NICK OF TIME C.A. FOR IBPS CLERK - MAINS(2018)
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NICK OF TIME C.A. FOR IBPS CLERK – MAINS(2018) 1
NICK OF TIME C.A. FOR IBPS CLERK – MAINS(2018) 2
NATIONAL AFFAIRS
Swachhta Pakhwada of Ministry in Civil Aviation, Government of India: Pawan Hans Ltd, Airports Authority of
India and Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi awarded the 3 best performing organizations
Swachhta Pakhwada observed by Ministry of Civil Aviation to highlight the importance of cleanliness to all the
employees by citing the example of Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
Shri Rajiv Nayan Choubey, Secretary (Civil Aviation) inaugurated the event and requested the employees to maintain
cleanliness around their workstations.
The event was concluded on 15th November 2018.
Ministry of Civil Aviation plans to introduce 15 helipads across the country
Ministry of Civil Aviation plans to introduce 15 helipads across the country to improve tourism prospects.
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said that the helipads will be established in hilly areas to
explore the tourist potential in the north and north-eastern parts of the country.
While addressing at STEP conclave organized by Prabudha Bharat in Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU),
Belagavi.
He also said that the government was committed to improving air connectivity at tier-II cities, including Belagavi.
The government was also contemplating opening three airports in the State for international destinations.
India to host G20 summit in 2022
India is to host the annual G20 summit in 2022 as it will be celebrating its 75th anniversary of Independence.
This will be India’s first time to host the G20 summit.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the closing ceremony of the 13th G20 summit in
the Argentinian capital on 1st December 2018.
The Prime Minister thanked Italy for allowing India to play the host as it was to host the summit in 2022.
Union Government launches Bhasha Sangam to introduce school students to 22 Indian languages
The Government launched ‘Bhasha Sangam’, a unique initiative to introduce school students to 22 Indian languages.
Bhasha Sangam launched under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
It is a programme for schools and educational institutions to offer multilingual exposure to students in Indian
languages.
The main aim is to improve linguistic tolerance and respect and promote national integration.
DAIC And JNU Sign MoU To Facilitate Research Activities & Policy Formulation
Dr. Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC), 15 Janpath, New Delhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi,
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate and enhance research activities and policy formulation
aimed at Socio-economic Transformation and Sustainable Development.
15th Global SME Business Summit in New Delhi
The 15th edition of a two day Global SME Business Summit was organised by the Ministry of MSME and
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with Government e-marketplace in New Delhi. The theme of the
event was ‘Building Partnerships through Global Value Chains.’
The agenda of the summit was to bring together renowned speakers with unbounded experience and expertise, a
global audience, and various national and international SME stakeholders to integrate Indian MSMEs into the Global
Value Chains (GVCs).
National Medical Devices Promotion Council To Be Set Up Under DIPP
To give a fillip to the medical device sector, which is a sunrise sector, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry and
Civil Aviation, Suresh Prabhu, announced setting up of a National Medical Devices Promotion Council under the
Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
The Council will be headed by Secretary, DIPP. The announcement was made at the occasion of the 4th WHO Global
Forum on Medical Devices, at Andhra Pradesh Medtech Zone, in Vishakhapatnam.
CRZ approved the construction of Pulicat bridge
Expert Appraisal Committee of the Ministry of Environment approved a proposal by the Highways Department for
the construction of the bridge for the people of Pasiyavaram island on Pulicat Lake to the mainland.
The committee, while granting Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the bridge, with a width of 7.5 m to
meet the IRC requirements, and costing Rs. 18.2 crore, noted that it was informed that the Pulicat Sanctuary Eco-
Sensitive Zone (ESZ), that starts from the inter-state boundary of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, is about 2 km
away from the proposed bridge site.
DU has been ranked A+ in the NAAC review
Delhi University has been ranked A+ in the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) review held
in the last week of October.
The grading provided by the council is crucial for funds and grants allotted to a university by the University Grants
Commission (UGC).
The grading provided by the council is crucial for funds and grants allotted to a varsity by UGC.
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Last year, the Jawaharlal Nehru University was ranked A++ in the NAAC review. DU got a Cumulative Grade Point
Average (CGPA) of 3.28. The CGPA for A++ accreditation is between 3.51 to 4.
First Global Aviation Summit to be held in Mumbai
Supported by ICAO, IATA, ACI and CANSO, the 1st Global Aviation Summit will be held on January 15 and 16, 2019 at
The Grand Hyatt in Mumbai.
It aims to focus on the celebration of 'Flying for All' and to provide a platform to the aviation fraternity to highlight
the challenges of the sector in the newly-developing growth spots.
India To Chair Kimberley Process From January 2019
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) Plenary 2018, was held in Brussels, Belgium, in November 2018.
EU handed over the Chairmanship of KPCS to India from 1st January 2019.
This year was the fifteenth anniversary of KPCS.
Four Indian-Origin Women In Forbes US Top 50 Females In Tech
Four Indian-origin technology executives have made it to the Forbes’ list of America’s 50 women in technology
space in 2018.
The list includes Neha Narkhede, chief technology officer and co-founder of streaming platform Confluent; Kamakshi
Sivaramakrishnan, CEO, and founder of identity-management company Drawbridge; Padmasree Warrior,
former chief technology officer (CTO) of Cisco, and Komal Mangtani, senior director at Uber.
Centre proposes ban on use of animals in circuses, performances
The Centre has proposed a prohibition on the use of all animals for performances, exhibition at any circus or mobile
entertainment facilitiesand has invited comments from various stakeholders on the issue within 30 days.
Though the ministry had banned the use of lions, tigers, panthers, monkeys, bears and bulls in 2011 as part of its
species-specific rules, the new draft will now be applicable for all animals across the country.
SC rejected the fresh plea against Article 370
The Supreme Court (SC) declined to look at the fresh petition challenging Article 370, which gives special
autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir.
