Monthly Current Affairs Capsule December 2018 - wifistudy
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Monthly Current Affairs Capsule December 2018
independence from Soviet Union on April 9,
1991.
Asia Pacific Summit-2018 begins in Kathmandu
The Asia Pacific Summit-2018 has started in
UNESCO adds Jamaican reggae, Georgian
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The theme of two
wrestling and Japanese rituals in coveted list of
day Summit is "Addressing the Critical Challenges
intangible heritage
of Our Time: Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity,
and Universal Values".
UN cultural agency
UNESCO has
Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli said
added six new
to attain the goal of universal peace and
elements viz.
harmony, active partnership between
Jamaican reggae,
governments, private sector and diverse
Georgian wrestling
social groups is necessary.
and Japanese ritual into its coveted list of “intangible
Former Prime Minister of India, H.D. Deve
heritage”.
Gowda said that terrorism and climate
change are the biggest challenges of today's
They were added at UNESCO’s
world. He said terrorism makes no distinction
Intergovernmental Committee for the
between the borders, genders or religions and
Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
magnitude of the threat multiplies when
Heritage meeting held in Mauritius’
terrorism is state sponsored.
This coveted list is made up of those
intangible heritage elements that help
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
demonstrate diversity of cultural heritage and
raise awareness about its importance.
The annual observance of the International Day of
The list was established in 2008 when
Persons with Disabilities Day was proclaimed in
Convention for Safeguarding of the
1992, by a United Nations General Assembly
Intangible Cultural Heritage came into effect.
resolution.
It includes important intangible cultural
heritages worldwide.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
It has two parts viz. Representative List of
Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and aims to promote the rights and well-being of
List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need persons with disabilities in all spheres of
of urgent Safeguarding. society and development and to increase
awareness of the situation of persons with
disabilities in every aspect of political, social,
Salom Zurichishvili elected as first female
economic and cultural life.
President of Georgia
The theme for this year is Empowering
persons with disabilities and ensuring
Salom Zurichishvili was elected as the first female
inclusiveness and equality.
President of Georgia. She will take charge on
The United Nations will launch the first-ever
December 16, 2018.
flagship report on disability and development
"UN Flagship Report on Disability and
In recently concluded presidential election,
Development 2018 - Realizing the SDGs by,
Salom Jurabishvili defeated her rival
for and with persons with disabilities".
candidate Grigol Washadze. She received
59.5% of the votes, while Grigol Washadze
80th Session of the Policy Commission of the
received 40.5% of the votes.
World Customs Organization (WCO) to
It is a country located in Eurasia, its area is
commence in Mumbai
69,700 square kilometers. Its capital is
located in Tbilissi. It had announced its
The 80th Session of the Policy Commission of the World Bank has unveiled US $200 billion in climate
World Customs Organization (WCO) will action investment for 2021 to 2025 to fight impact of
commence in Mumbai. The Session is being climate change. The move coincides with
organized by the WCO and hosted by the Central Conference of Parties-24 (COP24) United Nations
Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), India. Climate Summit in Katowice, Poland.
The Indian delegation will be headed by The breakdown of US $200 billion will
Chairman, CBIC, S Ramesh, along with comprise approximately 100 billion in direct
Member PK Das and their team of senior finance from World Bank.
officers. Around one-third of remaining funding will
Some of the important topics to be discussed come from two World Bank Group agencies
during the meeting include trade facilitation, and rest will be private capital mobilized by
controlling illicit financial flow, performance the World Bank Group.
measurement, challenges of small island World Bank is an international financial
economies, etc. institution that provides loans to countries of
the world for capital projects. Its official goal
Qatar to leave OPEC from January 2019 is reduction of poverty by providing loans to
developing countries for capital programmes.
Qatar has announced its decision to leave the It is one of five institutions created at Breton
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Woods Conference in 1944. Its headquarters
(OPEC) from January next year and focus more on is situated at Washington DC, US.
the production of natural gas.
EAM Swaraj co-chair India-UAE JCM for
Qatar has plans to increase its annual exports Economic and Technical Cooperation
of liquified natural gas, LPG from 77 million
tons of gas per year to 110 million tons.
Qatar is the world's largest exporter of LPG.
Al-Kaabi said, Qatar also wants to raise its oil
production from 4.8 million barrels of oil
equivalent a day to 6.5 million barrels.
International conference on bears starts in Agra
More than 80 delegates from 11 countries are
participating in an international conference on bears
being organized in the Taj city for the first time.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and
Hosted by Wildlife SOS, a conservation non- Foreign Minister of UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed
profit, the conference from December 3-6 is Al Nahyan co-chaired 12th India-UAE Joint
focused on bear care, wildlife conservation Commission Meeting for Economic and Technical
and human wildlife conflict mitigation and is Cooperation.
in collaboration with Bear Care Group from
the US and Canada. Sushma Swaraj also co-inaugurated the
The conference aims to share knowledge on Gandhi- Zayed digital museum along with
principles of welfare of bears and other wild the Foreign Minister of UAE Sheikh
animals in zoos, sanctuaries and rescue Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
centers. India and the UAE enjoy strong bonds of
friendship. With nearly 50 billion US Dollar
World Bank unveils US $200 billion in climate bilateral trade, the two countries are one of
action investment for 2021-25 the largest trade partners for each other and
have made robust investments bilaterally.
UAE is the sixth-largest source of India's oil women's political empowerment in the
imports and hosts a 33 lakh strong Indian country.
community.
Nepal PM greets member states of SAARC on the
India and the Republic of Peru sign Co-operation occasion of 34th SAARC Charter Day
and Mutual Assistance in Customs Matters
Prime Minister of Nepal K.P.Sharma Oli has greeted
An Agreement between the Government of the member states of South Asian Association for
Republic of India and the Government of the Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and people of South
Republic of Peru on Co-operation and Mutual Asia on the occasion of 34th SAARC Charter Day.
Assistance in Customs Matters was signed in
Mumbai, on the side-lines of the 80th Session of the SAARC was established with the signing of
Policy Commission Meeting of the World Customs the SAARC Charter in Dhaka on 8 December
Organizations (WCO). 1985. SAARC comprises of eight Member
States- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan,
The three day 80th Session of the Policy India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri
Commission Meeting of the WCO is being Lanka.
organized by the Central Board of Customs The objectives of the Association as outlined
and Indirect Taxes (CBIC), Government of in the SAARC Charter are: to promote the
India in Mumbai, India, from 3rd to 5th welfare of the peoples of South Asia and to
December 2018. improve their quality of life; to accelerate
The Agreement was signed by Mr. S. economic growth, social progress and
Ramesh, Chairman, CBIC on behalf of the cultural development in the region etc.
