare.
3. Under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana(PMSSY), 6 new AIIMS have been set up
and upgradation of identified medical colleges has been undertaken which will also
improve tertiary care facilities for NCDs including Diabetes.
a. 1 and 2
b. 2 and 3
c. 1 and 3
d. All of the above
Answer (d)
Q.10) Consider the following statements about the Shaala Kosh.

1. Shaala Kosh is a repository of school data.
2. The Shaala Kosh App for schools aims to reduce the time wasted in academic
administrative works and non-academic administrative works in Schools.
3. It is used to Streamlining school operations and reducing the administrative burden
a. 1 and 2
b. 2 and 3
c. 1 and 3
d. All of the above
Answer (d)
SUBJECTIVE QUESTIONS FOR MAINS
1. What are the key e-Learning Projects launched by the HRD Ministry over
the recent years and how far they have been successful in their goals.
2. What is the purpose for the setting up of Justice Srikrishna committee.
What is DPA and what will be DPA’s composition as per the committee’s
recommendation.
3. What are the various features of anti-graft amendment Bill recently passed
by the Lok Sabha.
4. What is Swachh Bharat Summer Internship and how will it help in
improving the rural cleanliness.
5. Explain briefly the recent initiative taken by the Defence Ministry for
boosting private sector participation in Defence Manufacturing and Make in
India Initiative.

July 2018 4th Quarter Current Affairs

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July 2018 4th Quarter Current Affairs

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Prelims-cum-Mains 2019

WEEKELY CURRENT AFFAIRS: [25 – 31 JULY 2018]

Note: Currents material with Purvanchal IAS team under

The Walled City of Jaipur, Rajasthan, India” is the next

S.No Name of Site State

1. Agra Fort (1983) Uttar Pradesh

2. Ajanta Caves (1983) Maharashtra

3. Ellora Caves (1983) Maharashtra

4. Taj Mahal (1983) Uttar Pradesh

5. Group of Monuments at Tamil Nadu

6. Sun Temple, Konarak (1984) Odisha

7. Churches and Convents of Goa (1986) Goa

8. Fatehpur Sikri (1986) Uttar Pradesh

10. Khajuraho, Group of Temples (1986) Madhya Pradesh

11. Elephanta Caves ( 1987) Maharashtra

12. Great Living Chola Temples at Tamil Nadu

13. Group of Monuments at Pattadakal Karnataka

14. Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi (1989) Madhya Pradesh

15. Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi (1993) Delhi

16. Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi Delhi

17. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka (2003) Madhya Pradesh

18. Champaner-Pavagarh Archaeological Gujarat

19. Red Fort Complex, Delhi (2007) Delhi

20. Hill Forts of Rajasthan Rajasthan

21. Rani-ki-Vav (The Queen’s Stepwell) at Gujarat

Under Protection of Ministry of Railways

23. Mountain Railways of India ( West Bengal, Tamil Nadu,

24. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Maharashtra

Under Protection of Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee

25 Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bihar

Under Protection of Rajasthan State Archaeology and Museums

26. The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur (2010) Rajasthan

Under Protection of Chandigarh Administration

27. The Architectural Work of Le Chandigarh

Under Protection of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation

28. Historic City of Ahmedabad (2017) Gujarat

Under Protection of Government of Maharashtra

29. Victorian and Art Deco Ensembles of Maharashtra

31. Keoladeo National Park (1985) Rajasthan

32. Manas Wildlife Sanctuary (1985) Assam

33. Sunderbans National Park (1987) West Bengal

34. Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers Uttarakhand

35. Western Ghats (2012) Karnataka, Kerala,

36. Great Himalayan National Park Himachal Pradesh

37. Khangchendzonga National Park Sikkim

GEOGRAPHY OF THE INDIA AND WORLD

(i) preventive and promotive interventions with focus on awareness generation,

Government launches Swachh Bharat Internship to

General Studies -II

Major e-Learning Projects of the HRD Ministry over last

• Shagun Portal – an Initiative to monitor the implementation of SSA: A web portal

• National Repository of Open Educational Resources (NROER): To make digital resources

Lok Sabha passes anti-graft amendment Bill

1) Giving bribe is a specific and a direct offence.

Lok Sabha passes anti-trafficking Bill

Data Protection Authority will be sector-agnostic

Govt Steps in respect of Lifestyle diseases in India

LS passes Bill on rape punishment

General Studies -III

Banking Regulatory Powers in India

Govt. panel to study stressed power sector

Leg-up for private sector participation in defence

Draft e-commerce policy will be in line with Srikrishna