Another pending writ petition is by NGO ‘We the Citizens’. This petition challenged the validity of both Article 35A
and Article 370.
It argues that four representatives from Kashmir were part of the Constituent Assembly involved in the drafting of
the Constitution and the State of Jammu and Kashmir was never accorded any special status in the Constitution.
Article 370 was only a ‘temporary provision’ to help bring normalcy.
The Constitution makers did not intend Article 370 to be a tool to bring permanent amendments, like Article 35A, in
the Constitution.
The petition said Article 35A is against the “very spirit of oneness of India”. Restricting citizens from other States
from getting employment or buying property in J&K is a violation of their fundamental rights.
PM Modi to be invited to Pakistan for SAARC summit
Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesman Mohammad Faisal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to be invited to
Pakistan for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit.
SAARC Summits are usually held biennially hosted by a member state in alphabetical order.
The member state hosting the summit assumes the Chair of the Association.
The summit 2018 was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the
Islamabad meet.
The Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative.
Centre approves release of Rs 353 crore to Tamil Nadu as relief
The Centre has approved the release of Rs 353.70 crore to Tamil Nadu as assistance for the damage caused by
Cyclone Gaja on November 15 and 16, during which 12 districts of the state were severely affected.
Further, assistance will be provided from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), based on the final report of
the Inter-ministerial Central Team (IMCT).
Govt forms6-member panel to look at selling 149 fields of ONGC, OIL to private companies
The panel is headed by NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar and includes Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha, Economic
Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg, Oil Secretary M M Kutty, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant and ONGC
Chairman and Managing Director Shashi Shanker.
The fields will be sold to private companies to boost domestic output.
The government gave out 34 fields to private firms by offering them pricing and marketing freedom for oil and gas
they produced from the fields in the first round of Discovered Small Field (DSF).
The second round of DSF with 25 fields on offer is currently under bidding.
Akshay Kumar becomes first Honorary Ambassador of Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Foundation
Actor Akshay Kumar has been known to be a vocal supporter of the Indian Armed Forces (jawan) as well as the
farmer (kisan) community. Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial Foundation is the social organisation founded by the
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family of India’s second Prime Minister, Lal Bahadur Shastri. Lal Bahadur Shastri gave the motto of ‘Jai Jawan Jai
Kisan’.
National Common Mobility Card (NCMC):
NCMC is an interoperable transport card conceived by the Ministry of Urban Development of the Government of
India.
The Urban Development Ministry brought in the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) with the task of
management, clearing, and settlement of payments, simulating cards and terminals and maintenance of the network.
Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is given the responsibility of developing standards and
hardware for the card usage and the related ecosystems.
Cabinet approves PM-AASHA scheme to protect farmers’ income
The Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi approved Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-
AASHA) to protect income of farmers growing pulses, oilseeds and copra. It will be a mix of sub-schemes involving
direct procurement from farmers, involvement of private players for procurement on a pilot basis, and paying
farmers the difference between the MSP and the selling price.
India ranks 3rd globally in family-owned businesses: Report
India ranks third globally in terms of number of family-owned businesses with 111 companies having a total market
capitalisation of $839 billion, according to a Credit Suisse report. India followed China (159 companies) and the US
(121 companies). Indian family-owned companies generated 13.9% annual average share price return since 2006,
compared to 6% by non-family owned peers.
India Water Impact Summit-2018 Held In New Delhi
Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated
India Water Impact Summit 2018, being jointly organized by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the
Centre for Ganga River Basin Management and Studies (cGanga) in New Delhi.
The India Water Impact Summit is an annual event where stakeholders get together to discuss, debate and develop
model solutions for some of the biggest water related problems in the country.
The discussions this year will be on rejuvenation of the Ganga River Basin. The spotlight is on the 5 states,
Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Delhi, and Bihar.
India moves up one spot to 130 in UN Human Development Index
India has climbed up one spot to rank 130 out of 189 countries in the latest Human Development Index (HDI)
released by the United Nations Development Programme. India’s HDI value for 2017 is 0.640, putting the country in
the medium human development category. Between 1990 and 2017, India’s HDI value rose from 0.427 to 0.640, an
increase of nearly 50%.
Kolkata-Patna Becomes India’s Second Container Cargo Sector On Inland Waterways
Kolkata-Patna is India’s new Inland Water Transport (IWT) origin-destination pair for containerised cargo
movement on the National Waterway-1.
The Ministry of Shipping is developing NW-1 (River Ganga) under Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) from Haldia to
Varanasi (1390 Km) with the technical and financial assistance of the World Bank at an estimated cost of Rs 5369
crore.
‘SHOUT’ Feature Introduced In The ‘112 India’ Mobile App
Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced a pan-India single-number emergency mobile app ‘112 India’ and stated
that it will have a special women safety feature ‘SHOUT’ to get immediate assistance from police and volunteers. It is
connected to the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS).
Under the ERSS project, people will be able to receive immediate assistance from police, health and fire departments
as well as from other agencies using a pan-India single emergency number 112.
Cabinet approves death penalty for ‘sexual crimes’ against minors
The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act,
including the provision for death penalty for “committing aggravated penetrative sexual assault crime” on children.
“The amendment is expected to discourage the trend of child sexual abuse…due to strong penal provisions
incorporated in the Act,” the government said.
India’s first music museum to be set up in Thiruvaiyaru
The country’s first music museum will be set up with assistance from the Central government in Thiruvaiyaru, Tamil
Nadu, the birth place of Saint Tyagaraja, one of the Trinities of Carnatic music. The other two of the Trinity are
Muthuswami Dikshitar and Syama Sastri. The Tyagaraja Aaradhana Music Festival which is held annually in January
in Thiruvaiyaru attracts musical talents from all over the world.