Government of India and Mr. Rafael Garcia,
as the National Superintendent of Customs 1st International Conference on Sustainable
on behalf of the Government of the Republic Water Management at Mohali
of Peru.
Women's representation in UAE's Federal
National Council to be doubled
In a landmark decision, UAE has increased the
representation of Emirati women in the Federal
National Council to 50 per cent from the coming
Parliamentary term. The first International Conference under the aegis of
National Hydrology Project, Union Ministry of
A decree passed by the UAE President has Water Resources, River Development and Ganga
directed the doubling of the current Rejuvenation is being organised by Bhakra Beas
percentage of women's representation in the Management Board (BBMB) during 10-11
Federal National Council from 22.5 per cent December, 2018 at Indian School of Business (ISB),
to 50 per cent in the coming parliamentary Mohali on the theme ‘Sustainable Water
term. Management’.
The Federal National Council (FNC) is the
consultative council, the parliamentary body The theme of the Conference deals with
of the UAE. It has 40 members. The current promoting integrated and sustainable
FNC is the result of the latest elections in development and management of Water
2015. Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi is the Chairperson Resources.
and the Speaker of the Federal National The aim of the Conference is to foster the
Council. participation of and dialogue between various
Dr. Al Qubaisi was also the first woman stakeholders, including governments, the
elected to the FNC in 2006. Her journey in scientific and academic communities, so as to
the FNC represents a historical moment for promote sustainable policies for water
management, to create awareness of water- Of the 58 member states, 48 voted in favor of
related problems, motivate commitment at the resolution, while eight abstained and two
the highest level for their solution and thus failed to vote.
promote better management of water In 1946, the UN Economic and Social
resources at local, regional, national and Council established a Commission on Human
international levels. Rights, under which a nine-member drafting
committee, led by Eleanor Roosevelt, was
EAM Sushma Swaraj holds talks with Iceland given the task of creating the charter on
foreign minister human rights.
The drafting committee deliberated on the
The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on day content of the charter in two sessions between
held talks with visiting Iceland Foreign Minister in 1947 and 1948, finally completing it in May
New Delhi. 1948.
The leaders discussed enhancing cooperation European Union opens India’s first Jean Monnet
in trade & investment, renewable energy, Centre of Excellence in New Delhi
especially geothermal energy, blue economy
with a focus on fisheries, tourism and culture
at the delegation-level talks.
Sushma Swaraj said that Iceland is a world
leader in geothermal energy and cooperation
in this sector could benefit our transition to
greener energy mix and help in achieving our
ambitious renewable energy targets.
International Anti-Corruption Day: December 9
European Union (EU) has established India’s first
International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) is
Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence (CoE) at
observed every year across world on December 9 to
Department of European Studies (DES) at Manipal
raise public awareness of corruption and what people
Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) in New
can do to fight it.
Delhi.
Observance of this day aims to promote and
Jean Monnet Center of Excellence in India-
strengthen measures to prevent and combat
EU Interdisciplinary Studies aims to
corruption more efficiently and effectively. It
strengthen and enhance the educational
also highlights role of United Nations
connect between India and EU.
Convention against Corruption in combating
Jean Monnet was French political economist
and preventing it.
and diplomat. He was influential supporter of
International Anti-Corruption Day was
European unity and is considered as one of
instituted by UN General Assembly (UNGA)
founding fathers of European Union.
by passing resolution 58/4 of October 31,
2003.
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs
(CBIC) to notify the Korean Won (WON) and
International Human Rights Day: 10 December
Turkish Lira (TRY) in the List of Currencies for
Exchange Rate
International Human Rights Day is observed on 10
December every year. On this day in 1948, the
Under Section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962, the
United Nations General Assembly — then
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC)
headquartered in Paris — ratified the Universal
notifies the Rate of Exchange for the purpose of
Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
conversion of foreign exchange to Indian Rupees
(INR) and vice versa for assessment of imports & together providing up to 70 MW of electricity
exports. and 300 MW of heat.
It is named after Russian Academician
Currently, CBIC notifies exchange rates for Mikhail Lomonosov.
20 currencies for the purpose of valuation of
imported and exported goods and it has been Australia Recognizes West Jerusalem as Capital
now decided to include 2 more currencies of Israel
namely Korean Won (WON) & Turkish Lira
(TRY) in the list of such currencies.
Bilateral Trade between India-South Korea
grew to $16.36 Billion during 2017-18 from
$12.59 Billion in 2016-17 and South Korea is
ranked 8th amongst India’s trade partners in
terms of imports during 2017-18.
Bilateral trade between India & Turkey also
stood at US $ 7.2 Billion during 2017-18.
Global debt hits all-time high of USD 184
trillion: IMF
On 15th December 2018, Australia recognized West
Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. With this, Australia
The International Monetary Fund said that global
has become one of the few countries that officially
debt has reached an all-time high of 184 trillion US
recognize West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and as
dollars with the United States, China and Japan
the seat of the Knesset (Israel’s parliament).
accounting for more than half of it.
This move is supposed to irk Indonesia and
According to the IMF report, the amount in
other countries. However, Australia has made
nominal terms, is the equivalent of 225 per
it clear that it will not move its embassy from
cent of the world GDP in 2017.
Tel Aviv until a peace settlement is reached
On average, the world's debt now exceeds
between Israel and Palestine.
86,000 dollars per person, which is more
Yet, Australia will establish a defense and
than two and half times the average income
trade office in Jerusalem and start looking for
per-capita. IMF said it is striking that the
an embassy site.
most indebted economies in the world are
West Jerusalem is that part of Jerusalem
also the richer ones.
which remained under Israeli control after the
1948 Arab–Israeli War. A number of
Akademik Lomonosov: World’s First Floating western countries such as the UK
Nuclear Power Plant becomes operational acknowledge de facto Israeli authority, but
withhold de jure recognition.
Russia’s Akademik Lomonosov, the world’s first Israel’s claim of sovereignty over West
floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) has become Jerusalem is more widely accepted than its
operational. The Russian atomic energy corporation claim over city of East Jerusalem.
Rosatom announced that the plant has been brought
to 10% of its capacity.
Sri Lanka: Ranil Wickremesinghe Sworn-in as
Prime Minister
Akademik Lomonosov was constructed by
Russian state nuclear power firm Rosatom. It
Ending a 51-day political crisis in Sri Lanka, Ranil
has length of 144 metres and width of 30
Wickremesinghe sworn in as the new Prime Minister
metres. It has displacement of 21,500 tonnes
of the island nation, following the resignation of
and crew of 69 people.
Mahinda Rajapaksa after he fails to garner majority
For power generation, it has been fitted with
in the Parliament.
two modified KLT-40 naval propulsion
nuclear reactors (each of 3 5 MW capacity)
India welcomes the resolution of the political Every year Merriam-Webster, the American
situation in Sri Lanka. This is the fifth time dictionary-publishing company, publishes
Wickremsinghe has been sworn in as Prime the list of Words of the Year. The ‘List of
minister which is a record in Sri Lanka. Words of the Year’ contains the ten English
Ranil Wickremesinghe is a Sri Lankan language words of the year. The company
politician and the incumbent Prime Minister started publishing the list in 2003 and have
of Sri Lanka. He belongs to United National been publishing at the end of every year since
Party and has served as its leader since 1994. then.
Merriam-Webster is a US company famous
High Level Meeting Between Indian and for its dictionaries and also known for
Indonesia Coast Guard reference books that it publishes.
Iceland ranked number one in WEF’s Global
Gender Gap Index Report
Iceland has been ranked as number 1 in the WEF’s
Gender Gap Index for the 10th consecutive year.
It has been able to close about 85.8 percent of
its overall gender gap. Norway (83.5 percent)
Director General Indian Coast Guard (DG ICG) Shri came at the second spot, Sweden (82.2
G Rajendra Singh is hosting a seven-member percent) at the third, and Finland (82.1
delegation of the Indonesia Coast Guard percent) claimed the 4th spot in the rankings.
(BAKAMLA) led by Chief of BAKAMLA Vice
Admiral ATaufiqoerrochman in India from Point to Remember
December 16 to 19 2018.
India has come at 108th position in the
India and Indonesia have established a recently released Gender Gap Index 2018 by
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and World Economic Forum. India was ranked at
there is considerable emphasis from both the same position in 2017 rankings as well.
As per WEF report, India needs to get more
sides to enhance bilateral defense
cooperation including maritime security women into senior and professional roles to
cooperation. make more improvement in the rankings.
During the 6thIndia-Indonesia Joint Defense
Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting, International Migrants Day, 2018: 18th
held in New Delhi on August 09, 2018 both December
sides had agreed that Chief of BAKAMLA
will visit India for a High Level Meeting The International Migrants Day 2018 observed on
(HLM). 18th December 2018 across the world.
Consequently, a HLM between the Indian
In accordance with the Resolution 55/93 of
Coast Guard and BAKAMLA was held in
Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi the United Nations General Assembly
December 17, 2018. (UNGA), the International Migrants Day is
observed every year on 18 December.
Merriam-Webster selects ‘Justice’ as its 2018
Word of the Year Points to Remember
The theme of International Migrants Day
Merriam-Webster has declared ‘Justice’ as the 2018
Word of the Year. As per Merriam-Webster says, 2018 is “Migration with Dignity”. The reason
the word ‘Justice’ is used in many phrases like racial for choosing this theme is that around 3,400
justice, social justice and obstruction of justice. migrants and refuge died worldwide in 2018.
The United Nations have given a call for
migration that is safe, regular and dignified United States has started to withdraw its troops from
for everyone. Syria. President Donald Trump said they have
defeated Islamic State group in Syria.
7th round of India – South Korea CEPA
negotiations held US troops have largely been stationed in the
Kurdish region in northern Syria. A
The 7th round of India – South Korea partnership with an alliance of Syrian
Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Kurdish and Arab fighters, known as the
(CEPA) negotiations were held in South Korea Syrian Democratic Forces, is credited with
between11-13 December, 2018. playing a major role in the virtual elimination
of the Islamic State terror group.
During this period a delegation from the The group overran large swathes of Syria
Indian sugar industry also visited South four years ago, imposing brutal rule on
Korea. almost eight million people in the country
The Indian sugar industry delegation had and neighbouring Iraq. However, the terror
detailed discussions with top representatives group has not disappeared entirely.
of all the three sugar refineries of South United States has about 2,000 troops on the
Korea. ground in Syria.
The meetings were arranged by the Indian
Embassy in Seoul. Three astronauts return from International
Space Station
Points to Remember
Three astronauts have returned to Earth after more
South Korea imports around 15 lac tons of than six months aboard the International Space
raw sugar annually and the Indian sugar Station.
industry is making efforts to export raw sugar
from India during 2018-19 sugar season. A Russian Soyuz capsule carrying Serena
Aunon-Chancellor of NASA, Sergey
USA pulls out of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Prokopyev from Russia and German
Forces (INF) Treaty astronaut Alexander Gerst of the European
Space Agency landed on the snow-covered
United States of America has decided to cancel the steppes in Kazakhstan.
Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty The crew radioed that they were feeling fine.
signed between Russian and the USA in 1987. Russian rescue teams in helicopters and all-
terrain vehicles rushed to the landing site to
The treaty aimed to end arms race between extract the astronauts from the capsule
USA and USSR during cold war and to charred by a fiery ride through the
ensure some strategic stability in Europe. atmosphere.
The INF treaty banned the development, The trio has spent 197 days in space. It was
testing and possession of short and medium- the first mission for Aunon-Chancellor and
range ground-launched nuclear missiles Prokopyev, while Gerst flew his second to a
having ranged 'between' 500-5,000 km. total of 362 days in orbit, setting the ESA's
flight duration record.
Points to Remember
“International Workshop on Integrated
The INF Treaty was signed in 1987 between Protection of Civilians (IPOC) in UN
US President Ronald Reagan and USSR Peacekeeping Operations” in New Delhi
President Mikhail Gorbachev.