PM Modi Renames 3 Islands of Andaman & Nicobar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled 150-feet tall tricolor to mark Netaji’s hoisting of the national flag 75 years
ago in Port Blair. The three renamed islands of Andaman and Nicobar are:
1. Ross renamed as Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep
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2. Neil renamed as Shaheed Dweep
3. Havelock renamed as Swaraj Dweep.
To connect the islands with mainstream development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a Lakshwadweep,
Andaman & Nicobar industrial development policy. The Prime Minister also released a commemorative stamp, its
first-day cover and a Rs. 75 coin on this special day.
12th Annual ISDSI Conference Held in Mumbai
SPJIMR hosted the 12th Annual Indian Subcontinent Decision Sciences Institute (ISDSI) Conference at SPJIMR,
Mumbai. The theme of this international conference is “Data-Driven Decision Making in the Digital Age”.
The main objective of this conference is to provide a platform for academicians, researchers and practitioners to
disseminate research, providing insights into the challenges, opportunities, emerging strategies and analytical tools
in the domain of decision making.
41st Meeting of Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee Held in New Delhi
The 41st meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee was held in New Delhi. In the meeting, the
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has approved the construction of another 3,10,597 more affordable houses for
the benefit of urban poor under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban).
A total of 864 projects with a project cost of Rs 14,662 crore with central assistance of Rs 4,658 crore has been
approved in the meeting held under the Chairmanship of Durga Shankar Mishra, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and
Urban Affairs. Uttar Pradesh has been sanctioned 1,08,135 houses while the sanction for Karnataka is 1,05,502
affordable houses.
Mobile App For Global Aviation Summit 2019 Launched
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha launched an official mobile application for Global Aviation
Summit 2019. The Global Aviation Summit (GAS) 2019 is scheduled to be held in January 2019 in Mumbai.
The application was launched in the presence of R.N. Choubey, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Dr. Guruprasad
Mohapatra, Chairman, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Dr. Shefali Juneja, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation,
and other officials of AAI.
Climate Change Performance Index 2018: India Ranks 11th, Sweden Tops
The Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2018 was released on the sidelines of a UN summit on global
warming. As per the Index, Sweden has topped the list while India was on 11th position.
The European Union as a whole rose from 21st to 16th place, but its biggest economy, Germany, fell from 22nd to
27th because of its reliance on lignite coal, a big source of greenhouse gas emissions. Saudi Arabia came last, in 60th
place, partly due to its obstructive role during international climate negotiations.
FAA Retains Highest Aviation Safety Ranking For India
The US regulator Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has retained the highest aviation safety ranking for India.
The Federal Aviation Administration carried out an audit of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in July
2018.
FAA formally confirmed that India’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) rating remains ‘Category 1’.
India’s Largest Cancer Institute Launched At AIIMS’ Jhajjar Campus
India’s largest cancer institute, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has been soft launched at Haryana’s Jhajjar area.
The institute was finalised at a cost of Rs 2,035 crore and the project was approved by the cabinet committee in
2013.
The aim is to strengthen research and also bring down the patient load at All India Institute of Medical Sciences’
(AIIMS) cancer centre. The hospital will be fully functional by December 2020.
WEF Gender Gap Index 2018: Iceland Tops, India Ranks 108th
India has been ranked 108th in World Economic Forum (WEF) gender gap index 2018, same as 2017 while
recording improvement in wage equality for similar work and fully closing its tertiary education gender gap for the
first time.
As per the WEF’s Global Gender Gap Report 2018, Iceland topped the list having closed more than 85.8% of its
overall gender gap. The Report was published for total 149 countries. Norway and Sweden were on 2nd and 3rd
position, respectively.
PM To Inaugurate India’s Longest Rail-Road Bridge: Bogibeel Bridge
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bogibeel Bridge, on December 25. It is India’s longest rail-road
bridge, connecting the north and south banks of the Brahmaputra, falling in the eastern part of Assam and Arunachal
Pradesh.
The bridge is 4.94 km long. While former prime minister HD Deve Gowda laid the foundation stone for the Bogibeel
bridge in January 1997, the work started only in April 2002 when former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee inaugurated the
construction.
NITI Aayog Organises 3rd Edition of Women Transforming India Awards:
The NITI Aayog organised the 3rd Edition of the Women Transforming India Awards 2018 and launched the
upgraded portal of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP).
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The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu presided over as the chief guest of the event where he launched
the WEP Portal 2.0 and conferred WTI Awards 2018. This year’s theme is “Women and Entrepreneurship”.
Vadodara: Goyal, Rupani dedicate India’s First Railway University to nation
Indian Railways opened the doors of India’s first railway university in Vadodara, Gujarat. Dedicated to the nation by
Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal, it is the first of its kind institution in the nation and the third in the world
after Russia and China.
Named the Rail and Transportation Institution (NRTI), this deemed university will offer professional courses in
technology and management of transportation networks.
13th Edition Of CII Agro Tech India – 2018 Inaugurated in Chandigarh
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the 13th edition of CII Agro Tech India-2018 in
Chandigarh.
Speaking on the occasion, the President stated that Indian agriculture needs a renewal of its marriage with
contemporary technology; protection against climate change, price fluctuations and demand shocks; and sustained
investment by and partnership with business.
PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates 4th Partners’ Forum in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the fourth Partners’ Forum in New Delhi. The objective of the conference
is to improve knowledge, alignment and accountability to accelerate action on women’s, children’s and adolescents
health.
Ministry of Health in association with the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, PMNCH is hosting
the two-day international conference.
Portal ENSURE Launched by Agriculture Ministry
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Radha Mohan Singh launched a portal ‘ENSURE’- National
Livestock Mission-EDEG developed by NABARD and operated under the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying
& Fisheries.
The NABARD has developed an online portal “ENSURE” (ensure.nabard.org) so that the information related to
beneficiary and processing of the application can be made readily available.
Home Ministry Launches Twitter Account ‘@CyberDost’
Home Ministry has launched a Twitter account named ‘@CyberDost’ to spread awareness about cybercrimes and
normal precautions to be taken.