A Joint workshop between ICRC and CUNPK on
US starts withdrawing troops from Syria “Integrated Protection on Civilians (IPOC)” in UN
peacekeeping operations was conducted at
Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi from 17 – 21 Dec2018. The seminar focused on Protection of Civilians
(PoC), Conflict Related Sexual Violence (CRSV)
and Child Protection (CP) issues on vulnerable
populations and UN strategies to address the ongoing
challenges.
A total of 25 participants from 23 different
countries and 10 Indian Officers attended the
seminar to derive benefit from it and be
available to the United Nations for
deployment in field areas. The seminar was China has launched its first communication satellite
conducted by some of the most experienced on 22nd December 2018 to offer broadband internet
and seasoned speakers from across the globe services to users worldwide.
including those from CUNPK and ICRC.
The communication satellite was launched
US govt shutdown begins after no deal in using a Long March 11 carrier rocket which
Congress over border wall took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch
Centre in north-western China. It is CASIC’s
The US government began a Christmas shutdown (China Aerospace Science and Industry
after Congress adjourned without passing a federal Corporation) first satellite launch under
spending bill or addressing President Donald China’s Hongyun project.
Trump's demand for money to build a border wall. The satellite aims to rival Google and other
companies which have similar plans for
Operations for several key agencies ceased, providing Internet services worldwide.
despite last-ditch talks that continued on
Capitol Hill between White House officials Points to Remember
and congressional leaders in both parties.
Trump has dug in on his demand for 5 billion China started the Hongyun project in
dollars for construction of a wall on the US September 2016. Under this project, China
border with Mexico. plans to give broadband internet connectivity
The shutdown is the third this year and it to users all over the world by building a
remained unclear how long it would last. space-based communications network.
Trump expressed hope late Friday night that It is to be noted that CASIC is the main
it "will not last long," . contractor for Chinese space programs and a
About three-quarters of the government, state-owned company.
including the military and the Department of
Health and Human Services, is fully funded Gitega: New capital of Burundi
until the end of September 2019.
While most critical security functions will be
operational, the effects of the budget
wrangling and uncertainty have cast an air of
chaos over the capital, which is also reeling
from the resignation announcement by
Defence Secretary Jim Mattis.
China launched its First Satellite for Space-based
Broadband Services
The government of Burundi has declared Gitega as
the country’s new political capital on 22nd
December 2018. Bujumbura, the previous capital ofBurundi will serve as the economic capital of the ‘Hand-in-Hand’ counter-terrorism military
country. exercises concluded in China
The government has decided to hold future India and China concluded the ‘Hand-in-Hand’
Cabinet meetings in Gitega and to establish military exercise on 22nd December 2018 in China’s
five ministries in Gitega from the start of Chengdu city. This was the 7th edition of the ‘Hand-
2019. Gitega’s population is around 30 000 in-Hand' military exercise.
as compared to Bujumbura’s 1.2 million.
The previous edition of ‘Hand-in-Hand’ that
Points to Remember was held in 2016 in Pune had focused on
counter-terrorism drills in non-urban areas.
Burundi is a resource-poor, underdeveloped This year’s exercise, which began on 11th
landlocked African country which shares its December, focused on urban terrorism in
borders with Rwanda in the north, Tanzania which Indian and Chinese armies conducted
in the east and south and the Democratic the drills while living and dining together to
Republic of the Congo in the west. build up a sense of camaraderie.
Burundi was ranked as the world’s least
happy nation in the World Happiness Report Points to Remember
2018.
The ‘Hand-in-Hand’ military exercise did not
50-day Countdown begins for Unani Day 2019 take place last year due to prevailing tensions
between both sides after 73-day military
The Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine standoff at Doklam.
(CCRUM), has launched a 50-day countdown for The Indian contingent headed by Col Puneet
Unani Day 2019. During the next 50 days, the Tomar took part in the exercises to foster
CCRUM and its regional institutes / centres would closer ties between the two militaries which
organize a host of activities and events as a run up to guard the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control
Unani Day which is celebrated on 11th February (LAC).
every year.
1st meeting of Follow-up Committee for
Unani Day is a great occasion for the Unani implementation of Trilateral Chabahar
fraternity which is celebrated in a great way Agreement held
throughout the country.
Unani Medicine has been playing an The first meeting of the Follow-up Committee for
important role in public health especially in implementation of the Trilateral Chabahar
combating NCDs, lifestyle disorders and Agreement between India, Afghanistan and Iran was
various chronic diseases by providing cost held in the port city of Chabahar in Iran.
effective Unani treatment and quality
products for patient healthcare. India Ports Global Limited company opened
its office and took over operations at the at
Points to Remember Chabahar on this occasion. External Affairs
Ministry said in a release that Positive and
11th February, the birthday of Hakim Ajmal constructive discussions were held on full
Khan, was adopted as Unani Day by the operationalization of the Trilateral Transit
Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India in Agreement.
2016 in recognition of his contribution as an They agreed on the routes for the trade and
eminent Indian Unani physician. transit corridors between the three countries.
The Central Council for Research in Unani It was agreed to finalise at the earliest the
Medicine (CCRUM) celebrated first Unani Protocol to harmonize transit, roads,
Day in Hyderabad and second in New Delhi customs, and consular matters.
in 2017 and 2018 respectively.President Donald Trump named Patrick came to power after the 2014 revolt against a
Shanahan as Acting Defense Secretary pro-Russian leader, and outbreak of war in
eastern Ukraine.
A total of 567 individuals and 75 Ukranian
companies now face Russian economic
sanctions, which put a freeze on any assets
they have in Russia.
Points to Remember
Ukraine is a large country in Eastern Europe
known for its Orthodox churches, Black Sea
coastline and forested mountains. Its capital,
President Donald Trump has announced that Kiev, features the gold-domed St. Sophia's
Defence Secretary James Mattis will depart the Cathedral, with 11th-century mosaics and
Pentagon by January 1. James Mattis’s Deputy, frescoes.
Patrick Shanahan is appointed as the Acting Defence
Secretary. Palestine to apply for full UN membership in
January: Foreign Minister
Shanahan is a former Boeing executive. He
became the Deputy Secretary of Defence in Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Malki declared
2017. Shanahan is a native of Washington that Palestine would apply for full state membership
State like Mattis and he will be responsible at the United Nations in January.
for managing the Pentagon’s colossal $700
billion defence budget. Mr Al-Malki told the official radio station
As Deputy Secretary of Defence, Shanahan Voice of Palestine that he would file the
focused on reforming the internal processes application to upgrade Palestine's status from
of the Pentagon. an observer state to a full member state to the
UN Security Council.
Points to Remember To secure full state membership, the
Palestinians need support from at least nine
The Pentagon, is the headquarters of the out of the UNSC's 15 member states.
United States Department of Defense. As a
symbol of the U.S. military, the phrase The Points to Remember
Pentagon is often used as a metonym for the
Department of Defense and its leadership. Palestine, officially the State of Palestine, is
a de jure sovereign state in Western Asia.
Russia expanded economic sanctions on Ukraine The State of Palestine is recognized by 136
UN members and since 2012 has a status of a
Russia has expanded its economic sanctions on non-member observer state in the United
Ukraine, adding more than 250 people and Nations – which implies recognition of
businesses to a blacklist first announced at the start statehood. It is a member of the Arab League,
of November. Organization of Islamic Cooperation, G77,
and the International Olympic Committee
According to a decree by Prime Minister and other international bodies.
Dmitri Medvedev in Moscow, 245
individuals and seven companies, mostly in World Bank AID for Rehabilitation of DAMS
the energy and defence sectors, were
sanctioned by Moscow.
Relations between Moscow and Kiev have
deteriorated since a pro-Western governmentChina’s navigation satellite system BeiDou starts
providing global service
China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS)
has started offering global service. It is touted as a
rival to America’s Global Positioning System (GPS).
Pakistan has become the first foreign nation to use
the BeiDou system ending its reliance on GPS.
China has named its navigation satellite
Central Water Commission (CWC) maintains system after the Chinese term which means
National Register of Large Dams (NRLD) as per ‘Big Dipper’. BeiDou-1 consisted of three
information provided by State Govts/ Dam owners. satellites and was offering navigation
As per NRLD, 209 dams are 100 years or more old. services mainly in China and neighbouring
regions. It was decommissioned in 2012.
Government of India has started The Indian Regional Navigation Satellite
implementation of Dam Rehabilitation and System (IRNSS) named NAVIC is a regional
Improvement Project (DRIP) with financial satellite navigation system that provides
assistance from World Bank to rehabilitate accurate real-time positioning and timing
198 dam projects in 7 States viz. Kerala (28 services covering India and a region
dam Projects), Madhya Pradesh (25 dam extending 1,500 km around it.
Projects), Odisha (26 dam Projects),
Karnataka (22 dam Projects), Uttarakhand India submits its Sixth National Report to the
(Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited) (5 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
dam Projects), Jharkhand (Damodar Valley
Corporation) (3 dam Projects) and Tamil The report was submitted online to the CBD
Nadu (89 dam Projects). Secretariat by the Environment Minister, Dr Harsh
The original budget outlay was Rs.2100 Vardhan, during the inaugural session of the 13th
Crore and was a six year Scheme with National Meeting of the State Biodiversity Boards
scheduled closure in June 2018. The Project (SBBs) in New Delhi.
has been extended for two more years with
revised closure in June 2020. Also, the Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Harsh
Government of India has approved Revised Vardhan, said India is among the first five
Cost of the Project for Rs. 3466 Crore in countries in the world, the first in Asia and
October 2018. the first among the biodiversity-rich
megadiverse countries to have submitted the
Points to Remember report.
He said, India is on track to achieve the
The World Bank Group consists of five biodiversity targets at the national level and
organizations: is also contributing significantly towards the
The International Bank for Reconstruction achievement of the global biodiversity
and Development targets.
The International Development Association An official release said India has been
The International Finance Corporation investing a huge amount on biodiversity
The Multilateral Investment Guarantee through several development schemes to the
Agency tune of 70 thousand crore rupees per annum
The International Centre for Settlement of as against the estimated annual requirement
Investment Disputes of over one lakh crores rupees. The country
The International Centre for Settlement of has nearly two-thirds of the population of
Investment Disputes wild tigers in the world.
The population of the lion has risen from 177
in 1968 to over 520 in 2015 and elephantsfrom 12 thousand in the 1970s to 30 thousand It was organised by Gandhi Smriti and
in 2015. Darshan Samiti, UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi
Institute of Education for Peace and
Sheikh Hasina's party wins Bangladesh election Sustainable Development (MGIEP) and
STEP (Standing Together to Enable Peace).
It was inaugurated by Krishna G Kulkarni,
great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.
It provided platform for young people of
South Asia to further peace agenda in the
region.
Cope India 2019: India, US air exercise to be held
in West Bengal
Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Indian Air Force (IAF) and US Air Force (USAF)
Hasina wins the Parliamentary elections. will participate in bilateral exercise ‘COPE INDIA
2019’ – scheduled to be held between December 3
Hasina's ruling party Awami League won and 14, 2019 in West Bengal.
287 of the 298 seats for which results have
been declared for the 300-strong parliament. The bilateral flying training programme will
While the main opposition alliance be held at two important airbases in West
dominated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Bengal – Air Force Station Arjan Singh at
Party (BNP) secured just six seats. Panagarh.
The main opposition led by the Bangladesh Cope India is series of international Air Force
Nationalist Party rejected the election and exercises between Indian Air Force (IAF)
called for a fresh vote in the country of 165 and United States Air Force (USAF)
million people. conducted on and over Indian soil.
The exercise was repeated in 2005, 2006,
Points to Remember 2009 and was last held in 2010.
The Bangladesh Awami League, often eDrishti software launched to help Railways
simply called the Awami League or BAL, is Minister keep track of punctuality of trains
one of the two major political parties of
Bangladesh. It is the country's current Indian Railways unveiled ‘eDrishti’ software that
governing party, after winning a majority in will help Union Railway Minister to keep track of
the 2014 election. punctuality of trains as well as freight and passenger
earnings and much more from anywhere in the
country.
The software has been developed by Centre
for Railway Information System (CRIS) to
help Minister keep track of all information
South Asia Youth Peace Conference held in New related to Indian Railways, one of the world’s
Delhi largest rail networks.
Using this software, Railway Minister can
The three day South Asia Regional Youth Peace track any information with just a click of
Conference was held in New Delhi as part 150th mouse — whether from his office or while on
birth anniversary celebrations of father of nation the move.
Mahatma Gandhi.