The Twitter handles is aimed at enhancing people’s basic knowledge about cybercrimes and precautions to be taken
for prevention.
EU Ambassador Opens India’s 1st CoE at MAHE
India’s first Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence established by the European Union was inaugurated at the
Department of European Studies (DES) at Manipal Academy of Higher Education in New Delhi by Ambassador of the
European Union (EU) to India and Bhutan, Tomasz Kozlowski.
The award comes with a grant of €1,00,000 to pursue India-EU interdisciplinary studies in culture, literature,
education and society.
69th Constitution Day observed across India
The 69th Constitution Day was observed across India on November 26, 2018 to mark the adoption of the Indian
Constitution by the Constituent Assembly.
The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949 and it came into force on
January 26, 1950.
The Constitution of India is a supreme law of India, which lays down the framework that defines the political
principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties of Government institution.
Dr BR Ambedkar is regarded as the father of the Indian Constitution.
Centre to set up 5,000 Compressed Bio Gas plants
The Centre has planned to set up 5,000 Compressed Bio Gas plants in the country in the next four years with an
investment of around one lakh 75 thousand crore rupees.
Monsoon 2018 ends with 9% below normal rains
The Monsoon season has come to an end with a below normal showing this year as the country recorded a nine per
cent deficit in rainfall. Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and northeastern states recorded the maximum deficiency.
Nation pays homage to the former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary
The Nation also pays homage to the former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on his birth anniversary. Shastri gave
the powerful slogan of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan to enthuse soldiers and farmers.
Inauguration of Multimedia Exhibition
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Information & Broadcasting and Sports & Youth Affairs Col.
Rajyavardhan Rathore (Retd.) inaugurated Multimedia Exhibition on 150 years of Celebrating Mahatma Gandhi’s
Birth Anniversary.
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Cabinet hikes MSP of Rabi crops
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CCEA, has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all Rabi crops
for the current financial year which will be marketed in 2019-20 season.
The MSP of wheat – raised by 105 rupees per quintal, Safflower – 845 rupees per quintal, Barley – 30 rupees a
quintal, Masur – 225 per quintal, Gram – 220 per quintal and rapeseed & mustard – 200 rupees per quintal.
PM to unveil Deenbandhu Sir Chhotu Ram statue
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to unveil a statue of Deenbandhu Sir Chhotu Ram at Sampla in Rohtak.
Online Assurances Monitoring System(OAMS) inauguration
Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Statistics & Programme Implementation, Shri Vijay Goel,
inaugurated the Online Assurances Monitoring System(OAMS), developed by the Union Ministry of Parliamentary
Affairs.
Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi attended and delivered an address at the event to mark the launch of the
Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Silver Jubilee celebrations of NHRC
The three-day Silver Jubilee celebrations of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) begin to mark the
occasion.
The Commission is completing 25 years of its existence with its 26th Foundation Day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi
will address the Silver Jubilee Foundation Day of the Commission in New Delhi.
Mission to sequence genes of Indians
India is planning a major mission to sequence the genes of a “large” group of Indians to improve health as well as
buck a global trend of designing ‘personalised medicine.’ The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the
Department of Biotechnology would be closely associated with the project.
Inauguration the hi-tech Central Warehouse
Union Minister of State for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Shri Mansukh
Mandaviya inaugurated the hi-tech Central Warehouse, setup by the Bureau of Pharma PSUs of India (BPPI) in
Bilaspur, Gurugram.
Two-day Agri-startup and Entrepreneurship inauguration
On the occasion of World Food Day, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh inaugurated a
two-day Agri-startup and Entrepreneurship in New Delhi.
Theme – Unleashing potentials in agriculture for young agri-preneurs.
NITI Aayog launches guidelines for Public-Private partnership in NCDs
NITI Aayog launched the model guidelines for Public – Private partnership in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
As per the guidelines, the private partner will invest in upgrading, building and deploying human resources.
75th anniversary of Azad Hind government
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will join a flag-hoisting ceremony at Red Fort on 21.10.2018 to mark the 75th
anniversary of the Azad Hind government constituted by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Two day Children’s Film Bonanza
In Arunachal Pradesh, the two day Children’s Film Bonanza begins in Naharlagun. Internationally acclaimed film
Gauru will be screened during the two day event.
The film festival is being organized by the Children’s Film Society, India, in collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh
Information and Public Relation Department.
Supreme Court bans 15-year-old petrol & 10-year-old diesel vehicles in NCR to curb pollution
The Supreme Court has prohibited the plying of 15-year-old petrol and 10-year-old diesel vehicles in the national
capital region due to the prevailing pollution situation.
The Apex court made it clear that such vehicles would be impounded if found on the roads in Delhi-NCR.
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
World Bank unveils USD 200 billion in climate action investment for 2021-25
World Bank unveiled USD 200 billion in climate action investment for 2021-25, adding this amounts to a doubling of
its current five-year funding.
The move coincides with a UN climate summit in Katowice (Poland).
The breakdown of 200 billion dollars would comprise approximately 100 billion in direct finance from the World
Bank. Around one-third of the remaining funding will come from two World Bank Group agencies with the rest
private capital mobilized by the World Bank Group.
UNESCO along with World Jewish congress launched Holocaust education website
The U.N. culture and education agency has teamed up with the World Jewish Congress and launched “Facts about the
Holocaust” site at the cultural agency’s Paris headquarters.
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It is a website to counter Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism.
The site features a trove of historical information about the Holocaust, including testimonies and it is linked to the
U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum's Online Holocaust Encyclopedia.
This move is to combat the increased hate and disinformation online on Jewish issues.
Anti-semitism: Anti-semitism is hostility to, prejudice, or discrimination against Jews. A person who holds such
positions is called an anti-semite. ○ Anti-semitism is generally considered to be a form of racism.
Australia Become 1st Country To Recognise ‘Orphanage Trafficking’ As Slavery
Australia has become the first country in the world to recognise ‘orphanage trafficking’ as a form of modern slavery.
Children from smaller countries are recruited in orphanages in the West for the purpose of profit through foreign
aid.
According to the US State Department, “many orphanages use the children to raise funds by forcing them to perform
shows for or interact and play with potential donors to encourage more donations”. As per estimates, 80% of
children living in the world’s orphanages have at least one living parent.
Russia Emerges As World’s No. 2 Arms Producer: SIPRI Report
A Swedish think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) announced that Russia has emerged
as the world’s second-largest arms producer after the United States. Russia surpassed Britain, which had held that
spot since 2002 and remains Western Europe’s No. 1 arms maker.
SIPRI announced in its annual report on the world’s 100 biggest armaments groups that the combined arms sales of
Russian companies amounted to $37.7 billion in 2017, an 8.5 percent rise from a year earlier. Russia’s sales
accounted for 9.5 percent of a worldwide total of $398.2 billion.
Israel Becomes Permanent Member of Financial Action Task Force
Israel became a full member of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international body set up to combat
money laundering, terrorist financing and other threats to the international financial system.
The Jewish state has now taken its place alongside 37 other members including most of the G20, the world’s 20
leading industrialized and emerging economies just 16 years after being blacklisted by the organization.
Luxembourg To Become First Country To Make Public Transport Free
Luxembourg is set to become the first country in the world to make all public transport free, implementing the move
in 2020.
The move is aimed at addressing environmental issues and the problem of traffic congestion. Earlier, Luxembourg
introduced free transport for all people under the age of 20.
South African President To be Chief Guest At Republic Day Celebrations 2019
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the Chief Guest at the 2019 Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.
The announcement was made by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Germany launches world’s first hydrogen-powered train
Germany launched the world’s first zero-emission hydrogen trains which will run on a 100-kilometre stretch. Built
by French rail transport company Alstom, the trains are equipped with fuel cells that produce electricity by
combining hydrogen and oxygen, leaving water and steam as the only emissions. The trains can travel up to 1,000
kilometres on a single hydrogen tank.
World’s 1st Floating Nuclear Plant Operational In Russia
Akademik Lomonosov, the world’s first “floating” nuclear power plant (FNPP) for installation in remote areas, has
been started and brought to 10% of its capacity, Russian state-run atomic energy corporation Rosatom announced.
An FNPP is basically a mobile, low-capacity reactor unit operable in remote areas isolated from the main power
distribution system, or in places hard to access by land.
Asia Pacific Summit-2018 Begins in Kathmandu
The Asia Pacific Summit-2018 began in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The theme of two-day Summit is
“Addressing the Critical Challenges of Our Time: Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity, and Universal Values”.
Around 1500 participants from 45 countries, including India, attending the summit. They will discuss various global
issues, including peace, development, good governance and role of parliamentarians, climate change and role of
media.
Katowice Climate Change Conference 2018 Held in Poland
The UN climate summits, i.e. so called COP (Conference of the Parties) are global conferences, in the course of which
action for climate policy is negotiated. The Climate Change Conference 2018 was held in Katowice, Poland.
For the first time, the climate summit took place in Katowice. This year’s summit included: 24th Conference of the
Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP24), 14th Meeting of the Parties to the
Kyoto Protocol (CMP 14) and the 1st Conference of Signatories to the Paris Agreement (CMA 1).
Sheikh Hasina Wins 3rd Consecutive Term As PM of Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s alliance won Bangladesh’s election with a thumping majority, the country’s Election
Commission announced. It gave her a third straight term following a vote that the opposition rejected as rigged.
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The win consolidated Hasina’s decade-long rule over Bangladesh. The alliance dominated by her Awami League won
287 of the 298 seats.
World’s Oldest known Plant Virus Named Zea Mays Chrysovirus 1 (ZMCV1) Discovered:
World’s oldest plant virus dating back 1,000 years named Zea mays chrysovirus 1(ZMCV1) has been discovered by
scientist at a Native American archeological site.The previous oldest was found about 750 years ago.
This new plant virus has discovered when research team examined ancient plant material from Antelope House, an
Ancestral Puebloan ruin located at Canyon de Chelly National Monument, Arizona.
Using carbon 14 dating, researchers confirmed that the age of the ancient samples was about 1,000 years old.
Qatar to pull out from OPEC
Qatar is to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in January 2019 in order to focus on
gas production.
Qatar has been a member of OPECsince 1961, and the decision to pull out after all these decades comes at a
turbulent time in Gulf politics, with Doha under a boycott by former neighboring allies, including Saudi Arabia, for 18
months.
Qatar is the world's biggest supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), producing almost 30 percent of the world total.
The decision to increase the supply of natural gas is to develop a future strategy based on growth and expansion,
both in its activities at home and abroad.
IOC sets up human rights advisory committee starting in 2024
The International Olympic Committee IOC has set up an advisory committee on human rights chaired by Zeid Ra’ad
al-Hussein, the former United Nations commissioner for human rights starting in 2024.
President Thomas Bach said Saturday at meetings in the Japanese capital that “human rights standards” will be
included in Olympic host-city contracts beginning with the 2024 Olympic in Paris.
Bach suggested the committee would focus on issues like the rights of transgender athletes.
Bach was asked if the committee would look at human rights in China, where the ruling Communist Party has been
criticized for the internment of hundreds of thousands of Muslims in western China.
Beijing is the host of the 2022 Winter Olympics and spent USD 40 billion.
India releases commemorative stamps in Netherlands to mark Gandhi Jayanti
The Indian embassy in the Netherlands released commemorative stamps in honour of Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th
birth anniversary.
Dubai's Burj Khalifa pays homage to Mahatma Gandhi
Pictures of Mahatma Gandhi and his messages were beamed on Dubai's Burj Khalifa to mark his birth anniversary.