Index of Eight Core Industries (Base: 2011-
12=100) October, 2018The Eight Core Industries comprise 40.27 per cent of The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind,
the weight of items included in the Index of inaugurated the 13th edition of CII Agro Tech India-
Industrial Production (IIP). 2018 (December 1, 2018) in Chandigarh.
The combined Index of Eight Core Industries The President said that through human
stood at 134.8 in October, 2018, which was history, agriculture has moved ahead with
4.8 per cent higher as compared to the index cross-fertilisation. It is the ideal stage for
of October, 2017. partnerships, and for mutual learning and
Its cumulative growth during April to sharing. Partnerships can be formed across
October, 2018-19 was 5.4 per cent. sectors and across geographies.
Coal production : increased by 10.6 per cent Pointing to the issue of pollution due to
in October, 2018 over October, 2017. stubble burning, the President said that the
Crude Oil production : declined by 5.0 per farmers of Punjab and Haryana are a matter
cent in October, 2018 over October, 2017. of pride for our country. They have never
The Natural Gas production : declined by 0.9 shied away from a challenge and a
per cent in October, 2018 over October, responsibility to larger society. Today we are
2017. facing a problem related to disposal of crop
Petroleum Refinery production : increased by residue and of safe and clean removal of husk
1.3 per cent in October, 2018 over October, or stubble.
2017.
Fertilizers production : declined by 11.5 per FSSAI launches Heart Attack Rewind Campaign
cent in October, 2018 over October, 2017. for elimination of industrially produced trans-fat
Steel production : increased by 2.2 per cent
in October, 2018 over October, 2017.
Cement production : increased by 18.4 per
cent in October, 2018 over October, 2017.
Electricity generation : increased by 11.4 per
cent in October, 2018 over October, 2017.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to be
chief guest at Republic Day celebrations 2019
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the (FSSAI) launched media campaign “Heart Attack
Chief Guest at the 2019 Republic Day celebrations Rewind”, calling for elimination of industrially
in New Delhi. produced trans-fat in the food supply.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, at a time It will support FSSAI’s global target of
when India is celebrating the 150th birth eliminating trans-fat in India by 2022, a year
anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, it is our ahead of global target by World Health
honour to welcome President Ramaphosa as Organization (WHO). It is in line with
the Chief Guest for 2019 Republic day FSSAI’s objective to get Freedom from
celebrations. ‘Trans Fat: India@75′.
Mr Modi said, Mahatma Gandhi's close links Globally, trans-fat intake leads to more than
with South Africa is well known. Mr Modi 500,000 deaths from cardiovascular disease
also said that Mr Ramaphosa's visit will every year. Trans-fat are made by adding
further cement business and people to people hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make
ties between India and South Africa. them more solid and to increase shelf life of
foods.
President of India Inaugurates 13th Edition Of
CII Agro Tech India – 2018 Government puts imports of gold dore in
restricted categoryDirectorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under The 24th meeting of Conference of Parties (COP-24)
Ministry of Commerce and Industry has put imports to the United Nations Framework Convention on
of gold dore in restricted category. This means, now, Climate Change (UNFCCC) will be held at
importer needs a license to import this commodity. Katowice, Poland from 2nd December 2018 to 14th
December 2018. COP-24 is very significant as it is
It is semi-pure alloy of gold and silver which expected to finalise guidelines for implementation of
is refined for further purification. Proportions the Paris Agreement adopted in 2016.
of silver and gold can vary widely.
It usually created at site of a mine and then India strongly supports the objective of the
transported to refinery for further Paris Agreement to strengthen the global
purification. Refined gold bars are response to the threat of climate change by
manufactured from gold dore bar. India keeping the global temperature rise this
imports about 900 tonnes of gold year century well below 2 degrees Celsius above
making it world’s second-biggest gold pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to
consumer after China. limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees
Celsius.
Union Home Minister inaugurates Hornbill India made a voluntary pledge in 2009 to
Festival in Kohima reduce the emission intensity of its Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) by 20-25 per cent
The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh from 2005 levels by 2020.
inaugurated the hugely popular Hornbill Festival
2018 in Kohima, coinciding with the Formation Day India's first locomotive-less train 'Train 18'
of Nagaland. crosses 180 kmph speed limit
Hornbill Festival is a spectacular event India's first locomotive-less less train, known as
showcasing the rich ancient culture and Train 18, breached the 180 kmph speed limit during
civilization of the people of Nagaland. a test run.
It powerfully demonstrates the cultural
diversity and civilizational unity of the Train 18 is capable of touching 200 kmph
people. provided the rest of Indian Railways' system
Government of India has established the such as tracks and signals permit. When this
North Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre at indigenously designed train is made
Dimapur, Nagaland. operational, it will become country's fastest
Nearly 50% of Nagaland population is below train.
25 years. It is they who will shape the future With 16 coaches, the train will have the same
of India including the future of passenger carrying capacity as that of the
Nagaland. We have to create conditions Shatabdi Express.
where their creative and entrepreneurial
potential is unleashed to the optimum. Chennai: Vice President inaugurates Rainbow
Children's Hospital
Union Environment Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan
to Lead The Indian Delegation At COP-24 Vice President, M Venkaiah Naidu has said that the
private sector must ensure that the treatment
provided by them is not only accessible but also
affordable.
After inaugurating Rainbow Children's
Hospital, in Chennai, Vice President hoped
that the Hospital would provide specialized
but affordable care to children and contribute
to the larger national mission of ensuring allinfants survive, thrive and grow up into
healthy active citizens of the New India.
Vice President called on the private sector to
partner with the government in making
healthcare affordable as well as accessible to
the common man, particularly in the rural and
remote parts of the country.
India to host G20 summit in 2022, 75th year of
Independence
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India The Centre and Asian Development Bank (ADB)
will host the G20 summit in 2022, the year the have signed an 85 million dollar loan to improve skill
country would celebrate the 75th anniversary of its development eco-system in Odisha.
Independence.
An advanced skill training center, the World
The G20 is a grouping of the world’s 20 Skill Center (WSC) will also be established
major economies. Modi made the in Bhubaneswar with the help of a loan.
announcement at the closing ceremony of the The Odisha Skill Development Project
two-day summit held here in Argentina’s agreement was signed by Additional
capital. Secretary in the Finance Ministry Sameer
Italy was to host the international forum in Kumar Khare and Country Director of
2022. Thanking Italy for allowing India to ADB’s India Resident Mission Kenichi
play the host, Modi invited G20 leaders to Yokoyama in New Delhi.