Indian embassies had arranged LED projections highlighting Mahatma Gandhi's life and philosophy at over 120
locations globally.
India launches relief operation for tsunami-hit Indonesia
India has launched a massive operation to provide assistance to the earthquake and tsunami victims in Indonesia,
dispatching two aircraft and three naval ships carrying relief material to the country.
Operation Samudra Maitri for humanitarian assistance was launched on October 1, and following Indonesia’s
acceptance of international aid.
World’s first full-sized Hyperloop capsule unveiled in Spain
The world’s first full-sized Hyperloop passenger capsule “Quintero One” has been unveiled in Spain giving those in
attendance a glimpse of the future.
California based company Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (Hyperloop TT) revealed the slimline capsule,
which can reach speeds of 1,220 kilometres per hour.
Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Auditorium dedicated to people in Sri Lanka
The Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Auditorium built with Indian grant assistance of Rs. 300 million at the
University of Ruhuna, Matara in the Southern Province, was dedicated to the people of Sri Lanka.
The auditorium named after Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore is a symbol of cultural links with India.
Japanese Passport Named World's Most Powerful, India 81st
Japan's passport has been named the most powerful in the world, overtaking Singapore, according to the Henley
Passport Index 2018.
Scientists from US develop world’s first bioelectronics medicine
Scientists from US claimed that they have developed world’s first bioelectronic medicine which is implantable,
biodegradable wireless device that speeds nerve regeneration and improves healing of damaged nerve.
Malaysia to abolish the death penalty for all crimes
Malaysia’s Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has agreed to abolish death penalty for all crimes
and halt pending executions.
Stanford University of California named World’s Most Innovative University: Reuters
Stanford University was named as World’s Most Innovative University by Reuters news agency rankings.NICK OF TIME C.A. FOR IBPS CLERK – MAINS(2018) 11
No Indian was able to make it to the list. The Reuters’ top 100 World’s Most Innovative University ranking
recognizes universities from across the world for their work in inventing new technologies, advance science and
power new markets and industries.
It was first published in 2015, since then there has been no mention of any Indian university in the list.
Germany and the UK, with support from the World Bank, new GRiF
The governments of Germany and the UK, with support from the World Bank, are establishing a new Global Risk
Financing Facility (GRiF) to pilot and scale up support to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable countries to climate
and disaster shocks.
After Uruguay, Canada becomes second country to legalises use of cannabis
Canada has legalised the possession and use of recreational cannabis. After Uruguay, it has become the second
country and the largest country to do so.
India to set up special desk to facilitate investments from UAE
India will soon set up a special UAE desk to facilitate investments and resolve any business issues between the two
nations.
Rwanda announced gender balanced cabinets with 50 percent women
Rwanda, the East African nation, announced gender-balanced Cabinets with 50% women. It said that women now
make up half of the slimmed-down, 26-seat Cabinet.
A higher number of women in decision-making roles might lead to a decrease in gender discrimination and gender-
based crimes.
Inter-Parliamentary Union and UN Women said that Rwanda joins a handful of countries, mostly European, where
women make up 50% or more of ministerial positions.
World’s longest sea bridge between China-Hong Kong to open on October 24
The world’s longest sea bridge Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge will be thrown open for traffic on October 24.
Philippines hit by world’s strongest storm this year
Super Typhoon Mangkhut, the world’s strongest storm this year, hit the northern coast of the Philippines, bringing
winds of up to 200 kmph and heavy rains. At least 12 people have died in the storm. Typhoon Mangkhut is heading
west into the South China Sea, towards Hong Kong and southern China.
UAE Passport Ranked Most Powerful Globally: Arton Capital
The UAE now has the world’s most powerful passport, achieving the top ranking in an achievement hailed as a
tribute to the legacy of the Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, and the country’s diplomacy.
The index, compiled by Arton Capital, ranks national passports based on the number of countries a holder can enter
without a visa or by obtaining one on arrival. India was ranked 140th in the list.
Top 3 countries on INDIVIDUAL PASSPORT POWER RANK are:
1. The UAE 2. Singapore 3. Germany
China has successfully tested the world's largest unmanned transport drone "Feihong-98 (FH-98)
China has successfully tested the world's largest unmanned transport drone "Feihong-98 (FH-98)", which can carry
a payload of 1.5 tonnes, at Baotou test site in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region.
China is in the process of creating an "artificial moon"
China is in the process of creating an "artificial moon" that would be bright enough to replace the streetlights in the
south-western city of Chengdu by 2020.
Chinese-made world’s largest amphibious aircraft completes successful flight
China‘s home-grown amphibious aircraft AG600, claimed by Beijing as the world’s largest, carried out its first takeoff
and landing on waters.
World's oldest intact shipwreck found in Black Sea
An ancient Greek trading ship dating back more than 2,400 years has been found virtually intact at the bottom of
the Black Sea.
Xi Jinping opens world’s longest sea bridge
Chinese President Xi Jinping inaugurated a 55-km bridge that will deepen the integration of Hong Kong and Macao
with the rest of China.
Australia Become first Country To Recognise Orphanage Trafficking As Slavery
Australia becomes the first country in the world to recognize ‘orphanage trafficking’ as a form of modern slavery.
Children from smaller countries are recruited in orphanages in the West for the purpose of profit through foreign
aid.
Fourth India-Mozambique Joint Commission meeting held in New Delhi
India-Mozambique Joint Commission on Economic, Cultural, Scientific and Technical Cooperation held its 4th
session in Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, New Delhi.
The meeting was chaired by the External Affairs Minister of India, Sushma Swaraj, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs
& Cooperation of the Republic of Mozambique, Mr. Jose Condungua Antonio Pacheco.NICK OF TIME C.A. FOR IBPS CLERK – MAINS(2018) 12
Bilateral relations between the two countries were reviewed. In 2017, India was the largest destination for
Mozambican exports, which accounted for 35% of its total export revenue.
Tica-Buzi Highway funded by Indian credit-line of about 150 million US Dollars was implemented recently in
Mozambique.
Modi meets Trump, Putin and May ahead of G20 summit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin,
and British Prime Minister Theresa May ahead of the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires. The brief exchange of views
took place before the first trilateral meeting between Mr. Modi, Mr. Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
scheduled for later in the day.
Mr. Modi had held separate bilateral meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin
Salman, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Mr.Modi and Mr.Xi discussed joint efforts to further enhance
mutual trust and friendship. Asserting that the Wuhan meeting was a milestone in India-China ties, Mr. Modi told Mr.
Xi that he was looking forward to host him for an informal summit next year.
US, Mexico and Canada sign new trade deal to replace NAFTA
US President Donald Trump, Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau signed the
new US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which will replace the 24-year-old North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA).
USMCA will govern over a trillion dollars worth of trade between the three countries.
The new agreement requires that 40% of cars eventually be made in countries that pay autoworkers at least $16 an
hour – that is, the US and Canada and not Mexico – to qualify for duty-free treatment under the trade pact.
First global conference on Blue Economy held in Nairobi
Kenya, Japan and Canada co-hosted the first global conference on the sustainable blue economy in Nairobi
from 26 to 28 November 2018, in an event which brought together over 4,000 participants from around the world.
It builds on the momentum of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the 2015 Climate Change
Conference in Paris and the UN Ocean Conference 2017 “Call to Action”.
India, China inked protocol on hygiene & inspection requirements for exports
A protocol on hygiene and inspection requirements for the exports was signed in New Delhi during the visit
of Chinese Vice Minister, General Administration of Customs of China Hu Wei who is leading a six-member
delegation to India.
The move would enable India to commence export of fish meal and fish oil to China. The neighbouring country has
so far not allowed these exports by India.
China imports fish oil to the tune of USD 143.29 million per year and fish meal worth USD 263.43 million.
UNESCO accepted Korean wrestling as one of the worlds most treasured cultural practices
UNESCO accepted a joint bid for Korean wrestling to be recognized as one of the world’s most treasured
cultural practices. This bids a new step in their reconciliation efforts of North and South Korea.
The two Koreas had originally filed separate applications for their traditional form of wrestling to be recognized on
the UN agency’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
The announcement is the latest in a string of symbolic gestures between Seoul and its nuclear-armed neighbor in
recent months. In North Korea, it is known as Ssirum and in South Korea, it is known as Sssireum. The wrestling
has been practiced at village festivals for centuries.
Venezuela hikes monthly minimum wage by 150% to 660
Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro has ordered a 150% increase in the monthly minimum wage to 4,500
sovereign bolivars, worth about 660at the black market rate.
Maduro has now raised the minimum wage 25 times since he took office in 2013.
The OPEC nation is in the midst of its worst-ever economic crisis, with acute shortages of food and medicine.
China, U.S. declare 90-day halt to new tariffs
China and the United States have agreed to halt new tariffs as both nations engage in trade talks with the goal of
reaching an agreement within 90 days, the White House announced after US President Donald Trump and Chinese
President Xi Jinping held high-stakes talks in Argentina G20 summit.
Mr Trump agreed not to boost tariffs on US$200 billion (S$274 billion) of Chinese goods to 25 per cent on Jan 1 as
previously announced.
US has imposed tariffs on $250 billion in Chinese goods, and China has responded by imposing duties on $110
billion in US goods.
India, UAE to ink MoU for projects in third countries
India & UAE for the first time will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to set up projects in third countries
beginning with Ethiopia during Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj's ongoing visit to the Gulf country.
This will be India's second third-country project in Africa after Delhi and Tokyo during their October annual summit
decided to set up a hospital in Kenya.NICK OF TIME C.A. FOR IBPS CLERK – MAINS(2018) 13
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will also inaugurate a Gandhi-Zayed Digital Museum in Abu Dhabi to
mark the celebrations of 150 years of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth and centenary celebrations of the birth of Shaikh
Zayed, founder of the modern UAE.
UAE passport tops the Global Passport Power Rank 2018
As per the ratings released by Passport Index, the United Arab Emirates has topped the Global Passport Power
Rank 2018, emerging as the country with the most powerful passport in world.
UAE passport holders can now fly to 113 countries without a visa, and 54 others with a visa-on-arrival.
Singapore and Germany ranks second with 166 countries.
India ranked 66th in Global Passport Power Rank 2018.
Burundi Names Gitega As New Capital
Burundi declared the small central city of Gitega the country’s new political capital, in line with a presidential
promise, made a decade ago.
A government spokesman named Gitega while also stating that the previous capital Bujumbura, on the north-eastern
shore of Lake Tanganyika, would in future function solely as the country’s economic centre.
UN Climate Conference 2018 Held in Poland
The UN Climate Conference 2018 was held recently in Katowice, Poland. In the meeting ministers of 200 nations
finally reached consensus on rules to implement the 2015 Paris climate agreement.
The Paris accord aims to limit the rise in global atmospheric temperature to well below 2 degrees Celsius from pre-
industrial revolution levels. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres hailed the development.
The concerns of developing nations including India and least developed nations on funding for carbon credit were
finally addressed.
World’s 1st 3D-Printed Functional e-Bike Made In Germany
German firm BigRep claims it has produced the world’s first fully functioning e-motorbike NERA using a 3D printer.
According to the company, NERA has groundbreaking features like airless tires, embedded electronics, and forkless
steering.
The bike was conceptualized and developed in 12 weeks and includes 15 parts, which are all 3D printed except its
motor and battery. The name is derived from the slogan “New Era”.
Pakistan Cabinet Approves Issuance Of ‘Panda Bonds’ In Chinese Currency
Pakistan’s cabinet has approved the issuance of first-ever renminbi-denominated ‘Panda Bonds’ to raise loans from
China’s capital markets, as the country moved a step forward to give the Chinese currency status at par with the US
dollar.