India in 2022, which also marks the 75th The project will help over 1.5 lakh people
anniversary of India’s Independence. learn skills in priority sectors, including
The G20 economies account for nearly 90% manufacturing, construction and services for
of the gross world product, 80% of world formal employment. The Skill Centre will
trade, two-thirds of the world population, and deliver eight training courses for 13 thousand
approximately half of the world land area. students and provide training to five thousand
teachers.
PM Modi meets FIFA President Gianni Infantino
in Buenos Aires Navy Day : 04 December
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met FIFA President The day is celebrated in honor of the maritime force's
Gianni Infantino, who gifted him a football jersey role during the war with Pakistan in 1971 when
with his name on its back. Indian warships attacked Karachi port and
successfully hurt Pakistani operations in the western
During ''Yoga for Peace' event, Prime coast.
Minister Modi had elaborated how football
connected the two countries. The Day is also celebrated to highlight the
He said, If Argentina is interested in India's role the Navy plays in securing the country's
philosophy, art, music and dance, then there marine borders during peacetime and
are millions of fans of the Argentine soccer carrying out humanitarian missions.
stars in India. Operation Trident, the codename for the
Maradona has now become a household naval attack on Karachi, is considered one of
name and also used in many vernacular the most successful operations in the post-
phrases. World War II era.
ADB, Centre sign 85 mn dollar loan to support Government forms Rajiv Kumar Committee to
Odisha skill development project look at selling of OIL, ONGC fields to private
companiesUnion Government has constituted six-member Ganga (NMCG) and the Centre for Ganga River
committee to look at selling as many as 149 small Basin Management and Studies (cGanga) from 5-7
and marginal oil and gas fields of state-owned Oil December 2018 in New Delhi.
and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) and Oil India Ltd
(OIL) to private and foreign companies to boost The India Water Impact Summit is an annual
domestic output. event where stakeholders get together to
discuss, debate and develop model solutions
The committee will be headed by NITI for some of the biggest water related
Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar and problems in the country.
includes Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, Oil Nearly 200 domestic and international
Secretary M M Kutty, Economic Affairs participants from nearly 15 countries and
Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg, NITI more than 50 Central, State and Municipal
Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant and ONGC Government representatives are likely to
Chairman and Managing Director Shashi participate in the summit.
Shanker as members.
Constitution of this committee is follow up of Ministry of Railways Signs a MoU with Madame
October 2018meeting called by Prime Tussauds Wax Museum to foster tourism in Delhi
Minister Narendra Modi to review domestic NCR
production profile of oil and gas and the
roadmap for cutting import dependence by Ministry of Railways’ National Rail Museum
10% by 2022. (NRM) and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum join
hands together to provide an amazing combo offer to
Exercise SHINYUU Maitri-2018 with JASDF Delhi NCR tourists.
Commences
As a part of the collaboration, a special
The Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) is in discount of 35% on ticket prices will be
India for a bilateral air exercise SHINYUU Maitri- offered to NRM visitors when they visit
18 with Indian Air Force from 03-07 Dec 18 at A F Madame Tussauds Museum.
Station Agra. Similarly, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
visitors will be getting an attractive discount
The theme of the exercise is joint of 30% on combo packages of NRM.
Mobility/Humanitarian Assistance & It is envisaged that this innovative, first time
Disaster Relief (HADR) on Transport ever, public-private museum collaboration,
aircraft. shall attract more tourists to both National
IAF is participating with An-32 and C-17 Rail Museum and Madame Tussauds Wax
aircraft with aircrew & observers. The focus Museum.
of the exercise is set for the IAF and JASDF
crews to undertake Joint Mobility/ HADR India's heaviest satellite GSAT-11 successfully
operations. launched by Ariane-5 rocket to provide better
broadband services
India Water Impact Summit-2018 to be held from
5th December
Union Minister for
Water Resources,
River
Development and
Ganga
Rejuvenation Shri
Nitin Gadkari will
inaugurate India Water Impact Summit 2018, being
jointly organized by the National Mission for CleanThe ISRO launched GSAT-11 satellite and put it followed by Indonesian President Joko
successfully in earth orbit from Kourou Launch Widodo with 12.2 million followers.
Zone, French Guiana in South America. ISRO used With 10 million followers, US President
the Ariane-5 VA246 heavyweight rocket of Donald Trump is at the third position on
Arianespace for this mission. photo-sharing platform.
The picture of newly married Indian cricket
It will operate from 74 degree east. The captain Virat Kohli and his wife, actress
GSAT-11 weighing 5,854 kg is the heaviest Anushka Sharma meeting the prime minister
satellite built by ISRO. has become the most liked picture posted by
The GSAT-11 is the next generation high any world leader.
throughput communication satellite that will
play a vital role in providing broadband Nation pays homage to Dr B R Ambedkar on his
services across the country. 63rd Maharparinirvan Diwas
It will also provide a platform to demonstrate
new generation applications such as in flights Nation pays homage to Bharat Ratna Dr BR
internet connectivity. The satellite is Ambedkar on his 63rd Mahaparinirvan Diwas.
expected to have a lifespan of 15 years.
The Father of the Indian Constitution Dr
DIPAM uses the Swachhta Pakhwada from 16th Ambedkar was a jurist, economist, politician
to 30th November, 2018 to mobilize its Staff for and a social reformer who campaigned
Voluntary Work against social discrimination of Dalits,
women and labourers.
The Department of Investment and Public Asset He died on this day in 1956 and the day is
Management (DIPAM), Ministry of Finance observed as Mahaparinirvan Diwas every
observed Swachhta Pakhwada from 16th to 30th year. A number of functions are being
November, 2018. organised all over the country to mark the
occasion.
The Department started the Pakhwada with
all the Officers/staff of the Department taking World Soil Day: 05 Decemeber
Swachhta Pledge.
The Pledge was administered by the The day is observed annually on 5th December to
Secretary, DIPAM, Shri Atanu Chakraborty. focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and
All the employees and officers of the advocating for the sustainable management of soil
Department led by the Secretary, Shri Atanu resources.
Chakraborty, cleaned a nearby Park in the
CGO Complex as part of the cleanliness The theme for this year's World Soil Day is -
drive. 'Be the Solution to Soil Pollution'.