The Finance Ministry did not seek the Cabinet’s nod for the size of the bond, but it expects to raise $500 million to $1
billion in various tranches. The Philippines has also raised RMB1.46 billion through renminbi-denominated bonds.
Turkmenistan Launches First Messaging App
Turkmenistan has launched its first messaging app BizBarde. The privately developed BizBarde app will allow the
exchange of messages, files, photos and videos, the state Yaslyk television station announced.
One of the world’s most isolated regimes, the ex-Soviet republic has blocked Western services including Twitter,
Facebook, Whatsapp, and Viber, along with popular Russian networks Odnoklassniki and VKontakte.
39th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit Held In Riyadh
The 39th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit was inaugurated by the King Salman of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh. It was
announced at the conclusion of the summit that the 40th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit will be held in the
United Arab Emirates.
The presidency of GCC shifts among the six members based on the Arabic alphabet. Although the 39th summit was
held in Riyadh upon a request from Oman, Oman will be the president for the next 12 months.
STATES HIGHLIGHTS
Single code soon for vehicle registration
The government has decided to do away with district-wise codes for registration of vehicles and introduce a single
code across the State.
Artificial reefs set up to prevent beach erosion
The Chennai-headquartered National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) conducted studies on the beach erosion
between Rushikonda and Gangavaram Port with World Bank funding.
India Meteorological Department (IMD) to develop a climate resilient coast and for minimising pollution of
backwaters, which support a large eco-system.
North East Circuits under Swadesh Darshan Scheme
Two important North East Circuits under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Central Tourism Ministry inaugurated in
Arunachal Pradesh.NICK OF TIME C.A. FOR IBPS CLERK – MAINS(2018) 14
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Arunachal Literature Festival
In Arunachal Pradesh, the first ever Arunachal Literature Festival will be held at Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre
in Itanagar from November 28 to 30. The festival is being organized by the State Information and Public Relation
Department.
Assam, 1st State To Launch Wage Compensation Scheme For Pregnant Women In Tea Gardens
The scheme will be launched by Assam Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal in Guwahati. The announcement was
made by the state’s Health and Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Under the scheme, an amount of Rs 12,000
will be given to the pregnant women so that they can take care of themselves and the unborn baby.
IWAI to launch Ro-Ro service to Majuli Island in Assam
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is set to lalunch a Roll on-Roll off (Ro-Ro) service in Assam from
Neamati to Manjuli island, the Ministry of Shipping This service will reduce the road route distance of 423 km that
trucks take from Neamati to Majuli Island via Tezpur Road Bridge to only 12.7 km with the use of river route.
India’s longest river bridge will be built on Brahmaputra river in Assam
India’s longest river bridge with total length of 19.3 kilometers will be built on Brahmaputra river in Assam. This
bridge will connect Dhubri of Assam to Fulbarani of Meghalaya. This bridge will reduce the distance between these
two places by 203 kms and also travel time. At present, India’s largest river bridge is Dhola-Sadia bridge, its length is
9.15 kilometers.
Kati Bihu festival celebrated across Assam
Assam celebrated its 3rd Bihu festival known as the ‘Kati Bihu’ festival across the state. The name of the other 2 Bihu
festivals is: Rongali and Bohagi Bihu. The festival derives its name from the Assamese month of Kati.
Dr Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone of new Science Centre, the "Technology Facility Centre" (TFC) in
Jorhat, Assam
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh laid
the foundation stone of new Science Centre, the "Technology Facility Centre" (TFC) in Jorhat, Assam.
Dwijing Festival Begins in Assam
In Assam, the third Dwijing Festival has begun on the bank of Aye river at Chirang district. Around 15 lakh tourists
will participate in the festival. Assam PHE minister Rihon Daimary inaugurated the festival in presence of several
dignitaries.
Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal will attend the event. Adventure sports, food mart, cultural events, traditional
games are being organized in the 12-day long event. Participants from Thailand, Bhutan and Bangladesh have
reached the festival.
PM inaugurates India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge in Assam
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday inaugurated the country’s longest rail-cum-road bridge over the
Brahmaputra river at Bogibeel near Dibrugarh in Assam.
The prime minister, who reached Dibrugarh in the afternoon from New Delhi, flew directly to Bogibeel in a chopper
and dedicated the 4.94-km-long double-decker bridge to the nation from the south bank of the river.
Every graduate girl in Bihar to get Rs 25,000 now
Bihar government has approved a proposal to pay Rs 25,000 to every girl graduating in 2018 and onwards.
Bihar CM unveils 70 ft tall Lord Buddha’s statue in Rajgir
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled a 70-feet tall statue of Lord Buddha at Rajgir in Nalanda district.
It is the second tallest statue of Buddha in the country. It is made of pink sandstone.
Tourist Facilitation Counter at IGI airport
Tourism Minister K J Alphons inaugurated the Tourist Facilitation and Information Counter at Indira Gandhi
International Airport in New Delhi.
Tourism Ministry to open 24X7 Facilitation Counters in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Gaya and Varanasi soon.
Aadi Mahotsav festival
The 15-day Aadi Mahotsav festival is beginning in the national capital Delhi. The highlights of the festival will be
fashion show for tribal textiles and tribal cuisines.
Theme – ‘celebration of the spirit of tribal culture, craft, cuisine and commerce’.
Goa government bans fish import
Goa government issued an order imposing a ban on the import of fish into the state. The decision has been taken in
view of continuing uncertainty about the presence of formalin in imported fish in Goa.
Foundation stone for All India Institute of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy in Goa
Union minister of state for Ayush Shripad Naik laid the foundation stone for the All India Institute of Ayurveda, Yoga
and Naturopathy at Dhargal, North Goa.
49th International Film Festival
The 49th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) will begin at Panaji in Goa.You can also read