The Pakhwada concluded on 30th November, According to the Food and Agriculture
2018 with a Swachhta Awareness March Organization of the United Nations, Soil
undertaken by the officers/staff of the holds three times as much carbon as the
Department. atmosphere and can help meet the challenges
of a changing climate.
PM Modi most followed world leader on It said, 815 million people are food insecure
Instagram and 2 billion people are nutritionally
insecure, but it can be mitigated through soil.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as the 95 per cent of food comes from soil and 33
most popular global leader on social media platform per cent of the global soils are already
Instagram with 14.8 million followers. degraded.
According to a list published by online SpaceX successfully launches 64 small satellites
platform twiplomacy, Mr Modi is closely using reusable Falcon 9 rocket.year 2018 will be conducted from 10 to 23 December
2018 at Chengdu, China.
The aim of the exercise is to build and
promote close relations between armies of
both the countries and to enhance ability of
joint exercise commander to take military
contingents of both nations under command.
Exercise Hand-in-Hand 2018 will go a long
way to further cement relationship between
Elon Musk-led SpaceX has successfully launched 64 both the nations and will act as a catalyst in
small satellites into low Earth orbit onboard of its bringing bonhomie at grassroots levels
reusable and preflown Falcon 9 rocket from between the armies of both countries.
Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. This has
set new record in United States of launching satellites Annual Startup India Venture Capital Summit
in single go. 2018 to be held in Goa
Space X It is private US space agency. It was The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion
founded by Elon Musk on May 6, 2002 who (DIPP) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry
is its current CEO of Space X. and the Government of Goa, is hosting the annual
Its main purpose for its establishment was to Startup India Venture Capital Summit in Goa on
reduce cost of space transport and establish December 07, 2018.
human habitation on Mars house. Space X
has developed series of Falcon Rockets. The theme of the Summit is ‘Mobilizing
Global Capital for Innovation in India.’ The
Cabinet approves MoU between India and event will showcase the Indian startup
Tajkistan on Cooperation on Peaceful uses of opportunity for funds from around the world.
Space Technology for Development The summit aims to attract more global
capital into the country.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Government of Goa is focused on building a
Narendra Modi has been apprised of Memorandum vibrant startup ecosystem in the state. It aims
of Understanding (MoU) between India andTajkistan to make the state, one of the most preferred
on Cooperation on Peaceful uses of Space start-up destinations in India, and ensure that
Technology for Development. Goa features in the top 25 start-up
destinations in Asia by 2025.
The MoU was signed on 8th October 2018 at
Dushanbe, Tajkistan. Cabinet approves implementation of
The MoU would lead to development of joint Shahpurkandi Dam (National Project) on river
activity in the field of application of space Ravi in Punjab
technologies for the benefit of humanity. It
will lead to setting up of a Joint Working The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri
Group, which will further work out the plan Narendra Modi has approved implementation of
of action including the time-frame and the Shahpurkandi Dam Project, Punjab on river
means of implementing the provisions of this Ravi. For this, Central Assistance of Rs. 485.38 cr
Agreement. (for irrigation component) would be provided over
five years from 2018-19 to 2022-23.
Sino-India Joint Exercise Hand-in-Hand 2018
Implementation of this project would help
Exercise Hand-in-Hand is conducted annually as part minimising some of the water of the River
of military diplomacy and interaction between Ravi which at present is going waste through
armies of India and China. The joint exercise for the the MadhopurHeadworks downstream to
Pakistan. On completion of the project an Irrigation The 10th edition of exercise INDRA NAVY
Potential of 5,000 ha in Punjab State and will be conducted at/off Visakhapatnam from
32,173 ha in J&K State would be created. 09 to 16 December 2018. The primary aim of
The project would be implemented by Govt. the exercise is to increase inter-operability
of Punjab with Central Assistance of Rs. amongst the two navies, develop common
485.38 crore The project would be completed understanding and procedures for maritime
by June 2022. security operations.
Initiated in 2003, INDRA NAVY exercise
World Bank assisted project SMART launched in has matured over the years with increase in
Maharashtra scope, complexity and level of participation.
Maharashtra Government has launched World Bank Regional Conference on ‘Good Governance-
assisted State of Maharashtra’s Agribusiness and Focus on Aspirational Districts’ to begin in
Rural Transformation (SMART) Project to transform Thiruvananthapuram
rural Maharashtra. This project aims to revamp
agricultural value chains, with special focus on The Department of Administrative Reforms and
marginal farmers across 1,000 villages. Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel,
Public Grievances and Pensions, Government of
This initiative is in line with Union India in association with Government of Kerala is
Government’s step towards doubling organizing a Regional Conference on December 10-
farmers’ income by 2022. The launch of 11, 2018 at Thiruvananthapuram on ‘Good
project which was followed by signing of 50 Governance - Focus on Aspirational Districts’.
memorandum of understandings (MoUs)
between big corporates and farmer's producer The Governor of Kerala Shri Justice (Retd.)
groups. P. Sathasivam will inaugurate the 2-day
The project will be implemented in 10,000 event. The Chief Secretary, Government of
villages comprising 10,000 gram panchayats Kerala, Shri Tom Jose and Shri K V Eapen,
which were shortlisted by state government Secretary, D/o Administrative Reforms &
based on multiple parameters of socio- Public Grievances, Government of India will
economic backwardness in terms of address the Inaugural Session and
development and growth. Valedictory Session.
Russian Federation Navy Ships arrive Food and Agriculture organisation (FAO)
Visakhapatnam to participate in INDRA NAVY Council approves India’s proposal to observe an
2018 International Year of Millets in 2023
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare
Shri Radha Mohan Singh has said that the 160th
session of the Food and Agriculture Organisation
(FAO) Council, currently underway in Rome,
approved India’s proposal to observe an
International Year of Millets in 2023. ]
On behalf of all countrymen the minister
Russian Federation Navy (RuFN) Ships conveyed his gratitude to the countries who
Varyag, Admiral Panteleyev and Boris Butoma voiced their support.
arrived Visakhapatnam to participate in INDRA He added that this will enhance global
NAVY, the bilateral maritime exercise between awareness to bring back these nutri-cereals to
Indian Navy and Russian Federation Navy exercise the plate, for food and nutrition security and
on 09 Dec 18. hence increase production for resilience to
challenges posed globally by climate change.You can also read
